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Vegas Shadows #1
The Silent Watcher
The bestselling author of A Killer’s Wife delivers a haunting legal thriller, plunging the reader headlong into the search for a deadly stalker—and a quest to bring a young victim peace.
Far from the neon glare of the Vegas strip, attorney Piper Danes walks away from a hotshot law firm to work as a guardian ad litem (GAL). Piper was once a vulnerable youth herself, and a GAL gave her hope when she needed it most. Now she’s committed to paying it forward.
Her first case is unlike any fifteen-year-old Sophie Grace is the sole survivor of a gruesome family murder. Teaming up with the formidable Judge Hope Dawson and enigmatic Detective Lazarus Holloway, Piper delves into a world more sinister than she could have imagined.
Their hunt for the truth leads to a serial killer known only as “The Creeper,” a predator who hides in the shadows. But as the team inches closer to unveiling the murderer, they find themselves in the crosshairs. Trapped in a web of lies, Piper will do anything to protect Sophie and stop the killer…before she becomes his next victim.
Far from the neon glare of the Vegas strip, attorney Piper Danes walks away from a hotshot law firm to work as a guardian ad litem (GAL). Piper was once a vulnerable youth herself, and a GAL gave her hope when she needed it most. Now she’s committed to paying it forward.
Her first case is unlike any fifteen-year-old Sophie Grace is the sole survivor of a gruesome family murder. Teaming up with the formidable Judge Hope Dawson and enigmatic Detective Lazarus Holloway, Piper delves into a world more sinister than she could have imagined.
Their hunt for the truth leads to a serial killer known only as “The Creeper,” a predator who hides in the shadows. But as the team inches closer to unveiling the murderer, they find themselves in the crosshairs. Trapped in a web of lies, Piper will do anything to protect Sophie and stop the killer…before she becomes his next victim.
351 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2024
10331 people are currently reading
18835 people want to read
About the author
Victor Methos
75 books2,093 followersVictor Methos is the Edgar Award nominated bestselling author of over forty novels. He has been a criminal and civil rights lawyer in the Mountain West, conducting over 100 trials, and produces two books a year with his dog Fraiser by his side.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 978 reviews
November 30, 2024
Excitement abounds when there’s a new series from Victor Methos.
The Silent Watcher
begins the Vegas Shadows series. Set in Las Vegas, Nevada, this legal and crime thriller features attorney Piper Danes and Detective Lazarus Holloway. Piper was once an endangered youth who is now a court-appointed representative who acts on behalf children or vulnerable adults in legal proceedings.
Piper is good at connecting with children. She’s empathetic with victims, smart, curious, kindhearted, and driven. Lazarus is blunt, logical, sees the world as a puzzle to be solved, and passionate about his job. Judge Dawson is smart, has both a medical degree and a legal degree, and comes from a wealthy and influential family. Despite these traits, each of the main characters has flaws that make them more realistic and relatable, but not always likeable.
The fact that the lawyer (Piper) was neither the prosecutor nor a defense attorney added a different twist on the usual legal thriller. Additionally, a grant allows for a different way of approaching cases involving juveniles. Juvenile court judge Hope Dawson, Piper, and Lazarus team up on a case. Sophie Grace is the sole survivor when her family is murdered. The hunt for the truth and the murderer leads the trio on a suspenseful journey.
This medium-paced story gripped me from beginning to end. The author does a great job building suspense until it culminates in a volatile conclusion. Shocking scenes and information provide a counterpoint to the suspense, investigation and trial. It’s a story with plenty of layers, some of which are quite dark and disturbing.
This gritty thriller is a fantastic, but disquieting and scary-to-think-about start to the series. The author’s experience as a lawyer added to the authenticity of the courtroom and other legal aspects of the plot. Gripping scenes and a well-crafted and riveting plot hooked me from the very beginning. It is unsettling at times, but this is balanced with thoughtful moments of Piper with her grandmother and with Sophie as well as some emotional scenes. The book was a page-turner that kept me engaged throughout the storyline. My only quibble was with the ending. While the case is resolved, I didn’t like some aspects of it and there were a couple of loose threads.
Overall, this thriller was uncomfortable at times, suspenseful, tragic, and intense. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. Combining a police procedural, child advocacy, a mystery, charged and intense courtroom scenes, and an action-packed ending makes this novel a must read for those who enjoy legal and crime thrillers with a dark twist.
Thomas and Mercer and Victor Methos provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for December 01, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4.45 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Piper is good at connecting with children. She’s empathetic with victims, smart, curious, kindhearted, and driven. Lazarus is blunt, logical, sees the world as a puzzle to be solved, and passionate about his job. Judge Dawson is smart, has both a medical degree and a legal degree, and comes from a wealthy and influential family. Despite these traits, each of the main characters has flaws that make them more realistic and relatable, but not always likeable.
The fact that the lawyer (Piper) was neither the prosecutor nor a defense attorney added a different twist on the usual legal thriller. Additionally, a grant allows for a different way of approaching cases involving juveniles. Juvenile court judge Hope Dawson, Piper, and Lazarus team up on a case. Sophie Grace is the sole survivor when her family is murdered. The hunt for the truth and the murderer leads the trio on a suspenseful journey.
This medium-paced story gripped me from beginning to end. The author does a great job building suspense until it culminates in a volatile conclusion. Shocking scenes and information provide a counterpoint to the suspense, investigation and trial. It’s a story with plenty of layers, some of which are quite dark and disturbing.
This gritty thriller is a fantastic, but disquieting and scary-to-think-about start to the series. The author’s experience as a lawyer added to the authenticity of the courtroom and other legal aspects of the plot. Gripping scenes and a well-crafted and riveting plot hooked me from the very beginning. It is unsettling at times, but this is balanced with thoughtful moments of Piper with her grandmother and with Sophie as well as some emotional scenes. The book was a page-turner that kept me engaged throughout the storyline. My only quibble was with the ending. While the case is resolved, I didn’t like some aspects of it and there were a couple of loose threads.
Overall, this thriller was uncomfortable at times, suspenseful, tragic, and intense. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. Combining a police procedural, child advocacy, a mystery, charged and intense courtroom scenes, and an action-packed ending makes this novel a must read for those who enjoy legal and crime thrillers with a dark twist.
Thomas and Mercer and Victor Methos provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for December 01, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4.45 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
January 13, 2025
The first book in a new unputdownable series, The Silent Watcher was mind-blowing in the extreme. Gripping right from the start with a murder in the opening act, I was spellbound as we were introduced to the two main characters: Lazarus and Piper. During a dark and twisted case, I grew to understand this original duo as they struggled to both protect a young victim as well as capture a killer. And while the plot was much more crime fiction than legal thriller until the last third or so of the novel, the even pace and eerie feel meant that the explosive climax made quite the impact as my fingers utterly flew through the pages.
Via an unnerving, nightmare-esque premise, the characters were the shining stars as the plot twisted and turned. Between the soft-hearted Piper and the cynical Lazarus, they were both well-developed, realistic personas that had me in the palms of their hands. Put together, they made quite the combo that had me riveted from beginning to end. And what an end that it was. Due to an open-ended conclusion that clearly set this book up for a sequel, I’m already ready and waiting to find out what’s going to happen to these two in the next much anticipated installment. After all, their personalities were framed only for events to take a wrecking ball to them in the strongest way possible.
All said and done, this was one intense, sinister spine-tingler of a thriller. With well-honed multiple POVs, short chapters, and one creepy, creepy twist, I am now a full-on convert to my dear Mr. Methos. I mean, how could I not love an author who managed to craft anxiety-inducing scenes alongside an action-packed plot that had me holding on for dear life? So if you love a serial killer storyline that takes one heck of a shocking turn, you simply must grab a copy of this book today. You’ll surely end up reading late into the night. Just be sure to leave the lights on as you binge read this tale. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Far from the neon glare of the Vegas Strip, attorney Piper Danes walks away from a hotshot law firm to work as a guardian ad litem (GAL). Piper was once a vulnerable youth herself, and a GAL gave her hope when she needed it most. Now she’s committed to paying it forward.
Her latest case is unlike any other: fifteen-year-old Sophie Grace is the sole survivor of a gruesome family murder. Teaming up with the formidable Judge Hope Dawson and enigmatic Detective Lazarus Holloway, Piper delves into a world more sinister than she could have imagined.
Their hunt for the truth leads to a serial killer known only as “the Creeper,” a predator who hides in the shadows. But as the team inches closer to unveiling the murderer, they find themselves in the crosshairs. Trapped in a web of lies, Piper will do anything to protect Sophie and stop the killer…before she becomes his next victim.
Thank you to Victor Methos, Thomas & Mercer, and MBC Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: December 1, 2024 (out now)
Trigger warning: breaking and entering, gun violence, mention of: murder, drug addiction
Via an unnerving, nightmare-esque premise, the characters were the shining stars as the plot twisted and turned. Between the soft-hearted Piper and the cynical Lazarus, they were both well-developed, realistic personas that had me in the palms of their hands. Put together, they made quite the combo that had me riveted from beginning to end. And what an end that it was. Due to an open-ended conclusion that clearly set this book up for a sequel, I’m already ready and waiting to find out what’s going to happen to these two in the next much anticipated installment. After all, their personalities were framed only for events to take a wrecking ball to them in the strongest way possible.
All said and done, this was one intense, sinister spine-tingler of a thriller. With well-honed multiple POVs, short chapters, and one creepy, creepy twist, I am now a full-on convert to my dear Mr. Methos. I mean, how could I not love an author who managed to craft anxiety-inducing scenes alongside an action-packed plot that had me holding on for dear life? So if you love a serial killer storyline that takes one heck of a shocking turn, you simply must grab a copy of this book today. You’ll surely end up reading late into the night. Just be sure to leave the lights on as you binge read this tale. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Far from the neon glare of the Vegas Strip, attorney Piper Danes walks away from a hotshot law firm to work as a guardian ad litem (GAL). Piper was once a vulnerable youth herself, and a GAL gave her hope when she needed it most. Now she’s committed to paying it forward.
Her latest case is unlike any other: fifteen-year-old Sophie Grace is the sole survivor of a gruesome family murder. Teaming up with the formidable Judge Hope Dawson and enigmatic Detective Lazarus Holloway, Piper delves into a world more sinister than she could have imagined.
Their hunt for the truth leads to a serial killer known only as “the Creeper,” a predator who hides in the shadows. But as the team inches closer to unveiling the murderer, they find themselves in the crosshairs. Trapped in a web of lies, Piper will do anything to protect Sophie and stop the killer…before she becomes his next victim.
Thank you to Victor Methos, Thomas & Mercer, and MBC Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: December 1, 2024 (out now)
Trigger warning: breaking and entering, gun violence, mention of: murder, drug addiction
November 2, 2024
Two horrific crimes. One common denominator. known as The Creeper
Piper Dane, a guardian ad litem, has been chosen by a distinguished Judge for a new assignment.
She’ll be teamed up with two detectives, Lazarus and Riley, in the juvenile crimes division. Though questioning why she’s joined their team, they soon realize she may be the perfect fit.
Their first case together involves fifteen year old Sophie who walked in on the murder of her mother and brother. She escaped by jumping out of her bedroom window or the killer would’ve made her his next victim.
As harrowing as that sounds, there is another eerily similar crime that occurred not so long ago that left three young adults murdered at a family cabin.
Lazarus has been haunted by the initial murder and feels that these separate killings are linked.
But can the team find the murderer before there are more victims?
A bit police procedural combined with intense courtroom action mixed in. (Best of both worlds) Short chapters and strong character development keep the storyline moving along at a quick pace.
This is book one of a new series and I’m looking forward to the next installment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer.
Piper Dane, a guardian ad litem, has been chosen by a distinguished Judge for a new assignment.
She’ll be teamed up with two detectives, Lazarus and Riley, in the juvenile crimes division. Though questioning why she’s joined their team, they soon realize she may be the perfect fit.
Their first case together involves fifteen year old Sophie who walked in on the murder of her mother and brother. She escaped by jumping out of her bedroom window or the killer would’ve made her his next victim.
As harrowing as that sounds, there is another eerily similar crime that occurred not so long ago that left three young adults murdered at a family cabin.
Lazarus has been haunted by the initial murder and feels that these separate killings are linked.
But can the team find the murderer before there are more victims?
A bit police procedural combined with intense courtroom action mixed in. (Best of both worlds) Short chapters and strong character development keep the storyline moving along at a quick pace.
This is book one of a new series and I’m looking forward to the next installment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer.
September 9, 2025
Pretty good!
August 31, 2024
I finished this in two friggin’ days! Whoa what a wild story! Holy gawd, what a gritty tale this legal thriller was!!! I loved every single minute of it!
The book starts off with some murder right away! Hook, line and sinker! Piper Danes works as a guardian ad litem, someone who represents the youth. They are appointed by the court to make decisions in the best interest of the child.
Piper lands a case where Sophie Grace is the sole survivor of the brutal murder of her family. Who murdered them and is this the work of a serial killer? Piper teams up with detective Lazarus Holloway to find out.
Lazarus was my favorite character! A broken cop with no boundaries! Sign me up!! This guy means business! Loved him and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for him in the next installment!
A shocking ending 😱😱😱. Whoa!!! Get ready folks! I highly recommend this gritty mind-bending legal thriller. It’s the first in a new series and I can’t wait for the next one!!! Add this to your TBR!!!
Huge thanks to @mbcbooks @victormethos and @amazonpublishing for this gorgeous #gifted copy!!!
Publication December 3,2024
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The book starts off with some murder right away! Hook, line and sinker! Piper Danes works as a guardian ad litem, someone who represents the youth. They are appointed by the court to make decisions in the best interest of the child.
Piper lands a case where Sophie Grace is the sole survivor of the brutal murder of her family. Who murdered them and is this the work of a serial killer? Piper teams up with detective Lazarus Holloway to find out.
Lazarus was my favorite character! A broken cop with no boundaries! Sign me up!! This guy means business! Loved him and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for him in the next installment!
A shocking ending 😱😱😱. Whoa!!! Get ready folks! I highly recommend this gritty mind-bending legal thriller. It’s the first in a new series and I can’t wait for the next one!!! Add this to your TBR!!!
Huge thanks to @mbcbooks @victormethos and @amazonpublishing for this gorgeous #gifted copy!!!
