A good story set in Wales.
The first half of the book was slow and there were twists that I didn’t see coming. I enjoyed this book and felt like the ending was unexpected.

Enjoyed this book, a first I have read by this author. Really liked the character of Gaby and would look out for more in the series of her stories. Interesting plot with plenty of twists, kept me guessing to the end!

A really good read with some great twists. I'm new to the author but I will look out for more in the future!

Bit of a slow burn for me and I really had to push myself to finish it. An ok read but quite predictable at times.

This was a story of a missing baby, who is taken for a ride by her mothers boyfriend and they never return. Neither the efforts of the police or the mother amateur efforts have managed to find out what happened. Great story with lots of twists and turns.

Wales has a special place in my heart, my grandfather being a Swansea man, so I was delighted to discover a new crime series set there. Although not familiar with St David’s I found I could easily picture the location, and it made me long to visit. It has been too long since I was last in Wales!

Missing in Wales gripped me from the first page. I am not a mother myself, so I can only imagine the agony of losing a child, but reading this book you can almost feel Izzy’s pain. It is truly heartbreaking. As the truth around Alys’s disappearance unfolded I found it impossible to put this book down. It kept me guessing throughout as I tried to work out the puzzle. All too often now I find that crime thrillers are either too easy to guess the ending, or so incredibly complicated that even by the end of the book you still aren’t sure who did it, or how the investigators reached their conclusion. Missing in Wales is perfectly balanced to keep you on the edge of your seat, but not completely blow your mind with confusing conclusions.

I loved headstrong, determined Gaby, a woman fighting not to be defined by her past, and I look forward to getting to know her better.

This is the type of book that you want to devour in one sitting, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

This was just too slow for me and really dragged in places.
I was unable to feel any emotional attachment to the characters.
It was struggle to finish with the killer fairly obvious.

*5 Stars*

Copy kindly received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a really good read with very interesting characters. Enjoyed this, and would recommend.

Brilliant book, so many twists and turns and false leads. Loved the characters and a satisfying ending to a good read

This book was absolutely gripping! I couldn't stop turning the pages. Its every mothers worst nightmare. There were lots of twists and turns and it grabs your attention from beginning to end.

Gripped me right away .. your loving partner disappearing with your newborn .. what could be worse? Full of red herrings (the biggest one takes a long time to track down) and lots of creepy males! I truly wanted to know what happened next and cleverly I felt a step ahead of police in my suspicions. That's a writer's gift to create .. Well done , even crafty! Maybe too much twisting and c turning and I had to keep turning back to work out timing ...

Izzy 's new baby Alys is missing. After a long and futile search, the police find no evidence or leafs on the baby anywhere. Izzy is consumed by worry. This is one heck of a thriller. I was not putting this book down until I knew who took the baby and why. The plot has some unexpected twists to it. However, I am not sure I was thrilled with the ending. It was kind of unexpected. I did love the book though very much.

Silent Cry (Detective Gaby Darin # 1)
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Silent Cry
(Gabriella Darin #1)
by Jenny O'Brien (Goodreads Author)
4.11 · Rating details · 671 ratings · 116 reviews
‘This is one gripping book!’ Clare Chase, author of the Tara Thorpe Mystery books

Alys is fine. Don’t try to find us.
Five years ago, Izzy Grant’s boyfriend Charlie took their newborn daughter Alys out for a drive.

They never came back.

After years of waiting, Izzy has almost given up hoping that they’re still alive – until a note is pushed through her door telling her they’re fine, not to look for them. Suddenly the case is top priority again, and Izzy is swarmed with faces from the past: the detective who was first on the scene to help; an old friend who vanished not long after Alys and Charlie.

Izzy doesn’t know who she can trust, who is sending her notes, where Charlie and Alys might be. Her only ally is DC Gabriella Darin, recently transferred from Cardiff and fleeing a painful past of her own.

Gaby knows something doesn’t fit with the case, and she knows Izzy won’t rest until she finds out what really happened to her daughter. Could someone she knew and trusted really have taken Alys from her?

Wherever Alys and Charlie are, Gaby is determined to find them, no matter what it takes. Somewhere in Izzy’s past is a clue, if Gaby can only find it…

A gripping and unputdownable thriller for fans of Patricia Gibney, LJ Ross and Angela Marsons.

Previously published as Missing in Wales. This edition contains editorial revisions.

Readers LOVE Jenny O’Brien!
‘Wow – this book had me on the edge of my seat!… I loved every minute of it.’ Goodreads reviewer

‘LOVED IT.’ Goodreads reviewer

‘I loved this book… A couple of times I thought I had it all solved, but I was SO wrong!!’ Goodreads reviewer

‘I devoured it and wanted to read the next in the series immediately!!’ Goodreads reviewer

‘Kept me reading into the small hours… An unexpected twist at the end.’ Goodreads reviewer

‘Thrilling… Amazing book, I couldn’t put it down.’ Goodreads reviewer

‘I absolutely loved this book… Jenny O’Brien is quickly becoming one of my favourites!’ Goodreads reviewer

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Published April 17th 2020 by HQ Digital
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Average rating4.11 · Rating details · 671 ratings · 116 reviews

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Jennifer Thornburgh,
Jennifer Thornburgh, start your review of Silent Cry (Detective Gaby Darin # 1)

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Luvtoread
May 12, 2020Luvtoread rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Unexpected Killer Of An Ending!

Izzy Grant has a newborn baby and is exhausted by the all the sleepless nights and round the clock feedings, so her boyfriend Charlie decides to take baby Alys out for a few hours to give Izzy a well needed break and to get a little rest. Charlie and Alys never came home that day and they were never seen again, although Izzy did receive a postcard from Charlie that Alys was safe with him but they were not coming home. Days turned into weeks, then months of continuous searching and no sign of them or even their minivan Fast forward five years, Izzy is still grieving the loss of her child and has been in a depressed state of mind yet never giving up on finding her little girl again. One day she spots her old best friend Grace in the village but Grace doesn't acknowledge her and Izzy remembers how hurt and angry she was that Grace left town without a word the day or two after Alys and Charlie disappeared. Izzy reports the sighting to the hard-working and well respected DI Rhys Walker who worked endlessly trying to solve this case and now he will do everything in his power to help Izzy find out what happened to her precious daughter and the man who took her away.

This was a very good story taking place in Wales. The first half of the book moved a little slow but then picked up and there were twists that I didn't see coming. I really enjoyed this book and was really pleased with the unexpected ending. I hope to read other books by Jenny O'Brien in the near future.

I want to thank the publisher HQ and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this terrific detective mystery and any opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!

I highly recommend this book and have given a rating of 4 Unexpected 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!! (less)
flag68 likes · Like · 10 comments · see review
Brenda
Oct 23, 2019Brenda rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Shelves: own-read, uk-author, crime, read-on-kindle, 2019-release, mystery, 5000-2019
Izzy Grant, her partner Charlie and their beautiful newborn daughter Alys were happy but exhausted – as all families with babies tend to be. But when Charlie drove away with Alys to give Izzy a couple of hours rest, she had no idea that would be the last time she would see them. The police did their best for the first year; but their best wasn’t enough. Five years later, Izzy’s grief hadn’t lessened – her shock when she received the postcard saying Alys was fine put her in more turmoil.

DC Gabri ...more
flag30 likes · Like · 2 comments · see review
Pauline
Apr 08, 2020Pauline rated it liked it
Shelves: netgalley
Izzy’s is devastated when her partner takes their newborn daughter out and never returns home.
Five years later she receives a note telling her that the baby is fine and to stop looking.
A slow moving story that failed to keep my interest.
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
flag16 likes · Like · see review
Carla Johnson-Hicks
Jul 21, 2019Carla Johnson-Hicks rated it really liked it
Shelves: blog-tour, thriller-suspense, received-from-publisher-or-pr-co, mystery
Missing in Wales is a mystery with a suspenseful storyline. Baby Alys and her father Charlie went out the shops one day and did not return. The party line was that Charlie took her and was living elsewhere. The police gave up the search and Izzy had to move on with her life. Fast forward five years and things start to happen. Izzy glimpses her friend Grace who also disappeared at the same time as Charlie and Alys, a postcard is delivered that tells Izzy that Alys is fine, but she needs to leave ...more
flag11 likes · Like · 2 comments · see review
Shalini
May 24, 2020Shalini rated it really liked it
Quite an exciting read with a missing child kidnapped by a boyfriend.

Izzy was mad with worry where 5 years on she saw a lost friend who didn't acknowledge her. Her only hope was the cop in charge of the investigation, Gaby.

My first book by this author, I was pulled in by the story. I didn't like the characters but the plot line kept my curiosity perked up. A missing child always piques my interest.

The writing though slow to begin with, soon sped up. Twists and turns made it more exciting. Quite a thrilling captivating read.

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flag6 likes · Like · comment · see review
booklover BEV
Jun 15, 2019booklover BEV rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
This book tells the story of Izzy Grant finding happiness with Charlie Dawson and excited to be awaiting the arrival of their first child. But nothing is straight forward for Izzy as you read on. After the birth of baby Alys, Charlie takes her and goes missing. DI Rhys Walker on the case and five years on DS Gaby Darin joins the case with their disappearance. This book is full of twists and turns to the story. You will be gripped into it all. There's so much happening I recommend it to all readi ...more
flag5 likes · Like · comment · see review
Rebecca
May 20, 2020Rebecca rated it really liked it
I love a gripping crime thriller, and Silent Cry by Jenny O’Brien certainly delivered on that front. This is the first book in O’Brien’s ‘Detective Gaby Darrin’ series. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I’m already looking forward to the second in the series, Darkest Night, which is due out in July. With such a bombshell of an opening, I was hooked from the get-go and I became completely invested in the investigation which unfolds within the pages, that of which spun me round and around with numerous ...more
flag4 likes · Like · see review
Fictionophile
Jul 21, 2019Fictionophile rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: police-procedurals, read-in-2019, wales, rachel-s-random-resources
My complete review can be found on my blog: https://fictionophile.com

DC Gaby Darin has just moved to Pembrokeshire, Wales after a difficult work-related experience in Swansea. She is teamed up with DCI Rhys Walker, a man who seems to have hidden secrets but is a copper that she respects.

Izzy Grant has tried to move on with her life. She now runs a cottage industry which supplies knitted goods. She lives alone with her rescue cat, Bucket. Five years ago, her partner and one week old daughter vani ...more
flag5 likes · Like · comment · see review
Alison Davis
Apr 07, 2020Alison Davis rated it really liked it
Silent Cry is the first outing for DC Gabriella Darin, or Gaby as she is known. Gaby already has a chequered past in her police career but as the heroine of this crime drama Jenny O’Brien has made her an empathetic one. The story centres on Izzy whose partner Charlie and newborn daughter Alys disappeared without trace some five years previously. Izzy is trying to move on but she suddenly receives a card purportedly from Charlie. As events escalate the police in the form of DI Rhys Walker and his ...more
flag3 likes · Like · comment · see review
Samantha
Aug 25, 2019Samantha rated it really liked it · review of another edition
I wont lie, I normally judge books by their covers. The Goodreads cover is pants. The Kindle cover is so much better. In fact I saw this book on book bub the other day for FREE and thought you know what I'll give it a go. It's free after all. I'm so glad I did. It was fab. Cant wait for the next 1.
flag3 likes · Like · see review
Sharon
Jul 24, 2019Sharon rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: sharon-2019, blog-tour-books, rachel-random-resources, jenny-o-brien
This is a heart-breaking tale for Izzy when her partner, Charlie takes her one week old baby, Alys out to give her a rest and neither of them return. The police can find no sign of them anywhere and Izzy struggles to come to terms with the fact that she may never see her baby daughter again. Five years later, Izzy is still holding out hope that she will find Alys, and when she thinks she sees Grace, her heavily pregnant friend who also disappeared at the same time as Charlie and Alys, she persua ...more
flag3 likes · Like · comment · see review
M
Aug 26, 2019M rated it liked it · review of another edition
A solid, well-written police procedural set in Wales

This is the second book of a series, but I was able to read it as a stand-alone. The missing-baby-and-father storyline is well-plotted, with twists that followed what seems to be coincidental turns. Protagonist DC Gaby Darin—who is intelligent, intuitive, outspoken, and tough—says she’s a fat girl with sturdy ankles and broad feet. I enjoyed following Gaby as she investigates a missing-baby cold case with DI Rhys Walker. It’s thought that Izzy Grant’s baby, named Alys, was kidnapped by Charlie Dawson—Izzy’s lover and her baby’s father. This case has haunted DI Walker for five years, and he’s kept an eye on Izzy, who still suffers from the loss of her baby.

I had difficulties warming to DI Walker and the other misogynistic murder cops. But he’s concerned about Izzy and protective of her, especially after an attempt on her life. As the case progressed, he seemed more and more taken with Izzy—to the point of obsession, even before another murder attempt. OTOH, I liked police FLO Amy Potter, who befriends Gaby, and also Gaby’s boss, DCI Brazil-North. I was leery of Grace Madden, Izzy’s once-close-friend who’s featured in a twisty subplot.

3.5 stars. I liked this solid police procedural, but the story needed more credible suspects instead of a limited pool, which made it easier to pick a culprit.

Silent Cry is a suspense thriller. Izzy is exhausted with a new baby and sleepless nights. Boyfriend Charlie takes the baby out for a few hours to give her a break. Five years later there is still no sign of them!! What happened?? The case has been closed with no clues and no evidence! UNTIL....the reappearance of a friend who disappeared the same time!! The case is reopened and headed by the same detective from five years ago, who happens to be a brother of Izzys best friend. He's also highly attracted to Izzy.
I loved this book. It was like a roller coaster. Kept on the edge of my seat throughout.
But I can guarantee no matter who you think has 'dunnit" you will be wrong!! My God that ending!! Best book in a while.
Thanks for allowing me to read it.

An absolutely brilliant crime thriller. Set in Wales and the first of a new series Jenny has hit the ground running.
I was hooked from the first page and completely invested in the police investigation!
The mysterious story had me twisting and turning at every red herring and false start that came along. I was dying to find out what actually happened on thay fateful day!
With thanks to netgalley for the ARC.

Blog tour for HQ
I have absolutely adored this book, it’s definitely been as addictive and gripping as described and I have devoured this book in just one sitting.
I have constantly tried to guess the ending and been unsuccessful on all the conclusions I came to.
This is clearly a talented author, I have been pulled into the pages and desperate to know where the plot was going throughout. I have found I’ve held my breath and been tense.
This is a fantastic read which is highly deserving of five stars. Although this is my first read by this author, it definitely will not be the last.

Quite an exciting read with a missing child kidnapped by a boyfriend.

Izzy was mad with worry where 5 years on she saw a lost friend who didn't acknowledge her. Her only hope was the cop in charge of the investigation, Gaby.

My first book by this author, I was pulled in by the story. I didn't like the characters but the plot line kept my curiosity perked up. A missing child always piques my interest.

The writing though slow to begin with, soon sped up. Twists and turns made it more exciting. Quite a thrilling captivating read.

Thank you to HQ Digital for the ARC, and to NetGalley for facilitating.

Silent Cry had a good solid basis for an interesting story. It was a very emotive subject and the subject of missing people works well as a mystery/thriller.

However, this story for me held little mystery, because the characters were quite transparent, and was also not very thrilling. Especially with the climatic ending feeling very unrealistic and a little contrived.

I found it hard to relate to Izzy (which is a surprise as I am a mother myself) mainly because her reaction to her missing child again did not feel realistic. Her boredom at being questioned by the police as they try to get information to solve the case as well as her purposeful withholding information that I know I would have rammed down the police officers throat. It didn’t ring true to me.

Other parts of the story also made me say “...what...?” out loud. Like the concern over someone’s drinking problems after one instance of smelling alcohol on them when they were called in at 5am. Someone saying their house was insured but they didn’t know if they’d have the money to rebuild - erm... that’s what insurance does. That is it’s actual purpose. A grandmother dealing with the loss of her grandchild saying “I want us to all move on with our lives so the sooner this mess is sorted out the better” completely odd response. The “chemistry” (or lack thereof) between 2 characters that seems to be spoken about a few times and each time I thought “where did that come from?”
Izzys reaction to new clues LITERALLY arriving on her doorstep is ridiculous. She isn’t interested because she wants to “move on”. But she is chasing the police to find out what happened... and you would not want to “move on” from an active case if you didn’t know what happened to your partner and your baby and you were being given clues!

I read this book from start to finish because it held my attention just enough that I didn’t put it down (I very rarely give up on books), but I can’t say that it was enjoyable. It involved a lot of eye rolls and “but that makes no sense” exclamations in my head.

I note that this was part of a series so perhaps the writing and consistencies improve over the following books but, unfortunately, book 1 does not compel me in any way to seek out the rest of the series.

I’m going to give this 3 stars because it wasn’t an unreadable 1 star, it also wasn’t a readable but unenjoyable 2 stars. It provided some form of average (3 star) entertainment, but not enough to call it a “good book”. It passed the time during lockdown but that is all.

Izzy’s boyfriend disappears with her newborn baby, leaving a note that says “don’t try to find us.” No clue or trace is found.
Five years later Izzy spots her former best friend Grace in Swansea. A best friend that vanished at the same time as her boyfriend and baby did. Have the 2 disappearances something to do with each other? It’s enough for the police to investigate again.
Suddenly, Grace also gets another postcard, from Paris this time, that says “Alys is safe, don’t look for her!”

In the beginning, the book jumps back and forth between past and present and I got the strong impression that there’s something fishy about ‘friend Grace’. Later the chapters alternate between the POV of the mother and that of DC Gaby Darin.
DC Darin has newly arrived from Cardiff, where she made a mess of both her personal and professional life. With new eyes on the case, she feels that something is off with this case. First, she suspects that the mother may have killed both. But later she becomes more sympathetic towards her.
At first, I didn’t like this police officer very much; I thought her a bit stuck up and quick to judge. But she is a character that has to grow on you. She’s stubborn, thorough, and dedicated to the case. Although she’s not used to forming friendships, she connects quickly with family liaison officer Amy. They’re both intelligent career women who won’t let a man interfere with their job. A job they both like very much.
Her boss DCI Rhys Walker is easier to like. He’s the strong silent type. He grew up with the mother of the baby, who’s the best friend of his sister and has a soft spot for her.
The writer expertly steers you in the wrong direction. From early on in the story, I had a strong feeling that I knew who was behind the crimes. There were times that I wanted to scream at the police and the victim turned sleuth: ‘don’t you see what’s right in front of you’! As the story progresses, I had to make little amends to my theory but was very sure that I had figured it all out. Oh boy, what was I wrong!!! DC Darin was the only one that kept her head cool and figured it out at the 11th hour. The twist at the end was completely unexpected and yet completely plausible. This is a strong series starter.
I thank HQ Digital and Netgalley for their free copy, this is my unbiased, honest review of it.

Wow, this book kept me guessing right up until the very end. I had thought I had cracked it in the first few chapters but Jenny O'Brien throws twist after twist. I literally could not put it down.

I've read so much psychological fiction I thought I had seen just about every possible plot twist there is but this book really bring something new and fresh to the genre. I'm really looking forward to more from this writer and the character of Gaby.