Karin Slaughter is once again at the top of her game with The Silent Wife, the tenth installment in her Will Trent series. Spending time with these characters is a highlight of my reading life, and this latest release is one of the best in this long-running series.

Before I go into the specifics of the plot, I want to let readers know that the Will Trent series intertwines with the author's Grant County series. Dr. Sara Linton, Will Trent's love interest and a major player in this story, was first introduced way back in Blindsight, the first volume of Grant County. As a result, this review does contain spoilers for previous installments in both series, so read on at your own discretion. For a full understanding of this universe, I recommend potential readers start at the very beginning. It's a big commitment, but these books aren't likely to disappoint you.

Special agent Will Trent is investigating the fallout of a prison riot when he is approached by an inmate with a strange tale to tell. Eight years earlier, a college student was found raped, beaten, and left for dead in the woods. At the time, local police were pretty sure they knew who was to blame for the crime, and after what could be called a slipshod investigation, someone was convicted and put behind bars. Now though, another body has been found, and Will's contact, who happens to be the man accused of the earlier crime, has a vested interest in finding out who is responsible. Ever since the police first questioned him, he's sworn he had nothing to do with what happened, but as is often the case, he was not believed. He's hoping that Will and his team will be able to find out who is responsible so he can be released from prison once and for all.

As you might imagine, Will is initially skeptical of this man’s claims. After all, doesn't everyone in prison claim to be innocent? However, after he begins looking into the old case, he begins to understand that the initial investigation had some serious flaws, flaws that can be laid squarely at the feet of Jeffrey Tolliver, Sara Linton's long-dead husband, the former police chief of Grant County. Suddenly, Will and Sara find themselves involved in a deadly game of cat and mouse with a sadistic killer, someone who has managed to kill undetected for nearly a decade, someone who will do whatever he deems necessary to keep killing.

If you're familiar with Slaughter's writing, you’ll know she doesn't pull any punches when it comes to violence and gore. If you're even the slightest bit squeamish, you might want to skip this book since there are quite a few graphic descriptions of death, assault, and police misconduct. I could feel my stomach flip a little during some of the more gruesome scenes, and I'm usually not overly sensitive to this type of thing in my reading. Mysteries and thrillers are some of my favorite things to read, so I've gotten used to a fair amount of dark content, but I know this level of violence is not for everyone.

The novel's timeline is a little confusing, but if you give yourself a little bit of time to settle into it, you shouldn't have too much trouble keeping things straight. The story moves back and forth in time between present day and eight years previously, when the first victim was found. We see things mostly through the eyes of Will and Sara, but we also get to see Jeffrey's point of view which might be a little disconcerting if you don't pay attention to the timeline.

First and foremost, this is a mystery, but the relationship between Will and Sara is a huge part of the story. They're deeply in love, but they're each struggling with some complicated situations that make it difficult for them to let down their guards. I never questioned their love for one another, but I did find myself wondering if they would be able to work through their issues in a way that would leave them open to continuing their relationship.

The Silent Wife is a long book, but don't let its length intimidate you. Once I started, I didn't want to put it down, and I ended up finishing it in less than a day. The pacing is pretty close to perfect, and I was super invested in the story.

There's not much more I can say without spoiling it for you, so I'll simply urge you to pick it up as soon as you possibly can. It really is one of the author's best works.

Buy it at: Amazon, Audible, or your local independent bookstore
Visit our Amazon Storefront

This review was originally posted on <a href="https://booksofmyheart.net/2020/07/28/the-silent-wife-by-karin-slaughter/" target="_blank"> Books of My Heart</a>
&nbsp;

<i>Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i>

I love this <em><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/45015-will-trent" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Will Trent series</strong> </a> </em>and I'm so happy I was able to listen to many of the previous books  with the new audio recordings, all narrated by Kathleen Early. Even though I read <strong>The Silent Wife</strong>, I heard her voice.  In any format, it is an excellent story.

Now on the 10th book of the series, I am totally enamored of the world and its characters. At least our main characters, Will, Sara, Amanda and Faith are precious to me.  Amanda, and even Faith, felt less at the forefront, although they did provide some comic relief at times, just because of their personalities. With a serial killer on the loose, it would be pretty dark otherwise.  The imperfect, complex characters feel very authentic.

