The Silent Hunter: A young adult thriller and mystery book

by Dan Padavona

She's hunting a murderer. And now the killer knows who she is.

After regaining her ability to walk, Scout Mourning becomes Kane Grove University's youngest freshman. Meeting new friends, she finds happiness...until the police discover a professor's body in the woods.

Is a killer stalking the campus?

Scout doesn't believe the professor's death was an accident. But powerful university figures want to keep the girl quiet. If she doesn't solve the crime, a deranged man will get away with murder.

Can Scout catch a killer before she becomes his next victim?

"Nancy Drew meets Stephen King!"


From bestselling thriller author Dan Padavona comes a mystery and crime fiction series for young adults.

Praise for Dan

"I was actually turning pages on my Kindle so fast, I thought I would burn it out. And the whole series is free on Kindle Unlimited!"

"Of all the young-adult crime fiction I read this year, this is my favorite. By far."

"A gripping mystery with drama for a young audience, plus romance! Unputdownable. I couldn't stop reading."

"One of the most exciting writers to burst upon the scene in quite some time." - Brian Keene, Bram Stoker Award-Winning Author

"Characters that you can care about. If you love young adult detective books, this is your series."

"Dan builds tension like few others can. His prose is rich and his characters are memorable. I dare you to read a Padavona story with the lights out."

"A heart-pounding young adult murder mystery. Absolutely awesome author."

Genres: Young Adult

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 12, 2024

About the author

Author of the Wolf Lake and Darkwater Cove series.

Want a free thriller and mystery book? Please join my VIP thriller readers club at
www.danpadavona.com.

I'm a father, husband, dog lover, and an advocate for animals and the homeless.

My kryptonite is ice cream, and my super power is cranking heavy metal.

More than anything, I love a good story. Let me tell you one.

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic beginning to this series!

As expected, Scout kicked this series off with her usual dramatic flair... attracting danger like it's her job! Lol! Seriously though, it was a fantastic beginning to this series, and I can't wait to see where it goes from here.

For those of you who haven't already read the Wolf Lake (or Thomas Shephard) series, I would highly recommend reading it prior to starting this series. It's certainly not necessary, but it will give you a better understanding of the characters, connections, as well as the dynamics between all of the different people involved in both series. It's an absolutely amazing series, and you definitely won't be disappointed!

I would definitely recommend this book, series, and exceptional author.

[Dawn Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Silent Hunter. It's not as dark as other series (Thomas Shepherd, Wolf Lake etc.) by Dan Padavona but still full of suspense, mystery and growing pains. You got Scout moving to Kane University she is missing home and helping Thomas and everybody solving crimes. In my opinion Dan Padavona does a good job of conveying Scout's feelings with all the changes. I loved how Scout figured out how to continue her sleuthing with new friends. There is definitely more secrets and mysteries to be uncovered at Kane University. As things proceeded I had things figured out pretty quickly. I can't wait to see how things go. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader's copy.

[Olivia Sokale · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were a lot of moments in this book that just felt strange. The biggest one that made me put the book down for a moment to laugh was when Panic at the Disco randomly did a concert?? Why is Brendan Urie there singing High Hopes (one of the worst PatD songs)?????

The ending also felt very convenient. It's clear the author tried to splice in current slang but didn't quite understand how teens/young adults would use them, resulting in eye-rolling moments. This is especially true for LeVar, who became the vessel for these slang misuses. In some aspects, it felt like his character bordered on becoming a stereotype.

[Siani · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found this book underwhelming. The pacing felt rushed — the author jumped from one scene to the next so quickly that I never really got the chance to connect with the characters or care about what was happening to them. The dialogue also felt out of touch with how teens actually speak, which made the story feel a bit dated and unrealistic.
Most importantly, the central investigation didn’t feel compelling enough to justify the protagonist’s deep involvement. The clues and stakes didn’t seem strong enough to build real suspense or make me believe foul play was worth investigating. Overall, I was uninterested in the investigation, it was boring.

[Mary Rowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

nice kick-off for Scout’s college career

Scout’s first semester at college starts out with a bang.

The death of a much-beloved, younger literature professor after he slipped on ice is still the talk of the campus, as well as the animosity between the older professors and the late academic.

The generous donor, who seems to singlehandedly keep the literature department afloat, receives a threat against his wife and child.

Both situations dovetail into a confrontation where all (or mostly all) is revealed.

[Jennifer A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Start for the Scout Mourning Series

Scout finally gets her own series! I was excited to see this new series for one of my favorite characters in the Wolf Lake setting. These characters feel like old friends to me now. It is fun to see things from Scouts perspective and how her live is evolving as she starts college at 16 years of age. Of course she stumbles into a mystery as soon as school starts and has new friends to help her investigate. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Silent Hunter - a review by Rosemary Kenny.

Teen sleuth Scout Mourning starts college, where it soon becomes apparent that something shady is going on at the campus.

Familiar Wolf Lake law officers also make an appearance, which Scout welcomes, as she and two fellow student sleuths put themselves at risk, as they uncover skulduggery afoot by one of the faculty.
The dénouement of Dan Padavona's psychological thriller will no doubt stun you, (as it did me) with its unexpected twist in the tail.
Get The Silent Hunter soon, to see if you got it right before that!

[Linae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good

Now I'm in an age group that this story isn't really meant for but I did enjoy it. I've followed LeVar and Scout from the previous series with Sheriff Thomas And his deputies. Since I've read all of those books I thought I'd check out the young adult book. I'm 65, and I enjoyed it. Some of the antics of Scout and her crew were frustrating as a grandma but I know how teens and younger adults think they can handle anything. Glad Scout and her crew had supervision.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspenseful

I enjoyed this first book in the new spinoff series, but thought some of the plot stretched reality a bit more than necessary. I'm interested in reading more as the books are released as the characters are fun to follow.

[Brian K. Rhoads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!

Another homerun book by a true literary master. Twist, turns, highs and lows, it has it all. Reading it with my 11 year old granddaughter was WONDERFUL and we loved it. Can't wait for the next book to be released.

[Barbara Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

For he young

I really enjoy Dan Padavona's works. Always simple, easy to follow. Never any hidden secrets. And "if" I was a teenager I would have rated this book higher. This book is truly written for the next generation of Nancy Drew friends.

[Vicki Gilbertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading my first Young Adult Thriller/Mystery book.
I know now that Shepherd and LeVar are going to have their hands full with these three. It was nice seeing DeHardt actually acknowledge the crew. Looking forward for the next one.

[Holly Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good short read and suitable for younger readers as it wasn’t near as dark as some of his other books. I love Scout and I’m liking her and Brody’s chemistry! To me LaVar is too old and too brotherly to get into a relationship.

[Evie Schlundt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book I couldn’t put down. Read in 2 days. I love the writing style and will definitely continue in the series. I found the ending a little underwhelming but that is typical for a first book in a series.

[Jim Toner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was not just a great mystery about a college freshman who is only sixteen years old but a relatable story for me as I, too, had a rough first semester of college. The protagonist has a rough literature teacher who doesn’t like her. I was pleased to read the mention of classical literature.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOOK AT YOU, DP

Well you’ve done it AGAIN!!
😊Happy Weekend
Take some time off and take a walk, You deserve to BREATH AWHILE!

[jean buck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who is following Scout?

Another suspenseful story. A completely different ending then I was expecting. Looking forward to the next book. I enjoy this author's thriller stories.

[Anne Schapel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read. I enjoy all Dan Panadovas books

[KDRBCK · Rating 3 out of 5]

first book in the spin off from Wolf Lake, Scout's series.
a bit shallow, a whole bit tame --ok a ya has to be, but its lacking the depth of the beloved Thomas Sheperd Series'.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

I really love reading this book lots of action the people are very active and clean. Good read i recommend this book for any reader out there

[Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ quick and easy mystery read, going to continue the series!