Member Reviews

Thank You to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for this ARC!!

This is the second book in the Columbia River series and I really enjoyed both of them! While it is a part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone book as well.

Detective Mason Callahan and his partner are called to investigate a savage murder. Investigation reveals that the victim was Reuben Braswell, a radical conspiracist. They find documents indicating a bomb attack that very afternoon at the County Courthouse, but, as the entire law enforcement gathers to prevent the attack, it turns into a mass shooting of law enforcement.

Investigators also find ties to Mason’s fiancée, FBI special agent Ava McLane. The murder victim was her informant.

Meanwhile, Braswell’s brother and Ava’s twin sister, Jayme, both disappear, and disturbing acts of sabotage target Ava’s personal life.

This book just like the first book in the series has a good plot and lots of amazing characters. There were a lot of twists and turns that kept me guessing throughout the book. And the ending was perfect.

Overall an enjoyable read and I'm eagerly waiting for the next book!

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I don't think I realized that this was part of a series, and in hindsight, I wonder if having read part 1 would have made a difference in my thoughts. To me, this was choppy, scattered, and while interesting, hard for me to really connect with. I have jumped into novel series mid stream before, and usually have no issues connecting the dots based on the author retelling parts or describing events to assist, and I just didn't find that here. I made it to the end, barely, and was satisfied with it.

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Thank you #netgalley and #montlakeromance for the eARC.

The Silence is the second book in the Columbia River series and follows Mason and Ava as they are trying to solve a homicide that leads to a mass murder.

This is the second book that I have read from this author and The Silence is a plot-driven story with not a lot of personal growth for the characters themselves. I would have enjoyed the story with a bit more character growth as I still don't have a feel for the characters by the end of the novel and are left rather apathetic towards them.

It was a good read, but it could have been better.

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*Puedes encontrar esta reseña en español al final.*

**This is a review of an e-ARC and only shows my personal opinion about the story.**
Mrs. Elliot has spoiled me rotten with her outstanding suspense, her terrific female characters, and her discreet, but no less interesting, romances. I compare any romantic suspense I read with one of hers and the former never come out well. This does not mean that sometimes I find some of her work, such as this one, lacking.

This series is not really a series per se. They are two new installments intended to tie up loose ends of the “Callahan & McLane” series.

In this one we got to see the MC´s wedding, who are accompanied by a diverse cast of characters from other series. If you haven't read “Callahan & McLane” series there's no point starting here.

As usual, the suspense has been good, very good. This author has enough imagination and experience to avoid repeating plots. But she also is fond of family melodrama (which, unfortunately, I don't like a lot) that had overshadowed both the romance and the suspense.
I understand that all the loose ends must be tied up nicely, but the plot about Ava´s twin was too much, and the HEA hardly credible, honestly.

So, it was a bittersweet farewell.

But I am looking forward to reading her next work.


***

**Esta reseña es de una e-ARC recibida gratuitamente y sólo refleja mi opinión personal sobre la historia.**
La señora Elliot me ha malacostumbrado con sus suspenses fuera de serie, sus personajes femeninos fuera de lo normal y sus discretos, pero no menos interesantes, romances. Cualquier suspense romántico que leo lo comparo con uno de los suyos y los primeros nunca salen bien parados. Lo que no quiere decir que a veces no lea algunas de sus obras, como la presente, y la encuentre floja.

Esta serie realmente no es una serie en si. Son dos entregas destinadas a cerrar los hilos pendientes de la serie ”Callahan & McLane”.

En esta última asistimos a la boda de los protagonistas, a los que acompañan un elenco de lo más variopinto de personajes de otras series. Si no has leído la serie “Callahan & McLane” no tiene sentido empezar por aquí.

Como de costumbre el suspense ha sido bueno, muy bueno. Esta autora tiene imaginación y tablas suficientes para no repetir tramas. Pero también tiene una fijación por el melodrama familiar (que, por desgracia, yo no comparto) que ha eclipsado tanto el romance como el suspense.
Entiendo que había que atar todos los cabos sueltos, pero la trama sobre la gemela de Ava ha sido demasiado, y el Final Feliz poco creíble, sinceramente.

Así que, ha sido una despedida agridulce.

Pero estoy deseando leer su próximo trabajo.

