I love this series Jackie is one tough lady she trying to do her job as a detective sergeant and bring up two boys and her baby daughter without her useless ex husband who left her for a yummy mummy and he not help her at all she has her mum who lives in her house in the basement .Jackie and her partner Detective David Tang get a call out to a house where they say suicide the neighbour found her. but when they get there Jackie knows her its her old school friend Claire Watkins she has changed her name to Rachel. but this is no suicide she has money down her throat and Jackie sees a needle mark on her leg. So they have a killer on the lose and then there are more. and her boss is still a pain in backside to Jackie. the Killer is targeting single mothers. I figured it out halfway so gripping and very twisty I so recommend this author

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, from Bookouture and #NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to preview and review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Suspense, twists and turns galore. Looking forward to more in the series.

I loved the first in the Detective Jackie Cooke series and have been eagerly awaiting the release of The Silent Dead so was thrilled to get the opportunity to read an advance copy.
This, the second in the series certainly did not disappoint and may be even better than its predecessor.
Jackie is investigating the death of an old school friend when she begins to find links to previous deaths and soon, she and her team are on the hunt for a serial killer within the online incel community. Alongside this Jackie is struggling to balance her life as a single parent and prove herself to her boss.
This was a gripping and compelling read that I raced through over 24 hours. There are lots of twists and turns and a few red herrings, and an ultimately satisfying ending. It’s a strong police procedural that gives terrifying insights into the incel community and the violence directed towards women from these men. Jackie is a likeable detective and I love the relationship between her and Tang. I love the setting- Manchester is a city I know, and love and the author brought it to life for me.
I’d definitely recommend reading the first in the series, but this works as a standalone. Highly recommended.
4.5 stars
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review a digital ARC.

Life as a police detective is not simple. You don’t really have any room for a lot of things besides your job when you are hunting down a killer or handling any urgent case. No time for family life, hobbies, friends, …

You don’t know anymore when one day ends and a new one begins. Your only focus is on the research, interviews with witnesses and suspects, …

Maybe it’s even harder for the female detectives who are moms or single moms too. You always have to count on someone’s help to take care of your little ones. It must be heart breaking to miss another bed time story, another good night kiss, another school run,…

It’s tough, but by putting the baddies behind bars, you help to make the world a better place, a safer place for your children to grow up in. Maybe it’s worth it in the end?

Detectives Cooke and Tang make a great team and although it seems like they are dealing with a clever killer, they keep digging until they hit pay dirt. Jackie’s penny dropped a few minutes too late unfortunately. This means that the killer slipped through her fingers… for now. They know Cooke and Tang are on to them and his challenges them. The race against the clock has just begun.

I like this duo as well as Shazia. The boss woman though… she really is one despicable person.

I loved this story. The author knows how to keep her readers engaged and on the edge of their seat.

Goodbye for now, Jackie, but I hope to see you again soon. 5 stars

Thank you for this advanced copy which was a great read, I had trouble putting this down! I liked the way it was written and it made for an easy read. I would definitely recommend and look forward to reading another book by this author! A stunner! I guarantee you’ll put everything on hold until you arrive at the shocking final scenes! With a deftly drawn cast of characters, an intriguing plot and an immersive and compelling narrative, this is a one sit compulsive read. Plot twists are plenty, red herrings are scattered, leading to a perfect denouement and nicely tying up loose ends. Whilst the reader may well see the way in which the plot is headed this will in no way detract from the sheer reading pleasure of this sprightly tale. 2nd in the series and can’t wait for more!

The Silent Dead (Detective Jackie Cooke Book 2) by Marnie Riches started out sad with the murder of the mom though it was made to look like a suicide.

Even though this is book 2 in the series, I didn't feel like I missed anything by not reading the first book. I felt okay getting to know the characters and the backstory as the author presented the information well.

The Silent Dead was a quick read for me. I liked that the author stuck to the case or Jackie's life and did not add filler information, such as too many descriptions or over-explaining.

The Silent Dead is a solid police procedural with a strong female protagonist. The story pulls you in and doesn't let go until the drama-filled end.

This would make a decent mystery TV series. I was able to read this book in one day. I give this a solid 4 out of 5 stars.

#TheSilentDead #NetGalley @bookouture

From the title page to the last page, this is a cannot put down book. This author is talented and gifted at writing a murder mystery. Even though it is a quick read, savor the mystery…red herrings threw me off frequently. The main character has three children and still tries to solve the murders. Will she be next? She has a quirky mom who helps out…her ex husband is another story…friends and family…workplace family…all of the people who are characters work together. In fact, the characters come alive on the pages, and I can see this as an episode or two of a crime series…this book is fiction that reads like nonfiction. It could have happened…it could be happening. This book was sent to me electronically by Netgalley for review. Thanks to the publisher. I liked this book…

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. IYKYK, my reviews are always honest.

One sentence review: Honda Civic Reliable but with UPGRADES. This is the Honda Civic Sport Touring model

SYNOPSIS

Jackie Cooke may have just popped her baby out <10 weeks ago but ain't no thang... she's back solving crime and kicking ass. When Cooke and her partner David Tang are called to the scene of an alleged suicide, the dynamic duo realize something is afoot.

MY OPINION

okkkurrrtttt!!!! Now ya'll know I loved book #1 All the Pretty Ones which just came out in MARCH. So imagine my glee when I learned #2 was dropping in November!!! Tbh I'm usually nervous when an author publishes multiple books a year, but Marnie Riches did not disappoint. Book #2 was a reliable banger!!!

These books are the PERFECT length. I powered through this in a day. Ain't no long winding ass scenery descriptions, we're either on the case or watching Jackie navigate motherhood and divorce with her ain't shit ex-husband Gus. Although it's a linear story with just one third-person narration (I'm a hoe from dual timelines & multiple POVs), short chapters and switching between police life and home life keeps the pace moving.

Like book #1, the diversity is solid without drifting into Pander Express territory. Riches has a knack for addressing difficult topics with sensitivity. Oh and the humor was ON POINT. Subtle and smart. Just how I like it.

Let's not forget one of my fave topics of the year makes an appearance... that's right folks, INCELS. I find them so fascinating... like peeling a sunburn lmao don't comment. Anyways, I don't think I'll ever get sick of reading about them. The only thing I've ever got sick of was white chocolate and macadamia nuts... just writing this makes me want to gag.

Ok ANYWAYZ. The ending does drift into Criminal Minds territory (again) but whatevs. Usually this drives me crazy but idk, Riches has a way of sweeping you up into the action instead of causing your eyes to roll so hard they almost pop right outta your skull. There are some questionable moments of detective-ing... again... I am Helen Keller in these situations. Mostly because the book is so enjoyable I'm willing to let it slide instead of a Stay Awake type vibe which has me clenching my jaw from the jump lmao.

I highly suggest this police procedural for anyone who likes a lil character development/backstory with their crime. I recommend reading book #1 to get all the tea on Jackie's family life, but you can start here as well. And since I'm a spoiled brat, I'll end this by saying... my Kindle is ready for book #3!!!!

PROS AND CONS

Pros: juicy ass case, fast paced, solid balance of police life and home life, continued development of Jackie's character, diversity without pandering, funny af, all the emotions are felt

Cons: some questionable police decisions (Zoe??? seems like a massive breach of security but ight) and Criminal Minds ending but these didn't bother me too much because I was having such a great time

Good book and great series! This book has suspense, intrigue, action, murder, serial killer, a great who done it and great police work! The storyline was very interesting and kept me glued to my Kindle! I will definitely recommend reading this one! I really enjoyed reading this book as it was well worth reading! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!