What could be better than another book featuring Sara Linton, and Will Trent? Weaving the relationship of these two with the other memorable characters in this 10 book series and a serial killer Karin Slaughter once again captures the attention of the reader for a diverting read. I so look forward to another book in this well plotted series.

With THE SILENT WIFE, bestselling author Karin Slaughter delivers an extraordinary procedural thriller that’s all at once brutal, poignant and utterly mesmerizing.

Slaughter opens with the shocking assault of college student Beckey Caterino—a crime from years past investigated by medical examiner Sara Linton’s late husband, Police Chief Jeffrey Tolliver.

Beckey’s brutal attack—along with the rapes and murders of other women—arise following a prison riot as an inmate insists that he was set up to take the fall by Tolliver and his corrupt team. He claims the real perpetrator is out there still, preying on women across the state. And when another woman is found viciously murdered, it looks to be substantiating proof.

Will Trent and his partner, Faith, must revisit the nearly decade-old cases if they’re to catch what looks to be a serial killer. Worse yet, Will must seek the help of the woman he loves (Sara), despite opening a wound he fears has not yet healed. Their investigation takes shocking turns with consequences that weigh heavily emotionally, and which undoubtedly change the lives of everyone involved.

As always, Slaughter is unflinching in her portrayal of crime, making it all too real and terrifying. Through past and present alternating chapters, we uncover the dreadful fates that befell the women, and experience the strain of Sara and Jeffrey’s relationship leading up to his death.

The case is brutal, the investigation is fascinating, and the aftermath is deeply affecting. Through the story, Slaughter poignantly explores the stigma of rape and the long-lasting effects of trauma. She also evolves Will and Sara’s relationship, as they struggle to find solid ground amidst the turmoil of the case.

I’m such a fervid fan of Slaughter’s books because they truly feel to have it all—perfect pacing with thoughtful, twisty plots that come alive through well-drawn characters. They balance the very real horrors we sometimes see in the world with relationships and interactions that have depth and rouse emotion and relatability.

This one is one of her best—a chilling whodunit you won’t be able to put down.

The 10th book in the Will Trent series continues with another gripping mystery. While investigating the death of a man in the state penitentiary they hear about a serial killer who still may be on the loose. A prisoner, Daryl Nesbit says another woman who looks exactly like the woman he was imprisoned for eight years earlier has been killed. I had read none of the previous books. Although this works as a standalone, I wish I had had more background on the investigative team of Faith Mitchell and Will Trent.

‌ ‌ ‌Will trent is reopening a string of murder & rape cases from eight years ago. The cases were considered solved, the suspect arrested. New evidence has been submitted, raising questions about the former investigators. The former lead investigator and chief, Jeffery Tolliver may have gotten it all wrong.
Sara Linton was the assisting medical examiner eight years ago, and then married to Tolliver. Reopening this case, years after Jeffery's death brings up emotions and grief that Sara isn't prepared for.
Will and Sara need to clear Tolliver's name and catch a sadistic killer, who has started killing again.

I've always loved Slaughter's Will Trent series, so this book is no exception. The turbulent love story between Sara and Will is still carried out in the series, but now we get a little more about Saras previous marriage.
This book describes in depth how an autopsy is preformed, as well as exumming of a body. I learned things I haven't in other books, which Slaughter is good at. The choice of murder and rape methods is cringeworthy, which I've come to expect in her books. Nothing is left to the imagination, and you feel like you are helping to solve the crime.

What could be better than a story with Sara, Will, and Jeffrey??? I loved the past and present storylines in this one and loved the past and present characters all in one book. Well done. And the mystery and investigation was superb.

Excellent addition to The Grant County - Will Trent series. Karen Slaughter is an excellent storyteller. Love her novels and this one doesn't disappoint. It dives right in addressing women's issues and violence against women. Very timely. Great plotting and as always great character development. Many twists and turns and a surprise ending. Loved it. Don't miss it!

Slaughter's 20th novel, The Silent Wife, is a page-turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat while making you want to hide in your closet from the serial killer that is on the loose.