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The Silence by Kendra Elliot, published by Montlake, is book two in her Columbia River Series and can easily be read as a stand-alone. The previous book is The Last Sister. For best reading experience I recommend to read the books in order.
Meet Mason Callahan. He's a Detective and was just assigned to a murder case. His girlfriend Ava McLane is with the FBI, a special agent and when she gets assigned to a case , her and Mason's work crosses.
It's a long, tiring investigation, and when more deaths shows up , time's running out for them.
The story is set in Portland, a fast paced, high on drama thriller that had me in suspense from start til the end. It's one of the best books I read in 2020, an excellent read. I connected with the characters, I loved meeting characters from The Last Sister and I greatly enjoyed this fantastic story.

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Amazing thriller.... this is my first book by this author and I’m hooked. Tones of twist and turns many of which I never saw coming!

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Another twisty fast paced story by Kendra Elliot. The story begins with a murder that appears to have been interrupted. As Mason uncovers clues, there seems to be a connection to his Fiancee, Ava. There were surprises and even visits from characters from other Kendra Elliot books. I enjoyed this suspenseful tale.

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Honestly in my eyes Kendra Elliot can do no wrong. I feel like any and all books you can pick up by her it does not matter where it is at in the series you will not be lost, you will not feel like you do not know what is going on. There is always a quick backstory and support to get you on your way. And there is also intricate weaving in and out between all of their different series which I love as well. This book had so many twists and turns and it was just so exciting I just could not put it down. It just was so surprising and I can not wait for the next one! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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Kendra Elliot's Callahan and McClane series was the first to lead me to her novels. Ava and Mason face a several more murderous and terrifying obstacles trying to reach their happily ever after. Unexpected twists and turns, secrets and tragedies made me question whether this family of friends would greet the resolution in tact. For me there was fear, laughter, tears, and excitement that lead to the conclusion of this amazing series. Personally, I would like to see where this story could go from here...

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I have read a number of books by this author and they never fail to disappoint. Pacy and engaging detective stories with characters that interweave from her other titles. Really enjoyed as always!

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Mason called out to a brutal killing, Ava’s name had been on some of the papers found. Also drawings of a bomb at the county courthouse. No sooner then Mason and Ray got there, gun shots were fired, officers were down. Ray was hit by two bullets before he got his vest on. It wasn’t a bomb, but a tactic to get officers out in the open,
Ava was dealing with her twin Jayne, once again impersonating her. She left Costa Rica, now waiting to.find out what mayhem Jayne will cause.
A call asking about her wedding venue, why she was cancelling it. Jayne did. Now Ava was informed her father, she only knew about for a few months was attached and killed. Killing of officers , guns from a robbery awhile back, and Ava sister Jayne
It has the detectives and the team wondering who are the players in this mass killing spree. Readers will be turning pages to figure it out.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion

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This is the second book in the Columbia River series. This book starts right off the bat with a murdered man who just happened to be Ava's informant. And he just happens to be a radical 'cop/government' hater. As the bodies pile up, the trail takes Ava and Mason all over the place in many directions. I enjoy Kendra Elliot's writing, she's not overly descriptive, she has few words that tell much, I love that. There is action, mystery, twists and turns. Enjoyable characters. So yes, I'm looking forward to the next in the series, if you haven't read the previous book, I'd recommend it highly...The Last Sister.

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A fast paced story with a great plot and some exciting twists and turns. I really enjoy Kendra Elliots storytelling and The Silence didn't disappoint. You don't have to read the first book to enjoy this one, but it will help with some background.

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A dead man, a cryptic message that leads to a devastating police ambush. Somehow tangled in all of this is Jane, Avas twin sister.
This was a fast paced highly suspenseful read. I enjoyed it. The characters and story are well written.

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I love this author and all of her books! Always is an easy read with great lovable characters. She gets you right at the beginning and you don’t want to put it down till you find out the ending. Can’t wait for her next book!
Thanks Netgalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

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A murder and a mass shooting lead to one inevitable path…

This is the second book in the Columbia River series that can be read as a stand-alone, there is greater perspective if you’ve read the Callahan and McLane series but it’s not a prerequisite to reading this.