Publication December 3,2024
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 20, 2024
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Victor Methos, and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
I have long enjoyed the work of Victor Methos, from his legal thrillers to those of a more mysterious nature. He returns with a new series that touches on a new legal perspective with all the intensity of many past books. Methos is able to effectively build up his protagonist and keep the reader enthralled as the action flourishes. Piper Danes has always had a soft spot for the victims of crime. Her legal profession is in its infancy, so it is a shocker when she agrees become a guardian ad litem on a pilot project. Working with the sole surviving victim of a horrible crime, Piper and the detective assigned to work with her try to unravel the truth while trying to catch a serial killer who lurks in the shadows of Las Vegas. Methos stirs up a great deal in this piece and keeps the reader on edge.
Up and coming attorney, Piper Danes, finds herself on the fast track to success at a Las Vegas law firm. However, she is hand-picked to help work on a pilot project that would see her take on the role of guardian ad litem (GAL) to a handful of crime victims. Remembering all the help GAL provided her when she was younger, Piper jumps at the opportunity to return the favour.
Guided by a forward-thinking judge and a less than compassionate detective, Piper is assigned the case of Sophie Grace. The 15 year-old is the sole survivor of a gruesome murder in her home, with the killer still at large. This is a world Piper could never fathom and the stakes are high. Trying to peel back the truth with Detective Lazarus Holloway, Piper discovers some chilling parallels to another crime a few years ago, where the victim spoke of a similar elusive attacker.
While the case progresses, Piper and Holloway may have found a means of linking the cases, with “The Creeper” as a prime suspect. He lurks in the shadows and commits horrible crimes, leaving victims eviscerated. While Piper wants to advocate for Sophie, she must cross swords with the legal system and a savvy attorney who tosses psychological assessments and loopholes into the mix. Vowing never to let Sophie’s voice go unheard, Piper must use her skills and watch her back before she is pulled into the middle of the horrors. A stunning series debut by Victor Methos.
I have long enjoyed the work of Victor Methos, whose abilities to capture the reader’s attention with poignant novels is second to none. Methos takes the legal thriller genre and turns it on its head with this piece, adding new flavours and angles to impress. The narrative flow is quick and impactful, leaving little time for the reader to wonder what is going on. A strong protagonist with a backstory of her own, Piper Danes intrigues the reader from the opening pages. Surrounded by others whose stories are left unresolved, Piper leads the way as she pushes through the darkness of what Methos develops. Propelled by short chapters and an intense set of plot twists, the story evolves and leaves things on edge until the final pages, where even then, resolution is not complete. I am eager to tackle more of this series, as it becomes available.
Kudos, Mr. Methos, for impressing once more.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
I have long enjoyed the work of Victor Methos, from his legal thrillers to those of a more mysterious nature. He returns with a new series that touches on a new legal perspective with all the intensity of many past books. Methos is able to effectively build up his protagonist and keep the reader enthralled as the action flourishes. Piper Danes has always had a soft spot for the victims of crime. Her legal profession is in its infancy, so it is a shocker when she agrees become a guardian ad litem on a pilot project. Working with the sole surviving victim of a horrible crime, Piper and the detective assigned to work with her try to unravel the truth while trying to catch a serial killer who lurks in the shadows of Las Vegas. Methos stirs up a great deal in this piece and keeps the reader on edge.
Up and coming attorney, Piper Danes, finds herself on the fast track to success at a Las Vegas law firm. However, she is hand-picked to help work on a pilot project that would see her take on the role of guardian ad litem (GAL) to a handful of crime victims. Remembering all the help GAL provided her when she was younger, Piper jumps at the opportunity to return the favour.
Guided by a forward-thinking judge and a less than compassionate detective, Piper is assigned the case of Sophie Grace. The 15 year-old is the sole survivor of a gruesome murder in her home, with the killer still at large. This is a world Piper could never fathom and the stakes are high. Trying to peel back the truth with Detective Lazarus Holloway, Piper discovers some chilling parallels to another crime a few years ago, where the victim spoke of a similar elusive attacker.
While the case progresses, Piper and Holloway may have found a means of linking the cases, with “The Creeper” as a prime suspect. He lurks in the shadows and commits horrible crimes, leaving victims eviscerated. While Piper wants to advocate for Sophie, she must cross swords with the legal system and a savvy attorney who tosses psychological assessments and loopholes into the mix. Vowing never to let Sophie’s voice go unheard, Piper must use her skills and watch her back before she is pulled into the middle of the horrors. A stunning series debut by Victor Methos.
I have long enjoyed the work of Victor Methos, whose abilities to capture the reader’s attention with poignant novels is second to none. Methos takes the legal thriller genre and turns it on its head with this piece, adding new flavours and angles to impress. The narrative flow is quick and impactful, leaving little time for the reader to wonder what is going on. A strong protagonist with a backstory of her own, Piper Danes intrigues the reader from the opening pages. Surrounded by others whose stories are left unresolved, Piper leads the way as she pushes through the darkness of what Methos develops. Propelled by short chapters and an intense set of plot twists, the story evolves and leaves things on edge until the final pages, where even then, resolution is not complete. I am eager to tackle more of this series, as it becomes available.
Kudos, Mr. Methos, for impressing once more.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
December 21, 2024
Guys…. I loved this book!! 😍 Thank you so much to @mbc_books @amazonpublishing for my absolutely gorgeous gifted copy!! Swipe to check out more of this cover!! Finn loved it too. 🐾 Okay.. what does book have to do with Christmas?? Nothing! 😂 Except get it on your list for Santa. 😉
This is a intense start to a new series by @victormethos … and let me tell you I can’t wait to read the next book!! Wow! They call him.. The Creeper.. 😳…
Meet Sophie Grace… the sole survivor of a serial killer massacre… 😳… She walked in on her entire family being murdered… which begs to question.. why did Sophie survive? 🤔 Luck.. or something more sinister?? Hmm..
This literally checked all the boxes for me!
✅ SO intense 😬
✅Creepy AF😳
✅ ✅✅ Serial killer
✅ That ENDING!! 😳🤯
Bring on book two!! 🤩 This was a perfect mix of police procedural and legal thriller. I seriously flew through this book!! I couldn’t put it down. This is my first @victormethos book and it was a hands down five stars❤️
December 5, 2024
Piper Danes has just become a guardian ad litem (GAL), a neutral person appointed by a court to advocate for the best interests of a child or incapacitated person, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Her first case involves 15-year-old Sophie Grace who is the sole survivor of a gruesome family murder. Teaming up with Judge Hope Dawson and Detective Lazarus Holloway, Piper delves into a world more sinister than she could have imagined.
A great book that I read so fast I thought there must've been a mistake in the page count. Somehow I still didn't manage to get it finished by the publication date, but almost! I really liked the characters, especially Piper and her grandmother, the setting, and the short snappy chapters which made the pages fly by. A combination police procedural and courtroom drama with one of the creepiest villains I've ever run across. I've enjoyed everything by Victor Methos that I've read and if this is the start of a new series, sign me up! I have to admit that I wasn't too crazy about the ending which seemed rather abrupt, like maybe the author ran out of steam; otherwise I would've given the book 5 stars.
My thanks to Thomas & Mercer via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: December 1, 2024
A great book that I read so fast I thought there must've been a mistake in the page count. Somehow I still didn't manage to get it finished by the publication date, but almost! I really liked the characters, especially Piper and her grandmother, the setting, and the short snappy chapters which made the pages fly by. A combination police procedural and courtroom drama with one of the creepiest villains I've ever run across. I've enjoyed everything by Victor Methos that I've read and if this is the start of a new series, sign me up! I have to admit that I wasn't too crazy about the ending which seemed rather abrupt, like maybe the author ran out of steam; otherwise I would've given the book 5 stars.
My thanks to Thomas & Mercer via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: December 1, 2024
November 4, 2024
Im giving this book 4⭐ from the beginning it hook me in, however it was a little early when they catch who was responsible for all of those things but i get it because of what happened after they catch him overall it was really good definitely worth a try if you like thriller, Court and police and lawyer and all of the stuff and it ended in someway the ending say it not over just yet so im wanting to see were it's going 😆
November 8, 2024
Seriously? Bad character development and just yuck writing. Free read from Amazon and that was still too expensive.
June 13, 2024
My Rating: 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ great new series by a great author!!
Piper Danes is a GAL - guardian ad litem and works with vulnerable youths, just as she once was. Her GAL gave her hope when she needed it most and now she is committed to helping others.
Her first case is a gruesome one, Sophie Grace is 15 and the sole survivor of the murder of her whole family.
Pipe teams up with the formidable Judge Hope Dawson and Detective Lazarus Holloway. As they delve into a sinister world of a killer things get worse than they could imagine and lead to a serial killer known only as The Creeper.
Piper will put it all on the line to keep Sophie Grace safe - but will she end up risking more than she bargained for?
I was really excited when I saw this book, I really like Victor Methos and his legal thrillers. This one is quite a bit darker than I was expecting and I was pleasantly surprised by it.
The writing is great and the story is banging right from the start. I really liked all the characters as well. Piper is determined and a bit shy, Judge Dawson is odd and powerful but sure of herself and Detective Holloway skirts the line between good and bad like only a Vegas cop can.
I thought I had it all figured out but I didn’t even though we know who the killer is… the legal battle is actually one of the best bits of this whole novel. I was really into it and you can tell that the author is a lawyer and knows his stuff. He writes the courtroom so well and the defence attorney was brutal in her pursuit to win while knowingly trying to get a killer off a charge. I can just imagine it really does play out like this.
I had a few edge of my seat moments and I really blasted through it. I am pretty confident that Methos has set this up as a new series and I am really excited about that. I will absolutely be reading the next in line. I do suspect though that these will be best read in order.
I was really wrapped up in the writing - here excerpt of one that pulled on my heartstrings….
Then they spotted a chew toy in the corner and dashed toward it. One of them managed to sink its teeth into it, and the other one bumped into the first, emitting a playful bark, trying to assert dominance, which made Sophie giggle.
Her laughter was soft and sweet but evoked sadness in Piper.
Sophie gently rubbed Bruiser’s head and whispered, “You’re alone just like me, aren’t you?”
Suddenly, the young teen lowered her head over the puppy, clutching it tightly. She closed her eyes in an attempt to hold back tears, but the sobs overtook her, and she couldn’t stop them.
As Sophie wept, Piper joined her on the floor and wrapped one arm around the girl, and they sat with Sophie crying and the puppies wrestling.
Ahhh I’m not crying you are!!!
There are some funny bits in this one as well and I really just was here for the whole thing. It might not be a traditional 5 stars for others but I had no complaints. Any minor issues can be put down to it being a fiction police procedural/legal thriller and nothing is perfect but I really loved it and was actually disappointed when it finished.
I would also recommend his other books particularly A Killer's Wife.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer, NetGalley and Victor Methos for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Piper Danes is a GAL - guardian ad litem and works with vulnerable youths, just as she once was. Her GAL gave her hope when she needed it most and now she is committed to helping others.
Her first case is a gruesome one, Sophie Grace is 15 and the sole survivor of the murder of her whole family.
Pipe teams up with the formidable Judge Hope Dawson and Detective Lazarus Holloway. As they delve into a sinister world of a killer things get worse than they could imagine and lead to a serial killer known only as The Creeper.
Piper will put it all on the line to keep Sophie Grace safe - but will she end up risking more than she bargained for?
I was really excited when I saw this book, I really like Victor Methos and his legal thrillers. This one is quite a bit darker than I was expecting and I was pleasantly surprised by it.
The writing is great and the story is banging right from the start. I really liked all the characters as well. Piper is determined and a bit shy, Judge Dawson is odd and powerful but sure of herself and Detective Holloway skirts the line between good and bad like only a Vegas cop can.
I thought I had it all figured out but I didn’t even though we know who the killer is… the legal battle is actually one of the best bits of this whole novel. I was really into it and you can tell that the author is a lawyer and knows his stuff. He writes the courtroom so well and the defence attorney was brutal in her pursuit to win while knowingly trying to get a killer off a charge. I can just imagine it really does play out like this.
I had a few edge of my seat moments and I really blasted through it. I am pretty confident that Methos has set this up as a new series and I am really excited about that. I will absolutely be reading the next in line. I do suspect though that these will be best read in order.
I was really wrapped up in the writing - here excerpt of one that pulled on my heartstrings….
Then they spotted a chew toy in the corner and dashed toward it. One of them managed to sink its teeth into it, and the other one bumped into the first, emitting a playful bark, trying to assert dominance, which made Sophie giggle.
Her laughter was soft and sweet but evoked sadness in Piper.
Sophie gently rubbed Bruiser’s head and whispered, “You’re alone just like me, aren’t you?”
Suddenly, the young teen lowered her head over the puppy, clutching it tightly. She closed her eyes in an attempt to hold back tears, but the sobs overtook her, and she couldn’t stop them.
As Sophie wept, Piper joined her on the floor and wrapped one arm around the girl, and they sat with Sophie crying and the puppies wrestling.
Ahhh I’m not crying you are!!!
There are some funny bits in this one as well and I really just was here for the whole thing. It might not be a traditional 5 stars for others but I had no complaints. Any minor issues can be put down to it being a fiction police procedural/legal thriller and nothing is perfect but I really loved it and was actually disappointed when it finished.
I would also recommend his other books particularly A Killer's Wife.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer, NetGalley and Victor Methos for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2025
“It’s a unique case. Survivors and home invasion mass murders like this are rare. Why do you think someone would leave Sophie Grace alive?”
~Judge Hope Dawson
____
Piper Danes, a guardian ad litem, is assigned to advocate for 15 year old Sophie Grace, the lone survivor of a family massacre. Judge Hope Dawson, for her own reasons, hand picked Piper, as well as Detective Lazarus “Laz” Holloway, to handle Sophie’s case. The search for truth leads to a serial killer called “The Creeper”.
WoW. This starts off I n T e N s E, like a scene out of a slasher horror flick! I was immediately HOOKED. Set in Las Vegas, Victor Methos’ lush and vivid prose brought the city to LIFE from the casinos, to the desert, to a dark and seedy underbelly. Laz fits into the atmosphere perfectly as a hardboiled detective married to the job, willing to do whatever it takes. Piper is equally compelling, a fierce advocate for her ward, keeping Sophie’s wellbeing TOP priority, no matter what.
THE SILENT WATCHER is the perfect blend of a police procedural and a legal thriller. I LOVE legal arguments and great courtroom scenes and there were SEVERAL to appreciate. I even chuckled at clever tactics used by an attorney. Direct and cross examinations are my favorite! Then I realized Victor Methos is an attorney who spent time as both a prosecutor AND defense lawyer. Well NO WONDER the courtroom scenes sizzle with brilliance!
Seriously one of the more ominous villains I’ve encountered, “The Creeper” lived up to the moniker and then some! I could picture the killer so clearly I got the willies! *shivers* Along with gripping intellectual moments, there is stunning intensity and propulsive action. Don’t even get me started on that terrifying pulse pounding climax! I’m STOKED this is a series; I can’t wait to see what Judge Dawson cooks up for Laz next. THE SILENT WATCHER is a dark and visceral edge-of-your-seat thriller, with a side of sinister! Crime lovers run and grab this one ASAP!
____
Thank you MBC Books & Amazon Publishing for the gifted copies. All opinions are mine.
____
Potential spoiler content warnings below.
⚠️Content warnings: gore, home invasion, violence, gun violence, Mention of: stabbing, cannibalism, drug addiction, Alzheimer’s, bullying, traumatic brain injury, suicide
~Judge Hope Dawson
____
Piper Danes, a guardian ad litem, is assigned to advocate for 15 year old Sophie Grace, the lone survivor of a family massacre. Judge Hope Dawson, for her own reasons, hand picked Piper, as well as Detective Lazarus “Laz” Holloway, to handle Sophie’s case. The search for truth leads to a serial killer called “The Creeper”.
WoW. This starts off I n T e N s E, like a scene out of a slasher horror flick! I was immediately HOOKED. Set in Las Vegas, Victor Methos’ lush and vivid prose brought the city to LIFE from the casinos, to the desert, to a dark and seedy underbelly. Laz fits into the atmosphere perfectly as a hardboiled detective married to the job, willing to do whatever it takes. Piper is equally compelling, a fierce advocate for her ward, keeping Sophie’s wellbeing TOP priority, no matter what.
THE SILENT WATCHER is the perfect blend of a police procedural and a legal thriller. I LOVE legal arguments and great courtroom scenes and there were SEVERAL to appreciate. I even chuckled at clever tactics used by an attorney. Direct and cross examinations are my favorite! Then I realized Victor Methos is an attorney who spent time as both a prosecutor AND defense lawyer. Well NO WONDER the courtroom scenes sizzle with brilliance!
Seriously one of the more ominous villains I’ve encountered, “The Creeper” lived up to the moniker and then some! I could picture the killer so clearly I got the willies! *shivers* Along with gripping intellectual moments, there is stunning intensity and propulsive action. Don’t even get me started on that terrifying pulse pounding climax! I’m STOKED this is a series; I can’t wait to see what Judge Dawson cooks up for Laz next. THE SILENT WATCHER is a dark and visceral edge-of-your-seat thriller, with a side of sinister! Crime lovers run and grab this one ASAP!
____
Thank you MBC Books & Amazon Publishing for the gifted copies. All opinions are mine.
____
Potential spoiler content warnings below.
⚠️Content warnings: gore, home invasion, violence, gun violence, Mention of: stabbing, cannibalism, drug addiction, Alzheimer’s, bullying, traumatic brain injury, suicide
November 4, 2024
A little disappointing
Full disclosure—I love Victor Methos. I inhale his work like oxygen, and I usually finish one of his books in a single reading marathon. When I saw this on November’s First Reads list, I grabbed it and within minutes had settled in for the long haul. Now that I have turned the final page, however, I’m wondering what the hell happened to the smart, witty and biting writing I have come to covet from Methos.
Piper Danes is the headliner here—a lawyer who steps into the position of guardian ad litem for a child, 15 year old Sophie. Sophie is the only survivor of a brutal massacre in her home that took the life of her brother and mother and left Sophie herself bloodied and traumatized. The lead detective, Lazarus Holloway, is a “color outside the lines” guy, brooding and somber, but determined to link this case to one that changed the entire trajectory of his career. Together with a third detective, Riley, and the enigmatic Judge Dawson, the team works to track down the murderer and bring justice to those lost.
Where to begin with the issues inherent in The Silent Watcher….there were more than a few. First, the writing itself gets off to a rocky start. The first chapters were stilted and staccato—snippets that didn’t have that Methos “flow”. Next, I didn’t find a single character necessarily likable, which distanced my engagement and investment. There wasn’t enough of a personal narrative behind any of the key players to warrant much more than indifference. Finally, the last chapter was a cheap plug for what I am assuming will be the next book in the series.
Listen, when Methos is in his element and writing courtroom drama, the writing is flawless. It’s clearly where he is most comfortable. Beyond that, at least in this book, he was just splashing in the kiddie pool, never braving a deep dive that would have brought these characters to life.
If this had been ANY other author, I would probably have considered this a 4. Knowing the brilliance Methos is capable of, though, demotes this to three stars. Come on Mr. Methos—you can’t just phone it in. I miss the “grab em by the balls” work that I’ve come to love.
Full disclosure—I love Victor Methos. I inhale his work like oxygen, and I usually finish one of his books in a single reading marathon. When I saw this on November’s First Reads list, I grabbed it and within minutes had settled in for the long haul. Now that I have turned the final page, however, I’m wondering what the hell happened to the smart, witty and biting writing I have come to covet from Methos.
Piper Danes is the headliner here—a lawyer who steps into the position of guardian ad litem for a child, 15 year old Sophie. Sophie is the only survivor of a brutal massacre in her home that took the life of her brother and mother and left Sophie herself bloodied and traumatized. The lead detective, Lazarus Holloway, is a “color outside the lines” guy, brooding and somber, but determined to link this case to one that changed the entire trajectory of his career. Together with a third detective, Riley, and the enigmatic Judge Dawson, the team works to track down the murderer and bring justice to those lost.
Where to begin with the issues inherent in The Silent Watcher….there were more than a few. First, the writing itself gets off to a rocky start. The first chapters were stilted and staccato—snippets that didn’t have that Methos “flow”. Next, I didn’t find a single character necessarily likable, which distanced my engagement and investment. There wasn’t enough of a personal narrative behind any of the key players to warrant much more than indifference. Finally, the last chapter was a cheap plug for what I am assuming will be the next book in the series.
Listen, when Methos is in his element and writing courtroom drama, the writing is flawless. It’s clearly where he is most comfortable. Beyond that, at least in this book, he was just splashing in the kiddie pool, never braving a deep dive that would have brought these characters to life.
If this had been ANY other author, I would probably have considered this a 4. Knowing the brilliance Methos is capable of, though, demotes this to three stars. Come on Mr. Methos—you can’t just phone it in. I miss the “grab em by the balls” work that I’ve come to love.
November 6, 2024
The Creeper Defense
Review of the Amazon First Reads Kindle eBook edition (November 1, 2024), released in advance of the official publication by Thomas & Mercer in hardcover/paperback/ebook/audiobook (December 1, 2024)
I thought that this was heading towards an Unsatisfactory Ending Alert at one point, but it did somewhat redeem itself in the end. What happened was that after the mysterious killer was caught at about the 60% mark, his defense attorney was actually making a better case than the hapless public prosecutor in the court proceedings that followed. That seemed to foreshadow a completely nihilistic ending, which didn't quite happen. But the ending was still downbeat with a heartless collateral damage element to it, so I can't rise above a 3 rating.
Otherwise the team on the investigative side was an intriguing bunch with enigmatic Judge Hope Dawson, Guardian ad Litem Piper Danes, and haunted homicide cop Lazarus Holloway. There were subplots that felt under developed or dropped, although possibly the sequels in the series will continue to develop those. Overall it was still a fair police procedural / courtroom drama read.
Trivia and Links
The Silent Watcher is book #1 in a projected Vegas Shadows series. Book #2 will be The Night Collector with an expected publication date of September 16, 2025.
Victor Methos is the very prolific author of 40+ novels which usually involve lawyers and courtroom showdowns. He usually writes books as mini-series which run from duologies to trilogies. His most popular work (according to GR ratings and reviews) is A Killer's Wife (Desert Plains #1 - 2020).
Amazon Prime First Reads advance reading copies (ARCs) are available to Amazon Prime subscribers. They offer advance reads of books in Kindle eBook format one month before the date of official release. The current month's selection is available here (Link goes to Amazon US, adjust for your own country or region).
Review of the Amazon First Reads Kindle eBook edition (November 1, 2024), released in advance of the official publication by Thomas & Mercer in hardcover/paperback/ebook/audiobook (December 1, 2024)
I thought that this was heading towards an Unsatisfactory Ending Alert at one point, but it did somewhat redeem itself in the end. What happened was that after the mysterious killer was caught at about the 60% mark, his defense attorney was actually making a better case than the hapless public prosecutor in the court proceedings that followed. That seemed to foreshadow a completely nihilistic ending, which didn't quite happen. But the ending was still downbeat with a heartless collateral damage element to it, so I can't rise above a 3 rating.
Otherwise the team on the investigative side was an intriguing bunch with enigmatic Judge Hope Dawson, Guardian ad Litem Piper Danes, and haunted homicide cop Lazarus Holloway. There were subplots that felt under developed or dropped, although possibly the sequels in the series will continue to develop those. Overall it was still a fair police procedural / courtroom drama read.
Trivia and Links
The Silent Watcher is book #1 in a projected Vegas Shadows series. Book #2 will be The Night Collector with an expected publication date of September 16, 2025.
Victor Methos is the very prolific author of 40+ novels which usually involve lawyers and courtroom showdowns. He usually writes books as mini-series which run from duologies to trilogies. His most popular work (according to GR ratings and reviews) is A Killer's Wife (Desert Plains #1 - 2020).
Amazon Prime First Reads advance reading copies (ARCs) are available to Amazon Prime subscribers. They offer advance reads of books in Kindle eBook format one month before the date of official release. The current month's selection is available here (Link goes to Amazon US, adjust for your own country or region).
July 13, 2024
I've enjoyed the Desert Plains series by Victor Methos so I was excited to read this new release. The setting of the western US was displayed effectively with the cover and the title definitely aligns with the story. This solid thriller had just enough legal courtroom suspense which is this author's area of expertise. Most of all, I think his characters are what really help drive the story with unique personalities that stick with me both during and after finishing the book.
The Silent Watcher did take some time to grasp my interest but then it kicked in for the duration. I do wish it had a few more twists and turns in the end but it was still a very good book.
Thank you to both NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity in exchange for an honest review.
The Silent Watcher did take some time to grasp my interest but then it kicked in for the duration. I do wish it had a few more twists and turns in the end but it was still a very good book.
Thank you to both NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity in exchange for an honest review.
November 23, 2024
It’s almost hard to believe that I read the same book as all these people that gave this book 4 stars. Not only was the writing style poor, but the plot itself was really rudimentary and predictable . What a disappointment!
November 19, 2024
Victor is a well written, grammatically correct author whose books flow so perfectly that you enjoy the ride instead of counting down the pages. There is a great cast of characters that are believable. I really enjoyed this book!
December 3, 2024
In his latest offering, Victor Methos crafts a chilling narrative that delves deep into the shadows of Las Vegas, far from its glittering facade. The Silent Watcher introduces us to Piper Danes, a guardian ad litem whose dedication to protecting vulnerable youth stems from her own troubled past. When she takes on the case of Sophie Grace, the sole survivor of a brutal family murder, Piper finds herself drawn into a labyrinth of horror that challenges both her professional skills and personal resolve.
Plot and Narrative Structure
The story unfolds with methodical precision, alternating between the present-day investigation and glimpses into the killer's previous crimes. Methos demonstrates his expertise in legal procedure while maintaining a grip on the psychological elements that elevate this thriller above standard courtroom drama.
The narrative follows three distinct yet interweaving threads:
- Piper's quest to protect Sophie and help her heal
- Detective Lazarus Holloway's relentless pursuit of the killer
- The psychological chess game between law enforcement and the disturbed antagonist
Character Development
Methos excels in creating complex, flawed characters that feel authentic. Piper Danes emerges as a compelling protagonist whose personal demons fuel her determination to protect others. Her relationship with her grandmother provides emotional depth and grounds the story in human connection.
Detective Lazarus Holloway stands out as particularly well-crafted - a man haunted by past cases and driven by an almost obsessive need to catch predators. His philosophical musings about morality and justice add layers of complexity to what could have been a standard police procedural character.
Strengths
1. Authenticity in Legal Detail: Drawing from his background as a former prosecutor and criminal defense attorney, Methos brings verisimilitude to the courtroom scenes and legal procedures.
2. Psychological Depth: The exploration of trauma, survival, and healing through Sophie's character is handled with sensitivity and insight.
3. Setting: Las Vegas is portrayed beyond its tourist facade, showing the grittier underbelly where desperation and darkness lurk.
4. Pacing: The story maintains tension throughout, with well-timed reveals that keep readers engaged.
Areas for Improvement
While The Silent Watcher is a strong addition to Methos's bibliography, there are aspects that could have been enhanced:
- The subplot involving Judge Hope Dawson feels somewhat underdeveloped
- Some of the philosophical discussions, while interesting, occasionally interrupt the narrative flow
- The resolution, while satisfying, leaves a few minor plot threads unexplored
Writing Style
Methos's prose is lean and efficient, with moments of poetic insight that elevate the narrative. His experience in the legal system shines through in the authentic dialogue and procedural details. The author skillfully balances technical accuracy with accessibility, ensuring readers aren't lost in legal jargon.
Thematic Elements
The novel explores several profound themes:
- The lasting impact of childhood trauma
- The thin line between justice and revenge
- The nature of evil and whether it can be understood
- The price of protecting others
Final Verdict
The Silent Watcher is a compelling addition to the legal thriller genre, elevating itself through psychological depth and authentic legal detail. While not without minor flaws, it succeeds in delivering both entertainment and thoughtful commentary on justice and human nature.
Plot and Narrative Structure
The story unfolds with methodical precision, alternating between the present-day investigation and glimpses into the killer's previous crimes. Methos demonstrates his expertise in legal procedure while maintaining a grip on the psychological elements that elevate this thriller above standard courtroom drama.
The narrative follows three distinct yet interweaving threads:
- Piper's quest to protect Sophie and help her heal
- Detective Lazarus Holloway's relentless pursuit of the killer
- The psychological chess game between law enforcement and the disturbed antagonist
Character Development
Methos excels in creating complex, flawed characters that feel authentic. Piper Danes emerges as a compelling protagonist whose personal demons fuel her determination to protect others. Her relationship with her grandmother provides emotional depth and grounds the story in human connection.
Detective Lazarus Holloway stands out as particularly well-crafted - a man haunted by past cases and driven by an almost obsessive need to catch predators. His philosophical musings about morality and justice add layers of complexity to what could have been a standard police procedural character.
Strengths
1. Authenticity in Legal Detail: Drawing from his background as a former prosecutor and criminal defense attorney, Methos brings verisimilitude to the courtroom scenes and legal procedures.
2. Psychological Depth: The exploration of trauma, survival, and healing through Sophie's character is handled with sensitivity and insight.
3. Setting: Las Vegas is portrayed beyond its tourist facade, showing the grittier underbelly where desperation and darkness lurk.
4. Pacing: The story maintains tension throughout, with well-timed reveals that keep readers engaged.
Areas for Improvement
While The Silent Watcher is a strong addition to Methos's bibliography, there are aspects that could have been enhanced:
- The subplot involving Judge Hope Dawson feels somewhat underdeveloped
- Some of the philosophical discussions, while interesting, occasionally interrupt the narrative flow
- The resolution, while satisfying, leaves a few minor plot threads unexplored
Writing Style
Methos's prose is lean and efficient, with moments of poetic insight that elevate the narrative. His experience in the legal system shines through in the authentic dialogue and procedural details. The author skillfully balances technical accuracy with accessibility, ensuring readers aren't lost in legal jargon.
Thematic Elements
The novel explores several profound themes:
- The lasting impact of childhood trauma
- The thin line between justice and revenge
- The nature of evil and whether it can be understood
- The price of protecting others
Final Verdict
The Silent Watcher is a compelling addition to the legal thriller genre, elevating itself through psychological depth and authentic legal detail. While not without minor flaws, it succeeds in delivering both entertainment and thoughtful commentary on justice and human nature.
January 12, 2025
Good detective book
This is my first experience reading this author and a First Reads book.
The detective, is extremely thorough and perceptive. Once the killer is apprehended, his ruthless attorney rips the experts reputation apart. I really despised her.
The author portrayed knowledgeable insight to the justice system and I was so immersed I could actually feel like I was in the courtroom.
All this being said, the focus was on the murderer and the only living victim. This is a very exciting book, its not a legal thriller but a thrilling ride with a lot of action.
This is my first experience reading this author and a First Reads book.
The detective, is extremely thorough and perceptive. Once the killer is apprehended, his ruthless attorney rips the experts reputation apart. I really despised her.
The author portrayed knowledgeable insight to the justice system and I was so immersed I could actually feel like I was in the courtroom.
All this being said, the focus was on the murderer and the only living victim. This is a very exciting book, its not a legal thriller but a thrilling ride with a lot of action.
November 29, 2024
This was so dumb. I finished because it had potential to be good but it was probably one of the dumbest books/ending I've ever read. Literally no ending. No closure. I literally said out loud, "that was so stupid!!"
November 6, 2024
Thank you, Amazon for the free read. This book was a quick read that left me a little perplexed. It was like a great meal on Chopped where the Judge says every bite is great but the dish lacks cohesiveness. There was a killer and a fetish theme but the victims were killed in a manner that had nothing to do with the fetish. There was a tunnel scene underground in Vegas that resulted in nothing. And the family that was killed, how did the Creeper choose them? It seemed random. A lot of good story components but they just didn't connect like I thought they should. And of course, the final victim- I wish it had ended a bit differently.
July 10, 2024
I love Victor Methos books and once again he has written another fantastic legal thriller which seems to be the first in a new series, I really hope so. The book captures you from the first page and I was completely immersed in the story which is much darker than his other books and moves along at a particularly good pace.
Sophie Grace’s family is murdered, but somehow, she manages to escape from the killer, she is only fifteen years old, this was a horrific event for anyone to experience, let alone a teenager. Piper Danes is appointed by the courts as her legal guardian, she collaborates with Detective Lazuras Holloway and Judge Hope Dawson, (not a woman you mess around with by any means) but her main role is to provide support to Sophie as she tries to navigate through this horrific situation she has been placed in and the ongoing legal process.
Lazarus is an interesting guy who has been working in the police force for many years, a cop with a lot of experience. Piper grew up in her grandmothers care and has a wonderful relationship with her, this is also why she is so good at her job, she has a deep understanding of what it is like not have your parents involved in your life and can relate so well to victims such as Sophie. Piper and Lazarus are developing a strong working relationship and respect between the two develops as they work on the case together and I am sure if the books do continue as a series that the author will then provide the reader with more information about the characters and their personalities, this I look forward to.
Owen Whittaker, the serial Killer at the heart of the story is now known as the ‘creeper’, a man who has grown up in foster care and has a horrific history of being abused which does make you feel a little bit sorry for him, but note I only said a little.
The author provides us with a lot of suspense and excitement throughout the book and at the end there was a definite oh my gosh moment that I had to go back and read again as I was hoping that what I thought I had read was not true.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions are my own. Five stars
Sophie Grace’s family is murdered, but somehow, she manages to escape from the killer, she is only fifteen years old, this was a horrific event for anyone to experience, let alone a teenager. Piper Danes is appointed by the courts as her legal guardian, she collaborates with Detective Lazuras Holloway and Judge Hope Dawson, (not a woman you mess around with by any means) but her main role is to provide support to Sophie as she tries to navigate through this horrific situation she has been placed in and the ongoing legal process.
Lazarus is an interesting guy who has been working in the police force for many years, a cop with a lot of experience. Piper grew up in her grandmothers care and has a wonderful relationship with her, this is also why she is so good at her job, she has a deep understanding of what it is like not have your parents involved in your life and can relate so well to victims such as Sophie. Piper and Lazarus are developing a strong working relationship and respect between the two develops as they work on the case together and I am sure if the books do continue as a series that the author will then provide the reader with more information about the characters and their personalities, this I look forward to.
Owen Whittaker, the serial Killer at the heart of the story is now known as the ‘creeper’, a man who has grown up in foster care and has a horrific history of being abused which does make you feel a little bit sorry for him, but note I only said a little.
The author provides us with a lot of suspense and excitement throughout the book and at the end there was a definite oh my gosh moment that I had to go back and read again as I was hoping that what I thought I had read was not true.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions are my own. Five stars
April 19, 2025
4.5🌟 rounded up! The Silent Watcher is a solid thriller. I really enjoyed it. I loved Piper's character and how she looked out for the traumatized Sophie Grace. And Sophie was a really brave girl going through all of that. I definitely enjoyed the court parts of this story and hearing how the lawyers defended the opposing sides. And debating what mental health diagnosis, if any, the perpetrator had. I love learning about different diagnoses, especially ones I've never heard of before. I enjoyed this book very much and will be reading more from this author. Definitely recommend!
November 30, 2024
This Amazon First read for November was a total miss from start to finish. The synopsis intrigued me, but I wasn’t super into this book pretty early on. As I kept reading, though, I wanted to find out whodunnit.
Unfortunately, the writing was repetitive, the pace ebbed and tried to flow, and subplots were totally missing.
To top off this awful read, the ending was abrupt, unsatisfying, and negated the entire plot. What an awful book.
Unfortunately, the writing was repetitive, the pace ebbed and tried to flow, and subplots were totally missing.
To top off this awful read, the ending was abrupt, unsatisfying, and negated the entire plot. What an awful book.
June 20, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley, Victor Methos & Thomas & Mercer for providing this digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
So, I'm done with my first arc from Netgalley! So excited to write this review!
3.8!
"See the thing is, the dark stops whispering and starts barking when it knows it has you. And you don't want it anymore, but it's not leaving. It's lost its taste, but the hunger's still there."
Set in Vegas Strip, this is a first in a new series by the author. This legal thriller follows attorney Piper Danes who works as a for vulnerable youth as she is assigned to a 15-year-old victim, Sophie. Sophie is the sole survivor of a gruesome attack on her family.
Working together with the sharp and formidable Judge Hope Dawson and enigmatic Detective Holloway, Piper comes face to face with an evil called the Creeper. Their hunt for the truth leads them to dark depths.
Having always been a die-hard thriller fan, usually from the perspective of either a soon-to-be victim or a grizzled detective, The Sient Watcher was quite the eye-opener. Turns out, lacking knowledge of the law can mess you up more than forgetting your spouse's birthday. This story made me appreciate attorneys so much that I almost sent a thank-you card to my local law firm. Lawyers are often portrayed as obstacles to justice, but this book showed they're more like the unsung heroes, in the quest for legal redemption.
It’s amazing how courtrooms can make or break a case. Turns out, words can indeed be mightier than a gun or a fist—unless you're really bad at Scrabble, then all bets are off.
The characters? They didn’t develop much because this story was more plot-driven than a GPS navigation system. Yet, it didn’t break the flow. The characters were sketched well enough to make me care about them. Since this story is part of a series, I’m banking on character development unfolding like a slow-cooked stew across the books.
The author juggles multiple POVs like a pro circus performer, making it feel like I was binge-watching an episodic drama. The chapters were Goldilocks-perfect—not too long, not too short, just right. But sometimes, the dialogue got as tangled as my earphones after a run. Especially with same-gender conversations, it was tricky to figure out who "she" was. And speaking of earphones, I’m more of a practical listener than a theoretical one, so occasionally the pacing slowed down for some info-dumping, which was like hitting the brakes too hard on a road trip.
Overall, this book turned out to be an enjoyable read, kind of like finding out your plane seat actually has extra legroom—unexpected and delightful.
So, I'm done with my first arc from Netgalley! So excited to write this review!
3.8!
"See the thing is, the dark stops whispering and starts barking when it knows it has you. And you don't want it anymore, but it's not leaving. It's lost its taste, but the hunger's still there."
Set in Vegas Strip, this is a first in a new series by the author. This legal thriller follows attorney Piper Danes who works as a for vulnerable youth as she is assigned to a 15-year-old victim, Sophie. Sophie is the sole survivor of a gruesome attack on her family.
Working together with the sharp and formidable Judge Hope Dawson and enigmatic Detective Holloway, Piper comes face to face with an evil called the Creeper. Their hunt for the truth leads them to dark depths.
Having always been a die-hard thriller fan, usually from the perspective of either a soon-to-be victim or a grizzled detective, The Sient Watcher was quite the eye-opener. Turns out, lacking knowledge of the law can mess you up more than forgetting your spouse's birthday. This story made me appreciate attorneys so much that I almost sent a thank-you card to my local law firm. Lawyers are often portrayed as obstacles to justice, but this book showed they're more like the unsung heroes, in the quest for legal redemption.
It’s amazing how courtrooms can make or break a case. Turns out, words can indeed be mightier than a gun or a fist—unless you're really bad at Scrabble, then all bets are off.
The characters? They didn’t develop much because this story was more plot-driven than a GPS navigation system. Yet, it didn’t break the flow. The characters were sketched well enough to make me care about them. Since this story is part of a series, I’m banking on character development unfolding like a slow-cooked stew across the books.
The author juggles multiple POVs like a pro circus performer, making it feel like I was binge-watching an episodic drama. The chapters were Goldilocks-perfect—not too long, not too short, just right. But sometimes, the dialogue got as tangled as my earphones after a run. Especially with same-gender conversations, it was tricky to figure out who "she" was. And speaking of earphones, I’m more of a practical listener than a theoretical one, so occasionally the pacing slowed down for some info-dumping, which was like hitting the brakes too hard on a road trip.
Overall, this book turned out to be an enjoyable read, kind of like finding out your plane seat actually has extra legroom—unexpected and delightful.
November 23, 2024
With a possible cannibal serial killer on the loose piper, a lawyer and lazarus a detective are called to work together to solve the two different cases that they believe are connected. a brutal killing spree in a cabin and a horrific home invasion that left one witness- a teenage girl. together they work together and get their guy but, of course that would be too easy.
thank you to the publishers and netgalley for the ARC!
thank you to the publishers and netgalley for the ARC!
November 9, 2024
The characters were flat— not even two dimensional. I didn’t really care about any of them even the victim. And then the so called ending was just a come on to the next book. But since I don’t care about the characters I won’t be reading it. All that being said I have read their books by the author and thoroughly enjoyed them. Just not this one.
September 27, 2024
The Silent Watcher by Victor Methos. Thanks to @mbccommunications for the gifted ARC ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Piper walks from her law firm to become a guardian ad litem, protecting vulnerable kids in cases. Her first case is Sophie, who survived the murder of her entire family. Piper teams up with a detective to protect Sophie and find the killer.
This was a super fast read as it starts with action and just keeps going. It’s a bit of a genre mash up, so it has something for all genre fans; police procedural, serial killer, and legal thriller. The courtroom scenes were my favorite. The characters stand out and were interesting. The ending is definitely open for a series, but the suspense in this particular book neatly wrapped.
“Values are like laws: created by the people they benefit most.”
The Silent Watcher comes out 12/1.
Piper walks from her law firm to become a guardian ad litem, protecting vulnerable kids in cases. Her first case is Sophie, who survived the murder of her entire family. Piper teams up with a detective to protect Sophie and find the killer.
This was a super fast read as it starts with action and just keeps going. It’s a bit of a genre mash up, so it has something for all genre fans; police procedural, serial killer, and legal thriller. The courtroom scenes were my favorite. The characters stand out and were interesting. The ending is definitely open for a series, but the suspense in this particular book neatly wrapped.
“Values are like laws: created by the people they benefit most.”
The Silent Watcher comes out 12/1.
January 17, 2025
No buenoooo😩
September 5, 2025
4.25
This was actually a lot better than I anticipated, the thrill and mystery but also the crimes happening in NV.
Can’t wait for the next one
This was actually a lot better than I anticipated, the thrill and mystery but also the crimes happening in NV.
Can’t wait for the next one
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