What I Loved

The thrills and chills in this story made me want to hide in a closet until it was safe to come out. Slaughter uses pieces of real crimes in each of her novels, and these valid case details provide an authentic feel to the very thrilling and creepy events that move the story forward. What also adds to the suspense is the chapter length. They are longer earlier in the story and become much shorter towards the end. This increase in the pace creates an increase in the suspense until the grand release of the story's conclusion.

The attention to detail and the way even ordinary events are described is so precise and elicit just the right response from me. Even the little things (such as how Will reacts to Faith's daughter putting the battery he was showing her into her mouth to Will asking Sarah to join him for pizza after a long, hard day and a horrible fight that Sarah apologized for) hold within their descriptions a keen observational truth. The little things make such a significant impact on the story in balancing it out between the gruesome crime plot and the characters' storylines. Slaughter explains that she looks at the plot lines separately but feels the romance/personal plot helps balance the harshness of the crime. She believes that they need to have equal weight, and she succeeds in doing that. Even the way she handles autopsies is in keeping with what she has witnessed in real life and not as you see on tv shows, which often show the doctor and police exchanging witty banter and not the solemn respect for the deceased that takes place.

The depth of character development is nearly unparalleled in other books of this genre. Will and Sara are characters I wish I could meet in real life. They are sincere and genuine. How do you not sympathize with characters like that? All of Slaughter's characters have faults – they are good or bad depending on the situation, which only added to my ability to feel like I know them and respond intensely to the story as it plays out. Slaughter's favorite character is one of the support characters, Amanda. She finds it refreshing that Amanda is mean but loyal and always has her teams' back. Slaughter is also fond of Faith, though she must do a lot of research on her because she does not have any kids of her own. She marvels at mommy blogs and takes inspiration from the posts to learn about what Faith experiences. That method of research works. I am a mom, and I never once questioned the sincerity or believability of Faith's plight as she juggles between work and family.

The complexity of the story kept me on my toes and eager to know what comes next. This comes from the fact, as Slaughter described it, that female crime thriller novelists tend to write more psychologically. And just as I love psychological thrillers, this is the aspect of Slaughter's books I gravitate to and appreciate the most. The mind is such a fantastic tool, and when it processes events and feelings abnormally, it becomes such a horrific weapon.

To Read or Not to Read
If you only read one thriller this year, it needs to be The Silent Wife by Karin Slaughter.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is book #10 in the popular Will Trent series by Karin Slaughter. There is alot of back story in the plot concerning past relationships and previous murder investigations. The Georgia Bureau of Investigations (GBI) is called to a prison to investigate a death of a prisoner during a riot. Will Trent and the medical examiner, Dr. Sara Linton, are processing the crime scene and speaking with inmates. An inmate wants to volunteer information about the prisoners brutal death. The inmate, Daryl Nesbitt, wants to make a deal concerning his "false imprisonment". Nesbitt a convicted pedophile, is awaiting prosecution for several murders of women in Grant County. He claims that Sara's deceased husband, Chief of Police, Jeffery Tolliver, and his officer Lena Adams are responsible for a corrupt investigation. There are many twists and turns with the story and that will keep you guessing until the very end. Great characters and storyline.

I had never read a Karin Slaughter book before and I was pleasantly surprised. I devoured the book in two nights! Edge of your seat, page turning, couldn't put it down - all of that!

Will Trent, GBI investigator, is called in to investigate a prison riot when an inmate claims to have been framed by corrupt law enforcement officers, namely Jeffrey Tolliver. He claims the real killer is still out there. Problem is, Tolliver is dead with a hero's reputation and to complicate matters more Will's girlfriend, Sara, is Tolliver's widow. Soon, another young woman is murdered in a similar manner - is it a coincidence or is a serial killer still out there?

Told from multiple perspectives - Will, Sara, victims, and even flashbacks to Tolliver and the original case years ago, the books is action packed and swift moving. Definitely opened up to a new author to me and now I have many, many books to catch up on.

