In the Silence of Decay

Pinter P.I. #1

by Lisa Boyle

New Mexico, 1979: After a career in the military as a CID detective, all James Pinter wants to do is drive his rig and mind his own damn business. But when his daughter, Molly, finds a dead woman behind a gas station and a disabled boy at her side, he’s forced to reckon with his former life. The State Police record the death as an overdose—just another drug addict from the reservation—but James can’t ignore the clues they’re conveniently overlooking.

Reluctant to get involved but fearing for the boy’s life, James shares his suspicions with the Navajo Nation. The victim’s sister, desperate for answers, insists on James’s help. But the more James investigates, the further he and Molly are dragged into a world of drugs and corruption, big money and explosive secrets.

When James’s life is threatened, he knows he ought to leave town and take Molly with him. But he won’t abandon the innocent. Not after what happened at My Lai.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Crime, Ebooks, Suspense

400 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 24, 2023

About the author

Lisa Boyle is the award-winning author of three historical fiction novels. Her debut, Signed, A Paddy, won the 2022 Eric Hoffer Historical Fiction Award and the 2022 Eric Hoffer First Horizon Award. Lisa is originally from Finksburg, MD, but now lives in South Carolina with her husband, her daughter, and their goofy looking dog named Lloyd. In the Silence of Decay is Lisa’s first crime fiction novel.

Reviews

[Merry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by the author, and I enjoyed the writing and characters. Thank you to #BookSirens for an ARC of this book. Each chapter moves the plot forward from the viewpoint of a character in the story of solving a murder. The main characters are a father and daughter who make for a fun duo that works surprisingly well for a series leads. Corruption and neglect abound on the Navajo Nations dealing with large companies and the government. The book is based on actual events. The running thread throughout the book is My Lai and negativity to the military. I think soldiers coming back from Vietnam did run into these negative views.

[Irene Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an amazing read that had me dying to know what was next right from the beginning! The author does a fantastic job crafting characters that pull you in and make you care about their struggles. James reminded me of many of the Vietnam veterans I knew growing up. His daughter Molly was very relatable, and my heart absolutely ached for Kay and Adriel.

The plot was well woven together and I kept turning the pages, eating up the twists and turns. I couldn't put this book down! I write mysteries myself, but I did not see this ending coming!

This was an amazing read and I absolutely recommend it!

[Nursebookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

TITLE: IN THE SILENCE OF DECAY
AUTHOR: Lisa Boyle
PUB DATE: 10.24.2023 Now Available

New Mexico, 1979: After a career in the military as a CID detective, all James Pinter wants to do is drive his rig and mind his own damn business. But when his daughter, Molly, finds a dead woman behind a gas station and a disabled boy at her side, he’s forced to reckon with his former life. The State Police record the death as an overdose—just another drug addict from the reservation—but James can’t ignore the clues they’re conveniently overlooking.

Reluctant to get involved but fearing for the boy’s life, James shares his suspicions with the Navajo Nation. When James’s life is threatened, he knows he ought to leave town and take Molly with him. But he won’t abandon the innocent. Not after what happened at My Lai.

THOUGHTS:

I am so excited to discover another favorite detective. Pinter has grit and heart, and a nose to follow clues like no other. I love a good historical crime fiction, and the writing by Lisa Boyle was simply gripping, engrossing and an atmospheric read, that sets up so well for an amazing first book in the series. I already love the characters, and with Pinter’s fourteen yo daughter Molly, this duo has my heart. I cannot wait to read more. I am already going to be reading Boyle’s back list and the Paddy series seems up my alley. Well done Lisa for such an amazing book!

[Lata · Rating 4 out of 5]

A father and daughter, trying to build a relationship, stumble upon a dead woman, and her terrified, mute, young son.

The father, James Pinter, a retired investigator in the military, is deeply reluctant to do any more than report the death to the State Police and move on, but his teen daughter Molly is shaken, and moved, especially as her own mother is recently dead by suicide, and she’s awkwardly forging a relationship with the father she barely knows.

The State Police dismiss the dead woman as nothing more than an addict, and James begins wondering what the real story is, as he and Molly noted some things that point away from a drug overdose.

When James shares his concerns with Wayne Tully of the Navajo Nation’s Tribal police, and the dead woman’s sister Kay insists James find out what happened to Linda.

James and Molly become involved with Kay and Wayne’s lives as they dig into Linda’s history, talking to her friends on the reservation, and learning more about how the dead woman, a former drug addict, had pulled her life together and gotten clean. Linda also worked at a corporation that employs most of the people on the reserve and surrounding area, and was a responsible employee.

As James investigates, he angers a family of criminals who have their fingers in the crime, including drug trafficking, both in and outside the reserve. And lastly, Molly and James meet a determined reporter, eager to use this case to advance her career.

The mystery is complex, but is comprehensible, while the plot moves at a good pace. Author Lisa Boyle does a good job getting into both James’ and Molly’s heads as they have to learn how to relate to one another, while dealing with their own pain, whether from a mother’s loss, or from James experiences during the Vietnam war. And I liked how their relationship developed over the narrative, as they learned to communicate and work together, resulting in the two deciding on a path for their life together.

This was an absorbing story, and I look forward to reading more Pinter P.I. stories.

Thank you to Netgalley and to the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for my review.

[LeeAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book packs a punch. It took me awhile to get into, it's so much different than the author's other books. James turned out to be one of my favorite protagonists, and I think this story may live rent-free in my head for awhile.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

[I received this ARC from BookSirens my review is voluntary]

4 out of 5 stars

In The Silence of Decay is an amazing crime fiction novel. In this story you're primarily following James Pinter and his daughter, Molly. James is a Vietnam Veteran and was also an Investigator for the army. He is learning how to be a dad to a fourteen year old girl who has never been around him enough to call him dad. Molly, full of hatred towards this man who left her behind, slowly starts to love and care about her dad. You also get to learn about different beliefs of the Navajo Tribe, how they deal with death and dying. You also get to learn some backstory on Vietnam and what happens in My Lai, and how so many people were raped and tortured.
To begin with things are bumpy, quite literally because James is now a truck driver. But, after stopping for breakfast at one of the places he loves, his daughter Molly discovers a gruesome site. A little boy, who is mute and possibly on the verge of dehydration is found scared to death and refuses to follow Molly. He then shows her why he didn't run away. The body of a woman, his mom.
Now, James and Molly can't just leave the little boy all alone. It looks like an Overdose. Which, you learn, is a very common factor for those that die on that reservation. James knows he has to report this to the police and so he does. It quickly turns into a chaotic mess. The state police just try to write it all off as an overdose even after James tells them that he believes she was killed. It just falls on deaf ears, they don't want to do their jobs.
Later on, you get to meet Kay, who is the sister of the deceased. You also get to meet Lieutenant Wayne Tully who is doing his best to understand what's going on. Oh, and you meet a reporter, Gloria, who is quite shady and I didn't trust her from the beginning.
Neither one of them understand what's going on or why things have happened the way that they did. But they do know that they have to work together to figure out why Kay’s sister was killed. And, did someone do it trying to cover up something. Did she get killed trying to protect her land or trying to warn about something that was going on? You'll have to crack open this book and be an Investigator yourself. I can tell you, I had no clue who the killer was until towards the end. Lisa Boyle did an amazing job setting the pace in this story. I really loved her writing style. I enjoyed how she was able to include in her author's note how she got her information. And, it intrigued me enough to start my own research about it. There are really and truly so many problems going on in the world, and I loved the fact that she touched base not only on a real world basis but was able to keep the story going with loveable characters and enough twists to keep you guessing. I'm giving this book 4 out of 5 stars. And, I've heard there's going to be another in the series, so I definitely can't wait to sink into that one as well!

[Lizp · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this read. It is the first book by Lisa Boyle that I have read.

James Pinter and his daughter Molly are getting reacquainted after not seeing each other for over a decade. James was a military police investigator. Molly finds a dead woman, Linda and a disabled boy at a petrol station. The deceased seems to have been a drug addict. James thinks he will need to use his previous experience in investigating this death, as the authorities appear not to be interested in what happened ; in fact they are downright blase about who might have killed the deceased and why. They conveniently write the death off as a drug overdose.

For James, this does not seem to add up. He’s thinking possible homicide. The deceased’s sister is very keen for James to become involved in seeking the truth about what happened to Linda, especially considering his military police background experience.

This story is set in New Mexico in 1979. There is Navajo Nation involvement and the story sets out well how the Navajo were treated so poorly by avaricious large companies, with the government either colluding or regarding their nefarious activities with a blind eye.

James and Molly become closer, as Molly also involves herself in James’ investigation. Molly is battling grief after losing her mum and the investigation is a great distraction for her. It also brings her closer to her dad, and as her confidence in herself increases their relationship quickly develops.

