Charlie Donlea has made a name for himself by crafting thrillers that leave readers reeling, and his latest novel Guess Again lives up to the title in every way. This is a book that dares you to play detective, only to pull the rug out from under you again and again.
The Story
Ten years ago, high school volleyball star Callie Jones disappeared from her small Wisconsin lake community. Despite a massive search effort, her body was never found and the case went cold. On the anniversary of her disappearance, Ethan Hall is pulled back into the nightmare. Once a brilliant investigator with a flawless solve rate, Ethan walked away from law enforcement after years of handling crimes against children took their toll. Now working as an ER doctor, he never expected to revisit his past. But when his former partner Pete Kramer, who is dying from Lou Gehrig’s disease, begs him to reopen the case, Ethan reluctantly agrees.
As Ethan digs into old evidence and new leads, he finds himself pulled into a dangerous psychological game involving a convicted killer and a chilling set of revelations that hit closer to home than he could have imagined. The mystery deepens with every turn, and secrets buried in the town of Cherryview refuse to stay hidden.
What Worked
Readers will immediately notice Donlea’s signature pacing. The short, cliffhanger chapters make it nearly impossible to put the book down, each ending with just enough tension to push you forward. Many praised how the story blends multiple plotlines that all tie together in a satisfying way, creating an intricate puzzle that keeps you guessing.
Ethan is a compelling protagonist. His mix of strength, intelligence, and lingering vulnerability makes him easy to root for. The inclusion of his nemesis, serial killer Francis, adds a dark and menacing layer that makes the book feel like a high-stakes chess match between predator and prey. The atmosphere of small-town secrets and the weight of an unsolved cold case provide a setting filled with unease and suspense.
The twists are relentless. Even seasoned thriller fans who pride themselves on spotting clues early reported being completely blindsided by several revelations. The ending in particular delivers a shocking payoff that ties the threads together while leaving just enough possibility for a sequel.
What Fell Short
Not every reader was enamored with the structure. The constant shifts between past and present, alongside the chapter headings that list both dates and locations, were at times distracting. Some felt these details slowed the pace in the early half of the book, making it feel busier than necessary. Others, however, found the fragmented style ultimately enhanced the tension once they adjusted.
Final Thoughts
Guess Again is a dark, twist-filled thriller that proves why Charlie Donlea continues to captivate readers. While the structure may feel chaotic at first, the payoff is worth it. This is a story that blends a haunting cold case, a flawed yet determined investigator, and shocking secrets that ripple through a small town. Whether or not Donlea turns this into a series, Guess Again stands as a gripping and unpredictable read that will satisfy fans of Harlan Coben, Riley Sager, or anyone who loves a thriller that keeps them doubting every assumption.
If you are ready for a chilling, compulsively readable ride packed with jaw-dropping twists, you can grab your copy of Guess Again here: Buy on Amazon
