Silent Souls by Gwyn Bennett is a dark, gripping procedural thriller that blends psychological suspense with the chilling intrigue of ancient rituals. When a man’s body is discovered in a remote Yorkshire cave, the scene is more than just a murder—it’s steeped in symbols, blood, and hints of an Egyptian ritual gone awry. Decades earlier, a group of university friends had dabbled in dangerous rites, and one of them tragically died. Now, Harrison Lane is called in to untangle the threads of a past that refuses to stay buried.

Dr. Harrison Lane, head of the Ritualistic Behavioural Crime Unit, is as enigmatic as he is brilliant. Tasked with investigating this ritualistic murder, he must collaborate with the tenacious DS Melinda Fallon, who has her own trials to navigate. Together, they piece together the horrifying connections between the victims and the long-forgotten events of their youth. Bennett skillfully explores Harrison’s analytical mind while weaving in the emotional stakes that threaten both investigators.

The novel’s atmosphere is exceptional. The claustrophobic darkness of the cave, flickering candlelight, and the foreboding Yorkshire landscape make readers feel the tension viscerally. Bennett’s descriptions of ritualistic symbols and the occult lend an authentic eeriness, making it impossible to ignore the sense that something ancient—and malevolent—lurks in the shadows.

What makes Silent Souls stand out is its psychological depth. The characters are haunted by guilt, fear, and unresolved secrets. Each death raises new questions, and the story continually blurs the line between superstition and reality. The pacing is fast and taut, with suspense carefully layered so that each revelation hits hard, and the tension rarely lets up.

Fans of atmospheric crime thrillers, especially those with a hint of the occult or ritualistic mystery, will find much to admire here. Bennett’s attention to detail, complex characters, and compelling plot make Silent Souls an unforgettable, edge-of-your-seat read.

Silent Souls by Gwyn Bennett is a suspenseful thriller that draws you into a chilling mystery surrounding a decades-old disappearance. The novel follows Detective Inspector Tom Thorne as he uncovers the truth behind a cold case, leading him down a dark path of secrets and deception. A brilliant read.

This one wasn't for me. I did manage to finish it, but the ending was what really cut me off short. I prefer fair play mysteries, in general, and this one didn't feel especially fair play for me. It felt random, and kind of like nonsense. I also haven't read any other books in this series, so a lot of the big character reveals or interactions didn't hit for me the way they would for someone who had read all of the other books. It's quite possible that if I had gone back and read the rest of the series, I may have enjoyed this more. It had some good "horror" moments, such as the snakes appearing in the Amazon boxes outside the victims homes.

This was a very absorbing story. A group of new university students started following an Egyptian God called Set. During one of their meetings one of them is killed in a rockfall. and the group disbands. Thirty years later related things start to happen and a can of worms is opened!!
Great conclusion.

A sharp, fast paced police procedural with an original plot and smart, well-crafted writing. The eerie atmosphere creeps under your skin. Its tense, unsettling, and impressively executed. It definitely gives you everything you could want from a thriller as well as feeling well researched and believable. A few bits are quite dark but I dont feel the author threw in loads of gore and brutality just for shock value. A very interesting thriller

A good procedural where Harrison is called in as a consultant for a ritualistic crime. This book is dark, involve and Egyptian rituals. A group of students were involved in an accident 30 years ago, one of their number died. Now they have received an invitation to meet up again in the cave where the accident happened to learn some new information about the event. When they enter the cave, the atmosphere is creepy and they come across one of their group is in danger and is then killed before them.
The main officer, Melinda, is following clues and Harrison helps her. She is being undermined by a senior officer. As they get to know each other, Harrison starts to realize what is important in life and she takes his unusual working methods in her stride. She has her own troubles, Harrison tries to help withthese too.
A good fast-paced read which kept my interest throughout. The crimes are well described, though fairly horrific, the author does not dwell on the details too long. I like the investigation which gradually pieces the timeline and reasoning together. The psychological aspect is documented well and is believable .
Thanks to Net galley for a great read

What a strange but fascinating book this was to read. I’m not into satanic rituals etc so some of that stuff was irrelevant to me and not sure if it was true or a work of fiction, but it helped make the storyline creepier, which in turn made you keep on reading to find out who was responsible. I did think the ending was a bit rushed but was enjoyable nonetheless.

A death in a cave brings Dr Lane and Melinda together to solve a crime that involves Egptian rituals and a group of friends who used to practice it. The body count is rapid and the 2 detectives need to work fast to uncover this revenge plot. A well written book, very experiential.

#netgalley #SilentSouls

It's an atmospheric story that echoes the recent and ancient past and an undercurrent of menace, which intensifies as the investigation continues, testing Harrison's skills as the body count rises. I like Harrison Lane, a complex, unique character, which makes the story interesting. The new detective he is working with is driven and intelligent, needing to be better than her peers because of the misogyny and prejudice she faces. I appreciated the dark and twisty mystery, the complex characters and connections, and the dynamic within the investigative team.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

I loved the idea of this book and had high expectations but I struggled to get fully immersed and connected to the characters and story. It was still an enjoyable read with unusual crimes and race to find out who done it and why.

"Silent Souls" follows Dr. Harrison Lane, head of the Ritualistic Behavioral Crime Unit where he investigates a chilling murder in a remote Yorkshire Cave. What makes this book eerie is that the victim is found wearing the mask of an Egyptian deity and surrounded by blood-painted symbols and flickering candlelight. People say that there are spirit mists and the killer is invisible. During his investigation, Harrison uncovers a connection to a group of University students who practice forbidden rituals in the decades ago. There is someone who is targeting this group of students and Harrison must race against the clock to solve this mystery and save lives.

This book was a thriller alright. It had a dark supernatural edge that once I finished the book....it was hard to fall asleep. I will say that the murders in this book was gruesome so for those who can't handle that...this might not be a good book for you. A fast paced book with lots of characters and twists and turns, and well written.

Thank you Storm Publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, this is my honest review.

I’ve been reading this series from the beginning and I have been hooked from the start. I’ve listened to most of the books on audiobook, so I’ve noticed I “heard” this one in the audio narrator’s voice. And I have to say, that narrator is one of my favorites, hands down. Harrison is such an interesting character because he doesn’t fit the mold of the typical crime thriller MC. And the motorcycle doesn’t hurt either considering I’m an avid rider myself. Harrison always seems to get himself in trouble, and the most interesting cases always land on his desk. I absolutely love all the history and folklore in his stories. I’m surprised the author cranks these books out so quickly because the research must take her an age! Her stories are always fast paced and extremely well-written. This one is no exception. And while some of the things I was looking forward to didn’t happen, one thing did which made the ending an absolute celebration. The fact that some things weren’t addressed makes me genuinely hope there will be more to Harrison’s story. It did seem a bit like a series ending book, but I can’t imagine the series ending here with those couple of things not being addressed! In which case, I’m anxiously awaiting book 11!

Huge thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!

This is the 10th in the Harrison Lane series- but can be read as a stand alone. I think I like this series of Bennett's better than the Saskia Monet series.
Dr. Harrison is called to a very remote cave in Yorkshire and discovers a murder victim wearing an Egyptian mask of a deity, surrounded by symbols on the walls painted in blood and candles flickering all around. The witnesses say that they really didn't see anything- just spirit mists and an invisible killer. Dr. Harrison has to figure out the symbols, and then another person is dies because of this ancient curse.

This is a very dark and gruesome mystery. The atmosphere was fantastic, and lent to the feeling of dread as Harrison races to figure out what is going on. There is a lot of information given about Egyptian religion, belief and practices as this aspect plays heavily into the plot.

There are a lot of characters in the story, but it was written well enough that I was able to keep track. What also helped is that each character was unique from the others and had a voice of their own.

I would recommend this book to anyone who has a strong stomach for macabre mysteries, likes a subtle hint of the supernatural, and looks forward to dark atmospheres!!

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Having read all the previous books in this brilliant series I was eager to read this latest one from Gwyn. What a page turner!!!!! I have read many detective series by best-selling authors but this stands out way above any of them. Trust me, you'll be as hooked as I am. The lead character is absolutely unique which adds to the brilliance of this series.

Silent Souls by Gwyn Bennett is the tenth book in the Dr. Harrison Lane series. This can be read as a standalone novel.
Dr. Harrison Lane of the Ritualistic Crime department is called into investigate the murder of a man in a cave. The man and a group of his friends have a history with this cave, as thirty years ago another friend had also lost their life. As Dr. Lane is joined with Detective Melinda Fallon they soon discover that the group of friends had practiced Egyptian rituals in the past, seemingly making them the target of a sinister revenge plot. When more killings occur, Dr. Lane and Detective Fallon must race to uncover the killer before they claim more victims.

This was definitely a well-researched book, and I loved all of the Egyptian elements involved. The setting is creepy and atmospheric and the pacing was good. A good detective fiction with a paranormal / supernatural spin.

Thank you to NetGalley, Gwyn Bennett, and Storm Publishing for this ARC. Publication date is March 28th 2025.

Gwyn Bennett’s Silent Souls is a gripping psychological thriller that seamlessly blends the eerie allure of ancient rituals with the relentless pursuit of justice. With its atmospheric setting, layered characters, and heart-pounding suspense, this novel keeps readers guessing until the very last page.

The story follows Dr. Harrison Lane, the enigmatic head of the Ritualistic Behavioural Crime Unit, as he investigates a chilling murder in a remote Yorkshire cave. The discovery of a victim clad in the mask of an Egyptian deity, surrounded by blood-soaked symbols, sets the tone for a complex and unsettling case. As whispers of ancient curses and spectral mists cloud the truth, Harrison must confront not only the horrors of the present but also the long-buried secrets of a dark past.

Bennett’s portrayal of Harrison Lane is both compelling and multifaceted. His calm analytical mind is constantly tested by the emotional toll of the case, while his own shadows from the past add further depth to his character. The tension escalates as one by one, the surviving members of the university group who once dabbled in forbidden rituals are hunted down. Each death raises more questions, and the line between superstition and reality blurs.

The novel’s setting is strikingly atmospheric. The descriptions of the cave’s oppressive darkness, the flickering candlelight, and the ominous echoes of ancient rites evoke a palpable sense of dread. Bennett masterfully uses the rugged Yorkshire landscape to heighten the tension, making readers feel as though they are descending into the same depths of uncertainty as Harrison himself.

What sets Silent Souls apart is its skillful exploration of the psychological weight of guilt and fear. The past holds a powerful grip over the characters, and the consequences of their youthful mistakes reverberate through every chilling twist. Bennett’s sharp dialogue and tightly woven plot ensure that readers remain engrossed, racing alongside Harrison to uncover the truth before the killer completes their deadly ritual.

For fans of atmospheric crime thrillers with a touch of the occult, Silent Souls is an absolute must-read. Gwyn Bennett has crafted a story that is both intellectually satisfying and emotionally haunting — a perfect choice for readers who crave psychological depth in their mysteries.

I just read the book. It is a sad and, at the same time, hopeful one. DS Melinda Fallon calls Dr. Harrison Lane to help solve a murder. In the meantime, other murders happen. These may or may not be related to the first one. In this story, Dr Lane took longer than his usual time to understand what was happening. Would this be because in the last book, he has not committed to his girlfriend? Is his heart disturbing his work? Will he understand the importance of Tanya in his life?

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this eCopy to review

Reading Silent Souls was an intriguing experience, blending crime, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural. The story follows Dr. Harrison Lane, head of the Ritualistic Behavioural Crime Unit, as he investigates a chilling murder in a remote Yorkshire cave. The victim is found wearing the mask of an Egyptian deity, surrounded by blood-painted symbols and flickering candlelight. Witnesses speak of growling spirit mists and an invisible killer, adding an eerie layer to the case.

As Harrison delves deeper, he uncovers a connection to a group of university students who practiced forbidden rituals in the cave three decades ago. Now, someone is seeking deadly revenge, and the group members are being targeted one by one. The tension builds as Harrison races against time to unravel the symbolic clues and stop the killer before the ritual reaches its deadly finale.

I appreciated the unique premise and the blend of crime-solving with ancient mythology. Harrison Lane is compelling, and the atmospheric writing brought the Yorkshire setting to life.

Silent Souls is a gripping read for fans of crime thrillers with a dark, supernatural edge.

The fifth Gwyn Bennett book I have read and the second Harrison Lane book. Read in three sittings this book referenced happenings of thirty years ago and concludes with the perfect climax to encourage the reader to buy the next book.Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the chance to ARC this book.

2⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advanced copy of Silent Souls.

Dr Harrison Lane is called to the scene of a crime where some kind of ritualistic practice has taken place and someone is dead. A group of friends tempted fate decades ago and now another person is dead.

This was just kind of a weird book and it came off as pretty predictable. It was short but I feel like the story was just kind of rushed.