Forest of Silence

by Kate Gable

Forensic psychologist and rookie FBI agent Alexis Forrest returns to her hometown of Broken Hill to investigate the disappearance of a missing teenage girl. Returning to this snowy New England town is the last thing Alexis wants to do. She has a strained relationship with her divorced parents whose relationship did not survive the disappearance and murder of Alexis’ older sister, or her dad’s prison sentence.

The circumstances of this girl’s disappearance are surprisingly similar to her sister’s yet the local police aren’t exactly welcoming to an inexperienced FBI agent sent to help them solve the case. But then another girl, a wealthy student at a prestigious nearby boarding school, is found dead.

Trying to figure out if the two cases are connected and a serial killer is on the loose, Alexis finds herself getting close to all of the people she thought she had left behind forever. One of those people is a high school boyfriend, a long lost love.

The town is full of secrets that want to stay hidden. To make peace with the past, Alexis must unearth them all. What happens when she finds something that puts her in danger? Will Alexis find who did it or will she become the next victim?

Genres: Mystery, Thriller

354 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 31, 2024

About the author

Kate Gable loves a good mystery that is full of suspense. She grew up devouring psychological thrillers and crime novels as well as movies, tv shows and true crime.

Her favorite stories are the ones that are centered on families with lots of secrets and lies as well as many twists and turns. Her novels have elements of psychological suspense, thriller, mystery and romance.

Kate Gable lives in Southern California with her husband, son, a dog and a cat. She has spent more than twenty years in this area and finds inspiration from its cities, canyons, deserts, and small mountain towns.

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Reviews

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well it was good right until the end when it dropped off a cliff. Very strange.

[Jenn Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I was drawn in to Alexis and her life immediately. I loved digging in to the mystery, the thrill of who did it, what's happening, and all that goes along with that. She's a strong character, back in her hometown so it's interesting to see how her new life as an FBI agent mash with her old life and the trauma that was there before. The story flows well, the pages turned quick, and I was on the edge of my seat as I read. I can't wait for the next book!!

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

FBI Agent Alexis Forrest returns back to Broken Hill to meet Captain Christopher Felch about the Camille Martin case. Camille has disappeared between her shifts at Broken Hill Books and Coffee on her way home. She was a younger college student and her boss was Mitch the owner of the store. Who was known to Alexis. They find the body of another young girl . Someone was murdering young girls and Alexis was determined to find the killer. A great thriller once again from the author with a nail-biting finish. I am on the ARC team and leave a honest review .I recommend this book to other readers.

[Rosemary Harvey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Found this book to have little substance and nothing to hold my interest and to find I have to read another book to find the outcome of the story. Won’t bother. Disappointed.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just an FYI, the ending is a cliffhanger......be ready to read book 2.

[Robin Reviewer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review is for the series through book 6. It does not contain any spoilers about any mysteries but does outline the series in a generic way.

Agent Alexis Forrest, who should probably be called Special Agent, starts as a rookie agent on her own. That doesn't seem likely to me. I don't think the FBI sends put rookie agents without partners. And there are certainly some story lines further in the series that would have required her to have a partner. Not having one is unsafe. On another note about her being a rookie, she goes from being a rookie to leading an investigation and a multi-agency take down on an illegal operation in the last book, which I don't think was even a year after the first book. Pretty sure that wouldn't happen.

I got bored of her relationship with her boyfriend. I got really bored of her having the same argument with him repeatedly in multiple books because she couldn't give him the courtesy of sending a text to let him know she was safe or would be running late. And she got mad that he was mad about that.

This is the closest thing to a spoiler. It takes her 5 books to take down the guy who killed her sister. Each book has its own separate investigation except book 5. The ones in book 3 and 4 were very simple stories.

The author has the victim leave behind a recording in two consecutive books with clues to who the bad guy is in those separate crimes.

Overall, I think this series is lacking in originality, coming close to correct police procedure, and a good MC. Alexis isn't that likeable. I didn't necessarily dislike her, but she was irritating at times. I can't imagine a rookie agent speaking to an SAC like she does.

I might read book 7 when it comes out if I'm desperate. They are at least quick reads. However, I would actually not recommend the series.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in The Alexis Forrest FBI Mystery Thriller Series. Alexis is a forensic psychologist and also a rookie FBI agent but when a teenage girl goes missing in her hometown of Broken Hills Alexis is sent to investigate only this is her hometown that has and brings up so many good and bad memories of when her older sister disappeared and was later found murdered causing her parents marriage to fall apart and now this case has all the similarities of her sister’s murder and Alexis knows that this will not be easy but she is determined. Alexis is determined to find the missing girl but the town hides deadly secrets and she will have to sift through so much if she is going to find the person responsible. Wow I was on the edge of my seat while holding my breath with everything that was happening and Alexis was so strong, conscience, left no stone uncovered, diligent and would not give up even if it was detrimental to her health and emotions because of her sister and then they have a lead that will pull you through the wringer especially Alexis but still she battles on for justice and then you get one explosive cliffhanger ending that had you wanting to pull your hair out, shouting and desperately needing the next book. There are twists and turns along with danger, suspense, loss, hope, grief and situations that will have you turning the pages because it is so addictive. No one writes mystery and suspense like Kate Gable ( Charlotte Byrd ) who is an amazing author and writer and her books are definitely worth reading and you will not be disappointed.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

FOREST OF SILENCE is the first instalment in Kate Gable’s contemporary, adult ALEXIS FORREST FBI MYSTERY THRILLER series focusing on thirty year old, forensic psychologist and rookie FBI agent Alexis Forrest.

Told from first person perspectives (Alexis) FOREST OF SILENCE follows FBI agent Alexis Forrest on her return to her home town of Broken Hill, a small town in New England, where she will have to face the demons from her past. Alexis Forrest has been assigned to investigate the disappearance of two teenaged girls, disappearances with similarities to the murder of Alexis’ older sister. Twenty year earlier, the murder of her sister destroyed her family, and Alexis refused to revisit what happened and why but when one girl is discovered murdered, the local schools refuse to cooperate, and the prospective list of killers begins to reveal.
The secondary and supporting characters include Alexis’ embattled parents, several students, teachers, administrators, law enforcement, as well as Alexis’ former lover Mitch Dutton.

FOREST OF SILENCE is a story of power and control, madness and murder, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies-in the same vein as many of her previous series. The premise is intriguing, exciting and gripping; the characters are dynamic and energetic; there is a slight romance/relationship developing between Alexis and Mitch. FOREST OF SILENCE ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

www.thereadingcafe.com

copy supplied for review

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in a new thrilling psychological mystery series by Kate Gable and it is a winner! Alexis Forrest is a rookie FBI agent who left her town of Broken Hills and all the bad memories behind. But when a young girl goes missing. the FBI sends Alexis back to Broken Hills to help in the investigation. This missing girl case has similarities to the death of Alexis' sister, causing the divorce of her parents. But she takes the case seriously and is determined to bring the criminal to justice especially when another girl was found murdered. Are the cases connected? What are the secrets the town holds? Can she do this? She has to deal with the town, a murderer, a former boyfriend and a chief of police that isn't thrilled she was assigned to his office. And this page turning thriller has you on the edge of your seat until the end and then we are hit with a cliff hanger! NOOOOO! I can't wait for the next book in this series! This is a really well written series that keeps you turning page after page. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Ilse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexis Forrest never thought she'd go home again. However, sometimes things don't work out the way your think or hope. Alexis is now an FBI agent and she has been ordered to return to Broken Hill to help solve the disappearance of a missing teenager. This means not only must she confront her past, which includes the murder of her sister, her father's imprisonment and her estrangement from her parents, but also her high school sweetheart.

Before she gets to really dig into the case of the missing teenager, another girl is found dead. Alexis begins to suspect that Broken Hill might have a serial killer in their midst. Will Alexis be able to confront all her personal issues and still solve this case?

Find out by reading this book that has drama, suspense, twists and turns and plenty of secrets that need to be exposed. A fast read that will keep you turning the pages.

[Judi Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexis Forrest is an FBI Agent and has been requested to take the case of a missing teenage girl that lives in her hometown, Broken Hill. Alexis left town after graduation as the parents were divorced and her father was sentenced to prison for trying to kill the man that was convicted by killing Alexis' sister, Maddie.

The disappearance of the girl is much like what happened to Maddie and Alexis can't help but feel that these cases might be connected. But, coming back home is the last thing she wanted to do. She left a lot of memories of an old love and then the relationship with her Mother has not been good for the past years.

Broken Hill is full of secrets, but will Alexis finally discover the missing girl and will she be in time? Is this the same person that took her sister all the years ago and did her father try to kill an innocent man.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this psychological thriller but be aware it isn't a completed story. There is a series of 3 books and I'm moving on to the 2nd one. I don't think I'd want to read them any way but reading the 3 together in order. The well-defined lead character, FBI agent Alexis Forrest, is likeable and and easy to cheer for in solving her assigned but close to home case of abducted young girls. Her own sister had been abducted and killed when she was young. I did notice one apparent error in the book. The story takes place in a small Maine town of Broken Hill. But in a couple places in the book the town is referred to as Beacon Hill. My guess is that somewhere along the line the author decided to change the name of the town and missed a couple places in making a global edit? It had me confused for a bit.

[Debbie DiFiore · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were parts I wasn't quite sure I understood. Like not doing an autopsy on a murdered girl because the parents wouldn't like it? Not interviewing the girls friends because their parents said no? There were a couple of others too that made me think because of course ID channel always has this stuff happening. But maybe its not legal. Like the principal not wanting to show them the video surveillance? Wouldn't they have to?? Otherwise it's good. I really thought it was someone else. But it definitely has a twist. I just hate that its a cliffhanger. And it looks like there ate at least three or four more books before we get the answers. I was very intrigued by the story. But five more before I get an answer. I just don't know.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy this author’s books and was looking forward to this new series. Alexis Forrest is a forensic psychologist who’s now joined the FBI. When she gets sent back to her home town for a case of a missing girl she’s finding herself bringing up a lot of memories some good and some bad. Alexis knows exactly how this family feels as it’s also what tore her family apart when her older sister went missing and was found dead. Alexis is determined to get to the bottom of this case regardless of the painful memories it stirs up. This is rollercoaster ride leaving you waiting to see what happens next in book two.

[Marilyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexis is a rookie FBI Agent and a forensic psychologist and is sent to her hometown to help with a murder investigation. She goes but has past family issues with her divorced parents and the memories of her older sister’s murder. But the investigation into a girls murder has the locals not wanting her there. But another girl has been murdered and she’s looking into secrets in the town. She finds a past love that comes along that takes her into a lot of things to sort out. But the more she investigated the more secrets in the town seems to become close to coming out and some don’t want that to happen! I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Karen Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in this series. FBI Agent Alexis Forrest returns to her hometown to find a missing girl, years after her sister had been murdered.

While they are investigating and looking for Camille Martin the body of another girl turns up dead, Alexis is convinced that they are connected but can't find how yet! Alexis is certain she has the killer but still can't find the connection between the two girls but has she got the right man?

I loved this book, it's well written and keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole way through, then when you are certain you have worked it out it twists another way. It finishes on a cliffhanger, but I have the next book to read.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forest of Silence introduces FBI agent Alexis Forrest who returns to her hometown to assist the local police in solving the case of Camille, a missing teenager feared to abducted. While there Alexis fights the ghosts of her older sister, Maddie, who was abducted and brutally murdered years ago which resulted in family dysfunction. This book is an exciting beginning to this series with its psychological and plot twists, kidnapping, suspense, and a cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Josette Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anytime young girls go missing, everyone is on high alert to find them. This case is different for Alexis. Her sister disappeared when she was young and the loss has tormented her for decades. So when she is given a new case that has similarities to other disappearances, Alexis is only to happy to investigate. The further involved she becomes, she finds out shocking details that could change the course of the case she is working on. Now I must go read more in Forest of Shadows.

[C Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book of a new series…..

Alexis, an FBI agent, was sent on a case to her home town. A young girl disappeared from school. Another young woman turns up dead. Alexis’ sister was also murdered many years ago in Alexis hometown. Alexis must emotionally keep it together as works to solve this case. This book has enough story line to keep the reader engaged and wanting to know more about

[karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

FBI mystery

I started this series4 books ago. There are 3 different themes going through each book. I kept reading to find out one theme in particular. theme but I find this series repetitive and I’m still two books away from finding my answer. I would not recommend this series. It’s very simple and has become unending. It caught my eye but it just goes on and on about the same things.

[Laura Poppenwimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting psychological thriller, plot just a bit different. The FBI investigator Ales also a victim of the type of crime she is currently investigating in her home town. The plot moves quickly and the book is very easy to read, the pages just fly by. Not the best crime thriller I have read but interesting enough to download the next book in the series which picks up right where this one leaves off.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forest of Silence has everything I love in a story. FBI agent Alexis Forest is now one of my favorite characters. This story is very well written. Kate Gable is one of my favorite authors and with Forest of Silence she hit it out of the ballpark!

I received an advanced copy in the exchange for an honest review.

[Sammye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was full of twists and turns. Lots of drama. It’s an edge of your seat, fast paced page turner. The suspense was intense. Alexis, who is a rookie FBI agent, is assigned a missing persons case. The plot is very well developed and entertaining. This is a very good start to a new thriller series.

[Bren · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's so many twist in the plot of this story it'll keep your mind busy trying to put the piece of what you learn together. Alexis Forrest's character has a brilliant mind seeking answers where others fall short. Here's a warning you'll be so intrigued by what Alexis figures out you won't see the cliffhanger coming. February 28th can't get here fast enough so I can read the next book.

[Sheryl Burnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping Thriller

This story is full of twists and turns. It had me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't put it down. Now I'm looking forward to the next adventure of FBI agent Alexis in the pursuit of her sisters real killer. I'm also excited to see if she keeps up with her re- established relationship with her ex boyfriend.

[christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forest of Silence

Fantastic!!!This in an on the edge gripping FBI thriller and Alexis Forrest is the best of the best when it comes to interviewing a suspect and looking for evidence at a crime scene but what she finds will take your breath away and the serial killer has been right under their noses for 20 years. Believable characters that you won't forget. A must read.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

fbi agent alexis is sent to her home town when a teen age girl goes missing. then another teen is found died. as she and the local police hunt for the person doing this she has to confront the past in which her sister went missing and her ex boyfriend that she left. this is a good mystery but there is a cliff hanger. well written suspense story

[Robin Tellier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took me a minute

I am going to be totally and completely honest here it took me a while to get into this book it seems to be more different than her other books. By that I mean it’s like a different type of writing is what it seems like to me. I could be wrong and if I am please let me know so I can go back and re-read this book from the beginning.

[Kazia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story with characters that I found interesting. I listened to the book on audible and it was read by an AI voice that was not great and I had a hard time with it (no emotion, missed pronounced some word, figuring who was talking and some points) but the interesting story kept me engaged enough to “stand” the voice.

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rookie FBI agent Alexis Forrest is assigned a missing person case in her hometown. She reconnects with a former boyfriend Mitch. Another missing girl is found dead, much like Alexis's sister was found 20 years ago. A fast-paced novel that is a cliff hanger. Waiting for the next in the series.