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Dylan Scott Mystery #2
Dead Silent
Ten months ago, Samantha Hunt set off for work…and was never seen again.
Despite the statistics of cold cases, Dylan Scott wants to believe the young woman's alive-and not just because her father, his client, is desperate to find his missing daughter before he dies of cancer. By all accounts Sam was a lovely girl, devoted to her younger stepsisters, well-liked at her work, in love with her boyfriend.
But as usual not everything is as it seems in sleepy Dawson's Clough. Sam's boyfriend has a violent past. She may have been having an affair with her boss. And Dylan can't shake the feeling that her stepfather is hiding something. Meanwhile, someone is trying to scare Dylan off the case.
Who wanted to silence Sam, and why? The truth turns out to be worse than anyone expected…
80,000 words
Despite the statistics of cold cases, Dylan Scott wants to believe the young woman's alive-and not just because her father, his client, is desperate to find his missing daughter before he dies of cancer. By all accounts Sam was a lovely girl, devoted to her younger stepsisters, well-liked at her work, in love with her boyfriend.
But as usual not everything is as it seems in sleepy Dawson's Clough. Sam's boyfriend has a violent past. She may have been having an affair with her boss. And Dylan can't shake the feeling that her stepfather is hiding something. Meanwhile, someone is trying to scare Dylan off the case.
Who wanted to silence Sam, and why? The truth turns out to be worse than anyone expected…
80,000 words
- GenresMystery
361 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
8 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 18, 2017
For a simple mystery novel, I enjoyed it very much. I like the ex-copper PI who is looking for a missing girl, Sam. Sam is a female mechanic in her early twenties who goes missing. There are various family members - most of which are detestful - who miss her, hate her and/or even feel nothing about her disappearance. Second in a series, I actually loved this and will look for more.
October 14, 2017
This was a good mystery book, I had a hard time putting it down.
April 26, 2019
Enjoyable puzzling mystery. I really liked this one and will definitely read more from this author
August 29, 2011
Ten months ago, Samantha Hunt set off for work…and was never seen again.
Despite the statistics of cold cases, Dylan Scott wants to believe the young woman's alive—and not just because her father, his client, is desperate to find his missing daughter before he dies of cancer. By all accounts Sam was a lovely girl, devoted to her younger stepsisters, well-liked at her work, in love with her boyfriend.
But as usual not everything is as it seems in sleepy Dawson's Clough. Sam's boyfriend has a violent past. She may have been having an affair with her boss. And Dylan can't shake the feeling that her stepfather is hiding something. Meanwhile, someone is trying to scare Dylan off the case.
Who wanted to silence Sam, and why? The truth turns out to be worse than anyone expected…
OK, so that is how the book is described on Barnes and Nobel. First of all, it was written Brittish English so one had to figure out or look up several words to figure out what the author was talking about. An example is one of the men drove a "lorry" - which happens to be a truck not a taxi.
Good - the book is interesting and keeps the action moving. I liked the main character and the things he goes through trying to find Sam. The plot, though not original, was good with a few twists involved.
Bad - I had the person who kidnapped Sam figured out quickly - maybe because I found myself associating another book I read recently with this one.
Overall, I would give this book a B-. I received this book from Netgalley to read and review. My review is not required to be positive.
I received this book from
Despite the statistics of cold cases, Dylan Scott wants to believe the young woman's alive—and not just because her father, his client, is desperate to find his missing daughter before he dies of cancer. By all accounts Sam was a lovely girl, devoted to her younger stepsisters, well-liked at her work, in love with her boyfriend.
But as usual not everything is as it seems in sleepy Dawson's Clough. Sam's boyfriend has a violent past. She may have been having an affair with her boss. And Dylan can't shake the feeling that her stepfather is hiding something. Meanwhile, someone is trying to scare Dylan off the case.
Who wanted to silence Sam, and why? The truth turns out to be worse than anyone expected…
OK, so that is how the book is described on Barnes and Nobel. First of all, it was written Brittish English so one had to figure out or look up several words to figure out what the author was talking about. An example is one of the men drove a "lorry" - which happens to be a truck not a taxi.
Good - the book is interesting and keeps the action moving. I liked the main character and the things he goes through trying to find Sam. The plot, though not original, was good with a few twists involved.
Bad - I had the person who kidnapped Sam figured out quickly - maybe because I found myself associating another book I read recently with this one.
Overall, I would give this book a B-. I received this book from Netgalley to read and review. My review is not required to be positive.
I received this book from
August 23, 2011
Carina Press surprises me at every turn. Since I’m not a fan of mainstream fiction but enjoy being whisked away with a suspenseful story as much as the next gal and Carina Press never seems to disappoint. It’s newest contribution is no exception. From the first page, you are dropped into a world that is already swirling around you. There are things going on right and left and you have no clue what’s happening. It’s disorientating…and makes you want to keep reading to find out more.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I do agree with another reviewer who mentioned that the ending seemed rushed and forced (it all wrapped up too quickly). The characters were a refreshing change from most books in this genre and I was surprised to find out that this wasn’t a standalone novel. I had no idea this was a sequel which shows how well developed the characters were within this singular novel. The pacing (until the ending already mentioned) was well done and, while its not an edge of your seat thriller, the suspense is strong enough to keep you turning page after page while seeking the resolution. The descriptions were a little lacking, causing me to have some issues with time and place, but I think that is likely standard for this genre and it did not detract from the novel. Merely mentioning it as a note for those who like to be drawn into not just the plot but the setting of their novels. Overall this was an enjoyable read and one of the better books I have read recently in the suspense/mystery genre.
(ARC Galley Proof)
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I do agree with another reviewer who mentioned that the ending seemed rushed and forced (it all wrapped up too quickly). The characters were a refreshing change from most books in this genre and I was surprised to find out that this wasn’t a standalone novel. I had no idea this was a sequel which shows how well developed the characters were within this singular novel. The pacing (until the ending already mentioned) was well done and, while its not an edge of your seat thriller, the suspense is strong enough to keep you turning page after page while seeking the resolution. The descriptions were a little lacking, causing me to have some issues with time and place, but I think that is likely standard for this genre and it did not detract from the novel. Merely mentioning it as a note for those who like to be drawn into not just the plot but the setting of their novels. Overall this was an enjoyable read and one of the better books I have read recently in the suspense/mystery genre.
(ARC Galley Proof)
January 1, 2012
This actually did start off pretty good.
I liked the storyline and the concept and there were a host of people who could have been behind Sam's disappearance, it wasn't nice and easy and clean cut.
But....somewhere near the end it lost it.
The storyline was really promising, I really liked Dylan and it was interesting reading with all of the other secondary characters.
I realised about half way through that this was the second in a series with this character, but this did do a good job of being a stand alone book.
There were a lot of suspects but that made the story more interesting, trying to guess who did it and why. I actually did get part of it, I just didnt get the reasoning right but I got the main guy behind it, so yay me :)
Unfortunately though the whole thing got solved way too easily and quickly in the end. I don't mean to give a spoiler away but he found Sam completely by concidence? really? how can he find 2 missing people completely by luck? doesnt ring true for me. There was such potential here but it was rushed at the end and unfortunately this ended up ruining the story for me.
I enjoyed the authors writing style, she drew me into the story and the characters were very well written, interesting and complex.
I am not sure I would read anything from this author again but I am not completely against reading another one.
I liked the storyline and the concept and there were a host of people who could have been behind Sam's disappearance, it wasn't nice and easy and clean cut.
But....somewhere near the end it lost it.
The storyline was really promising, I really liked Dylan and it was interesting reading with all of the other secondary characters.
I realised about half way through that this was the second in a series with this character, but this did do a good job of being a stand alone book.
There were a lot of suspects but that made the story more interesting, trying to guess who did it and why. I actually did get part of it, I just didnt get the reasoning right but I got the main guy behind it, so yay me :)
Unfortunately though the whole thing got solved way too easily and quickly in the end. I don't mean to give a spoiler away but he found Sam completely by concidence? really? how can he find 2 missing people completely by luck? doesnt ring true for me. There was such potential here but it was rushed at the end and unfortunately this ended up ruining the story for me.
I enjoyed the authors writing style, she drew me into the story and the characters were very well written, interesting and complex.
I am not sure I would read anything from this author again but I am not completely against reading another one.
August 27, 2011
The second book in Shirley Wells' Dylan Scott Mystery series (I hope!) is a quick, completely enjoyable read. Dylan Scott is going on with his life after the events in Presumed Dead. After his success at investigating a cold missing person case in Lancashire, he is hired to once again investigate in Dawson's Clough. Sam Hunt, an attractive young woman has been missing for 10 months and Dylan is hired by her father to find her. Once he begins, he feels something is definitely "off" with Sam's father, and especially her mother and stepfather. Before he even arrives in Lancashire, he gets warned off and beat up by a tough.
I find Dylan's investigative method extremely realistic-Dylan just keeps on and doesn't give up until he gets the answers. He is a man with a strong sense of right and nothing deters him. The other characters from Presumed Dead are back to continue the secondary story, that of his estrangement from wife, Bev. His son, Luke and aging hippie mother are also back, making life even more interesting for Dylan.
Highly recommended for lovers of British mystery with atmosphere and just a little edge. Thanks to the folks at netgalley.com for an advance copy.
I find Dylan's investigative method extremely realistic-Dylan just keeps on and doesn't give up until he gets the answers. He is a man with a strong sense of right and nothing deters him. The other characters from Presumed Dead are back to continue the secondary story, that of his estrangement from wife, Bev. His son, Luke and aging hippie mother are also back, making life even more interesting for Dylan.
