When I started reading the book, my first thought was, did I stumble upon a horror movie? Because the story begins with a young woman held as a prisoner who desperately tries to escape her kidnapper. Then her body has been found dumped with the silhouette of a doll carved in the victim’s skin. Very creepy! And when another woman, former drug addict, disappears leaving her baby behind, Ava and Luc are horrified to discover a doll made of human skin in the baby’s bed. The investigations shows that the skin belongs to the previous victim and they know that the mother of the baby is not just an escaped drug addict, but she is held prisoner of a serial killer!

In the same time a new drug is on the street market and many of the homeless drug users end up with slashed Z on their faces. They don’t know nothing about who attacked them or when. The new drug acts something like Rohypnol and someone is taking advantage of the poor homeless people on the street whom nobody believes anything, no one cares about them. But Ava and Luc do care. Every life matters! The investigation takes them to a private school where elite kids think that they are untouchable, where showing force and bullying the weaker means glory and prestige.

Ava, Luc, Lively, Salter, the whole team is here again. D.C.I. Ava Turner is the boss, but she is everything but bossy. She acts little bit more mature than in the previous books and she is not afraid to fight for what she thinks is right, even if that means losing her job. D.I. Luc Callanach is having a relationship now, there is a lovely woman with Spanish origin, and maybe this time he can put the false rape allegation behind and finally be the person he used to be. The two investigations seem not connected, but maybe they are. The police team is working hard on both. I liked the plot, loved the story. Helen Fields is an excellent storyteller and plot twister! She combined the two criminal cases to create a perfect balance in the story that I wasn’t able to put down till the last page! There were moments when the hair on my neck literally stood up. Like in the horror movie! I absolutely love Luc Callanach Series and can’t wait for the next one! Totally recommended!

Another dead young female body murdered and found just off a road near Edinburgh. Standard fare for DCI Ava Turner and her partner DI Luc Callanach. Well constructed, above average Scot cop case to solve. As with her 3 previous books Helen Fields keeps the suspense going, and hope she has one of the books serialised - they are worth it. Perhaps I read her previous ones too soon? Good but not great.

A young woman turns up dead on a country road – flesh cut from her back and front in the outline of a doll. But when the doll appears in another missing persons possessions can DI Callanach and his team stop the killer before they strike again?

Perfect Silence is the 4th book in the ‘DI Callanach’ series and there were some really great and established characters; I hadn’t read any of the previous books in the series but I didn’t feel like this hindered my enjoyment at all. Helen Fields ensures that anything you need to know is explained and some of the backstory from other books is also given so you feel like you know the history and interpersonal relationships of each character. I would perhaps warn you off starting at this one if you want to read the others as there is some obvious spoilers to other books in here – start at the beginning!

The case is interesting and creepy, although long it’s really nicely paced and enough details are drip fed to the reader to keep you guessing all the way through until the end. I liked the fact it had high stakes and quite a few victims suffered defeat at the hands of the killer before they were found – it seemed a lot more ‘realistic’ than some of the other police thrillers I have read before. Similarly the police politics and talk of career vs personal life was also realistically explored. I liked how the book also jumped perspective to the victims at just the right moment to give us an insight into their lives and to create sympathy for them.

Overall it’s a great installment in the series; creepy, well-paced and with interesting characters – highly recommended although read the other ones in the series first! Thank you to NetGalley & Avon Books UK for the chance to read Perfect Silence in exchange for an honest review

Perfect Silence
OMG; can I give this ten stars? I didn't think this series could get any better; I was wrong. Perfect Silence is superb. A sublime mix of characters, fiendish plotting, perfectly balanced pace and spot on dialogue. Helen Fields series of police procedurals/crime thrillers is truly going from strength to strength.

There's a serial killer on the loose in Edinburgh and time's ticking to catch the killer. Homeless people are also being attacked and marked in a specific way. Are the crimes linked? DCI Ava Turner has command of both investigations, with sidekick DI Luc and support from the ever belligerent Sgt. and other team members who've featured in earlier stories. I just love the way all the characters are developing and like any series, it helps to read in order. But, this also works well as a standalone.

I rarely compare one author with another, but Helen Fields writes with intelligence, much like Rankin whose work I also admire. I actually care about her characters. Luc and Ava have a professional and personal relationship that's totally plausible. They push boundaries, but the plotting remains credible and dialogue is spot on. For me, the big surprise in this book is a development in the acerbic relationship between Turner and her boss. I can't give anything away, but it's sheer genius and then turns again with a totally unexpected final twist. This is a tale that sucks you in, keeps you hooked and leaves you wanting more. Helen Fields has created a series with a long way to go and this outing is literally breathtaking.

This book was an instant hit with me. I felt a if I had been with Ava and DI since the beginning. Yet, this is my first introduction to them both. I enjoyed this book so much that I can't wait to pick up copies of the prior novels to read.

Ava and DI work well together. Both are strong characters and intelligent. When one would get an idea the other one would get inspired as well. Additionally, they are in relationships. I kind of got to know DI's relationship a little better. These relationships did not distract from the main story.

The idea of a killer craving dolls out of human skin is enough to give you goose bumps. The killer commits heinous crimes but again Ava and DI are up to the task of hunting the killer. Perfect Silence will have you missing sleep staying up to read this book.

Two cases, many twists and turns. Believable, well crafted characters that you can picture in your minds eye. Ava and Luc are a great team. I enjoyed the paciness and compelling storyline. Highly recommended for crime fans.

I read Perfect Remains in May 2017. Earlier this year I read Perfect Prey afollowed by Perfect Death. Keen to read Perfect Silence I knew I wouldn't be disappointed.
I have read Perfect Silence over the weekend. The first few pages provided the first graphic description of a horrific crime that I have come to expect from Helen Fields. Rather than being off putting, as with previous books in the series I read on entering into the scenes as I did so.
A fascinating premise that as usual was well researched and well written.
As I neared the end of the book I was delighted to find a few loose ends suggesting that there is at least one more book to come.....I hope there will be more than one.
I recommend Perfect Silence to lovers of crime or psychological thrillers who can cope with graphic detail.

Another fantastic tale in the Callanach series. Admittedly the synopsis sounds pretty gruesome but it was bearable (nothing too graphic or gratuitous). I absolutely love the chemistry between all of the main characters and I even warmed to the Overbitch in this one. I have polished the whole series off one after another in a week and I definitely can’t wait for more. Helen if you’re reading this you had better get Luc and Ava together pronto!! Thanks to Avon, Netgalley and the author for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

The 4th book in the DI Callanach series returns the series to a more gruesome form of the first 2 books.

A girl’s body is found on the roadside, she has been dumped there and upon examination she is found to have lost a lot of blood from two doll shapes cut from the skin on her front and back. Did the killer keep this gruesome keepsake for themselves and will they kill again?

This is a great read and the main characters have been firmly established now, there are no recaps, so anyone new to this series really needs to read the previous books first - no great hardship as they are so good! If you’re a fan of this series, you’ll be pleased to know that the nail biting standard is kept up all the way.

I would like to thank Avon and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity of reading and reviewing this book.

You won't be disappointed, Ava and Luc are on the trail again, this is the fourth book in the series, what can I say, absolutely brilliant as usual, well done

Full review to be published online in mid August.

As the fourth book in Helen Fields' "DI Callanach" series; PERFECT SILENCE is building the series plot arc nicely. The stories and characters are also getting more interesting as the author seems to be hitting her stride. PERFECT SILENCE is nice entry in a UK police procedural series I have really come to enjoy. If I had one complaint, it would be that the bad guys are somewhat stereotypical. But given how much I enjoy the plot lines and regular characters, it’s a small complaint.

One small niggle about the title of series. Why is it only named after Luc? The stories are as much or even more so about Chief Inspector Ava Turner, and you'd think the series title would reflect that.

Well, that didn’t take long. You only have to read a few pages of book #4 to get a pretty good idea of what you’re in for. And it’s kinda scary.

When DCI Ava Turner & DI Luc Callanach respond to a call, they aren’t prepared for what they find. But how could they be? A young woman’s body is found on a road but there’s nothing accidental about how she died. And she won’t be the last.

Meanwhile, someone is attacking drug addicts on Edinburgh’s streets. Lost in their own worlds, most are unable to provide the cops with any helpful info but a single clue points Ava’s team in one particular direction & man, does that open a can of worms.

Speaking of the team, the gang’s all back. DCI Av Turner, DS Lively, DC Salter, DC Max Tripp & of course, DI Luc Callanach. Ladies & gents, I give you your MIT. There’s a lot going on here. A twisted killer (and their eerie calling card), obnoxious rich kids, office politics & the MC’s personal lives (or lack thereof).

