Hi, everyone, and welcome to my last book review of October. It seems like only yesterday I was lounging by my pool, but in two days I’m going to be handing out trick-or-treat candy. Yet another month has blown by on a whirlwind! Somehow, despite all that fast-forward flash of time, I still manage to slow the hours down long enough to read. Which brings me to today’s review!
Silent Payback
by Jaye Marie
This is a polished story that reads easily and moves at a good clip. The author does an excellent job of getting into the minds of her characters and sharing their emotions. Detective David Mallory is tasked with finding a serial killer, but in addition to tracking down the murderer, he must prove himself worthy to his peers while facing the scrutiny of a legendary commander.He’s also struggling with an issue in his personal life, that if exposed, could ruin everything.
The focus on the crime, and the efforts David employs, along with his partner Anna to find the killer before he strikes again, are the strength of the book in this reader’s opinion. I also loved the inclusion of Snow, the commander whose reputation precedes him. He has a quiet strength and dominates every scene he’s in. When the book is focused on crime solving, it’s great.
Somewhere near the halfway point, David’s secret is revealed (although we get hints prior) and the focus shifts to his personal life. His secret is a big one. Clearly, the author intended for it to be a surprise. It’s definitely nothing I would have guessed, but nor is it something I would normally choose to read about. Which could be why that part of the novel doesn’t work for me.
Huge points to the author for deft handling of a delicate situation. At this point it becomes a matter of personal taste, but I found too much of the story focused on the details of David problem. I liked the wrap to the crime. Coupled with the strength of the writing, and the obvious effort the author put into telling this tale, it warrants five glowing stars despite the issues I had.
Amazon Link
Genre: Psychological Fiction > Murder Fiction
Congratulations to Jaye on her new release! I probably won’t be reading much (or as much) during the month of November due to NaNo, but before the year is out, I hope to have several more reviews to share. In the meantime, I wish you happy reading!
I have this on my TBR list, Mae. Great review:)
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David is an unusual character. I was surprised how deftly Jaye handled the challenges he faced in his personal life. It’s a different type of story, but very polished and well told.
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This review was one of the best I have ever read, and it was for my book! Yay!
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Jaye, thank you so much. You know how I worried about posting this. I am so glad you’re pleased with the review. And congratulations on all the great reviews you’ve been getting!
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I’m on cloud nine, and may never come back down!
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It’s on my TBR list, and I shall get to it very soon. Congratulations Jaye!
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Glad to have you drop in to support Jaye, Stevie. Happy reading!
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I’m 70% along with this novel and really absorbed – the unusual circumstances of David the detective are certainly an antidote to the usual brooding detectives we come across in the many crime dramas around. This has engendered much questioning of my retired policeman husband as to would David be able to keep his secret.I would love to have read this as part of a book group – there would be plenty to discuss!
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You are so right. There would be major discussion among a book club. I wonder if he’d be able to keep his secret as well. Jaye created an unusual MC!
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This sounds like an interesting read, Mae. Thanks for sharing your review. It looks like one for my TBR if it’s not on there already, lol 🙂
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LOL! I know what you mean. I’ve lost count of the number of times I go to Amazon to purchase a book, only to get the message that I already have!
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Well now I want to know what the big secret is! Congrats to Jaye on this recent release.
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I didn’t see it coming, that’s for sure. Sooner or later I have a feeling it may appear in a review, but I didn’t want to part with that spoiler!
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I have this one on my TBR list for sometime after NaNo. Great review, Mae.
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Thanks. It was a hard one to write, as the personal aspects of the book were not ones I would normally seek out to read, but I loved the criminal investigation. And Jaye’s storytelling and writing were superb.
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I look forward to reading it.
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Great review! Detectives with a dark past are pretty typical in Noir detective fiction. I don’t know if this would fit that sub-genre or not but I understand how you felt. I will definitely take a closer look at it!
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David is definitely unusual and not the typical detective with a secret. I know Jaye will appreciate that extra looksee! 🙂
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Great review, Mae – congrats to Jaye!
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Thanks, Teri. And thanks for cheering on Jaye!
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Thanks for this wonderful review, Mae.
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Thanks, Robbie. I really enjoy writing and sharing reviews!
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Great review, Mae. A must read!!
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Hi, Gwen! So nice to have you visit. I’m glad you enjoyed the review, and I know Jaye will be delighted with the support!
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You always write the best reviews. Congratulations to Jaye.
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Aww, thanks for that. I sometimes struggle with them, and this one was a little harder to write with balancing the two arcs of the book!
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I write lousy reviews, but they still count on Amazon, so I have that going for me.
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Any review is a great review, and I think you do fine.
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Your reviews are so thoughtful, I always enjoy them. Hope you’re ready for NaNo! Happy writing! I can’t wait to read whatever you come up with.
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I’m so glad you enjoy my reviews, Judi.:)
And I spent on more Nano prep, so hopefully, I can dive in full-steam ahead on Friday!
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Your review ignites the interest as you have mentioned many layers of the plot. Thank you Mae for sharing a thoughtfully crafted review.
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Thank you so much, Balroop. There are definitely diverse layers in this book. Addressing the two primary story arcs was the only way I could think to present this one. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
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An excellent review, Mae. Congratulations to Jaye. Sounds like she did a great job.
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Thanks, John. She told an unusual tale with her MC, not anything I would have been brave enough to tackle!
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Makes me want to read it.
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An awesome review, Mae! I love a good police procedural, so much research is required to make them believable.
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The crime side of this book has a very British feel to it, which I love (I read a lot of that stuff). Jaye did a great balancing act with the police side vs the personal side of the story,
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Thank you for your honest review, Mae! The book is on my radar and my Kindle. After NaNo.:)
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Heheee. I’m like you, Jan. I have a bunch of books slated for after NaNo.
Thanks for checking out the review!
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Nice review, MC! Might get this on my TBR list!
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Thanks, Noelle!
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Reblogged this on Loleta Abi Author & Book Blogger.
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Thank you kindly!
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Great review, Mae! I don’t know if I’ll ever see the light at the end of my TBR list at this rate 😀
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😀
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Wow, this sounds most intriguing!
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Thanks for visiting, Flossie!
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