A conspiracy theorist, a paranoid man, Reuben Braswell, is dead, viciously murdered in his home and Oregon State Police Detective Mason Callahan and his partner are assigned the investigation. A search of the premises finds disturbing information on the man’s hatred of law enforcement yet he trusted one person, FBI Special Agent Ava McLane, Mason’s fiancée. Why this man became a criminal informant is difficult to decipher considering the level of vile rhetoric and evidence of an upcoming terrorist plan found. Did those involved turn on their radical comrade or did he attempt to stop them? The FBI considered Braswell to be harmless, the agency is NOT infallible. Conspiracy theorists thrive to disseminate misinformation and it doesn’t take much for them to turn toward violence.

A bomb scare places numerous officers and first responders in harm’s way, a trap for law enforcement that appeared known to Mason’s victim or set by the dead man before his demise. Ava and her partner are assigned to investigate the deaths of those who thought to stop a massacre only to find themselves the intended subjects. Mason and Ava’s cases are undoubtedly connected and they work on solving the exceedingly complicated puzzle from different ends, a puzzle that provides more questions for each piece that is uncovered and the subsequent crimes that accompany their investigations. Things turn personal with news of Ava’s troubled twin that adds more complications to the associated cases.

With their wedding scheduled soon these protagonists have a lot to resolve if they wish to enjoy that special event. This book provides closure to the intriguing characters of Mason and Ava, first seen in the Callahan and McLane series. Their romance has known much turmoil and this couple deserves the HEA they fought hard to attain. This reader was glad the author chose to allow us to see it and answer some open questions on the dysfunctional family relationships that have plagued them.

The author provided a fast-paced, action and suspense storyline that easily grabbed and held this reader’s attention. It’s an excellent multifaceted mystery with many obstacles thrown in the paths of the investigators and some unexpected twists that alter the very nature of the investigation.

An advanced reading copy was obtained from the publisher via NetGalley.

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I volunteered to read and review an advanced readers copy of The Silence through Netgalley .
This story is amazing it pulls you in and keeps you immensed in it till the end . I could not put it down . It's intriguing and intense with pulse pounding action . It has so much suspense . Detective Mason Callahan and his partner Ray Lusco find themselves at a gruesome murder
Scene where there is evidence of a bomb at the court house . The victim was Reuben Braswell and he was anti government . He also was an informant for FBI Agent Ava McLane who is also Mason fiancee . Soon they arrive to help evacuate the court house but while they are getting their best on they find themselves in the sights of a sniper . Ray not having his best on is soon fighting for his life Mason took shots in his vest . Mason and the others must find the shooter and the killer . Ava receives her twin sister is missing . Mason's case and Ava's case are connected and her twin sister maybe involved . The twists and turns keep coming . I really enjoyed reading and I highly recommend taking the time to read this outstanding story .

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A horrendous murder leads to some crazy twists and turns. Ava and Mason are back in this second book in the Columbia River Series. In a genre that’s is flooded with selections Ms. Elliot stands out. Her writing style and likable characters keep me coming back for more and they just keep getting better.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for a advanced copy of this book.

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Wow this book was just so good and so easy to get lost in. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and I just didn't want it to end. I just couldn't get enough of these wonderful characters and I just loved getting to see their journey. I will most definitely be reading more stories from this wonderful author.

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The Silence by author Kendra Elliot is another amazing fast-paced suspense thriller and is the second book in the Columbia River series. I have enjoyed reading this series with FBI Agent Ava McLane. Ava's twin sister, Jayne always adds an extra level of interest to the mix.
Ava's fiance' Detective Mason Callahan has a new homicide case that is connected to Ava. One of her CI's has been murdered and a document was left indicating a planned courthouse bombing. There is a devastating shooting at the courthouse which may have targeted Mason! Is there more to the connection between Ava and the CI Reuben Braswell?
The levels of suspense mounts as the murder victims increase. I could not stop reading once I started this book. I wanted to know the motives behind the murders. The plot twists as a case of mistaken identity send the whole investigation in a different direction.
Not only is Ava dealing with finding Jayne and the death of a family member, but she is also trying to finalize the plans for her wedding to Mason. I really was thrilled to see Mercy Kilpatrick appear in this book. The Mercy Kilpatrick series is one of my favorites! I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

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