Ava has been boss for a while now & grown into the role so she & Luc are in a better place. Budgets, a demanding boss & office politics continue to drive her daft but she may be surprised to find out who has her back. Investigations aside, I really enjoyed the secondary characters in this one. DS Lively is at his cheekiest, we get more acquainted with (boss from Hell) Det. Superintendent Overbeck & newcomer DS Pax Graham is introduced. Now there’s a man who knows how to make an entrance.

Both cases have several twists & lead the team to some dark places. Most of the book has an even pace as we follow the investigations until ramping up for the big finale. My only quibble was Ava’s tendency to speechify. The plight of the homeless &/or drug addicted is centre stage & Ava frequently laments their treatment by society in general. She’s always worn her heart on her sleeve but comes across as a bit naive sometimes given her position & length of time on the job. On the other hand, when that passion is directed at her boss, it makes for an entertaining read.

It’s a solid instalment in this popular series & a couple of dangling threads at the end ensure fans will be waiting for #5.

Fantastic! I have read all the books in the D.I Callanach series, I was just so pleased I was on holiday and could read this latest one undisturbed! The storyline is deep and complex and gruesome. The characters are great , the gruff D.S Lively is reminiscent of Rebus , The story builds before any leads start to appear, and I was totally wrong in my opinion of who the murderer was. Helen Fields is up there with the best crime authors. Look forward to the next one.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review "Perfect Silence". I have been reading the Luc Callanach/Ava Turner books from the beginning, and they've simply gotten better and better as the series progresses. "Perfect Silence" is no exception.
Right from the moment that Zoe's body is found on a lonely street, blood all around, pieces of skin missing, you know that this is going to be a bad one. And Ava and Luc jump right in, with help from their friend and Medical Examiner Jonty; they have the feeling that this won't be the beginning and end to the deaths (and they're right!).
Simultaneously, the city is dealing with attacks on homeless/drug addicts who are turned into 'zombies' by a new drug called Spice. They're being marked with a 'z' (zorro? zombie?) and the suspects are quick to escape, never mind the witnesses are the downtrodden and least-believed.
But - there is a clue! And it leads Ava to the hallowed halls of academia and privilege.
There are some areas of comic relief (you'll know them when you read them), and some interesting and serious interactions.
Needless to say, there are resolutions (of a sort) to both of the mysteries: who is killing vulnerable young women, and who is attacking the drug addicts. And along the way, some relationships change and are challenged.
Highly recommended.

Perfect Silence was a twisted thriller, that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I enjoyed it!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

I'm a big fan of Ava and Luc and I have read all the books in the series do far. This did not disappoint, excellent!

Just when you think you can't read something that will really shock and horrify you, I read this book. Killer is absolutely depraved.
Callanach's story arc continues, love the story development of his character and this book series is just Perfect.
Keep them coming Helen Fields please!

I've read the other Ava Callanach books and she's truly one of my favorite characters. The story line was good but it seemed to take 75% of the book to get there. There were actually 2 storylines but one seems to just fade away. Can't say its my favorite of the series but I still liked it immensely.

I've read all of the DI Luc Callanach series and Perfect Silence is the best yet. Young vulnerable women are being abducted in Edinburgh. The kidnapper seems to have inside knowledge into their lives and past 'sins." When the first victim is found it is obvious that for a time after dumping her on the roadside she was alive, though suffering from catastrophic injuries. Substantial skin has been removed from her stomach and back. When the next victim is abducted it becomes clear what the skin is for: the killer is making crude dolls out of it and leaving the dolls for police to find. With virtually no forensic clues the race is on to find the killer. This is a blinder of a police procedural, gripping and engrossing. Thank you to Netgalley for my advanced copy.

I thoroughly found myself enjoying Perfect Silence. So much so, that I was beyond happy to find out this was the fourth book in the series. I cannot wait to get a hold of the first three books! They are on my "to read" list even if I have to purchase them. That is how much I found myself enjoying the plot and writing of Perfect Silence. Helen Sarah Fields did a wonderful job writing this book.

The main characters were well thought out and complimented each other and the story really well. There was enough personal side stories that fell in line with the main story to help you get a better feel for the characters. Fields did a great job melding the personal lives, office politics, investigative work into this book. Also, I felt that this could have easily been a standalone book. There were a couple references to previous books, but not to where you would have been unable to understand the reference. Not once did I find myself misunderstanding something or confused. The plot moved at a good pace keeping you interested through the entire read. Towards the end you definitely found yourself on the edge of your seat. Plus, there was just enough detail for me to paint a great picture in my mind of what was happening.

I easily rated this four stars.