Book Review // Dead Silence

Dead Silence

Robin Caroll

Shiloh Run Press | June 1, 2020

Christian Fiction, Mystery, Thriller

{GoodReads}
Political games can be deadly…

Elise Carmichael is a court sign language interpreter who reads lips all the time. As a widow with a young son who is deaf, lip reading is simply second nature, until the day she reads the lips of someone on the phone discussing an attempt to be made on a senator’s life—a senator who just happens to be her mother-in-law. Before she can decide what she needs to do, she receives the information that her son is rushed to the ER and she must leave. Then she later sees the news report that her mother-in-law has been shot and killed. But when she comes forward, her life, as well as her son’s life, may now be in the crosshairs of the assassin.

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{I was provided a copy thanks to Netgalley, in exchange for my honest review.}

WARNING: Possible Spoilers!

{The Basics}

When I first read the blurb for this book, I was instantly intrigued ---> "court sign language interpreter" is not often used in fiction, I think. And that definitely grabbed my attention. The opening sentences IMMEDIATELY throw you into the story. It was GO from the first paragraph---so much so, I kinda had to reread the first page to make sure I'd not missed anything.

I enjoyed the entire premise, but the plot became incredibly predictable to me, something that doesn't usually EVER happen when it comes to me & mysteries. I once fancied myself a little Nancy Drew growing up---or I at least wished to be her---but the final results & most often the bad guys basically ALWAYS catch me off guard (whether I'm reading Nancy Drew or an Agatha Christie---yeah, I know. It's embarrassing... xD But I do believe that's why I love mysteries so much, haha.).

All that to say, I had already guessed who the ultimate baddie was before even halfway through the book. Don't get me wrong though! It was still an enjoyable read. Elise was a strong, single mom raising her deaf & mute, seven year old son on her own, and working as a court interpreter. At first, I pegged her as a quiet, gentle sort of person, but she turned out to be a bit more fiery & stubborn, than I'd first assumed. Which is entirely understandable when you dare threaten a mama's bear cub.

Her sister-in-law, Mary Ellen, and Mary Ellen's stepfather, Noland, were both incredibly encouraging & supportive of Elise---and both stand strong on their faith in God & His provision. Without them, I'm sure she wouldn't have survived the events that take place. I did not appreciate Elise's attitude toward an FBI man that was merely trying to do his job, and to the best of his ability. Yes, his younger female partner was an absolute, incompetent JERK, but too many times, she seemed to take it out on him, even when her friends gently told her to give him a chance. Without Agent Rodriguez, the ending would not have been happy.

{Violence}

A woman stumbles on sidewalk, bloodying both knees. She rushes to hospital after her son was taken there for a broken wrist---we see it swollen, bluish---and a bump on head. Another woman is found shot twice, dead.

A woman receives several threats in boxes: one contains a dead rat, another a creepy doll with mouth stitched up, and others' with photos obviously taken from her bedroom looking in on her silhouette in the shower. Another contains more stalker photos of her & her son playing in the yard. Attempted kidnapping from the school.

Shots fired off scene; man shot in gut & loses consciousness (later dies).

A little boy is kidnapped from his own backyard.

{Spiritual Content}

Prays to God about why such & such had to happen. Attends church services, but not regularly at first. A sermon is preached on Psalm 94. A friend references Scripture verses to remind Elise of the faith she clung to after her husband's death. The faith she had strayed from in the years following.

Many prayers are uttered, whether silently or aloud. A funeral service is held for a woman of prominence.

{Language // Alcohol & Drugs}

None.

Possibly light use of alcoholic beverages. (I can't recall at the moment.)

{Romantic Content}

None.

{Conclusion}

Overall, this was a decent read, an intriguing premise, and sweet story of support & encouragement during difficult times. In all honesty, I would've liked seeing a tad bit more into Elise's job side of things. Obviously, she had some pressing family/personal issues that did not allow her to work, and work itself for her was light during this time, but other than her lip-reading in the VERY first sentence, and "signing" to her son throughout the book, there wasn't that much difference in the way of verbal dialogue. Nor were the sign language gestures ever explained or even described that I can recall. That's my personal preference, and really the first thing that drew me to the novel to begin with---so a little disappointing in that the story did not delve more into that in particular. But again, my humble opinions only. :] Otherwise, it's a good, clean, romance-free, mystery thriller.

more like THREE & A HALF out of FIVE stars

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