Friday, February 03, 2012

Silent Fear by Katherine Howell

Genre: Suspense/Thriller 
Series: Detective Ella Marconi #5 
Publication Date: 1st February 2012 
Pages: 416 
Book Source: Courtesy of author :)

Synopsis: On a searing summer's day paramedic Holly Garland rushes to an emergency to find a man collapsed with a bullet wound in the back of his head, CPR being performed by two bystanders, and her long-estranged brother Seth watching it all unfold.

Seth claims to be the dying man's best friend, but Holly knows better than to believe anything he says and fears that his re-appearance will reveal the bleak secrets of her past – secrets which both her fiance Norris and her colleagues have no idea exist, and which if exposed could cause her to lose everything.

Detective Ella Marconi suspects Seth too, but she's also sure the dead man's wife is lying, and the deceased's boss seems just too helpful. But then a shocking double homicide related to the case makes Ella realise that her investigations are getting closer to the killer, but also increasing the risk of an even higher body count.

My Thoughts:
As I wait with bated breath for each of Katherine Howell's novels to be released there's delicious anticipation but there's also a twinge of fear, a niggle of doubt. Katherine's novels landed on my auto-buy list  after her 2nd book The Darkest Hour proved Frantic wasn't a one-hit-wonder. So ... 5th book, what if its not as good? Katherine's record so far has proven this unlikely but ... in defence of my niggling doubt ... it's possible. This author sets the bar high and I have high expectations. I've been a fan since coming across Frantic in my local library and I now consider Katherine a friend ... ooh the pressure. 

So, finishing Silent Fear at 2am I do a *happy dance* and give Katherine a 'virtual' high-five, I also breathe a sigh of exhaustion and relief ... this book was 'unputdownable' and YES Katherine Howell nails it again!! 

Paramedic Holly Garland shares equal billing with Detective Ella Marconi in Silent Fear. Holly's secrets are entangled in the overall plot, and Katherine's writing draws you in; a realistic sense of place and natural dialogue, it's so easy to care about a character. 

She watched the woman lean out and reach up and wondered why she didn't fall, because the world had shifted on its axis and nothing - breathing, gravity, life itself - was ever going to be the same. 

While all the Ella Marconi series work well as stand-a-lone novels I love how a little more is revealed about Ella's private life in each book, she's become an old friend that I enjoy spending time with. 

Silent Fear is the consummate blend of police procedural and paramedic detail, mystery and suspense. It's a labyrinth of twists, turns and red herrings, tension builds 'til it reaches fever-pitch. I loved the crescendo of nervous excitement that comes with the chase and just as Ella wondered which lead would pan out, I wondered how it would all tie together? I admit I'm a total ghoul and I wanted even more paramedic action but I loved the fact that over halfway through the novel I still hadn't figured anything out. 

Through the pages of her novels Katherine Howell connects us with the suffering, pain, joy and heartache of the paramedic and investigative world. It's the very reason I love this author's work. 

News Flash: All of Katherine Howell's novels are now available in ebook format from Amazon. Go on ... you know you want to :)
If you need further convincing check out my reviews of Katherine's previous novels
Frantic 
2007 

Visit Katherine Howell's website to find out more about this talented author and her work.



16 comments:

  1. I've seen this author on several blogs over the last few days. I will need to check this book out.

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  2. This sounds really good!!! I need to check into her! :):):):):):)

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  3. I am usually bad with names but I remember her books from your blog ;)

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    1. Lol I'm glad my enthusiasm for Katherine's work is so memorable ;)

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  4. I'm so glad that 5 was as good as book 1! And I just may have to make my way over to Amazom, you are naughty!

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  5. Your entusiasm has convinced me that I need to get to this author soon! She's been on my wish list for years. Glad she doesn't disappoint.

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    1. I know how much you love suspense/thrillers & I'm pretty sure you'd love these Stacy!

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  6. Although you said they are stand alone, I have to start at the beginning. I love reading mysteries but I don't seem to read many of them :) Thanks for the review and recommendation.

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    1. I'm 'anal' about reading in order too Jenny lol

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  7. I loved this as well - its a great series!


    Shelleyrae @ Book'd Out

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  8. Oh, I loved your review! I could feel how much you enjoy this series, so now I want to read it, too. I really connect with characters whose lives are portrayed realistically, even while they're solving mysteries. When I "meet" a character in this fashion, I'm sold.

    Thanks for sharing.

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  9. I want, I want, I want. Great review!

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  10. Sigh, another author to add to my TBR list! Great review!

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  11. Great review! I MUST get to this book:)

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  12. Okay-- I know I want to. :-) Sounds like a suspense series right up my alley. I like forensic novels so paramedic and police procedure would work for me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

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