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The Still Small Voice
Madison Moore has been estranged from her family for years, but when her dying father summons her home, she reluctantly makes the trip back to the place that still evokes heartache. Her family's reception is lukewarm. They still hold the strict religious beliefs that cast her out. But when her father tells her about a murder years before and that he has proof the woman in prison is not the killer, Madison finds herself in the center of a decades-old mystery. Painful reminders of why she left home haunt her as she attempts to accomplish her father's dying wish to exonerate the woman who confessed. As she follows the trail of clues, Madison discovers the shocking reason her father asked her for help, and how his confession relates to her own tragic past.
312 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2010
136 people are currently reading
1198 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Stanley
20 books149 followersBrenda Stanley is former television news anchor and investigative reporter for the NBC affiliate in Eastern Idaho. She has been recognized for her writing by the Scripps Howard Foundation, the Hearst Journalism Awards, The Idaho Press Club and the Society for Professional Journalists. She is a graduate of Dixie College in St. George, Utah and the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. She is the mother of 5 children, including two sets of twins. Brenda and her husband Dave, a veterinarian, live on a small ranch near the Snake River with their horses and dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
November 5, 2022
I received an ARC copy of Brenda Stanley’s “The Still Small Voice’’ from Untreed Reads Publishing (via NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review. So, here it is !!!
My rating : 1.5 ⭐️
Madison Moore has been cast out of her full of strict religious beliefs family just for being her and, as a consequence, has been estranged from her relatives for years. But when her dying father summons her home, she tries to put the hurt aside & cautiously agrees to go and visit him. He doesn’t speak much but asks her to find “the proof” he knows he has somewhere. And doing so, to help him righting some wrongs which have sent, decades ago, an innocent woman behind bars because, back then, she has confessed a murder she didn’t commit.
Thank God that was a quick read because it was not a very likeable one for me, far from it.
The expression “The Still Small Voice” has been used at least 5 times through the story, I wonder if the author tried to justify the title of her novel...
One “lezbos” and four “Gay” have been found by the end of the book but that’s all. The least we can say is that Brenda Stanley did a hell of a job avoiding using words like “homosexual” or “lesbian” like if they were “cursed”. It was pretty disturbing for a sapphic novel but, well, at least it wasn’t full of clichés where the LGBTQ+ community is concerned. But on the Mormon church’s side, and even if they are definitely not the most open-minded church on earth, I asked myself a couple times if this religious community would appreciate to be described the way they are in there, like extremists.
TBH, more often than not, I found that the plot & the angst were forced. And the drama was definitely convoluted. IMO, it was the a pretty predictable scenario – no real suspense here – which is a shame since it's tagged as being in the “Mystery & Thrillers” category (I didn’t feel the “mystery” vibe).
But what bothered me the most, that’s the painfully poor edition work which, at best, made the writing appear as clumsy. I’m a seasoned proofreader and I can tell you that all this has seriously grated on my nerves.
Not exhaustive list of what annoyed me:
° a LOT of redundancies / repetitions throughout the book (sometimes it was complete sentences),
° the rambling was really tiresome.
° the typos (e.g. “Cannon camera” instead of “Canon camera” right on the 1st page!!!; “God” vs “god”…) & punctuation issues (like missing quote marks)
° the inconsistencies (e.g: somewhere in chapter 17 it's said “she gathered her tote and started to leave.” BUT just a few lines below that, it's said “…Madison asked, as she found her tote. She was ready to flee.”)
° the fact that most of Maddie’s thoughts are not in italics like they should have been so they are not very noticeable
° the lack of real character development. Since Madison is a journalist, it would have been interesting to have way more insight of her “investigation” … I didn’t have the feeling she really worked on the case, it was more like she endured it and made all her discoveries by chance. It didn’t show how smart she is supposed to be and that’s a shame. It’s even more very surprising when you know the author is a former television news anchor and investigative reporter for the NBC &, she said it herself, her stories are often loosely based on cases she's covered.
° some times, a seemingly chronologically random order of actions
° a messy time frame (e.g.: in chapter 23 it’s said “It was early November”. But it’s not possible since when Madison arrives at her parents’ place at the beginning of the book it’s November already and in chapter 21 it’s said “It had been almost two weeks.”) => Adding some time markers would have been a good idea here to avoid this because issue, it would have helped having a more coherent development of the story.
&
° a rushed ending with loose ends coupled with the lack of a proper epilogue. (knowing what happened, I still wonder what on earth made Morey change is mind about homosexuality…)
Since I love discovering new (to me) authors, it could have been a great experience but, sadly, it didn’t work out for me. For the time being, I’m not ready to give this author another try, but I’ll let people use their free will to read the novel, or not …
My rating : 1.5 ⭐️
Madison Moore has been cast out of her full of strict religious beliefs family just for being her and, as a consequence, has been estranged from her relatives for years. But when her dying father summons her home, she tries to put the hurt aside & cautiously agrees to go and visit him. He doesn’t speak much but asks her to find “the proof” he knows he has somewhere. And doing so, to help him righting some wrongs which have sent, decades ago, an innocent woman behind bars because, back then, she has confessed a murder she didn’t commit.
Thank God that was a quick read because it was not a very likeable one for me, far from it.
The expression “The Still Small Voice” has been used at least 5 times through the story, I wonder if the author tried to justify the title of her novel...
One “lezbos” and four “Gay” have been found by the end of the book but that’s all. The least we can say is that Brenda Stanley did a hell of a job avoiding using words like “homosexual” or “lesbian” like if they were “cursed”. It was pretty disturbing for a sapphic novel but, well, at least it wasn’t full of clichés where the LGBTQ+ community is concerned. But on the Mormon church’s side, and even if they are definitely not the most open-minded church on earth, I asked myself a couple times if this religious community would appreciate to be described the way they are in there, like extremists.
TBH, more often than not, I found that the plot & the angst were forced. And the drama was definitely convoluted. IMO, it was the a pretty predictable scenario – no real suspense here – which is a shame since it's tagged as being in the “Mystery & Thrillers” category (I didn’t feel the “mystery” vibe).
But what bothered me the most, that’s the painfully poor edition work which, at best, made the writing appear as clumsy. I’m a seasoned proofreader and I can tell you that all this has seriously grated on my nerves.
Not exhaustive list of what annoyed me:
° a LOT of redundancies / repetitions throughout the book (sometimes it was complete sentences),
° the rambling was really tiresome.
° the typos (e.g. “Cannon camera” instead of “Canon camera” right on the 1st page!!!; “God” vs “god”…) & punctuation issues (like missing quote marks)
° the inconsistencies (e.g: somewhere in chapter 17 it's said “she gathered her tote and started to leave.” BUT just a few lines below that, it's said “…Madison asked, as she found her tote. She was ready to flee.”)
° the fact that most of Maddie’s thoughts are not in italics like they should have been so they are not very noticeable
° the lack of real character development. Since Madison is a journalist, it would have been interesting to have way more insight of her “investigation” … I didn’t have the feeling she really worked on the case, it was more like she endured it and made all her discoveries by chance. It didn’t show how smart she is supposed to be and that’s a shame. It’s even more very surprising when you know the author is a former television news anchor and investigative reporter for the NBC &, she said it herself, her stories are often loosely based on cases she's covered.
° some times, a seemingly chronologically random order of actions
° a messy time frame (e.g.: in chapter 23 it’s said “It was early November”. But it’s not possible since when Madison arrives at her parents’ place at the beginning of the book it’s November already and in chapter 21 it’s said “It had been almost two weeks.”) => Adding some time markers would have been a good idea here to avoid this because issue, it would have helped having a more coherent development of the story.
&
° a rushed ending with loose ends coupled with the lack of a proper epilogue. (knowing what happened, I still wonder what on earth made Morey change is mind about homosexuality…)
Since I love discovering new (to me) authors, it could have been a great experience but, sadly, it didn’t work out for me. For the time being, I’m not ready to give this author another try, but I’ll let people use their free will to read the novel, or not …
December 13, 2022
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Fans of mystery will enjoy this and it is another gem to add to the e-reader and enjoy as the cold weather moves in.
Read full review in the 2022 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Fans of mystery will enjoy this and it is another gem to add to the e-reader and enjoy as the cold weather moves in.
Read full review in the 2022 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
November 1, 2022
Drawing on the idea we often hear quiet voices over loud ones, author Brenda Stanley titled her new novel The Still Small Voice (November 14, 2022)
In The Still Small Voice Brenda shares the story of a young woman who leaves her home and church because her family and her faith reject who she is as a member of the LGBTQI+ community. Only as her father is dying and requests a visit does Madison Moore, the novel’s protagonist, return to Utah where once again she’s confronted with her family’s rejection.
Herein lies much of the tension in the novel. It’s no accident Stanley chooses the Provo valley as the novel’s setting. It’s arguably the heart of the LDS faith and home to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints flagship university, BYU, as well as the missionary training center for all LDS missionaries.
It’s in this environment Madison must filter out the cacophony of voices questions ng her return and listen to “the still small voice” saying, “I have a secret.” As a disavowed daughter, as a sister labeled a bad influence on her nieces and nephews by her own siblings, Madison’s story forces readers to question and critique the LDS mantra Families are forever and to examine the cost exacted by one’s family disavowing a member.
The Families are forever belief often strikes me as a claim begging for a qualifier, for to live in the celestial kingdom with one’s family, one must be a member in good standing in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This doctrine is the superglue that makes excising oneself from the LDS church so difficult. To leave the LDS church effectively results in leaving one’s family.
Yet the novel’s central character Madison left.
She left her church.
She left her family.
Now called home by a dying father, an extended image functioning on a symbolic level for this reader, Madison must confront both her and her family’s past. Madison’s father has harbored a secret for nearly forty years, and he wants his daughter to find evidence of this secret, a secret that for decades has denied justice to a fellow classmate. He speaks to Madison in a still, small voice, and she must listen intently to seek truth.
The novel itself works as a still, small voice in the ear of readers, but it’s the dominant religion Brenda hopes to burrow into with Madison’s story.
How our community and the larger LDS network receives the novel remains an unanswered question. Brenda, herself a journalist like her main character, speaks in a quiet voice, a voice saying here is a story, the essence of which speaks truths we can hear best in a whisper rather than through a raging fit.
*Note: I am providing this review at the request of the author. It is my honest assessment of the novel.
In The Still Small Voice Brenda shares the story of a young woman who leaves her home and church because her family and her faith reject who she is as a member of the LGBTQI+ community. Only as her father is dying and requests a visit does Madison Moore, the novel’s protagonist, return to Utah where once again she’s confronted with her family’s rejection.
Herein lies much of the tension in the novel. It’s no accident Stanley chooses the Provo valley as the novel’s setting. It’s arguably the heart of the LDS faith and home to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints flagship university, BYU, as well as the missionary training center for all LDS missionaries.
It’s in this environment Madison must filter out the cacophony of voices questions ng her return and listen to “the still small voice” saying, “I have a secret.” As a disavowed daughter, as a sister labeled a bad influence on her nieces and nephews by her own siblings, Madison’s story forces readers to question and critique the LDS mantra Families are forever and to examine the cost exacted by one’s family disavowing a member.
The Families are forever belief often strikes me as a claim begging for a qualifier, for to live in the celestial kingdom with one’s family, one must be a member in good standing in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This doctrine is the superglue that makes excising oneself from the LDS church so difficult. To leave the LDS church effectively results in leaving one’s family.
Yet the novel’s central character Madison left.
She left her church.
She left her family.
Now called home by a dying father, an extended image functioning on a symbolic level for this reader, Madison must confront both her and her family’s past. Madison’s father has harbored a secret for nearly forty years, and he wants his daughter to find evidence of this secret, a secret that for decades has denied justice to a fellow classmate. He speaks to Madison in a still, small voice, and she must listen intently to seek truth.
The novel itself works as a still, small voice in the ear of readers, but it’s the dominant religion Brenda hopes to burrow into with Madison’s story.
How our community and the larger LDS network receives the novel remains an unanswered question. Brenda, herself a journalist like her main character, speaks in a quiet voice, a voice saying here is a story, the essence of which speaks truths we can hear best in a whisper rather than through a raging fit.
*Note: I am providing this review at the request of the author. It is my honest assessment of the novel.
April 14, 2024
I was given this book by the author’s Mom. I had no idea what to expect, I usually investigate books before reading them. A fun book adventure ~ i just jumped in. I really liked it. The mystery had me going until the end which once I finished I found the story even more endearing.
October 23, 2022
The Still Small Voice by Brenda Stanley.
Madison Moore has been estranged from her family for years, but when her dying father summons her home, she reluctantly makes the trip back to the place that still evokes heartache.Her family’s reception is lukewarm. They still hold the strict religious beliefs that cast her out. But when her father tells her about a murder years before and that he has proof the woman in prison is not the killer, Madison finds herself in the center of a decades-old mystery.Painful reminders of why she left home haunt her as she attempts to accomplish her father’s dying wish to exonerate the woman who confessed. As she follows the trail of clues, Madison discovers the shocking reason her father asked her for help and how his confession relates to her own tragic past.
Really good read. Great story and characters. 4*.
Madison Moore has been estranged from her family for years, but when her dying father summons her home, she reluctantly makes the trip back to the place that still evokes heartache.Her family’s reception is lukewarm. They still hold the strict religious beliefs that cast her out. But when her father tells her about a murder years before and that he has proof the woman in prison is not the killer, Madison finds herself in the center of a decades-old mystery.Painful reminders of why she left home haunt her as she attempts to accomplish her father’s dying wish to exonerate the woman who confessed. As she follows the trail of clues, Madison discovers the shocking reason her father asked her for help and how his confession relates to her own tragic past.
Really good read. Great story and characters. 4*.
January 9, 2023
Today, I am reviewing a book called The Still Small Voice by Brenda Stanley. This is my first time reading something by the author, and I immensely enjoyed it. Let me give you the details.
The book begins with Madison returning to her home in Utah as she is summoned by her estranged family. Her father is bedridden and is dying. But after talking to him, she realises that he not only wanted to see her before he was gone but also wanted her help to undo a mistake he had committed in his past. With just an outline of what happened and a few photographs to go ahead with, Madison sets out to find the truth.
Years ago, Sara is found dead at the bottom of a cliff, and Amelia, her good friend, confesses to having pushed her after a fight. Madison’s father witnessed everything and clicked photographs. Amelia is serving her time in prison for the same but Madison’s father stresses that she is innocent. What changed after all these years? And what did he actually witness?
With the help of Jenny, her childhood friend, and Daniel her ex, Madison begins to uncover what really happened at Echo Lake all those years ago. It is clear that Madison’s father wants to right some wrongs and save Amelia from prison. But Madison doesn’t find any proof that Amelia is innocent. Above all, Amelia had confessed.
The Still Small Voice is an absolutely great mystery. The author manages to keep the reader on their toes. It is a curious mystery and one just keeps turning the pages to find the truth. At the very end, all is revealed. The book doesn’t feel slow or boring at any point. The impeccable writing style is to be credited for that.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. It takes skill to reveal just a little at a time to have the reader’s attention but still maintain the suspense. Again, loved the writing!
If you are looking for some suspense/mystery with a unique twist, then do pick this one up.
The book begins with Madison returning to her home in Utah as she is summoned by her estranged family. Her father is bedridden and is dying. But after talking to him, she realises that he not only wanted to see her before he was gone but also wanted her help to undo a mistake he had committed in his past. With just an outline of what happened and a few photographs to go ahead with, Madison sets out to find the truth.
Years ago, Sara is found dead at the bottom of a cliff, and Amelia, her good friend, confesses to having pushed her after a fight. Madison’s father witnessed everything and clicked photographs. Amelia is serving her time in prison for the same but Madison’s father stresses that she is innocent. What changed after all these years? And what did he actually witness?
With the help of Jenny, her childhood friend, and Daniel her ex, Madison begins to uncover what really happened at Echo Lake all those years ago. It is clear that Madison’s father wants to right some wrongs and save Amelia from prison. But Madison doesn’t find any proof that Amelia is innocent. Above all, Amelia had confessed.
The Still Small Voice is an absolutely great mystery. The author manages to keep the reader on their toes. It is a curious mystery and one just keeps turning the pages to find the truth. At the very end, all is revealed. The book doesn’t feel slow or boring at any point. The impeccable writing style is to be credited for that.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. It takes skill to reveal just a little at a time to have the reader’s attention but still maintain the suspense. Again, loved the writing!
If you are looking for some suspense/mystery with a unique twist, then do pick this one up.
October 26, 2023
A solid thriller, with twists I didn't predict! For those who don't read a lot of thrillers, like me, and are wary of the content and terror that can come with stories in the genre, this is milder and feels more like a mystery. Contemporary fiction readers may want to give it a go, as there are themes around family, reconciliation, religious prejudice, and self-awareness/actualization.
Madison is mostly estranged from her family due to their strict religious beliefs, but when her father asks her to visit before he dies, she comes home hoping for reconciliation. Instead, her father tells her he has evidence that a woman has been falsely imprisoned for 40 years, and he needs Madison to help him free her. Madison then works to solve the mystery of a young woman's death 40 years ago, and to exonerate the woman who confessed to the murder.
I went in thinking I had it solved and was still surprised by the reveals in the end. There were times when the family drama was difficult to read, and the religious prejudice felt extreme, and I just wanted to get back to the mystery. I'm also a stickler for pacing in a mystery and want to feel constant progress, and at times the progress lagged for me. The end was a satisfying thrill.
I was sent this book and paid for an honest review on another platform, but am providing this review voluntarily.
Madison is mostly estranged from her family due to their strict religious beliefs, but when her father asks her to visit before he dies, she comes home hoping for reconciliation. Instead, her father tells her he has evidence that a woman has been falsely imprisoned for 40 years, and he needs Madison to help him free her. Madison then works to solve the mystery of a young woman's death 40 years ago, and to exonerate the woman who confessed to the murder.
I went in thinking I had it solved and was still surprised by the reveals in the end. There were times when the family drama was difficult to read, and the religious prejudice felt extreme, and I just wanted to get back to the mystery. I'm also a stickler for pacing in a mystery and want to feel constant progress, and at times the progress lagged for me. The end was a satisfying thrill.
I was sent this book and paid for an honest review on another platform, but am providing this review voluntarily.
February 6, 2024
Great book!
April 8, 2024
A quick enjoyable read!
May 30, 2024
I liked the story line, old grudges needing to be put to rest and then the who done it mystery. I felt the first 3rds of the book were a little drawn out but it kept me guessing and reading. I recommend it to people that like a little mystery.
January 2, 2023
I couldn't put it down. What a great book to start the year.
May 6, 2023
I loved every minute of it!
May 6, 2023
Intriguing, thought provoking, kept me guessing until the end.
December 22, 2022
This is an excellent book I will add more of a review after I have posted a review on my website.
April 25, 2023
A terrific story
A very interesting and compelling story. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The slow character development ropes the reader and pulls you into the plot.
A very interesting and compelling story. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The slow character development ropes the reader and pulls you into the plot.
March 9, 2024
I was rather excited to read this book. From the initial summary, I was thinking Madison had escaped a religious cult and was intrigued to learn more about it. I wasn’t exactly wrong, but I was a little surprised to find it was the Mormon Church as the center of the story. That said, it wasn’t a deterrent at all, and I continued on.
Madison as a character annoyed me throughout the novel. I completely understand how religious trauma - especially with how she was tossed out of the family - can DEEPLY effect someone even 15 years after they’ve left. I have many friends who have escaped similar situations and know how even today, certain things still bother them. Still, I felt as though Madison didn’t really think about anyone other than herself. Her father is dying - she wants an apology. I understand that completely. But literally every time her father started to explain anything - why he was saying things now, why he chose her specifically - Madison ended up twisting it and made it about herself. That this was all some last ditch ploy to get her “back in the fold”.
Madison is apparently a reporter, but she’s honestly terrible at her job. She had very, very little proof of her father’s involvement in this “murder”, other than his deathbed plea of “Find proof and make it right.” He never said he did it. He said he WITNESSED it. Still, Madison proceeds to go around to her incredibly tiny, close knit town and tell literally everyone she talks to that her father (a deeply respected Elder of the church) is probably a murderer. I understand why her family was pissed. I would be too!
The whole “twist” that Amelia and Sara were lovers could be seen a mile away. The subsequent “twist” that Madison herself is a lesbian (not revealed until literally the FINAL chapter) is absolutely baffling. It wasn’t exactly subtle, and I personally felt it would have added far more to Madison’s character if it had been told immediately rather than these weird “hints” we get through the novel. There was just no character development whatsoever for anyone in the novel. And the ending. You can tell the author is trying to wrap everything up in a small bow, but does it in the span of a chapter and very quickly. It was very rushed.
Overall… it isn’t the worst thing I’ve ever read, by far. But I was really disappointed in the novel. The writing wasn’t bad, but I would be hesitant to read another novel by this author.
Madison as a character annoyed me throughout the novel. I completely understand how religious trauma - especially with how she was tossed out of the family - can DEEPLY effect someone even 15 years after they’ve left. I have many friends who have escaped similar situations and know how even today, certain things still bother them. Still, I felt as though Madison didn’t really think about anyone other than herself. Her father is dying - she wants an apology. I understand that completely. But literally every time her father started to explain anything - why he was saying things now, why he chose her specifically - Madison ended up twisting it and made it about herself. That this was all some last ditch ploy to get her “back in the fold”.
Madison is apparently a reporter, but she’s honestly terrible at her job. She had very, very little proof of her father’s involvement in this “murder”, other than his deathbed plea of “Find proof and make it right.” He never said he did it. He said he WITNESSED it. Still, Madison proceeds to go around to her incredibly tiny, close knit town and tell literally everyone she talks to that her father (a deeply respected Elder of the church) is probably a murderer. I understand why her family was pissed. I would be too!
The whole “twist” that Amelia and Sara were lovers could be seen a mile away. The subsequent “twist” that Madison herself is a lesbian (not revealed until literally the FINAL chapter) is absolutely baffling. It wasn’t exactly subtle, and I personally felt it would have added far more to Madison’s character if it had been told immediately rather than these weird “hints” we get through the novel. There was just no character development whatsoever for anyone in the novel. And the ending. You can tell the author is trying to wrap everything up in a small bow, but does it in the span of a chapter and very quickly. It was very rushed.
Overall… it isn’t the worst thing I’ve ever read, by far. But I was really disappointed in the novel. The writing wasn’t bad, but I would be hesitant to read another novel by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2024
The "mystery" was predictable, there was no investigation or anything, she just happened to discover facts by happenstance. And who TF is just snapping pics all willy-nilly and it's in the 50s-60s back when you had to pay for a roll of film to develop at the drug store, that was Expensive! How do they have that moment just captured on film out in the middle of nowhere, ring cam and surveillance cam weren't a thing either. And we're just supposed to believe they let a friend go (and stay!) in prison for the rest of her life all because they didn't want their friend's suicide to be revealed to the church. It's somehow better to let everyone think she was murdered? F off. Don't insult my intelligence. 0 stars.
November 15, 2022
This is a compelling story, well written, and with plenty of clues to follow as you accompany Madison on her journey to understand the elements of a murder that happened when her father was a teenager. The story seems slightly implausible but that doesn’t detract from the journey of the book’s likeable heroine. The author’s pacing was good, and all of the characters felt authentic.
May 15, 2024
90% Predictable.
Definitely didn’t love it with the exception of a minor twist at the end it was very predictable. I would love to know about the father’s will though. That was never resolved.
Definitely didn’t love it with the exception of a minor twist at the end it was very predictable. I would love to know about the father’s will though. That was never resolved.
December 13, 2023
The Still Small Voice is so much more than just a mystery - it pulls the reader in from the very first page. While a long-ago murder is the beginning, middle, and end of the story, the family secrets and incredible dysfunction adds so much more to the book and will hold the attention of the reader throughout.
Madison Moore has been separated from her family for a very long time due to their horrible treatment of her as well as their beliefs, which are things she could never accept. At the beginning of The Still Small Voice, Madison is stunned when her father, who is dying, asks her to return home because he must see her. Leaving her own partner, the one person who she knows loves her more than anything, Madison heads for home wondering why her father wants to see her and secretly hoping for an apology for the way her family has treated her. While her father is anxious to see her, the rest of her family does not offer a very warm reception as she walks through the door. Her mother is uncomfortable, and her siblings are adamant that she should not have come and will only bring up bad memories from the past.
As Madison tries to deal with the family dynamics and the pain she still feels at being forced out by them, she also now has to deal with a long-ago murder that her father witnessed and now wants his daughter’s help in solving. He tells Madison that he holds proof that the woman in prison for this murder is not guilty and he begs for her assistance in finding the real killer and freeing a total stranger who has confessed to the murder. As Madison attempts to deal with the heartbreak she still feels around her family as well as the rejection they pile on her, the journalist in her also wants to find out the truth and fulfill her father’s dying wish. As she begins to follow the clues left behind, Madison gets a lot more than she bargained for as she tries to save a woman she does not know, and deal with the tragedies in her own past.
In The Still Small Voice, author Brenda Stanley has given her readers an amazing mystery story along with a riveting family tale. The writing is first-rate and the plot of the story is filled with so much emotion and suspense that it's nearly impossible to stop reading. Each of the characters is well-written and the development of each, done in a slow and superb way, pulls the reader in from the very beginning as we learn more and more about each of them and their past. Between the Mormon customs, perfectly described location and culture, and the emotions of each character shown on the pages, you cannot help but be impressed with the author's writing style and ability to create the perfect tale. The reader will really feel as if they are there in the moment, and I have no higher compliment than that.
The Still Small Voice is a book that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good mystery or solid family story. Both of the topics are prevalent and combined so well that it honestly has something for everyone. This book should definitely be on everyone’s “do-not-miss-it” list.
Quill says: It is, to me, so easy to say that an author is beyond talented when they can combine tons of emotion, suspense, family dynamics, and mystery into one story. The Still Small Voice is a perfect example of this and will leave readers searching for their own sense of what is right and what is wrong as they turn the pages.
Madison Moore has been separated from her family for a very long time due to their horrible treatment of her as well as their beliefs, which are things she could never accept. At the beginning of The Still Small Voice, Madison is stunned when her father, who is dying, asks her to return home because he must see her. Leaving her own partner, the one person who she knows loves her more than anything, Madison heads for home wondering why her father wants to see her and secretly hoping for an apology for the way her family has treated her. While her father is anxious to see her, the rest of her family does not offer a very warm reception as she walks through the door. Her mother is uncomfortable, and her siblings are adamant that she should not have come and will only bring up bad memories from the past.
As Madison tries to deal with the family dynamics and the pain she still feels at being forced out by them, she also now has to deal with a long-ago murder that her father witnessed and now wants his daughter’s help in solving. He tells Madison that he holds proof that the woman in prison for this murder is not guilty and he begs for her assistance in finding the real killer and freeing a total stranger who has confessed to the murder. As Madison attempts to deal with the heartbreak she still feels around her family as well as the rejection they pile on her, the journalist in her also wants to find out the truth and fulfill her father’s dying wish. As she begins to follow the clues left behind, Madison gets a lot more than she bargained for as she tries to save a woman she does not know, and deal with the tragedies in her own past.
In The Still Small Voice, author Brenda Stanley has given her readers an amazing mystery story along with a riveting family tale. The writing is first-rate and the plot of the story is filled with so much emotion and suspense that it's nearly impossible to stop reading. Each of the characters is well-written and the development of each, done in a slow and superb way, pulls the reader in from the very beginning as we learn more and more about each of them and their past. Between the Mormon customs, perfectly described location and culture, and the emotions of each character shown on the pages, you cannot help but be impressed with the author's writing style and ability to create the perfect tale. The reader will really feel as if they are there in the moment, and I have no higher compliment than that.
The Still Small Voice is a book that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good mystery or solid family story. Both of the topics are prevalent and combined so well that it honestly has something for everyone. This book should definitely be on everyone’s “do-not-miss-it” list.
Quill says: It is, to me, so easy to say that an author is beyond talented when they can combine tons of emotion, suspense, family dynamics, and mystery into one story. The Still Small Voice is a perfect example of this and will leave readers searching for their own sense of what is right and what is wrong as they turn the pages.
November 18, 2023
The Still Small Voice” by Brenda Stanley is a murder thriller that revolves around a young woman who was considered her family’s black sheep, only to find herself assigned the humongous task of uncovering a decades-old secret by her dying father, years later.
Madison Moore left her parental home in Utah in August 2006, after finding it difficult to live the life her parents had chosen for her. She could no longer follow their thought patterns or way of belief and to them, that was enough to kick her out of the house. But now, the same people who sent her packing have asked her to come back. Madison knows that the visit may be heartbreaking and that past wounds may involuntarily open. She nonetheless goes forward in the hope that her family will now see her differently as a mature and independent individual.
On arrival, the saddening picture of an ailing father who has a few days to live astonishes Madison. He is surprisingly apologetic for the family’s treatment towards her, and Madison can’t help but wonder why it had to take a chronic condition for him to have a change of heart. Unbeknownst to her, her dad has more up his sleeve. He wants to confess about a nerve-wracking mystery that saw an innocent girl sent to prison after being framed for murder over forty years ago during his church’s youth camping trip. He has been holding on to something of significant worth and requires his daughter to help him redeem his conscience from the haunting truths of that deathly occurrence.
The protagonist is a sociable character who will inspire a reader’s readiness to pardon indecencies that may have been done to them in life. Her back story is frightening but interestingly relatable, and readers will take great delight in witnessing a life-changing twist that gives her a fresh perspective and sense of living. The author takes readers on an expedition full of puzzles, surprises, dangers, and guesses, that reveal the protagonist’s potent empathic nature, which is awakened by the sight of woes and pains that she has encountered in the past.
There is a tomorrow for those who have faith… Time and pain vanish. Giving hope that those broken will be redeemed.
These words offer an integral basis for this captivating tale. Readers will love this concept, as well as the author’s reflection on overly done religious facets at the expense of family stability and personal development. Brenda Stanley’s “The Still Small Voice” is a must-read novel that lovers of mystery works will be tempted to devour quickly due to its enchanting plot and hope-inspiring reveal.
Madison Moore left her parental home in Utah in August 2006, after finding it difficult to live the life her parents had chosen for her. She could no longer follow their thought patterns or way of belief and to them, that was enough to kick her out of the house. But now, the same people who sent her packing have asked her to come back. Madison knows that the visit may be heartbreaking and that past wounds may involuntarily open. She nonetheless goes forward in the hope that her family will now see her differently as a mature and independent individual.
On arrival, the saddening picture of an ailing father who has a few days to live astonishes Madison. He is surprisingly apologetic for the family’s treatment towards her, and Madison can’t help but wonder why it had to take a chronic condition for him to have a change of heart. Unbeknownst to her, her dad has more up his sleeve. He wants to confess about a nerve-wracking mystery that saw an innocent girl sent to prison after being framed for murder over forty years ago during his church’s youth camping trip. He has been holding on to something of significant worth and requires his daughter to help him redeem his conscience from the haunting truths of that deathly occurrence.
The protagonist is a sociable character who will inspire a reader’s readiness to pardon indecencies that may have been done to them in life. Her back story is frightening but interestingly relatable, and readers will take great delight in witnessing a life-changing twist that gives her a fresh perspective and sense of living. The author takes readers on an expedition full of puzzles, surprises, dangers, and guesses, that reveal the protagonist’s potent empathic nature, which is awakened by the sight of woes and pains that she has encountered in the past.
There is a tomorrow for those who have faith… Time and pain vanish. Giving hope that those broken will be redeemed.
These words offer an integral basis for this captivating tale. Readers will love this concept, as well as the author’s reflection on overly done religious facets at the expense of family stability and personal development. Brenda Stanley’s “The Still Small Voice” is a must-read novel that lovers of mystery works will be tempted to devour quickly due to its enchanting plot and hope-inspiring reveal.
May 28, 2024
This is not great literature, but it did compel me to read it in a day, which is something. It's the old cliche of the LGBTQ+, (in this case, lesbian), character who is the magnanimous, noble, grown up in the room verses evil Christians. Two-thirds of the book moves agonizingly slow and it's told from 3rd person limited, but it should have been 1st person, because it's basically gossipy and indecisive emotional rantings through much of it. I should have not checked it out from the library, but I did. It was awful reading and not realistic. For one thing, the Mormon church does not have co-ed camping for youth activities. There goes the whole plot. Lol. There is no character arc nor dynamic, it's basically about Madison and how much she hates the Mormon church (obviously the author's attitude). And then she drinks wine. It's tiresome how much she hates the Mormon church. The only action in two-thirds of the book is the hatred for the Mormons. The author doesn't even do an accurate portrayal of the church but just uses hateful cardboard stereotypes for characters. And then suddenly, her friend's condo gets broken into and possibly someone was looking for something of Madison's. Is it the photo album? We never find out who did it or why. And then we find out that Uncle Morey was the homophobe who shamed Amelia into pleading guilty, even though her friend Sara jumped off the cliff herself, and was not pushed by Amelia nor anyone else. So Uncle Morey and Madison's father somehow had a change of heart and wasn't against lesbians. The reader is left with nothing to understand how that happened. And then at the end, we find out that Madison's spouse with the unisex name, Taylor, is a woman, and that Madison is a lesbian. And that's why her father attempted to tell her the truth because she's a lesbian and lesbians understand. This was a manipulative and overgeneralized book pretending to be a mystery until the reader is double-crossed at the end. I don't care if these are spoilers. This book does not deserve that protection. I found this book on the front shelf with the mysteries and thrillers at the Salt Lake County Library, which is about as LGBTQ+ supportive as you can get and was supportive back in 2006 when Madison was shunned by them there Mormons in Utah. And it looks like Stanley has at least another book about how awful Utah is. I won't be reading any more of her books. The best thing about this book is that I learned that if Brenda Stanley can get a book published, so can I.
October 1, 2025
"The Still Small Voice" by Brenda Stanley is a compelling family drama that expertly weaves a decades-old murder mystery with a deeply emotional narrative about family, faith, and personal redemption.
The mystery is complex, holding back the truth of the crime, the significance of the “proof” mentioned by Madison’s estranged father, and the identity of the real killer until the very end, which creates continuous suspense. However, the book is much more than just a mystery; it offers a profound look at the emotional scars left by family secrets and religious condemnation.
The story illustrates the heartbreak of Madison’s estrangement from her conservative Mormon family, who effectively shunned her as a teenager for deviating from their strict religious beliefs. Once again, I see how fanatical religious perspectives can lead to deep-rooted evils.
When her dying father requests Madison’s presence, she is forced to confront her past pain, family resentment, and the complex concept of forgiveness. Her inner thoughts and conflicts are relatable to anyone who has faced family rejection or a difficult religious upbringing. I found her father to be quite selfish in this regard—he didn't call her back to see her one last time; he did it for his own selfish reasons, which made it hard for me to like the family.
Madison is tasked by her father to prove the innocence of a woman named Amelia, who has spent over 40 years in prison for a murder she confessed to committing. With a very short window of time and little evidence to go on, Madison’s skills as an investigative journalist are put to the test against her personal trauma as she seeks the truth, even facing condemnation from her own siblings.
As for the unexpected ending—there it was! Whatever the author led you to believe, the outcome turned out to be completely different!
I listened to the audiobook, but unfortunately, the narrator was not suitable for this story. I didn’t feel that she connected with the characters at all; she merely read the story, which somewhat diminished the experience. However, I rate the story itself highly—it is absolutely worth reading!
The mystery is complex, holding back the truth of the crime, the significance of the “proof” mentioned by Madison’s estranged father, and the identity of the real killer until the very end, which creates continuous suspense. However, the book is much more than just a mystery; it offers a profound look at the emotional scars left by family secrets and religious condemnation.
The story illustrates the heartbreak of Madison’s estrangement from her conservative Mormon family, who effectively shunned her as a teenager for deviating from their strict religious beliefs. Once again, I see how fanatical religious perspectives can lead to deep-rooted evils.
When her dying father requests Madison’s presence, she is forced to confront her past pain, family resentment, and the complex concept of forgiveness. Her inner thoughts and conflicts are relatable to anyone who has faced family rejection or a difficult religious upbringing. I found her father to be quite selfish in this regard—he didn't call her back to see her one last time; he did it for his own selfish reasons, which made it hard for me to like the family.
Madison is tasked by her father to prove the innocence of a woman named Amelia, who has spent over 40 years in prison for a murder she confessed to committing. With a very short window of time and little evidence to go on, Madison’s skills as an investigative journalist are put to the test against her personal trauma as she seeks the truth, even facing condemnation from her own siblings.
As for the unexpected ending—there it was! Whatever the author led you to believe, the outcome turned out to be completely different!
I listened to the audiobook, but unfortunately, the narrator was not suitable for this story. I didn’t feel that she connected with the characters at all; she merely read the story, which somewhat diminished the experience. However, I rate the story itself highly—it is absolutely worth reading!
May 30, 2023
Brenda Stanley’s The Still Small Voice is a captivating tale that intertwines family dynamics, deeply buried secrets, and an undeniable sense of homecoming. This narrative spotlights Madison Moore, who, after a prolonged absence, finds herself returning to her former home in Utah. Her departure years prior, prompted by a college opportunity and family discord, had created a significant distance. Yet, her father’s declining health now compels her back home. Yet, as Madison anticipates a reconciliatory return, she soon realizes the past’s shadow refuses to recede, sparking an engrossing drama that will keep readers gripped until the very end.
Beautifully illustrated and flawlessly developed characters evolve as the narrative unfolds. Madison, our protagonist, is endearingly complex – assertive, intriguing, and pleasantly rebellious. The supporting cast contributes generously to the story’s progression, each lending their unique flair. Amelia Johnson stands out amongst them, offering an intriguing subplot that significantly enriches the narrative.
The narrative is an immersive exploration of small-town secrets and the lies we tell those closest to us, skillfully layered with suspense that entices the reader to keep turning the pages. Its scenes, dense with anticipation, leave readers eager to discover the characters’ next move and the consequential impact on the storyline. The climactic revelation is a testament to Stanley’s refined narrative abilities – an exhilarating payoff indeed!
Stanley’s world-building prowess is also commendable, creating an authentic setting that complements the narrative’s texture. While the story’s pacing may be leisurely, it is redeemed by a vibrant character ensemble and a meticulously constructed plot that ensures readers remain absorbed throughout.
The Still Small Voice is a thrilling murder mystery that blends beautiful prose with an intriguing plot, leaving a resonating imprint long after the final page is turned.
Beautifully illustrated and flawlessly developed characters evolve as the narrative unfolds. Madison, our protagonist, is endearingly complex – assertive, intriguing, and pleasantly rebellious. The supporting cast contributes generously to the story’s progression, each lending their unique flair. Amelia Johnson stands out amongst them, offering an intriguing subplot that significantly enriches the narrative.
The narrative is an immersive exploration of small-town secrets and the lies we tell those closest to us, skillfully layered with suspense that entices the reader to keep turning the pages. Its scenes, dense with anticipation, leave readers eager to discover the characters’ next move and the consequential impact on the storyline. The climactic revelation is a testament to Stanley’s refined narrative abilities – an exhilarating payoff indeed!
Stanley’s world-building prowess is also commendable, creating an authentic setting that complements the narrative’s texture. While the story’s pacing may be leisurely, it is redeemed by a vibrant character ensemble and a meticulously constructed plot that ensures readers remain absorbed throughout.
The Still Small Voice is a thrilling murder mystery that blends beautiful prose with an intriguing plot, leaving a resonating imprint long after the final page is turned.
February 19, 2023
Plot-wise, this book was quite the page turner. I read it in one sitting because it was just that digestible. The mystery was engaging and believable. I enjoyed the main character, Madison, and her whole arc and backstory are interesting. The tension with her family is palpable, and I thought it was handled well. It was interesting to read a book involving a Mormon family and seeing all the ways their religion affects their lives, positively and negatively.
My main issue with this book is one narrative choice. For reasons I won’t reveal, the author decided not to reveal the gender of Madison’s spouse, Taylor, until the end of the book. Early context clues imply that Taylor (who is off-screen for most of the book) is one gender, but I was immediately suspicious because there were zero pronouns or qualifiers for Taylor whenever they were mentioned. No “he” or “her” or “my wife” or “her husband.” I highlighted this pretty early on in the book. It’s rarely clunky, but once I noticed it, I couldn’t unsee it. I think the narrative would have been okay if this “mystery” had been revealed much earlier. Also, as a result, I think the author missed out on giving Taylor and Madison’s backstory together, which would have been some much-warranted joy compared with the agony her family causes her.
I didn’t see any egregious typos or anything in this book, but there is some awkward writing and inconsistencies. For instance, early in the first chapter, this exact line is used twice in two paragraphs, like it was supposed to be cut and pasted, but was only copy/pasted: “It was the betrayal of her brother and then her entire family that sent her away.” Also, early on, a Colorado abortion clinic is mentioned. But later, when referring to the same clinic, the author writes that it’s in New Mexico. For some reason, the looming Wasatch mountain range is referred to so many times that it’s almost its own character.
I would absolutely recommend this book. I’m giving it four stars because it was so un-put-down-able. The above issues didn’t majorly detract from the overall story, and the ending of this one is pretty dang satisfying.
My main issue with this book is one narrative choice. For reasons I won’t reveal, the author decided not to reveal the gender of Madison’s spouse, Taylor, until the end of the book. Early context clues imply that Taylor (who is off-screen for most of the book) is one gender, but I was immediately suspicious because there were zero pronouns or qualifiers for Taylor whenever they were mentioned. No “he” or “her” or “my wife” or “her husband.” I highlighted this pretty early on in the book. It’s rarely clunky, but once I noticed it, I couldn’t unsee it. I think the narrative would have been okay if this “mystery” had been revealed much earlier. Also, as a result, I think the author missed out on giving Taylor and Madison’s backstory together, which would have been some much-warranted joy compared with the agony her family causes her.
I didn’t see any egregious typos or anything in this book, but there is some awkward writing and inconsistencies. For instance, early in the first chapter, this exact line is used twice in two paragraphs, like it was supposed to be cut and pasted, but was only copy/pasted: “It was the betrayal of her brother and then her entire family that sent her away.” Also, early on, a Colorado abortion clinic is mentioned. But later, when referring to the same clinic, the author writes that it’s in New Mexico. For some reason, the looming Wasatch mountain range is referred to so many times that it’s almost its own character.
I would absolutely recommend this book. I’m giving it four stars because it was so un-put-down-able. The above issues didn’t majorly detract from the overall story, and the ending of this one is pretty dang satisfying.
March 19, 2024
This book is an amazing read! It follows the journey of Madison, who returns home after years away to confront her dying father's request. What she finds is a tangled web of family secrets and unresolved tensions, all waiting to be unraveled. The author's storytelling is so captivating that I found myself completely absorbed in Madison's world from the very first page.
One of the things I loved most about this book is the way the author handles ambiguity. There are moments where you're left wondering about certain details, but the author skillfully addresses them later on, leaving no loose ends untied. It's this attention to detail that keeps the story engaging and the suspense alive throughout.
The characters in this book are also incredibly well-developed. From Madison's complex relationships with her family members to the nuanced dynamics between secondary characters, each individual feels like a real person with their own motivations and struggles. It's this depth of characterization that makes the story feel so rich and immersive.
As the plot unfolds, the tension builds steadily, keeping you on the edge of your seat with each new revelation. I found myself eagerly turning the pages, desperate to uncover the truth alongside Madison. And when the final twist comes, it's both satisfying and surprising, tying everything together in a way that feels both inevitable and unexpected.
It's a gripping tale of family, secrets, and redemption that will keep you hooked until the very end. If you're looking for a book that will keep you guessing and leave you thinking long after you've finished reading, look no further than this one. It's truly a must-read!
One of the things I loved most about this book is the way the author handles ambiguity. There are moments where you're left wondering about certain details, but the author skillfully addresses them later on, leaving no loose ends untied. It's this attention to detail that keeps the story engaging and the suspense alive throughout.
The characters in this book are also incredibly well-developed. From Madison's complex relationships with her family members to the nuanced dynamics between secondary characters, each individual feels like a real person with their own motivations and struggles. It's this depth of characterization that makes the story feel so rich and immersive.
As the plot unfolds, the tension builds steadily, keeping you on the edge of your seat with each new revelation. I found myself eagerly turning the pages, desperate to uncover the truth alongside Madison. And when the final twist comes, it's both satisfying and surprising, tying everything together in a way that feels both inevitable and unexpected.
It's a gripping tale of family, secrets, and redemption that will keep you hooked until the very end. If you're looking for a book that will keep you guessing and leave you thinking long after you've finished reading, look no further than this one. It's truly a must-read!
February 1, 2024
Wow! What a powerful book. A story of two women whose lives are intertwined by a series of events that cover several decades.
Madison had left her family, because of an incident between her and her family. The complete reason doesn't come out until the end of the book. The reason we are given is a difference of opinion about the Mormon churches teachings. Her family said she was going to hell if she left. Ten years later Madison got a call from her mother saying her father was dying and had asked for her and no one else to come see him. When Madison arrived home she felt the glares of her family's eyes.
Her father showed her a photo album and told a story of a woman, Amelia, who had been in prison for over 40 years for a murder she didn't commit. He kept telling his daughter that the proof was in the photos.
Back in 1981, many teens of the Mormon faith went to a summer camp in Utah. It was there that another young lady, Sara, fell off a cliff. Amelia, Morey (Madison's uncle, her father's brother, and Sara were on the cliff. Madison's father had followed them from a distance and took photos of the unfolding events. For some reason, Amelia confessed to the crime and never asked to be paroled. Madison runs into all kinds of dead ends. Then things changed and changed again. Every time Madison thought she knew who had done the crime a new twist would change the story. Where it was going to end, Madison never knew.
A well written book with a great deal of suspense
Madison had left her family, because of an incident between her and her family. The complete reason doesn't come out until the end of the book. The reason we are given is a difference of opinion about the Mormon churches teachings. Her family said she was going to hell if she left. Ten years later Madison got a call from her mother saying her father was dying and had asked for her and no one else to come see him. When Madison arrived home she felt the glares of her family's eyes.
Her father showed her a photo album and told a story of a woman, Amelia, who had been in prison for over 40 years for a murder she didn't commit. He kept telling his daughter that the proof was in the photos.
Back in 1981, many teens of the Mormon faith went to a summer camp in Utah. It was there that another young lady, Sara, fell off a cliff. Amelia, Morey (Madison's uncle, her father's brother, and Sara were on the cliff. Madison's father had followed them from a distance and took photos of the unfolding events. For some reason, Amelia confessed to the crime and never asked to be paroled. Madison runs into all kinds of dead ends. Then things changed and changed again. Every time Madison thought she knew who had done the crime a new twist would change the story. Where it was going to end, Madison never knew.
A well written book with a great deal of suspense
January 18, 2024
The Still Small Voice is a captivating story that hooked my attention from the first page itself. The story features Madison Moore. As a teenager, she told her parents that she doesn't accept their church beliefs. For her parents, church was more important than their daughter and they disowned her.
Madison left Utah and went to Nevada, Los Vegas. She never looked back until the day her mother asked her to visit her dying father. Madison's father Saul only has a few days to live and before dying he wants to make things right. He asked Madison to take the album of Youth Camp 1981 and he showed her two girls: Sara and Amelia Johnson who were in his ward.
Sara was the girl who died forty years ago and Amelia was the one who was accused of her second degree murder. When Amelia pleaded guilty, there was no trial and she was given a sentence. It has been forty years and Amelia is still in prison. Madison's world turned upside down when her father told her that Amelia wasn't the one behind Sara's death.
Get your hands on this exciting story and read it to know what happens next. The narration is smooth and strong. The pace of the story is fine and I wasn't bored anytime while reading it. The author has done a fantastic job in this book. I am glad to discover this new author. Go ahead with this book without any second thoughts.
Madison left Utah and went to Nevada, Los Vegas. She never looked back until the day her mother asked her to visit her dying father. Madison's father Saul only has a few days to live and before dying he wants to make things right. He asked Madison to take the album of Youth Camp 1981 and he showed her two girls: Sara and Amelia Johnson who were in his ward.
Sara was the girl who died forty years ago and Amelia was the one who was accused of her second degree murder. When Amelia pleaded guilty, there was no trial and she was given a sentence. It has been forty years and Amelia is still in prison. Madison's world turned upside down when her father told her that Amelia wasn't the one behind Sara's death.
Get your hands on this exciting story and read it to know what happens next. The narration is smooth and strong. The pace of the story is fine and I wasn't bored anytime while reading it. The author has done a fantastic job in this book. I am glad to discover this new author. Go ahead with this book without any second thoughts.
March 19, 2024
Let me share my thoughts on this novel. To put it simply, this story was a masterpiece. The writing was exceptional, displaying a level of intelligence and finesse that is rare to find in literature today.
What truly captivated me was the prologue - a stroke of brilliance on the author's part. Instead of following the usual storytelling formula, the prologue flipped it on its head, leaving me intrigued and eager to uncover more. It set the stage for the mystery that unfolded throughout the book, and I was hooked from the very beginning.
The author's ability to seamlessly transition between past and present was commendable. The pacing of the narrative was just right, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the story without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Each twist and turn was expertly crafted, keeping me on the edge of my seat until the very end.
What sets this book apart is its ability to engage readers on multiple levels. It's not just a mystery novel; it's a thought-provoking exploration of family dynamics, redemption, and the power of forgiveness. The characters felt incredibly real, each with their flaws and struggles that added depth to the story.
It's a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page, leaving you pondering its themes and mysteries. Trust me, you won't regret diving into this captivating tale.
What truly captivated me was the prologue - a stroke of brilliance on the author's part. Instead of following the usual storytelling formula, the prologue flipped it on its head, leaving me intrigued and eager to uncover more. It set the stage for the mystery that unfolded throughout the book, and I was hooked from the very beginning.
The author's ability to seamlessly transition between past and present was commendable. The pacing of the narrative was just right, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the story without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Each twist and turn was expertly crafted, keeping me on the edge of my seat until the very end.
What sets this book apart is its ability to engage readers on multiple levels. It's not just a mystery novel; it's a thought-provoking exploration of family dynamics, redemption, and the power of forgiveness. The characters felt incredibly real, each with their flaws and struggles that added depth to the story.
It's a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page, leaving you pondering its themes and mysteries. Trust me, you won't regret diving into this captivating tale.
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