Silent Witness

Heather Chase FBI #1

by A.W. Kaylen

A lifeless body. A string of secret affairs. A silent witness no one knows about.

Is it textbook suicide?
The NYPD thinks so.
But FBI Special Agent Heather Chase has her doubts…
She must get to the truth quickly before the case gets closed in a hurry.
It soon becomes clear that the perpetrator is leading the investigation astray and is always one step ahead.
Is someone tipping off the killer?
Without a witness, Chase is about to lose this case for good… she must act fast before the killer covers all their tracks.
It dawns on her that she’s been chasing crumbs left for her to follow.
How could she have missed the telltale signs?
Her instincts have been trying to tell her all along who the killer is.
But she was afraid…
Not anymore.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2023

Reviews

[Grace Convertino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Special Agent Heather Chase works for the FBI when she is partnered up with a by-the-book Special Agent colleague named Bob Fairfax. They are given the case in the ritzy part of town where a wealthy real-estate mogul’s wife is found, dead in the grass. The NYPD seems to think it’s an open-and-shut case of suicide, but Chase is not certain that’s the case. She must work quickly, or the case will be closed before she is able to piece it together. Her investigation with Fairfax led to a string of bizarre affairs, and a silent witness no one knows about. Whoever has committed the crime is leading the investigation away and always seems to be at least a step ahead; but who is giving the murderer the advanced warning? Chase must put the clues together and find a witness to lead her to the perpetrator before someone covers the whole thing up when she realizes they have been leaving crumbs for her to follow. All along her instincts were pointing in the right direction, but fear paralyzed her. But not anymore…

Silent Witness was a very well-written police procedural/mystery that kept the reader ping-ponging between suspects, only to reveal the murderer at last. There was plenty of tension which built up, with the hint of Mafia involvement, and the clashing of the police and FBI. I should have seen some of the breadcrumbs along the way—the same ones that Heather Chase missed, but I was engrossed in the story and overlooked them as well. The only thing that bothered me in the novel was Chase’s “paralyzing fear” from a childhood trauma. I understood that it was PTSD, but I also know no one would ever be a police/FBI partner to someone who was so paralyzed with fear that they couldn’t move, couldn’t speak, couldn’t possibly cover a partner putting them both in grave danger. I can’t imagine anyone would be able to cover for an agent that was so full of fear that they were unable to act at all, and a report to the person in charge would definitely result in them being removed from crime scenes or situations where partners have each other’s lives in their hands. Otherwise, I find it very readable, exciting, fast-paced, and well-developed. I would recommend it to readers of police procedurals and crime mystery lovers alike.

I’d like to thank BookSprout and A.W. Kaylen for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Tom Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I have read in a long time, the suspense and action just keeps coming. This author has a winning formula and you will not be disappointed to read this book, The characters are easily imaginable and the descriptions of the people and places help to bring you into the story too.
So stop reading this review and get reading this book.
I received this arc for free and I wanted to leave an honest review.

[Barbara Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Writing!

by Barbara Kelley

"Silent Witness" is Book 1 of the Heather Chase FBI Series, written most excellently by A. W. Kaylen. This book is the story of FBI Special Agent Heather Chase, a woman who was kidnapped, along with seven other girls when she was quite young, and held hostage within narrow walls, until she was rescued. After this traumatic event, she developed a sort of empath ability to read situations and physically feel what other victims like her had seen and felt. When a mobsters wife is murdered, Heather gets these tingling sensations and her legs and feet go numb, causing her to pace for long periods of time, and then coming up with plausible theories as to what happened when the dead woman, Deborah Doyle, was alive, and the last things she saw before she died. As Mr. Monk would say, "This is both a gift and a curse". Heather's new partner is Bob Fairfax, a by-the-book FBI Special Agent who takes copious notes and is known for never straying off track. However, Heather has a habit of going rogue, in order to find a killer, even as far as to have daydreams and nightmares, putting herself in the killer's mindset, becoming a fantastic profiler. In my opinion, she is excellent at profiling situations and people. Another thing I noticed in this book was how inept the NYC Police Force was, almost like they were trying their best to screw up the case. It reminded me of a slower version of The Keystone Cops in those old 1920s silent movies I love to watch. Even though this was a novel about a murdered woman, it also had a few really funny scenes, such as one if the young police officers who was a Detective Third Grade, but who looked like he was a third grade rosy cheeked fellow asking Heather on a date. I laughed so hard during those few pages. This is the first book I've read by this author, but I plan on reading more of their work. I gave this book 5 stars, but it deserves more.

I received a copy via booksprout and this is my voluntary honest review.

[Laura Hundley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, so I really love psychological thrillers with police procedurals. So I jumped at this one as fast as I could. Silent Witness by A.W. Kaylen is one of the best books I have read. Agent Heather Chase is paired with an agent who is a by the book no nonsense agent and they are given a case about a wealthy real estate tycoons wife who was found deceased. The NYPD think this one is a simple suicide but Chase does not agree. Chase and Fairfax are working quickly to figure out what exactly happened and along the way they learn of infidelities, secrets, and a witness that has not come forward. There are so many amazing attributes to this book that made this an even better book to read. Can Agent Chase figure out who if anyone perpetrated the murder or was it really just suicide? Someone is going one step further to thwart the investigation but who is helping this person? I honestly could not try to figure it out in my head because the protagonist was giving most of the details. I was so enamored with how the investigation was going that I truly could not problem solve this one in time and by the time I started trying to figure it out, it was time for the ending to wrap it all up. This was a mind bending, roller coaster ride for me that I never wanted to end. I could read books written by this author all day long. Kaylen has a nack for writing thrillers and the characters are so well developed and mesh together perfectly. Be prepared because this is one hell of a ride!

[Jerry Walch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked on this series after reading Dirt Dealers, the prequel to the Heather Chase FBI Series. Silent Witness, book 1 in the series can be read and enjoyed as a standalone novel, but to get the most enjoyment out of this kick-ass series, you need to read them in the order in which they were written, beginning with Dirt Dealers. Heather Chase isn’t your standard issue female FBI Special Agent, she has otherworld powers, a sixth sense, if you will, that allows her to see, hear, smell, and taste things that most humans can’t. Those abilities often cause her to butt heads with her superiors, but, in the end, enable her to solve cases that baffle her fellow agents.

Silent Witness has a convoluted plot that will keep you guessing right up to the. Kaylen has infused this mystery/thriller with more red herrings, more twists and turns than a rattlesnake's path across the desert’s sand. After reading Dirt Dealers, I was prepared for an ending that I didn’t see coming, but the way Silent Witness blew me away. This book also ends with a budding romance blossoming between Heather and a NYPD detective. It was a twist that I never expected and wouldn’t have guessed in a million years. A. W. Kaylen is a master of her craft and has found a spot at the top of my favorite authors list, and her Heather Chase FBI Series, a place at the top of my favorite series list.

Now I'm off to read Frozen Justice Book 2 in the series.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heather Chase is a special agent with the FBI. She is partnered with an older agent named Bob Fairfax and they are given a case to investigate that on the surface looks like a simple suicide. However, Heather already knows that it isn't that simple: she is an empath and she can also sense that there is more to the story. As they continue investigating, Heather realizes that they are finding the clues that the killer intends for them to find because they are being led by the killer. Will they be able to solve the case before anyone else is harmed? And why is the killer focused on making the FBI, and Heather specifically, look like fools?

This story is a great police procedural with great characters who are well-developed and act the way that you believe that they should. Heather is unique in that she was injured and now has the ability to feel artifacts that are left behind by the crime victims. She can "sense" what happened oftentimes which could seem a little woo-woo, but it's not written like she just gets a revelation, but more like the feelings lead her interpretations.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good detective story and this one was a keeper. I do hope the author continues to write more in this series.
Heather Chase works for the FBI. She is not your typical agent either. She is dedicated to her job, but is deeply devoted to ensuring justice is served. She also doesn't always play by the book. She has a keen intuition and uses it when needed. This can get her into trouble, and that is also part of her uniqueness. I like someone who thinks 'outside the box'.
I knew something was a bit fishy about the 'case' the FBI was called upon to assist the NYPD. I just couldn't put my finger on it. The reader has to get over 80% of the book read before the light comes on. The author plays on your mind though, throwing lots of info at you, thinking you have figured out the murderer, only to have you guessing again when things don't add up.
Good read, that kept me turning those pages.

[baps sieperda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silent Witness, author W.A.Kaylen 208 pages

A FBI thriller!special Agent Heater Chase and special agent Bob Fairfax
as the main characters ,they are set on a murder case ,where Bob is a man of the book anf Chase a woman following her gut and gift,but it still works well for both!But Unforunately they to have work with the NYPD which struggles between the two departments
In Chase I found a amazing character in the story who did a exellent job folliwing her gut and gift!
In my opnion it was a good story to read not really fast paced and for a thriller not that much action which made more of a average story with drama, tension .betrayal corruption and rivalry!
Up to me its a slow moving thriller with not that much action, the storyline and plot are good
and in the end unexpected, it had no really an end!after some more searching it turns out to be seriesbook!
for my rating i,ll feel it will be just above average so a 4,6

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book and look forward to reading the others in the series. I do wish more was written regarding Chase's childhood trauma that created her "gifts" of sensing what is right or wrong in solving crimes. There was a brief mention of her being kidnapped along with 7 other children and hiding in the walls. I would have liked a chapter with more in depth details of that event. I think that would make more sense of the "spells" or panic attacks she seemed to keep getting all throughout the story. Those just didn't make much sense to me. I did enjoy Chase's character strength and desire to really find out what happened on a case. Her tenacity helped solve the murder of Deborah and stop the murderer. Lots of attempts to make you think various characters were the killer. The ending wrapped up the story in a complete way.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a great police/detective novel. And I love them even more when they are by a new-to-me author!

The basics: Heather Chase is a driven and talented FBI agent, but she cares more about solving the crimes and seeing justice done than following the rules or kissing the right asses to boost her career. And that unfortunately means she gets the cases nobody else wants. This time she finds herself assisting the NYPD with a suspicious death investigation, accompanied by a partner she didn't want.

The plot kept my attention from start to finish. I love Heather Chase as a main character. She has some interesting quirks (like an incredibly strong intuition) and I just like her style. She's feisty and very intelligent. There is plenty of investigation, surprises and twists. I definitely enjoyed this first book in this series. I will be reading more!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book provided by the author. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

[Bonnye Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

First novel in the Heather Chase FBI series, following a prequel titled Dirt Dealers. Though this is an interesting stand-alone, as with most series it's a more rounded and complex tale if taken in the order it was written. I like Heather - she's got a sixth sense when it comes to crime, but it often gets her in hot water with her co-workers/superiors though in the end she is usually right. I didn't care for the NYC police characterized as foolish/stupid though we have a few of those in my little burg of a desert town so perhaps I'm prejudiced toward our boys and girls in blue. Also, the bad guys were degenerate and sleazy, a bit too-too with no redeeming character traits, but... In any case, a good tale told well, and a complex mystery that gets really convoluted in a place or two. A. W. Kaylen will keep you on your toes.
REVIEWED on November 21, 2023, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble and BookBub. Not available for review on Kobo.

[Marietta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so taken by this story that I could not put it down over the weekend and had to finish just so I could find out who the murderer was. There were so many possibles and you had to really think about each character that was on the list of suspects. Heather Chase Special Agent was worth read about and I hope that A.W. Kaylen will continue to write about this series as I find very interesting at how Chase went out to figure out who the murder was. Yes Chase did not alway follow the correct rules for the FBI but she did follow her own way to get the crome solve and did it with in the law so there was no question of if she was right or not. Good Luck with the rest of this series and I look forward to reading more about Heather Chase. If anyone is looking a book that will pull into the story right from the start this is a very good book. Enjoy Reading it.

[Tina Lincoln · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excitement All Thru the Entire Book!
FBI Special Agent Heather Chase seams to have it all! Gets thru the lines of new positions quicker than most, and kind of upsets a few because of this... until they actually work with her, and see the results themselves! Chase, as she likes to be called, gets in there, and does not wait for someone to tell her what to do when she has a case to solve. This particular case, seams to have them always following what others already know... namely the local NYPD! As FBI agents, it would seam that they have first dibs, and should get information and to a new crime scene first, but it is not that way. So who is keeping them from being able to do their jobs?
This is a really great story, and I look forward to the next.
Thank you A.W. Kaylen, for a great start to a new series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest review.

[David Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exciting Heather Chase story!

This first full-length Heather Chase story builds on the introduction from Dirt Dealers the series prequel. While Silent Witness is a stand-alone story, I found reading Dirt Dealers first gave me a better understand of Chase and Horton and their “professional” relationship. This story not only finds Heather paired up with partner who is her opposite when it comes to investigation but begins to shed light on Heather’s background and the trauma she endured as a child. Once again, the author has crafted a very good story that keeps you engaged all the way through with plenty of action as well as a variety of character interactions, not to mention some very unexpected information. If you are looking for a story that will entertain you from the first page to the last page, get a copy of Silent Witness and settle in for an entertaining afternoon.

[MGB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is it true that Heather "seems to grasp onto some nebulous idea and then retroactively fit clues to it based on a preconceived conclusion"? Her technique is certainly different. Her intuition is not classical detective intuition. Is her problem in solving this case that it: "dawned inside Chase that all this time she’d been too busy staring at her feet, following each breadcrumb one by one"?

This is a gritty police mystery driven by divergent clues. But are the clues facts? or alternate facts? A good detective will be able to sort it out, maybe with the help of friends and partners.

Lots of action, and the clues will whipsaw the reader as you try to unravel who is involved, and what all are they involved in. This is more complicated than it at first seems.

[Shelly Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silent Witness is the first Book of Heather Chase FBI Series written by A.W. Kaylen.
I love a good detective story and this one was a good one. This was a police mystery driven by divergent clues. But are the clues facts? or alternate facts? A good detective will be able to sort it out, maybe with the help of friends and partners.

Lots of action, and the clues will capture the reader as you try to unravel who is involved, and what all are they involved in. This is more complicated than it at first seems. I look forward to reading more about Heather Chase. I do hope the author continues to write more in this series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Robert Foland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book immensely. A. W. Kaylen presents a very realistic view into police procedure. Investigation is not always quick and there are often missteps along the way. FBI Special Agents Heather Chase and Bob Fairfax are teamed together to solve a murder when the main suspect crosses state line. The way forward is a winding road, but they ultimately see the light and pursue justice. A. W. Kaylen catches your attention and keeps it. The characters are believable and appealing with a very strong female lead. A crime thriller worthy of the title. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andy55 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Book 7 in the Chase FBI Series, although its a series each book can be read as a standalone. There is some continuing references to past cases but it does not detract for the story.
The author continues to have extremely expressive, vivid writing that makes you feel immersed in the scene.
There was a big shift with the agency that affected the team and they are navigating through that whilst handling the latest case.
I found this book less complex than some of the others and it was a welcome easy read.
I look forward to Book 8.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dawn Delisle · Rating 4 out of 5]

FBI Special Agent Chase and her partner “by the books” Bob, with a little help from the rookie NYPD detective Steve make a great crime fighting team. Chase’s extra-sensory abilities add another layer to her investigative skills. There are a lot of twists & turns in Silent Witness which made me have to follow closely, but all became clear at the end. A great series starter. I look forward to the continuing story of Heather Chase.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a well written and entertaining read , the characters are vibrant, bold and intense drawing you in while the mystery entices you further with its intrigue built on misdirection, lost evidence, forgotten courtesy between Justus enforcements. The heroine knows something is not right and the plot carefully draws out the tale unfolding it with each tantalizing clues bringing the truth forward. Like I said this mystery is so well written you really shouldn't miss out. Acquire " Silent Witness " the :Heather Chase FBI Series. For hours of intriguing and enjoyable entertainment Kat

[Doreen Fernandes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A warped mind

It looks like a suicide gone awry but is it really murder? When a woman is killed and her husband is on the run, it seems like an open and shut case by Heather Chase discovers that there are complications! An edge of the seat thriller as the hunt for the killer gets intense and lives are at stake.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good. I have to admit F.B.I. mysteries are my favorite. The characters are great. The story drew me in right from the start. The major plot twist was amazing. I had an inkling but just couldn't believe that is really what was going on. I am looking forward to many more books in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Dwayne Keller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heather Chase is an FBI Special Agent assigned a high profile murder case. Her new partner, Bob, is a by the book stickler. Heather, not so much. The two of them have to learn to work together to solve the case. NYPD seems to constantly be ahead of them. Can Heather and Bob solve the case, or will this be the end of her career? A strong beginning to a new series.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy reading fast-paced stories, full of action and so many twists and turns that will keep you guessing till the end, Silent Witness, is a must-read! It has a great plot, is full of deception, lies, crimes, and greed, and will keep you entertained and fully engrossed in the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ricki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heather Chase is a Special Agent with the FBI given a loser case by her boss. She has some odd skills of seeing colors, getting feelings etc all which help her solve cases. She is given a by the book partner all in attempt to have her fail.

A high profile women of a land developer is found at one of his building sites and he of course is the prime suspect. The suspects are many husband & mistress, her boyfriend, and a business competitor.
However, at every crime scene, the NYC are there hindering or holding back evidence and yet Heather finds the answer close to the investigation team.

An ok plot (abut a 2.5) but all the "auras, feelings etc) detracted from it.

[Paula Degler · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not Quite There

After two chapters I started on chapter 3 and wondered why. This book is chatty with a lot of unnecessary dialogue, unnecessary male vocal and facial expressions all to show they're high above the female character. Of course, she will solve all problems I'm sure. Anyway, as much as I enjoy thrillers I couldn't get into this one.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

FBI Special Agent Heather Chase is assigned a new partner-- a 'by the book' partner. As They look into a murder, something feels off for Chase. But as they investigate, they get pulled from the murder to finding the victim's husband who has ties with the mafia. Will the pieces finally come together? I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Judy Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a new author for me. I liked this book and it was very interesting because the author was building up to a very suspenseful ending WOW

I did see that coming at all. What a way to end the book. Great job

[Nicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

A FBI story with an agent that doesn't fit the mold. I like her. Heather doesn't look at a crime scene like others do. She feels the dead and follows the leads she is given. But her partner is by the book. There is plenty of action, twists and turns to keep the interest. I liked the story.

[JoAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent FBI thriller staring a FMC whose childhood trauma aids and sometime hinders her investigations. I found I enjoyed following Heather, an agent who doesn't know the phrase "give up" in her quest full of suspense, intrigue, and twists to solve the case.