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After the music stops, the killing begins…

When the body of a young woman is discovered at an outdoor music festival, Detective Kay Hunter’s investigation stalls almost as soon as it starts.

Because the killer has left no trace, and the victim’s identity is unknown.

Amidst a media backlash, and faced with thousands of potential suspects, Kay must piece together the last hours of the woman’s life before her killer can escape.

But when Kay finds out the truth, her discovery will shake her investigation team to its core…

A Fatal Silence is the 14th book in the Detective Kay Hunter series from USA Today bestselling author Rachel Amphlett, and perfect for readers who love fast-paced crime fiction.

The Kay Hunter crime thriller series – available in print, large print and audiobook from all major retailers and

1. Scared to Death
2. Will to Live
3. One to Watch
4. Hell to Pay
5. Call to Arms
6. Gone to Ground
7. Bridge to Burn
8. Cradle to Grave
9. Turn to Dust
10. A Darker Place
11. A Lethal Deception
12. The Dying Season
13. A Deadly Promise
14. A Fatal Silence

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 3, 2025

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About the author

Rachel Amphlett

82 books725 followers
Before turning to writing, USA Today bestselling crime author Rachel Amphlett played guitar in bands, worked as a TV and film extra, dabbled in radio, and worked in publishing as an editorial assistant.

She now wields a pen instead of a plectrum and writes crime fiction with over 40 crime novels and short stories featuring spies, detectives, vigilantes, and assassins.

A keen traveller and accidental private investigator, Rachel has both Australian and British citizenship.

You can find out more about Rachel and her books at www.rachelamphlett.com.



Praise for Rachel Amphlett

“Fast paced with vivid characterisation and clever twists, [None the Wiser] is another winner” Adrian McKinty

“[None the Wiser] is a terrific start to a new series” Jo Spain, With Our Blessing and The Confession

“Quirky, creepy and twisted tales” James Oswald, Sunday Times bestselling author

“Thrilling start to a new series. Scared to Death is a stylish, smart and gripping crime thriller” Robert Bryndza

"Scared to Death… moves along at breakneck speed with twists and turns" Angela Marsons

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Phrynne.
4,212 reviews2,811 followers
November 27, 2025
The fourteenth book in the Detective Kay Hunter series and I look forward to each one being published.

A woman dies in very unusual circumstances at a music festival and the investigation reveals an amazing truth. This is another exciting police procedural with Kay leading her team to a well deserved success. On the lighter side Adam brings a sheep home to keep the lawn tidy and sets off betting at the police station on how long it will be before it eats Kay's roses instead.

I really enjoy all of the characters in this series. Please keep the books coming Rachel!
Profile Image for Brenda.
5,296 reviews3,054 followers
December 7, 2025
The festival volunteers were horrified when they discovered a body underneath the brambles at the music festival. It was early - the festival wasn't due to start for a couple of hours, but when Detective Inspector Kay Hunter, and her partner, DS Barnes, arrived on the scene, they could see it would become a nightmare. Shepherding the festival goers out of the gates; stopping the ones who had yet to go in the gates - they needed backup. As forensics searched for evidence, both around the body and in the nearby lake, Kay and Barnes headed back to the office to coordinate the investigation.

Frustration mounted; the full team and more members from other stations combining to run down interviews, local witnesses, talk to people who might have CCTV footage. Kay's boss, Sharp, was keeping on top of things but although small pieces of information filtered through, there was no big breakthrough. Would they find the killer?

A Fatal Silence is the 14th in the Detective Kay Hunter series by Aussie/British author Rachel Amphlett and it was another excellent episode in the series. I worked out who the killer was before the reveal, and kept telling them they had it wrong!! But they didn't listen ;) The team work well together; Kay garners a lot of respect, as does Barnes. Kay's partner, Adam, is a veterinarian and has various injured animals at their house during each case - that didn't change this time either. Love it! Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Kristin.
1,131 reviews92 followers
February 10, 2025
This is one of the best police procedurals that I have ever read. It’s very methodical and I really enjoyed following all the steps that the detectives took throughout the investigation process. Honestly, it felt like this was a real case and I was shadowing along. It’s really a fully immersive experience reading this book.

This is the 14th book in the series. I have not read any of the other books and I didn’t feel like i was missing out on anything. The plot is well thought out and well flushed out. There are quite a few suspects that detectives take you through as you’re reading the book, and I didn’t figure out who it was at all. I never once questioned the detectives’ line of thinking, everything they did made sense. It really felt like Amphlette did a lot of research about police procedures.

There were some aha moments and twists in the book that I didn’t see coming, so of course I loved that! This book really is perfect for those that love police procedurals. If that’s you, get your hands on this book now!
Profile Image for Sonja Charters.
3,196 reviews151 followers
February 4, 2025
This is an unusual read for me because this book is part of a very well established series - that I haven't read from the beginning!

I normally hate this, but when I spotted this book and recognised the author, I thought - why not!

 

So, this was my third read by this author and I've really enjoyed each one so far!

After randomly reading A Deadly Promise, last year, which was book 13 of the Detective Kay Hunter series - I knew that reading this, book 14, would at least have some continuity for me still.

 

As is usual with this genre, the cases are all full and complete and this was true here.

This was a complex case for the team and there was no shortage of suspects as we follow the investigation of a body which is found during a music festival.

 

The storyline does a great job of steering us in certain directions as more and more information about the case comes to light - but I definitely had suspicions early on about a certain character - and although I went with the direction of the case - I kept this in the back of my mind and came back to this person time and again as clues were uncovered.

I don't think I've suspected the right person so early on before in a book - but this definitely didn't spoil this read for me at all.

 

The writing still had me immersed from start to finish and I did question my theories throughout.

Although I had the right person - I definitely did not imagine quite how the reveal would go and this shocked me.

 

As with the previous book, we do see a fair amount of Kay's personal life too and her partner Adam is a great character.

I loved Hovis the sheep and the sweepstake that comes to a conclusion with the case which created a bit of light amongst the darkness of such a brutal case for the team.

 

Another great read and although I've not caught up with previous books yet, I'm looking forward to seeing where book 15 will take us....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Profile Image for Sue Wallace .
7,584 reviews147 followers
February 6, 2025
A fatal silence by Rachael Amphlett.
Narrated by Alison Campbell.
A detective Kay Hunter book 4.
I did enjoy listening to this audiobook. I liked the narrator. This is the first book I've read/listened to by this author. Even this series. I was able to listen and get into the story. I did like Kay and her partner Adam. This was twisty and gripping. I couldn't put it down.
Profile Image for Yvonne (It's All About Books).
2,835 reviews325 followers
January 25, 2026

Finished reading: January 25th 2026


“It was the morning after the night before when they found the mutilated body.”

REVIEW

Profile Image for Jen.
1,807 reviews62 followers
January 19, 2025
There is nothing quite like slipping back onto a favourite book series and, with A Fatal Silence, it's a very welcome return into the world of DI Kay Hunter and her team. I have been a fan of the series since book one - hard to believe that is 14 books ago now - and it is every bit as good today as it was in the beginning. The team may have changed, grown in size even, but the thrills, spills and mystery are as strong now as they have ever been. I think, with this latest offering, Rachel Amphlett has actually managed to capture the real heart of a murder investigation - the false leads, dead ends and lack of forensic evidence that would lead the team quickly and decisively to a killer. Frustrating for the team, perfectly intriguing for me as a reader. I loved it.

This time around the team are called in to investigate the brutal murder of a young woman at a music festival. I say brutal, simply because of the efforts that the killer seems to have gone to to keep the team from identifying the victim. It's not long before they get a missing person report through, but that is only the start of their problems. The more they learn about the victim, the less clear the motive for murder becomes. She was last seen sneaking out of her hotel in the dead of night, and no-one knows quite why she was staying in the area given that her mother lived so close by. The more Kay and co learn, the harder it is to pinpoint what happened, and a myriad suspects are laid before us, with things set to become even darker before the guilty party is found.

I love the way in which Rachel Amphlett mixes up the police investigation with a glimpse into the life of Kay and her partner, Adam. It is always a cause for some light relief heading into their domestic idyll, largely because Adam's role as a vet has led to the pair having some very unusual house guests over the years. This time around is no different, and speculation over how long before the latest visiot causes carnage offers a little bit of mirth in what would otherwise be quite a dark story. There is little to laugh about with murder after all.

This is a classic murder mystery, with a heavy emphasis on the mystery. There are so many unknowns about the victim at first, and a few false starts keep the team very occupied chasing down leads that may or may not direct them to a killer. The pace is just right, with the underlying sense of urgency balanced against the very real risk that this perpetrator could be the one who got away. The author leads us through the various interviews and forensic investigations with real skill, keeping the story flowing even as the team seem to hit another virtual dead end. Characterisations have alway been something that Rachel Amphlett excels at, and this book is no exception. There is a real feeling of the emotions which underpin the investigation, whether the sense of loss from the victims family, or the need for justice felt by the team.

There we moments when I thought that I had the killer pinned down, only to be caught unawares when the team was thrown another curveball. I think lying by omission best describes the behaviour of some of the suspects, this helps keep everything under wraps until just the right moment in the story. And I love when a story can do that. A great mystery, backed by brilliant characters and a team I have come to love. What more can a girl ask for. Definitely recommended.
Profile Image for LJ (ljwritesandreviews).
897 reviews42 followers
February 1, 2025
*Audiobook Review*

Rounded up from 4.5

I've read a couple of Rachel Amphlett's books before now, but I hadn't realised that I hadn't read one of the Kay Hunter series yet. After reading this, I'm kicking myself that I didn't pick one up sooner.

I know this is the fourteenth in the series, probably not the best place to start, but it worked perfectly well as a standalone and I didn't feel like I really missed too much. Also, there weren't really any spoilers for the previous book, so I could easily go back and read them too.

A Fatal Silence is a police procedural, heavy on the procedural aspect, but still keeps a fast pace and some great twists in there to keep you guessing.

Kay and her team are tasked with investigating the death of a young woman at a festival. But this is no drug overdose, it's a brutal attack. Things are made harder for them as there's so many people around, so much potential evidence to work through and potential suspects.

Kay and her team are a likeable bunch who are committed to solving the case. We get a glimpse into Kay's personal life through the story too, and it was nice to see the interaction between her and her vet partner Adam.

The narrator, Alison Campbell, did an absolutely brilliant job of bringing the characters and getting across their emotions, which made listening to this book even more enjoyable.

A satisfying and addictive mystery that had me hooked from beginning to end. I will definitely have to pick up more books in this series.
32 reviews2 followers
February 6, 2025
4⭐️ a fatal silence by @rachelamphlett

A Fatal Silence by Rachel Amphlett is the 14th book in the Detective Kay Hunter series, and it’s an absolute page-turner. This book cam be read as a standalone book.

The story kicks off with the chilling discovery of a young woman’s body at an outdoor music festival. What makes this case so intriguing is that the killer has left no trace, and the victim’s identity remains a mystery.

Detective Kay Hunter is under pressure from both the media and the overwhelming number of potential suspects. Piece by piece, she works to uncover the victim’s final moments, all while racing against time to stop the murderer from vanishing. As always with this series, the investigation reveals twists and turns that hit close to home for Kay and her team.

Amphlett’s writing is as sharp as ever, and the story kept me hooked from start to finish. If you love a fast-paced crime thriller with a strong female lead, I highly recommend.

Thank you to @zooloosbooktours and the author @rachelamphlett fot letting me review this book.
Profile Image for Casey Carter.
325 reviews3 followers
February 12, 2025
I think this book was really well written. The plot was great and the development of the characters really helped to feel as though you were really there. It kept my interest and was an easy read in that it never slowed enough for me to not want to pick it up.
I’ve never read this series so being able to read this one as a stand alone and still be able to know what was going on was great. I’m definitely going to go read this series from the start and continue to keep up with the new ones!
Profile Image for Bookworm86 .
2,141 reviews148 followers
February 6, 2025
BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'A Fatal Silence' by Rachel Amphlett.

This may be the first book I have read by this incredible author but it most certainly will not be my last!! It is also the fourteenth book in his 'Detective Kay Hunter' series but can be read as a standalone as can all the other books in this series.

Wow!!!! Just flipping wow!!!! What an absolutely epic page turner!!! Well done Rachel!!! 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 Rachel. I don't normally like reading books out of order but the one good thing about doing so is that I can now go back and read the previous 13 books in this series by this fantastic author while waiting for her next book to come out in this series!!! I best get a move on with so many books to read that I have sadly missed but considering 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!! In this absolutely gripping book Rachel transports us into the aftermath of an outdoor music festival in Kent where the body of a young woman has been discovered. Detective Kay Hunter and her team are called in but there is no obvious cause of death and the woman has no ID on her. Kay and her team start investigating to try to discover who their victim is and a missing persons report finally gives them the breakthrough they are looking for. They discover that she was last seen alive sneaking out of her hotel late at night but they still have no idea why she was she staying in the hotel especially as her mother lived nearby. With every step forward that they take they are bombarded with more questions than answers but Kay is determined to get to the truth. Will Kay find the killer or will they get away? Will there be more victims? Grab your copy of this absolutely gripping page turner to discover more for yourselves and I promise that you will not regret it!! In fact, if you are anything like me you may even discover a new favourite Detective and author! With an addictive storyline ram packed with mystery, murder, crime, twists, secrets, red herrings, drama, drugs, romance plus so much more what are you waiting for? One thing I absolutely loved about this story is that Rachel has the perfect balance of Detective Kay's work life and investigation as well as giving the reader an insight into her personal life ensuring she creates a character that her readers can really get to know. This book is an absolutely addictive, nail biting, page turning, heart racing and compelling storyline in what promises to be an absolutely amazing series!! It has so many layers of mysteries and crimes 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 Rachel!! . There was so many explosive bombshells 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 Rachel's brilliant descriptions along with Alison Campbell's brilliant narration (I listened to the audiobook version) 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 Rachel 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 in this series!!!

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!!!!

Although this is the fourteenth book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without any of the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.

This is one of the few books that I have listened 100% on Audiobook. If I listen to a book on audiobook I usually also read the physical book between but I listened to the whole book and I was impressed! I must say a HUGE congratulations to the narrator Alison Campbell who did a great job bringing this story to life. I would listen to it in the car and while walking at any opportunity and Alison did a fantastic job on both male and female characters voices as well as accents!!! I'm not only looking forward to reading more books by Rachel but also to listening to more books narrated by Alison! I have also listened to 'The Lodge' by Sue Watson which Alison Campbell also narrated.

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. The characters 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 Detective Kay Hunter along with the rest of the team and really cannot wait to see how they have all developed from the first book in this series which is called 'Scared To Death'. 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 Kay that I enjoyed meeting and became completely invested in but also the rest of the investigative team, 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 Rachel's fantastic evocative writing skills and Alison's brilliant narration 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 Rachel Amphlett on a fantastic and gripping success and here's to the next explosive book in this absolutely epic series!!! 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.

#AFatalSilence #DetectiveKayHunter #RachelAmphlett #SaxonPublishing #BooksOnTour #ZooLoosBookTours

@RachelAmphlett @SaxonPublishing @ZooLoosBT

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Profile Image for Maggie.
Author 76 books149 followers
August 11, 2025
Another brilliant page turner.
Profile Image for Mo Chapter.
538 reviews68 followers
February 5, 2025
A Fatal Silence, the 14th book in the Detective Kay Hunter series, was my introduction to Rachel Amphlett's writing. I found this to be an impressive introduction that can be read as a stand-alone without any knowledge of the previous 13 books.

The story begins with the discovery of a young woman’s body at an outdoor music festival. Detective Kay Hunter and her team face an uphill battle as they try to solve a murder with no apparent leads and an unidentified victim. The tension rises as the investigation grapples with media pressure and an overwhelming pool of potential suspects. Amphlett expertly maintains the suspense, with each twist and revelation pulling the reader deeper into the mystery.

What truly makes this book shine is the combination of its vivid scene-setting, well-rounded characters, and perfectly paced narrative. Amphlett’s remarkable ability to set the scene immerses the reader in every detail. The sprawling festival grounds and the grim realities of the murder scene are vividly depicted, placing the reader right in the heart of the action. Meanwhile, the police station, bustling with the murder team’s efforts, serves as a dynamic hub where the investigation unfolds, adding to the authenticity and tension.

Adding to this is the balance Amphlett strikes between Kay’s professional and personal life. Kay is a well-rounded protagonist whose moments at home provide depth and relatability, making her more than just a detective on a case. Her interactions with her team are another highlight, showcasing strong camaraderie and clear dynamics that add richness to the narrative. Amphlett ensures readers can easily follow the roles and personalities within the team, which further enhances the seamless flow of the story.

The novel’s pacing ties everything together beautifully. Fast and gripping, it keeps the pages turning, but Amphlett also incorporates moments of reflection and tension-building, creating a rhythm that feels natural and engaging. It’s the kind of book you can’t put down — the "just one more chapter" effect is in full force here.

The plot is intricately designed, keeping readers guessing until the very end. The killer stayed off my radar for most of the book, but I had the satisfaction of piecing things together just before the big reveal — a testament to Amphlett’s clever storytelling. The final twists are both surprising and satisfying, ensuring a memorable conclusion.

A Fatal Silence has left me eager to explore the rest of the Detective Kay Hunter series, and I’m adding the previous 13 novels to my TBR list after this outstanding introduction to Amphlett’s writing.

If you’re a fan of fast-paced, character-driven crime fiction with an intricate plot and strong attention to detail, A Fatal Silence should be at the top of your reading list. Rachel Amphlett delivers a compelling entry in a series that promises thrills, depth, and unputdownable storytelling. Five stars!
Profile Image for Peter Fleming.
524 reviews7 followers
February 28, 2025
An unusual location for a murder, an outdoor music festival, I dare say it has been used before, but I cannot recall reading one. Either way it is a great location and here it is utilised fully, as the reader has an access all areas (well most) pass for the investigation. There are masses of drunken and stoned customers staggering around the site making it great place to commit murder, as vital forensic evidence is compromised and trampled into the mud. A difficult enough investigation for Kay Hunter made more so by the removal of the victim’s fingertips.

This is a focussed police procedural story that keeps a tight grip on the storyline and barely deviates. It is also linear in its progression, reflecting how each step of progress uncovers more and eventually moves into unexpected territory and this works quite well. This is one novel where the ending can not be envisioned from the opening, so avoiding unnecessary distractions is a sound approach. Each step is cleverly crafted but at no point can the reader guess too far ahead, reflecting that the bulk of crimes are solved by dogged determination, hard work and most of all teamwork rather than sudden inspiration or maverick intuition.

There is a lovely depiction of the aging rockstar in the washed-up band. The band members along with the managers and promotors are nicely skewered and provide some shady suspects for the team to consider.

Another aspect that the festival goer rarely considers is the amount of work that goes into its organisation and running, with all the staff and volunteers. The anger of the public on the cancellation is well captured, being predictable even though it is due to a murder. Little thought is given to their personal safety though not just from other revellers, but the myriads of other people thronging around. Just another complication for Kay Hunter to consider and a step that leads to a darker side of the investigation.

Kay Hunter is the kind of determined detective the reader can get behind and is given a balanced portrait. Someone who is fair but can be tough with her team, who then respond with loyalty and commitment. The author captures a real sense of friendship and camaraderie within the team, no matter how realistic a representation this is of our modern overstretched police force it’s a pleasure to read. Crime novels need conflict, but it doesn’t always need to be within the investigating team. It is the fact that everything appears so normal that gives the crimes in this series their impact, without the need for over graphic description.

As a relief from the killing the reader gets to see a little of Kay unwinding at home, though the appearance of a sheep thanks to husband Adam threatens to disturb this. It also gives the team at the station an idea for a spot of fun which brings a welcome bit of mirth. One of the author’s strengths is in capturing the routine, ordinariness of life as the story unfolds that makes them so readable.
Profile Image for Kristine Hall.
965 reviews74 followers
December 15, 2025
This is the fourteenth book in my favorite British police-procedural series, the Detective Kay Hunter series, and I've enjoyed every single book by Rachel Amphlett. This one leans heavily on the procedural side, and readers feel like they are working right alongside the team as they gather information and pursue leads. The author makes the story even more realistic by bringing in the real world where budgets are slashed, staff is bare bones, and everyone is overworked and underpaid. And Amphlett reminds readers that detectives and law enforcement are real people, with lives beyond the crimes. Kay's partner, Adam, is always a welcome light-hearted respite from the heavier stuff.

The murder to be solved is a curious one, with the crime scene a music festival. As the team gets closer to solving this crime, a more sinister killer and more gruesome details come to light. Amphlett's never shied away from sharing the gory details of the deaths, but it does feel like they've become more spectacular as the series has progressed. (Again, sadly matching the real world of crime.) There is more swearing than I remember being present in other books (including the F bomb), but it is likely more accurate than always-polite and controlled investigators and suspects.

Alison Campbell, as always, provides an outstanding performance. Campbell’s pacing is even, her diction perfectly clear. I listened at 1.2x for my own patience and comfort, but regular speed was fine. At this point in the series, she has mastered the voices for the key returning players, and that's something awesome that these characters each sound the same as they have from the beginning.

I'm looking forward to reading (with my ears) the next installment, WHAT EVIL HIDES, coming February 2026.

This review and links to all my other reviews in this series on Hall Ways Blog, 12/19/2025.
Profile Image for Alyson Read.
1,213 reviews57 followers
February 10, 2025
A monumental task awaits DI Kay Hunter from Maidstone police station in Kent and her team, including DS Ian Barnes, DCs Gavin Piper and Laura Hanway and newest addition probationer DC Kyle Walker. An unidentified young woman is discovered dead by litter pickers in Mote Park where a huge outdoor music festival is being held. She’s been strangled, assaulted and all her finger tips have been sliced off. Is that for some macabre reason or simply to delay identification? A vast amount of potential evidence has been gathered from the scene, together with hours of CCTV footage from around the park which might catch the culprit making their escape, and there are thousands of people attending the concert to be ruled out. Even dragging the lake has produced a variety of possible weapons. Soon the victim is reported missing and identified as Tansy Leneghan and her last known movements are tracked. Alarmingly, a connection is made to one of the festival’s bands but will this lead the detectives to her killer? Why did Tansy have to die?
I thoroughly enjoyed this story which, like all the books in this series, works perfectly well as a stand-alone. It has a well laid out clever plot and features a great bunch of very likeable officers who all work efficiently as a team as they doggedly piece together the evidence, although I think Hovis the sheep steals the show here! There are lots of twists and surprises in this story as the detectives find themselves gradually unearthing clues, and the pace is well kept up throughout as the case turns into a dark and very chilling one. It’s a great addition to a good solid police procedural series which I can highly recommend.
Profile Image for Karolyn.
1,445 reviews47 followers
February 12, 2025
Here is my review for A Fatal Silence by Rachel Amphlett

I was listening to the audiobook of this story and I found it to be a fast paced thriller which I really enjoyed listening to. There were a lot of characters involved and the story was quite intense. It was a well carried out police procedural with Detective Kay Hunter leading the investigation. I liked the sound of the narrator’s voice and she imitated a few voices along the way. I find a good narrator’s voice helps to listen to an audiobook. This is a really book and I really enjoyed listening to it.

Blurb :

When the body of a young woman is discovered at an outdoor music festival, Detective Kay Hunter’s investigation stalls almost as soon as it starts.

Because the killer has left no trace, and the victim’s identity is unknown.

Amidst a media backlash, and faced with thousands of potential suspects, Kay must piece together the last hours of the woman’s life before her killer can escape.

But when Kay finds out the truth, her discovery will shake her investigation team to its core…
303 reviews1 follower
February 2, 2026
I recently read "A Fatal Silence" by Rachel Amplett and found it to be a truly gripping crime thriller. The story hooked me from the opening scene—a body discovered in a playground—and kept me turning pages with its fast pace and suspenseful twists. Detective Kay Hunter is a character I really connected with; her determination and humanity shine through, making the investigation feel authentic and emotionally charged.

What I most appreciated was how Amplett weaves real-life issues like family secrets and betrayal naturally into the plot, adding layers to the mystery. The balance between the procedural investigation and the characters' personal struggles made the book stand out for me. "A Fatal Silence" is a compelling read that I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys smart, character-driven crime fiction. It left me eager to pick up the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Joshkun  Mehmet.
295 reviews4 followers
January 18, 2026
Detective Inspector Kay Hunter and her team are called in to investigate the murder of a young woman at a music festival. The killer has gone to great lengths to ensure the victim’s identity remains hidden, complicating the investigation. With a huge crowd, an overwhelming amount of potential evidence, and a long list of suspects, the police face an uphill battle.

I really liked the way DI Hunter and her team worked seamlessly together, with the odd injection of humour. We also get glimpses into Hunter's personal life, especially her relationship with her veterinarian partner, Adam.

The book is a fast-paced, gripping crime thriller with a tightly woven plot that keeps readers guessing until the final pages. Recommended.
Profile Image for kirsty.
1,287 reviews87 followers
February 5, 2025
This is my first book by this author, and, although this is part of a series I read it as a standalone. I don't think that hindered me at all but it has made me want to read the rest of the series.

It was well written with a compelling story line and well developed characters that were believable and some of them were definitely relatable.
There is a good level of suspense and tension in this book and twists that kept coming and kept me guessing right up until the end, I didn't guess a single one correctly.

I will definitely be reading more by this author and I would definitely recommend
Profile Image for Brenda Marie.
1,506 reviews74 followers
January 27, 2025
Kay Hunter returns - with her vet partner, a new goat and of course a grisly murder.
A young woman is found discarded at an outdoor festival. With acres of crime scene, hundreds of potential suspects, Kay and her team are desperate for any lead.
Slow build, plodding plot - Kay learns about her victim yet clueless about the motive.
Great twists.
198 reviews1 follower
November 26, 2025
Interesting read about a murder at a music festival. It follows very carefully how the police force goes about solving this murder with very much detail 8n how each faction of the case is handled. Good storyline . There is maybe to much detail of surroundings which do not add a lot to the story….in my opinion.
191 reviews
February 21, 2025
Love all her books you always think you know who the killer is then there is a twist
4 reviews
March 11, 2025
As usual Rachel Amphlett delivered a great book. I have read nearly all of her books.
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