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Tony Lord #2
Silent Witness
Almost thirty years have passed since Tony Lord left Lake City. Thirty long years dedicated to putting the past the brutal murder of his girlfriend, Alison Taylor, and his own acquittal of the crime behind him. Married, a father, and a successful defense lawyer in San Francisco, Tony Lord has run as far from Lake City as he can.
But the phone call requesting his return and the circumstances surrounding it is enough to make the ghosts of Tony's past live again. The trigger is the murder of another young woman - that of 16-year-old Lake City High School track star Marcie Calder, last seen alive with Sam Robb, her coach and Tony's childhood friend.
With this stunning new novel of psychological drama and suspense, Richard North Patterson has done it again. Silent Witness is a drama of rivalry and betrayal, the darkest recesses of love and friendship, and the tenacious grip of the past on all our lives.
But the phone call requesting his return and the circumstances surrounding it is enough to make the ghosts of Tony's past live again. The trigger is the murder of another young woman - that of 16-year-old Lake City High School track star Marcie Calder, last seen alive with Sam Robb, her coach and Tony's childhood friend.
With this stunning new novel of psychological drama and suspense, Richard North Patterson has done it again. Silent Witness is a drama of rivalry and betrayal, the darkest recesses of love and friendship, and the tenacious grip of the past on all our lives.
494 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 1976
203 people are currently reading
2235 people want to read
About the author
Richard North Patterson
105 books675 followersRichard North Patterson is the author of fourteen previous bestselling and critically acclaimed novels. Formerly a trial lawyer, Patterson served as the SEC’s liaison to the Watergate special prosecutor and has served on the boards of several Washington advocacy groups dealing with gun violence, political reform, and women’s rights. He lives in San Francisco and on Martha’s Vineyard.
Macmillan.com Author Profile
Awards
Edgar Award, 1980, Best First Novel for The Lasko Tangent
Grand Prix de Littérature Policière, International Award, 1995 for Degree of Guilt
http://us.macmillan.com/author/richar...
Macmillan.com Author Profile
Awards
Edgar Award, 1980, Best First Novel for The Lasko Tangent
Grand Prix de Littérature Policière, International Award, 1995 for Degree of Guilt
http://us.macmillan.com/author/richar...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 281 reviews
June 30, 2019
I finished reading this book last night and I am still caught up in the emotions this book left me with. I picked this book up at the library by accident, hoping to find a thriller/mystery written by the other famous Patterson but I'm so glad I did! This book is not one I will soon forget. It is not what I would consider a thriller, but I was almost instantly emotionally invested in the main character. The main character, Tony Lord (and all the other big players in the story) was so well developed that I had a huge amount of respect for him and, ultimately, began to trust him throughout the book. By the end, I felt like I was so wrapped up in the emotions of the characters, I didn't even see the last twist coming. There is no shortage of "whodunnit?" or "woulda, shoulda, coulda" in this book. It will leave you wondering what really happened all the way up to the end! I am so happy that I stumbled onto this book and only regret not having read any other of Richard North Patterson's writings before this!
April 26, 2019
E siamo giunti al 25° libro e alla fine di Aprile manca una settinana. Questo è un bel librone. L'unica sua pecca, ma non gli tolgo una stella, è che parte un po' lentamente nella prima parte ma poi ingrana di brutto. Davvero un bel libro. Uno di quei libri che tengono sospesi per sapere chi è l'assassino. Arringa dopo arringa (o acciuga dopo acciuga ed è una battuta perchè il pesce è scritto con una sola R) ti tiene li a chiederti chi è il colpevole?
March 14, 2023
TW: Rape.
This is the first book by Richard North Patterson that I've read and what an introduction to his work it is! I am impressed and now interested in reading more of his books. Though this is the 2nd book in the Tony Lord series, the story stands on it's own pretty well.
At the heart of this book are two really terrible murders. The first victim is Alison Taylor whom Tony Lord at 17, is accused of killing. Almost three decades later, Tony's best friend, Sam Robb is accused of killing a student at the school where he is vice principal, Marcie Calder. It also focuses on two timelines (covering the two murders) but not concurrently which worked well for the story telling.
I have to say that going in, I didn't have high expectations, I was just hoping it would at least be good. I am glad to say this turned out better than I hoped. The writing is quite captivating, it really pulled me in and I had difficulty putting the book down. Couple that with the characters and we have a winner.
Tony Lord in particular is a wounded man after having been accused of killing his girlfriend when he was a teenager but you get the sense he's a man trying his best even though he's forever been traumatized by that incident. He felt real in the way he related with Sam. Yeah their friendship was kinda toxic but there was an authenticity to the way it's presented.
At first, I found it unbelievable that after all these years, he'd go back to Lake City and it's like he never left but as I read, I understood.
Do you have people in your life whom you knew when you were growing up, maybe they stayed in your life for a while or maybe you just went through something with them?? I've noticed that we may get stuck in who we were with them that even years later, in their presence, we revert to the 12 year old or 17 year old or 25 year old - esp if there are unresolved issues. Sometimes you can move on but to those people you'll always be that 12 year old or 17 year old or 25 year old they knew and they treat you as such now, even though so many years have passed and you've grown up.
Tony and Sam went through some terrible stuff plus their friendship wasn't all that healthy to begin with so it makes sense that even as adults, they'd fall back into those roles they filled as teenagers. I could relate to that.
On to the mystery, you are kept guessing right up till the end. I saw a reviewer say they'd figured out who did it very early on but I didn't. Even when it was revealed I was shocked. However, I wasn't reading this, rushing to the end so I can know who did it, I was enjoying the journey and the characters and seeing how they interacted with each other.
I would read this again despite knowing how it ends, and speaking of endings, when I finished this, I had a bittersweet feeling. Bitter because there were some moments that were hard to read and even the last few sentences are melancholic but they leave you hopeful; and sweet because it was really good.
This is the first book by Richard North Patterson that I've read and what an introduction to his work it is! I am impressed and now interested in reading more of his books. Though this is the 2nd book in the Tony Lord series, the story stands on it's own pretty well.
At the heart of this book are two really terrible murders. The first victim is Alison Taylor whom Tony Lord at 17, is accused of killing. Almost three decades later, Tony's best friend, Sam Robb is accused of killing a student at the school where he is vice principal, Marcie Calder. It also focuses on two timelines (covering the two murders) but not concurrently which worked well for the story telling.
I have to say that going in, I didn't have high expectations, I was just hoping it would at least be good. I am glad to say this turned out better than I hoped. The writing is quite captivating, it really pulled me in and I had difficulty putting the book down. Couple that with the characters and we have a winner.
Tony Lord in particular is a wounded man after having been accused of killing his girlfriend when he was a teenager but you get the sense he's a man trying his best even though he's forever been traumatized by that incident. He felt real in the way he related with Sam. Yeah their friendship was kinda toxic but there was an authenticity to the way it's presented.
At first, I found it unbelievable that after all these years, he'd go back to Lake City and it's like he never left but as I read, I understood.
Do you have people in your life whom you knew when you were growing up, maybe they stayed in your life for a while or maybe you just went through something with them?? I've noticed that we may get stuck in who we were with them that even years later, in their presence, we revert to the 12 year old or 17 year old or 25 year old - esp if there are unresolved issues. Sometimes you can move on but to those people you'll always be that 12 year old or 17 year old or 25 year old they knew and they treat you as such now, even though so many years have passed and you've grown up.
Tony and Sam went through some terrible stuff plus their friendship wasn't all that healthy to begin with so it makes sense that even as adults, they'd fall back into those roles they filled as teenagers. I could relate to that.
On to the mystery, you are kept guessing right up till the end. I saw a reviewer say they'd figured out who did it very early on but I didn't. Even when it was revealed I was shocked. However, I wasn't reading this, rushing to the end so I can know who did it, I was enjoying the journey and the characters and seeing how they interacted with each other.
I would read this again despite knowing how it ends, and speaking of endings, when I finished this, I had a bittersweet feeling. Bitter because there were some moments that were hard to read and even the last few sentences are melancholic but they leave you hopeful; and sweet because it was really good.
April 15, 2019
מותחן משפטי מעולה והופך דפים, מז'אנר ה"מי עשה את זה?"
על אף אורכו, היה לי קשה להניח אותו מהיד.
טוני וסם הם חברים טובים מילדות. שניהם ספורטאים מצטיינים התומכים זה בזה ומתחרים זה בזה, ולשתיהן חברות אינטליגנטיות ויפות.
אלא שלילה אפל אחד, מתרחש רצח אכזרי וטוני הוא החשוד היחיד. כל הראיות מצביעות לכיוונו וכל תושבי העיירה הקטנה מפנים לו עורף ומבקשים לראות אותו מאחורי סורג ובריח. אפילו החבר הכי טוב שלו מתחיל לפקפק בחפותו.
28 שנים לאחר שנוקה מחמת הספק, טוני הוא עו"ד פלילי בעל שם, וחוזר לאותה עיירה קרתנית על מנת להיחלץ לעזרת חברו הטוב לשעבר אשר נחשד ברצח תלמידתו הקטינה. הפעם סם הוא החשוד היחיד ואיש לא מאמין בחפותו.
זהו ספר מרתק על חברות, מוסר, אשמה, והכל תוך טוויית שתי תעלומות רצח וסיקור משפט שהוא הגילטי פלז'ר של הספר. פטרסון עשה עבודה מושקעת ביותר, והצליח למתוח אותי מבלי שהצלחתי לנחש מי הרוצח/ת האמיתי/ת עד סוף הספר. הנאה גדולה.
עדות אילמת/ריצ'רד נורת' פטרסון
על אף אורכו, היה לי קשה להניח אותו מהיד.
טוני וסם הם חברים טובים מילדות. שניהם ספורטאים מצטיינים התומכים זה בזה ומתחרים זה בזה, ולשתיהן חברות אינטליגנטיות ויפות.
אלא שלילה אפל אחד, מתרחש רצח אכזרי וטוני הוא החשוד היחיד. כל הראיות מצביעות לכיוונו וכל תושבי העיירה הקטנה מפנים לו עורף ומבקשים לראות אותו מאחורי סורג ובריח. אפילו החבר הכי טוב שלו מתחיל לפקפק בחפותו.
28 שנים לאחר שנוקה מחמת הספק, טוני הוא עו"ד פלילי בעל שם, וחוזר לאותה עיירה קרתנית על מנת להיחלץ לעזרת חברו הטוב לשעבר אשר נחשד ברצח תלמידתו הקטינה. הפעם סם הוא החשוד היחיד ואיש לא מאמין בחפותו.
זהו ספר מרתק על חברות, מוסר, אשמה, והכל תוך טוויית שתי תעלומות רצח וסיקור משפט שהוא הגילטי פלז'ר של הספר. פטרסון עשה עבודה מושקעת ביותר, והצליח למתוח אותי מבלי שהצלחתי לנחש מי הרוצח/ת האמיתי/ת עד סוף הספר. הנאה גדולה.
עדות אילמת/ריצ'רד נורת' פטרסון
June 15, 2018
I had never read a Richard North Patterson novel before...but am so glad that this one caught my eye. His work is outstanding. So much so that I believe he will join the ranks of my favorite mystery writers. I really enjoyed the book. The story was well told making it a "page turner" I had worked out who had probably committed the crime before the end but still was surprised by some of the evidence. Anyone that likes a good mystery along with some court room drama will really like this book.
July 3, 2016
This is 578 pages in paperback, about two friends whose lives include the murder of two women and how the truth comes out in the end. Lots of suspence
August 26, 2019
I read this because a co-worker loaned it to me. It is a legal thriller along the lines of John Grisham or Scott Turow. The star lawyer is Tony Lord who comes back to his home town to defend his high school best friend from a murder charge. Tony left Lake City at 18 after himself having been accused of murder. This experience is what inspired Tony to become a defense attorney. But his loyalties are tested upon his return. This isn’t a sub-genre I typically read but it was entertaining enough. In particular, it was an interesting look at a toxic friendship between men.
January 7, 2021
If you like legal thrillers you'll like this. It seemed very long. We're taken trough two cases--one present, one past--from beginning to end. I thought I knew who done it, then kept changing my mind and wondering.
May 23, 2021
An excellent murder mystery, courtroom drama and life and relationships in small town in USA.
There are two murders, 30 years apart. In the first one Tony Lord, 17 years old star sportsman in a small town is accused of murdering his girlfriend but the case against him is never proved.
30 years later Tony is a star lawyer in San Francisco and is called back to his childhood town to defend his best friend, accused of murdering a young schoolgirl.
The plot has many twists and turns, moving between the now and then. The author is brilliant in writing the courtroom arguments. Yet another plus is the psychology of teenagers, relationship between friends, attitude to the colored people in the 60s, the role of the Church.
All in all an excellent read, to be read at ease enjoying each page, each event and each character.
There are two murders, 30 years apart. In the first one Tony Lord, 17 years old star sportsman in a small town is accused of murdering his girlfriend but the case against him is never proved.
30 years later Tony is a star lawyer in San Francisco and is called back to his childhood town to defend his best friend, accused of murdering a young schoolgirl.
The plot has many twists and turns, moving between the now and then. The author is brilliant in writing the courtroom arguments. Yet another plus is the psychology of teenagers, relationship between friends, attitude to the colored people in the 60s, the role of the Church.
All in all an excellent read, to be read at ease enjoying each page, each event and each character.
September 23, 2017
Good read. Patterson did a good job moving between past and present.
September 21, 2017
Brilliant!!
Read
June 15, 2024➡️ El asesinato de una joven estudiante de instituto, la acusación contra el subdirector y entrenador de la joven y la conexión con un asesinato sin resolver ocurrido 28 años antes.
📗 1995, Lake City. Cuando Tony Lord recibe la llamada de un viejo amigo acusado de haber matado a una estudiante, el exitoso abogado vuelve por primera vez en 28 años a su pueblo. El mismo lugar del que huyó después de ser acusado del brutal asesinato de su novia y que, pese a no ser demostrada su culpabilidad en el juicio, los vecinos le acusaron de asesino y le dieron la espalda. Tony enfrentará, mientras defiende a su amigo, los recuerdos que la similitud del caso le traen a la mente y la difícil defensa de un acusado con demasiadas pruebas en contra.
✒️ Richard P. North construye en "Testigo silencioso" un thriller narrador a saltos en el tiempo en el que el lector asiste a dos asesinatos separados por 28 años de diferencia, cuya intriga no deja de crecer conforme avanza la investigación y cuyo protagonista deberá afrontar sus miedos pasados y la duda de si su mejor amigo de la infancia es un asesino. Una historia que se adentra en temas como el amor, la amistad, la infidelidad, la venganza, la mentira, el miedo, el peso de los errores, las apariencias y el sexo adolescente.
👏🏻 La recomiendo por:
- La tensión constante de la trama principal y de las subtramas.
- Los giros argumentales.
- La intriga en torno a la culpabilidad del acusado.
- La lograda ambientación de hostilidad y encierro del lugar donde acontecen los hechos (Lake City).
- El personaje protagonista, Tony, su evolución personal y la ambivalencia de los personajes secundarios.
- Lectura amena y adictiva a través de un lenguaje sencillo y la alternancia de descripciones y diálogos.
♥️ Te gustará si:
- Buscas un thriller que mantenga tu atención hasta el final.
- Te gusta el estilo narrativo del autor y has leído y disfrutado alguna de sus obras.
📗 1995, Lake City. Cuando Tony Lord recibe la llamada de un viejo amigo acusado de haber matado a una estudiante, el exitoso abogado vuelve por primera vez en 28 años a su pueblo. El mismo lugar del que huyó después de ser acusado del brutal asesinato de su novia y que, pese a no ser demostrada su culpabilidad en el juicio, los vecinos le acusaron de asesino y le dieron la espalda. Tony enfrentará, mientras defiende a su amigo, los recuerdos que la similitud del caso le traen a la mente y la difícil defensa de un acusado con demasiadas pruebas en contra.
✒️ Richard P. North construye en "Testigo silencioso" un thriller narrador a saltos en el tiempo en el que el lector asiste a dos asesinatos separados por 28 años de diferencia, cuya intriga no deja de crecer conforme avanza la investigación y cuyo protagonista deberá afrontar sus miedos pasados y la duda de si su mejor amigo de la infancia es un asesino. Una historia que se adentra en temas como el amor, la amistad, la infidelidad, la venganza, la mentira, el miedo, el peso de los errores, las apariencias y el sexo adolescente.
👏🏻 La recomiendo por:
- La tensión constante de la trama principal y de las subtramas.
- Los giros argumentales.
- La intriga en torno a la culpabilidad del acusado.
- La lograda ambientación de hostilidad y encierro del lugar donde acontecen los hechos (Lake City).
- El personaje protagonista, Tony, su evolución personal y la ambivalencia de los personajes secundarios.
- Lectura amena y adictiva a través de un lenguaje sencillo y la alternancia de descripciones y diálogos.
♥️ Te gustará si:
- Buscas un thriller que mantenga tu atención hasta el final.
- Te gusta el estilo narrativo del autor y has leído y disfrutado alguna de sus obras.
March 25, 2014
Although this book is a book about a murder and the legal case that followed, even more it is the story of the relationship between Tony Lord and Sam Robb - friends from high-school. This is the second book that features Tony Lord and I have yet to read the first one though I plan to very shortly.
Tony has been called back to his childhood town by an old friend when her husband is accused of the murder of a 16 year old student. He has an all too good understanding of what this is like because Tony was himself accused (though never charged) with the murder of his high-school girl-friend.
The first part of the book takes the reader back in time and explores the relationship between Tony, Sam and their girl-friends. Although Tony is never formally charged or found guilty, has has carried with him the suspicions of the people of his hometown and has never definitively learned who killed his girlfriend.
The second part of the book returns to the present day and the lead up to the trial of Sam Robb. I won't go into detail for fear of spoiling things for the reader.
I was pretty sure by chapter 12 that I knew who had murdered Tony's first girlfriend. Even knowing that, did not spoil my enjoyment of the story and the trial that followed. This was a tale well told! I highly recommend it to anyone who likes mysteries that fall into the legal genre.
Tony has been called back to his childhood town by an old friend when her husband is accused of the murder of a 16 year old student. He has an all too good understanding of what this is like because Tony was himself accused (though never charged) with the murder of his high-school girl-friend.
The first part of the book takes the reader back in time and explores the relationship between Tony, Sam and their girl-friends. Although Tony is never formally charged or found guilty, has has carried with him the suspicions of the people of his hometown and has never definitively learned who killed his girlfriend.
The second part of the book returns to the present day and the lead up to the trial of Sam Robb. I won't go into detail for fear of spoiling things for the reader.
I was pretty sure by chapter 12 that I knew who had murdered Tony's first girlfriend. Even knowing that, did not spoil my enjoyment of the story and the trial that followed. This was a tale well told! I highly recommend it to anyone who likes mysteries that fall into the legal genre.
April 15, 2015
I had read this book fifteen years ago, and found it while looking in the shelves of old books. I read it again and was amazed how much it had aged - or how much I did age...
First, in 67 or 68, there was no racism against catholic anymore. The nation had elected one yeas ago to be their president, and was willing to elect his brother now! Was the church you belong to that important then? maybe, it is difficult to look back and remember properly. What about racism? enough not to accept a black man in one of the junior clubs? I don't know.
Then, where girls willing to sleep with their high school boyfriends? before the pill? I don't think so. But once again, I may be wrong.
The story in itself is excellent and makes you wonder about life in a small American town. Of course, reading a book again is seldom as good as a first read for a suspense book. It is a fine one, for those of you who did not read it yet.
First, in 67 or 68, there was no racism against catholic anymore. The nation had elected one yeas ago to be their president, and was willing to elect his brother now! Was the church you belong to that important then? maybe, it is difficult to look back and remember properly. What about racism? enough not to accept a black man in one of the junior clubs? I don't know.
Then, where girls willing to sleep with their high school boyfriends? before the pill? I don't think so. But once again, I may be wrong.
The story in itself is excellent and makes you wonder about life in a small American town. Of course, reading a book again is seldom as good as a first read for a suspense book. It is a fine one, for those of you who did not read it yet.
July 28, 2008
Like in most books of this type, the ending became obvious long before I got there, following the pattern of early "solutions" and red herrings, until it was obvious what was going to happen (unless something came out of left field - but that would spoil the fun, wouldn't it?) Still, it was well-written and I liked that it led me along by the hand rather than the nose. Good pacing (which is necessary in a book which which is long for this genre) and a reasonable plotline - although you did begin to wonder if the police were so stupid as to not having pursued some obvious lines of inquiry, not to mention that the killer needed a LOT of luck to get away with the first killing.
August 17, 2017
This was intended to be a vacation book, so I had pretty minimal expectations. My greatest hope was that it would be a decent, easy read. I was very pleasantly surprised, to find that it had a moderately intricate plot, that was believable, with good character development and an excellent ending. The main character, Tony Lord, was well-developed and very human. I enjoyed the author flipping back and forth between past and present, solidifying how integral they were to the story. The author also switched perspectives between the characters, adding additional interest.
May 25, 2012
This book is one of the most fascinating books I have ever read. The book exposes so many issues and themes currently being explored and discussed. Plus, the author had the talent to explain concepts and feelings in so much depth. The book made me think even further about the justice system and it also left me to suspense of how Tony Lord's life connected with the rest of the book. This book is beyond amazing to open minds and even the most skeptical -- like me!
July 5, 2016
Granted, the book is dated since it was published in 1997, but the women are unbelievably DUMB. They are led around by men who abuse them and they lie for them anyway. Sue keeps many secrets for years about her lying, drunken, murderous, creep of a husband.
On a side note, he uses "macadam" to describe a "concrete" basketball court.
The two words are not the same thing at all.
On a side note, he uses "macadam" to describe a "concrete" basketball court.
The two words are not the same thing at all.
October 27, 2015
Held my interest all the way through.
September 23, 2023
"Silent Witness" by Richard North Patterson is a masterful legal thriller that had me captivated from the very first page. This book is a testament to Patterson's exceptional storytelling skills and his ability to craft a suspenseful narrative that keeps you guessing until the very end.
The story revolves around Tony Lord, a successful attorney who returns to his hometown to defend a childhood friend, Sam Robb, accused of murder. The narrative is richly layered with complex characters, deep-rooted secrets, and moral dilemmas that kept me fully engaged throughout the novel.
One of the aspects I truly appreciated about "Silent Witness" is Patterson's meticulous attention to detail in legal proceedings. As a reader, I felt like I was right there in the courtroom, experiencing the trial alongside Tony Lord. The legal intricacies and ethical dilemmas raised in the story add depth and authenticity to the narrative.
Patterson's character development is exceptional. Tony Lord is a flawed yet relatable protagonist, grappling with his own personal demons while striving for justice. His journey of self-discovery is both compelling and heartfelt, and it's easy to root for him as he seeks to uncover the truth.
The small-town setting adds a layer of intrigue to the story, with its close-knit community harboring dark secrets and long-held grudges. Patterson skillfully weaves together past and present, gradually revealing the truth behind the murder, and I found myself eagerly turning the pages to uncover the next revelation.
Furthermore, the moral and ethical dilemmas explored in "Silent Witness" add depth to the story. It forces readers to question their own beliefs about justice and loyalty, making this not just a gripping legal thriller but also a thought-provoking exploration of human nature.
Richard North Patterson's writing style is elegant and evocative, allowing readers to vividly picture the characters and settings. His prose flows seamlessly, and his storytelling prowess shines through in every chapter.
In conclusion, "Silent Witness" is a page-turner of the highest order. Richard North Patterson's ability to craft a compelling legal thriller with well-drawn characters, intricate plot twists, and ethical complexities is truly commendable. If you're a fan of legal dramas that keep you guessing until the final verdict, then "Silent Witness" is a must-read. I highly recommend this novel to anyone seeking a gripping and thought-provoking literary experience. Richard North Patterson has once again proven himself as a master of the genre.
The story revolves around Tony Lord, a successful attorney who returns to his hometown to defend a childhood friend, Sam Robb, accused of murder. The narrative is richly layered with complex characters, deep-rooted secrets, and moral dilemmas that kept me fully engaged throughout the novel.
One of the aspects I truly appreciated about "Silent Witness" is Patterson's meticulous attention to detail in legal proceedings. As a reader, I felt like I was right there in the courtroom, experiencing the trial alongside Tony Lord. The legal intricacies and ethical dilemmas raised in the story add depth and authenticity to the narrative.
Patterson's character development is exceptional. Tony Lord is a flawed yet relatable protagonist, grappling with his own personal demons while striving for justice. His journey of self-discovery is both compelling and heartfelt, and it's easy to root for him as he seeks to uncover the truth.
The small-town setting adds a layer of intrigue to the story, with its close-knit community harboring dark secrets and long-held grudges. Patterson skillfully weaves together past and present, gradually revealing the truth behind the murder, and I found myself eagerly turning the pages to uncover the next revelation.
Furthermore, the moral and ethical dilemmas explored in "Silent Witness" add depth to the story. It forces readers to question their own beliefs about justice and loyalty, making this not just a gripping legal thriller but also a thought-provoking exploration of human nature.
Richard North Patterson's writing style is elegant and evocative, allowing readers to vividly picture the characters and settings. His prose flows seamlessly, and his storytelling prowess shines through in every chapter.
In conclusion, "Silent Witness" is a page-turner of the highest order. Richard North Patterson's ability to craft a compelling legal thriller with well-drawn characters, intricate plot twists, and ethical complexities is truly commendable. If you're a fan of legal dramas that keep you guessing until the final verdict, then "Silent Witness" is a must-read. I highly recommend this novel to anyone seeking a gripping and thought-provoking literary experience. Richard North Patterson has once again proven himself as a master of the genre.
April 21, 2020
genelde polisiye romanlar pek ilgimi çekmez. stendhal'ın parma manastırı'nın eser miktarda polisiye içeriğini saymazsak hatta, okuduğum son polisiye roman da grangé'ın sisle gelen yolcu'suydu (bu hususta bahsi edilebilecek son romanın dan brown'un kayıp sembol'ü olduğuna dair bir rivayet de mevcuttur). brown ve grangé benzeri popülerliği evrensel bir düzeye ulaşıp, artık tamamı ile bir pop unsuru olmuş polisiye tarzı beni pek de içine çekebilmiş bir tarz değildi. ben de kendimle ilgili bu bilgiler ışığında polisiye romanları hayatımdan tamamı ile çıkardım (okunduğu kadar dramatik bir şey değil bu tabi heh heh).
richard n. patterson'ı hayatımda ilk kez okuyorum ve karakter yaratımı ve kurgu becerisi saygımı tek bir kitapla kazandı desem yalan söylemiş olmam. silent witness, bunca sayfa boyunca okuyucunun merakını her an diri tutan bir kitap ve genel olarak polisiye türünün bug'ı olduğunu düşündüğüm "sürpriz son" zorlamasına rağmen hiçbir şekilde kötü bir tat bırakmıyor. bununla birlikte amerikan yargı sisteminin nasıl işlediğini de sıkıcı detaylar verecek olduğunda dahi sıkmadan, direkt olarak anlatabiliyor (elbette bilhassa sonu ile ilgili değiştirmek isteyebileceğim birkaç şey var kitapla ilgili ama hangi kitapla ilgili böyle bir hissim, isteğim yok ki?).
bu polisiye türüne mahkeme polisiyesi diyorlar ve popülerleşen (ki patterson'un kitapları da kendi çapında büyük bir popülerliğe erişen kitaplardır), yazarlarını birer pop ikonuna dönüştüren "diğer" polisiye türüne nazaran benim için daha ilgi çekici bir tür olduğu aşikar.
bu kitaptan duyduğum heyecan sayesinde bir sonraki durağım the final judgement olacak, bu kaçınılmaz.
türü sevenlere muhakkak öneriyorum, türkçe'ye oğlak yayıncılık tarafından "maceraperest kitaplar" serisi dahilinde çevirildi.
richard n. patterson'ı hayatımda ilk kez okuyorum ve karakter yaratımı ve kurgu becerisi saygımı tek bir kitapla kazandı desem yalan söylemiş olmam. silent witness, bunca sayfa boyunca okuyucunun merakını her an diri tutan bir kitap ve genel olarak polisiye türünün bug'ı olduğunu düşündüğüm "sürpriz son" zorlamasına rağmen hiçbir şekilde kötü bir tat bırakmıyor. bununla birlikte amerikan yargı sisteminin nasıl işlediğini de sıkıcı detaylar verecek olduğunda dahi sıkmadan, direkt olarak anlatabiliyor (elbette bilhassa sonu ile ilgili değiştirmek isteyebileceğim birkaç şey var kitapla ilgili ama hangi kitapla ilgili böyle bir hissim, isteğim yok ki?).
bu polisiye türüne mahkeme polisiyesi diyorlar ve popülerleşen (ki patterson'un kitapları da kendi çapında büyük bir popülerliğe erişen kitaplardır), yazarlarını birer pop ikonuna dönüştüren "diğer" polisiye türüne nazaran benim için daha ilgi çekici bir tür olduğu aşikar.
bu kitaptan duyduğum heyecan sayesinde bir sonraki durağım the final judgement olacak, bu kaçınılmaz.
türü sevenlere muhakkak öneriyorum, türkçe'ye oğlak yayıncılık tarafından "maceraperest kitaplar" serisi dahilinde çevirildi.
December 30, 2025
This story centers around the friendship of three high school students, Tony Lord, Sam Robb, and Sue Cash, living in the small town of Lake City, Ohio. Tony and Sam are both athletic and highly competitive with each other. The two seem to share Sue until Tony starts dating Alison Taylor, a popular girl whose family descends from the town's founders. The four teens become close. In the first half of the book, the author spends a lot of time, maybe too much, focused on the angst of teenage relationships, moral questions about sex before marriage, and the love/hate relationship between Tony and Sam. They are supposed to be best friends, yet don't seem to really like each other. Then, on Prom night, the plot explodes into action when Tony finds Allison raped and strangled in Taylor Park and becomes the prime suspect for her murder. Even though the police never bring charges against Tony, he remains stigmatized by the event and leaves town after graduation.
Fast forward twenty-eight years, Sam, now married to Sue and serving as VP at Lake City High School, finds himself in the same situation as his childhood friend, Tony, when one of his students is found dead in Taylor Park, and the police arrest him for her murder. Sue reaches out to Tony, now a lawyer, to help. The last third of the book is devoted to the trial, the evolving relationships among Tony, Sam, and Sue, and the subsequent consequences. There's quite a bit of sexual content in the trial that I found to be somewhat excessive. Even though some parts of the book are hard to get through, the surprise ending made it worth the effort.
Fast forward twenty-eight years, Sam, now married to Sue and serving as VP at Lake City High School, finds himself in the same situation as his childhood friend, Tony, when one of his students is found dead in Taylor Park, and the police arrest him for her murder. Sue reaches out to Tony, now a lawyer, to help. The last third of the book is devoted to the trial, the evolving relationships among Tony, Sam, and Sue, and the subsequent consequences. There's quite a bit of sexual content in the trial that I found to be somewhat excessive. Even though some parts of the book are hard to get through, the surprise ending made it worth the effort.
April 30, 2021
Satisfied. Not really enjoyed it
“moment”
― Richard North Patterson, Silent Witness
🌟I bought this book from a book exhibition. When I was at the store reading the blurb of this book, it really grasped my attention and I immediately bought this book. After I started reading, I lost interest from the book and I wasn’t able to enjoy this book like I usually do reading thriller and suspense books. No doubt it was a great read and also great shocking twists and suspense but I really did not like the writing style and the flow of this book.
🌟It’s a story of Tony Lord, he has left Lake City and thirty years have passed. He dedicated these years in putting the past the brutal murder of his loved one, Alison Taylor, and his own acquittal of the crime behind him. Married, a father, and a successful defense lawyer in San Francisco, Tony Lord has run as far from Lake City as he can.
🌟But one day, he receives a phone call requesting his return and the circumstances surrounding it is enough to make the ghosts of Tony's past live again. There has been a murder of another young woman - that of 16-year-old Lake City High School track star Marcie Calder and has the same details as of Alison’s murder thirty years ago. What is waiting for Tony Lord, find out in Silent Witness.
🌟You can now see what I meant by saying the blurb grasped my attention immediately. I may be having a different opinion but you can give this book a shot if you find it interesting.
“moment”
― Richard North Patterson, Silent Witness
🌟I bought this book from a book exhibition. When I was at the store reading the blurb of this book, it really grasped my attention and I immediately bought this book. After I started reading, I lost interest from the book and I wasn’t able to enjoy this book like I usually do reading thriller and suspense books. No doubt it was a great read and also great shocking twists and suspense but I really did not like the writing style and the flow of this book.
🌟It’s a story of Tony Lord, he has left Lake City and thirty years have passed. He dedicated these years in putting the past the brutal murder of his loved one, Alison Taylor, and his own acquittal of the crime behind him. Married, a father, and a successful defense lawyer in San Francisco, Tony Lord has run as far from Lake City as he can.
🌟But one day, he receives a phone call requesting his return and the circumstances surrounding it is enough to make the ghosts of Tony's past live again. There has been a murder of another young woman - that of 16-year-old Lake City High School track star Marcie Calder and has the same details as of Alison’s murder thirty years ago. What is waiting for Tony Lord, find out in Silent Witness.
🌟You can now see what I meant by saying the blurb grasped my attention immediately. I may be having a different opinion but you can give this book a shot if you find it interesting.
December 11, 2021
RATING: 4.0 stars
One of the best trial dramas I have read in years. The best thing was how it showed altering degrees of unforced humanness in defense lawyers. It showed good narrative transition styles and pin-sharp parleys between lawyers whose characters were transparently conveyed throughout the novel.
Why not 5 stars: Despite the novel's wit, modestly delivered halfway through the story, I predicted the plot by just reading the summary. I am sure many readers thought the same. Had you not been an avid crime novels fan, you would still sense the story without scanning a single page. The ending which felt slightly hurried could still be acceptable after quickly rereading the trial part of the story.
Strength against other similar novels or genres: The novel brought closure to the outset of its own story. The smooth transitions between past perspectives and present-day dilemmas proved how much the author knew ways to carefully and cleverly weave timelines without losing the reader.
Recommended for: Crime genre fans who are looking for a richer courtroom climax (which may or may not bear the same quality for the peak of indictment). Not recommended for people who are not comfortable with reading what they just formed in their minds minutes ago.
One of the best trial dramas I have read in years. The best thing was how it showed altering degrees of unforced humanness in defense lawyers. It showed good narrative transition styles and pin-sharp parleys between lawyers whose characters were transparently conveyed throughout the novel.
Why not 5 stars: Despite the novel's wit, modestly delivered halfway through the story, I predicted the plot by just reading the summary. I am sure many readers thought the same. Had you not been an avid crime novels fan, you would still sense the story without scanning a single page. The ending which felt slightly hurried could still be acceptable after quickly rereading the trial part of the story.
Strength against other similar novels or genres: The novel brought closure to the outset of its own story. The smooth transitions between past perspectives and present-day dilemmas proved how much the author knew ways to carefully and cleverly weave timelines without losing the reader.
Recommended for: Crime genre fans who are looking for a richer courtroom climax (which may or may not bear the same quality for the peak of indictment). Not recommended for people who are not comfortable with reading what they just formed in their minds minutes ago.
November 4, 2017
Well for a murder mystery and court suspense drama I would say this is actually pretty good it did take me a little longer to actually get into the story I almost put it down but then as I got farther along I always wanted to see what angle would be worked next. I like how the author kind of put some déjà vu in the book starting out with Tony Lord being suspected of murdering his girlfriend and being cleared and then about 20 years later his friend Sam is suspected of the same crime as Tony was in high school but yet Sam was suspected of this in his adult life and with an underage girl. I won't give away the ending but I will say I totally did not see that ending coming. It was very emotional.
I was also surprised at the amount of love and romance that was incorporated into this novel but it was just enough to make a good story. Although at one time while reading this I did think I was watching a soap opera.
So all in all I would say there was a lot of action Spence and as I said earlier romance to make for a good murder mystery. Now I just have to find the first book by this author with Tony Lord as the main character maybe that will hope to lend some gaps. Happy reading.
I was also surprised at the amount of love and romance that was incorporated into this novel but it was just enough to make a good story. Although at one time while reading this I did think I was watching a soap opera.
So all in all I would say there was a lot of action Spence and as I said earlier romance to make for a good murder mystery. Now I just have to find the first book by this author with Tony Lord as the main character maybe that will hope to lend some gaps. Happy reading.
April 8, 2022
This book is quite a good read, the courtroom scenes are well formulated and the personalities involved in those scenes gelled very well to create intriguing scenarios.
However other elements of the book did not reach the same heights. It became too obvious far too early how the book would end, the secondary suspect in the case was never going to be the murderer for purely political reasons; the book would have been much better, more suspenseful had the alternative murderer been a more viable suspect. Additionally a few seconds thinking about the front cover can give the whole thing away.
The last half of the book was a much better read than the first half which meandered somewhat with large sections that could have been edited either down or out. Having said that the relationship between Sam and Tony was well fleshed out, a combination of friendship, jealousy, awe and envy which maybe common among top athletes of any age.
Overall a good read but the lack of suspense because the alternative suspect was not plausible politically was an issue.
However other elements of the book did not reach the same heights. It became too obvious far too early how the book would end, the secondary suspect in the case was never going to be the murderer for purely political reasons; the book would have been much better, more suspenseful had the alternative murderer been a more viable suspect. Additionally a few seconds thinking about the front cover can give the whole thing away.
The last half of the book was a much better read than the first half which meandered somewhat with large sections that could have been edited either down or out. Having said that the relationship between Sam and Tony was well fleshed out, a combination of friendship, jealousy, awe and envy which maybe common among top athletes of any age.
Overall a good read but the lack of suspense because the alternative suspect was not plausible politically was an issue.
July 18, 2023
Silent Witness was my first reas from Richard Patterson. If you are looking for a book with mystery, crime, passion, and some trial thrown in this is the book for you. Though I had suspicions of who really committed the crimes (and I was correct) their was still many twists and turns and it did not end as I suspected.
Tony and Sam are best friends in high school but when one of them are suspected of murdering a classmate what will that do to their friendship? How does the suspicion of murder affect not only the teen, but his family and friends. Is the teen able to move past the suspicions? What happens years later to the friendship of Tony and Sam? When another murder of a young female occurs and Tony and Sam are once brought back together one defending the other, questions arise about what really happened. These are all questions that are answered in this suspenseful book.
Tony and Sam are best friends in high school but when one of them are suspected of murdering a classmate what will that do to their friendship? How does the suspicion of murder affect not only the teen, but his family and friends. Is the teen able to move past the suspicions? What happens years later to the friendship of Tony and Sam? When another murder of a young female occurs and Tony and Sam are once brought back together one defending the other, questions arise about what really happened. These are all questions that are answered in this suspenseful book.
April 2, 2020
A little over 20 years ago, my Dad introduced me to Richard North Patterson (not to be confused with James North Patterson). Over the years 1999-2013 I read 10 of his novels. I had not read one since 2013, but without access to the public library during the corona virus scare, and with none of the books on my reading list available from the library as an ebook, I pulled this off the shelf. Some of Patterson's novels are sophisticated takes on serious social issues; others, like this one, are more straightforward crime novels. But he nearly always portrays beautiful, talented people in crisis, and he very skillfully keeps us turning the pages to see what's going to happen to them. Once again I wonder why, to my knowledge, none of his novels have been made into films.
October 1, 2018
Tony Lord has spent his life burdened under the guilt of finding his girlfriend murdered and no one ever truly believing it wasn't him but somehow carved a good life for himself as a lawyer but history repeats itself...
His best friend from childhood is accused of murder and needs Tony to represent him but the case is not as straightforward as it seems, deep, dark things from the past rears its head to the point Tony is confused as to the whole truth of the case.
Do they have the right man or is he like Tony as a teenager falsely accused?
Only time AND evidence will tell.
A gripping storyline and fast pace makes this thriller hard to put down.
His best friend from childhood is accused of murder and needs Tony to represent him but the case is not as straightforward as it seems, deep, dark things from the past rears its head to the point Tony is confused as to the whole truth of the case.
Do they have the right man or is he like Tony as a teenager falsely accused?
Only time AND evidence will tell.
A gripping storyline and fast pace makes this thriller hard to put down.
May 24, 2021
I'd never read a Patterson book, but I will certainly seek others out. This was a twisty legal thriller. What I liked most was the shifting perspectives, putting you inside of rooms and conversations to help fill out the story. But with the shift comes a loss of objectivity that made the outcome elusive. I particularly liked how he spent time in the past to really set up the characters. Normally, I like the past and present intercut, but this way really provided emotional connection to their lives. I really couldn't put this one down.
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