1. About the Author: Charlie Donlea
Charlie Donlea is an American thriller novelist known for his gripping narratives that blend forensics, suspense, and psychological intrigue. His acclaimed works include Summit Lake, The Girl Who Was Taken, Don’t Believe It, and Some Choose Darkness. Donlea’s signature style lies in his ability to weave multiple timelines, develop psychologically complex female characters, and deliver surprising plot twists that keep readers on edge. His stories are praised for being both emotionally resonant and technically accurate in depicting forensic procedures.
2. About the Narrator: Nina Alvamar
Nina Alvamar is a professional audiobook narrator celebrated for her emotionally nuanced performances and distinct character voicing. In The Girl Who Was Taken, she brings each character to life with clarity and energy, maintaining a consistent pace that’s easy to follow. Her ability to differentiate characters through tone and inflection adds depth to the listening experience. While some listeners found her male character voices slightly high-pitched, most agree her narration enhances the intensity of the story.
3. About the Book: “The Girl Who Was Taken”
The Girl Who Was Taken is a psychological thriller novel released in 2017 by author Charlie Donlea. It follows the chilling case of two teenage girls, Megan and Nicole, who vanish after a summer party. One month later, Megan returns under mysterious circumstances and gains media attention — but Nicole is never found. One year later, Nicole’s sister Livia, a forensic pathologist, discovers a body that may hold the key to her sister’s disappearance.
This dual-timeline narrative — between past events and present investigation — explores themes of grief, media manipulation, memory, and the relentless pursuit of truth.
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Genre: Psychological Thriller, Crime Fiction, Forensic Mystery
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Average Rating (Goodreads): 3.93/5 (26,000+ ratings)
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Accolades: Amazon Best Seller in the Mystery/Thriller category
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Setting: North Carolina, USA – a small town and medical examiner’s facility
4. Book Review: “The Girl Who Was Taken”
The Girl Who Was Taken grips readers with a complex storyline and expertly layered characters. Donlea masterfully alternates between the perspectives of Livia in the present and Nicole/Megan in the past, gradually revealing key details that interlock like puzzle pieces.
Strengths:
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Well-paced with surprising plot twists
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Deep character development, particularly Livia and Nicole
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Accurate and intense forensic scenes
Weaknesses:
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The first few chapters may feel slow and heavy with teen drama
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Some unresolved threads near the ending
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Nicole’s storyline ends abruptly, leaving a sense of incompleteness
Critical Praise:
“A story that lingers long after you’ve turned the final page — riveting and emotionally intense.” – Kirkus Reviews
“Donlea immerses you in a fog of truth and deception.” – Publishers Weekly
Personal Thoughts: If you enjoyed Gone Girl or The Girl on the Train, this book is a must-read. The emotional depth, psychological tension, and forensic detail make it a standout in the genre.
5. Audiobook Review: Narrated by Nina Alvamar
The audiobook version of The Girl Who Was Taken, performed by Nina Alvamar, is widely praised for its immersive and skillful narration. Nina delivers the characters’ emotional weight with clarity and conviction.
Highlights:
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Engaging pace, easy to listen to
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Strong character differentiation through voice modulation
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Emotional resonance, especially in Livia’s segments
Drawbacks:
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Some listeners felt male character voices were slightly too high in pitch
Audible Ratings:
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Average Score: 4.3/5 (2,400+ reviews)
Listener Feedback:
“Nina Alvamar breathes life into every page. A perfect audiobook experience.” – Audible Listener Review
Personal Recommendation: For fans of psychological thrillers and crime fiction, this audiobook is a perfect companion — especially for those who love to listen on the go.
6. Ideal Audience for This Book
The Girl Who Was Taken is suited for:
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Fans of psychological thrillers, crime fiction, and forensic mysteries
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Readers who enjoyed Gone Girl, The Silent Patient, or The Girl on the Train
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Audiobook lovers looking for gripping, well-narrated stories
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Anyone curious about the role of forensic science in crime-solving
Why this book? Because it’s not just about a disappearance — it’s about trauma, obsession, and the pursuit of hidden truths.
7. Conclusion
The Girl Who Was Taken is a dark, atmospheric thriller that delivers both emotionally and intellectually. Charlie Donlea’s detailed plotting and forensic accuracy make it a compelling read, while Nina Alvamar’s narration elevates the audiobook into a full sensory experience.
If you’re searching for a twisty, emotionally rich thriller — look no further. Add this title to your reading or listening list today.
Discover the secrets. Hear the truth. Don’t stop until you know what really happened.
8. Where to Listen to the Audiobook
You can listen to The Girl Who Was Taken as an audiobook on the following platforms:
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Audiobooks.com: Stream or download via mobile app
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Audible (Amazon): Free 30-day trial available for new members
Pro Tip: Subscribe to get monthly credits and unlimited access to thousands of top-tier audiobooks — anytime, anywhere.
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