Hal, newly separated from his wife, and taking a new job, moves to the very small town of Seco, Arizona, along with his son Devin. Unbeknownst to them, the town has been plagued by deaths and people going into comas from silence. Speakers have been set up all over town, blasting music, and homes leave their radios and TV sets on. Hal is determined to find out what’s going on, and what a ride it is, as we journey with Hal and the citizens of Seco as they seek answers.

The author is very skilled in creating the setting of a small and isolated town in the midst of the Arizona desert, with its sense of isolation and bleakness, and he employs it very well. For me, Seco was as much a main character as the people. While I can’t say that all the characters were well developed, and that the writing was, at times, not the best, the story moved along at a brisk and involving pace, keeping my attention, and I was able to overlook those minor flaws.

A very enjoyable read, especially for those who like horror.

My thanks to the publisher and to Netgalley for providing a copy of the book.

This book was a good read with short, entertaining chapters that helped move the story forward well. The author described the town well and was able to set the scenes. I feel a few of the characters could have been better developed, but you can't talk about ALL the people that live in a town. He did a good job of focusing on the main characters & the relationships between them.
The book had some religious themes and was not overly bloody or gory for a horror novel. Overall, I would recommend this book to someone looking for a good horror read that doesn't like a lot of overly gross descriptions.

"The Fear of Silence" by Nathan Smith Jones is a gripping horror novel set in the small town of Seco, Arizona. The story revolves around the main character, Hal Kapernum, a plant manager who has recently moved to the town with his son, Devin. The central conflict of the novel stems from the belief among the townspeople that silence is deadly and they must constantly fill the air with music and noise to stay alive.

One of the strengths of "The Fear of Silence" lies in its exploration of community dynamics and the fear of the unknown. As the residents of Seco grapple with the gruesome consequences of silence, the novel delves into the lengths people will go to protect themselves and their loved ones. This theme not only adds depth to the plot, but also serves as a reflection on the human condition and the primal instincts that drive us in times of adversity.

The author, Nathan Smith Jones, adeptly utilizes multiple points of view to tell the story, allowing readers to get inside the minds of various characters and witness the pervasive fear and paranoia that envelops the town. The writing style exudes a dark and mysterious tone, creating an atmosphere of tension that keeps readers engaged and eager to discover the truth behind the eerie phenomenon.

Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed reading "The Fear of Silence." The author's ability to create a chilling ambiance, combined with a well-developed plot and compelling characters, kept me captivated from beginning to end.

In light of its engaging storytelling, vivid portrayal of characters, and thought-provoking themes, I wholeheartedly recommend "The Fear of Silence" by Nathan Smith Jones to other readers. Fans of horror and psychological thrillers will find themselves fully immersed in this haunting tale of survival and the dark forces that lurk in the silence.

The story and tension of this novel makes up for the medium level writing. I loved that the town acted as a character and the story was so original. Overall an enjoyable horror novel.

The title alone drew me in. I stayed for the story! Absolutely amazing! I highly recommend this book!

4/5 ⭐️

"The quieter it gets the louder it gets in your head,"

This quote had me hook and refuse to release me.

From the start to the end the author does a really good job of setting a eerie atmosphere but also of giving the small town of Seco personality where it became part of the main cast of characters.

The thought of a virus causing silence had me hooked especially with someone who fears silence was a unique and interesting take on horror and building off of that fear was a creepy yet enjoyable ride.

Normally when it comes to horror I don't care for characters and their growth however I do wish the author gave us more insight on some of the the characters some felt flat others not as interesting as they could have been. I still love them just wish we saw more of them.

Overall this was a fun read and I'm excited to see what the author has in store for us.

Thank you to the publisher and netgally for providing me with a copy