Review of The Silence by Kendra Elliot
When I first stumbled upon The Silence, the second book in Kendra Elliot’s Columbia River series, I was drawn in by the promise of a gripping mystery intertwined with personal stakes. Having heard much about Elliot’s knack for blending suspense with rich character relationships, I was excited to dive in. Although I hadn’t read The Last Sister, I was reassured that The Silence stands well on its own, and I’m thrilled to report it certainly delivered that promise.
The novel opens with Detective Mason Callahan responding to the shocking murder of Rueben Braswell. The gruesome scene sets an intense tone—his body brutally mutilated, the kind of imagery that haunts you long after you turn the page. The narrative skillfully artfully twists around this dark mystery while introducing us to Mason’s fiancée, Special Agent Ava McLane. When Ava receives troubling news regarding her troubled twin sister, Jayne, she is immediately swept into a web of suspicion and chaos, especially when the murder ties back to her own past.
Elliot’s exploration of family dynamics is particularly sharp. Ava’s complicated relationship with her sister adds emotional depth, making her struggle relatable and poignant. It’s a reminder that familial ties often pull us back in, even when we wish to cut ties. The author’s deliberate pacing allows readers to savor the unfolding drama; you never feel rushed through the twists and revelations.
What truly struck me was Elliot’s writing style—her prose flows seamlessly, balancing heavy themes with moments of levity. The tension builds steadily, particularly during the courtroom chaos scenes, when the narrative takes a heart-pounding turn, and suddenly everything feels like it’s hanging by a thread. The action is interwoven with Ava’s internal conflict about her sister, making her emotional arc compelling even amidst the thriller landscape.
While I enjoyed the intricate plotting and character interactions, I did find myself wishing for more of the romantic suspense that Elliot is known for. Since Mason and Ava’s relationship was already established, the lack of romantic development felt like a slight disconnect, even if their bond was still engaging. It leans heavily on plot rather than character exploration, which might leave some fans of traditional romance craving something deeper.
Though I rated The Silence as a B at AAR, it remains a memorable read—one filled with suspense and enough twists to keep you guessing. Kendra Elliot has truly crafted a fast-paced thriller that appeals to fans of mystery and suspense alike.
If you enjoy crime thrillers that also delve into personal relationships and familial ties, The Silence is undoubtedly worth your time. It’s a solid entry in Elliot’s oeuvre and certainly leaves me eager to explore more of her work. This book was a page-turner that kept me on the edge of my seat, and I suspect it will do the same for you!
Discover more about The Silence (Columbia River #2, Callahan & McLane, #6) on GoodReads >>