What do you think?
Rate this book
Ryan-Hunter #1
SILENCED
SILENCED A Ryan—Hunter Mystery Thriller She was digging into a past that was best left buried. A trained killer is stalking those with the secret and those trying to uncover it. Early morning along the water’s edge he strikes like a jungle cat from the shadows. The dead woman is silenced. But is she? The investigation, already fraught with twists and turns, is thrown into chaos when her hidden life with the CIA is discovered. Criminology Professor Marin Ryan and John Hunter follow a loose thread that breaks the case wide open only to find that now they know too much. John and Marin are reunited after seven years when they dock their boats alongside each other. Their mutual love of the sea nudges them into rekindled love. To make it more interesting, the Blue Water Marina proves to be a haven for wonderfully weird types; a lovable movie star with his old fishing boat that reminds him of his humbler beginnings; a young surgeon with a secret of his own; and let’s not forget Bailey, the beagle
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2012
797 people are currently reading
361 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 18, 2015
I've read two books in the series. The similarities between the two books I've read are disappointing. Things I could overlook, a lack of depth to the characters, thin plot, ease of obstacles being overcome, etc., I could not overlook so easily when reading a second book.
It's difficult to follow the thought processes behind some of the decisions made by the characters. Why, after seven years of not seeing her old college flame, the last two of which she had been living in the same area as he, did she suddenly decide that now was a great time to show up on his doorstep and say hello? Not only is this okay with the guy, he doesn't question it overly much, he remembers how much in love with her he is and they're almost immediately a couple. Everyone around them is cool with it. Of course they're going to be together after not seeing each other for seven years without too much of a conversation about it.
This seems to be a series where these people can do anything. They have powerful friends in all the right places. The CIA, President of the United States, various high political figures, wealthy friends and not so wealthy friends that have contacts in the streets. Their IQ's make Einstein look like a vegetable, he can break into any system any where, and her FBI skills make her a lethal combatant able to leap over tall evil bad guys, and shoot them with perfect aim, while never breaking a nail. He's a borderline alcoholic whom she looks at with worry and affection when he starts drinking too much. Pats him on the head when she tells him no more drink for him and he's perfectly okay with it. An obstacle comes up and they either know who to call to get around it, think of the perfect computer whiz bang program to fix it or pull out some skill from somewhere that is just what they need to get the job done. It doesn't even matter if you need to run after a clue that's on the other side of the world from you. You have this super handy aircraft jet you jump into that'll get you there.
It's not that I mind any of these things happening every now and then in a book. The problem is this what the entire book depends on time and time again and the characters don't have enough depth to carry it off. There's a lot you can ignore when you really get into a fictional character. Unfortunately it's all surface stuff with these two.
They're pretty quick reads. I want to like these characters. I want to go on adventures with them. I just need something with a bit more substance. I need to know what goes on in their heads. The why behind why they do what they do and feel what they feel.
It's difficult to follow the thought processes behind some of the decisions made by the characters. Why, after seven years of not seeing her old college flame, the last two of which she had been living in the same area as he, did she suddenly decide that now was a great time to show up on his doorstep and say hello? Not only is this okay with the guy, he doesn't question it overly much, he remembers how much in love with her he is and they're almost immediately a couple. Everyone around them is cool with it. Of course they're going to be together after not seeing each other for seven years without too much of a conversation about it.
This seems to be a series where these people can do anything. They have powerful friends in all the right places. The CIA, President of the United States, various high political figures, wealthy friends and not so wealthy friends that have contacts in the streets. Their IQ's make Einstein look like a vegetable, he can break into any system any where, and her FBI skills make her a lethal combatant able to leap over tall evil bad guys, and shoot them with perfect aim, while never breaking a nail. He's a borderline alcoholic whom she looks at with worry and affection when he starts drinking too much. Pats him on the head when she tells him no more drink for him and he's perfectly okay with it. An obstacle comes up and they either know who to call to get around it, think of the perfect computer whiz bang program to fix it or pull out some skill from somewhere that is just what they need to get the job done. It doesn't even matter if you need to run after a clue that's on the other side of the world from you. You have this super handy aircraft jet you jump into that'll get you there.
It's not that I mind any of these things happening every now and then in a book. The problem is this what the entire book depends on time and time again and the characters don't have enough depth to carry it off. There's a lot you can ignore when you really get into a fictional character. Unfortunately it's all surface stuff with these two.
They're pretty quick reads. I want to like these characters. I want to go on adventures with them. I just need something with a bit more substance. I need to know what goes on in their heads. The why behind why they do what they do and feel what they feel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2023
This is a fast moving novel dealing with lots of secrets in private industry and government. This is the first in a series. Tom has made millions in software and has "retired." Some of his previous work was tor the government. Marin is looking into a shady deal , and, unexpectedly reconnects with Tom as she anchors her new boat in the marina. I don't know much about boats, but the authors do a good job of explaining. Tom and Marin it seems have known one another since high school, and were once an item. They swiftly reconnect following a murder in the marina. There are other murders and they are all connected. Government agencies play into the drama. I haven't decided if I will continue to read this series or not. The writing is ok, I just don't know if I want to know how the government agencies work.
November 12, 2021
Fun, Fast paced with great characters!
Oh dear, so many books to read and enjoy, and what did I do? Read this one for a second time. I love the characters…the heroes. Once you start, if you like a fast-paced mystery, you won’t be able to put it down. The ending is phenomenal! The good guys and their friends all working with the various police agencies to catch the bad guys….Yes! That is what friends are for!
Oh dear, so many books to read and enjoy, and what did I do? Read this one for a second time. I love the characters…the heroes. Once you start, if you like a fast-paced mystery, you won’t be able to put it down. The ending is phenomenal! The good guys and their friends all working with the various police agencies to catch the bad guys….Yes! That is what friends are for!
August 5, 2017
A Boat Party
Another excellent read. It was read at one sitting and I continued until I finished. The killer takes out .the wrong victim and leads to many false leads, but the characters were all very interesting and easy to know. The boating crowd seems quite a fun-loving group who certainly made the story easy to read.
Another excellent read. It was read at one sitting and I continued until I finished. The killer takes out .the wrong victim and leads to many false leads, but the characters were all very interesting and easy to know. The boating crowd seems quite a fun-loving group who certainly made the story easy to read.
August 14, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this e-book. This was an instance that I thought that the very unexciting cover meant that the book was also unexciting and I was wrong. Marin, John, and Cam really were fun characters to root for. John and Marin's relationship was interesting. Cam and her could-be relationship was interesting, but not as much as her abilities in her job.
I recommend this book.
I recommend this book.
July 21, 2018
Book one
Couldn't put it down! Great story. Thanks for your excellent way of portraying people you want to know, and cheer them on. Marin and John have a tangled and engaging story.
Couldn't put it down! Great story. Thanks for your excellent way of portraying people you want to know, and cheer them on. Marin and John have a tangled and engaging story.
December 19, 2018
Great book
A great read - no gruesome scenes or explicit sex. Normally can only read Christian suspense to avoid the nastiness. Credible storyline with interesting people - definitely read more from this writer
A great read - no gruesome scenes or explicit sex. Normally can only read Christian suspense to avoid the nastiness. Credible storyline with interesting people - definitely read more from this writer
February 7, 2020
Everybody that can read books! It's really a very good read. I will recommend it to everyone I know that can read.
I have typed everything I want to say about the book cAlled SILENCED. Please read it for yourself and I am sure you will have the same feelings that I have.
I have typed everything I want to say about the book cAlled SILENCED. Please read it for yourself and I am sure you will have the same feelings that I have.
February 27, 2020
GREAT!!!!
This book had everything. The characters practically jumped off each page with believability. The story flowed easily and you could picture each scene. It was a book worth reading.
This book had everything. The characters practically jumped off each page with believability. The story flowed easily and you could picture each scene. It was a book worth reading.
October 2, 2020
Silenced
For me the plot was not suspenseful. I expected more twists and found that the story was fairly predictable. Easy reading , enjoyed the relationship between Marin and John Hunter.
For me the plot was not suspenseful. I expected more twists and found that the story was fairly predictable. Easy reading , enjoyed the relationship between Marin and John Hunter.
October 14, 2024
Secrets from the past are revealed when Marin writes a book about serial killers. Her friend John is very protective of their marina friends and especially Marin. One killing puts pressure on the local police. Fast read, strong characters. I rate this a 5.0.
July 14, 2017
Excellent
Didn't take long to finish. Kept me wanting more. Great read, amazing characters. Waiting for next book. A must read. ☺
Didn't take long to finish. Kept me wanting more. Great read, amazing characters. Waiting for next book. A must read. ☺
July 9, 2018
Silenced
Great action book, keeps your heart pumping and your eyes fastened to the pages..love every minute reading it , highly recommend it
Great action book, keeps your heart pumping and your eyes fastened to the pages..love every minute reading it , highly recommend it
July 10, 2018
Bravo
Great Story. Loved the characters and locations. Really good visualization, could see and feel the water. Makes me interested in buying a boat.
Great Story. Loved the characters and locations. Really good visualization, could see and feel the water. Makes me interested in buying a boat.
April 12, 2020
Love love love.
Loved the detail and descriptions. I was on that boat, I knew these people. I will be recommending this great find.
Loved the detail and descriptions. I was on that boat, I knew these people. I will be recommending this great find.
August 2, 2020
Wow...
This was a great book. Couldn’t putt it down. Great plot, wonderful twists and turns,, great cast of characters. Can’t wait to read the next one.
This was a great book. Couldn’t putt it down. Great plot, wonderful twists and turns,, great cast of characters. Can’t wait to read the next one.
August 31, 2020
Moved really fast!
Swift moving and fun. The protagonists might not really exist but they made an impression rather than just being stilted caricatures.
Swift moving and fun. The protagonists might not really exist but they made an impression rather than just being stilted caricatures.
October 15, 2020
Quick read
I liked this book. It was a fun quick read. The characters interactions , the marina setting. Just a fun book .
I liked this book. It was a fun quick read. The characters interactions , the marina setting. Just a fun book .
January 11, 2022
Absolutely love it 💯
Omg captivating from the first chapter, can't wait to read the next book. Looking forward to see what happens next.
Omg captivating from the first chapter, can't wait to read the next book. Looking forward to see what happens next.
April 5, 2022
Interesting and thrilling.
September 6, 2022
The book's name changed from Silenced to Cliffs of Laguna Beach. It was a good read, and I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
December 29, 2022
Great police thriller
This story kept you on your toes until the end. Loved the romance between Hunter and Marin. Can't wait to read more with this main character!
This story kept you on your toes until the end. Loved the romance between Hunter and Marin. Can't wait to read more with this main character!
February 19, 2020
a little predictable, but a nice casual read
December 2, 2018
Loved this book! Well written and great plot! Bothered by two small things that happened near the beginning of the book which were never explained -- how did the wrong blonde come to be in this bathroom and what was the significance of the security guard running into the bathroom? I did figure out immediately that the wrong woman was killed but great twist that she had a secret that made her a target and lead to the discovery of the killer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2015
This is book 1 in the Hunter-Ryan Series which is fantastic. I don't think that it needs to be read in order written. But you can understand the characters lives better if you do. I like them and have to remind myself they are not real. I will soon be reading more Karen and Thomas Donahue's novels. I recommend these novels to all who love a great story
December 30, 2014
It was good But
I gave it three stars for one reason, I have read two books in this series and in both someone was after Marin and killed a look a like instead. That scenario is used up after the first time. I love the characters will probably read another of the series
I gave it three stars for one reason, I have read two books in this series and in both someone was after Marin and killed a look a like instead. That scenario is used up after the first time. I love the characters will probably read another of the series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2015
FAST-PACED ACTION AND LIKABLE CHARACTERS
Interesting action transpiring in familiar setting in Orange County, California. Lots of good people trying to do good things despite a murderous conniving thug.
Interesting action transpiring in familiar setting in Orange County, California. Lots of good people trying to do good things despite a murderous conniving thug.
May 29, 2015
Page Turner
This fast-paced very readable and well plotted thriller contains excitement, personable characters, and just enough twists and turns to keep my eyes glued to the page. Humorous and romantic elements only add to the zest. This is a very enjoyable read.
This fast-paced very readable and well plotted thriller contains excitement, personable characters, and just enough twists and turns to keep my eyes glued to the page. Humorous and romantic elements only add to the zest. This is a very enjoyable read.
June 21, 2015
Fun and fast paced
I wouldn't say this is my favorite book but the characters were likable, the scenery was fun and the chase was catchy enough. All of this made it possible to overlook the predictability of the book. I will read more of the series.
I wouldn't say this is my favorite book but the characters were likable, the scenery was fun and the chase was catchy enough. All of this made it possible to overlook the predictability of the book. I will read more of the series.
April 6, 2014
Not the best murder mystery I've ever read, but certainly not the worst.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews