We have all probably heard the phrase "Dead Silence". Robin Caroll has written a new book that gives a whole new meaning to the phrase. Her book entitled just that "Dead Silence" is a spell-bounding suspense filled story. The lives of the characters is not what you normally would read. It's amazing how the author has taken a story that will have you trying to figure out what happened and who done it. I've always admired those who can sign and communicate with the deaf. I just never think much on someone's ability to read lips. Elise possess such a talent not only to sign to her deaf son but to read lips. Which eventually brings danger to her front door and her extended family. Why? Who? What? Where? How? READ THE BOOK!!
Blessings,
Karen
Rating: 5*
I requested a copy of this book and all opinions are my own.

Elise is a sign language interpreter and a widow with a 7 yr old deaf son. Elise accidentally lipreads a plot to assassinate Elise’s mother in law who is a US Senator. The story follows the investigation of the murder. I enjoyed the book. I liked how Elise has to regain her faith in God as the story goes. I didn’t like how one of the FBI agents was very rude and unprofessional. I would recommend this for those looking for a good read.

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read this story.

Over the past couple of years, I have not read as much in the suspense and thriller genre as I normally do, mostly because I read almost exclusively for the purpose of reviewing rather than free reading, but also for the sake of enjoying more peaceful stories. Nevertheless, when the opportunity arises to review a Christian suspense book, I tend to go for it. It makes for a nice change of pace once in a while, especially when the author is one I know spins a good yarn. Last year I read “Stratagem” and was very impressed, so I was eager to read another novel by Robin Caroll.

As soon as I heard that “Dead Silence” featured a court sign language interpreter, Elise Carmichael, as the main character, I was in! This despite the political aspect, because as much as I hate politics, I have always been fascinated with sign language. I watched the 1962 film version of “The Miracle Worker” in high school so many times that I had all of the dialogue memorized. So this book beckoned to me, and even more so when I learned that Elise’s seven-year-old son, Sawyer, is deaf and mute. Elise’s job and skills are what entangle the two of them in a harrowing investigation related to the assassination of Senator Lilliana York, Elise’s mother-in-law. So far, so good; I appreciated that while this story takes place in the political realm, the mystery and suspense are the focus, and I honestly had a difficult time putting it down due to the quick pace.

Caroll skillfully writes a strong faith element into “Dead Silence.” Elise has drifted away from God in bitterness and anger over her son’s perceived disability and her husband’s death, which makes her a sympathetic character whose coming-home journey is fraught with distrust and fear. Most of us can relate to some degree: “Maybe that’s why she had been so resistant to turn back to God. Putting Sawyer, the one thing, the one person she loved more than anything else in this world, into anyone else’s hands besides her own terrified her.” We know from Scripture that God causes all things to work together for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28) and that He is higher and greater than all else, and Elise comes to truly understand this throughout the novel.

There are some points of this story that kept this from being a 5-star read for me. While I can attest that many people do not know how to do their jobs, I found the degree of ineptness demonstrated by the FBI in this book rather farfetched. Elise and her entourage are more capable and have more connections than I thought likely, as well; although I loved their proficiency, I did not think it very credible overall. Some details are left out, such as how the assassin enters the Senator’s home undetected, and one of the main characters in the beginning of the story suddenly drops out for the rest of the narrative. I did think that the ending was too tidy and abrupt after all of the detail and the rather slow passage of time prior, but I was nonetheless rather pleased with the resolution. All of this is to say that while I did have some issues with certain elements, I still enjoyed “Dead Silence” very much, and if you are able to suspend disbelief a bit, this is a gripping story of murder, conspiracy, healing, and the power of both a mother’s love for her son and God’s love for us.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

This was my third novel by Robin Caroll so I was sure it would be good, and it was! Stratagem and Weaver’s Needle were previous works of hers that I read and reviewed. Dead Silence interested me in that it involved lip reading and a murder plot. Elise worked in the courts as a deaf interpreter. She happened to be at the courthouse when she lip read a security guard telling of a plan to murder a senator. Her seven year old son was born deaf mute and was injured and on the way to the ER before she had time to react to the threat.
After the murder was carried out, Elise began receiving packages with warnings in them. Scared for her and her son’s safety, she installed a security system. Local law enforcement as well as the FBI became involved. Lots of action was involved including kidnapping and leaks within the system. Elise had strong support from her sister-in-law and her stepfather-in-law in spite of the grief they were going through. Sawyer, Elise’s son, added a sweet character to the mix. He was well versed in lip reading also and very intelligent. She was very protective of him, which was natural and understood. This story kept me spellbound and enthralled throughout. There were no dull spots at all. My daughter is a speech language pathologist so the premise of the story caught my interest right off. I tried to learn American Sign but it was difficult for my tired old brain. I think it should be offered in high school as an alternative to foreign language.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review.

Elise will need to pull all reserves of bravery, intelligence, logic and perseverance in order to handle the death of her mother-in-law and all that follows. If only she could call on the God that she had turned away from since the time of her husband’s death.

Within days of Lillian York’s death, the fact that Elise read the lips of a man promising to carry out the murder becomes known and threats begin. Gifts arrive with accelerating threats of seriousness. Elise is at a loss as to how to keep her son, Sawyer, and herself safe. His deafness and recent arm injury only complicate things.

Ms. Caroll’s characters are intense while remaining believable. Elise’s turn away from God is understandable and not overdone. Her return to faith comes at a time when most would see it as comforting, not superficial. This is definitely a page-turner. They mystery soon becomes apparent but how it unfolds keeps the reader’s interest to the end.


I received an ARC from Barbour Publishing, Inc. through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under no obligation to do so.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This book was different than books I tend to like in that there was no romance and it only contained one POV character. There were also some scenes that didn’t have enough action for my tastes. Overall, the suspense was good but I would have liked it to be more consistent throughout the book. It got better as the book went on and I was able to guess who was behind the murder fairly early on in the book. I’m not sure how I felt about one of the FBI agents being so rude and disrespectful but I understand that it does happen in real life. The storyline was interesting and I wanted to see how it would wrap up. It was a decent book but a few things weren’t to my tastes.

3.5 Stars

The premise of Dead Silence is unique and interesting. A court sign language interpreter lip-reads a threat to someone, and the chase is on. Add in the element of Elise’s deaf son, and the character is given some depth.

This story is told exclusively from Elise’s point of view as the suspense unfolds. She’s a strong character who makes some questionable choices at times. The supporting characters who come around Elise gave this novel a boost as well.

However, the way the author portrayed the FBI in this book left a lot to be desired. One agent was rude and unprofessional, and the other seemed to simply follow the clues Elise and her friends uncovered. I personally would have liked a little more actual investigation on their part.
Add to that the fact I figured out early on who the culprit was, and the suspense fell a little bit flat for me.

That said, Elise’s relationship with her son made this read worth my time. And even though I’m a fan of romance in my suspense, the lack of it in this book did not deter from the story. Overall this was an entertaining escape with some downsides but plenty of positives, too.


Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Have you ever wondered “why”? Sat up nights and railed against God, Who could have changed circumstances, but did not? The beautiful spiritual message resonated with this reader who, at times, had not been speaking with the Lord due to unanswered “why’s”. It is also excellent If you enjoy exciting suspense novels without romance. I loved it! While I could not wait to learn whodunit, I did not want it to end. The author offers captivating, well-developed characters and an expertly executed plot. Even though I had a good idea whodunit, I eagerly followed the drama to learn the full background.

Elise is a young widow with an adorable seven-year-old son, Sawyer. He is a cheerful boy who was only two when his daddy died while deployed with the Marines. Sawyer was born deaf and mute. He can lip read and use American Sign Language like a pro. Elise went to college to learn all she could about communicating with the deaf and became a specialist. She interprets in court for those who are deaf. One day when leaving a trial, she saw a guard in the federal courthouse and read his lips that her mother-in-law, Lilliana York, a long-time US Senator, would be taken care of permanently that night, and to wire the money to him.

As she digested that, she got a call that Sawyer was injured on the playground and was on his way to the emergency room. In a panic, she raced to the hospital, forgetting everything else. Sawyer had a broken wrist and needed her care. The next morning, Elise had to finish interpreting for the trial she was in, so Hallie, who works part time at Sawyer’s school, would watch Sawyer until it was over. Elise heard on TV that Lilliana’s husband found her murdered that morning. Elise planned to go to office of the US Attorney after the trial.

She didn’t have to go, however. FBI agents awaited her in the lobby of the courthouse, and she told them what she saw and why she didn’t report it the prior day. Her son needed her to interpret for him at the hospital, and everything but his care went out of her thoughts. After their meeting, she went home to break the news to Sawyer that his beloved grandmother died. Then the anonymous threats began. Every time the agents were at her home, Elise received another threat. The worst happened – Sawyer was kidnapped without a trace.

Elise could not trust the FBI; it seemed they had a leak. She would not trust God anymore. Her anger at the Lord for allowing her innocent child to be born deaf and mute, then taking his father away, now his grandmother. Her sister-in-law, Mary Ellen, continued to pray for and encourage Elise amidst the grief of losing her mother, yet Elise did not want to ask God for anything.

With help from a completely unexpected source, as well as Mary Ellen and Lilliana s husband Noland, Elise tries desperately to find Sawyer before time runs out. The man who killed Lilliana was found dead, and the one leaving threatening packages for Elise died after a police shootout. Finding the person behind the killings was a true challenge. One little clue led me to my pet suspect, which was later confirmed. This was such a breathtaking suspense novel! There were surprises at the end and I was very satisfied. I highly recommend this to anyone who appreciates thrilling novels of intrigue with faith struggles and wonderful characters.

From a thankful heart: I received an eARC of this novel from Celebrate Lit, the publisher, and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

Because Elise Carmichael’s son was deaf and mute, she had learned ASL (American Sign Language) and lipread. What she “heard” across the lobby the of the Arkansas Federal Courthouse shook her to the core, but she promptly forgot it moments later when she received word that her son had been injured and taken to the hospital with a broken hand he received after falling at the playground. She forgot about the overheard conversation until the next day when she received word that her mother-in-law had been murdered the previous night. Thus begins the story that would lead to her being accused of murder and her son being kidnapped to keep her quiet.

This faith-based thriller explores the anguish of a widowed mother trying to balance her and her families safety with the need to allow the police to investigate the murder of a U.S. Senator - a tight rope she was not sure she could handle well. In the process she will learn to increase her trust in God - whether in the midst of fear, anger, or disappointment.

The book easily could find its way into a public, church, or a believer’s private library. The author does not push God upon the reader, but allows him or her to face the issue of faith along with Elise and her family and friends. The book might make a good birthday or Christmas gift for a non-believing friend or family member. Easily, a five-star book from this author.
______________
This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Loved this suspenseful story about a mother (Elise) desperate to protect her deaf and mute son(Sawyer) from those threatening their harm. All the while, Elise struggles with her beliefs. She had walked away from her belief in God after losing her military husband 5 years prior. And now that her and her son is in danger, she is forced to revisit her beliefs being desperate to hold on to hope of some kind. This is the element that really spoke to me. As humans we wrestle with idea of a living God against evils that happen to us and have trouble reconciling the two. Yet those very evils can be the catalyst that brings us back to God. And could it be that some of the perceived evils are really Gods protection in disguise. This is one of those books that has enough action and suspense to keep the reader interested while also introducing elements that educate or provoke thought. I love the elements of a mother’s fierce protection, being born deaf and mute, friendship from unlikely places, and support if families. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Robin Caroll knows how to write a good book. I thoroughly enjoyed this read. From beginning to end there was never a dull moment.

Something really cool about this book, is it ended with Genesis 50:20. How cool is that? I loved that and it made me smile.

Even though I was pretty sure I knew who was behind the murder pretty early on that didn’t take away from the interest of the book because there were so many players and many other things going on.

I appreciate Elise’s heart for her son. I can’t imagine being a single mother and also dealing with a disability and then threats that start to come.

Overall, a very good read. If you enjoy suspenseful books you will enjoy this one.

A copy of this book was given to me through the Celebrate Lit Team. All opinions are my own.

Robin Carroll, a new author, has created a strong, resilient lead character in this book. She will stop at nothing to keep he son safe after her mother-in-law is murdered.

The main character Elise, a widow, and court sign language interpreter, has just read the lips of a man saying her mother-in-law, a senator, would be murdered! Before she can report that to the authorities, she is called away by the news her deaf son, Sawyer, has been injured and is in the hospital. After she deals with that and returns home, she forgets to report what she heard about her mother-in-law.

The next morning she finds out that her mother-in-law has been killed. Elise reports the details of the conversation she "read" to FBI agents, and now her and Sawyer’s lives are being threatened. Elise take matters in her own hands and try to solve the murder herself after several attempts are made against her and her son..

This story has a Chrstian element to it and some of the characters rely on God to help them cope with threatening things while others express their doubt of His care. This is an easy to read book. It is well-written and a fast paced story. I would pass it on to friends to read.

This is an exhilarating adventure experience that I really enjoyed. I found the sign language and lip reading interesting and it kept me reading till the end. I felt how Elise was treated by the one FBI Agent disturbing but I also understand how some personalities clash and have seen professionals act rudely so it was believable. Elise growth in her Faith was woven in and her love for her son was evident from the beginning. An enjoyable thrill ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

We take so much for granted, and when the author gives us a woman whose son is deaf, and she now works as a sign language interpreter, and she reads lips. A gift? Well, yes, but her seven year old does and thus watch TV cartoons, wonderful! Then, she accidentally reads the lips of a man that becomes very personal, but life intervenes before she is able to act on it.
This story quickly became a page turner for me, looking for answers, the family is dealing with grief, then being tormented, and why?
I had my suspect from the very beginning, and yes, I was right, but there are many side stories, and life happenings that just kept this a great read.
You will end up with your heart in your throat, and not know whom to trust, and in the end one person has so little regard for human life, and is full of greed.
I received this book through the Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.

So my favorite thing about the book had to have been the simple, yet easily forgotten message that even when you feel like God is not listening or you don’t get the answer you prayed for, God is ALWAYS there. listening to your every word, and He has a plan for us – even when we can’t see it. I really liked reading about Elise’s (the main character) spiritual journey , because you can tell at the beginning of the book, that she felt like God had abandoned her and He didn’t care about her and her son anymore. I also loved the support that Elise received from her sister – in – law, Mary Ellen. Here’s a quote that sums up what I liked about the book;

There were a couple of things that I didn’t like about the book, like that the FBI agents seemed incompetent and weren’t doing their job. Throughout the story, Elise and her family (and Wesson) were the ones who found any leads, the FBI just kind of stood around. The other thing I didn’t care for was that there is no romantic sub-plot. I guess I’m so used to always reading about a hero and a heroine who fall in love by the end of the book, that when it wasn’t there, I really missed it.

All that being said, I did enjoy the book (especially the end) and would recommend the book to anyone who likes to read suspense books, but doesn’t like the romantic aspects (like my brother and sister). I will also check out other books by this author (I just bought two on my Kindle)

Overall, I rated the book 3 out of 5 stars and I only gave it three stars because it “wasn’t my cup of tea”, but I would encourage you to read it and decide for yourself.

Special thanks to Net Galley, Robin Caroll, and Celebrate Lit for letting me read and review this book – all opinions are my own.

A unique thriller/mystery centered around a widowed mother and her deaf child. The action jump starts on page one and does not ease up until the very end. This book does a great job showcasing the deaf community. An aspect that is not highlighted near enough in fiction.

There were a few points that I disliked. But any mystery that I can figure out within the first half of the story always tend to let me down. I did enjoy this fast-paced story and the glimpse into a minority group of people.

This book was a super unique and cool twist on suspense—I mean, Elise has a deaf son, and is a lip reader and sign language-er (what's even the right term here? Maybe interpreter?) at the courthouse. Obviously, she sees something she wasn't supposed to, and now someone wants her silenced.

It was a good, suspenseful book, but...(there's always that one little word, isn't there?) I don't know. The writing seemed almost...amateurish?

Don't get me wrong, it was not at all like a middle-schooler had written it (nothing against middle schoolers, y'all, but your writing is supposed to mature with you). Usually the story hooked me. But then sometimes there were just those little words or phrases that completely took me out of the story.

The plot was engaging, and when I expected a romance to bloom, it didn't (the main reason for that being that one of the parties involved was married, though that fact wasn't brought out until over halfway through the book), so that was actually a pleasant surprise. The rookie agent, though? I felt like her character was...overplayed? I mean, her arrogance and condescending attitude made her character more real and diverse, I suppose, but I think it may have been a little bit over-the-top.

I appreciated Elise's gradual wading back into her faith and prayer life (and if that was a spoiler, please forgive me), but somehow it seemed...detached from the mystery. Which doesn't make a whole lot of sense, seeing as how it was prayer that got her through it all, but...I don't know. I wasn't a huge fan of that.

Sawyer was super cute, though, and while he wasn't perfect, he wasn't a spoiled brat either, so that was utterly fabulous.

(And detective Rodriguez? Give the man a high five, for both his patience and his work!)

Elise is a widow and a court reporter who happened to read the lips of a guy talking on the phone with another man standing by. She is proficient in reading lips because her son, Sawyer was born deaf. What she read was someone wanted her mother-in-law, a state senator, dead. Then while she was was processing the fact, she receives a call that Sawyer has been injured and taken to the hospital. She forgets everything as she rushed to her son’s side. Next day she hears that her mother-in-law has been murdered. Thus begins a harrowing tale of murder, kidnapping and murderous threats all aimed at Elise because she has told the FBI all she knows and tried to identify the two men. Even when she does not fully trust the FBI and feels that they are too slow in acting. Elise afraid for her son does much of the “acting” on her own, much to the despair of the agents…….You need to hold onto your seats as you read this book……(An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.)

I have read several of Caroll's novels and this one is not her best. On the positive side, I liked the relationship Elise had with her son. There is also a strong Christian message included. On the negative side, the plot was not very engaging. I knew who the bad guy was early on. No subtle hints there. I found it irritating that it seemed everything the FBI did was wrong. Elise and her sidekicks could find out much more information than the FBI, which seemed implausible. The husband of the murdered woman recalls a threatening phone call his wife had made a few days before her death but reveals it to Elise about two thirds of the way through the novel. He never thought to tell the FBI when they interviewed him? And there was a point when Elise wants to go over the time line so she and the others rehash all that has happened. That did not move the plot and seemed to only fill a few needed pages.

I have enjoyed other novels from Caroll and reading this one will not deter me from catching her next one.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Elise already has her hands full as a single mom taking care of her deaf son and working as an ASL interpreter for courthouse. She reads the lips that someone is going to killer her mother in law, a state senator. The mother in law is murdered and the killers are coming after Elise and her son.
I enjoyed the book, but solved who the person behind the murder was at about half way through. I didn't find the book as suspenseful as other of Robin Caroll's books, but it is an enjoyable read.

I received a complimentary copy through Net Galley, but all opinions are my own.