Publication Date: Available Now from Wildfire
Source: Review Copy
These are the facts I collect.
My son Gabriel met a woman called Mariela in a bar. She went home with him. They next morning she was found in an allotment.
Mariela is dead.
Gabriel has been asked to report to Camden Police station in six hours for questioning
Linda Moscow loves her son; it’s her biological instinct to keep him safe. But if she’s not sure of his innocence, how can she stand by him? Should she go against everything she believes in to protect him?
She’s done it before, and the guilt nearly killed her.
Now, the past is catching up with them. As old secrets resurface, Linda is faced with another impossible choice. Only this time, it’s her life on the line…
Brilliantly compulsive, utterly heartbreaking, beautifully written. A psychological thriller of depth and beauty.
That was the soundbite review I put up on Goodreads after finishing this novel and the gap between then and now has only enforced that feeling – I have not read a psychological thriller that has as many beautifully layered themes to it for a long time. An Act of Silence is a true page turner, incredibly compelling storytelling, sublime writing, delivering just the right amount of unpredictability with some truly intriguing characters.
It is a character drama that is extremely thought provoking, looking at the parental relationship, how far we would go to protect our children, all embedded into a good old fashioned mystery story. The author takes you on a twisted journey, emotionally hard hitting, always authentic and plotted to perfection both in style and substance. Linda as a character is oddly likable despite often doing some rather unlikable things it seems – but I have to say Gabriel was the one I engaged with, his character voice resonated – so I attached.
Its difficult to say too much without giving things away, but as things progress you’ll get deeper and deeper into this – Colette McBeth just entwines you into the world she’s created – it is clever, fascinating, explores some very dark events that will touch your soul – utterly alluring, the delicate touch this author has with language sucks you in then throws you out the other side with thoughts that will linger in your head long after reading.
Really excellent. Truly so. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Happy Reading!
