Fear the Silence

Happy Publication Day!

Stunning



Oh, my goodness! What an incredibly fast-paced and thrilling opening! “Fear The Silence” by Robert Bryndza is a masterfully crafted book that hooks you right from the first page. The level of research and attention to detail is outstanding, making me feel completely immersed in the story and confident in the author's hands. From the moment I picked it up, I was electrified, unable to put it down until the very end.

The story revolves around Maggie Kendall, a leading trauma surgeon, and her husband Will, who has transitioned from a forensic pathologist to a property developer. They seem to be a professional couple living an idyllic life in their terraced house in Bermondsey. However, the tranquility is shattered when Maggie arrives at work and is confronted with a young man suffering from a gunshot wound and stabbing. As if that isn't distressing enough, another patient is brought in with a gunshot wound to the head—none other than her own husband. Devastated by the police's claim that it was suicide, Maggie refuses to believe it for a second.

As Maggie delves deeper into the mystery, things become increasingly chilling when she arrives at Tisina. She finds herself faced with life-threatening accidents and uncanny coincidences, making it clear that she is being followed or manipulated by an unknown force. The pace remains relentless, matched by the menacing atmosphere that pervades the house and the surrounding island. According to Will's letter, a key holds the answers to her future. However, when a friend arrives on a blue catamaran, a glimmer of hope emerges. Could this person be her savior? As far as I was concerned, she needed to escape from that island as quickly as possible.

With nowhere to turn and desperate for answers, Maggie finds herself caught in the midst of the most devastating storm of her life. The book expertly captures the creeping suspense of a locked-room mystery, where the house itself becomes a character amidst the swirling mists and storms. Many characters initially appear menacing but may later reveal unexpected benevolence, keeping readers on their toes. The ending is incredibly satisfying, flawlessly tying up all the loose ends. Even after finishing the book, I found myself continually contemplating the characters and the intricacies of the plot.

The breakneck speed of the narrative leaves no time to catch your breath, resulting in a thrilling and immersive reading experience. I was completely absorbed, devouring the book in a single afternoon.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to Raven Street Publishing, Robert Bryndza, and Netgalley for granting me the privilege of reading this ARC. Now, I eagerly await “Lethal Vengeance,” where I can once again make friends with Erika Foster. In anticipation, I may even reread book 7 to fully immerse myself in the world of these captivating characters.

Maggie's life is turned upside down after her husband takes his own life, and she is immediately thrown into an action packed and wild adventure that see's her fighting not only for her own survival but to seek the truth and to solve the mystery that her husband has left for her.

One thing I can say is that there is definitely no lack of action in this one, it is a wild ride! Maybe, maybe just a little too wild. I would have personally enjoyed a little more character development, I felt no great love for the heroin and actually I found her quite frustrating and didn't feel like all of her actions were a good reflection of someone who has just lost their husband of many years.

In the end, I thought the book was ok, it's an easy read and fast paced but I have much preferred Robert Bryndza's Erika Foster series to this stand alone.

Many thanks to the publisher, author and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for this review