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The Silver Locket #5
A Woman's Wail
Life on the sea is never easy, but hope for something smoother grows dim for Sneaky Lass captain Bennett Holt, when bounty hunters sell him to the Imperial Navy. There is no peace to be found shackled in the bowels of a warship with only the looming shadow of the gallows for company.
For Jane, a future without Bennett is beyond comprehension. When posed with leaving him behind or giving chase, there is no option. She will move water and earth and challenge the gods themselves to find her missing great love.
As if leading the hunt against the naval ship, Stalwart, isn't enough, captaining the commandeered schooner, Ferocious Pip, comes with its own challenges.
Even rage fueled pirates need supplies and taking them eats precious time.
Trying to balance the need for coin and the desire for revenge turns Jane's emotions into a maelstrom of anxiety, fear, and anger burning so hot it churns her guts in ways the seas alone never could.
She has long feared the dark depths of the sea, but facing the idea of life alone, she finds that water isn't the only thing a woman can drown in.
How much can lovers handle before the winds and tides have their way and push them apart?
CW: This book contains graphic descriptions of child loss, death of a loved one, and whale hunting.
For Jane, a future without Bennett is beyond comprehension. When posed with leaving him behind or giving chase, there is no option. She will move water and earth and challenge the gods themselves to find her missing great love.
As if leading the hunt against the naval ship, Stalwart, isn't enough, captaining the commandeered schooner, Ferocious Pip, comes with its own challenges.
Even rage fueled pirates need supplies and taking them eats precious time.
Trying to balance the need for coin and the desire for revenge turns Jane's emotions into a maelstrom of anxiety, fear, and anger burning so hot it churns her guts in ways the seas alone never could.
She has long feared the dark depths of the sea, but facing the idea of life alone, she finds that water isn't the only thing a woman can drown in.
How much can lovers handle before the winds and tides have their way and push them apart?
CW: This book contains graphic descriptions of child loss, death of a loved one, and whale hunting.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 7, 2023
9 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 5, 2023
Kennedy Sutton continues to write absolute magic in The Silver Locket series. If you have read the series so far, you know Feathers At Sea (book 2) was a tough one emotionally, but A Woman's Wail takes the heart wrenching story to a different level.
I began crying with the dedication. And I'm not a crier.
I don't want to give spoilers. Jane is on a mission to get to her love and she won't hesitate to take anyone out who stands in her way. New characters add even more dimension and Hugh's character development is gorgeous and he's now one of my favorite characters. Jane continues to be such a force to reckoned with, though in this book she has to overcome more than she has had to so far in the series.
We have to overcome some rough seas in this one, but the ride is worth it!!
I began crying with the dedication. And I'm not a crier.
I don't want to give spoilers. Jane is on a mission to get to her love and she won't hesitate to take anyone out who stands in her way. New characters add even more dimension and Hugh's character development is gorgeous and he's now one of my favorite characters. Jane continues to be such a force to reckoned with, though in this book she has to overcome more than she has had to so far in the series.
We have to overcome some rough seas in this one, but the ride is worth it!!
December 14, 2025
Bisschen laaaangweilig
June 4, 2023
"When you lose people, you lose the whole future with them...The wounds left on our hearts are no different than those left from blade or bullet"
Wow, I keep saying that Kennedy Sutton does it again and every time I think it can't get any better than the last book. This series just keeps giving and giving and I can't wait to see where the next book takes us.
When last we saw of Bennet he had been captured and bountied back to the Navy to be taken to port and tried for his crimes. Jane races behind him in attempts to either rescue him at sea or pose a jail break on land. A case of mistaken identity at the port however causes Jane to think Bennet has seen the end of the rope, while Bennet finds himself practically shanghaied into a whaling ship headed out to sea for who knows how long. Will Bennet ever make it back to Jane? Will Jane survive the soul crushing grief of loosing the man she loves?
Wow, I keep saying that Kennedy Sutton does it again and every time I think it can't get any better than the last book. This series just keeps giving and giving and I can't wait to see where the next book takes us.
When last we saw of Bennet he had been captured and bountied back to the Navy to be taken to port and tried for his crimes. Jane races behind him in attempts to either rescue him at sea or pose a jail break on land. A case of mistaken identity at the port however causes Jane to think Bennet has seen the end of the rope, while Bennet finds himself practically shanghaied into a whaling ship headed out to sea for who knows how long. Will Bennet ever make it back to Jane? Will Jane survive the soul crushing grief of loosing the man she loves?
December 16, 2025
4,5⭐️
A Woman’s Wail was deeply emotional and hard to put down. Jane’s grief, longing and resilience hit hard and Kennedy Sutton really knows how to write aching devotion and high-stakes emotion.
Knowing Bennett’s fate before Jane did made parts of her journey frustrating to read for me, and while the separation theme isn’t new to the series, it still worked thanks to the intense circumstances and setting. I felt tense, heartbroken and completely invested the whole way through.
Despite all the pain, the ending left me satisfied and emotional. Another strong installment that reminded me why I care so much about these characters and why this series hurts so good (in the best way).
A Woman’s Wail was deeply emotional and hard to put down. Jane’s grief, longing and resilience hit hard and Kennedy Sutton really knows how to write aching devotion and high-stakes emotion.
Knowing Bennett’s fate before Jane did made parts of her journey frustrating to read for me, and while the separation theme isn’t new to the series, it still worked thanks to the intense circumstances and setting. I felt tense, heartbroken and completely invested the whole way through.
Despite all the pain, the ending left me satisfied and emotional. Another strong installment that reminded me why I care so much about these characters and why this series hurts so good (in the best way).
August 31, 2024
Kennedy Sutton has a easygoing flow and writing and her pirate story will catch you. I loved this book and highly recommend
May 26, 2023
Heaven and hell have nothing on the desperate heart and soul of a woman in pursuit of the ship and evil captain who would see her lover dead for his crimes when he is captured through months of torture, turmoil and unconfirmed news can Jane and Ben survive and reunite dramatic, angsty, passionate, emotional
December 31, 2025
Kennedy Sutton does it again RIPPING MY HEART OUT OF MY CHEST. Why am I always sobbing my eyes out at the end of all these books? Anyways. Another amazing installment of the Silver Locket series. Onto book 6 and I'm still heavily invested in these characters and I love them dearly. It's hard to keep my interest for this many books, so I'm excited to have found this series. I'm obsessed
May 27, 2023
This author uses so many words to hurt me. I cried reading the dedication to this book and that was, obviously, just the start.
Kennedy Sutton has found a way to give me just enough hope to carry on reading, knowing that this, in its ultimate form, is a romance. We are aiming for that happen ending. She is making her readers work very hard for it! (Don't get me wrong, though. I love it.)
This book sees Jane and Bennett separated again. This time, through the machinations of a captain in the Navy that we have met once before. Sutton has set each of us to rooting against the law of the land and standing firmly on the side of pirates in this and all her books. Her grasp of morally grey goes far beyond what is typical in a fantasy romance these days. I enter each of these books knowing that not a single one of these characters are good or bad. They are people. And Kennedy Sutton makes them breathe for us by giving each and every one of them strengths and weaknesses that make me love and hate them all in equal measure.
This book, at last, doesn't end on a cliffhanger. That in no way makes me want to get my hands on book six any less.
I have high hopes that we are about to start seeing this story claw its way to that happily ever after we have all been waiting for! Knowing this author and series, though, there will be more strife to come. I'm going to be here to read every page of it!
Kennedy Sutton has found a way to give me just enough hope to carry on reading, knowing that this, in its ultimate form, is a romance. We are aiming for that happen ending. She is making her readers work very hard for it! (Don't get me wrong, though. I love it.)
This book sees Jane and Bennett separated again. This time, through the machinations of a captain in the Navy that we have met once before. Sutton has set each of us to rooting against the law of the land and standing firmly on the side of pirates in this and all her books. Her grasp of morally grey goes far beyond what is typical in a fantasy romance these days. I enter each of these books knowing that not a single one of these characters are good or bad. They are people. And Kennedy Sutton makes them breathe for us by giving each and every one of them strengths and weaknesses that make me love and hate them all in equal measure.