I enjoy the police work and following the evidence and gathering information.  There is a strong connection to Grant County, in both this case and personally, for Sara and Will, with flashbacks to 8 years ago when Jeffrey and Sara had been divorced a year.  I hadn't read the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/43676-grant-county" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em><strong>Grant County</strong> </em></a>series when I started on the Will Trent series but I've since gone back and read all but the final one which I will go read now. I didn't miss them until this book when I really wish I had read them all first.

There's a duality to the story with personal and professional aspects.  The serial killer began in Grant County when Jeffrey was the chief. With the case continuing, it brings into question whether he made mistakes. It also sends them back to get information on one of the deaths from Lena Adams. She truly is a "grey rabbit." I'm not a fan of hers and Jeffrey isn't winning with me either.

Personally, Sara has the painful view of watching as Jeffrey's possible mistakes are examined.  Will always has the difficulty of feeling good enough for Sara, and measuring up to Jeffrey.  Will and Sara had a small misunderstanding which they don't know how to fix, which is ongoing through the case.  A relationship is work; while it may be uncomfortable to see them struggle to improve their connection, it is endearing. Their hearts are in the right place but communication is hard.

I loved this so much. I hated having to put it down to do anything else.  I was afraid this might be the last of the series but was thrilled to see in the author's note there will be more! I absolutely fist-pumped and squealed when I read that at 1 am.

&nbsp;

The Silent wife was another wonderful installment from Karin Slaughter. Fast paced and engaging the plot does not let you go for a second. Kept me guessing the whole time.

Readers who like murder mystery crime novels will be sure to love this one as well.

Another stellar entry into the Grant County series from Karin Slaughter. This book is a LOT. A long, thick one with a story that has layers and weaves into Sara's past with her ex-husband Jeffrey Tolliver. and, moreover, we get to see more of Sara and Will's current relationship (tho Wil makes me want to punch things) and the possibility of a future. 
This book is classic Karin Slaughter and I honestly hope she never ever changes. A grisly crime, exacting details that amplify her thorough research and these gritty, deep, feeling characters. More, please! 
Make sure to check the author's note at the end. AFTER you read the book, or Karin will have you erased. She'll do it. 
Really enjoyed this one, as I have enjoyed so many of Karin's books, specifically the Grant County series. 
And as I always have to say,  I still love Amanda, that ole Battle Axe. That woman is smarter than anyone gives her credit for.

The newest  book in Karin Slaughter's  Will Trent series, following The Last Widow (2019) , does not disappoint.   Readers will find all of the intricate details of this popular yet flawed protagonist's relationships and thoughts.

This one certainly isn't for the faint of heart. I have been a fan of Karin Slaughter for quite some time and this book certainly didn't disappoint. It is a dark and disturbing read with some real twists that are hard hitting. Highly recommend!

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy of The Silent Wife.

I love Karin Slaughter, I’ve read almost all of her books and the Grant County and Will Trent series are always my favorites. The Silent Wife is a mixture of the two. In flashbacks, we travel to Grant County, to solve a series of attacks that began 8 years ago. Jeffrey is back and he is . . . not great. We see a side of him we haven’t really before. I flew through this book and even though I guessed who the perpetrator was, I was never entirely sure until the end. I really struggled with the previous book and was grateful that this one brought everyone back together, working as a group. I loved the ending, and I’m excited to see where the next book takes Sara and Will. 

Warning- this book is EXTREMELY graphic. I know that most of Slaughter’s books are, but this one was particularly hard to read because of it. There are brutal rapes and murders, and a lot (too much) of disturbing details.

Will Trent is back in the series’ tenth book by Karin Slaughter. This time the past and the present collide for Will, an agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and his girlfriend, medical examiner Sara Linton. They are sent to the state prison to investigate the death of an inmate, which occurred during a brawl.  While they are there an inmate requests a meeting.  Eight years before, Daryl Nesbitt who is serving time for child pornography, was the prime suspect in the attacks on several young women that resulted in the death of one.  Daryl insists he was framed by the now-deceased sheriff, Jeffrey Tolliver, who is also Sara’s former husband. When Will and Sara realize there have been other violent murders, with similar characteristics, committed since Daryl was incarcerated, they reopen the investigations.

The Silent Wife is a well-plotted book. It moves between the past, when the first two attacks were committed, to the present, as Will and Sara begin to question the investigation that led to Daryl’s arrest and conviction.  The story is not only about the investigation, but also about the emotions and feelings that are dredged up when Sara relives her life with her former husband.  However, as the story moves back and forth, it can become a little disorienting and difficult to follow the various characters.  Sara and Will have a complex relationship that I sometimes found hard to appreciate.  The characters are varied, many of them are quite flawed, and none were truly very likable for me.  And, finally, the episodes that deal with the actual attacks and the aftermath are gut-wrenching and descriptive.  I’m sure some readers will find it much too uncomfortable to read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book for review.

This story follows Will & Sara as they work to solve a span of rapes and murders that covers 8 years of time.  Do they already have the guilty party in custody?  Is there a copycat out there commiting gruesome crimes?  As they hear gutwrenching stories, and see horrific crime scenes, they just want to bring justice to the victims.  At the same time, digging into these cases brings up the past, which means Sara's dead husband.  Can Will & Sara solve the cases, and will their relationship be able to survive this?

I have read Karin Slaughter books before, but I didn't realize that she had a series containting the same characters.  So, in reading this book, I didn't realize that there were several books that came before this one in the story.  However, it was written in such a way that even if you had not read any of the previous books, it wouldn't hinder your understanding of this story.  I found myself only feeling like I was missing one real piece of the puzzle, though it wasn't relevant to the outcome of this story.  Karin writes great mystery books.  I will note that there are some graphic crime scenes in this book.  And unimaginable acts.  She did a great job of weaving an incredible story.  I'm guessing that if you've read any of the other books with Will Trent, you would enjoy this one as well.  And, if you havne't read any of the others, you'll be just fine, (though because of my personality, I think I'd like to start at the beginning and get the whole story).  Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to have an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Silent Wife is an psychological thriller which left me feeling disturbed. I can only hope thot others who go trough such awakenings and ice changes aren't as flawed and emotionally damaged as these characters.

I never miss a Karin Slaughter Will Trent book and delighted to have the opportunity to read the latest in the series. As always Slaughter doesn't disappoint. When a recent murder in present time points to the wrong man in prison, who is protesting his innocence, it is time for Will Trent and the GBI gang to go into action to solve the cold case. Brilliantly bringing together the past and present we not only delve into murders but the emotional upheaval to Sara and Will 's life as they negotiate the original case put together by Sara's first, now deceased, husband Jeffrey Tolliver. I can't count on how many times I said WOW as I read the book, not wanting to put it down but knowing I needed my sleep. Till the jaw dropping finale readers will not be disappointed. 5 stars all the way.

My husband asked to read this before me, and handled back the kindle to me saying "Wow"!  I highly recommend this thriller, that weaves bits of info into a terrific story.  Karin Slaughter did it again and produced an un-put-downable novel that you will compulsively read.  Be sure to allow free time because you'll want to read it straight through.

I started this book not realizing it was part of a series, but I find that it didnt affect my enjoyment all that much.  Eventually I became familiar with Will Trent and Sara. 
I was immediately hooked with the prologue and interested in what happened in the prison fight from the beginning.  Once the old police cases started coming up I couldn't put it down.  This was twisty, dark, and overall really enjoyable and what I would come to expect from Karin Slaughter!

Sara and Will investigate what could be a serial murderer while grappling with the ghosts of their pasts.  

Brutal descriptions make this a difficult read.

GBI Agent Will Trent and medical examiner Sara Linton will go  on an emotional journey with their relationship.  The present homicide cases will take Sara back to her past relationship with her deceased husband who was the police chief eight years earlier.  Dealing with those emotions will put her and Will at odds.  A full review can be found at FreshFiction.com.

I have reviewed this book for New York Journal of Books where it will be posted on their site the night before the release date. 


"The Silent Wife" by Karen Slaughter
William Morrow
August 4, 2020
10-0062858103
Psychological Thriller

What happens when an alleged serial killer is handed a prison sentence only to have other murders occur with the same M.O. after the authorities believe they got the right guy? The killing of young women eight years ago landed Daryl Nesbitt behind bars after being convicted of these crimes. Now everyone thinks they are safe. But are they?

Will Trent, an agent for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation heads to Philips State Prison, a medium-security facility after a riot there takes the life of an inmate. While interviewing those concerned, Trent receives a note from Nesbitt asking to meet with him. Nesbitt swears he was framed by Jeffrey Tolliver, a now-deceased police chief who led the team that put him away and who Nesbitt insists are corrupt. Similar crimes of which he was charged happened after his arrest, and he can offer proof about them. He also states he can supply information about the prison riot that cost a man his life and by giving this knowledge he wants to cut a deal. 

The first victim, local college student, Beckey Caterino was savagely attacked and left to die, but survived only to sustain a ruptured spinal cord and is now tied to a wheelchair. She had been discovered lying in the woods by Leslie Truong, who reported what she thought was an accident. When the police arrive, also determining the co-ed fell and was seriously injured, they take Leslie’s statement, then send her on her way without offering an escort back to the college. Soon Leslie goes missing and later is found slain. 

Now more violent murders are happening with the victims being dumped in the woods surrounding the local college. Their deaths show the same M.O. that got Nesbitt convicted. This puts additional heat on Trent for he must find the perp who is now raping and killing these women. In addition to this, he is in a quandary about opening a case involving Tolliver. 

The news about Jeffrey places a huge burden on Will. Jeffrey is considered a hero, so can he dig into the man's past and maybe find evidence to tarnish his reputation? To make matters worse, Will is in a relationship with Jeffrey's ex, Dr. Sara Linton, medical examiner for the county. He loves her dearly, but could they survive if the hearsay about Jeffrey proves to be true, and he is the one to break the news to Sara? 

Living in Atlanta when she met Jeffrey, Sara fell deeply in love with him. "Jeffrey had been a Frank Sinatra kind of man. Respected. Capable. Admired. People naturally wanted to be around him, to follow his lead. Jeffrey had taken it all in stride." 

Sara is delighted when Jeffrey chose her and soon, she moves to be closer to him. She insists she wants to live in a rural community, yet her real reason is to get away from the city where she suffered the horror of a violent rape—an item she never discloses to Jeffrey. 

The recent murders are proving to be just as heinous and brutal as those from the past, and Trent knows he must find and stop this demon. A search commences to include all the Nesbitt family members, all who come from a bad part of the county and all who hold criminal records. 

Another survivor of the women brutally attacked, is Tommi (Thomasina) Humphrey, one of Sara's patients. She seeks Sara’s assistance after her attack but refuses to report the crime. Fortunate to escape with her life, she pleads with Sara to keep it to herself, and Sara respects her privacy due to doctor/patient confidentiality. Though Tommi perseveres from this attack, she is only a shell of her former self. When Trent meets with her, he hopes to gain additional information and maybe get identifying hints about the killer, but Tommi does not have much to offer. 

Though painful for them both, Trent needs Sara's help to solve the killings and information from Jeffrey’s old records to exonerate his good name. Things become strained between them, yet there's no turning back. They need to find the truth, though their determination and love for each other will be tested to the limits. 

"The Silent Wife", the 10th issue in the Will Trent series, is explosive and haunting with an unexpected and chilling ending. The in-depth description of the atrocious crimes against these women is descriptive and not for the faint of heart yet prove the author has done intense research with both criminal and medical cases. The only detrimental aspect of the novel is the chapters of backstory introduced with the current time frame make it somewhat disconcerting to stay on track. Though this can stand alone, it may be beneficial to read previous issues in this series. Nevertheless, the suspense of this thriller is sure to please the most diehard lover of mysteries.

So after years and years of reading psychological and crime thrillers and seeing a zillion recommendations for Karin Slaughter, I finally took the leap and read The Silent Wife and now I want to go back and kick my own butt for waiting this long! Ms. Slaughter is a phenomenal writer. I absolutely loved the way I was pulled in from the very first page of The Silent Wife. My jaw dropped several times throughout the book and I just couldn’t put it down! I’ve already purchased her first several books and I’m excited to read them all! I’ll definitely be buying every single one. 
This book is the latest in a series (which I typically don’t do) but I am glad I did because I can report to you that Karin did such a great job filling in the gaps and telling the reader what happened in the past to make sure we know what’s going on. I fell in love with all of the characters just from reading this one book and I’m excited to read about them in her previous books. 

I definitely recommend The Silent Wife even if you’ve never read anything by Karin Slaughter!

Huge thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for allowing me the incredible privilege of reading this book in advance!

Many many moon ago I discovered a thriller writer in the heat of the summer. I read everything she had to offer and then pre-ordered what she had coming next. Now, it is a summertime tradition for me to stay up all night reading Karin Slaughter and being uncertain about turning out the lights! She is a master storyteller and creeper-outer! I loved this book!

Karin Slaughter tells a gripping story while also addressing important issues such as violence against women. The Silent Wife could be read and enjoyed by itself, but as a long time fan of Slaughter's books I enjoyed revisiting the characters from previous books.

I really enjoyed this mystery.  It was suspenseful all the way until the end.  The characters were well developed, and I could understand the back story even though I hadn't read any of her earlier books.