This memorable book focused on the interview technique and a police procedural to discover the truth behind a crime or crimes. The book was short, less than 170 pages, but it packed more tension and suspense than most thrillers twice as long. It was a gripping psychological thriller with well-defined, engaging characters. The writing was direct, with no meandering or unnecessary fillers. The author, Greg Heist, has over thirty years of experience in law enforcement, making this a realistic story, and I hope he has plans for more books!

Frank Braun is due to retire that day and is looking forward to it. He is considered a hard-nosed, gruff detective who has always followed the rules. He has no empathy for wrongdoers but maybe some sympathy for their victims. He is packing up his personal belongings from his office when he is directed to interview a suspect who states that he will only speak to Braun. Braun is reluctant as he is in a hurry to get out of there, but figures that he will make the interview quick.

The interview will be conducted with Jacob Weaver, a man in his late thirties who looks younger. He was arrested and charged with drinking and smoking marijuana while driving. As the interview proceeded, we got to know each character. When Jacob was a boy, he ran away from the farm where he lived, and Braun learns he was the police officer who returned him home. At the time, Braun had symptoms of PTSD from his time in Vietnam and was drinking heavily to relieve the flashbacks.

He draws out Jacob's resentment of him and incidents of Jacob's harsh life on the farm. Jacob had heavy farm work as a child and a very harsh father. Jacob recalls one memory of a terrible, frightening punishment that amused his father. His mother was addicted to drugs and alcohol and would vanish for long periods. She would return for drug money and often with a useless, mean man who Jacob called his uncle. His father is now dead. He lived with a cousin whom he calls Aunt Rose. She acted as a mother figure but was extremely controlling of everyone and the farm property. Jacob seems vulnerable and suffers from stress due to his memories of his early life. He uses drugs and alcohol to help him forget.

Braun knows that the prosecution intends to use the three-strikes law, which would place Jacob in prison for a very long time, a confinement he is not strong enough to survive. Braun strongly feels there is information that Jacob is not revealing, and has developed empathy for the young man. He decides to remain and work with him to find clues that might save him.

Braun's next step is interviewing Aunt Rose, the only person left at the farm. He discovers her perched on top of the silo. What she tells him causes him to call in law enforcement to search around the base of the silo and grounds.
Highly recommended for readers who enjoy a well-constructed psychological thriller and compelling police procedural. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an electronic copy of The Silo. The book is now available.