This the first book I've read from Debra Webb's Shades of Death Series. It was entertaining however a tad too predictable for me. I did find the lead detective to be a fairly layered character. I had a hard time reconciling the female lead. She had suffered from PTSD for 18 years and is suddenly the fearless crime solver, taking chances and drawing conclusions the detective missed. That just took me away from the story. As suspense thrillers go, it was good, not great for me. I'd like to explore other titles in the series though, as perhaps my disillusionment with the heroine tempered my opinion.

Normally I’m not one to pick up a book in the middle of a series, but this book is great as a stand alone. And it definitely keeps you guessing!

This story jumps back and forth between a few points of view and between the past and the present. Tony LeDoux is down on his luck and when his niece goes missing, he has to use everything in his power to try to get her back. Jo Guthrie promised herself she’d never talk about what happened 18 years ago, but now all bets are off.

I could not put this book down. It read the way a Criminal Minds episode plays out and I am absolutely obsessed with serial killers. I had to know about the secrets Jo was hiding and I had to know what happened to her 18 years ago.

A novel filled with flawed characters, you’ll find yourself completely drawn into this story. And you might just stay up all night to figure out what’s going on.

This book is great! Had me at the edge of my seat. This story pulls you in from beginning to end! Debra Webb really is a great storyteller!!

I’ve been a big fan of Debra Webb’s Shades of Death thriller series and adored the first three instalments starring kickass police detective Bobbie Gentry and her shadowy beau Nick Shade, so I jumped on THE LONGEST SILENCE-- the fourth (and perhaps final?) entry in the series and (disgraced) former Special Agent Tony LeDoux’s story--when it came across my desk. BAU hotshot profiler Tony had been a fascinating character in the first three novels whose hubris put him through a harrowing experience at the hands of a sadistic serial killer, so I was curious to see how he’d made out in the aftermath of his life implosion and keen to see him as a leading man. The Tony LeDeux in THE LONGEST SILENCE is a shadow of his former arrogant self, a high-functioning alcoholic shell of a man pulled from the express train to perdition by the sudden disappearance of his niece and his sister’s desperate plea for his help. Not a particularly likeable character, but a sympathetic one with all the polish stripped off and whose redemption you can root for. In his search for his niece, Tony hooks up with Joanna Guthrie, the reclusive survivor of a disturbingly similar abduction that took place 18 years ago. Although a romance predictably develops between Tony and Jo, that’s the weakest aspect of THE LONGEST SILENCE-- intentionally so, since the book is a thriller rather than romantic suspense. So if you’re looking for romance, look elsewhere...but Ms. Webb is truly at her best with a plot so disturbing and serpentine that you’ll want read through the night with the lights on to get to the denouement. Masterful storytelling as always from Ms. Webb.

A killer stole her voice. Now she's ready to take it back. Don't miss the chilling Shades of Death series from USA TODAYbestselling author Debra Webb.

Joanna Guthrie was free. She had been for eighteen years--or so she needed everyone to believe. What really happened during the longest fourteen days of her life, when she and two other women were held captive by a dangerous serial killer, wasn't something she could talk about. Not after what they had to do to survive.

But when more women go missing in an eerily similar manner, Jo knows her prolonged silence will only seal their fates. She's finally ready to talk; she just needs someone to listen. FBI special agent Tony LeDoux can't deny he finds Jo compelling--he's just not sure he believes her story. But with the clock ticking, Jo will do anything to convince him, even if it means unearthing long-buried secrets that will land them squarely in the crosshairs of the killer...

* * * * *

This is a series that I have been following since the very first book and I do have to say that each book has only gotten better. If you are interested in my reviews of the other books in the series, just click on the titles.

A DEEPER GRAVE
NO DARKER PLACE
THE COLDEST FEAR

Now Ms Webb is quite the accomplished writer and if you would like to check out all of her series just click here to be taken to her website.

THE LONGEST SILENCE centers about Tony who was one of the secondary characters in the first few books but one whose story I wanted to learn more about. His niece has been taken and it is going to take all his skill along with help from Joanna to find her.

This book has all the tension and sharp turns that you would expect from Ms. Webb. We also are given quite the insight into the characters that make it all the easier to relate and care for them. The pacing is taut, the dialogue on point and goal is one that we can all cheer for.

I do recommend this book to any of my readers who enjoy a well written romantic suspense which is draw you into the story. While this book is the fifth in the series, it is well enough written to enjoy on its own though I do recommend starting from the beginning of the series.

***I received this book for free from Net Galley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by the publisher or author.

Unfortunately, this was a DNF for me. I really feel like I should have read the first couple of books int he series. I didn't care for the characters. I found the plot really slow.

This is a very dark narrative in which two damaged characters come together to solve a long hidden mystery. See my full review via the link below.

Just as a warning, I usually stay far away from any sorts of spoilers in my reviews. In this one I may dance around a few things, so be warned.

Two girls go missing on a college campus and with one of their uncles as a former FBI, we the reader get an inside look at the investigation as he inserts himself and tries to find his beloved niece.

Being the fourth in a series, I was nervous to pick up this book and get started, but as these books are self contained I didn't feel like I was missing anything by skipping ahead to this book. And after reading it, I am intrigued to go back and read the first three because this book was the perfect mix of creepy, murder and mystery!

The one thing that frustrated me from the beginning was Joanna Guthrie and due to her years of silence this happened to other women and she knew about it and basically didn't do anything. If she had just piped up a little she could have maybe saved a few lives and I couldn't get past that - it was hard.

I am not keeping this little character flaw thing against the whole book. I loved how the clues unfolded and the pacing was spot on. This is my first Debra Webb read, but will absolutely not be my last!

My Highly Caffeinated Thought: A completely addictive read filled with psychological mind games and a time sensitive investigation that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Wow. I mean…wow. THE LONGEST SILENCE is a dark and intense story centering around the abductions of girls who are then assaulted, starved, tortured, and forced to fight each other. Even with the complexity and the darkness of the story, the moments of honesty and heart give a much needed break to the macabre situation that the girls have been thrust into. The humanity depicted in girls, Joanna, Tony, and all those touched by this crime allow the reader to see that maybe there can be healing after all the pain.

Within this narrative, Webb managed to present pieces of the puzzle in front of us without giving it all away. The teasing the she does and the flashbacks that she gives her reader truly enticed me to keep going. Also, the psychological elements highlighted the eerie and sinister vibe the perpetrator had. I had serious chills while reading this book.

THE LONGEST SILENCE kept me reading way past my bedtime and it was worth every minute. I cannot wait to start to read the other books in the series as well as what is to come next.

Favorite Quotes:

Sharing the news of his divorce with his sister had been relatively easy, the career crash and burn, however, was a whole different ball game. He didn’t want to see the disappointment in her eyes. She’d always looked at him as if he was a hero, starting the day he’d kicked nine-year-old Lacon Turner’s butt for putting gum in her hair.

Shoulder-length hair badly in need of a wash. A few curly hairs that looked more like they belonged somewhere in the vicinity of his balls sprouted from his chin. Tony felt reasonably confident the tight, ripped jeans were cutting off the blood supply to his upper body and, more important, his brain.

The world we were snatched from no longer exists. There is only this place, this moment and our fears.

The darkness they had shared was an unspoken knowing between them. It was a bond that could never be broken.

My Review:

This was a gripping and well-crafted read that was devastatingly real. This was my first time reading Ms. Webb’s works and I am an instant fan. This book was the fourth in a series but had strong legs to stand-alone and kick-butt while doing so. The main premise of the storyline was itchy creepy with the type of nightmarish situations that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy, yet it wasn’t as gruesome or graphic as you would expect while still getting across the seriousness and ghastliness of their terrifying circumstances. Written from multiple POVs, the story threads were engrossingly intriguing and maintained a taut level of suspense while slowly relating the flinch-worthy and riveting details of the past and present crimes and the brutal and nefarious actions of those involved. I grew to admire and respect the deeply flawed and critically damaged characters and would be more than interested in delving into the rest of the series.

Review:

I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review; all opinions expressed are my own.

When I was pitched this book I was excited. That blurb just totally sucked me in and it sounded really great! This book is actually the fourth in a series, but don’t be afraid – it read perfectly well as a standalone. I’m still stunned that I had never heard of Debra Webb before this, I’m not sure how I’ve missed her!

Anyway, I really enjoyed this book. My chief “complaint” was that the formatting of the e-book on my phone was kind of wonky, so I sometimes had some trouble keeping track of who was talking. But that likely had nothing to do with the book and was due to me trying to use an iPhone instead of my Kindle.

I enjoyed the characters in this one. Knowing now that this is the fourth in the series, I’m curious to know more about Tony in the previous books. In the beginning of this one it’s painfully obvious that he’s hit rock bottom. As strange as it sounds, I would like to know how he got to that point. Enough was included so that I had a basic understanding of the situation, but there’s still something about taking that trip with the characters. I never fully trusted Jo’s character. There was no secret that she wasn’t telling the entire story, and honestly when the truth was finally revealed I was kind of surprised that she hadn’t just told Tony from the get-go. It wasn’t that terrible considering her situation … and to be honest, it wasn’t all that surprising either.

The plot itself was interesting and relevant. It didn’t feel like something I had read a million times over. That was refreshing. And it was interesting to follow the case with Jo and Tony until the ending. I did have some trouble keeping some of the bad guys straight, but in the end it all came together and made sense.

Overall I’m glad that I got the chance to read this book and find a new author. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more from Ms. Webb! Definitely recommended!

THE LONGEST SILENCE by Debra Webb is a captivating read, filled with twists and turns that will keep a reader on edge, and is definitely the kind of book that you won't be able to put down until the last page! Personally, this was quite a chilling read and I'm very interested in going back to the beginning of this series.

The truth of what happened to Joanna Guthrie eighteen years ago has kept her captive and reclusive because she preferred to bury it and never speak of it, but recent events, including abductions similar to hers have brought her nightmare to life and won't let her keep her silence anymore. Her quest to find the people behind her long nightmare may be dangerous but what compels her is much more powerful than her fears.

Tony LeDoux is a former FBI profiler whose dedication to the job cost him everything - his career and his wife. With his life spiraling down the drain, finding his missing niece might be the first step to redeeming himself and getting back up and Joanna is the key to the puzzle surrounding her abduction.

Two people whose experiences have left them badly damaged, may be the ones to take down criminals who have been operating under the radar for a very long time and in the process, find some healing for themselves.

Joanna was a very admirable character because she kept looking for patterns and even though she kept quiet for a long time, she acted when it counted and reclaimed a part of her life. Tony was much harder to get to know and for me, he's more like a supporting character in the story. I really wish there had been more to the story beyond the abrupt ending and I'm hoping there is some follow up story that lets readers catch up with these characters.

An enthralling and eerie thriller that showed the true meaning of courage, strength, and survival while facing the most horrid, cruel, and unthinkable crimes.
I am in awe of how the story was built, with just enough light and hope on the sidelines to keep the utter evil darkness from engulfing you in.
FBI special agent Tony LeDoux had a role in the previous stories of the series yet this book is a standalone novel, starting and concluding a different type of serial killer and criminal web, and can be read without being familiar with the previous books.
And Tony is not with the FBI anymore. The things he has had to face over his career, the things he has experienced, things that were done to him, the battle between the good and right and the crimes of the evil has taken a toll on him, on his career, his marriage, and his drinking. With a wish of just one more chance to get it right, he goes on a desperate hunt for the culprits who captured his niece amongst the other young girls.
Joanna Guthrie comes to Tony's aid, the intriguing, strikingly brave woman who gets Tony's attention. For nearly two decades Joanna has been hiding, from her family, from the world, from the terrible events she went through as a young college student, and from the secrets they swore they would never share with the world while fighting for their lives.
Joanna and Tony have more in common than they could imagine. The bond between them comes tight as they try to solve the web of lies, misdirection, and deceit of the wicked and stay away from the hairs of the law.
With their flaws and imperfections, the characters are compelling, amiable, and sympathetic. Both Tony and Joanna carry a heavy burden of terrible memories, a guilt of surviving, a guilt of not doing enough while facing the impossible. While with a fierce and perilous fight they are doing everything they can to find the victims before it is too late, they have to face their own demons and start to forgive themselves, to be able to build any kind of future and move on from the grisly crimes they have witnessed.
Brilliantly put together and written story that even with its heavy topic was impossible to put down until the end. The uncertain destinies of the characters make it captivating, the battles of mind games that they have to overcome to survive are alluring, the need to see the resurrection from the evil, from the past, from the hunted mind is enticing.
Vivid images, intense scenes, sharp plot twist with keen points, and smart, twisted developments combined with excellent writing left me in awe. A piercing story not to be missed by any thrilling suspense fans.
~ Five Spoons!

Joanna Guthrie has never fully recovered from a nightmare that happened to her 18 years ago. Joanna has been living in silence and she finally has found the courage to break this silence. Unfortunately, her nightmare is coming back to haunt her and it all seems to start happening again in real time to other women. Joanna is determined to put this to stop but can she with her previous trauma?
Tony LeDoux is a former FBI profiler who's life is falling apart. Tony lost his family and his career is falling down the toilet. Tony receives a phone call from his sister telling him that his niece is missing.

Tony and Joanna find each other trying to crack this mysterious "silence" of a case.

Have to admit that this wasn't something that stood out to me. This was another typical mystery series. I didn't feel very connected to Tony LeDoux and just felt like he was any other ordinary detective. Joanna's character was decent but I felt myself getting annoyed since I felt like at times she had more knowledge then the detective? We're supposed to believe that she's been living in silence with PTSD for 18 years, but she took more action then most of the characters in the book? Eh... not so much.

I most likely will not moving forward with this series since I have read so many series....... and this was nothing that stood out to me.

Overall 3 stars.

Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin for the advanced arc in exchange for an honest review.
Published to GR: 3/4/18
Publication date: 3/6/18

Thanks to #NetGalley I was able to read the newest book in the Shades of Death book, the Longest Silence
It was a good book, felt kind of like a spin-off from the other 3 books because it's focus on Anthony LeDoux instead of Bobbie and Nick.
It took me a bit to get into, but once I got into it, I enjoyed it.
You are following LeDoux on a case to find his niece. I can see more coming from LeDoux in the future. You do get to have a little Bobbie and Nick in the story. There was some news there, that I felt like was missing.
But I don't want to share too much.

4 1/2 STARS!

Heart-wrenching terror! Explosive fear brings a whole new aspect to Debra Webb's Shades of Death series as we delve into a case that hits way too close to home for a familiar face. A totally different type of case than the first part of the series revolved around, but no less intriguing! Well-developed characters lead us through an intricate plot purposely laid out in a way to keep us guessing about who was is involved, what the reasoning is, and whether it will all end with this case or not. Really enjoyed the cameo and update from previous characters!

For eighteen years, Joanna Guthrie has remained silent about the nightmare she lived through in college. Being one of two girls that walked away from a horrible situation after doing anything they had to in order to survive basically ended life as she knew it and began a new one where she never spoke of what happened, and never again thought of the bright future she once basked in. Now she has no other choice than to finally speak up ... because it's happening again ... teenagers have gone missing ... exactly the way she did!

FBI Special Agent Anthony LeDoux isn't sure what to make of Jo's story when she first approaches him, but he can't risk not believing her and things ending badly. Together they set out to follow leads based on what she knows from her captivity and what the current case is pointing to .. when too many similarities to ignore start occurring, they realize that they are truly onto something and power through to find the answers they all need ... will they find the girls in time, or will history re-write itself in a way no one ever expected?

Anthony LeDoux is a familiar character to those who have been following Debra Webb's Shades of Death series. Here, he's a pale and rather pathetic version of his uptight self in the previous 3 books—a jobless alcoholic after the breakdown of his marriage and an emblem, so to speak, of an FBI hero who, because of his hubris, has fallen far and in sore need of redemption. The latest case that involves his missing niece might just offer him that, but not before he encounters a survivor of a long-ago crime that bears a chilling similarity to this case.

THE LONGEST SILENCE sits in the suspense/thriller genre than in the romantic suspense one: LeDoux and Jo's relationship is superficial and one that's established because of a common motive they have in wanting to solve the mystery. Their hookup is made out to be a meaningless one from the start and thereafter, not entirely mentioned again; the hot-and-heavy never quite happens and neither do their growing feelings for each other. Their interactions thereafter consist of LeDoux trying to uncover what Joanna has been hiding from him as well as his running from place to place in desperation to form a credible picture of the entire crime scene and timeline.

Unlike Debra Webb's previous books in this series, I found myself less captivated by LeDoux and Jo than I was with Bobbie Gentry and Nick Shade. If I admired Bobbie's immense strength and fortitude and was somewhat seduced by Nick's enigmatic personality and the demons that haunted him, I couldn't quite say the same for Ledoux and Jo as a pair. Ms. Webb's superb writing kept me engrossed in the growing mystery and suspense and after I started looking at this book without its romantic elements—which was easy to do—LeDoux and Jo simply became protagonists that I didn't find myself personally getting invested in. I was instead, thrilled to see cameos by Bobbie and Nick—their presence and rare HEA made this book for me—whose introduction towards the end of the book also proved its turning point.

THE LONGEST SILENCE is nonetheless an engrossing read as it keeps you guessing how the connections are eventually going to work out. There are parts of the story that left me sceptical, but there's no denying that Ms. Webb's storytelling is masterful, but those who are looking for the tiniest speck of romance however might find themselves disappointed.

For eighteen years one woman has kept her silence over what happened to her and two other college age girls where only 2 of them walked away alive. After the other surviving victim takes her own life and a new group of girls goes missing Joanna Guthrie decides it time she goes back to the town where it all happened and finally tell her story hoping to stop whoever has been taking girls and torturing them for almost 2 decades.

One of the missing girls is Tony LeDoux's niece. Tony was the over eager FBI agent who was working to bring down the Storyteller killer in earlier books. He endure unspeakable things at the hands of the Storyteller and in its aftermath his marriage crashed and burned, he became and alcoholic and resigned from the FBI in fear he was about to lose his job anyways. When he gets the call from his sister that his niece is missing he knows he needs to clean up his act so he can be apart of the investigation.

Both Tony and Joanne are two broken people – both their lives and their spirits in tatters from the horrors of their past. Tony is the first person Joanne reaches out to and tells her story. They both struggle with trust issues at first but its not long before they become a great team. The book goes back and forth between the present day search to 18 years ago and what happened to Joanne.

The author throws one big red herring during the book so your kept guessing who all the “bad” guys are right up until the end. The main couple from the previous books make an appearance to help Tony which was a nice bonus.

Another great suspense that kept you on the edge of your seat..

t’s been almost 20 years since Joanna Guthrie was kidnapped and held along with two other women for 14 horror filled days. Jo doesn’t like to think about what she did to survive, she never talks about it. But now more women are disappearing and Jo knows she might be able to help. She decides to tell the truth about what happened to her, the problem is FBI agent Tony LeDoux isn’t sure he believes her. This was a fast paced thriller that grabbed me from the get go, Webb creates the ultimate villain

Joanna Guthrie has kept silent for 18 years. She and 2 other young women were kidnapped, tortured and made to do unspeakable things then released after 2 weeks. Now it appears the same thing is happening to other young women. Joanna goes to ex FBI agent for Tony LeDoux to tell him her story. Tony’s doesn’t believe her at first. Tony’s niece has been kidnapped and as he hears more fromJoanna about what happened to her he begins to believe her. They have to find Tony’s niece before it’s too late.

This is part of the Shades of Death series. It is full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing. It also has cameo appearances by characters from previous books. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy of this book.