The Silent Wife

Detective Kat Ballantyne #3

by Andy Maslen

Her career on the line and an innocent woman charged with murder. Can she save them both?

As bogus corruption charges loom over her, DS Kat Ballantyne finds herself deskbound and stuck with cold cases. Her hated boss, DI Carver, has given her just one week to explain how £50,000 found its way into her bank account. If she can’t, she’ll be lucky to have a desk at all.

Then a close friend calls her from a murder scene, claiming to have strangled a local gangster’s wife. Kat has no choice but to disobey orders and investigate. Despite overwhelming forensic evidence supporting her friend’s confession, something still doesn’t add up…

With the clock against her, can Kat unmask her unwelcome benefactor, save her career and find the real killer before an innocent woman pays the ultimate price?

Genres: Audiobook, Crime, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Fiction

367 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 24, 2024

About the author

MILLION COPY BESTSELLER SHORTLISTED FOR KINDLE STORYTELLER AWARD

Andy Maslen writes thrillers across a number of genres: police procedurals, vigilante, psychological, suspense and horror. He spent 30 years in business before turning to writing full time.

Readers praise Andy's novels for their relatable characters, realistic dialogue, sense of place and kinetic action sequences, and for his meticulous research into police procedure around the world.

He is the creator of best-selling series featuring Kat Ballantyne, Gabriel Wolfe, Stella Cole and Inspector Ford, plus standalone novels and short stories.

Andy was born in Nottingham, England. After leaving university with a degree in psychology, he worked in business for thirty years as a copywriter. In his spare time, he plays the guitar. He lives in Wiltshire.

Reviews

[Danielle-Gemma💜 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another really solid book in this series - a really easy read with a good storyline and decent character development

[Vicki - I Love Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

After receiving an ARC of this book I realised it was the 3td book in a series. I had to go and purchase books 1 and 2 so i could read those first. I got lost in what is a terrific series of books. I was addicted. What a superb author.
I went on to purchase and read another 6 books by this author and can safely say I enjoyed each and everyone.
Highly recommend reading these. Any crime thriller fan will enjoy these and the other series the author has written.
DS Kat Ballantyne isn't having the best of times. Desk duties/cold cases, you really know when you are not flavour of the month in work.
It appears Kat is being blamed for something she has no idea about. Is she being framed and if so , then why.
A superb gripping book and as I did, I would read these in order for the best reading experience.
I have just downloaded another 3 books by this author and I am about to start those. I will certainly be keeping an eye out for any new publications.

Well done to a very talented writer. I really was gripped.

[Kerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book they kept e guessing… then the ending has left me wondering!!!

Definitely recommend!!!

[Lana M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe my least favorite in the series so far? Although still very gripping and enjoyable and highly recommend. The ending was a bit abrupt..

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

The third instalment of the Detective Kat Ballantyne series and I already need the 4th book!

This kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. Kat really showed her strength as she was tested in more ways than one. Not only did Kat have a homicide to solve, she was also under investigation for corruption and had every thing going against her.

I couldn’t put this book down, every chapter left me wanting more and it’s definitely on par if not better than the first two in the series.

I love Liv and Kat’s friendship, watching it rebuild and seeing a lighter side to Kat brings a bit of comic relief to the book.

I really wanted to hate Tom at the beginning when he sided with Carve-up but he redeemed himself throughout the book and left his story on a gut wrenching cliffhanger! What seems like work place rivalry between Kat and Carve-up takes a turn and Carver is not just a bad boss he turns into a villain and I’m excited to see where that leads to in the next book.

I think the only reason it wasn’t a 5 star, I wanted a bit more! The ending was slightly rushed and I’d like to have seen more interview scenes with the killer. Overall I absolutely loved it and I’ll definitely be reading the rest of the series!

This ARC was kindly provided by NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

[Kim Melbourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heard very good reviews for this author but is the first one I have read. Absolulty did not disappoint and I will definitely read more.
Although I recognise this is the third in a series, and not having read the first 2, it absolutely did not affect the storyline or experience. As a standalone book, it worked fine.

A fast, pacy, easy to read book with compelling storyline and so many twists which I didn't predict.

Kat is an honest, hardworking, likeable detective, wanting outcomes that are fair. However, what it did portray was a potentially honest view of corruption and cover ups within the senior ranks which made me feel frustrated for the honest working team.

Highly recommend this book and can't wait yo delve into more by this author.

[Sherri Schneider · Rating 4 out of 5]

It takes me a bit to get into each book of this series. First, it's set in England, not ever my favorite. However once I settle in, I do like the story. And I keep going because at the end of each book, they leave you with a cliffhanger.

[Taylor Parkman · Rating 4 out of 5]

3rd book in this series and I enjoyed it! I have so many unanswered questions though… absolutely hate Carve-up😂 hope tom makes it and there’s a 4th book!!

[Tamihya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good storyline, but I felt it was a long read that may be didn't need to be so long.

[Alan Cobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent reading

The third instalment of Detective Kat Ballantyne series of books by Andy Maslen, lives up to expectations and well worth the wait , story line with the usual suspense twists and turns and characters well suited to the story . All in all an excellent book
Well worth the read

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tomski

Kat is back with her new bagman, Tom, who she affectionately calls Tomski.

Their working relationship has become full of drama and action. This story has suspense, coercion, deception and revenge. The characters are easy to follow.
I look forward to the next book.

I received this ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.


25 Aug 24 (AM)

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well I am kinda surprised by the end but also not. Maybe disappointed, not in the book but in certain people who should be better than they are. And Carver needs to be fired and probably arrested.

[Dozelina 666 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad I had the 3rd installment, after that cliffhanger at the end on 2nd book. The story only gets better and better.

[Roroblu'sMum · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5* This series is addictive, but why oh why isn't Carve-Up getting his comeuppance right now? Who's protecting him and why?

It's best to read this series in order to fully understand Kat's relationships with her father and with her boss, both of whom happen to be corrupt and each other's croney. These are horribly unhealthy relationships, and why at least the 'professional' one isn't at a disciplinary stage, beggars belief. Yes, there's a tiny scene where Kat's boss gets shown up but bigger, blunter, deeper, longer, nastier and more all should have happened in my book, no pun intended!!

The last book ended on a bit of a bombshell that becomes the uncomfortable aspect of this tale, but tbh, it was overly bigged up and questions should have been asked by Kat. To not do so allowed Carve-Up to have the upper hand, and her father could and should have done more to help. Or perhaps maybe just not lie. Getting to the crux of the issue was protracted and overly complicated IMHO - blame the day job - and once done, the show-them-up scenes lacked passion, anger and ultimatums. But, hopefully both guys know that Kat can and will kick butts in future.

That aspect aside, there's a solid storyline in this read. I was pretty clueless until Kat played a hunch based on her relationship with the killer, although, should she have been allowed to be the investigating officer, given her friendship with the killer? I'm not sure that correct police procedures were followed here, but maybe a bit of license was used. It's a decent tale and I'm pretty invested in this DI and what happens next. But, oh, Tom? Ugh, his loyalties changed quickly and then changed back, tail between his legs, once he showed himself up as not quite competent to be lead investigator. I'm not sure I'd have forgiven him as quickly as Kat did for his disloyalty. But, Ma-Linda and Kat's family, and Liv (although it's a puzzle how both she and Kat risk her being around in their home town, seeing as Liv is officially still missing - suspending disbelief here, as before, to be able to enjoy this decent series) have her back, which is great to see. The side characters are done right - there organically when she needs them, but never overshadowing things and never getting in the way.

I see a 'let's have it out' with both Kat's dad and boss, hopefully in the next book. If it doesn't, there really needs to be a good reason for it. As well as a thawing of personal relations, based on the (not tough enough) fanily showdown. This series has become an autobuy from book 2, so I'm prepared to go with the plot holes for now.

ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer, for my reading pleasure.

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Andy Maslen’s third installment in the Detective Kat Ballantyne series, The Silent Wife, is a gripping and emotionally charged thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

The story follows Detective Kat Ballantyne as she navigates a complex web of deceit, betrayal, and murder. When a seemingly perfect wife is found dead under suspicious circumstances, Kat is thrust into a case that challenges her both professionally and personally. As she delves deeper into the victim’s life, she uncovers dark secrets that threaten to unravel the very fabric of the victim’s seemingly idyllic existence.

Maslen excels in character development, particularly with his protagonist, Kat Ballantyne. Kat is a multi-dimensional character, balancing her fierce determination as a detective with her vulnerabilities and personal struggles. Her interactions with other characters, including her colleagues and suspects, are realistic and add depth to the narrative. The supporting characters are equally well-crafted, each contributing to the story’s intricate plot.

Maslen’s writing is both engaging and evocative. His ability to create vivid scenes and build suspense is commendable. The pacing is well-balanced, with moments of intense action interspersed with quieter, more introspective passages. This allows readers to fully immerse themselves in the story and connect with the characters on a deeper level.

The Silent Wife explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships. Maslen delves into the psychological aspects of his characters, providing insights into their motivations and fears. This adds a layer of psychological depth to the thriller, making it more than just a simple whodunit.

Overall, The Silent Wife is a compelling and thought-provoking read that will appeal to fans of psychological thrillers and detective fiction. Andy Maslen has crafted a story that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant, with a protagonist who is as relatable as she is formidable. This book is a testament to Maslen’s skill as a storyteller and is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted mystery.

As a lifetime mystery fan, I love this series, and I have enjoyed each book. The author is a superbly talented writer, and his name is "one to watch" as he continues penning captivating mysteries in this series.

[Gillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

DS Kat Ballantyne is being investigated by Anti Corruption Unit £50,000 had mysteriously appeared in her bank account from a Swiss bank account. Where had it came from, who had that kind of money to frame her, who hated her that much? The only person she can think of who had that kind of money is her father but he swears it’s not him and she believes him. In the meantime while this process is being investigated Kat is confined to desk duties looking through cold cases, however Kat is determined to clear her name.
While on desk duties she gets a phone call from a friend on her netball team Laura Paxton who tells her she has murdered Alanna Michie one of her friends, she said Alanna was having an affair with her husband Will who is a DC in another department in police. Kat thinks it’s a personal call she doesn’t know if it’s true so she best go check on her friend make sure she’s ok. When she got to Alannas house she did indeed find Alanna dead Laura’s DNA is all over the evidence. Laura straight away admitted she murdered Alanna. Kat called it in.
Something about the whole situation didn’t sit right with Kat. She had a feeling Laura was covering for someone maybe being pressured she couldn’t let an innocent woman go down for a crime she didn’t commit. Especially when it was the wife of a mafia boss she has admitted to murdering.
From first page this book had me gripped I love All Andy’s books every series just gets better, I remember when he emailed asking what we thought about a female lead detective I have no idea why he had doubts but we got Stella Cole who was a whirlwind, brilliant character now we have Kat Ballantyne she is also amazing but so different from Stella and Gabriel. Andy is an exceptional author. I’d read anything he wrote because I’d know I was in for a treat. Definitely 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘The Silent Wife’ is the 3rd book in the Detective Kat Ballantyne series by author Andy Maslen.

I really enjoy the character DS Kat Ballantyne and in ‘The Silent Wife’ she is facing a corruption charge when £50,000 suddenly appears in her bank account. Forced to remain on desk duty until the charge is fully investigated she is tasked with solving cold cases. The situation is not made any easier due to her having to deal with DI Carver, a boss she despises and has given her 1 week to clear her name.

A close friend of Kat’s contacts her from a murder scene and confesses to the strangulation of a local gangster’s wife. Kat is not going to let her current restrictions stop her from trying to help her friend and investigate the case. Something doesn’t add up to Kat and she is convinced her friend is not guilty of the crime she has confessed to.

Kat’s determination to clear her name and uncover the truth makes this book a very enjoyable read. Well paced, clever plot and strong believable characters as always with Andy Maslen novels. DI Carver is not a likeable person but another excellent character adding another layer to this series, especially with the difficult relationship between himself and Kat.

“The Silent Wife” is well plotted and full of suspense as Kat struggles both personally and professionally. Determined not only to save her career but also to uncover the truth.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Suzi (Lil Bit Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the first and second DS Kat Ballantyne books, The Seventh Girl and The Unseen Sister! If you did too, you won’t want to miss this gripping third installment. In this book, Kat is trying to solve an unusual murder while simultaneously trying to clear herself of bogus corruption charges after £50,000 mysteriously appears in her bank account. Kat knows she’s innocent and she’s sure the murder suspect is too, despite the confession and all the crime scene evidence to the contrary… she just has to prove it.

You can read The Silent Wife as a standalone, but the characters and their backstories weave throughout the series, so I recommend reading this excellent series from the beginning. Kat in particular is such a compelling character – she’s a dedicated and tenacious detective, but also emotionally vulnerable and slightly morally grey, shrugging off rules and directives when they don’t suit her drive to investigate murders. The murder and corruption subplots are deftly woven together, with plenty of twists that kept me guessing. The door is wide open for a fourth book, and I already can’t wait to read more!

Fans of Isabella Maldonado or Tami Hoag (one of my all-time favorite serial killer/police procedural authors) will definitely enjoy The Silent Wife and this series as a whole! Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me an advance copy of this book.

[Rah · Rating 3 out of 5]

After enjoying the first in this series, and absolutely hating the second, I was not sure what to think of the third.

We jump right in right after the end of the second book. Kat has received a 50k pound deposit of money into her bank account and is being accused of accepting a bribe unless she can find out where the money came from and clear her name. Meanwhile, she receives a phone call from a friend stating she has just murdered a woman and to come arrest her. At the scene, covered in her DNA, there’s no denying her friend Laura committed the crime, but things begin to not add up and Kat begins to question everything, while her boss wants this murder sealed with its little bow on it. Will Kat be able to find the real killer, if it isn’t her friend, and will she be able to find the source of the money before the corruption charges come down on her?

I’m happy to say I enjoyed this one much more than the second. The main crime was interesting, why would someone confess to a murder if they didn’t do it, and who indeed did commit the crime instead? The back story of the money and the family drama is a lot to take in, and a little above board of believability, but it’s a story line nonetheless that I’m sure a lot of people enjoy.

I suppose this redemption is well deserved, and I will keep my eyes open for the next instalment.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid police procedural! I am really growing to like Kat Ballantyne more and more as her character develops throughout this series.

She is put through the ringer in this one and she is being investigated for corruption when a mysterious $50,000 deposit shows up in her account and she is barred from taking new cases when a friend calls her from a murder scene and confesses to the crime. Kat is positive Laura did not commit this crime -- none of the evidence she has managed to get her hands on matches Laura's physical capabilities or her story. But how will she convince her superiors to keep investigating a "slam dunk" case from the bench?

Kat must get creative to avoid directly disobeying orders to solve this homicide while simultaneously getting the information she needs to clear her name. She has been a cop her whole life and cannot imagine a world in which she can no longer do the job she loves.

Lots of action and once again ends in a way that leaves you wishing you could immediately get your hands on the next installment. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Kassandra Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My most recent audiobook was The Silent Wife by Andy Maslen! Honestly I was kind of hoping for something like The Silent Patient, but even though it wasn’t I did find it to be an interesting read! This is the third book in the Detective Kat Ballantyne series, and unfortunately I jumped in without having read the first two, which I feel might have helped in understanding some of the characters better.

Kat is under investigation dealing with a possible corruption charge after a large sum of money mysteriously shows up in her bank account! She's now been instructed to only work cold cases until she’s cleared, but it’s all but impossible when a new case comes up involving a friend who confesses to a murder Kat is pretty sure she didn't commit!

The story is packed with suspense, complex characters, and unexpected twists. While I will admit to occasionally feeling a little lost and confused (I’m sure reading the first two would have helped!) I did find this to be a gripping read that kept me hooked.

If you love thrillers with strong female leads, give this one a try!

Huge thank you to Netgalley and Brilliance Publishing for the audiobook copy of this book!

[Ink · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Silent Wife by Andy Maslen and narrated by Ell Potter is the third book in the Detective Kat Ballantyne series but stands strong as a standalone. This is the first book I have listened to from Andy Masle and I will be getting the rest in the series as it was absolutely brilliant! Pacing on point, relatable characters with strong dynamics and groth and a well-rounded plot. A belter of a novel

Kat Ballantyne has a problem. She is under investgation for a hefty sum of money mysteriously appearing in her bank account. Thing is, she doesn't know how it got there and all she wants to do is get on with her job investigaing the death of a gang wife. Was it her dodgy father laundering cash and using her account? Is the murder as easily solved as it seems? And why on earth is her boss trying to get her fired? he can't resent her that much can he?

A weel-written, intriguing police procedural with a cracking plot and likable fmc. Highly recommended

Thank you to NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio, the author Andy Maslen and narrator Ell Potter for this ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

[SusanH · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Silent Wife is the third installment of the Detective Kat Ballantine series, and this might be my favorite. It’s not necessary to read the two previous books as much is explained, but the characters will feel even more realistic and their behavior more understandable. Kat is facing false corruption charges and is struggling to prove her innocence. There are several likely characters who could be responsible, including her direct superior who is always out to get her, a podcaster with a history of stalking her, and of course her powerful and cagey father. Adding to this, Kat receives a phone call from a friend claiming to have just murdered her friend. The book is fast paced and well written. Kat has steadily grown on me as a character, and I enjoyed the parts with her husband and son, which rounded out and softened her tough facade. The atmosphere is thrilling and interesting. I recommend this series. With thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC. My opinions are my own. susanh_bookreviews

[Alison Taylor-Muhl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the DS Kat Ballantyne series, I have read, and thoroughly enjoyed book one – ‘The Seventh Girl’, but I somehow missed book two – ‘The Unseen Sister’, something I need to rectify! I am glad that I had read book one, as this gave me insight into Kat’s unhealthy relationship with both her father and her boss, the ramifications of which are focussed on a great deal in this instalment. I really like Kat’s character, the author has successfully created a strong, multi-dimensional, and likeable female lead. The supporting cast are also well-crafted – if not all likeable, with each one of them contributing to the sophisticated plot. The author also creates a great sense of atmosphere and suspense, with timely twists and a well-paced plot, and in this book, he combines all this with more psychological aspects of human behaviour, thus adding an additional layer to the tale making it so much more than a standard whodunit. I am already looking forward to book four!

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read other books by this author, but none of this particular series. I will look to reading more though, I really enjoyed this book. Despite this being number 3 in the series and being plunged into a complicated murder case, I did not feel that I had missed out by not reading previous books about Kat and her team. As well as the murder case, Kat is also being investigated for possible fraud as 50,000 pounds has been transferred to her bank account from an unknown Swiss bank account. She has been prevented from taking an active part in the investigation by her own shady boss, Carver. The characters are well described, the investigation is interesting and realistic. There are plenty of alternatives which keep you guessing until late on in the book.
The mostly short chapters and fast pace meant that I raced through this book, I really wanted to know what had happened and if the criminals get their just rewards .
Thanks to Net Galley for a great read . I`m looking forward to reading more from this author and detection team

[rubi_reads · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 Stars

I didn’t realize this was part of a series until I finished it—oops. Everyone seems to love the series and the main character, Kat, but honestly, it just felt flat and boring to me.

The plot was…yeah. So, a woman kills another woman and claims it’s out of jealousy, but actually, it was her abusive husband (who’s a police officer!) who killed her. Why? Because he didn’t like her behavior and didn’t want his wife to hang out with her? What?! The whole “abusive cop” thing just made me feel gross, and the rest of the police officers were no better. They were all so eager to close the case without even looking at the evidence.

And don’t even get me started on the mafia stuff. Apparently, everyone knows who’s in the mafia, but no one does anything about it. Even the main character’s dad is in the mafia, and she just… lets it slide?
I kept forgetting that this story is set in Uk with all the mafia drama going on…

Overall, it was predictable, boring, and just didn’t work for me. Not my cup of tea!

[Kelly Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer Publishing for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! I read the first installment of this series earlier in the year and couldn't wait to read more of Detective Kat Ballantyne. Before reading this newest book in the series, I read the second, which left you on a huge cliffhanger that this third installment picks right up at. Not only is Detective Ballantyne battling a bogus corruption charge and trying to figure out who has it out for her, but she is also simultaneously trying to solve a murder her friend claims she herself had committed - a claim that has a lot of holes to poke through. Throughout the book, Kat is battling against time to determine who the real killer is and also find out who has put a target on her back. This book keeps you guessing until the bitter end to figure out who is guilty for both mysteries. I really enjoyed this book and hope it's not the last we've seen of Detective Ballantyne any time soon.

[Joanie Hinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

DS Kat Ballantyne finds herself assigned to desk duty and cold cases while she is being investigated when a very large sum of money is found deposited into her bank account. Then she receives a call on her cell from a friend who claims to have murdered a friend. Kat ignores her orders and goes to the scene of the murder. Kat doesn't believe the story she is given so she starts digging. Kat is racing against time to not only find the real killer, but also to save herself. Then the husband of the victim is found murdered. Kat believes it's the same killer so that's where her investigation takes her. When she does find the double murderer, she and her partner are nearly killed before they can arrest the person. And she finds the donor of the money to her account, but next is to find the why...
(Thanks to NetGalley and the author for an advance copy)

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I start complaining: I really like this series and this particular storyline. It held some good surprises and twists. But, a couple things didn't make sense during the course of this book. Partly, I assume, so that the series could continue but that didn't keep them from annoying me! It makes me kind of want to scream. And I know that series need overarching story lines and villains, but there has to be a limit to how far it can be stretched. The characters have been well established at this point. Let's get some movement to the plotlines that have been continuing from the earlier books and we start getting new overall plots in the upcoming books! I want more! That's a good thing, right?

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 3 in the Ballantyne series is a great continuation of the series.
All the same characters, with a new mystery thrown in.
The new murder was interesting, when it seems so obvious you have your murderer, why are you looking for someone else who did it?
Carve up continues to be a big pain in the rear.

Definite spoilers ahead



Things with Ethan are getting creepier, and I'm sure that's going to explode at some point.
Family tensions are high too, but I felt credibility was stretched a bit too much at how quickly Kat decided her dad could be a murderer.
It's a big jump from dodgy business deals to killing.

That aside, it was an enjoyable read, and I look forward to the next installment of Kats life.