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DC Gary Goodhew Mystery #4
The Silence
DC Gary Goodhew searches for the link between an old woman's terminal illness, a brutal murder, and a series of suicides in Cambridge.
Joey McCarthy is stabbed to death in a parking lot in a random act of violence. Shortly afterward, Charlotte Stone's terminally ill mother dies and then, within weeks, two of her teenage friends commit suicide. With her home life disintegrating and both her father and brother racing toward self-destruction, Charlotte realizes that her own personal nightmare is just beginning.
When Gary Goodhew, a loveable, warm-hearted detective, finds the body of another suicide victim, he is forced to recall some deeply buried memories of an investigation that had a profound effect on him—memories that lead him to Charlotte Stone. Working together, they begin to wonder whether all these tragedies are somehow linked. And if they are, who will be the next victim?
Joey McCarthy is stabbed to death in a parking lot in a random act of violence. Shortly afterward, Charlotte Stone's terminally ill mother dies and then, within weeks, two of her teenage friends commit suicide. With her home life disintegrating and both her father and brother racing toward self-destruction, Charlotte realizes that her own personal nightmare is just beginning.
When Gary Goodhew, a loveable, warm-hearted detective, finds the body of another suicide victim, he is forced to recall some deeply buried memories of an investigation that had a profound effect on him—memories that lead him to Charlotte Stone. Working together, they begin to wonder whether all these tragedies are somehow linked. And if they are, who will be the next victim?
293 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2012
37 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
About the author
Alison Bruce
36 books240 followersThere is more than one author with this name
Alison Bruce was born in Surrey, United Kingdom, and now lives in Cambridge.
Alison Bruce was born in Surrey, United Kingdom, and now lives in Cambridge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
August 7, 2016
I listened to this in audio format.
The Silence is the fourth book in the DC Gary Goodhew series. I am pleased to say that Alison is back on top form after her last book The Calling.
The Silence is about seven 1st year students living in shared accommodation. Student Charlotte Stone's mum died of cancer and her father has turned to alcohol to dumb the pain. Then Shanie an American on student exchange is found dead surrounded with pill bottles. When Gary interviews Libby one of the students he finds out he dealt with her older sisters death when he was PC in uniform. After speaking to Shanie's mum we find out Shanie was a depressive so her death is put down to suicide. However Gary has his doubts about this and starts investigating further. His fears are founded when another housemate is found dead surrounded by pills. Like some readers I found the relationships between the students a bit complicated so I had to go back and listen again to some chapters. I am glad I did though when I realised why the murders were occurring.
Gary is still friends with Brynn and continues to go to the pub with his Grandma which I love. I look forward to Alison's next book The Backs.
The Silence is the fourth book in the DC Gary Goodhew series. I am pleased to say that Alison is back on top form after her last book The Calling.
The Silence is about seven 1st year students living in shared accommodation. Student Charlotte Stone's mum died of cancer and her father has turned to alcohol to dumb the pain. Then Shanie an American on student exchange is found dead surrounded with pill bottles. When Gary interviews Libby one of the students he finds out he dealt with her older sisters death when he was PC in uniform. After speaking to Shanie's mum we find out Shanie was a depressive so her death is put down to suicide. However Gary has his doubts about this and starts investigating further. His fears are founded when another housemate is found dead surrounded by pills. Like some readers I found the relationships between the students a bit complicated so I had to go back and listen again to some chapters. I am glad I did though when I realised why the murders were occurring.
Gary is still friends with Brynn and continues to go to the pub with his Grandma which I love. I look forward to Alison's next book The Backs.
December 7, 2017
This is not one of my favorite murder mystery book collections. It's time for me to move on to something else.
April 19, 2017
There is nothing particularly new in the plot of this book - the police discover that a series of teen suicides are, in fact, murders and then have to work out why and find the perpetrator, even the reason behind it all is a twist on an old theme (no spoilers) but it is done in such an interesting way that it kept me turning the pages. DC Goodhew is a bit harder to swallow as his disregard for procedure and instruction have no place in any organisation, never mind a hierarchy like the Police force but it adds to the excitement. This is a good, easy way to pass a few hours.
October 10, 2018
The fourth DC Gary Goodhew police procedural is complicatedly unpredictable as is the protagonist himself.
September 4, 2012
THE SILENCE
by Alison Bruce
I have so looked forward to this book!
I even queued for it during the launch at Heffer's in Cambridge where I finally got the meet the lovely @Alison_Bruce in person :)
The official blurb: Joey McCarthy is stabbed to death in a pub car park in a random act of violence. Shortly afterwards Charlotte Stone's terminally ill mother dies and then, within weeks, two of her teenage friends commit suicide. With her home life disintegrating and both her father and brother racing towards self-destruction Charlotte realises that her own personal nightmare may not be over yet.
When DC Gary Goodhew finds the body of another suicide victim he is forced to recall some deeply buried memories of an earlier death; memories which lead him to Charlotte Stone and the events in her life.
From their individual points of view they both begin to wonder whether all these tragedies are somehow linked to a bigger picture.
And if they are right, then who will be the next victim?
After reading only a few pages of The Silence I remarked to my partner that this was "her [Alison Bruce's] best book yet!". I've been hooked on this series since book one but it seemed to me that in this book Alison's writing has taken on new a depth; it seems more confident, more accomplished and the book seemed (to me) to move at a different pace to its predecessors. Just when you think you've got a handle on the pace and direction, hold on tight as half-way through it seems to go up a gear and bursts forward shifting the whole focus of the story and racing towards its conclusion.
It offers a more complex plot than the previous books and immediately draws you in to the story which then leads you down more dark alleys and dead ends than a maize maze... Ok so that's not the best analogy in the world but you get the idea ;)
I thought Goodhew seemed a more sensitive soul in this book and his memories of an earlier car crash showed us a new side to him and helped (in my head at least) to further define his enigmatic but oh so likable personality.
There were a couple of things in the book which I felt were 'left hanging': DI Marks was very thoughtful and brooding throughout the book and although a brief explanation was proffered, it felt to me as though there was more to it; also, I was expecting fireworks between Goodhew and (the deeply unpleasant) Kincaide especially after Kincaide sinks to a new low with his malicious lies but Goodhew seemed to let it go. I wonder if both of these are being saved up for the next book?
The Silence very quickly had me hooked and, as usual, attempting to guess the outcome! I thought it was very clever the way the story constantly seemed to circle the central characters from the student house and I enjoyed the dynamics and differing personalities within the group. Except for Oslo, one word, ewwww!
I thoroughly enjoyed The Silence and can't wait for book 5!
by Alison Bruce
I have so looked forward to this book!
I even queued for it during the launch at Heffer's in Cambridge where I finally got the meet the lovely @Alison_Bruce in person :)
The official blurb: Joey McCarthy is stabbed to death in a pub car park in a random act of violence. Shortly afterwards Charlotte Stone's terminally ill mother dies and then, within weeks, two of her teenage friends commit suicide. With her home life disintegrating and both her father and brother racing towards self-destruction Charlotte realises that her own personal nightmare may not be over yet.
When DC Gary Goodhew finds the body of another suicide victim he is forced to recall some deeply buried memories of an earlier death; memories which lead him to Charlotte Stone and the events in her life.
From their individual points of view they both begin to wonder whether all these tragedies are somehow linked to a bigger picture.
And if they are right, then who will be the next victim?
After reading only a few pages of The Silence I remarked to my partner that this was "her [Alison Bruce's] best book yet!". I've been hooked on this series since book one but it seemed to me that in this book Alison's writing has taken on new a depth; it seems more confident, more accomplished and the book seemed (to me) to move at a different pace to its predecessors. Just when you think you've got a handle on the pace and direction, hold on tight as half-way through it seems to go up a gear and bursts forward shifting the whole focus of the story and racing towards its conclusion.
It offers a more complex plot than the previous books and immediately draws you in to the story which then leads you down more dark alleys and dead ends than a maize maze... Ok so that's not the best analogy in the world but you get the idea ;)
I thought Goodhew seemed a more sensitive soul in this book and his memories of an earlier car crash showed us a new side to him and helped (in my head at least) to further define his enigmatic but oh so likable personality.
There were a couple of things in the book which I felt were 'left hanging': DI Marks was very thoughtful and brooding throughout the book and although a brief explanation was proffered, it felt to me as though there was more to it; also, I was expecting fireworks between Goodhew and (the deeply unpleasant) Kincaide especially after Kincaide sinks to a new low with his malicious lies but Goodhew seemed to let it go. I wonder if both of these are being saved up for the next book?
The Silence very quickly had me hooked and, as usual, attempting to guess the outcome! I thought it was very clever the way the story constantly seemed to circle the central characters from the student house and I enjoyed the dynamics and differing personalities within the group. Except for Oslo, one word, ewwww!
I thoroughly enjoyed The Silence and can't wait for book 5!
January 20, 2015
I now look forward to reading an Alison Bruce book as a great event that will bring joy and pleasure.
The Silence is not an easy book to read; there is great sorrow and real pain in the families of victims, a greater sense of loss as a good few of the deaths mentioned at the start were deemed as suicide by young people.
What I really appreciate about this author is her approach to plot and the way she tends to start her novels from a fresh point of view; it might not grab the reader like other writer's tricks but it sets the story up so well.
By book 4 you'd expect the characters to be familiar and easy to write and read about but they somehow remain fresh and engaging. Indeed they seem more complicated at the end of the piece than at the beginning of the book.
Here is a story where you dread something will happen. When it does you appear powerless to predict it or identify the reason for these events. About the time the penny does drop it is a race to see who can survive the thrilling conclusion to this exceptional police story.
The Silence is not an easy book to read; there is great sorrow and real pain in the families of victims, a greater sense of loss as a good few of the deaths mentioned at the start were deemed as suicide by young people.
What I really appreciate about this author is her approach to plot and the way she tends to start her novels from a fresh point of view; it might not grab the reader like other writer's tricks but it sets the story up so well.
By book 4 you'd expect the characters to be familiar and easy to write and read about but they somehow remain fresh and engaging. Indeed they seem more complicated at the end of the piece than at the beginning of the book.
Here is a story where you dread something will happen. When it does you appear powerless to predict it or identify the reason for these events. About the time the penny does drop it is a race to see who can survive the thrilling conclusion to this exceptional police story.
May 16, 2013
This is the 4th book in the series that includes the main character DC Goodhew. Due to the fact that I read the book out of order, I feel like I am missing some key elements to not only DC Goodhew's personality but also the relationships at the precinct house. I also have to say I was somewhat confused as to why they were considering all of the suicides as murders and even at the end I really didn't get the reasons things were done. I don't want to spoil anything for any readers of the series. All of this said though, I thought the book was well written and the new characters in the novel were well developed. My advice, which I am going to take myself, is to start at the beginning of the series so you can get a better idea of the police personality's and the tone that is usually set by the author in the beginning of a series. This is not a book that I would recommend reading out of order. I am going to go back and read the first book in the series because I do think the book had a lot of potential that I missed due to not reading the series in order.
April 25, 2024
Fourth in the series, and I thought it was a little slow and hard to follow at first, but it picked up and sped right along once the author brought together all the threads and I was able to see how the deaths that Gary Goodhew and company were investigating were connected. This story involved some sad, bitter families whose lives had already been complicated by sudden death. It was also a bit more focused on the victims and those families, and less on Goodhew and the police team. I'll look forward to the next one, A Cry in the Night: A Gary Goodhew Mystery, and hope that the plot jells a little bit better.
February 16, 2019
The Silence is the fourth book in the DC Gary Goodhew Mystery series written by Alison Bruce and centered on Gary Goodhew, a Detective Constable in Cambridge Parkside Station.
Libby is studying her A-levels and is living away from home in a student house share arranged by her father, and a childhood friend, Matt, now studying at University. Their friendship, always close, has been deepened by their shared loss. Rosie, Libby's older sister and school-friend of Matt, was found after apparently falling from a bridge onto a busy road and dying under the wheels of a long distance lorry.
Her grief manifests of her to trying to live the rest of Rosie's life for her – she takes the same subjects as Rosie and works hard to get the same level of grades. Libby links up with Zoe, another school-friend of Rosie on Facebook, and is able to share her memories of Rosie and her doubts that Rosie's death was accidental with her. Matt has recently suffered another loss, that of his mother, who died after a long illness.
Then Shanie, a housemate of Libby and Matt goes missing. Several days later she is found dead – another sudden death but this time not an accident. The initial investigation points to suicide but DC Gary Goodhew starts to wonder whether it is just a co-incidence that so many people are dying around Libby and Matt. He also realizes that he had a personal link with Rosie and starts to wonder whether the deaths linked.
The Silence is written rather well. The narrative is about the loss of children and revenge for past events. As usual the story starts slowly until DC Gary Goodhew starts to draw connections, and pursues leads that other colleagues ignore. While the deaths might just be passed off as suicides by others, DC Gary Goodhew has an instinct that there is more to it and that they might be connected. The narrative effectively and slowly builds up to a dramatic conclusion as DC Gary Goodhew finely pieces clues together.
As a former Cantabrigian, it is wonderful to read about the city the series is based on. It brought back many happy memories about my undergraduate years and brought a bought of nostalgia when reading about certain places that I have visited.
All in all, The Silence is written rather well and is a strong continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to read in the very near future.
Libby is studying her A-levels and is living away from home in a student house share arranged by her father, and a childhood friend, Matt, now studying at University. Their friendship, always close, has been deepened by their shared loss. Rosie, Libby's older sister and school-friend of Matt, was found after apparently falling from a bridge onto a busy road and dying under the wheels of a long distance lorry.
Her grief manifests of her to trying to live the rest of Rosie's life for her – she takes the same subjects as Rosie and works hard to get the same level of grades. Libby links up with Zoe, another school-friend of Rosie on Facebook, and is able to share her memories of Rosie and her doubts that Rosie's death was accidental with her. Matt has recently suffered another loss, that of his mother, who died after a long illness.
Then Shanie, a housemate of Libby and Matt goes missing. Several days later she is found dead – another sudden death but this time not an accident. The initial investigation points to suicide but DC Gary Goodhew starts to wonder whether it is just a co-incidence that so many people are dying around Libby and Matt. He also realizes that he had a personal link with Rosie and starts to wonder whether the deaths linked.
The Silence is written rather well. The narrative is about the loss of children and revenge for past events. As usual the story starts slowly until DC Gary Goodhew starts to draw connections, and pursues leads that other colleagues ignore. While the deaths might just be passed off as suicides by others, DC Gary Goodhew has an instinct that there is more to it and that they might be connected. The narrative effectively and slowly builds up to a dramatic conclusion as DC Gary Goodhew finely pieces clues together.
As a former Cantabrigian, it is wonderful to read about the city the series is based on. It brought back many happy memories about my undergraduate years and brought a bought of nostalgia when reading about certain places that I have visited.
All in all, The Silence is written rather well and is a strong continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series, which I plan to read in the very near future.
January 3, 2020
Complicated story with convoluted relationships. Twenty eight years earlier an incident with bullies comes to light for a man who begins to inflict pain and grief on the families involved. What appears to be suicide is seen by DC Gary Goodhew as possible murder. In his investigation, he finds an trail of suicides of young persons, who are related to individuals who went to school together. Nobby's brothers, Johnnie and Vince, drowned in the river, trying to retreive a Walkman that they had taken from him. When Amanda Stone is dying of cancer, she finds the need to confess what really happened in seeking redemption. Nobby immediately kills one of the six, Joel McCarthy, who pushed his brothers into the river. But it is not enough. He is dead and no longer suffering. Nobby decides instead that he will kill the children of the individuals involved in the bullying, so that they suffer long term. But the children must be adults, so the killings, appearing as suicides, are not linked for the authorities.
Gary convinces his boss, DI Marks, who is understanding in Gary's obsession and gives him the go ahead to find the connections and the killer. Goodhew is a quirky and tenacious character, who having inherited money, doesn't care about the trouble he can get into as he pursues his beliefs, beyond his orders.
Gary convinces his boss, DI Marks, who is understanding in Gary's obsession and gives him the go ahead to find the connections and the killer. Goodhew is a quirky and tenacious character, who having inherited money, doesn't care about the trouble he can get into as he pursues his beliefs, beyond his orders.
December 7, 2021
The Silence is the fourth outing for Alison Bruce's Detective Gary Goodhew. In this entry, the files of deaths that initially are classified as suicides are given a second look. Have the police discovered a suicide cluster amongst young people in Cambridge or should murder be considered a possibility?
Like many protagonists in police procedurals, Goodhew tends to go with his gut when investigating crimes. Unlike other protagonists, he's a pretty wholesome guy whose life really consists of police work and hanging out with his grandmother. He only mildly gets in trouble with his superiors due to his success. There were a lot of characters in play in this novel and the plot is quite elaborate, but once we pass the half way mark Bruce starts to ramp up the tension. 3.5 for me, bumped up to 4 for the accelerating pace.
Like many protagonists in police procedurals, Goodhew tends to go with his gut when investigating crimes. Unlike other protagonists, he's a pretty wholesome guy whose life really consists of police work and hanging out with his grandmother. He only mildly gets in trouble with his superiors due to his success. There were a lot of characters in play in this novel and the plot is quite elaborate, but once we pass the half way mark Bruce starts to ramp up the tension. 3.5 for me, bumped up to 4 for the accelerating pace.
March 24, 2018
The Silence by Alison Bruce is the 4th in the DC Gary Goodhew series. I have only read the first one and this one so far. The novel begins with the stabbing of Joey in a pub parking lot. Joey had been a local lad who had perhaps made a bit more of himself than most but still visited his local. It soon becomes clear that this was not a simple robbery or a case of jealously. More deaths occur and DC Goodhew has to reach back into the past to find a connection between them all. A well done police procedural, nicely developed plot with ample characters and victims to keep the reader guessing!
December 17, 2020
The Silence by Alison Bruce a review.
I have enjoyed all of Alison Bruce’s books. The Silence is no exception. The story is set in the, for me familiar comfortable setting of Cambridge.
The story builds on a series of tragic events that seem to have little in common initially, other than the ages of those involved and suicides. As the plot unfolds we are on the edge of our seats, hoping that those involved remain safe and escape unhurt while the tension increases as the truth is revealed. The finale for me was so profound that the book affected me like no other since reading. The Catcher in the Rye. This is a gripping story that engages the reader completely.
I have enjoyed all of Alison Bruce’s books. The Silence is no exception. The story is set in the, for me familiar comfortable setting of Cambridge.
The story builds on a series of tragic events that seem to have little in common initially, other than the ages of those involved and suicides. As the plot unfolds we are on the edge of our seats, hoping that those involved remain safe and escape unhurt while the tension increases as the truth is revealed. The finale for me was so profound that the book affected me like no other since reading. The Catcher in the Rye. This is a gripping story that engages the reader completely.
October 17, 2019
Yes, quite a good read. I liked DC Goodhew, probably worth his weight in a Constabulary full of policemen. And a clever story. I sometimes felt it needed hurrying up, probably just me? I do find these serial killers a puzzle though. They seem to make their lives much more difficult than necessary. And it’s not as if they don’t have other stuff going on. Oh well.
April 24, 2026
A fast paced, dramatic story of a murder which has its roots long in the past. I visited. Cambridge briefly 50 years ago, and saw the unique graduation ceremony, but I never expected so much drama in the academic capital.
Goodhew Marks and Cully are recurring "good guys" and there are any number of one-book characters, good and bad. Enjoyed it!
Goodhew Marks and Cully are recurring "good guys" and there are any number of one-book characters, good and bad. Enjoyed it!
July 17, 2018
One of the best to date. I liked the previous books but this one I loved and could not believe that it was over after taking me on a rollercoaster ride of like, dislike and compassion toward some characters.
September 12, 2018
I found this disappointing. In the first third I was totally confused who was who. The middle was excellent and then the final third I found convoluted and even more confusing. And in the end I didn't care whodunnit.
October 22, 2018
I’ve read the first three books in this series and liked them. I just couldn’t get into this one. By Chapter 6 I still had no clear idea of what was going on....too many characters, too many oblique remarks....I gave up and didn’t bother to finish the book.
July 7, 2023
Really enjoyed this book. The main character who is DC Goodhew is a dogged quirky loner . The relationships between colleagues is interesting. It was a book that once I started I really didn’t want to put down Now just need to find the follow up one
December 22, 2017
It's a while since I read the last one in this series so took me awhile to get into but a very good read.
March 15, 2018
I thoroughly enjoy Gary Goodhew's character. I sometimes tire of series but not this one. Intriguing plot and clever resolution.
May 11, 2018
Another good series!
Alison Bruce has rendered another excellent read in her third Gary Goodhew mystery. I can’t wait for the next installment.
Alison Bruce has rendered another excellent read in her third Gary Goodhew mystery. I can’t wait for the next installment.
December 4, 2020
A great read.
The continuing story of DC Gary Goodhew.
Sometimes I got lost as to who was who but soon picked it up again.
Lots of relationships twists and turns and by no means predictable
The continuing story of DC Gary Goodhew.
Sometimes I got lost as to who was who but soon picked it up again.
Lots of relationships twists and turns and by no means predictable
July 20, 2021
Too depressing for me - so many innocent kids die, and so many horrible people in it
July 29, 2021
Well written. Ends well.
April 16, 2023
No likable characters. No hatable characters either. It's very hard to care about what happens to people like the ones in this book.
July 27, 2023
Awesome, awesome read. Best of the series so far. Can't wait for the next one.
November 30, 2023
Very slow start until @ page 40. Disliked the whiney sad characters and could care less about them. Usually love this series so maybe just need to read this later….
January 15, 2024
I enjoyed the book the more I read. I felt that the this was probably the least favourite but will read the rest
October 4, 2021
I love how Cambridge is like a character in these books. I liked the story. Don’t think we needed the killer POV chapters and it dragged a bit in the middle. 3.5 stars- also warning- lots of suicide references and discussions
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews