The best thing about this book was Saskia’s narration! I did like the premise of this book but felt it kind of went in various different directions. I also felt like the dialogue was cringe at times. The characterization/language bordered on sexist at times. I’m not sure if I’d continue with this series, definitely not if the narrator changes.

I accidentally submitted to review this audiobook,
Audio books aren't usually for me but It was the perfect opportunity to give it a go and try it out,

As audio books go I found it an easy listen and I found the story very quick to get into

Whoa this was a creepy thriller! It was suspenseful and so good. I was one the edge of my seat and had to know what was going to happen. The audio was good but be prepared to be shocked!

This book made me realize I need to read more legal thrillers. I loved this one in particular because the scenes in court were as tense as the rest as any of the other action scenes. Great tension and suspense.

The Silent Watcher is a gripping legal thriller that follows attorney-turned-guardian ad litem Piper Danes as she investigates the brutal murder of a young girl’s family. Partnering with Judge Hope Dawson and Detective Lazarus Holloway, Piper delves into the hunt for a serial killer known as “The Creeper.” As the team closes in, the danger intensifies, and Piper’s resolve to protect her young client is put to the ultimate test.

The audiobook, narrated by Saskia Maarleveld, is exceptional and elevates the entire experience. Maarleveld’s masterful performance brings the characters to life with distinct voices and emotional depth, creating an immersive and cinematic feel. Her range and ability to sustain tension make it impossible to stop listening.

With its fast-paced plot, well-developed characters, and unexpected twists, The Silent Watcher is an outstanding thriller. But it’s Maarleveld’s narration that truly sets it apart, making this audiobook an absolute must-listen.

I really tried to get into this one. I loved Methos's previous book The Killer's Wife, but this one just did not work for me. I couldn't get into it at all and was not able to push through it.

I finished the book and really couldn’t remember anything about it. I failed to connect with the characters and the plot felt a bit nonexistent. There were some courtroom scenes that caught my attention, but overall, it missed the mark for me.
I did enjoy the narration, tone and sound of her voice.

This was an entertaining read and I liked the introduction of the two main characters, Piper Dane and Det. Holloway. I did have a little trouble with the read as it lacked the mystery and suspense of who the bad person was and because it was resolved relatively easy, I was expecting a shocking twist that did not come. I will read the next installment as it was engaging enough and a quick read. The narrator did a good job with the character voices.

I have become a fan of Victor Methos. He has quite a backlist that I have so much left to read, but I look forward to getting to it. This particular book is full of twists that will keep you guessing. One of my favorite parts of Methos' books is the way that he writes morally gray characters - characters that are less than perfect, have so many flaws, but you root for them anyway. I loved the addition of a Guardian Ad Litem as a main character, and what that role looks like when on a case like the one in the book. I look forward to seeing where this series goes next!

4.5 stars.

Piper Danes, an attorney walks away from a hotshot law firm to work as a guardian ad litem (GAL). She was once a vulnerable youth who had a GAL (a court appointed representative for vulnerable children or adults) that gave her hope when she needed it most and now, she’s committed to paying it forward. Piper’s first case is 15-year-old Sophie Grace who is the sole survivor of a gruesome family murder. Piper teams up with Judge Hope Dawson and Detective Lazarus Holloway on a hunt for the truth, leading to a serial killer known as “The Creeper”, a predator who hides in the shadows. As the team inches closer to unveiling the killer, they find themselves in the crosshairs and trapped in a web of lies.

THE SILENT WATCHER is my first experience with this author’s work and it certainly won’t be the last. I was gripped within the first few minutes of the story. The prologue piques your interest and leaves you needing more.

This is a gritty and unsettling thriller, and this feeling of uneasiness only amplifies as the story continues. The plot is well-paced and compelling, leaving me itching to return back to the audiobook. I loved the short and propulsive chapters.

I adored the main characters (Piper, Judge Dawson, and Detective Lazarus) that are encountered with their flawed and secretive natures, each is realistic and relatable, though not all are always likable. The character development is well done and I particularly liked Piper whose change in career path has led her to one of a more supportive nature – it also gives a peek into her own person. She’s kind, empathetic, caring, and driven. I’d love to get to know more of her backstory and hope the future installments of this series features her POV.

The ending was quite a surprise and now I am even more eager to see what will come next in this series!

The audiobook narration by Saskia Maarleveld is exceptional. She has such range and is one of my favorite narrators!

<i>I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, Brilliance Publishing, of this advanced listener copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.</i>

Listening to this book as an audiobook added a whole new layer to the experience. The narrator brought the legal and investigative elements to life with just the right mix of gravitas and suspense. It was captivating to hear the courtroom drama unfold, complemented by the gradual revelations from the detective angle.

The sadness of the case was palpable, but so was the strength of the story—it was incredible how everything came together. The pacing worked perfectly in audio format, letting me absorb the details while keeping me eager for the next twist. This format made an already engaging thriller even more immersive.

***** AUDIOBOOK REVIEW *****

Let me just tell you this Audiobook completely earned it’s five stars! It might be one of my top readings of the year for thrillers. I’ve come to notice that I really like a serial killer and the police tracking them down or the court case, it seems to be those of the types of thrillers. I really like to read because I tore through this book 2 days and it was over and I am left kind of wanting to re-listen to it . A Victor method has really came out of nowhere for me the last two years he’s just had a fabulous book after fabulous book and he shows no signs of stopping. I am thrilled to see that this book has a number one next to it so that means or getting at least another book! Woo woo seriously I’m not even gonna go into the storyline because I don’t want to give you an injustice by spoiling anything for you. Read it the starting is like a mouth agape, shocked, kind of thing and once you get past that it’s much easier to read the first 10 minutes. It’s pretty difficult. I’ll be honest. It’s a crime and it’s a sad crime. But you will lose nothing by reading this OK maybe some sleep because you’re up reading lesson instead of sleeping.

The narration is completely fabulous. Saskia Maarleveld seriously kills this narration. Even though I always love to hear a male’s voice when there is a male thoughts going on in a storyline. I never miss out if it’s Miss Maarleveld or like Brittany Pressey, who is my absolute favorite narrator, you can’t go wrong with either of these two if they’re reading the entire thing. Absolutely fabulous. The ending had me shook. Like there was three hours left and I kept going oh my God something else has got to happen. There’s three hours left like they can’t be wrapping this up. So I did not think what was happening. Never mind I don’t wanna go into the storyline, but it shook me. Listen to it you won’t be disappointed.

This is going to be a hard review to write because I am so conflicted about this book. The writing was great, and the characters seemed well fleshed out. But I kept checking to make sure that I wasn’t reading the second or third part of the series because I feel like I started this book in the middle of something that was already going on. The introductions to the characters weren’t as great, and it already seemed like there was history and dialogue between them, so wow this book was very well written, it was hard to follow along with. I never quite grasped my footing with this book and I honestly never knew what was going on because of it.

This was totally gripping! It’s one of those reads where you start and suddenly it’s midnight, your tea is cold, and you’re like, “Just one more chapter, I swear!” The story? Oh, it’s got that delicious mix of mystery, courtroom drama, and just enough spine-tingling creepiness to keep you glancing over your shoulder.

The heroine—ugh, love her! She’s this mix of scrappy determination and heart that makes you root for her the whole way. The stakes are like so high, but she just keeps fighting because, hello, that’s what heroes do. And her squad? Let’s just say the dynamic is chef’s kiss.

But oh-em-gee, the tension in some scenes! I was like, “Is this gonna go there? Is it?!” And, spoiler alert, it totally does. Not in a gratuitous way, but like in a “this is so messed up, but I can’t look away” kind of vibe. And while the twists didn’t blow my mind, they still packed enough punch to keep me guessing.

Anyway, it’s a solid 4 stars from me because, like, some of the loose ends? A little frustrating. But overall, a thrilling start to what I’m guessing will be an epic series.

Big thanks to NetGalley for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review!

A thoughtful, slow burn mystery thriller from a legal POV. Creepy and disturbing at times, the reader is brought into the murder slowly and ask questions along with Piper, a guardian ad litem, which is a lawyer representing children. Typically these types of lawyers deal with a lot of custody disputes, but this is a story of a mass murder at a home where a young girl - Sophie- was the only survivor by jumping out the window.

The story's characters have very symbolic names- Sophie means wisdom. Piper makes me think of the Pied Piper who led all the children out of the country. The detective she worked with is Lazarus, symbolic of being risen from the dead or a second chance at life. The judge in the case is Hope, which speaks for itself. The audiobook narrator is good with a nice speaking voice and easy to follow over audio. Some books are difficult over audio but I found this to be very engaging and kept my interest.

Thanks to @netgalley and @brilliancepublishing for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review. Book published December 1, 2024.