What do you think?
Rate this book
Alex & Ozzie: Dark Horizon #2
Dead Silence
They refuse to speak…
…even in the face of death.
But will one secret burn this small Texas town to the ground?
What started as a trip to the coast to keep Ozzie's wife and kids out of danger, turns into a longer vacation. All the better. Awaiting their return, Ozzie dives into the executive investigations of an Austin tech firm for industrial espionage. Until his family fails to show up.
What happened to them?
In a near panic, Ozzie travels south to a small rural town where the smiles people wear serve as an impenetrable wall. The more questions he asks, the less he's trusted. Especially by the sheriff. When Ozzie stumbles over a dead body, the target is on his back. He needs help. He needs his sister, Alex.
How can Alex locate someone she doesn't know is missing?
Pulling herself from the depths of depression, Alex tracks two Zentora executives. What first appears to be a case of personal indiscretion morphs into her finding a dead body. The key, she learns, is how the victim knows the two executives. And it almost floors Alex.
What thread connects the two crimes? And can Ozzie save his family before they're sold to the highest bidder?
You'll love this novel, because of the crazy twists and shocking suspense.
Get it now.
…even in the face of death.
But will one secret burn this small Texas town to the ground?
What started as a trip to the coast to keep Ozzie's wife and kids out of danger, turns into a longer vacation. All the better. Awaiting their return, Ozzie dives into the executive investigations of an Austin tech firm for industrial espionage. Until his family fails to show up.
What happened to them?
In a near panic, Ozzie travels south to a small rural town where the smiles people wear serve as an impenetrable wall. The more questions he asks, the less he's trusted. Especially by the sheriff. When Ozzie stumbles over a dead body, the target is on his back. He needs help. He needs his sister, Alex.
How can Alex locate someone she doesn't know is missing?
Pulling herself from the depths of depression, Alex tracks two Zentora executives. What first appears to be a case of personal indiscretion morphs into her finding a dead body. The key, she learns, is how the victim knows the two executives. And it almost floors Alex.
What thread connects the two crimes? And can Ozzie save his family before they're sold to the highest bidder?
You'll love this novel, because of the crazy twists and shocking suspense.
Get it now.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2025
12 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
John W. Mefford
77 books401 followersAmazon #1 Bestselling Author, #2 bestselling author on Barnes and Noble, and a Readers' Favorite Gold Medal winner.
John W. Mefford has been writing his debut novel since he first entered the work force almost thirty years ago, although he never put words on paper until 2009. Once he started writing, however, he couldn't stop. Many readers ask John from where he gets his ideas. Well, he's a veteran of the corporate rat-race, a former journalist, and he's always been an astute observer of human and social behavior. On top of that, he's really good at embellishing.
A member of International Thriller Writers, John writes novels full of electrifying suspense -- the same types of books he has loved to read since before he could shave.
Learn more about John at www.JohnWMefford.com
Let's connect! Follow John on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JohnWMeffordAuthor
John W. Mefford has been writing his debut novel since he first entered the work force almost thirty years ago, although he never put words on paper until 2009. Once he started writing, however, he couldn't stop. Many readers ask John from where he gets his ideas. Well, he's a veteran of the corporate rat-race, a former journalist, and he's always been an astute observer of human and social behavior. On top of that, he's really good at embellishing.
A member of International Thriller Writers, John writes novels full of electrifying suspense -- the same types of books he has loved to read since before he could shave.
Learn more about John at www.JohnWMefford.com
Let's connect! Follow John on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JohnWMeffordAuthor
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 20, 2025
Wow! Another fast paced, dark and twisty episode!
Ozzie, along with his sister Alex - both ex-FBI agents - had formed their own PI business, and with Alex out of action, grieving, Ozzie was going it alone. His wife and daughters, Nicole, Mackenzie & Charlie, had been away, holidaying with family. But they hadn't made it back when they said they would, and Ozzie was getting worried. Finding the last location of Nicole's phone, Ozzie headed off, without telling Alex...
Meanwhile Alex was following up on a case they'd been given, checking out executives with an Austin Tech firm. Luke, her son, was driving Alex around, and helping out. And when Alex discovered a dead body amid the depths of her investigation, she was gobsmacked. But then she received a cry for help from Ozzie and she was on her way...
Dead Silence is the 2nd in the Alex & Ozzie: Dark Horizon series by John W. Mefford and it was brilliant! Breathtaking, heart pounding, incredibly twisty - another great addition to the series! Looking forward to #3! Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read and review.
Ozzie, along with his sister Alex - both ex-FBI agents - had formed their own PI business, and with Alex out of action, grieving, Ozzie was going it alone. His wife and daughters, Nicole, Mackenzie & Charlie, had been away, holidaying with family. But they hadn't made it back when they said they would, and Ozzie was getting worried. Finding the last location of Nicole's phone, Ozzie headed off, without telling Alex...
Meanwhile Alex was following up on a case they'd been given, checking out executives with an Austin Tech firm. Luke, her son, was driving Alex around, and helping out. And when Alex discovered a dead body amid the depths of her investigation, she was gobsmacked. But then she received a cry for help from Ozzie and she was on her way...
Dead Silence is the 2nd in the Alex & Ozzie: Dark Horizon series by John W. Mefford and it was brilliant! Breathtaking, heart pounding, incredibly twisty - another great addition to the series! Looking forward to #3! Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read and review.
May 19, 2025
Alex & Ozzie: Dark Horizon #2
What happened to Ozzie’s family? His wife and kids went missing without a trace after a short vacation that turned out longer than was expected….In panic Ozzie travels south to a small town where they were last seen…..but no one there will answer his questions……from then on things turned for the worst…..
I loved the first half in this story. Bit by bit we follow the Ozzie’s efforts to find his family, the tension is palpable and I felt for Ozzie not being able to get answers, even the sheriff did everything to thwart his efforts. Something was not right and Ozzie needed to find out why.
Now as for the second half I admit it did not touch me in the same way as the first part did. It seemed to me that Mr. Mefford ran out of ideas and rehashed the same old thing till finally he gave his drama the drive needed to make “Dead Silence” worth our while. Although by that time my mind had wandered too much to have stayed focused and by then the end couldn't come fast enough.
Ozzie is a good character and plays well his role as a private investigator and has all the attributes to give us and exciting saga but his latest escapade felt off beat and did not provide all the excitement I previously experienced…but it’s me, judge for yourselves you may think differently.
Not bad but by far not my preferred book by Mr. Mefford.
Thank you John, till next time.
What happened to Ozzie’s family? His wife and kids went missing without a trace after a short vacation that turned out longer than was expected….In panic Ozzie travels south to a small town where they were last seen…..but no one there will answer his questions……from then on things turned for the worst…..
I loved the first half in this story. Bit by bit we follow the Ozzie’s efforts to find his family, the tension is palpable and I felt for Ozzie not being able to get answers, even the sheriff did everything to thwart his efforts. Something was not right and Ozzie needed to find out why.
Now as for the second half I admit it did not touch me in the same way as the first part did. It seemed to me that Mr. Mefford ran out of ideas and rehashed the same old thing till finally he gave his drama the drive needed to make “Dead Silence” worth our while. Although by that time my mind had wandered too much to have stayed focused and by then the end couldn't come fast enough.
Ozzie is a good character and plays well his role as a private investigator and has all the attributes to give us and exciting saga but his latest escapade felt off beat and did not provide all the excitement I previously experienced…but it’s me, judge for yourselves you may think differently.
Not bad but by far not my preferred book by Mr. Mefford.
Thank you John, till next time.
May 16, 2025
WOW! What a book! No time to stop reading! This story about Alex and Ozzie is filled with twists and turns that just DON’T STOP!! They go from the beginning to end. It’s about human trafficking in TX. A scary thing. Dead Silence has Suspense ALL the way through! Read it!
Read
July 23, 2025I wrote this novel knowing I wanted to put Ozzie in an untenable situation, in a place where he had no friends, no influence, and no help...
Ozzie's family disappeared on their way back from a vacation to the coast. Small-town Texas holds all the answers, Ozzie firmly believes.
But when he arrives, no one knows a thing. What are they hiding? And why? Ozzie refuses to accept their silence as anything but a deflection. He knows in his gut that his wife and two daughters are being held.
Unable to determine the good guys from the bad, Ozzie puts everything on the line to uncover what has happened to his loved ones. But when he discovers the extent of the conspiracy, there's only a sliver of time to rescue his family. But who will save Ozzie?
The first review I received on this book was brief but spot on: "A fantastic read. Twists and turns that just don't stop."
I hope you enjoy this second thriller of the Alex & Ozzie, Dark Horizon series.
Ozzie's family disappeared on their way back from a vacation to the coast. Small-town Texas holds all the answers, Ozzie firmly believes.
But when he arrives, no one knows a thing. What are they hiding? And why? Ozzie refuses to accept their silence as anything but a deflection. He knows in his gut that his wife and two daughters are being held.
Unable to determine the good guys from the bad, Ozzie puts everything on the line to uncover what has happened to his loved ones. But when he discovers the extent of the conspiracy, there's only a sliver of time to rescue his family. But who will save Ozzie?
The first review I received on this book was brief but spot on: "A fantastic read. Twists and turns that just don't stop."
I hope you enjoy this second thriller of the Alex & Ozzie, Dark Horizon series.
