Review of Guess Again by Charlie Donlea
Ever stumble across a book that hooks you from the very first page, making you question if your heart can handle the ride? That was my experience with Guess Again by Charlie Donlea. I’ve read plenty of thrillers, but this one? Holy cow! To say it’s a banger would be an understatement. Donlea has once again proven that he knows how to weave a deliciously dark tale that will keep you guessing until the very end.
At the core of Guess Again is an intricate cat-and-mouse game that begins with the haunting mystery of Callie Jones, a 17-year-old volleyball star who vanished without a trace a decade ago from her peaceful Wisconsin community. Enter Ethan Hall, a former detective turned ER doctor, reluctantly pulled back into the investigation by his dying former partner. The parallels between Ethan’s struggle with his own dark past and the eerie truths behind Callie’s disappearance set the tone for a gripping exploration of guilt, redemption, and the lengths we go for closure.
The pacing of this novel is relentless; I practically flew through the pages. Donlea masterfully employs short, cliffhanger chapters that kept me on the edge of my seat. Just when I thought I had a grip on the storyline, a new twist would turn my expectations upside down. And let me tell you, there were moments that literally left me gasping—like when that jaw-dropping "WTF?!" twist hit right at the climax. My hand instinctively flew to my mouth as I realized how brilliantly all the plot lines converged.
The complexity of the characters further elevated the narrative. Ethan’s journey from a haunted past to a potential redemption is compelling, and his dynamic with Maddie—another character I wish had more page time—is just precious. Their connection adds a human element to the psychological tension, and you can’t help but root for them. I found myself particularly immersed in their relationship, which balances the dark undertones of the plot with moments of hope and tenderness.
Donlea’s writing style strikes a perfect balance between suspense and clarity, allowing readers to digest multi-layered plot lines without feeling overwhelmed. His storytelling is akin to a chess match, where every move is meticulously planned but leaves you guessing at the next. As someone who prides myself on predicting twists, I was delightfully bested by Donlea. For fans of Harlan Coben and Riley Sager, this book will be a gratifyingly tumultuous ride.
Ultimately, I can’t help but echo a hopeful plea for a sequel—or even a series! The chemistry between Ethan and Maddie is too electric to be contained in just one book. With its deadly perfect mix of unpredictability and heart-pounding tension, Guess Again has found a special place on my bookshelf.
If you’re seeking an edge-of-your-seat thriller with intricate plotting and unforgettable characters, look no further. Guess Again is a must-read that will linger in your thoughts long after you’ve turned the final page. It’s a thrilling testament to Donlea’s extraordinary talent, leaving me eager for more.
Happy reading, fellow book lovers!
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