A Silent Child

Detective Jen Garner #2

by Claire Sheldon

Life is just beginning to return to normal for Jen Garner.

Until a woman’s body is pulled from the River Trent early one morning. Her identity unknown.

Then a small boy is found wandering the streets alone. Detective Jackson, the lead investigator, pulls Jen into the case. Because the child keeps repeating the same name over and over again.

And Jen knows exactly who he’s asking for.

It’s enough to make her blood run cold.

This is Jen’s darkest case yet — and each step forward with the case is a step away from her marriage and her children.

Jen’s past is never far behind. Can she keep the boy safe and her secrets safer, or will she lose everything?

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Crime

249 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 23, 2021

About the author

Claire lives in Nottingham with her family, a cat called Whiskers and a dog called Podrick.

She suffers from Multiple Sclerosis and as a result of the disease had to reduce her hours working in insurance for an Insolvency Insurer. This spare time enabled her to study a creative writing course which inspired her to write her debut, Perfect Lie.

When Claire isn't working she enjoys reading crime novels and listening to music – the band Jimmy Eat World is her biggest muse! Claire is also an avid reader and book blogger. The inspiration for her novels comes from the hours spent watching The Bill with her grandparents and auntie; then later, Spooks and other detective programmes like Inspector Morse, A Touch of Frost and Midsomer Murders.

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a small child found wandering the streets of Nottingham on the day a woman’s body was found in the Trent River, Detective Chris Jackson and his partner Julie were straight into the case. When Chris spoke to the case workers where the child had been taken, the boy wouldn’t say anything except that he wanted to see Lisa Carter. Chris was reluctant to do what he had to do, but when he visited Jen Garner, Jen knew she needed to accompany Chris.

When Max visited Jen and her family, the children were ecstatic to see him. But when he talked to Jen about the child, they knew they had a case on their hands which seemed to be connected to the previous one. With James’ blessing, Jen and Max headed for London and into another horrific case that needed concluding. But could they do it? Jen knew this one would stay with her for a very long time…

A Silent Child is the 2nd in the Lisa Carter Files by Claire Sheldon and it was intense, gritty, fast paced and chilling. I’m liking Chris’ character more, along with Julie, also Hannah and Jen. An excellent mix of characters with an intriguing plot, I thoroughly enjoyed A Silent Child, while recommending Perfect Lie be read first. Recommended.

With thanks to ChocLit Publishers for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Karen Mace · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pulsating and engrossing addition to the Lisa Carter series - it can be easily read as a standalone, but with the background of Lisa/Jen explained more in book 1, I'd highly recommend reading Perfect Lie as well! And you'll want to once you've read this as the author has created such a brutal and engaging series that takes you down the darker paths of life, dealing with repugnant characters and setting up situations that you wonder how you'd deal with them if you were ever unlucky enough to be caught up in them!

When a small boy is found wandering the streets repeating just one name, and a woman's body is discovered in a river, you know you're in for a story that is going to grab you and you won't be disappointed! There are so many intriguing angles to the stories within this story that your head will spin!!

Jen/Lisa has patched things up with her husband and domestic life is returning to normality, as normal as it can be in her line of work! Detective Chris Jackson soon gets in touch though for her help in this case, and her husband starts to fear the worst again for their relationship.

The story of the murdered woman was horrific to hear - she was doing what she could to protect her young son, but those around her were only interested in abusing her and using her for their own greed. There's a very seedy world out there and Jen/Lisa and Chris soon find themselves wrapped up in it to try and find some justice for the victim and her little boy.

This is a book that will excite and sicken you in equal measures! Your attention is gripped on all fronts and I'm already eagerly anticipating the next installment of this series as the main characters are so strong and believable.

[Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damn. I wished I read the first book in the series before reading this one but overall I really enjoyed reading this. I loved the beginning and the end- The middle was a bit slow but picked up eventually. I did however, find it hard to keep track of some of the characters because there were so many of them. But overall it was a well researched and thought out storyline. Will definitely read the first book of the series.

[Lyndsey Gilchrist · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've just finished A Silent Child, the second book in the Lisa Carter series, both books read back to back within 7 days. 

You could read this as a standalone book however would recommend reading Perfect Lie as it gives you some back story to the Nottingham/London teams and to Lisa Carter.

I am now eagerly awaiting the 3rd in the series.

This story was a heart-renching story that will gets you wanting to read more but sicken you at the same time.

Definitely recommend the series to anyone who likes a mystery/Crime storyline.

[Cathryn Northfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfect for fans of police procedurals!

A Silent Child is the 2nd instalment in the Lisa Carter series, it follows Perfect Lie, which I had the pleasure to read last year. It was great to catch up with some of the characters again and join them all on a new case.

It’s an intriguing start when a woman’s body is pulled from the Trent River and soon after a small child is found wandering alone on the streets of Nottingham. Are these two things connected? When Detective Chris Jackson is pulled in on the case, he is told that the child won’t speak, apart from to say just one name, and that name is one Chris knows very well…

Jen Garner is trying to get on with her life and restore her relationship with her husband when she gets a visit from Chris Jackson. Can she help him with this new case he’s been assigned too and what is her connection to it all?

We follow Chris, Jen and their friends and colleagues as they head into a dark world of crime, prostitution, drugs and more! We also follow their private lives, which I like as this helps you get to know them a bit more.

The first thing I’ll say about this book is that you can tell from reading it how much time, effort and research must have gone into creating this story. Personally, I struggled to get into it, but I think that’s because I mainly enjoy reading suspenseful psychological thrillers, so I just wasn’t gripped enough throughout. I still think the author has done an incredible job though and from reading other reviews I’d say I’m definitely in the minority, so if you enjoy police procedurals then I’m sure this will be the book for you.

There are a lot of characters to keep track of, which I found a little tricky, to begin with. I think because it has been a year since I read the previous book, I spent a lot of time trying to remember who was who and what happened previously. I feel this book could be read as a standalone, but I would recommend reading Perfect Lie first, so you know the backgrounds of the main characters. Then if you can, read this one quite soon after so that everything is still fresh in your mind.

I did find the story a little dialogue-heavy, again this probably works best for this kind of genre but I think I’m not used to that in the books that I normally read, this may be why I struggled to remain engaged in the story.

I enjoy watching police procedurals on TV and I think Claire has some brilliant ideas that I’m sure would be great on-screen as well as on paper.

Thank you so much to Claire Sheldon, Choc Lit and Ruby Fiction for my copy of this book, in exchange for an open and honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book in the Lisa Carter files, and this second book even more so. The mystery had me hooked, wanting to reach for my book to see what happened next, I cared for the characters and wanted to know that they would be okay. It was a difficult storyline treated sensitively. Another element to this book is one character (no spoilers here!) was having a few health issues, as someone who lives with similar issues I have to say the descriptions (and the character's thought processes) were spot on. It makes a refreshing change to find a character dealing with this - representation is so important.
I would highly recommend this book to fellow readers, although I would recommend the first book 'Perfect Lie' is read first because this story does continue from where the previous one left off.

[Kerry Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another absolute fabulous read!
Following on from Perfect Lie, another mystery which sees Lisa Carter being involved again and needing her to become active in solving it.

Had me gripped right from the first page again and I was always trying to guess the twists and what was going to happen- sure enough I certainly wasnt expecting some of the twists!

Cannot wait to start the 3rd book!

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

An OK read

I like the story but I find it repetitive and stretched. I didn't enjoy reading the book as much as I thought I would after reading the reviews.

[julie clifton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the first quarter of the boom but sadly didn't engross me to finish it.

[Frankie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued by this book from reading the back blurb, it’s short but it caught my eye, the cover alone is certainly striking and not just eye-catching but there is something rather unsettling about it; that little boy sitting alone in a darkened street makes the hair stand on end as you start to wonder why he is there. It seems an age since I read a police thriller, and I felt in need of a change so this one coming along was perfect timing and I thoroughly enjoyed the change of reading direction.

A Silent Child is the second book in the Lisa Carter Files, I hadn’t read the first book before reading this one – this is my first book by the author. I do think it can be read as a stand-alone, but I think that I should have started this series from the start as I got the feeling I was missing out on something. I think there were aspects in the previous story that have over-flowed into this one, which again makes me think I really should have read the previous book first. But, that’s me, isn’t it? Jumping in first without thinking whether I should read the first.

The opening grasps the reader’s attention, it’s dark and realistic and in a way utterly heart-breaking, it’s eye-opening to a world that is run by fear and abuse to those poor souls trapped in it.

I like how the opening sets up the rest of the story perfectly, at first once the brief prologue was over and we start properly into the story I did wonder how it was all connected especially as those first few pages were quite graphic in detail but as you read you start seeing the links.

This is a hard review to write as there is so much interlinked throughout their story, I would usually talk a little of the story but I daren’t say too much, only that Jen Garner who is trying to repair her life after a traumatic event – which I believe happened in the previous book and another reason why should have read these books in order – she is a complex individual with a very active mind, she is a woman who has endured some very terrible things in her life but there is a light in her which makes it very easy to like her, you feel the need to get behind her throughout the book.

A Silent Child is a thrilling and at times chilling novel that tackles some quite uncomfortable subjects, I can’t say too much as so much of those subjects are intricately entwined with the story and would spoil it for others. I like that the narrative is split between each character’s perspective, it allows the reader to connect with the story and it brings the characters and their own stories to life.

I will admit that at first, I was a bit stumped as to who Lisa cater was and how she fitted in with the story, and why the series is named after her, again this is probably because I hadn’t read the first book – but it soon became clear as to how and where Lisa Carter came into the story and who she was and more importantly her role and connection to the case.

I enjoyed A Silent Child, it’s full of tense, suspenseful, edgy, gripping and thrilling drama, which packs a punch. There are elements of the story which will have you wide-eyed in the horror of what is happening, but you will keep turning the pages to see how the case twists and turns.

ABOUT THE AUT

[Els · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember reading the previous book by this author and being very happy with the story as well as with the characters. It’s very hard for me liking a book when the protagonists get on my nerves, but here everyone was either very likeable or deliciously bad. 😉

I also remember saying in my review that I would not mind a series with said characters and it seems like my wish was granted. 🙂 Would it work too if I said I would not mind winning the lottery? 😉 Guess not. LOL

Back to the book. 🙂

On the one hand we have the investigation by the police with two teams working together. On the other hand there are a few chapters told by another character to give us the much needed background information. Those are things the police will probably never discover, but the reader needs it in order to grasp the story completely.

For some revelations I had to wait till the end of the book, but an attentive reader (like myself LOL) will figure something out much earlier.

Can you read this book as a standalone? Yes, but I would advise you to start with book one (Perfect Lie), because there are too many things happening there that are linked to this book and vice versa. You won’t regret it. 🙂

A great story, sometimes maybe a bit too slow paced, but certainly worth reading. I enjoyed it. 4 stars.

Thank you, Claire Sheldon and Ruby Fiction

[Debbie Southwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a follow up to Perfect Lie and although this can be read as a standalone book you may want to read that first to avoid spoilers in this book as it catches up with Jen Garner and Detective Inspector Chris Jackson’s life.
The plot of this book is based around a child whose Mother Dana has been murdered and he has been found wandering the streets of Nottingham asking for Lisa Carter (Jen’s previous undercover name).
The book leads you through the investigation when Mikel goes missing and once again Jen needs to get involved because the boy has asked for her so there must be a link from her previous undercover work.
I enjoy the way this book takes you through different characters points of view and focuses not only on the investigation but the effect this has on their private lives.
The book is gripping and heart breaking in equal measure but is a fantastic read that I would highly recommend.
Thank you to Choc-Lit for the opportunity to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review, which is completely my own

[Anni Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire Sheldon’s second novel takes Lisa Carter/Jen Garner back into the world of undercover police work. Her characters are always believable, her plots fast-paced. Claire is a very talented storyteller and this is a gripping book with plenty of tension, twists and turns to keep you hooked from page one. I didn’t want to put it down. And having got to the end, now I can’t wait to read book three in the series. Thank you Claire for another great read.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a seriously scary book. Because I felt it was probably so near the truth even more so. It is peopled by real, rounded characters. It explores a world I thankfully have no knowledge of which I found both horrific and unfortunately believable. There are enough light moments to lift it along the way. I really enjoyed this crime story, was held by it from beginning to end. Ok, chocolate and coffee helped it along but I couldn't put it down.

[Chloe Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second instalment of the Lisa Carter trilogy and I loved it just as much as the first! I read Perfect Lie back in January and couldn’t wait to read the sequel. It’s so full of suspense and drama and you can never work out what’s going to happen next. If these books don’t get made into a TV crime drama, it would be such a missed opportunity. They’d be perfect! Well done Claire on another fantastic book, I can’t wait to read the third!

[Helen Buckley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this second book in the Lisa Carter series. The story took me in some very unexpected, dark directions, and it was really heartbreaking and thrilling in equal measure. I really like the main character, but I felt like I got to know the other ones in this installment, and I am looking forward to finding out more about them in the next books!

[Vivien Fay · Rating 5 out of 5]

It will grab you

Loved this story. Wish I had read her previous book first to get a grasp on the backstory but was able to follow anyway. Some of the British jargon caught me at first but I went with it. I laughed, I cried and sat on the edge of my seat. This Canadian can’t wait for more.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-crafted thriller that was difficult to put down. Very action-packed with a strong female lead. Gritty and worth the read!

[Barbara Dunbar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lost child

So many dips and weaves leading to multiple paths that cry out with evil men and some women. There is also romance and a marriage hanging on to a thread.

[Jo-anne Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

My opinion, probably best to read first book in series before this, it’s back story is often mentioned. Although you do get the gist it would most likely add to the story. Still a good read.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good storyteller; brings you on the edge and retracts back at the perfect time. Well researched and cleverly presented.

[Georgie Woodall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant, couldn’t put it down !

[Gillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic installment. Although this could be read as a stand alone, I would highly recommend reading book 1 first. I love the writing style, the characters and the plot. Can't wait for book 3.

[Meganne Male · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulous follow on to the Perfect Lie - obsessed with the Lisa Carter Files!

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a while to get into this book, it was pretty interesting and I was hooked on parts. I did become quite confused a few times aswell (a lot of information to take on at once) however the last few chapters were decent and I felt it had a really good ending. It was a good book :)

[Isabelle D · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for everyone who enjoyed Perfect Lie, this sequel allows us to catch up with many characters we met in book 1, through the same alternance between Jen Garner and DI Chris Jackson for the main points of view. As well as a new suspenseful case, I enjoyed finding out how Jen's family has been affected by the events of the previous story, and how things have developped for Chris and Hannah. Now I'll wait anxiously for book 3.

Warning: if you haven't read Perfect Lie yet, it would be best to do it before you read this new book, as otherwise several references to previous events would spoil the first plot for you.

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Pete Loveday · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read with lots of action.

[Lauren Millar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!
2nd book of the series and I was glued.
Did not see the twist coming and it’s left me wanting to know what’s next !

[Melanie Peak · Rating 5 out of 5]

first time reading this author and I really enjoyed it. great characters and great storyline cant wait to read the rest in this series.

[Coco · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book by Claire Sheldon with a plot that's equally as gripping as her first.

Ex undercover police officer, Jen Garner, left police work behind her when she moved to Nottingham and married. She's now living as normal a life as possible and mother to two children. The past dramatically catches up with her when a small boy is found who will only speak to Lisa Carter, Jen's old undercover name.

Written throughout from several points of view, this gripping thriller covers some of the darkest crimes and might possibly cause nightmares if read late at night.

A spine chilling read and thoroughly recommended.