The Silent Witness

Thomas Shepherd Mystery #9

by Dan Padavona

Mystery lies in what remains unspoken.

When a renowned forensic artist moves to Wolf Lake to escape the chaos of her past, her ability to communicate with traumatized witnesses draws the attention of Sheriff Thomas Shepherd.

Tasked with solving a series of disappearances linked to an online predator, Thomas enlists her help to communicate with the latest witness – a young girl rendered mute by trauma.

Is the girl in danger?

As Thomas works with the artist, he uncovers chilling connections to crimes long thought solved.

But the terror is just beginning.

262 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 22, 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

[Suzanne Lopes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Early morning Goodreads Family, I gave the book 📕 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I have to say that so far this book was the best out of the series (I still have more to read from this series) The author let the character Thomas Sheppard (my favorite character out of all of them) be more than the sheriff of Nightshade County) it was him as a person. He has Asperger’s syndrome so it let the reader (Me) understand him on a more personal level. His fiancée is a private investigator 🕵️ and she loves him so much. Actually, It is wonderful to read about love and friendships in the midst of all that is going on in the world 🌎 ( Personally, I guess that is the reason why I gave the book 4 ⭐️’s ) because it was a break from all the horrible news I’ve been reading in the newspaper 📰 and the internet) Anyway, Goodreads Family, this is a really good series and I highly suggest you read it… May you have a blessed day (even if it is a Monday Ugh 😩) Back to work!!! See you at my next review……😉

[Joseph E. Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Of His Best

In the Thomas Shepherd series, this book was one of the best. I read in bed before I go to sleep at night. This book caused me to stay up later than I planned on or wanted to for the 5 nights that it took me to read this book. I know that if there were more hours in a day I would've finished this book in one sitting. Reading these books is like hanging out with close friends that you've gotten to know well over the years.

[kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

i enjoyed this book and the lead up to thomas and chelsey’s wedding, which i’m hoping will be in the next book. usually these books are so fast paced with lots of tension, twists, and clues that keep you on the edge of your seat, but this book was completely different. the first half of the book was just a build up of the investigations, without many thrills or surprises.

i wasn’t super engaged by the main plot line that thomas was investigating, as it didn’t really go into depth with the victim’s experiences at the hand of the perpetrator and it came off a little preachy about internet safety. i was slightly disappointed that we didn’t get any action until the halfway mark, but that scene at the halfway point that totally turned the whole trajectory of the story (once you read it, you’ll know what scene i’m talking about) had my heart racing.

i was absolutely gobsmacked at the wolf lake consulting’s plot twist. i think overall that story line and reveal was unique, but i wished we went more in depth and had more clues as to what was going on while reading.

i’m so looking forward to thomas and chelsey’s wedding and seeing this big happy family celebrating together!

thank you to the author for this advanced copy!

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Silent Witness - a review by Rosemary Kenny.

A Thomas Shepherd Crime Thriller Book 9 by Dan Padavona, The Silent Witness begins with former police forensic sketch artist Calista O'Brien's arrival in Wolf Lake and reveals her nervousness ...but what is she anxious about?

An online predator chase for Thomas and Deputy Aguilar, a ghost hunt and the search for an escaped convict for Chelsey, Rachel, Scout and LeVar means it's action all the way, making The Silent Witness an unputdownable crime-thriller that you definitely must not miss.

Grab your copy today and settle down to a book that's guaranteed to satisfy you completely!

[Charles E. Kochan Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is yet another in the prolific series by Dan Padavona. A renowned forensic expert moves to the quiet Wolf Lake community. The well-liked Sheriff, Tom Shepherd is so tempted to involve her in a series of disappearances yet has the decency to honor her wishes to stay retired for her mental health and all that she has witnessed in her career. But as tensions worsen and young lives are at stake, Tom caves in and approaches her, only to find resistance. A young mute girl is the only living witness to an abduction and Tom must convince the expert to help. Will he succeed? And if so, is it to late? This is a page burner for sure.

[Dawn Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked The Silent Witness. In my opinion this book was different. The first part of book is a build up, then the action happens. I found first half of book slow moving, the second half has all the action. I knew what was going on with the Gallo house from the get go. I found the internet stalker interesting but slow moving. Dan Padavona left Lily side of the story up in the air. Overall it's good but not his best. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader's copy.

[Mary Rowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

ripped from the true crime headlines

A traumatized woman seeks quiet and peace living by the lake, but a situation she cannot ignore calls her back from her self-imposed retirement to assist Wolf Lake to bring down a predator.

Wolf Lake investigations get a “ghostbusters” assignment, while a lonely teen chats with someone online who wants to be her new best friend.

Neither situation develops the way the participants anticipate or desire.

[Elizabeth Kitchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent read!

This book was hard to put down. In actuality I never did. So it’s about 4:30 in the morning. I really like that. He brings the cast of characters throughout the series. If you haven’t read any of this series of the Thomas Shepherd, crime thrillers start at the beginning and pick up all the books. They are excellent I promise you!

[Bev Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these books

I have read most all these stories and a lot the author has written. You never lose interest while reading them. Chapters fairly short. Nothing did I dislike. Recommended to my daughter. I think it deserves a 5 star rating for being enjoyable and exciting reading.

[Linae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really Great story

One of the things I live about this series, is the people in Wolf Lake. They make me want to live in that community. Along with the people/characters is the drama and catching the bad guys. Its always hard to put the book down while reading and at the end I dont want it to stop. This book has it all.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A definite must read series

I absolutely love this series with the awesome characters, hilarious banter, crazy antics, the sweet and loving moments, adventures, mysteries, suspense, and the intriguing twists that you won't see coming. It's an amazing series that's a definite must read!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and exceptional author.

[Vicki Gilbertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very busy read, but worth it. Like the new resident, helping out. I was laughing so hard when LeVar got stuck when crawling in the wall, Chelsea was a different story if anyone laughed at her I'm sure it it would have been painful for that person. I hope this is the beginning of seeing more of Calista.

Hopefully next book will include a wedding.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Silent Witness

Another excellent mystery in the Thomas Shepherd series. I read all the books in this series & I highly recommend any novel by Dan Padavona. I do suggest starting at the beginning to see the character development.

[thomas davisson]

Outstanding

Another great story in the life of Thomas Shepherd and his supporting cast. It was a great saga of a number of different stories in the plot that all come together at the end. Can't wait till the next book which I would bet involves a wedding or not?

[Sandy Semprit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Book

Dan knows how to capture your attention and keep you invested in each character’s wellbeing. One moment my heart raced with fear and the next I’m crying happy tears! Can’t wait for the next Shepherd book!

[Amy Treboni · Rating 5 out of 5]

greatly enjoy these

Interesting characters and stories, Dan Padavona never disappoints. I’m always ready for a new installment! Also, ren fest fan here as well, maybe we will bump into each other some day!

[Mary Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Shep Dawg stories

I enjoy reading books by Dan Padavona. The story lines seem to be about real people who have their share of human problems. They keep your interest and you are ready for the next book in the series.

[Denise M. Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic twist

As always great reading, started the book at 2:30 in the afternoon and finished the book the same day. Really enjoy the story line and all the charcters that all of his book are built around, please don't stop this series, let it live forever!

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh. Disjointed. Lack of a real crime til the end. Ghosts??? Worst of the series. If I hadn’t already read so many, I would have dnf this one. Not up to par by a long shot. And can we please give up the Levar/scout thing?

[KDRBCK · Rating 5 out of 5]

slow burn and good like the previous books

[James V Landfair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan you are the man

I love these books anxious to read the next glad I don't have to wait too long. Can't wait till it's ready.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good series.