Say Nothing

by Erin Kinsley

A MISSING CHILD. THE TRUTH WILL STAY BURIED IF YOU SAY NOTHING

'It is at its best in its understanding of how complex even seemingly ordinary people are' THE TIMES - THRILLER OF THE MONTH
'Brilliant, compelling, heart-wrenching writing' PETER JAMES
'Completely gripping...twists you may not see coming' THE SUN

Your son has gone missing.
And then the police arrest the prime suspect.
You.

You know you're innocent.
That someone else took your son.

But the truth is never simple.
Especially if you're forced to say nothing...

Readers are gripped by SAY NOTHING

'An incredibly addictive story
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'Every book I've read by Erin has been truly wonderful. I can't put them down!!!!'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'I was hooked from page 1'
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Praise for Erin

'The unravelling of a family are brilliantly portrayed in this painfully realistic novel' SUNDAY TIMES
'Brilliant, compelling, heart-wrenching writing.' PETER JAMES
'A tense and intriguing thriller you'll find difficult to put down' WOMAN'S WEEKLY
'This razor-sharp thriller keeps you guessing until the last page' WOMAN'S OWN
'An unputdownable thriller.' ELLY GRIFFITHS
'Sensitive and moving...but with a core of pure tension' SUNDAY TIMES
'Full of twists and turns to keep you guessing, this is a gripping and compelling read you won't want to put down' HEAT

Genres: Fiction, Mystery

414 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2024

Reviews

[The Bookish Elf · Rating 4 out of 5]

In her latest psychological thriller, "Say Nothing," Erin Kinsley masterfully weaves a complex narrative that spans a decade, exploring themes of justice, redemption, and the weight of unspoken truths. The story begins in 2013, when four-year-old Adam Henthorn is found dead in Risedale, a quiet village in Derbyshire. His father Tommy is convicted of the murder, but ten years later, new evidence emerges that overturns his conviction. What follows is an intricate exploration of guilt, revenge, and the devastating impact of wrongful imprisonment on both individuals and communities.

Storytelling & Narrative Structure

Kinsley employs a dual timeline structure, alternating between 2013 and 2023, which effectively builds tension while gradually revealing the truth behind Adam's death. The narrative is particularly strong in its portrayal of small-town dynamics and the way tragedy can fracture seemingly close-knit communities. The author's decision to divide the book into three parts—"Seeds of Disaster," "Ten Years After," and "The Life That Is Waiting"—creates a natural progression that keeps readers engaged while maintaining narrative momentum.

Character Development

The characters in "Say Nothing" are impressively nuanced, each carrying their own burdens and secrets:

- Tommy Henthorn emerges as a complex protagonist whose transformation from grieving father to convicted murderer to freed man is thoroughly convincing

- Gail Henthorn, Adam's mother, is masterfully portrayed as a deeply flawed character whose actions drive much of the plot

- DCI Ryan Canfield and his team provide a professional framework through which the investigation unfolds

- The supporting cast of villagers adds depth to the story's exploration of community dynamics

Strengths

- Atmospheric Writing: Kinsley excels at creating a palpable sense of place, bringing the village of Risedale to life with vivid descriptions and authentic dialogue

- Psychological Depth: The exploration of characters' motivations and mental states is particularly well-handled

- Plot Construction: The intricate plotting keeps readers guessing while maintaining credibility

- Theme Development: The book thoughtfully examines justice, redemption, and the nature of truth
Writing Style

Kinsley's prose is lean and effective, with a strong sense of pacing that keeps the story moving forward. Her background as an accomplished author (having written "Found," "Innocent," and "Missing") is evident in her confident handling of multiple viewpoints and timeline shifts. The dialogue rings true, particularly in scenes involving the police investigation and village interactions.

Areas for Improvement

While "Say Nothing" is a strong thriller, there are some aspects that could have been enhanced:

- The romantic subplot between DCI Canfield and Lorna occasionally feels forced and could have been better integrated into the main narrative

- Some secondary character arcs, particularly those involving the Rains family, could have been more fully developed

- The pacing in the middle section occasionally slows, though it picks up significantly in the final third

Impact & Relevance

The novel's exploration of wrongful conviction and its aftermath feels particularly timely in an era when such cases frequently make headlines. Kinsley's treatment of the subject matter is sensitive and thought-provoking, raising important questions about the nature of justice and redemption.

Final Verdict

What Works:

- Compelling narrative structure
- Well-drawn characters
- Strong sense of place
- Thoughtful exploration of complex themes

What Could Be Better:

- Some pacing issues
- Certain subplots need more development
- Resolution feels slightly rushed

"Say Nothing" is a gripping psychological thriller that successfully combines elements of police procedural with deeply personal drama. While not without its flaws, the novel's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a worthy addition to the genre and a compelling read for fans of British crime fiction.

[Bookworm86 · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLOG TOUR REVIEW


Review for 'Say Nothing' by Erin Kinsley.

This may be the first book I have read by this absolutely incredible author but it most certainly will not be my last!!

Wow!!!! Just flipping wow!!!! What an absolutely epic page turner!!! Well done Erin!!! How on Earth have I never read any of your books before? Absolutely smashed it!!!!!!!

This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions creating the perfect atmosphere for the storyline. The book cover and synopsis works perfectly with the book plot and I am most definitely looking forward to reading the next book, and the previous one in this series.

I have absolutely no idea how this is the first time I have read one of this incredible author's books but I am so glad I have rectified that problem and I cannot wait to get hooked into more books by the extremely talented Erin. I cannot wait to get stuck into the rest of her books as I can guarantee they are all amazing even if they are just half as good as this book they are guaranteed to be epic which means I will fly through them like I did with this book!! I genuinely could have sworn I had read books by you previously but apparently I haven't well that has definitely been my loss!! I mean, seriously, if this book is anything to go by I have no idea how I can call myself a crime fan and yet not read any of your books up until now!!! In this absolutely gripping book Erin transports her readers to Risedale, Derbyshire where a parents worst nightmare has come true!! Adam Henthorn who is just 4 years old has gone missing. A search is organised and it isn't long before the body of Adam is found by none other than his own Dad Tommy. The police start investigating Adam's murder but are struggling with suspects. With only a couple of people who could have possibly killed him but after a witness comes forward Tommy himself ends up being arrested. Tommy swears he didn't do it but when he cannot give an alibi he ends up being arrested in 2013. In part 2 and in the year 2023 new evidence is discovered and Tommy's conviction is overturned. Tommy is determined to discover who really killed is son. Chief Inspector Canfield is devastated that he got it wrong and is also determined to find the real killer. With a little help from somebody Canfield used to know can these men finally get to the truth of what really happened the day Adam was killed? Well, if you want to find out more then you will just have to grab your copy today and I can promise that you will not regret it!! You may also discover your new favourite author like I have!! With an absolutely gripping storyline ram packed with mystery, family, romance, revenge, deceit, heartbreak, lies, twists, guilt, justice and so, so much more what on Earth are you waiting for? Grab your copy and get hooked today!! Erin does an absolutely incredible job of captivating her readers attention with both multiple timelines as well as multiple protagonist perspectives ensuring the reader gets to see as much as she wants them to see without giving too much away and without causing any confusion. She had me questioning each of the characters throughout the book and just when I thought I had worked it all out she pulled out all the stops and my jaw dropped to the floor!! It is getting harder and harder to surprise me with the amount of crime books I have read but Erin definitely managed it hook, line and sinker so a HUGE congratulations to Erin!! One thing I absolutely loved about this story is that Erin really brings each of the characters to life ensuring the readers not only learn about the case and what is going on but also getting an insight into the characters home lives such as with Chief Inspector Canfield while really helps to bring them all to life. This book is an absolutely addictive, nail biting, page turning, heart racing and compelling storyline with so many layers of mysteries for the reader to be kept guessing throughout. This fantastic thriller is absolutely packed with twists, turns, shocks, crime and red herrings throughout I had no idea who the killer was and I was gob smacked when their identity is finally revealed!! I would never have seen that one coming!! This is an achievement in itself as it is definitely getting harder to surprise me with the amount of crime novels I've read so a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Erin!! There was so many explosive bombshells and twists in this book that I actually lost count on how many times I was shocked which I didn't think would be possible!!! The plot was unique and realistic and Erin's brilliant descriptions brings absolutely everything to life in front of your eyes. It started straight in the action and kept you going on a roller-coaster ride of suspense and mystery throughout. There were several occasions when my heart was in my throat and I the hair was raising on my arms but I won't mention those as not to spoil it for future readers. It is so hard to not say too much without giving anything away to future readers but I'm sure once people have read it they will know exactly what I mean. Well done Erin you did absolutely amazing and everything was tied up perfectly. The twists and turns in this book left me going from one chapter to another!!! I completely devoured it in one sitting as I just could not put it down. Prepare yourself for a rollercoaster ride!!! I just could not put this book down and I cannot wait to read more books by this incredible author!!!

Before you start this make sure you clear your schedule because once you pick it up you are not going to want to put it down!!!!

The characters were very realistic, multi layered and well rounded and again their personalities reflected the storyline and how they would act, etc perfectly. The descriptions gave a really good in depth view of how the characters were feeling and what they were thinking. They were complex and each seemed to be hiding their own secrets which leaves you questioning who is telling the truth and who can be trusted. They had their own unique personalities with individual flaws, quirks, secrets, strengths and weaknesses!! I loved getting to know each and every one of them and loved the fact that we got to see from both sides of the law (the detective and the accused)'. I don't want to say too much about the characters though and I will leave you to read this amazing book and work it out yourself. I will say that it was not just Tommy that I enjoyed meeting and became completely invested in but also the rest of the characters, I could literally go on and on but I am going to wrap it up here so I do not bore you too much! Each of the characters were well developed, unique and thanks to Erin's fantastic evocative writing skills they all came to life before my eyes. That is all I will say as I don't want to run the risk of dropping any hints or spoilers. However, whether you love or hate these characters, they all have their own strong unique personalities and they all bring the story to life playing their roles perfectly.

Congratulations Erin Kinsley on a fantastic and gripping success!! This is exactly why I would like to welcome you to my favourite authors club!!!

Overall an absolute must read, pulse racing, addictive page turning crime thriller that will keep you on edge and addicted.

#SayNothing #ErinKinsley #HeadlinePublishing #Headline #HeadlineAccent #eternal_books

@ErinKinsley @HeadlinePublishing @Headline @HeadlineAccent @eternal_books

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[Katie Lala · Rating 1 out of 5]

So slow

This book took me over a week to read. Too much many perspectives. The plot is so slow and boring. This did not need to be a 40p page book.

[Kirsten Oetting · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book

[Genna Ford · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was SO May POVs
Still good tho x

[Kimberly Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars.

I picked up this book on a kindle deal, looking for a new thriller writer to add to my collection. I also downloaded "Found" by this writer, thinking I would like them. I have to say, after reading this, I don't think I will try "Found". This writer is just not for me.

Pros: The story was okay. It is a thriller. Spoiler, a young boy die unexpectedly and everyone in the town is trying to point the finger at anyone but themselves. At the center is the boys family and police detective who is doing the investigation into the "why" for this little boy.

Cons: I found this book so slow. I could not get into it either. Too many different stories mixed together, too many different perspectives. I found it hard to keep all of the stories straight and to remember that, at the center, was the story of a young boy who died. I don't know if this is why I could not get into this story but, that is my view of it. Also, I didn't find the ending that shocking. I read thrillers for that shock and it was lacking for me.

Overall, 3 stars max. I read it, I won't read it again, and I won't look into other books from this author.

[O* · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a decent thriller, much better than many thrillers that seem mass produced or too hastily thrown together. The characters are multidimensional, the story is told in way that avoids lots of 'transport' - it was great that the interim years were not included, it could have got very repetitive.

The story in itself is, of course, slightly unrealistic, like many thrillers, however it is much less so than most 'quick read thrillers', I think. There are few 'super exaggerations' which always wind me up for being just too much. I also appreciated that there was no 'crazy female stalker' in it (not a spoiler) - at one point I thought there were hints in that direction, but no. Great that Kinsley seems to be able to find a balance between good thriller with exciting/unexpected developments - but not adding too much.

Having just seen a news item about a wrongful conviction, reading this was the more poignant.

I did not feel that the blurb on the cover corresponded to the contents well at all.

[Susanna Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author has skills, makes us visualize rather than being told what is happening.

This is about someone who gets a very bad deal, 10 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. Police incompetence.
I wish there were more redeeming characters than just the imprisoned man's mother and her close family friend. As it is, the story is an expose of police incompetence and some parental brutality which lasts forever, it seems. If you have lots of time, such as a trip on a plane, read the entire book. Otherwise, read maybe a third of the book and skip to the last 40 pages.
The author is very talented indeed, and I wish i could encourage you to read every word. Book paints a picture of our failing, incompetent culture and failed parenting, just gritty sadness.

[Cindy Presson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good mystery.

Good characters, who, like most of us, make poor decisions for (perhaps) the right reasons. Although there is little to find satisfying about the outcome of the story, the journey there is winding and complex. Many readers, me included, will have identified the true culprit early on and be frustrated by the way the crime is handled…but then, that’s realistic, isn’t it? A good read that will keep you engaged.

[Eric Neill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Difference Between Something and Nothing is...

Nothing is what it seems. Everyone is hiding something. Emotions play games as desires stir the boiling pot of secrets and lies with misdirections and rumors. No one is safe from the threats and the rumors of activities by others. Only Adam is not the first or the last to suffer.

[Kathy J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent read!

A real page turner that kept me up way past my usual bed time! I loved the way the story unfolded and the characters were developed. Can’t wait to read more books by Kinsley

[Pat Haber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent read. The subject matter is difficult and dark, a child death and wrongful imprisonment, but done with gentleness and even some humor.
SPOILER ALERT:


What I like about this author is that her endings are good. In this case, justice but also proud resignation.

[Cheryl Durand Youland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kept me guessing, even though I thought I knew who done it. I have read a lot of mystery’s and this one was as different.
My only qualm was the relationship between Lorna and the cop didn’t convince me of true love.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

intriguing

Started a little slow, wasn’t sure I would read it. But, once it got going, there were lots of twists and turns it kept me reading.
The ending was interesting and tied everything up nicely and wasn’t drawn out like some authors do.

[julie roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read, slow to start, but stick with it and begins to grip you with every page

Keeps you guessing all the way through with a surprising twist at the end, that I never saw coming. Superb

[Shellie Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though I had a few (close to the mark) guesses, this did not disappoint, and was all sewn up very neatly at the end. The character development was very good, to the point of being disappointingly human in many aspects. I will definitely look out for further titles by this author.

[JOY BURNHAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good

Every book I've read by Erin has been truly wonderful. I can't put them down!!!! I encourage you to read them!!!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Would have been 5 but disappointed in parts of the ending sadly. Otherwise loved it 😊.

[Renita D'Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thrilling

[Laura- Jayne Breed · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic

A really great read and I love how the story unfolded. The references to Derbyshire were accurate too I think

[Dawn Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it a joy to read and very relatable

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great heartbreaking story

A well told story by this author. Some characters I won’t forget and an emotional ride. This story will stay with me for a while.

[Pat Larimore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sad

A depressing story that took a while to know who done it. Not one if you’re looking for a feel good story.

[Judy Uckotter · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars.

[Sheila A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

Although I had my suspicions, this story winds and winds and you are never sure of the outcome. This is a story you want to follow to the end.

[Tania Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read on holiday

The book was good, character's were believeable. A few twists and turns. Several stories going on. I enjoyed the book. I enjoy the style of the author.

[AlisonJane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me interested until the last page. Lots of twists and turns.
Most enjoyable!

[Donna Reynolds Bowman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just what I like a good mystery.

[Diane Leckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. It kept you watching. You never knew what would happen next, or who the killer could be. I will look into other books by Erin Kinsley!

[Emily Shelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

mystery solved but no heroes in this book

Decent story but I couldn’t root for any of the characters. I guess it was just a little too human.