This is a very credible, absorbing read. There are other interesting characters like Kay and Wayne in the story whom they befriend and the father/ daughter team’s interactions with them round out this engaging mystery.

I would recommend this book to others.

I received tris book as an ARC, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Silence of Decay by Lisa Boyle
Pinter P.I. #1

Interesting, informative, and immersive ~ Great historical fiction that drew me in and made me care!

What I liked:
* Molly: recently lost her mother, moved in with her distant father, artist, bright, enjoys puzzles, inquisitive, fourteen, unsure of her future, has great potential, would like to get to know her better
* James Pinter: truck driver , owns his own big rig, ex-military CID officer, stationed in Vietnam and Germany, suddenly received guardianship of his daughter Molly and is learning to be a parent, intelligent, capable, ready for a job change, liked him and eager to see him again
* Wayne: Chief of police on a reservation, educated, wise, professional, grandfather was a code talker in WWII, married to Barbara, strong leadership abilities, friendly, good man
* Kay: high school teacher on the reservation, divorced, carrying secrets and guilt over her sister’s death, a bit haunted, attracted to James
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* Learning about the uranium mining waste dam burst in 1979
* That it reminded me of the era of the Vietnam war and brought back memories of a high school project that sent letters with cookies to servicemen
* The family ties on the reservation
* Watching James and Molly get to know one another and grow closer as parent and child
* The police procedural aspects and that the murderer was found by the end of the book
* Knowing that there is another book to look forward to in the series

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* The bigotry, waste of a good woman’s life, the corrupt big businesses practices

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

[Chelsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Some things can't be changed. Only controlled. Man cannot stop a storm or drought. They can only respond to the damage and perhaps plan accordingly for the next one." - Lisa Boyle (In the Silence of Decay)

I loved this line and really it was a theme through this entire story. James Pinter thought he left his investigation days behind him, but when his daughter finds a child alone at a truck stop life quickly changes for him. His daughter having just recently becoming a part of his life already has made enough changes, changes he has gladly accepted he just wished it was under different circumstances. Finding the dead body of that boy's mother has haunted him and his daughter, he knows he must say something or it will just get marked as another drug overdose and the truth will never be found out. Rules for death are different when it is someone from the Navajo Nation and James is quickly learning that he is being looked at as another white outsider who should just mind his own business. Knowing he has to put his all into this case, he decides to prove himself and offer assistance to those willing to take it. His daughter is also showing detective interest and skills, and the two of them settle into a father/daughter relationship as they work to help get to the bottom of who murdered Linda and why. I am looking forward to more Pinter cases as the ending did leave for it to become a possible series. Thank you to the author for the free novel. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an ARC reader and this is my honest opinion. I'd looked at this book for a while until I finally decided to choose it to read. The title seemed a bit depressing, I think. Actually, the book is extremely well written and completely engaging by chapter 4 - the chapters are quite short. Interestingly, each chapter is written from the point of view of the character it's named for but I hardly noticed the change in narrator - the story flows so freely. At the beginning, and as a constant theme, the author introduces James Pinter, ex army crime investigator who investigated the soldiers involved in what was probably the most horrific crime during the Vietnam war. He then became a long distance trucker. His absences cost him his relationship with his daughter and her mother. Finding himself with sole responsibility for his daughter, now 14, forces him to rethink his life. When Molly finds a little boy and a dead woman, both she and James get involved in a much bigger problem. This book highlights the problems that native American peoples still have in being given the same respect as other people. The author explained in the acknowledgments how the incidents she wrote about are based on real, shocking events. The story and the investigation into the death of the woman, a Navajo, are convoluted enough, and connected to bigger issues, to have kept me invested until the end. I look forward to reading the next book,in which James Pinter and 14 year old Molly start their own PI business. The evolution of their relationship is an interesting underlying story.

[Gee · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Pinter and his daughter Molly are just getting to know each other, after not seeing each other for over 10years. When Molly finds a dead body at a gas station, it seems James will need to use his previous experience as a Military Police Investigator, when none of authorities appear interested in what appears to be the death of a drug addict.

This is a really intriguing read, taking place in New Mexico, 1979 and takes James and Molly to the Navajo Nation. It’s great to read how their relationship starts to gel, with James letting his daughter play her own part in the investigation, seeing how she blossoms, despite still mourning her mother. I knew very little about the Navajo Nation, the way the people were treated and the greed of big companies. The author has certainly done great research, translating it all into an excellent, if scarily believable read. I liked James’ interaction with the other characters, particularly Wayne & Kay, and obviously Molly. I was interested to read in the authors notes at the back that there were real life events similar to parts of the story, and it’s sad to read that the authorities attitudes to the people of the Navajo Nation reflected that portrayed in the book. Overall an excellent, absorbing read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Olivia Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Pinter is many things but his background as a CID detective seems to cloud everything he does. Right now he is reconnecting with a daughter that he did not have much to do with for 14 years of her life. Her mother drops her off to meet her father and then OD's. At least she knows that Molly is safe.

James pulling into the gas station is on the edge of his seat, not sure what will happen next. How does he become a "father" after all these years and what kind of resentments will there be?

Molly is unsure too, yet during this pivotal stop at the gas station, she becomes aware of a little boy hiding in the bushes by himself. She goes to see what is going on and finds a woman with a needle stuck in her arm.

Molly and James need to work on their relationship while investigating what looks like another drug overdose death in the hills of New Mexico.

This book was a very interesting story and I enjoyed watching James and Molly work through some very challenging personal emotions with regards to what they were and will be to each other, given the circumstances of their lives.

A book that certainly should be read!

I was given an ARC copy of this book through BookSirens for my honest review.

[Madi (whatsmadireading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“He'd never been able to reconcile these two parts of his life. Being a dad and being a detective. They were incompatible. He'd chosen to let the dad part go a long time ago.
But now. Now it was here again.”

overview-

James, a former Vietnam soldier now cross-country truck driver, suddenly has custody of his teenage daughter, Molly, after her mother dies of a drug overdose.

They can’t escape this trauma when Molly finds a speechless boy that leads her to his dead mother at a gas station outside of a Native American Reservation.

The reservation’s spiritual beliefs hinder their investigation while the city’s police believe it’s an open-and-shut case of drug overdose. James takes matters into his own hands.

review-

4 ⭐️

A beautiful father-daughter story with a chilling mystery based on true events.

Lisa Boyle writes such descriptive imagery of the reservation in New Mexico while writing diverse points of view. Love how it jumps right into the story and keeps you hooked from the first chapter.

about the book-
🕵️‍♂️ mystery
✔️ true events
👨‍👧father-daughter story
•historical fiction

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read Lisa’s historical fiction Paddy series so I was excited to see how she does with a genre switch into mystery. I can tell you she did AMAZING.

This is a multilayered and atmospheric mystery set in 1979 New Mexico. It’s told in multiple points of view (like about 7) which I really enjoyed. It mixes some true life events with a fictional mystery and fictional characters.

The two main characters are James and Molly, a father and his fourteen year old daughter. James is an ex Army investigator who is now a truck driver. Molly comes to start living with James after her mother dies. I enjoy the way that Lisa writes about this very new father/daughter relationship.

The book takes place on and near a Navajo reservation so the reader gets a behind the scenes look at the politics that goes on there.

The Vietnam War plays a role in the story which is very interesting for me because I was a child during the later years of that conflict.

The mystery itself which is about a woman who is found dead by suspected overdose outside the reservation is great and all the characters add to the telling of the plot.

I look forward to reading the next installment of Pinter, P.I.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5 stars*

Lisa has done it again! After reading all 3 of her Paddy Series historical fiction books and loving them, I knew I would love her first crime fiction novel but I was blown away by how sucked into this I got! I’m pretty picky when it comes to mysteries/thrillers, especially when it comes to plot and character. Well, Lisa definitely knows how to write real, authentic, well-researched characters. In the Silence of Decay takes place in 1979 in New Mexico, and involves a murder of a woman under suspicious circumstances. Lisa did her homework and the entire story felt real to me. The plot was well paced and the characters were complex and fun.

One final thing I’ll say - I absolutely LOVED that a teenage girl and her dad were two of the main characters. Their relationship blossomed over the course of the novel and it was so beautiful to read. Each chapter changing perspective to a different character in the story also gave this book such a fun feel. I can’t wait for the next in this series! 👏🏽🔥

[Megan V · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the Silence of Decay is a historical fiction book, and I had no idea it was based on real events. However, I will say I enjoyed the acknowledgements at the end more than I did the whole book. While it was written well, have good info, and was coherent, it was honestly kind of boring. The "cliffhangers" at the end of each chapter were forced and repetitive. I got excited towards the end because I knew it was ending. I don't see myself reading future books by this author.

I will say those, I am excited for others to enjoy this book. I have family in New Mexico, which is why I was excited to read this book. This is something I knew nothing about, and it's very important. Hopefully it sends some people down a rabbit hole, learning more and hopefully they will be interested in solving some of these issues.

I'll also add that I did not expect this book to end how it did. I wasn't really in the "whodunnit" mind set, but I really didn't expect it to end how it did. That was a nice surprise.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for crime novels or anything that involves an investigation of some kind. So, this book was right up my alley. I liked the characters and I found myself rooting for the main characters (which makes all the difference). They aren’t perfect by any means, but they’re real. And they’re trying - and learning from their mistakes.

I’ve always been interested in the Code Talkers, so that aspect of the book hooked me as well. I’m a white woman, so I cannot speak to the authenticity of the depiction of the Navajo in the book. But I did think they were treated well. I also liked how there was information on helping Native Americans and that there was historical information about the events in the book. I love historical fiction as well, so that caught my attention.

If you like crime novels (investigations, police, murders, etc) I would highly recommend this book. I was thrilled to see there’s a second book coming soon. I can’t wait to read it!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[DG · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was really a 3.5 star read. At times I thought it would be a 4, but there were a few weaknesses that prevented me from rounding up.

Apparently this is the author's first foray into murder/mystery and it is a promising start to a new series. The characters are interesting and engaging, the mystery has the right element of "who-dunnit?" to keep you engaged. There are also the right amount of twists and surprises. The writing is good and the dialog comfortably believable. All good signs!

There's just a few weaknesses to the plot, the story's pace and timing was, at times, a bit off, and then there's the female/mother point of view of people and events that shows through. That last element kept bouncing me out of the story at times. I suppose it's as hard for a woman to write a male character as it is the other way around. Not bad, but clearly (to a man) not what a man would think or do.

I enjoyed this one enough that I'll be reading the next in the series as well. Hope that's recommendation enough for anyone who reads this review. 😊

[Lauren Garlitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one I didn’t want to put down once I started it. I really liked the relationship between James and Molly - how he realized his mistake in not being in her life and trying to include and educate her while keeping her safe and her power to forgive.

The friendships they form with the people they interact with while trying to solve what happened to Linda are lifelong. It’s beautiful to see such relationships grow and evolve.

As far as the mystery of the investigation goes there are several facets to it. Each must be figured out to truly determine what’s happening and what’s happened. Though I had my suspicions from the start the author kept me on my toes before truly coming to the outcome of the investigation.

With so much happening in the story there was never a dull moment.

I was lucky enough to receive an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Danny Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! This was set on a indigenous reservation, which for me, is a unique setting. I haven’t read many books set on reservations so this book has definitely opened up my eyes to the fact I need to dive deeper into the stories of indigenous writers! But to this book: I loved the father/daughter bond between Molly and James, and the side characters were excellent additions to the cast. I loved the ending because I honestly didn’t see that reveal coming at all.

Also, I really liked the ending author’s note. I think it was awesome of the author to acknowledge the real world context behind the world she built in her novel. My Lai massacre; the poisoning of indigenous land; so on and so forth. I think it’s always good to let the reader know that despite the characters in a historical fiction novel are made up, the extreme circumstances some of these characters go through are very, very real.

Looking forward to the next book 😁

[Matthew Clements · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book started off slowly while working on building the world. Honestly, I'm so glad I kept reading for it took off like a train out of a station into the wild wilderness.

The research done for the book was top notch and the characters were all three dimensional with their own motivations in a web of murder, deception, power and greed.

I'm excited to see where this potential series goes as it is a tour de force of a great murder mystery. The family ties, the day to day struggles with addiction, secrets, greed and the power struggle of leadership and governance on a reservation in the middle of modern America shines a light on some serious issues.

I received an advanced reader copy and am leaving this review for future readers completely voluntarily. I can't wait for you to meet these characters and enjoy the ride.

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Silence of Decay by Lisa Boyle is the first book in the Pinter P.I. series. This is a historical crime fiction novel, and I absolutely LOVED it.

I really enjoyed the multiple points of view.

James Pinter is the main character. James is an ex-detective who has served in the military and has become a truck driver. Trying to make a better connection with his teenage daughter Molly who he hasn't been there for, he takes her on a long hall trip.

Molly discovers a body in New Mexico and James is determined to solve the mystery.

I loved the relationship between Molly and James. The characters are well written and fleshed out.

The mystery and suspense was perfectly paced.

I appreciate the author's note as well that provided more information about the story.

Highly recommend!

[Kelly Dowswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author’s writing style so much!
After having read a few books by the author I was quick to purchase this one when it came out. As a reader you can tell the author puts a lot of time into researching the story and knows what she’s talking about. She gives you what you need to know without it being too much either.
This story is about James and his daughter Molly and their investigation of what is deemed an OD, but they suspect otherwise.
I loved the characters together and the others they meet along the way. Each one had their own personality that made it so easy to keep track of and honestly, there wasn’t one of them I didn’t like for one reason or another.
The story kept me interested the whole way through and the ending was fantastic! The way she wove it altogether at the end was just perfect.

Definitely one I will read again!

[Kasia Hubbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was hard to put down as I kept reading to find out...what happened to Linda...and why? James is a truck driver, going to pick up his 14 year old estranged daughter Molly, since her mother just passed. What James doesn't know is that Molly is perceptive and incredibly smart, more like her dad than either of them know. They stop at a gas station to refuel...and all of a sudden things get really really interesting as the pages turn in a story that is gripping, and interestingly enough, loosely based on true events. Lisa Boyle gives us a multi-faceted book: relationships between father/daughter, investigative practices, corruption, and even Navajo tribe vs the white man, and does it very well while packing a punch. Excellent job, and now looking forward to book two....
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*

[Kasia Hubbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was hard to put down as I kept reading to find out...what happened to Linda...and why? James is a truck driver, going to pick up his 14 year old estranged daughter Molly, since her mother just passed. What James doesn't know is that Molly is perceptive and incredibly smart, more like her dad than either of them know. They stop at a gas station to refuel...and all of a sudden things get really really interesting as the pages turn in a story that is gripping, and interestingly enough, loosely based on true events. Lisa Boyle gives us a multi-faceted book: relationships between father/daughter, investigative practices, corruption, and even Navajo tribe vs the white man, and does it very well while packing a punch. Excellent job, and now looking forward to book two....
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*

[Raymond · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent story set in New Mexico in 1979. James Pinter was a detective in the military who wanted to leave detecting behind and lead a simple life as a truck driver. This changes drastically. He ends up raising a young daughter Molly who he has really never known. And helping to solve a crime. The investigation takes him to the Navajo Nation and adds jurisdictional issues to the mystery.

The characters are well-drawn and interesting. James' relationship with his daughter Molly grows in a credible and endearing manner.

No typos! And I found only one possible grammatical error near the end of the book. I hope to read more by this author.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Christy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a big fan of Lisa Boyle’s Paddy series and was thrilled to read her newest book: In the Silence of Decay. The characters were really interesting and well developed. My heart broke for Molly after her mom’s death as she went to live with her dad who hadn’t previously been involved in her life. I was touched by the bond they started developing as they worked together to unravel mysterious events. Molly was an excellent detective in training and it was good for her to have a challenging project as she dealt with the loss of her mom. The short chapters and multiple POV plus a great story line made this a page turner for me. This one kept me me guessing until the end and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[John Mccormick · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thanks to the Author publisher's and Book Sirens for providing me with a Kindle version of this book to read and honestly review.

Absolute quality.
A real page turner riveting from start to finish, atmospheric with a real feel for time and place. Superb characters throughout clever descriptive intelligent storytelling with plenty of surprises and twists along the way.
From about fifty percent in as I flicked each read page, I hoped this book could be the start of a series and I am extremely pleased the Author agreed, as book two is underway, and I personally cannot wait.
Totally and utterly recommended.

[Dawn Keyser · Rating 3 out of 5]

At the start of the book, a seemingly suicide is discovered by a young girl who has stopped at a fuel outpost, just outside of a reservation. Her father, who just gained custody of her, a former military investigator turned truck driver, can’t get it out of his head. And so begins their journey into finding out the truth, that she was murdered. There are a ton of characters involved in the story: some extremely interesting and a few thrown in to throw you off the track. I had the murderer figured out early in the story, but couldn’t figure out why I suspected them. The end is satisfying, but the middle third is a little slow.

[Mary Tilghman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A whodunit unlike anything I've read before.
Molly and James are an unlikely pair of detectives. He has a background in crime fighting during his days in the Vietnam War but she's just a kid. A smart kid with keen abilities that get them steps closer to finding the killer.
The murder takes place in the Navajo Nation where we get to know the victim's sister and a good-hearted Navajo cop.
A story of suspense and lots of danger, it's also one I couldn't put down once I met these good-hearted characters. I was so happy to learn this is the beginning of a series. You know I'll be looking for Book Two.