Karin Slaughter is a well-established and highly respected force in the thriller genre for good reason. Her releases are predictably well-crafted, and her characters are engaging and fully fleshed. Her most recent novel, The Silent Wife is the tenth in a series that revisits the GBI in Atlanta with investigator Will Trent. In this outing, Trent is brought in to advise on a killing in the local prison. One of the prisoners claims to have information that he wants to trade in order to get his own case re-opened. With outside help, the inmate has been collecting articles about recent rapes and murders that resemble ones that he was suspected of committing. Trent is forced to re-examine the Caterino case, an assault that was reportedly botched by the original officers. One of those accused of incompetence is the deceased Chief of Police from a nearby town. Unfortunately, this man also happens to be the former husband of Sara, Will’s current girlfriend with whom he is having issues. Since Sara worked as part of the medical examiner’s team for Caterino’s case, the couple needs to work closely to look for any current connections despite their difficulties. The book spends a good deal of time delving into their romantic entanglement, and the delicate matters of jealousy and bereavement. Sara is also deeply affected by an undisclosed victim who survived a vicious attack from the same perpetrator, but who did not come forward at the time. Her own trauma history informs her decision to respect the girl’s privacy despite urgently needing her recollections to tie the serial cases together. The Silent Wife travels back and forth between the two time periods, essentially resurrecting the Chief character of Jeffrey Tolliver. His role in the mismanagement of past reverberates to the present, and his protection of his officers at the time likely led to continued attacks. Slaughter manages to describe Tolliver’s fatal flaws in ways that retain empathy for the man despite highlighting the damage resulting from his errors. The novel has a satisfying conclusion that draws logically from earlier hints in the plot but remains unpredictable and surprising. In this accomplished writer’s hands, The Silent Wife maintains a nice balance between a gripping page-turner and a deep exploration of beloved characters. It is a work that is sure to please Slaughter’s many ardent fans anxiously awaiting the next Will Trent installment.

Thanks to the author, HarperCollins and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

Wow! Karin Slaughter's The Silent Wife is not ab easy read, but it is unflinching, honest writing that kept me reading and made me think. Another winner, and a damn thoughtful read to boot. Very highly recommended.

Karin Slaughter is once again at the top of her game with The Silent Wife, the tenth installment in her Will Trent series. Spending time with these characters is a highlight of my reading life, and this latest release is one of the best in this long-running series.

Before I go into the specifics of the plot, I want to let readers know that the Will Trent series intertwines with the author's Grant County series. Dr. Sara Linton, Will Trent's love interest and a major player in this story, was first introduced way back in Blindsight, the first volume of Grant County. As a result, this review does contain spoilers for previous installments in both series, so read on at your own discretion. For a full understanding of this universe, I recommend potential readers start at the very beginning. It's a big commitment, but these books aren't likely to disappoint you.

Special agent Will Trent is investigating the fallout of a prison riot when he is approached by an inmate with a strange tale to tell. Eight years earlier, a college student was found raped, beaten, and left for dead in the woods. At the time, local police were pretty sure they knew who was to blame for the crime, and after what could be called a slipshod investigation, someone was convicted and put behind bars. Now though, another body has been found, and Will's contact, who happens to be the man accused of the earlier crime, has a vested interest in finding out who is responsible. Ever since the police first questioned him, he's sworn he had nothing to do with what happened, but as is often the case, he was not believed. He's hoping that Will and his team will be able to find out who is responsible so he can be released from prison once and for all.

As you might imagine, Will is initially skeptical of this man’s claims. After all, doesn't everyone in prison claim to be innocent? However, after he begins looking into the old case, he begins to understand that the initial investigation had some serious flaws, flaws that can be laid squarely at the feet of Jeffrey Tolliver, Sara Linton's long-dead husband, the former police chief of Grant County. Suddenly, Will and Sara find themselves involved in a deadly game of cat and mouse with a sadistic killer, someone who has managed to kill undetected for nearly a decade, someone who will do whatever he deems necessary to keep killing.

If you're familiar with Slaughter's writing, you’ll know she doesn't pull any punches when it comes to violence and gore. If you're even the slightest bit squeamish, you might want to skip this book since there are quite a few graphic descriptions of death, assault, and police misconduct. I could feel my stomach flip a little during some of the more gruesome scenes, and I'm usually not overly sensitive to this type of thing in my reading. Mysteries and thrillers are some of my favorite things to read, so I've gotten used to a fair amount of dark content, but I know this level of violence is not for everyone.

The novel's timeline is a little confusing, but if you give yourself a little bit of time to settle into it, you shouldn't have too much trouble keeping things straight. The story moves back and forth in time between present day and eight years previously, when the first victim was found. We see things mostly through the eyes of Will and Sara, but we also get to see Jeffrey's point of view which might be a little disconcerting if you don't pay attention to the timeline.

First and foremost, this is a mystery, but the relationship between Will and Sara is a huge part of the story. They're deeply in love, but they're each struggling with some complicated situations that make it difficult for them to let down their guards. I never questioned their love for one another, but I did find myself wondering if they would be able to work through their issues in a way that would leave them open to continuing their relationship.

The Silent Wife is a long book, but don't let its length intimidate you. Once I started, I didn't want to put it down, and I ended up finishing it in less than a day. The pacing is pretty close to perfect, and I was super invested in the story.

There's not much more I can say without spoiling it for you, so I'll simply urge you to pick it up as soon as you possibly can. It really is one of the author's best works.

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This review was originally posted on <a href="https://booksofmyheart.net/2020/07/28/the-silent-wife-by-karin-slaughter/" target="_blank"> Books of My Heart</a>
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<i>Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i>

I love this <em><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/45015-will-trent" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Will Trent series</strong> </a> </em>and I'm so happy I was able to listen to many of the previous books  with the new audio recordings, all narrated by Kathleen Early. Even though I read <strong>The Silent Wife</strong>, I heard her voice.  In any format, it is an excellent story.

Now on the 10th book of the series, I am totally enamored of the world and its characters. At least our main characters, Will, Sara, Amanda and Faith are precious to me.  Amanda, and even Faith, felt less at the forefront, although they did provide some comic relief at times, just because of their personalities. With a serial killer on the loose, it would be pretty dark otherwise.  The imperfect, complex characters feel very authentic.

I enjoy the police work and following the evidence and gathering information.  There is a strong connection to Grant County, in both this case and personally, for Sara and Will, with flashbacks to 8 years ago when Jeffrey and Sara had been divorced a year.  I hadn't read the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/43676-grant-county" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em><strong>Grant County</strong> </em></a>series when I started on the Will Trent series but I've since gone back and read all but the final one which I will go read now. I didn't miss them until this book when I really wish I had read them all first.

There's a duality to the story with personal and professional aspects.  The serial killer began in Grant County when Jeffrey was the chief. With the case continuing, it brings into question whether he made mistakes. It also sends them back to get information on one of the deaths from Lena Adams. She truly is a "grey rabbit." I'm not a fan of hers and Jeffrey isn't winning with me either.

Personally, Sara has the painful view of watching as Jeffrey's possible mistakes are examined.  Will always has the difficulty of feeling good enough for Sara, and measuring up to Jeffrey.  Will and Sara had a small misunderstanding which they don't know how to fix, which is ongoing through the case.  A relationship is work; while it may be uncomfortable to see them struggle to improve their connection, it is endearing. Their hearts are in the right place but communication is hard.

I loved this so much. I hated having to put it down to do anything else.  I was afraid this might be the last of the series but was thrilled to see in the author's note there will be more! I absolutely fist-pumped and squealed when I read that at 1 am.

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The Silent wife was another wonderful installment from Karin Slaughter. Fast paced and engaging the plot does not let you go for a second. Kept me guessing the whole time.

Readers who like murder mystery crime novels will be sure to love this one as well.

Another stellar entry into the Grant County series from Karin Slaughter. This book is a LOT. A long, thick one with a story that has layers and weaves into Sara's past with her ex-husband Jeffrey Tolliver. and, moreover, we get to see more of Sara and Will's current relationship (tho Wil makes me want to punch things) and the possibility of a future.
This book is classic Karin Slaughter and I honestly hope she never ever changes. A grisly crime, exacting details that amplify her thorough research and these gritty, deep, feeling characters. More, please!
Make sure to check the author's note at the end. AFTER you read the book, or Karin will have you erased. She'll do it.
Really enjoyed this one, as I have enjoyed so many of Karin's books, specifically the Grant County series.
And as I always have to say, I still love Amanda, that ole Battle Axe. That woman is smarter than anyone gives her credit for.

The newest book in Karin Slaughter's Will Trent series, following The Last Widow (2019) , does not disappoint. Readers will find all of the intricate details of this popular yet flawed protagonist's relationships and thoughts.

This one certainly isn't for the faint of heart. I have been a fan of Karin Slaughter for quite some time and this book certainly didn't disappoint. It is a dark and disturbing read with some real twists that are hard hitting. Highly recommend!

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy of The Silent Wife.

I love Karin Slaughter, I’ve read almost all of her books and the Grant County and Will Trent series are always my favorites. The Silent Wife is a mixture of the two. In flashbacks, we travel to Grant County, to solve a series of attacks that began 8 years ago. Jeffrey is back and he is . . . not great. We see a side of him we haven’t really before. I flew through this book and even though I guessed who the perpetrator was, I was never entirely sure until the end. I really struggled with the previous book and was grateful that this one brought everyone back together, working as a group. I loved the ending, and I’m excited to see where the next book takes Sara and Will.

Warning- this book is EXTREMELY graphic. I know that most of Slaughter’s books are, but this one was particularly hard to read because of it. There are brutal rapes and murders, and a lot (too much) of disturbing details.

Will Trent is back in the series’ tenth book by Karin Slaughter. This time the past and the present collide for Will, an agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and his girlfriend, medical examiner Sara Linton. They are sent to the state prison to investigate the death of an inmate, which occurred during a brawl. While they are there an inmate requests a meeting. Eight years before, Daryl Nesbitt who is serving time for child pornography, was the prime suspect in the attacks on several young women that resulted in the death of one. Daryl insists he was framed by the now-deceased sheriff, Jeffrey Tolliver, who is also Sara’s former husband. When Will and Sara realize there have been other violent murders, with similar characteristics, committed since Daryl was incarcerated, they reopen the investigations.

The Silent Wife is a well-plotted book. It moves between the past, when the first two attacks were committed, to the present, as Will and Sara begin to question the investigation that led to Daryl’s arrest and conviction. The story is not only about the investigation, but also about the emotions and feelings that are dredged up when Sara relives her life with her former husband. However, as the story moves back and forth, it can become a little disorienting and difficult to follow the various characters. Sara and Will have a complex relationship that I sometimes found hard to appreciate. The characters are varied, many of them are quite flawed, and none were truly very likable for me. And, finally, the episodes that deal with the actual attacks and the aftermath are gut-wrenching and descriptive. I’m sure some readers will find it much too uncomfortable to read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book for review.

This story follows Will & Sara as they work to solve a span of rapes and murders that covers 8 years of time. Do they already have the guilty party in custody? Is there a copycat out there commiting gruesome crimes? As they hear gutwrenching stories, and see horrific crime scenes, they just want to bring justice to the victims. At the same time, digging into these cases brings up the past, which means Sara's dead husband. Can Will & Sara solve the cases, and will their relationship be able to survive this?

I have read Karin Slaughter books before, but I didn't realize that she had a series containting the same characters. So, in reading this book, I didn't realize that there were several books that came before this one in the story. However, it was written in such a way that even if you had not read any of the previous books, it wouldn't hinder your understanding of this story. I found myself only feeling like I was missing one real piece of the puzzle, though it wasn't relevant to the outcome of this story. Karin writes great mystery books. I will note that there are some graphic crime scenes in this book. And unimaginable acts. She did a great job of weaving an incredible story. I'm guessing that if you've read any of the other books with Will Trent, you would enjoy this one as well. And, if you havne't read any of the others, you'll be just fine, (though because of my personality, I think I'd like to start at the beginning and get the whole story). Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to have an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.