I love a good crime thriller , and this one was enjoyable. The characters were likable and the book captured my attention right away when they discovered they have multiple victims to try to identify and a serial killer to catch. I definitely recommend this for anyone who enjoys a thriller with a bit of police procedural tied in. I am rating this 3.5 stars, because while I enjoyed it, I don't feel this was a book that will have a lasting impact.

If you're a fan of FBI, CIA, or police procedural thrillers, this one is definitely worth picking up! It follows a group of determined women who have taken it upon themselves to locate missing persons—but they don’t exactly follow the standard police playbook. Their methods are unconventional, and their instincts sharp, but when one case takes an unexpected turn, they find themselves tangled in something far more dangerous than they ever anticipated.

As the tension escalates, they’re pulled into a joint effort with the FBI, piecing together evidence that leads them straight into the path of a killer. Time is running out, and with the threat hitting closer to home than they realized, the team must rely on their skills—and each other—to stop him before one of them becomes the next target. Suspenseful, gripping, and full of unexpected twists, this book keeps you on edge from start to finish!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ALC of Silent Evidence by Cleo Koff. This forensic thriller is both gripping and thought-provoking, blending scientific precision with emotional depth. Koff’s background in forensic anthropology shines through, making the investigative details feel authentic and immersive. The audiobook narration enhances the experience, delivering a steady pace and a tone that perfectly matches the novel’s eerie and intense atmosphere. While the mystery unfolds with strong tension, there are moments where the pacing slows due to heavy technical descriptions. Still, Silent Evidence is a compelling listen for fans of forensic thrillers who appreciate a mix of scientific intrigue and suspense.

I got this audiobook from NetGalley, my opinions are my own.
This thriller is about Jane and Steelie forensic pathologists who opened an agency to work on cold cases and assist law enforcement agencies.

I really enjoyed the story and how in depth the author went with explaining the various agencies and what Steelie and Jane were doing with their agency. Normally with so much information I kind of gloss over it but I felt like it was relevant for this book and enhanced the story.
I didn’t love the narrator for the audiobook. I only had this book through audio so I didn’t have the option of reading it(which might have helped.)

Although the comparisons to Patricia Cornwell are inevitable, the quality and thoroughness of this forensic science mystery is overwhelming. Koff uses her own knowledge as a forensic anthropologist for the UN to create two strong women characters. As Jayne and Steelie work to help their friends at the FBI track down a serial killer, we are pulled into their world at an intimate level. We discover the demons that exist in both of their lives with teasers to their past experiences. This first in a series makes you want even more. I am looking forward to the next installment in the series even as I finish the first book.

Thank you for the audio ARC. I think I would’ve enjoyed this book more if I read it. I wasn’t thrilled with the narrators portrayal of men speaking. I feel like several of these detective books all have the same killer as the big twist. The cut up body parts did give me a little bit of Dexter vibes so held my interest.

I really enjoyed Silent Evidence. It started out a bit slow, but did pick up the pace and kept me engaged. The two main characters were interesting and while the forensics got down in the weeds sometimes, the MCs dialogue with the minor characters really shined through. I really appreciated the care in which they handled the victims and their families, feeling the pain along with them. Many in the law enforcement sphere get jaded in order to do their jobs effectively, but the two maintain the dignity of calling out the crass behavior that is a world wide phenomena of the profession.

I received a free copy of this audiobook in lieu of my honest opinion. #silentevidence #netgalley

Great book, really a wonderful start to a series. Leaving me on the edge of my seat nearly through the entire book!

Liked it ALOT. Thought it had a good twist. Will recommend to friends and Facebook forum. Will be looking for more books in this series.

Wow, what an awesome audio book filled with great characters, story line and intrigue. Cannot wait for the next book to come out.

Silent Evidence was an engrossing thriller that held my attention from star to finish. It took a medical and forensic deep dive, as the protagonist in this story seeks a serial killer!

Jayne & Steelie work in forensics, with a specialty in identifying old remains in cold cases. When several frozen body parts are found, appearing to belong to several different victims, they team up with FBI agents to assist in this case. Scott comes in town to investigate as well as navigate the complex past relationship between him and Jayne. In the midst of it, it slowly begins to come clear that Jayne & Steelie are now becoming targets of the suspected serial killer. But they’re just assisting right? Nobody really knows they’re on the case (or so they think) after all they’re the scientist not the police..

It touches on an emotional level of how families may feel about having missing loved ones & explores from both angles, giving you the perspective of the investigators and the people seeking missing loved ones. Very thought provoking and perfect fans of crime shows! I am looking forward to book 2! Narration for this audiobook was great, and I hope they keep Rachel Handshaw for the next audiobook in this series.

Thank you HarperAudio Adult and NetGalley for this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Clea Koff delivers a chilling and razor-sharp forensic thriller in Silent Evidence, a novel that grips readers from its gruesome opening to its pulse-pounding conclusion.

Jayne and Steelie, the brilliant forensic minds behind Agency 32/1, are no strangers to the dark underbelly of crime. But when a bundle of frozen body parts tumbles onto an L.A. freeway, they find themselves at the heart of a case that is as terrifying as it is perplexing. FBI agent Scott Houston brings them in for an off-the-record analysis, only for them to make a horrifying discovery—these remains belong to multiple victims, pointing to a serial killer who isn’t just active but dangerously close. And now, Jayne and Steelie aren’t just solving the crime; they’re in the crosshairs of a murderer who doesn’t want to be found.

Koff’s expertise in forensic anthropology shines through in the meticulous details, making the investigative process feel visceral and authentic. The pacing is relentless, balancing the scientific precision of the forensics with high-stakes suspense and nerve-wracking danger. Jayne and Steelie are compelling protagonists—sharp, determined, and deeply human—while the mystery at the novel’s core keeps readers on edge with its gruesome revelations and unexpected twists.

Dark, intelligent, and gripping, Silent Evidence is a must-read for fans of forensic thrillers. Koff expertly blends science and suspense, crafting a story that lingers long after the final page.

I did enjoy this mystery. I also enjoyed all the characters in this book. The only part I found weird was that it was sent in early 2000s. I wished it was set newer. I kept thinking about that time and thinking some of the stuff that was mentioned seemed too new. Overall it was a good book and a series that would be good to continue. I did listen to this on audiobook and did enjoy the narrator.

Thank you to the author, narrator, publisher and Net Galley for providing a free e-audio version of this title in exchange for my review.

I don't read many books in this genre, but I did find this plot line interesting. It was a bit difficult to fully follow in audio form. Having a print or ebook version could have helped it to be easier to follow. Didn't keep me on the edge of my seat, but was an enjoyable mystery, and the friendship between Jayne and Steelie would be an enjoyable one to follow in future books.

Narration was hit and miss. The narrator attempted to give different voices for different characters, but it wasn't well done.

3-3.5 stars.

Clea Koff's Silent Evidence is a gripping forensic thriller that combines chilling suspense with an intricate mystery. The novel introduces Jayne and Steelie, two specialists with expert forensic skills who founded Agency 32/1 to assist law enforcement in solving crimes. When a bundle of frozen body parts unexpectedly falls from a van on a Los Angeles freeway, FBI agent Scott Houston knows exactly who to call for an off-the-record post-mortem. What starts as a routine investigation quickly spirals into a horrifying discovery: the body parts don't belong to one victim but several, indicating the presence of a serial killer.

As Jayne and Steelie begin to piece together the evidence, they find themselves not only unraveling a chilling crime but also uncovering dangerous secrets that put their own lives at risk. With each step closer to the truth, the killer becomes more desperate, and Jayne and Steelie must navigate the delicate balance between their forensic expertise and the very real threats they face.

Koff's writing is sharp and vivid, drawing readers into a dark world of forensic science and investigative tension. The novel is packed with suspenseful twists and turns that keep the reader on edge, particularly as Jayne and Steelie’s unique skills make them both invaluable to the investigation and targets for the killer. Their dynamic, both as partners in crime-solving and in their personal relationship, adds a rich layer of depth to the story.

For fans of forensic thrillers, Silent Evidence delivers a compelling and fast-paced plot that blends scientific expertise with high-stakes danger. The combination of chilling mystery, emotional tension, and the relentless pursuit of justice makes this novel a page-turner from start to finish.

This is the start of a series and my first read by this author. I listened to the audiobook.
Jayne and Steelie are forensic specialists, and they are working to help Scott (FBI) solve a mystery involving body parts strewn in various parts of the country. After the first part, which was slow, the story picks up and really became increasingly intricate, since the body parts are from multiple people and solving that riddle can then lead them to the next step. I loved the reasoning that took place to get them to that point.

The author’s extensive knowledge and ability to explain the situations were the highlight! I don’t post spoilers, but I learned so much, and can you imagine trying to put the whole picture together? What a feat!

I look forward to reading about their escapades and especially hearing more from these characters. This is an excellent start. The narration could improve, hopefully.

3.5 stars rounded up!

Silent Evidence is the first book in the Jayne and Steelie series by Clea Koff.

I thought this was an interesting book, but I had trouble connecting with the characters. I'm hoping that in future books I'll be able to connect better.

I thought the story was great and unraveling the mystery was fascinating. I thought this had an interesting take on solving crimes with Agency 32/1.

I enjoyed the narration by Rachel Handshaw.

I look forward to reading the future books. I'm curious where this will go!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Silent Evidence (Jayne and Steelie #1) by Clea Koff
Narrated by Rachel Handshaw
Publisher: HarperAudio Adult; Avon
Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Mystery & Thrillers
Published: August 29, 2024

Rounding up from 3.75

A twist on the typical serial killer trope, offering a perspective from a private agency specializing in forensic expertise to assist with police investigations.

The beginning starts off as a slow burn, giving readers time to grasp the lingo and nuances of forensic pathology. After that, the pace picks up quickly. You travel from Los Angeles to Atlanta and back again all while getting to know Jayne and Steelie, founders of Agency 32/1 (cheers to women who lead!)

A strong plot with relatable characters and great character development that has me eager to dive into Book 2 once it is released!

Great audiobook narration!

I liked the characters and the interaction between them but the book dragged a bit in the middle. Still a good read though.

This was a decent mystery with a solid plot and characters I really enjoyed reading from. I did guess the perpetrator really early on but that's not really a point against this book. It was fun and kept me engaged from start to finish. The ending was a touch anti-climactic, but overall, this book was a fun police procedural mystery, and I would continue on with the series.

Thanks to HarperAudio Adult | Avon and NetGalley for my audio arc!