Highly recommended for lovers of British mystery with atmosphere and just a little edge. Thanks to the folks at netgalley.com for an advance copy.
September 14, 2011
A really satisfying, gritty novel that kept me guessing right up to the last page. The hero has flaws that made me warm to him. He seems pretty down to earth but his tenacious character keeps him sniffing about, looking for a woman who's been missing for ten months and whom everyone assumes is dead. But, if she is, who killed her and why? She didn't appear to have a single enemy. Some very nasty characters put in appearances as well and I was rooting for them to get their comeuppance.
Shirley's hero has all sorts of problems in his personal life, especially a mother who hasn't grown out of her hippy stage, which keep the reader entertained!
A great read that I'd thoroughly recommend.
Shirley's hero has all sorts of problems in his personal life, especially a mother who hasn't grown out of her hippy stage, which keep the reader entertained!
A great read that I'd thoroughly recommend.
June 5, 2012
I just love this series. I have read book one, and having loved it so much, bought book two. Next, book three! Can't wait.
The main character, Dylan Scott, is not your perfect protagonist. He's been a police officer, gone to jail, been kicked of the force and now struggles to make ends meet with a job as a private investigator. Also, his marriage has fallen apart.
In this novel, he takes the case of a missing woman, Sam, who has been gone ten months. No one wants to help him get answers. In fact, at the beginning of the book, he gets beat up and told to stay away. How's that for a welcome? Well, he presses on and the ending is full of twists and adventure.
The main character, Dylan Scott, is not your perfect protagonist. He's been a police officer, gone to jail, been kicked of the force and now struggles to make ends meet with a job as a private investigator. Also, his marriage has fallen apart.
In this novel, he takes the case of a missing woman, Sam, who has been gone ten months. No one wants to help him get answers. In fact, at the beginning of the book, he gets beat up and told to stay away. How's that for a welcome? Well, he presses on and the ending is full of twists and adventure.
October 24, 2013
La historia es muy buena y nada predecible,pase todo el libro sin saber que le había pasado a Sam y el detective Dylan Scott es un gran personaje, aunque por alguna razón no podía dejar de pensar en Hercules Poirot XD.
El final paso demasiado rápido para mi gusto,como si la autora hubiera tenido que terminar el libro en tantas paginas y tuvo que cortar una buena parte de la historia :/
Aun así es un buen libro.
El final paso demasiado rápido para mi gusto,como si la autora hubiera tenido que terminar el libro en tantas paginas y tuvo que cortar una buena parte de la historia :/
Aun así es un buen libro.
December 6, 2014
For a book to be considered well written, in my opinion, it must be based upon a reasonable and believable plot. In this case the fundamental concept of the story falls apart when the so-called reason for the criminal's action is revealed at the end of the book. Add to this the whim upon which the "hero" decides to travel to the far reaches of the UK on the merest hint of a clue, overall I was left rather frustrated.
September 12, 2011
After having inhaled PRESUMED DEAD, the first book in this series, I was so looking forward to DEAD SILENT. Dylan Scott was back with a vengeance, along with twists and turns throughout the story. Once again, I loved the edge in the storyline, the mystery, and the sleuthing by the gruff but loveable Dylan Scott.
May 5, 2013
A good procedural with Dylan going hither and yon to unravel what happened to a missing woman 13 years earlier. Interesting characters, and some unexpected twists made it an engrossing read. I found some of Dylan's thoughts about his marriage and wife were amusing but I admit it got a little old too.
April 29, 2015
I thought that this was a good book. Well written and had you trying to figure it out all the way to the end. It lagged a little in the middle but I think that it's because it's an English author and personally I'm not used to that writing style yet. This is the second book in the series and I am looking forward to reading the next book. I would recommend this book to others.
February 5, 2017
What a book, its a brilliant read with two stories in one, as they intertwine they have you on the edge of your seat, so many twists and turns to keep you guessing, I just couldn't put it down, I was completely hooked.
August 29, 2011
This book was on the edge for me. I found it to be a bit "overacted" with the dramatic flare and predictable. It just left me with an empty feeling. I just really didn't see anything that made the book stand out. Yet, it did keep me entertained. Thus, the two stars!
August 19, 2011
With a wide variety of startling twists and turns, Shirley Wells brings Dead Silent to a stunning and unanticipated conclusion that is guaranteed to shock her readers. To read my review in its entirety, please visit http://bookreviewsandmorebykathy.com/...
August 19, 2011
With a wide variety of startling twists and turns, Shirley Wells brings Dead Silent to a stunning and unanticipated conclusion that is guaranteed to shock her readers. To read this review in its entirety, please visit http://thereadersroundtable.com/myste...
February 9, 2014
An enjoyable book. It took two hours after finishing it for me to notice how silly the actual mystery was.
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April 2, 2015Another great story about Dylan solving a mystery. I enjoyed this one as much as the first and I will be reading the next in the series soon.
August 23, 2015
2.5 / 5
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews