Excitement abounds when there’s a new series from Victor Methos. The Silent Watcher begins the Vegas Shadows series. Set in Las Vegas, Nevada, this legal and crime thriller features attorney Piper Danes and Detective Lazarus Holloway. Piper was once an endangered youth who is now a court-appointed representative who acts on behalf children or vulnerable adults in legal proceedings.

Piper is good at connecting with children. She’s empathetic with victims, smart, curious, kindhearted, and driven. Lazarus is blunt, logical, sees the world as a puzzle to be solved, and passionate about his job. Judge Dawson is smart, has both a medical degree and a legal degree, and comes from a wealthy and influential family. Despite these traits, each of the main characters has flaws that make them more realistic and relatable, but not always likeable.

The fact that the lawyer (Piper) was neither the prosecutor nor a defense attorney added a different twist on the usual legal thriller. Additionally, a grant allows for a different way of approaching cases involving juveniles. Juvenile court judge Hope Dawson, Piper, and Lazarus team up on a case. Sophie Grace is the sole survivor when her family is murdered. The hunt for the truth and the murderer leads the trio on a suspenseful journey.

This medium-paced story gripped me from beginning to end. The author does a great job building suspense until it culminates in a volatile conclusion. Shocking scenes and information provide a counterpoint to the suspense, investigation and trial. It’s a story with plenty of layers, some of which are quite dark and disturbing.

This gritty thriller is a fantastic, but disquieting and scary-to-think-about start to the series. The author’s experience as a lawyer added to the authenticity of the courtroom and other legal aspects of the plot. Gripping scenes and a well-crafted and riveting plot hooked me from the very beginning. It is unsettling at times, but this is balanced with thoughtful moments of Piper with her grandmother and with Sophie as well as some emotional scenes. The book was a page-turner that kept me engaged throughout the storyline. My only quibble was with the ending. While the case is resolved, I didn’t like some aspects of it and there were a couple of loose threads.

Overall, this thriller was uncomfortable at times, suspenseful, tragic, and intense. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. Combining a police procedural, child advocacy, a mystery, charged and intense courtroom scenes, and an action-packed ending makes this novel a must read for those who enjoy legal and crime thrillers with a dark twist.

Thomas and Mercer and Victor Methos provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for December 01, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.

The Ghost Did It

Ave Mitchell, her brother, and his girlfriend are enjoying some time in an isolated family cabin on a lake shore. Ave goes into the cabin to take a shower. She checks on her brother's girlfriend. She is not moving. Ave is worried that she may have taken too many anxiety pills because she believes that the cabin is haunted. The girlfriend rolls over and tries to talk, but half of her neck is missing. Ave runs out of the cabin with the intruder just missing her. Soon, the girlfriend runs out also. Ave and her brother try to stop the bleeding. The brother decides to drive the truck to get help. When he doesn’t return, Ave goes looking for him. She finds him near the garage, dead with most of his throat missing. She takes off running for the nearest campground two miles away. It’s empty. The next one has some tents, but no one is around. He hides in one of the tents. Someone approaches that tent.

This novel has two threads. The first is the investigation of the murder of Emily Grace and her son. Her daughter, Sophie, survived the attack. Ave’s murder is added to this investigation. A local influential juvenile judge has obtained grant funding to have a Guardian Ad Litem join an investigation to protect a juvenile victim of a crime. The judge persuades the Robbery/Homicide Captain to transfer the murder investigation to the Juvenile Crimes. This introduces an aspect of the novel where the two main characters do not have the same goal. When the suspect is arrested at 60% point of the novel, I knew another main thread was starting. This thread begins with the defendant’s competency hearing. The first main character is the juvenile officer, Detective Lazarus Holloway, who was the detective for the Ave Mitchell murders. Soon after, he transfers to Juvenile Crimes. The second main character is the assigned Guardian Ad Litem, Piper Danes. From Holloway’s perspective, he did work with her, but she would not let him question Sophie Grace, the only eyewitness. This duo needs to overcome many difficulties in addition to their cross purposes. Danes insists that she participates in most of Holloway’s interviews. Holloway, at the start, doesn’t often tell Danes what he is doing. Despite the inefficiencies, progress is made, and a partnership is built. Tension is maintained because if Sophie regains her memory, she could identify the killer. Plenty of twists, turns, and rabbit holes helped keep my interest to the novel's end.

