Twenty Years Later
How?? How have I not read one of Charlie Donlea’s amazing mystery novels before!?! I cannot believe it took me this long to find this author, and after reading Twenty Years Later I’m definitely picking up more of his publications!
Synopsis: Mason, host of American Events, knows the subjects that grab a TV audience's attention. Her latest story--a murder mystery laced with kinky sex, tragedy, and betrayal--is guaranteed to be ratings gold. New DNA technology has allowed the New York medical examiner's office to make its first successful identification of a 9/11 victim in years. The twist: the victim, Victoria Ford, had been accused of the gruesome murder of her married lover. In a chilling last phone call to her sister, Victoria begged her to prove her innocence.
Emma Ford has waited twenty years to put her sister to rest, but closure won't be complete until she can clear Victoria's name. Alone she's had no luck, but she's convinced that Avery's connections and fame will help. Avery, hoping to negotiate a more lucrative network contract, goes into investigative overdrive. Victoria had been having an affair with a successful novelist, found hanging from the balcony of his Catskills mansion. The rope, the bedroom, and the entire crime scene was covered in Victoria's DNA.
But the twisted puzzle of Victoria's private life belies a much darker mystery. And what Avery doesn't realize is that there are other players in the game who are interested in Avery's own secret past--one she has kept hidden from both the network executives and her television audience. A secret she thought was dead and buried . . .
What appealed to you most in this story?
Twenty Years Later is a gripping mystery full of twists that kept me guessing with its unique the plot. It was the uniqueness and the mystery itself that appealed to me the most.
Victoria is accused of killing her married lover but before she can be indited on charges, dies during the 9/11 World Trade Tower tragedy. Then, 20 years later her DNA is identified, and a popular tv investigative reporter, Avery, returns to New York to look into the story and discovers so much more to the story.
How was it with two POV, two timelines, and multiple sub plots?
The way Donlea blended the timelines and POV together was pure genius and really added to the creativity and uniqueness of the mysteries.
There are several minor plots in this story. At one point I was wondering if it all the sub plots might become a bit too convoluted, but as I read, I discovered the skill and research behind Donlea’s writing. He hits you with twist after twist when you least expect it…And Avery's story, oh my gosh! All I'm going to say is that you got me, Donlea! Also, making 9/11 a subplot is no easy feat. Donlea did an excellent job weaving this tragic part of our country’s history into this gripping story.
How was the pace?
Fast and steady. I just had to know who did it and how this story was going to all come together. The ending was shocking, and I loved it! It was jaw dropping!
Do you recommend this book?
Yes! This is an excellent mystery that will keep you guessing. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a crazy rollercoaster ride of a story with so many twists and turns!?!
Thank you, Kensington Books, for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