This book, at last, doesn't end on a cliffhanger. That in no way makes me want to get my hands on book six any less.
I have high hopes that we are about to start seeing this story claw its way to that happily ever after we have all been waiting for! Knowing this author and series, though, there will be more strife to come. I'm going to be here to read every page of it!
June 8, 2023
A Woman's Wail by Kennedy Sutton has been, yet another amazing contribution to The Silver Locket series. Just when I think I can't get more into this series, Kennedy proves time after time what an amazing author she is.
This book had me at the edge of my seat the whole time, just hoping everything would work out for our beloved pirate crew. We meet new characters and fall even more in love with older ones. (Hugh is precious cinnamon roll and must be protected at all costs)
My heart absolutely breaks for Jane in this book. Kennedy is truly gifted in portraying emotion in ways that you feel as if you're going through it yourself.
The amount of detail and research that Kennedy does for these books too is truly commendable. Not only does she take you on an emotional journey, you're learning things as you read. I never knew what a pirate's life might have been like until I started this series. I couldn't tell you what a rigger did or how whaler's rendered whale fat into oil, but I have learned as such now.
I am sad every time I reach the end of these books, simply because I don't want them to end. But I always look forward to the next addition. Kennedy didn't disappoint with this one or any of her previous books. I will always say that you will not regret giving this series a read. As always, check your triggers, but enjoy the ride! I'll be eagerly awaiting Book 6!
This book had me at the edge of my seat the whole time, just hoping everything would work out for our beloved pirate crew. We meet new characters and fall even more in love with older ones. (Hugh is precious cinnamon roll and must be protected at all costs)
My heart absolutely breaks for Jane in this book. Kennedy is truly gifted in portraying emotion in ways that you feel as if you're going through it yourself.
The amount of detail and research that Kennedy does for these books too is truly commendable. Not only does she take you on an emotional journey, you're learning things as you read. I never knew what a pirate's life might have been like until I started this series. I couldn't tell you what a rigger did or how whaler's rendered whale fat into oil, but I have learned as such now.
I am sad every time I reach the end of these books, simply because I don't want them to end. But I always look forward to the next addition. Kennedy didn't disappoint with this one or any of her previous books. I will always say that you will not regret giving this series a read. As always, check your triggers, but enjoy the ride! I'll be eagerly awaiting Book 6!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2023
did this book make me cry? yes, yes it did. Was I expecting anything less from the Silver locket series? absolutely not. every single book in this series is just as powerful and heartbreaking as the next and this one no different.
things are so tense in the beginning of this book because of how book 4 left us. Bennett has been captured and is going off to the gallows. can I just say how raw and real his emotions were made it gut wrenching to read, as if that wasn't enough we had to have Jane's heartbreak in there as well.
Also the whole entire crew knows something that Jane doesn't and watching her come to realize and watching her heart grow to new lengths only to have it crush. uggggh my poor heart will never be the same by the end of this series.
I do feel the need to say there is a TW for child loss/miscarriage.
things are so tense in the beginning of this book because of how book 4 left us. Bennett has been captured and is going off to the gallows. can I just say how raw and real his emotions were made it gut wrenching to read, as if that wasn't enough we had to have Jane's heartbreak in there as well.
Also the whole entire crew knows something that Jane doesn't and watching her come to realize and watching her heart grow to new lengths only to have it crush. uggggh my poor heart will never be the same by the end of this series.
I do feel the need to say there is a TW for child loss/miscarriage.
March 17, 2025
Are you even reading a Kennedy Sutton book if you’re not bawling your eyes out at least once if not more?? Continuing on where book 4 left off. Jane and the crew are on their new ship (I personally love that name) I felt for Jane so much and it broke my heart as I listened to everything that happened. There was parts I was yelling at Kennedy for how things were going 😆
Bennett has been put through so much over the course of this book and I know it’s not over yet.
I definitely don’t ever want to find myself on a whale boat though 😳
Hugh and Micheal brings my heart joy knowing they’re not alone in their grief.
The ending gave me so much hope and happiness though. I can’t wait for book 6 now! The narration was so greatly done and I enjoyed it so much!!
Loving this pirate series insanely!
Bennett has been put through so much over the course of this book and I know it’s not over yet.
I definitely don’t ever want to find myself on a whale boat though 😳
Hugh and Micheal brings my heart joy knowing they’re not alone in their grief.
The ending gave me so much hope and happiness though. I can’t wait for book 6 now! The narration was so greatly done and I enjoyed it so much!!
Loving this pirate series insanely!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2023
I'm honestly out of words to describe how in love I am with the characters and world created in this series.
This book was a bit different than others as Jane and Bennet spent most of the book apart from each other. Despite that, the growth they had was heartbreaking and necessary. When they finally met up, their reunion was everything I wanted and more. I'm looking forward to the next book where (hopefully) their relationship will heal and grow together.
Also, Hugh has no right to be worming his way into my heart the way he is. Jon is perfect. I love Michael so much. And Zackery is another dark horse I didn't expect to get attached to.
This book was a bit different than others as Jane and Bennet spent most of the book apart from each other. Despite that, the growth they had was heartbreaking and necessary. When they finally met up, their reunion was everything I wanted and more. I'm looking forward to the next book where (hopefully) their relationship will heal and grow together.
Also, Hugh has no right to be worming his way into my heart the way he is. Jon is perfect. I love Michael so much. And Zackery is another dark horse I didn't expect to get attached to.
June 7, 2023
I was afraid to read Woman's Wail because I didn't want anyone to die. This book made me hold my breath, scream at the author, and bawl my eyes out all before chapter 13!
This is book 5 in the main Silver Locket series, with 2 additional prequels.
I have quite literally fallen in love with the characters. Kennedy has a world build that has completely immersed me into the life of piracy, mayhem, suspence and a long list of lost, unrequited, innocent, glorious love. I offer no higher praise than to say that I have purchased this series and given them as gifts.
This is book 5 in the main Silver Locket series, with 2 additional prequels.
I have quite literally fallen in love with the characters. Kennedy has a world build that has completely immersed me into the life of piracy, mayhem, suspence and a long list of lost, unrequited, innocent, glorious love. I offer no higher praise than to say that I have purchased this series and given them as gifts.
June 7, 2023
I cannot express the chokehold this series has on me. Every book following Jane’s tragic yet amazing journey has me rushing to get through it, excited at the turn of events, and yearning for more. This book was no different. I read it in a whirlwind, cried, laughed, fell in love with a character I had sworn to hate (cough cough Hugh), and was again wanting to keep flipping the page and continue the story. If you have not already, start reading this series! Five stars again! Cannot wait for the next book.
June 9, 2023
I can’t get enough of Kennedy Sutton’s books! Every time she releases a new book, I’m ready to get right back on that ship! Only this venture definitely toyed with my emotions. I definitely teared up and was just as mad about situations along with Jane. I can’t believe she is still sane with everything this poor woman has been through. But I also loved Hugh just a little bit more and the all the relationships that are building with all the characters. I’m definitely counting the days down to the next adventure.
June 11, 2023
As with the rest of this series, this book absolutely delivered.
Kennedy has a talent for making the reader feel all the emotions her characters are. As the reader, I know the situation and yet I was crying along with Jane, in her sorrow and despair… even though I knew the truth of what happened or didn’t happen. This is why she is one of my insta-buy/read authors.
The writing style isn’t one I typically prefer however something that Kennedy does with the writing, the story, the characters.. has me hooked.
Kennedy has a talent for making the reader feel all the emotions her characters are. As the reader, I know the situation and yet I was crying along with Jane, in her sorrow and despair… even though I knew the truth of what happened or didn’t happen. This is why she is one of my insta-buy/read authors.
The writing style isn’t one I typically prefer however something that Kennedy does with the writing, the story, the characters.. has me hooked.
July 16, 2024
3.5 stars, liked some parts and then found other parts really frustrating… Jon is a highlight of this book, and also Hugh’s care for Jane (and vice versa). Jane suffers so much in this series and it makes me sad for her (she can’t catch a fucking break), and she’s got such self destructive reactions to her grief (she does not have healthy coping mechanisms). The pacing is a bit slow in the middle when you just want them to meet up again, and the extra drama with Zachary showing up seems unnecessarily harsh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2024
This book.
THIS BOOK!
Talk about rip my heart out. This one, wow. I'm glad there was a tasteful content warning before chapter one. I haven't wept like I wept reading chapter 17 in a very long time. So raw. So real and well described.
Survivors who have gone through the devastation that Jane went through in that chapter will know. This author made us visible in a world that wants us swept under beds. I'm going to keep this book close to my heart forever for it.
THIS BOOK!
Talk about rip my heart out. This one, wow. I'm glad there was a tasteful content warning before chapter one. I haven't wept like I wept reading chapter 17 in a very long time. So raw. So real and well described.
Survivors who have gone through the devastation that Jane went through in that chapter will know. This author made us visible in a world that wants us swept under beds. I'm going to keep this book close to my heart forever for it.
April 30, 2025
I was in the perfect mood for this book and I'm so glad that it was so good! I really enjoyed the story in this book a little more than the past book and the emotions (and stakes) were so high. Kennedy Sutton can definitely write emotional stories, and she does them so well. Looking forward to the next one!
Many thanks to Kennedy Sutton for sending me an audio copy of the book in exchange for an honest review!
Many thanks to Kennedy Sutton for sending me an audio copy of the book in exchange for an honest review!
July 24, 2025
THE ANGUISH. THE LONGING. THE YEARNING. I’M SCREAMING.
(And I really don’t want to read the next book, cos this one actually ended nicely, so if I don’t continue, they’ll just live happily ever after, right? Right??! Captain Li is totally not at all soon going to want his favour. Noooo, why would he? He wouldn’t. Right? Right??! (screaming))
(And I really don’t want to read the next book, cos this one actually ended nicely, so if I don’t continue, they’ll just live happily ever after, right? Right??! Captain Li is totally not at all soon going to want his favour. Noooo, why would he? He wouldn’t. Right? Right??! (screaming))
June 2, 2023
This book once again grabs your attention right away and keeps it till your done. I could not put this book down. Jane's adventure, love and sorrow are amazingly written and leaves you thinking about the ending for a week.
June 21, 2023
Another gripping story in the Silver Locket series! My heart will never be the same. Jane has been through so much, and she is my hero! I loved getting to read Bennett's pov again. And I need more Zachary Cosper. I want to see his happy ending! I will never tire of this series.
August 2, 2023
This series is absolutely amazing, and Kennedy has a way with words. The way that the emotions pour through the pages, feeling everything that the characters feel. This one was a tough one to get through because of the powerful emotions. I love this book so much and I cannot recommend it enough.
August 16, 2023
Another great book in this series. It continues the story well. I thought the title a woman’s wail was me at first because at one point I was yelling nooo. Lol alas it was not. Enjoyed this book very much
September 11, 2024
Gosh this series is heavy. Beautifully written and extremely engaging, but still very heavy. I can't remember the last book that actually made me cry, but this one did. Even with how emotionally charged this series is I'm really looking forward to the next book.
January 27, 2025
This series!!!! ❤️❤️❤️ Jane continues to move through her traumas with complex emotions and morally grey actions. Having Hugh's lost chapter meant everything, and I am kicking my feet at where the story is taking him!
June 7, 2023
This book will pull you in, chew you up, and then spit you out, and then put your heart back together again. I just can’t get enough of these pirates!!!
June 13, 2023
Everytime I think Bennet and Jane have gone to the ends of the world for each other, they sail further. Their love is a force to be reckoned with and I can't wait to see where it takes us next.
June 30, 2023
Be still my heart. This book broke my heart and put it back together. The way I've devoured these books is slightly unhinged. I can't wait to see what comes next.
December 29, 2023
Never before has the future been so uncertain! Estranged lovers lead to complications! Great read! Semi-happy ending, but it's not the end of the road! Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews