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West Investigations #9
Silenced Witness
She won’t quit until she gets justice.
He won’t stop until she’s safe.
After her brother dies under a cloud of suspicion, Alexis Douglas will do whatever it takes to clear his name. Enlisting the help of TJ Roman proves a double-edged sword. Her brother’s onetime best friend, the ex-military PI can’t afford any missteps. Alexis’s safety is all that matters, despite the powerful attraction drawing them closer. Up against a killer desperate to keep the truth buried, TJ must step up his game before he and Alexis are both silenced forever.
He won’t stop until she’s safe.
After her brother dies under a cloud of suspicion, Alexis Douglas will do whatever it takes to clear his name. Enlisting the help of TJ Roman proves a double-edged sword. Her brother’s onetime best friend, the ex-military PI can’t afford any missteps. Alexis’s safety is all that matters, despite the powerful attraction drawing them closer. Up against a killer desperate to keep the truth buried, TJ must step up his game before he and Alexis are both silenced forever.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 6, 2024
25 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
K.D. Richards
79 books1,253 followersK.D. is a former attorney and educator. Her books are action-packed, page-turners with strong female characters and twists that will surprise.
Follow her on bookbub https://bit.ly/2TLCA7z.
Follow her on bookbub https://bit.ly/2TLCA7z.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 29, 2025
This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the 9th book in the West Investigations series. I have read some of the other books in this series before picking up this book, but I do think you can read this book as a standalone without any problems. I loved the characters in this book. This book was full of action and suspense with a little bit of romance, but I loved the suspense and build up that was in this book. The storyline had me guessing did her brother really do it or was someone else behind his death which for someone that reads a lot of mystery and romantic suspense says a lot. I really loved reading this book. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
April 24, 2024
I liked the suspense part as it left me guessing up until the end, but the romance part was a bit lacking for me.
Thank you NetGalley & publishers for the opportunity to give an honest opinion of this book.
Thank you NetGalley & publishers for the opportunity to give an honest opinion of this book.
January 6, 2026
Alexis Douglas has her house broken into and is attacked by someone warning her away from investigating her brother Mark's death. Certain that the ruling of suicide is incorrect, Alexis seeks out TJ Roman, a private investigator and once Mark's best friend. They look into it, and uncover a conspiracy surrounding the theft and sale of computer technology that can be used in wars. They also have feelings and stuff for each other.
Unfortunately, for most of the book, this was just TJ and Alexis going and meeting people involved with the mystery and learning new information about Mark, to which Alexis would throw a tantrum and say, "Mark would never do that!!!!" Over and over again. I couldn't figure out why Alexis was seeking answers if she was simply going to tell every single person that she spoke to that they were wrong. It got very frustrating, very quickly.
The romance fell flat. TJ is given the most rote, bog-standard conflict of not wanting a romance with Alexis because a previous partner died and he doesn't want to face that sort of loss again. I'm not against that trope as much as I used to be, but it's given zero effort here. There are only a couple of mentions of it before he uses it to justify not starting a relationship. He also carries on about not breaking a promise to Mark to not hook up with Alexis (or something) despite being estranged from him for two years, along with the usual vague "I can't be the sort of man you need" rubbish that usually accompanies poorly-defined protagonists. I prefer a hero who can take charge when things are tough, both physically and romantically. TJ seemed too weak-willed to do anything, and it was off-putting.
There are a couple of exciting moments. It's not the worst Intrigue, but there are plenty better ones out there.
Unfortunately, for most of the book, this was just TJ and Alexis going and meeting people involved with the mystery and learning new information about Mark, to which Alexis would throw a tantrum and say, "Mark would never do that!!!!" Over and over again. I couldn't figure out why Alexis was seeking answers if she was simply going to tell every single person that she spoke to that they were wrong. It got very frustrating, very quickly.
The romance fell flat. TJ is given the most rote, bog-standard conflict of not wanting a romance with Alexis because a previous partner died and he doesn't want to face that sort of loss again. I'm not against that trope as much as I used to be, but it's given zero effort here. There are only a couple of mentions of it before he uses it to justify not starting a relationship. He also carries on about not breaking a promise to Mark to not hook up with Alexis (or something) despite being estranged from him for two years, along with the usual vague "I can't be the sort of man you need" rubbish that usually accompanies poorly-defined protagonists. I prefer a hero who can take charge when things are tough, both physically and romantically. TJ seemed too weak-willed to do anything, and it was off-putting.
There are a couple of exciting moments. It's not the worst Intrigue, but there are plenty better ones out there.
September 20, 2024
I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Actual rating is more like 2.5.
This is my first time reading a K.D Richards novel, to my knowledge, so I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. What it is, at least to me, is a bit of a mixed bag.
The suspense was good. It wasn't ridiculously obvious what was going on and who the antagonist was, which was refreshing. Most suspense romance clubs you over the head with the 'bad guy.' No mystery, but this one has you guessing for awhile. The romance is what missed the mark for me.
TJ is the former best friend of Alexis's deceased brother. She's looking into his death because she doesn't believe the given 'official' cause of death. TJ was in the army with Alexis's brother and stuck around afterwards, even as his friend's life began to spiral. They were best friends for a long time until his friend made a series of bad life choices and one incident that had TJ calling it quits. Now TJ is out of the military and works as a private investigator.
His friend had some issues, but when Alexis reaches out to him for help, he accepts, despite the insane almost insta-lust the two have for each other. Someone is after Alexis for investigating her brother's death. TJ is set on helping her uncover the truth, while trying to keep her safe.
I think my issue with the book started with how TJ describes Alexis in his head. It wasn't sexy to me. It was a bit off putting. It reminded me of a romance novel written in the early 2000s or 90s. She was 100% objectified as a s*x object. It covered how big her boobs were, her a**, the curve of her waist, etc. Her skin was described via a food reference. He, on the other hand, I can't actually tell you too much about what he looks like other than the standard broad shoulders, in shape, yada yada. If you are going to objectify the woman so much, you should at least do as much to the man. How were his hips shaped? what did his pecs look like under a shirt? What about his package in his pants or his a** when he walked? Apparently a new pet peeve of mine.
But once I started ignoring that, and justifying their relationship on the fact they knew each other before hand, I enjoyed the story. Though it's part of a series, it's a complete standalone. You don't have to read any of the other books to get what is going on. I appreciate that in a romance series.
Actual rating is more like 2.5.
This is my first time reading a K.D Richards novel, to my knowledge, so I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. What it is, at least to me, is a bit of a mixed bag.
The suspense was good. It wasn't ridiculously obvious what was going on and who the antagonist was, which was refreshing. Most suspense romance clubs you over the head with the 'bad guy.' No mystery, but this one has you guessing for awhile. The romance is what missed the mark for me.
TJ is the former best friend of Alexis's deceased brother. She's looking into his death because she doesn't believe the given 'official' cause of death. TJ was in the army with Alexis's brother and stuck around afterwards, even as his friend's life began to spiral. They were best friends for a long time until his friend made a series of bad life choices and one incident that had TJ calling it quits. Now TJ is out of the military and works as a private investigator.
His friend had some issues, but when Alexis reaches out to him for help, he accepts, despite the insane almost insta-lust the two have for each other. Someone is after Alexis for investigating her brother's death. TJ is set on helping her uncover the truth, while trying to keep her safe.
I think my issue with the book started with how TJ describes Alexis in his head. It wasn't sexy to me. It was a bit off putting. It reminded me of a romance novel written in the early 2000s or 90s. She was 100% objectified as a s*x object. It covered how big her boobs were, her a**, the curve of her waist, etc. Her skin was described via a food reference. He, on the other hand, I can't actually tell you too much about what he looks like other than the standard broad shoulders, in shape, yada yada. If you are going to objectify the woman so much, you should at least do as much to the man. How were his hips shaped? what did his pecs look like under a shirt? What about his package in his pants or his a** when he walked? Apparently a new pet peeve of mine.
But once I started ignoring that, and justifying their relationship on the fact they knew each other before hand, I enjoyed the story. Though it's part of a series, it's a complete standalone. You don't have to read any of the other books to get what is going on. I appreciate that in a romance series.
April 27, 2024
Silenced Witness by K.D. Richards was another fabulous addition to The West Investigations series! What I liked about this book was how Ms. Richards dropped the bombshells in all the right places for both the readers and the characters. TJ Roman is an investigator for West Investigations. HIs area of expertise is tracking cheating spouses, not murderers. When his friend's sister, Alexis Douglas, comes to him for help, the last thing he expects to hear is that his friend, who he was on the outs with, had died. Suicide, they said, but his sister doesn't believe it and she wants TJ to help her prove it.
With the help of West Investigations, TJ and Alexis head to DC to learn about the program Mark was accused of stealing and how he ended up dead. Jealous girlfriends, secretive bosses, and empty bank accounts tell a story of a man desperate to clear his name before time ran out. But it did run out, and it's up to TJ and Alexis to dodge the threats thrown at them in order to figure out who took Mark out before that person did the same to them.
What I loved about this story was that TJ was a bit of a bumbling investigator simply because murder wasn't his wheelhouse. While he had the help of West Investigations, he had to learn a lot about protecting someone on the fly, and it didn't always work out for him. Sometimes, they got hurt. Sometimes, they got involved in situations that a more practiced investigator may not have, but that was what made it genuine. The love story between TJ and Alexis was a slow burn, as TJ struggled with breaking the promise he once made to Mark to steer clear of his sister. In the end, their love story was built on mutual grief and sizzling chemistry. If you're reading The West Investigation series, don't miss Silenced Witness, especially if you love cybersecurity stories that remind us at any time, our digital world can explode in our faces. Well done, Ms. Richards, in showing us the vulnerability of grief as well as the determination.
With the help of West Investigations, TJ and Alexis head to DC to learn about the program Mark was accused of stealing and how he ended up dead. Jealous girlfriends, secretive bosses, and empty bank accounts tell a story of a man desperate to clear his name before time ran out. But it did run out, and it's up to TJ and Alexis to dodge the threats thrown at them in order to figure out who took Mark out before that person did the same to them.
What I loved about this story was that TJ was a bit of a bumbling investigator simply because murder wasn't his wheelhouse. While he had the help of West Investigations, he had to learn a lot about protecting someone on the fly, and it didn't always work out for him. Sometimes, they got hurt. Sometimes, they got involved in situations that a more practiced investigator may not have, but that was what made it genuine. The love story between TJ and Alexis was a slow burn, as TJ struggled with breaking the promise he once made to Mark to steer clear of his sister. In the end, their love story was built on mutual grief and sizzling chemistry. If you're reading The West Investigation series, don't miss Silenced Witness, especially if you love cybersecurity stories that remind us at any time, our digital world can explode in our faces. Well done, Ms. Richards, in showing us the vulnerability of grief as well as the determination.
September 12, 2024
Thank you soooo much K.D. Richards for a free copy of the latest book in your West Investigations series for an honest review ❤️
Alexis wakes up in the middle of the night to the sounds of someone breaking into her home. The intruder doesn’t leave before scaring the hell out of her and threatening her to stop looking into her brother’s death.
Her brother, Mark, died two months ago. Things aren’t looking too good because the police seem to think Mark committed suicide due to the recent legal pressure he was facing. He was being accused of stealing highly classified technology from the military defense company he worked for.
This is where TJ comes in. He’s a private investigator employed by West Investigations. He’s also Marks former best friend. He vows to help Alexis get to the bottom of what really happened to Mark.
Immediately you can feel the connection between Alexis and TJ. They both fight it at first for different reasons. TJ is made out to be a player but in reality he was just terrified of being hurt again. As a result he kept self sabotaging. I felt like although Alexis was hesitant at first she never fully gave up on TJ. Even when her heart was in shambles she still believed he would come around. I wish we could’ve gotten a little bit more just about their love story 😩 Really loved where it was going.
It’s clear after they start investigating that things are definitely not what they seem. The more questions they ask the more it’s very clear that someone wants to get them out of the way.
Detective Chelley got on my nerves so bad. She was so convinced in her original theory that she refused to investigate any alternatives. Then had a nerve to get mad that they were “interfering” in her investigation. Which in reality was going absolutely nowhere until they stepped in.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series ❤️
Alexis wakes up in the middle of the night to the sounds of someone breaking into her home. The intruder doesn’t leave before scaring the hell out of her and threatening her to stop looking into her brother’s death.
Her brother, Mark, died two months ago. Things aren’t looking too good because the police seem to think Mark committed suicide due to the recent legal pressure he was facing. He was being accused of stealing highly classified technology from the military defense company he worked for.
This is where TJ comes in. He’s a private investigator employed by West Investigations. He’s also Marks former best friend. He vows to help Alexis get to the bottom of what really happened to Mark.
Immediately you can feel the connection between Alexis and TJ. They both fight it at first for different reasons. TJ is made out to be a player but in reality he was just terrified of being hurt again. As a result he kept self sabotaging. I felt like although Alexis was hesitant at first she never fully gave up on TJ. Even when her heart was in shambles she still believed he would come around. I wish we could’ve gotten a little bit more just about their love story 😩 Really loved where it was going.
It’s clear after they start investigating that things are definitely not what they seem. The more questions they ask the more it’s very clear that someone wants to get them out of the way.
Detective Chelley got on my nerves so bad. She was so convinced in her original theory that she refused to investigate any alternatives. Then had a nerve to get mad that they were “interfering” in her investigation. Which in reality was going absolutely nowhere until they stepped in.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series ❤️
May 20, 2024
This book jumped right into the action with Alexis forced to defend herself against a someone who wanted to silence her. Instead of being silenced, she reached out to the one person, TJ, who might be able to help. While outside of his wheelhouse, TJ couldn’t turn away a friend’s sister. That want to prove her brother’s innocence and want to not let down an old friend set a course for a book full of action.
I’ve been in IT in various jobs my entire career, so I have a soft spot for books that involve anything tech. The thought of a cyber weapon loose in the wrong hands had terrifying implications and TJ was Alexis to have a great team behind him. He said several times that he was outside his comfort zone but at least he wasn’t working without a net.
I had my suspicion from the beginning who the bad guy was, and his motivation was a bit on the nose. However, the journey to that ending is what makes a good book, and the author filled the pages with action, a bit of romance and some learning along the way. TJ became both a better investigator and better man but still did not think he was good enough. Grief and fear brought them together, but love will keep them together.
This is the 9th romantic suspense in this series but the first for me. I have been scouting the others in the series and see a lot of intrigue in the offering so I am sure I will read more.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.
I’ve been in IT in various jobs my entire career, so I have a soft spot for books that involve anything tech. The thought of a cyber weapon loose in the wrong hands had terrifying implications and TJ was Alexis to have a great team behind him. He said several times that he was outside his comfort zone but at least he wasn’t working without a net.
I had my suspicion from the beginning who the bad guy was, and his motivation was a bit on the nose. However, the journey to that ending is what makes a good book, and the author filled the pages with action, a bit of romance and some learning along the way. TJ became both a better investigator and better man but still did not think he was good enough. Grief and fear brought them together, but love will keep them together.
This is the 9th romantic suspense in this series but the first for me. I have been scouting the others in the series and see a lot of intrigue in the offering so I am sure I will read more.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.
May 20, 2024
She won’t quit until she gets justice.
He won’t stop until she’s safe.
After her brother dies under a cloud of suspicion, Alexis Douglas will do whatever it takes to clear his name. Enlisting the help of TJ Roman proves a double-edged sword. Her brother’s onetime best friend, the ex-military PI can’t afford any missteps. Alexis’s safety is all that matters, despite the powerful attraction drawing them closer. Up against a killer desperate to keep the truth buried, TJ must step up his game before he and Alexis are both silenced forever.
My Take:
This is my first encounter with a K.D. Richards novel, and it's the most recent in a series spanning more than seven books. Each book is designed to stand alone, and I didn't feel lost diving into this installment. Moreover, while this book presents a self-contained story, it has intrigued me enough to consider exploring previous titles in the series.
As always, I offer a summary of the book and evaluate whether it delivers on its promise: it does. If the synopsis piques your interest, this Harlequin novel will deliver the mystery with a dash of romance you're seeking.
He won’t stop until she’s safe.
After her brother dies under a cloud of suspicion, Alexis Douglas will do whatever it takes to clear his name. Enlisting the help of TJ Roman proves a double-edged sword. Her brother’s onetime best friend, the ex-military PI can’t afford any missteps. Alexis’s safety is all that matters, despite the powerful attraction drawing them closer. Up against a killer desperate to keep the truth buried, TJ must step up his game before he and Alexis are both silenced forever.
My Take:
This is my first encounter with a K.D. Richards novel, and it's the most recent in a series spanning more than seven books. Each book is designed to stand alone, and I didn't feel lost diving into this installment. Moreover, while this book presents a self-contained story, it has intrigued me enough to consider exploring previous titles in the series.
As always, I offer a summary of the book and evaluate whether it delivers on its promise: it does. If the synopsis piques your interest, this Harlequin novel will deliver the mystery with a dash of romance you're seeking.
June 26, 2024
Good story! 3.5 stars rounded up
When Alexis' brother dies of an apparent suicide, her gut tells her that isn't possible. Sure, Mark had issues, but he wouldn't kill himself. Alexis turns to Mark's former best friend TJ, a private investigator to help.
TJ is used to looking at the evidence, and in this case, the evidence points to a suicide. Despite that, TJ reluctantly agrees to help Alexis. Neither one of them knew what that decision would mean for their immediate (and long term, maybe?) future.
The book was well-written, fast-paced and a good mystery. There was a little bit of open door romance but not much. For the most part, the book was clean.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
When Alexis' brother dies of an apparent suicide, her gut tells her that isn't possible. Sure, Mark had issues, but he wouldn't kill himself. Alexis turns to Mark's former best friend TJ, a private investigator to help.
TJ is used to looking at the evidence, and in this case, the evidence points to a suicide. Despite that, TJ reluctantly agrees to help Alexis. Neither one of them knew what that decision would mean for their immediate (and long term, maybe?) future.
The book was well-written, fast-paced and a good mystery. There was a little bit of open door romance but not much. For the most part, the book was clean.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
June 10, 2024
WOW! Once again, KD Richards has me talking to myself throughout the entire story. I'm asking the question, did he or didn't he? After the death of her brother, Alexis Douglas reaches out to her childhood friend T J Roman, who is ex-military and now a P.I. He also served in the Military with her brother.
T J's personal struggles as he works a case outside his comfort zone are palpable, making his growth a journey you can't help but be invested in. Silenced Witness is a rollercoaster of action from start to finish, with a slow-burn romance that adds a layer of depth to the story.
I have read and enjoyed the entire series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of Silenced Witness; this is my honest review.
T J's personal struggles as he works a case outside his comfort zone are palpable, making his growth a journey you can't help but be invested in. Silenced Witness is a rollercoaster of action from start to finish, with a slow-burn romance that adds a layer of depth to the story.
I have read and enjoyed the entire series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of Silenced Witness; this is my honest review.
July 29, 2024
This is the second book that I have the pleasure of reading by K.D. Richards and I must say that I am enjoying what I have been reading. If you’re a lover of romantic suspense “Silenced Witness” is the book for your reading enjoyment. TJ and Alexis share a past, the two are childhood friends. TJ is ex-military and a PI. When his friend Alexis comes to him in need of help after the death of her brother and his best friend he is there for her. There is mystery, mayhem, action packed page turning adventure, suspense, romance all the makings of an excellent read.
I received an ARC via NetGalley and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
I received an ARC via NetGalley and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
July 11, 2024
I loved this fast paced adventure with investigator TJ helping his friend’s younger sister try to find who killed her brother after his death was deemed a suicide. For TJ he has to learn on the fly how to protect Alexis from danger while trying to piece together what happened to Alexis’s brother. I loved the fast pace of the case and the twists and turns, I loved Alexis and TJ’s relationship trajectory and how they both had their struggles and strengths but learnt to work together. Another fantastic addition to the West Investigations series!
July 8, 2024
While this is part of a series, this book does stand alone with little reference to the previous books. The mystery was interesting with several twists and I didn’t guess the culprit quite right. The romance was less of the story and I felt TJ’s concerns could have been better articulated. Still an enjoyable book.
May 19, 2024
A fast-paced romantic suspense. This was my first experience with West Investigations. It certainly won't be my only one. Clever mystery that kept me guessing. Interesting characters. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
May 22, 2024
Very enjoyable. Light. Focus on the mystery with less emphasis on the romance. I really enjoyed exploring the main characters and the resolution..
I highly recommend this intrigue / romance.
Advance digital copy provided by NetGalley. Thank you!
I highly recommend this intrigue / romance.
Advance digital copy provided by NetGalley. Thank you!
August 2, 2024
This book had me hooked from the start. I couldn't put it down. The story drew me in and kept me turning the pages. The pacing was great. I really liked the characters and couldn't wait to see what happened next.
Read
June 2, 2024Romantic Suspense, Mystery & Detective, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
West Investigations (Book #9)
Miniseries
West Investigations (Book #9)
Read
June 2, 2024Romantic Suspense, Mystery & Detective, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
West Investigations (Book #9)
Miniseries
West Investigations (Book #9)
July 1, 2024
I enjoyed the storyline and the mystery was intriguing but I had trouble connecting to the characters for some reason.
July 22, 2024
Quick and enjoyable romantic suspense. Worked well as a stand alone.
November 29, 2024
This was a fun, quick read. Pretty good story and pacing with a satisfying ending. It wasn't anything spectacular but it certainly wasn't bad.
April 7, 2025
The suspense part of the book was great. Good read!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews