Five for Silver

Magpie Rhyme #5

by Louise Collins

He may be weeks from death, but Vincent still pulls an unwilling Chad into his game. If he agrees to meet with Vincent, he will cooperate in the search for the remains of Harriet Hastings, his missing victim.

Chad is skeptical from the beginning, and believes Vincent is setting him up to fail with the eyes of the country watching.

But Chad’s not alone in Vincent’s game. He has recruited two other players, Lucinda Hastings, Harriet’s sister, and retired Detective Inspector James Poole who Chad learns had a relationship with the missing girl.

The clock is ticking on Vincent’s time, and he tells Chad a secret.

He’s holding on to four words.

Four words he’s saving until the end.

Four words that will bring about Chad’s downfall…

Genres: M M Romance, Serial Killer, Dark, Contemporary, Crime, Romance, Mystery

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 12, 2024

About the author

Writer of mm romance and erotica.

I write the stories I'd love to read, I hope you enjoy them too.
Lover of Romance but not without angst along the way.

Seduced by the dancing of a neanderthal and now a mother of two monsters.
Drinks tea with a passion, adores dogs, and their sea dwelling cousins.

Failed two chocolate eating challenges but will return for round three.

https://mailchi.mp/ad6955eed18f/louis...

♥

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Reviews

[Sandy Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back in the shadows with Romeo and Chad (CHAD!). I love these two and this is the series that keeps on giving.

For starters, they now have a fur-child that Romeo pretends to hate and Chad loves to watch Romeo love. Along with all the creepy magpies and an unwelcome bird guest that may or may not exist. But they never think things through really do they? Because now Chad's friends want to meet the dog and this just..they keep asking for trouble! They really REALLY need a gatekeeper. And a gate. And a big-freakin' fence.

Seeing Chad once again be forced to dance to the tune of yet another serial killer...ah, you know it won't go well, and with Romeo helping but also hobbled in his ability to help...sob and SOB it's all just...hard to watch. And fascinating yet again. Now Chad's getting called out for his addiction to serial killers, and someone puts it in his head that one will be the end of him.

Oh, how they keep trying....

But don't worry. It will NEVER be Romeo. Maybe serial killers' feelings aren't the same as most people's, but, there is NO denying Romeo has Feelings of some kind and he's making a (hilarious) list of any and everyone who might threaten Chad or get between him and Chad or have had any impact on Chad in any way Romeo doesn't like...Arya Stark, eat your heart out.

Ha ha ha ha.

Yeah, things do NOT ultimately go well for Chad, but, these two are still #endgame solid and this fucked up relationship is one of my favorite things ever.

Oh, and, the main plot features our second-least-fave (Marc Wilson being THE WORST) serial killer sucking Chad into his game as he teases out revealing the whereabouts of the one victim's body he never revealed. But did he really kill her? You and Chad decide. Meanwhile Chad gets all the shitstorm he so sorely never deserves again. {{{Chad}}}

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED SERIES. Totally safe for me, this is a series that does not DARE go anywhere but with these two, thank you love and Louise Collins. This is the most fucked up happy ever after I can imagine and it's...still...going...!

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like every Magpie book that comes out is my new favorite, and this was no exception. I LOVE seeing their relationship develop, and this one had me in a chokehold.

Also, Josh needs a bi-awakening with a stalker.

[Ally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ugh I love Chad & Romeo SO MUCH!!!! How horrible is it to say I was upset we didn't get to see Romeo do....Romeo things...in this book!? I'm getting Stockholm right along with Chad at this point LOL. Chad's character growth from book one is insane and I'm so here for it. I love where this is headed and I'm beyond excited for the next book.

I'm also still holding out hope that Josh gets a book. He's great & I love him!!

[Ethen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt more back on track with this 5th installment than the 4th one.

An interesting case reemerges, it unravels, bringing even more mysteries and questions.

I loved to see finally Romeo and Chad working together on a case, but I wished there was more. I mean, your boyfriend is a serial killer. Why not take advantage and get some insight?

The story with the murderer mystery again was steady, but it wasn’t solid enough. I feel like there were some pretty important loose ends left and I only hope the next book will bring closure.

I loved how we got a kick start after things have settled, and I welcomed the high stakes again, but I finished the book with more questions than what I started with.

[Sasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I devoured Five for Silver by Louise Collins, the fifth installment in the series, and I'm left craving more of Chad and Romeo's story. This murder mystery and dark romance masterpiece is a nail-biting suspense thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With its fast-paced plot, twists, and turns, I couldn't get enough of the intricate web of secrets and lies.

However, I couldn't help but feel a slight disappointment with the reduced presence of Romeo's character in this book. I missed his dark, monster side, which added an extra layer of depth to the story.

While Collins' writing is exceptional, weaving a complex narrative that's both captivating and chilling, this book left me with more questions than answers. The vague ending has me eagerly awaiting the next installment, hoping for more resolution and a deeper dive into the characters' psyches.

If you're a fan of dark romance and suspenseful mysteries, Five for Silver is a must-read. Be prepared for a wild ride with plenty of surprises along the way! Just be warned: the wait for the next book might be unbearable."

[Piiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

this series keeps getting better & better. 4.5☆

[Shisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is intense…maybe the most intense of the series. It's almost 5 am in my timezone and it's this book's fault. Can't wait for the next volume.

My favorite in this series is still book one. But book four and book five though...I can't choose. They are both my second favorite.

[Ella Rostedt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life is not kind to Chad

[Luna's Library ⚡︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

there are no words for the masterpiece that is this series

[paracosmere · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

AAHHHH!! What do I even say???? Everything's about to come to heel and what a way for it to unfold!!

I can't even. This book circles back to Vincent again but with the purpose of finding his alleged final victim's unfound remains. But things took a turn and revealed that Josh, of all people, will be coming for Chad and Romeo's asses cos their criminal killings have just been found out! Like WTH! I felt the heart-pounding anxiety alongside Chad that exact moment cos like whatttt???

And then everything hit the fan with James and Lucy dying and Chad might be losing his mind. Romeo has no kills this time but the body count goes to Chad. Oh how the tables turn. What if the police found damning evidence that Romeo's still alive? There had to be mudprints all over the floor from Romeo's boots when he entered back the house to hide. Police could find his DNA all over the fields cos he was there all the time. And what if they found the car!?!? The ominous feeling after the magpies disappeared and then one getting killed in the end just amped up my anticipation for the next book, which would be this series' last!

I thought in the previous books, the author kinda eased off a foot from the gas but the engine's revving and in full speed in this one.

Revealing a little bit about Ally's backstory might have justified her attitude and borderline asshole-ish behavior towards Chad during cases but I still don't like her majority of the time. And also, fuck Peter to hell! He can't put the blame on Chad like that. He's guilty yes but still!

I enjoyed book five so much, didn't disappoint. Can't wait for the sixth book even though I'm a little sad it's gonna be the final one.

[Trish Skywalker · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS SERIES IS SO BRILLIANT!!!

I absolutely inhaled this book, I couldn’t put it down! Chad and Romeo are back and THEY GOT A DOG!!
This book had a lot of Chad struggling with his relationship with Romeo versus him being a detective. A cold case has been reopened, and a nightmare from Chad’s past has come back. Chad thinks that not everything adds up in the case, and he starts digging with Romeo’s help. Chad knows something isn’t right, but he also knows he needs evidence to prove it and is struggling to do so. This case opens up a lot of his conflict between “the detective” and the man, and he does start to look at Romeo differently. Feeling his stress makes Romeo edgy, and makes him want to let the monster out. The more Chad breaks down, the more Romeo grows scared of losing him.
The case in this book was so twisty turny, and it was so fascinating. And it ends on such a bang!
I really hope we’re getting Six for Gold because I NEED MORE!!!

[Rūta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was intense. I would say it was the most intense of the whole series, I was stressed that Romeo would be found out. 😫
In terms of romance, this book just hits the dark romance lover in me. I love how Chad has grown as a character & this book he really proved that Romeo is his first priority. He even k*lled for him and that says a lot since he’s always been adamant on not doing it. The sex was also super intense in this one. I enjoyed their scenes together a lot. Romeo & Juliet against the world sounds perfect.
The plot was also really amazing. I really love the author & how they wrote it. They had me suspecting everyone on who the killer was. And it wasn’t really confirmed till the end. The plot twists were crazy. I really hate that Chad is once again facing the backlash from the media and cops. The fact that James was a p*do didn’t bother the police force but they sure are concerned about Chad. I can never understand the mentality cops has and it had me pissed. Lucy was a killer but everyone turning on Chad was very annoying.

All in all, I enjoyed the book & look forward to the next one.

[Emma Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this gripping psychological thriller, He may be weeks from death, but Vincent still pulls an unwilling Chad into his game, Vincent, a manipulative mastermind with only weeks to live, orchestrates a twisted game that Chad, an investigator, is reluctantly drawn into. The stakes are high: if Chad agrees to meet Vincent, the convicted killer will cooperate in the search for the remains of Harriet Hastings, his long-missing victim. But Chad is skeptical—he suspects that Vincent, ever the puppet master, is setting him up to fail, and all while the world watches.

As the plot unfolds, Chad isn’t alone. He’s joined by Harriet’s grieving sister, Lucinda, and retired Detective Inspector James Poole, a man with his own mysterious connection to the missing girl. The tension builds as Vincent’s time runs out, and he hints at a chilling revelation—four words that he’s holding onto, words that will, in his mind, lead to Chad’s downfall.

This novel weaves a tense, atmospheric narrative, full of twists, psychological manipulation, and moral dilemmas. It's a suspenseful page-turner, perfect for readers who enjoy a slow-burning, cerebral thriller. The countdown to Vincent’s death and his final, cryptic secret will keep you hooked until the last page.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

Officially Romeo isn’t among the living, unofficially the psychopathic serial killer secretly lives with Chad, hi detective, a happy life.
Chad even allows him a few kills to keep him satisfied. Oh, and Romeo has a list, and it’s getting longer with all the people who harmed Chad in any way!!

Their relationship is always on the edge, Chad is the only valuable matter in Romeo’s life and even that is edging on dangerous ground, scorching hot and dangerous!

Vincent, imprisoned and admitted he killed Harriet, is terminal and wants to reveal where her body is. His has conditions, he wants Chad there and retired DI James Poole.

For his own health (read the previous stories, you won’t regret it) Chad doesn’t want to get involved, his nightmares are spiking high, therapy isn’t helping etc.
But someone is playing dirty, the media revealed already about Vincent’s request.
Vincent is pure evil, even on his deathbed.

Jesus, what an intriguing case. While all evidence points to Vincent, Romeo is convinced he isn’t Harriet’s killer, if he’s right, who is?

Chad and Romeo are choosing each other, always!!
If there was ever a complicated relationship, it’s theirs! You can only love them!

The plot is downright genius! The writing was extremely captivating, a thriller ‘pur sang’

[J.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd missed Romeo and Chad so much, but this book stressed me out the whole time I was reading it. It's about a detective secretly dating a serial killer who is thought to be dead, so of course, the series is stressful to read. But with this one, I felt much more anxious. I even felt uneasy during the domestic moments. Vincent seemed like he knew about Romeo, so I was kind of scared they would all find out, but then, Josh unknowingly started putting the pieces together about people Romeo killed. Now, Chad isn't even a detective anymore. Everything is uncertain. He's planning to let Romeo kill Michael, but what about after? He can't solve old cases if he can't access them. It will be a lot harder for Romeo to find other killers without Chad's information. Josh might find out the truth too, and Chad, not being a detective, can't sabotage the evidence. Guess I'll need to wait until the next book to have all the answers to these questions. 😭 We can definitely tell that the story is accelerating. The next book could be the last one.

[Suze · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still with the intensity - even the mysterious dark bird stalking the magpies adds to the tension.
Romeo and Chad are getting more daring in their sex life, possibly to the detriment of Chad’s mental health which must be through the floor.
References to how they would cope with discovery maybe foreshadows an ending perhaps?
With Chad being one of a number of people manipulated by Vincent, we don’t really get a resolution to Harriet, other than a leap of intuition right atthe end.
How the two are not discovered, or the garden, is miraculous given what happens.
But intense and gripping as the others - other than a reference to Clue - it’s Cluedo in the UK where we are set!

[Fudanshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am... Not Well!

The level of uncertainty at the end of this book, was not expected.

After Chad resigning from the force, how will they be able to see what cases can help satiate Romeo's monster? Does that mean Chad and Romeo will finally die together? And how is Chad not broken beyond repair at this point? Will Josh or Ally finally figure it out?

This one was better than 4, but still not as good as 1-3. At least now they are in full communication, which is a major improvement from the last book.

I need #6 ASAP and it better have a HEA/HFN, because my emotions can't handle anything less.

[Nazanin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Told in single POV, 3rd person, it’s the fifth installment in "The Magpie Rhyme" series and should be read in order. It’s another enjoyable read but I really wished we could have seen things from Romeo’s perspective as well. This book is short and moves quickly, which keeps the tension high. However, I’m worried about what’s going to happen with Josh as he investigates the disappearance of the “others.” I hope nothing bad happens to him in the next installment, I’m really looking forward to it! All in all, it was a good read, and I hope you enjoy it as well!

[Rocío · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutamente increíble, de los mejores libros de la saga 🙏🏻
es muy hermoso ver a la pareja principal tan consolidada, y cada interacción suya tan doméstica y llena de amor. individualmente también se nota la evolución de los personajes, los blancos y negros son cada vez más grises y el peligro está cada vez más cerca. no puedo esperar a ver cómo continúa su historia😮‍💨

josh necesita un novio que lo cuide urgentemente

[bopityboo · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up to 4

I would have like for this one's story to be as neatly ended as the other books. There's always a bigger but lighter story going on in the background that serves as a common thread between the books of the series, but there's an individual storyline in each books of the series that concludes at the end -and we get our answers and resolution. That wasn't the case with this book and the next hasn't yet been published so it's doubly frustrating.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can’t wait for final book

I have absolutely loved this series and I am so exited finally book will be available. I have loved Louise Collin’s books but was not sure I would like this one. I usually don’t like series with the same MC’s throughout because I get bored but Romeo and Chad’s storyline just keeps getting better. I am sure there are people who will say the story isn’t realistic but please remember it is fiction.

[Julianne Darlen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este libro reparó lo que el 3 y 4 arruinaron
En cada página se sintió ahora si la relación de Chad y Romeo, no solo fue un crimen y de vez en cuando un plática en el casa, no
Ahora si se sintió que ambos eran los protagonistas de la trama

El libro terminó en un punto muy interesante gran Chad haberse visto forzado a asesinar y ahora perder su trabajo estoy ansiosa en ver por donde llevará la autora estos libros a su final

[Nicole Deanne Veracruz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nowhere does it say that this book cannot be read as a standalone. But clearly it cannot be because I am so confused I don't understand half of what I read I don't understand the relationship between Romeo and Chad.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tinaaasa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohh myy fuckiing gooood!!!!! What the fuuuckkk thiis was soo goood. And soo much build up is happening for the next part i‘m actually scareed of whats going to happen 🫣🫣
I am so happy I waited with reading this volume until the 6 book had come out cause the suspense of waiting for the next book would have actually fucking killed me

[Florencia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me gustó, Romeo apareció mucho mas que en el libro anterior, tuvo mas participacion. Pero el final solo me generó mas dudas sobre si van a tener un final feliz o no. Y todo apunta a que no.
Aun asi no pierdo la esperanza.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series- the relationship and personal development of Romeo and Chad. The storyline/plot was fulfilling but also left the door open for book 6.
Single pov
1st P
Strict
No b/u

[the.aquarius.booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 review to come later

[Josie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another great instalment. I wish there was more of a resolution at the end though. It felt a little too vague. I hope the next book will clear things up.

[Doussouba · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️

[Zee · Rating 5 out of 5]

They badly need a fence or a gate or something 😭
Poor Chad😭, he’s going through a lot and I truly believe his conscience might be the end of him🌚