A good procedural mystery/suspense book with a young journalist Oonagh and detectives Alex Davies and Jim McVeigh who try and solve a cold case and a current string of murders. Did Dorothy really kill her police pathologist husband and son 20 years ago or has she been stuck in a mental hospital for no reason? What do current killings have to do with old "Rafeal killer". This book will keep you hopping and reading!

I'm just about breathing again after the rollercoaster ride of a read that was "Keep Her Silent" by Theresa Talbot. Oonagh O'Neil, media darling and TV journalist has just stumbled on a story made of nightmares and what follows is the most jaw-dropping, heart racing and breathtaking read!

"Keep Her Silent" is the story of Dorothy Malloy, a woman incarcerated in the state hospital for the brutal murder of her husband and son. Watching Dorothy's mental state unravel and her treatment at the hands of those meant to care for her was terrifying and heartbreaking at the same time. It was impossible not to feel for this woman, despite being told of the crime she has committed. Raw and brutal language captures the atmosphere perfectly and there should be no apologies made for the truth that it uncovers.

DI Alec Davis has been ordered to open the cold case of the Raphael killings in the 1970s which saw Glasgow in fear of a religious killer who had slaughtered three young women.

Oonagh O'Neill is desperately trying to salvage her career following her involvement in the uncovering of historical abuse in the Catholic Church which almost led to the company being sued and Oonagh herself almost being killed. She inadvertently blurts out an idea for a new programme based on women who kill as the hook needed to save her skin. Unfortunately Oonagh has nothing to back up her idea and she finds herself desperately seeking an angle to convince her producer.

A parallel narrative takes us from 1975 to 2002 with two seemingly unconnected storylines coming together in perfect harmony. Chapter by chapter the author unpicks and uncovers a story so explosive that journalists would be falling over themselves to get the scoop!  This is the story of a lifetime for Oonagh but she is not in it simply for the glory, she has a passion for uncovering the unsavoury and battling to achieve justice for the unheard voices. But don't worry, there is nothing cheesy or do-gooderish about Oonagh, she is not without her own demons to battle. Her inner conflicts cause her a great deal of anguish. Yet she is tenacious, like a wee terrier that just won't let go. She is not above using her feminine charms to prise out hidden details and can easily fool others that she is not as dangerous to them as she seems.

Oonagh's relationship with DI Alec Davis is, on the surface, very much one of brother and sister but there is an underlying spark between the two of them. He is always there for her and she kind of takes him for granted a little. I really warm to Alec, there is something about this gruff, no-nonsense, straight-talking detective that warms the cockles of my heart. He is not the most PC of detectives but his heart is in the right place and he doesn't shy away from what needs to be done, or indeed what needs to be covered up at times!

A sophisticated plotline with so many twists and turns that your head will be doing an exorcist spin at the end of it provides a thought-provoking exploration of conspiracies, cover-ups, abuse and pharmaceutical experimentation as it encapsulates the tainted blood scandal of the 70s; the inhumane treatment of patients in mental health institutions and police corruption. This one had my jaw hitting the floor as Theresa Talbot mastered the plot twists down to a tee!

The tainted blood scandal is of course, pretty topical at the moment with a government inquiry underway. The author approaches this in a sensitive manner and it is heartbreaking when you realise how many people were affected by this scandal and how the repercussions are still being felt even after all this time. Certainly a thought-provoking read.

Keep Her Silent is at times dark and disturbing but there is always that glimmer of the black humour that Glasgow is famous for, those classic one-liners that make your eyes crease with laughter. It's clever, it is thought-provoking and intelligently crafted. Realistic dialogue meant I felt as though I was Oonagh's apprentice caught right up in the midst of the investigation. Never dull, it kept me on the edge of my seat from the start to finish!
(Review to be posted on my blog as part of the blog tour next month)

KEEP HER SILENT by Theresa Talbot. A past of conspiracy,tainted blood, and a serial killer. Now this cold case must finally be solved. Good story,keeps you guessing.

Firstly, I would like to say thankyou to NetGalley, Aria and Theresa Talbot for the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy of Keep Her Silent.
I loved this book. The storyline was gripping and well thought out. This is the second book I have read from this author and am pleased to find that she does not disappoint. I read the book in one night.