As the first novel in the series, the background of the two main characters is extensive. As this is the first interaction between these characters, much is revealed naturally as they work the case, drive to interviews, and relax while eating or winding down. At the start, Detective Holloway is a little more secretive. Another source for Piper Dane’s character is her conversations and actions with her grandmother, with whom she lives. Deep into the novel, Holloway's surprise friendship reveals much deeper details about his character—an interesting revelation in his past. Overall, the background enhanced my reading enjoyment of this novel.

Except for using one mildly rude word, this novel is remarkable in its lack of vulgar and rude words. There are no intimate scenes. Only violence manages to have a presence in this novel. At first, the descriptions of the violence that was inflicted upon the victims can be disturbing. Then, in the latter part of the novel, the violence is described as it is occurring. It was not excessive for me and should not be for most readers. Also, as the first novel in the series, the reader will not have to worry about what occurred in the previous novel.

The competency hearing was my least favorite part of the novel. Dr. Brown’s lengthy testimony was a little high-level for me. The only saving grace of this section was the defense attorney, as she tried to disqualify Dr. Brown as an expert witness. A minor irritant for me was the ending. Most readers probably will not have a problem with it, as it hints into the next novel. This novel provided me with my first glimpse of a guardian ad litem. I have not had any experience in life with one, nor have I seen them as a character on TV, in movies, or books. I also enjoyed Dane’s examinations of witnesses.

Overall, I could not stop reading this novel, my seventh, and I have purchased five others. He is a Must-Read Author for me. I look forward to the next novel in this series because of Judge Dawson’s remark at the end. If this genre interests you, I strongly recommend reading it. As I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, I rate this novel with five stars.

Headline: Victor Methos once again enthralls - educates too!

Book Review: The Silent Watcher, Vegas Shadows #1, by Victor Methos
Featured in Amazon First Reads, November 2024
Published by Thomas & Mercer, December 1, 2024

★★★★★ (5.0 Stars!)

// "Guardian ad litem (GAL)".
A person appointed by a court to look after and protect the interests of someone who is unable to take care of themselves, typically a minor or someone who is determined to be legally incompetent. Guardians ad litem are quite common in family law cases, particularly when there are significant disputes, making them a fairly prevalent part of the legal system in most jurisdictions. //

"GAL" legal advocacy for minors is highlighted in Victor Methos' new novel "The Silent Watcher".

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What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas! As with his recent bestselling 3-book "Desert Plains" series (2020-21), the author keeps his latest novel staged under the neon glitz and glamor of "The Strip", with a brief detour to the lesser known Vegas tunnels, the abode of the so-called "mole people".

// "The Silent Watcher", Vegas Shadows #1, by Victor Methos (2024) //

The Creeper.
A Las Vegas area serial killer lives in the shadows and "...exhibits almost supernatural patience, and would stake out homes, hiding within walls or basements, before emerging with malevolent intent..." The "Creeper" is eventually apprehended.

The Minor.
Fifteen-year-old Sophie Grace is the sole survivor of a home invasion massacre. Under the aegis of a juvenile court judge, Hope Dawson, a "Juvenile Grant" provides the traumatized teen with support and protection. Two detectives team up with a "Victims' Rights Act section 11" GAL (Guardian ad litem).

The GAL.
Enter Piper Danes, GAL, along with LVPD Detectives Lazarus and Riley. Danes had quit her job at a top law firm to do what would tantamount to pro-bono work as a shielding shepherd.

The Defense.
Equally formidable, enter Clark County Public Defenders Office director Russo Bianchi, defense attorney, designated public defender of the "Creeper", now identified as Owen Whittaker.

Escape!
Just then the "Creep", with his body greased, snakes his way out of a custody cell, through, wait for it — the air vent in his jail cell.

What ensues is pure chaos, ...as Danes finds her own life, and those of her loved ones, upended!

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// "Every legal novel I've written is based on a case I actually had." - Victor Methos //

Victor Methos enthralls - educates too!
Methos' unique writing style and deep legal experience seamlessly blend to cut incisively to the bone with precise applications of federal and state statutes, nomenclatura included; portray realistic plots broadly based on case files, with intricacies forged over courtroom battles over a lifetime's experience as a criminal and civil rights defense attorney, as well as a prosecutor earlier in his career.

A must-read!

Review based on an advanced reading copy courtesy of Thomas & Mercer, Amazon First Reads, and NetGalley.

Victor Methos’s The Silent Watcher is a gripping legal thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish. Piper Danes is a compelling protagonist, and her dedication as a guardian ad litem adds a heartfelt layer to the intense and chilling storyline. The partnership between Piper, Judge Hope Dawson, and Detective Lazarus Holloway creates a strong dynamic as they work together to uncover the identity of “the Creeper,” a dangerous and elusive serial killer.
The story is packed with twists, unexpected revelations, and moments that had me on edge. The way the team pieces together the clues to find the culprit was clever and well-paced. Sophie Grace’s tragic situation adds emotional depth to the plot, making the stakes feel personal and urgent.
If you love dark, twisty thrillers with strong characters and unpredictable outcomes, this book is a must-read. Methos delivers another fantastic addition to his series.

Very grateful to the publisher for this copy, opinions are my own

The Neon Lawyer was my introduction to Victor Methos. I loved it and ever since then I’ve been a massive fan. His newest book, The Silent Watcher is fantastic. The story hits the ground running with a brutal murder spree that leaves only one survivor. Piper Danes is a great character, and her job as a guardian ad litem is an interesting hook I can’t recall being used before. But as great as Piper is, I think detective Lazarus is my favorite character here. The hunt for ‘The Creeper’ is unforgettable, and that ending…chef’s kiss! The next book can’t come soon enough. I’d like to thank Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of The Silent Watcher.

https://www.amazon.com/review/R3R5KWAQCOQXB3/ref=pe_123899240_1043597390_SRTC0204BT_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

This was a very intense book and definitely had me feeling uneasy at points as the darkness unfolded and the danger intensified, great read overall.

Piper, the Guardian ad litem of Sophie, whose family has been murdered, is doing her job to protect her client. Lazarus, the main detective on the case work together to find who did this. With Lazarus feeling this is the same person on a previous case and wants him found. The crime involves a lot of gore, and fantasies of some pretty sick people. Though the story happens in Vegas, it's not a mentioned very often, staying focused on the story. Lots of characters, not all likable but that's typical, and twists that pop in. It was hard to put down, but a few places I had no problem putting it down. The whole book seemed realistic, Sophie became quite scared and wanted him caught. Piper wanted to do everything in her power to get him put away and unable to do it again. Lazarus wanted him of the streets. I understand the defense, they are there to make a reasonable doubt, but the prosecutor didn't seem as interested as he should have been.
Reading previous books by Victor Methos, and really enjoining, I was ecstatic for the offer and grabbed the opportunity to read an early copy by NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer. If that had not been an option, it would have automatically been my pick for First Reads. I am looking forward to the second book for the rest of this story. Which will be coming out in September.

With a possible cannibal serial killer on the loose piper, a lawyer and lazarus a detective are called to work together to solve the two different cases that they believe are connected. a brutal killing spree in a cabin and a horrific home invasion that left one witness- a teenage girl. together they work together and get their guy but, of course that would be too easy.

WARNING: it's time for another stop of the unpopular opinion train!!

This author had somehow escaped my radar until now, but I couldn't resist adding The Silent Watcher to my shelves after reading the blurb. I have a weak spot for a good serial killer thriller, and I also loved the sound of the GAL angle. I've been looking forward to finally pick up this first book of a new series, and especially because I haven't been reading enough legal thrillers this year... But sadly The Silent Watcher didn't quite hit the mark for me in the end. I guess it's time for another unpopular opinion!

Don't get me wrong, I do still like the premise itself. I don't think I've come across the guardian ad litem (GAL) element before, and I really enjoyed learning more about this. It's what made both the plot and the character representing this element stand out for me. I can also always appreciate a serial killer angle in thrillers; the murders are particularly brutal though, so definitely not for those with a weak stomach. And when I say brutal, I'm talking about suspected cannibalism... You've been warned.

I think that one of the reasons The Silent Watcher didn't quite work for me was the lack of cohesion in the plot. There are so many elements and angles in play, most of them without doubt intriguing, but I felt that they either lacked a proper connection with the rest of the plot or they fizzled out without a trace. What do I mean? It's hard to explain without spoilers, but take for example the cannibalism: it is hinted at multiple times, and it is without doubt both disturbing and strangely fascinating, but nothing ever comes out of it. No murders with a cannibal touch, no link to the killer apart from the tattoo, no real mention after the killer is caught... Quite disappointing to be honest.

I also struggled with the characters. They just all felt too one-dimensional and I had a hard time connecting to them as a result. The most interesting character is probably Piper, but this has mainly to do with her job as a GAL and she doesn't have much personality apart from her tragic past and determination to protect Sophie. The detective Lazarus is about as cliche and stereotype as you can get with his alcoholism and disrespect for the rules... And the lawyer Russo is just plain awful. I think that more in dept character development would have definitely helped imp this story to the next level.

I mentioned lack of cohesion before, and this also applies to the plot in general. Most of the story feels mostly like a detective/crime thriller, although the pace is surprisingly slow for the genre. Then suddenly the story goes full legal thriller, and there was just too much detail in some of the court scenes and the pace slowed down to a trickle. Sure, the pace picks up in the final part, but the escape just wasn't credible and the detective being incredibly lucky in guessing where the suspect went even less believable. And then I'm not even talking about that cliffhanger ending... Or the fact that I was quite disappointed that the suspect was first caught so early in the book.

I know that most people seem to enjoy The Silent Watcher so far, but for me the story ended up being quite underwhelming. Great premise, but the execution was a bit tepid and lacked cohesion. As you might have already guessed, I won't be continuing this series; I might still try another of his books in the future though.

I received an ARC through "NetGalley" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This story is about Piper and her role as a legal guardian for underage victims. In this case. Piper has been assigned as the legal guardian for Sophie, whose mother and brother had been murderer. This case is associated with a new grant program and the judge requested Piper specifically. The story then depicts the interactions that Piper takes with Sophie along with the judge and lead detective. The main thing that needs to happen is to catch the killer. This case bares a similarity to another one that appears to be related. Lazaras, the detective, eventually catches the suspect by following up by searching the crime site. The story then progresses to the initial trial of Owen, the suspect.

Read along and learn what steps Owen's lawyer was taken in his defense. Get an understanding of what presentation was made that would support Owen being competent to stand trial. Learn how it all worked out in the end.

The ending is unexpected. Don't miss out!

The Silent Watcher is an action packed thriller with a thoroughly fleshed out and enjoyable partnership at its core that solves a series of connected murders all while exploring the meaning of life, the nuances of faith, and the intricacies of religion.

Piper has devoted her life as a GAL (temporary guardian) for vulnerable children. When Judge Dawson pulls her into a case where a young girl is the only member of her family to survive, she's partnered with Detective Lazarus to find "the Creeper" before he takes more lives. As Piper and Lazarus untangle the web of clues in front of them, the stakes rise until they find themselves in the crosshairs.

I loved the intense pacing of this book as much as I loved the dynamic relationship between Piper and Lazarus, and how their character development dovetailed with the case central to the plot. The chapters are short and snappy, and reveal after reveal pulled me to the end as fast I could read.

Fans of fast paced legal thrillers and serial killer thrillers will devour this one!

Piper Danes and Detective Lazarus Holloway team up when it becomes apparent that the family of Piper's 15 year old client, was slain by a serial killer. I was intrigued by the concept of the Guardian Ad Litem but that actually doesn't factor very much at all into the story which is focused on finding the fiend. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. For fans of the genre.

Family drama, suspense, a stalker--fast paced and a good read!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the eARC of The Silent Watcher.

I’m just going to say it… probably one of the best books I’ve ever read. I’m blown away. This is my first read by Victor Methos and I will definitely be reading all his other books.

It’s giving thriller, mystery, crime, and suspense in one book. I can’t get over the amazing writing and character development in this one. If you love a Criminal Minds meets Law & Order meets a perfect thriller - this is it!

I really can’t wait to see how this series develops and I know there’s going to be more because the freaking cliff hanger…

I absolutely loved this book! I couldn't put it down. I loved the characters, the twists, the turns. It was so well written with a great plot and lots of character development. Thank you for the opportunity to read this arc.

Two horrific crimes. One common denominator. known as The Creeper

Piper Dane, a guardian ad litem, has been chosen by a distinguished Judge for a new assignment.
She’ll be teamed up with two detectives, Lazarus and Riley, in the juvenile crimes division. Though questioning why she’s joined their team, they soon realize she may be the perfect fit.

Their first case together involves fifteen year old Sophie who walked in on the murder of her mother and brother. She escaped by jumping out of her bedroom window or the killer would’ve made her his next victim.
As harrowing as that sounds, there is another eerily similar crime that occurred not so long ago that left three young adults murdered at a family cabin.
Lazarus has been haunted by the initial murder and feels that these separate killings are linked.

But can the team find the murderer before there are more victims?

A bit police procedural combined with intense courtroom action mixed in. (Best of both worlds) Short chapters and strong character development keep the storyline moving along at a quick pace.

This is book one of a new series and I’m looking forward to the next installment.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer.

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Victor Methos, and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

I have long enjoyed the work of Victor Methos, from his legal thrillers to those of a more mysterious nature. He returns with a new series that touches on a new legal perspective with all the intensity of many past books. Methos is able to effectively build up his protagonist and keep the reader enthralled as the action flourishes. Piper Danes has always had a soft spot for the victims of crime. Her legal profession is in its infancy, so it is a shocker when she agrees become a guardian ad litem on a pilot project. Working with the sole surviving victim of a horrible crime, Piper and the detective assigned to work with her try to unravel the truth while trying to catch a serial killer who lurks in the shadows of Las Vegas. Methos stirs up a great deal in this piece and keeps the reader on edge.

Up and coming attorney, Piper Danes, finds herself on the fast track to success at a Las Vegas law firm. However, she is hand-picked to help work on a pilot project that would see her take on the role of guardian ad litem (GAL) to a handful of crime victims. Remembering all the help GAL provided her when she was younger, Piper jumps at the opportunity to return the favour.

Guided by a forward-thinking judge and a less than compassionate detective, Piper is assigned the case of Sophie Grace. The 15 year-old is the sole survivor of a gruesome murder in her home, with the killer still at large. This is a world Piper could never fathom and the stakes are high. Trying to peel back the truth with Detective Lazarus Holloway, Piper discovers some chilling parallels to another crime a few years ago, where the victim spoke of a similar elusive attacker.

While the case progresses, Piper and Holloway may have found a means of linking the cases, with “The Creeper” as a prime suspect. He lurks in the shadows and commits horrible crimes, leaving victims eviscerated. While Piper wants to advocate for Sophie, she must cross swords with the legal system and a savvy attorney who tosses psychological assessments and loopholes into the mix. Vowing never to let Sophie’s voice go unheard, Piper must use her skills and watch her back before she is pulled into the middle of the horrors. A stunning series debut by Victor Methos.

I have long enjoyed the work of Victor Methos, whose abilities to capture the reader’s attention with poignant novels is second to none. Methos takes the legal thriller genre and turns it on its head with this piece, adding new flavours and angles to impress. The narrative flow is quick and impactful, leaving little time for the reader to wonder what is going on. A strong protagonist with a backstory of her own, Piper Danes intrigues the reader from the opening pages. Surrounded by others whose stories are left unresolved, Piper leads the way as she pushes through the darkness of what Methos develops. Propelled by short chapters and an intense set of plot twists, the story evolves and leaves things on edge until the final pages, where even then, resolution is not complete. I am eager to tackle more of this series, as it becomes available.

Kudos, Mr. Methos, for impressing once more.

I really enjoyed The Silent Watcher, a quick read I didn’t want to end. Excited for what I think will be a second book.
Lazarus is the usual gruff cop with a good heart, but he kept your interest, and I liked him. Working with Piper, the GAL assigned to victim Sophie, only makes him more likable.
Great police procedural with a good storyline.

The Silent Watcher is the first book I’ve read by Victor Methos. It was a very different sort of legal thriller, mostly because neither of the main characters is a lawyer in the traditional sense - neither prosecutor nor defense attorney. Instead, Piper Danes is a guardian ad litem. As part of a trial program overseen by a judge, she is “partnered” with a detective in juvenile crimes. Their first case is a fifteen year old girl who was the sole survivor of the gruesome murder of her mother and brother.
I found Piper a sympathetic character. Her career is a direct result of her own childhood. She now lives with her grandmother and takes care of her to return the favor of her grandmother having raised her. But I was confused by Detective Lazarus Holloway. He’s gruff, lives for the job and has a bit of a drinking problem. He’s got a very dark view of the world. And then there’s Russo Bianca, the public defender. Her desire to win is so strong, she has no sense of right and wrong. She was as much a psychopath as her client.
It took me a while to get invested in the story. I wasn’t sure where exactly it was going until Lazarus managed to catch the killer, whom the media nicknames “The Creeper”. I found the trial portion of the story engaging as everyone’s personalities come out in force. You can tell Methos has a legal background as these scenes really shone.
This isn’t a fast paced story and relies much more on character development. It’s got a forceful ending that landed a big punch. It also sets it up for there to be another book. Methos does a good job of cementing the book into the tarnished venue of Las Vegas. This was the first book I’ve read of his, but will be looking into his earlier works.
My thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy of this book.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Victor Methos delivers a chilling and immersive legal thriller in “The Silent Watcher,” the first book in the Vegas Shadows series. Set against the stark contrast of the glitzy Vegas Strip and its shadowy underbelly, this novel introduces readers to attorney Piper Danes, who leaves a prestigious law firm to work as a guardian ad litem (GAL), advocating for the most vulnerable.

The story begins with Piper taking on the case of a young girl, Emily, who has been traumatized by a series of disturbing events. As Piper delves deeper into Emily’s case, she uncovers a sinister pattern that points to a deadly stalker. Methos masterfully builds suspense, weaving a narrative that is as much about the psychological toll on Piper as it is about the hunt for a dangerous predator.

Methos’s portrayal of Piper is compelling and relatable. She is a character driven by a deep sense of justice, yet haunted by her own past. Her journey from a high-powered attorney to a dedicated GAL is fraught with personal and professional challenges, making her a richly developed protagonist. The dynamic between Piper and the other characters, particularly the enigmatic detective who aids her, adds depth and complexity to the story.

The plot is a rollercoaster of twists and turns, each revelation more shocking than the last. Methos’s ability to maintain a relentless pace while exploring the darker aspects of human nature is truly impressive. The courtroom scenes are particularly gripping, showcasing Methos’s background as a lawyer and his knack for legal drama.

What sets “The Silent Watcher” apart is its exploration of themes such as trauma, resilience, and the quest for justice. Methos delves into the psychological impact of stalking and the lengths to which one will go to protect the innocent. The atmospheric setting of Las Vegas, with its juxtaposition of glamour and grit, enhances the overall tension and mood of the novel.

“The Silent Watcher” is a must-read for fans of legal thrillers and psychological suspense. Victor Methos has crafted a story that is thrilling and thought-provoking, with a protagonist who will stay with you long after the final page. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Methos or new to his work, this book provides a memorable reading experience.