May 4, 2025
Ozzie’s wife and the kids at the cost spending time for fun and sun. Ozzie is expecting them to come home today but they have not. He figures that they are last due to a late start home. After severa; hours they still are not home he gets really worried. He calls different people to see when they left the hotel.
In the meantime Alex is having her own problems. They are both working for a clint but Ozzie has been doing most of the work due to Alex’s problems.
Lots of twists, turns, and suspince all through out the book. It was hard to put in down wanting to know what will happen next. Will they be able to solve this mystery. Great Read.
In the meantime Alex is having her own problems. They are both working for a clint but Ozzie has been doing most of the work due to Alex’s problems.
Lots of twists, turns, and suspince all through out the book. It was hard to put in down wanting to know what will happen next. Will they be able to solve this mystery. Great Read.
October 24, 2025
This is a 'It's me not you' type of review. So for any who check this rating, please don't judge the author I love this author's work by this. It's more for me to look back on than anything else. For some reason, I just can't get into this series. I do spend much more time listening to audio books since I don't have time to sit and read like I used to do. So let's blame that. If I found this series on Audibles, I'd probably give a higher rating. Maybe, it's because I never finished the Alex Trout series before starting this series. Either way, if you love Mefford's work, you'll probably love this series. just look at the 4+ star rating!
May 3, 2025
Mr. Medford outdid himself on this one. Dark Horizon is right. I don't like the word "unputdownable" but this one you will want to read straight through. You may even have to read into the "wee hours of morning"! Once Ozzie and Alex gets on a trail, they don't deviate. Throughout the story the reader is wondering if they will get there on time to prevent more and more tragedies from occurring - especially the biggest one!! Just a reminder - this is a book! You will not be able to join in the fight! Just read faster. Highly recommended.
May 20, 2025
This second book in the series was action packed great. As with this author’s other books, it is always exciting, twists and turns, and a page turning book. The characters are so well written and likeable. I love the connection between Alex and Ozzie. In this book we get more of an idea of Alex’s son, Luke, which was a real treat. There is also a storyline where you wonder where the author gets his ideas. The amount of action makes the book thrilling and you don’t want to put it down. I cannot wait to read the next in the series.
May 16, 2025
This is book two of yet another fantastic series by John Mefford. Alex and Ozzie we have met before but teamed up they make a great story.
Alex is dealing with some personal issues and Ozzie's family has gone missing while on vacation. The twists turns and suspense will want you to jump into the story and help them out. This book is very hard to put down!
Alex is dealing with some personal issues and Ozzie's family has gone missing while on vacation. The twists turns and suspense will want you to jump into the story and help them out. This book is very hard to put down!
May 23, 2025
Read as an ARC. A terrifying hunt through Boondock, Texas has Ozzie going through one dilemma after another. His wife and daughters have gone missing and no one will give him the time of day to help.
Meanwhile, Alex has a deadly corporate espionage case that eventually leads her to Ozzie's location.
A great ride for any adventurous reader and highly recommended.
EA in AZ
Meanwhile, Alex has a deadly corporate espionage case that eventually leads her to Ozzie's location.
A great ride for any adventurous reader and highly recommended.
EA in AZ
May 7, 2025
WOW this is a great story! With Alex still upset about Brad, Ozzie has tried to take care of their PI business. He’s waiting for the girls to get back home. Things don’t seem to be going as they should. Girls are way late and Ozzie is worried. Has adventure and action.
May 24, 2025
This is the second book in the Alex & Ozzie, Dark Horizon series. This one is about the misery of human trafficking. It’s full of action, suspense, danger, adventure, twists and turns. Another great by an amazing author.
November 27, 2025
This was a creepy, scary story, frightening on so many levels.
May 15, 2025
One thing for sure, when you read this author’s stories, you know the characters are in big trouble before you even start the book. Excellent Ozzie and Alex Book #2. If you read Book #1, you know that Ozzie’s family is taking a rest from recent chaos at home and relaxing at South Padre Island, and Brad has disappeared from Alex’s world in order to save his life. What else could there be happening. Obviously more to come. Ozzie’s family lets him know they are rested and supposedly on their way home to Austin when they disappear. Totally. Since Alex is still grieving over Brad leaving her life, Ozzie decides to let her be and takes off to locate his family by himself, wherever they are. At the same time, the Austin Horizon Investigations, consisting of Alex and Ozzie, is hired to do a job. Alex takes the job on her own since she figures Ozzie is off enjoying the reunion with his family. However, both of them are wrong and the failure to communicate almost ends in horror for all involved. This story delves into the misery and horror of human trafficking which is occurring everywhere, but this time in South Texas. Another exciting and mind blowing story with non-stop ups and downs which don’t stop until the very last paragraph. Highly recommend and looking forward to the next.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews