Silent WitnessAuthor: Shirley Wells
Release Date: March 5, 2012
Publisher: Carina Press
Dylan Scott Mystery #3
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Format(s): e-book, audio
Book Source: Author
About the book:
After his ex-wife bled to death in a bathtub covered in his fingerprints, the case against Aleksander Kaminski seemed open and shut. Though sentenced to life in prison, he swears he’s innocent, a claim supported by his current wife.
Private investigator Dylan Scott finds himself drawn back to dreary Lancashire in a search for justice. The evidence against Kaminski is damning, but having been unjustly jailed himself, Dylan is compelled to peruse the case; if there’s even a small chance the man is innocent, he has to help. The other obvious suspect – the victim’s second husband – has a watertight alibi. But Dylan has a strong hunch that as usual, there’s more going on than meets the eye in Dawson’s Clough.
The deeper Dylan digs, the more secrets he unearths. The question remains: If Kaminski didn’t murder his childhood sweetheart, who did?
What I’m talking about:
Dylan Scott, ex-police officer and current private investigator, is looking into the murder of Carly Walsingham. Currently, her ex-husband, Alek Kaminski is serving time for her death, but he claims innocence. Alek’s parents (along with current wife, Sue) have hired Dylan to discover the truth and get Alek out of jail. Among the list of suspects: Carly’s second husband: Dr. Neil Walsingham, Jamie Tinsley: a vet at Sue’s animal shelter, Neil’s current mistress: Megan Cole and Neil’s former mistress: Sonia Trueman. Although all evidence points to Alek’s guilt, Dylan Scott is compelled to take the case.
This is my second Dylan Scott Mystery and once again, I am captivated! Ms. Wells has a knack for story-telling that keeps me on my toes and fully engaged until the very end! One of the best things about this story (and series) is that it is told from multiple points of view. This not only gives the reader insight into Dylan’s sleuthing, but paints a different portrait of the victim and events depending on who’s doing the thinking. I never really knew who was guilty until the very end. It is a very effective and suspenseful way to present the story.
Second, I adore Dylan Scott. He is a reluctant “hero,” who is human and flawed, but a good man. I enjoy going through his thought processes and watching him interact with suspects. He is still bitter because of his dismissal from the police force (and subsequent incarceration for being too rough with a convict), and it impacts his interactions with everyone. Yet, I think it drives him to be a better detective. He has a way of putting me at ease.
Another wonderful thing about this book is Dylan’s relationship with his family. His interactions with his wife, Bev, are touching and real. There is just enough of his personal life to give the story a compassionate touch, but not overrun the central plot. In addition, we are treated to sections of the story told by Bev. She has a newborn baby and is clearly suffering from postpartum depression. As a mom of two, I understand those feelings and fears, and it is these sections that make Silent Witness something special.
I really don’t have anything negative to say about this book. I am a bit baffled as to why the victim (Carly) had a bruise and what was up with the heightened anxiety Alek experienced. It was the one loose end not wrapped up. Everything else found its place by the end of the tale, and I look forward to more Dylan Scott stories!
Silent Witness is and exciting and at times suspenseful murder mystery. I was left guessing whodunit until close to the end. It’s funny that my first inclination was correct. I enjoy how Ms. Wells builds the case and gives her story a human touch.
My Rating:
Enjoyed – strongly recommend (A-)
Purchase Info:
Other Reviews in the Series:
Thanks for a great review. Hmmm… I haven’t heard of this author… gotta go check it out 🙂
[…] Purchase Info: Dying Art (Book 5) Reviews in the Series: Presumed Dead (Book 1) Silent Witness (Book 3) Dead Calm (Book […]
[…] Posted by Jen Twimom on Jul 6, 2012 in 4 stars, contest, giveaway, mystery/suspense, novella, reviews | 0 comments Dead Calm Author: Shirley Wells Release Date: June 4, 2012 Publisher: Carina Press Dylan Scott Mystery #4 ISBN: #978-1426893889 Genre: Mystery, Novella Format(s): e-book Book Source: Author About the book: Detective Dylan Scott thinks cruising well above the Arctic Circle in November is nothing short of madness. He has zero interest in seeing the elusive aurora borealis, but agrees to the Norwegian holiday to keep his wife and mother happy. At least the biggest problem he’ll have to deal with is boredom. But that boredom quickly dissipates when the unpleasant elderly woman in the neighboring cabin is found dead. Everyone thinks Hanna Larsen had a heart attack. Everyone except Dylan. Dylan is convinced there’s a killer aboard the Midnight Sun—a killer who may strike again… What I’m talking about: The story opens with our reluctant hero, Dylan Scott, having a late night run in with the irritable woman staying in the cabin next to his aboard the cruise ship, Midnight Sun. Much to his (and everyone else) surprise, the miserable old woman, Hanna Larsen, is found dead the next morning in her cabin. Everyone assumes it was her heart problems and the stress of traveling that caused her death, but Dylan’s inner private eye sees it differently, especially after he knows he heard someone leaving her cabin at 3:00 AM. Soon Dylan has a fairly long list of suspects and is determined to prove there is more going on than appears. Once again, Ms. Wells offers a wonderful whodunit with the most lovable Dylan Scott. Dead Calm has all of the ingredients that make each of the full-length Dylan Scott Mysteries engrossing and exciting. Even in this shortened format, the mystery is packed with viable suspects, multiple points-of-view, and a few surprising twists. I have really grown to love Dylan over the course of reading three (of four) of his stories. He is truly a likable guy – he’s an average “joe,” complete with his own flaws and bad habits. He is annoyed by his mother, doesn’t want to be on this trip, and is obsessed with a dead woman, yet we know he loves his family and does what he can to make them happy. I enjoy reading his point-of-view and seeing how he works out the mystery. I find that I am always trying to solve the case before he does. And while I may guess the correct suspect, there are always doubts planted so that I really am uncertain right up until the end. For those who have not yet tried one of the Dylan Scott Mysteries, Dead Calm is a great taste of the author’s writing style in a novella-length story. It is offered as a stand alone book, or in a four-author anthology from Carina Press. Although each of the stories are completely stand alone, we do witness wonderful character development from book to book. I also enjoy watching Dylan and wife Bev go from separated to happy once again. SO – if you enjoy a great mystery coupled with stupendous characters and thrilling plots, I highly suggest starting at the beginning with Presumed Dead. My Rating: Enjoyed – strongly recommend (A-) GIVEAWAY: Author Shirley Wells is graciously giving away one (1) one digital copy of Carina Press Presents Editor’s Choice Volume 2 and one (1) digital copy of her Dylan Scott mystery, Dead Calm. To enter, leave a comment telling us what is your favorite genre to read. You may leave your comment here or after her guest post HERE. Please leave your comments for Shirley by Tuesday July 10, 2012, at 10:00 PM EDT to be eligible for the contest. There will be two winners. One entry per person, the winners will be selected from eligible entries using random.org. Contest is open internationally; please leave your email address so the author can send you the book. Thank you to Shirley for this awesome giveaway! Purchase Info: Dead Calm (Dylan Scott Mystery 4) Carina Press Presents: Editor’s Choice Volume II Reviews in the Series: Presumed Dead (Book 1) Silent Witness (Book 3) […]