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Silent Vows: A Psychological Thriller
How far would you go for revenge?
Vanessa St. Clair is on top of her game and on top of the world. She has it all, a dazzling career, a fairytale romance, and a wedding day fast approaching. She’s pinching herself because she can’t believe how happy she is.
The daughter of billionaire Simon St. Clair, Vanessa has led a charmed life with the exception of one dark regret. Years ago, a tragic accident left a man dead, a friend imprisoned, and a terrible secret buried. Vanessa vowed never to speak of it again.
But secrets have a way of resurfacing.
Just days before her wedding, Vanessa receives an ominous note. Someone knows her secret—and they demand money—or promise death. After all, the dead man never had a choice.
As the blackmailer's demands grow more menacing, Vanessa is thrust into a chilling game of cat and mouse. The clock is ticking, and her once-perfect world begins to unravel. When the blackmailer finally forces her hand, tragedy will strike once again.
Will Vanessa get her happily ever after or will a stranger with a vendetta get their revenge?
Vanessa St. Clair is on top of her game and on top of the world. She has it all, a dazzling career, a fairytale romance, and a wedding day fast approaching. She’s pinching herself because she can’t believe how happy she is.
The daughter of billionaire Simon St. Clair, Vanessa has led a charmed life with the exception of one dark regret. Years ago, a tragic accident left a man dead, a friend imprisoned, and a terrible secret buried. Vanessa vowed never to speak of it again.
But secrets have a way of resurfacing.
Just days before her wedding, Vanessa receives an ominous note. Someone knows her secret—and they demand money—or promise death. After all, the dead man never had a choice.
As the blackmailer's demands grow more menacing, Vanessa is thrust into a chilling game of cat and mouse. The clock is ticking, and her once-perfect world begins to unravel. When the blackmailer finally forces her hand, tragedy will strike once again.
Will Vanessa get her happily ever after or will a stranger with a vendetta get their revenge?
333 pages, Paperback
Published April 8, 2025
67 people are currently reading
1524 people want to read
About the author
C.S. Dodds
3 books23 followersC.S. Dodds holds a BA in journalism and is a former public relations professional. As a lover of psychological thrillers and suspense novels, writing her own books has always been her lifelong goal.
She was born in the West Village of New York City and currently resides in New Jersey with her husband. They have three children and one grand-pup, Ash, a very handsome Silver Labrador.
C.S. Dodds is a member of International Thriller Writers and the Independent Book Publishers Association.
For more information, visit csdodds.com
Thanks for reading!
She was born in the West Village of New York City and currently resides in New Jersey with her husband. They have three children and one grand-pup, Ash, a very handsome Silver Labrador.
C.S. Dodds is a member of International Thriller Writers and the Independent Book Publishers Association.
For more information, visit csdodds.com
Thanks for reading!
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 9, 2025
I received this Title in a Goodreads Giveaway. It was a very good book. The Main character seemed a little naive to me. She grew a backbone towards the end though. The main character Vanessa comes from a very rich family. She has a great job, great fairy tale romance with her fiancé, a wedding day approaching. Her life is great except for the dark secret in her past is getting ready to be revealed and ruin her life. Vanessa is being blackmailed for an accident that happend 14 years in the past when she was a teenager. Talk about someone getting their come uppance. At the end of the book Karma raises its ugly head and bites on the person who deserves it most. I like books that give me a big surprise ending. This one didn't do that so much because I figured out who the blackmailed was at the 30% mark in the book. After I figured it out, certain scenarios within the book just confirmed my guess. So the big surprise towards the end of the book left me a little deflated. The book is a good psychological thriller. Very well written and no typos. That's very rare these days. I enjoyed the book for the most part. You can give it a try and form your own opinion. You should give it a try.
July 9, 2025
I won this Kindle edition in a Goodreads Giveaway :)
This was super interesting and kept me on my toes. I did predict who was behind all the black mailing pretty early in the book but was still surprised in the way it came out. Over all I liked it and would read more from this author!
This was super interesting and kept me on my toes. I did predict who was behind all the black mailing pretty early in the book but was still surprised in the way it came out. Over all I liked it and would read more from this author!
February 18, 2025
Silent Vows is a masterfully woven psychological thriller that keeps readers on edge from start to finish. With an intricate plot centered around deception, revenge, and the weight of buried secrets, this novel delivers a compelling exploration of human nature at its most vulnerable—and its most dangerous.
The story kicks off with a tragic accident that results in a fatality, but what seems like a terrible misfortune soon spirals into something much darker. A single lie, told in the heat of the moment, becomes the catalyst for the downfall of a wealthy heiress. As she struggles to maintain control over the narrative, an embittered sibling—armed with a chillingly calculated plan—begins to dismantle her world piece by piece. Just when it seems the scales of justice (or vengeance) are settled, the final twist upends everything, leaving the reader reeling.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its psychological depth. The characters are richly developed, each driven by their own desires, fears, and moral compromises. The suspense builds steadily, with the author masterfully revealing just enough at each turn to keep the tension high. The writing is sharp, immersive, and laced with an undercurrent of unease that lingers long after the last page.
What makes Silent Vows truly stand out is its exploration of consequences—both intended and unintended. The way the lie unravels, the meticulous nature of the revenge plot, and the ultimate revelation at the end all come together in a way that feels both shocking and inevitable.
For fans of psychological thrillers that thrive on mind games, manipulation, and high-stakes drama, Silent Vows is a must-read. The twists are clever, the pacing relentless, and the conclusion deeply satisfying.
The story kicks off with a tragic accident that results in a fatality, but what seems like a terrible misfortune soon spirals into something much darker. A single lie, told in the heat of the moment, becomes the catalyst for the downfall of a wealthy heiress. As she struggles to maintain control over the narrative, an embittered sibling—armed with a chillingly calculated plan—begins to dismantle her world piece by piece. Just when it seems the scales of justice (or vengeance) are settled, the final twist upends everything, leaving the reader reeling.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its psychological depth. The characters are richly developed, each driven by their own desires, fears, and moral compromises. The suspense builds steadily, with the author masterfully revealing just enough at each turn to keep the tension high. The writing is sharp, immersive, and laced with an undercurrent of unease that lingers long after the last page.
What makes Silent Vows truly stand out is its exploration of consequences—both intended and unintended. The way the lie unravels, the meticulous nature of the revenge plot, and the ultimate revelation at the end all come together in a way that feels both shocking and inevitable.
For fans of psychological thrillers that thrive on mind games, manipulation, and high-stakes drama, Silent Vows is a must-read. The twists are clever, the pacing relentless, and the conclusion deeply satisfying.
April 12, 2025
Silent Vows by C.S. Dodds is a gripping and suspenseful dark psychological thriller that will have you second guessing everything!
Vanessa St. Claire truly has it all. The daughter of a billionaire, Vanessa does not want for anything. She has her dream career, a whirlwind romance and with her wedding day fast approaching she is on top of the world. But Vanessa's charmed life comes crashing down when a tragic accident left a man dead and a friend in jail. Vowing to never speak of the traumatic experience again, Vanessa tries to put her life back together. Now fifteen years later, Vanessa is back on track and is the envy of her friends. But her secret has come back to haunt her and someone will do whatever they can to make sure Vanessa pays for her sins.
Wowza!! Full of lies, deceit and revenge this thriller was highly engaging and I couldn't put it down!! The pacing is just right and the way the tension builds up and then gives you whiplash with the twists and turns... fantastic!! Definitely will recommend Silent Vows to anyone who loves a suspense filled thriller!!
Thank you to NetGalley, C.S. Dodds, and Cedar Hill Book Group for this ARC!! Publication date is April 8th 2025.
Vanessa St. Claire truly has it all. The daughter of a billionaire, Vanessa does not want for anything. She has her dream career, a whirlwind romance and with her wedding day fast approaching she is on top of the world. But Vanessa's charmed life comes crashing down when a tragic accident left a man dead and a friend in jail. Vowing to never speak of the traumatic experience again, Vanessa tries to put her life back together. Now fifteen years later, Vanessa is back on track and is the envy of her friends. But her secret has come back to haunt her and someone will do whatever they can to make sure Vanessa pays for her sins.
Wowza!! Full of lies, deceit and revenge this thriller was highly engaging and I couldn't put it down!! The pacing is just right and the way the tension builds up and then gives you whiplash with the twists and turns... fantastic!! Definitely will recommend Silent Vows to anyone who loves a suspense filled thriller!!
Thank you to NetGalley, C.S. Dodds, and Cedar Hill Book Group for this ARC!! Publication date is April 8th 2025.
February 23, 2025
Vanessa St Clair is a rich girl, daughter to Simon and Caroline St Clair a very wealthy duo and I do mean wealthy. Vanessa is about to be married to the man of her dreams but as a young teenager, along with two other friends Sabrina and Nick she was caught up n a terrible traffic accident where a man lost his life. Sabrina spent over ten years in jail for this and the St Claire’s vowed to do everything they could to help her in court, but it was not enough, and her life became a nightmare.
Fifteen years on Vanessa’s life is everything a girl could dream about and the envy of many. But someone knows what Vanessa has done, and she is now being blackmailed for $10 million, an amount her family can easily afford. Her father has his security team working hard to find out who is blackmailing his precious little girl, and he is determined to put a stop to this.
Whoever is behind this is very clever and will do everything they can to make sure Vanessa pays for her actions all those years ago and will stop at nothing to ensure her life is ruined.
This is a story about lies, deceit and revenge. A very good psychological thriller that will have you turning the pages at a very fast speed to find out what happens. A quick easy read that I am sure many readers of this genre will highly enjoy.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.
Fifteen years on Vanessa’s life is everything a girl could dream about and the envy of many. But someone knows what Vanessa has done, and she is now being blackmailed for $10 million, an amount her family can easily afford. Her father has his security team working hard to find out who is blackmailing his precious little girl, and he is determined to put a stop to this.
Whoever is behind this is very clever and will do everything they can to make sure Vanessa pays for her actions all those years ago and will stop at nothing to ensure her life is ruined.
This is a story about lies, deceit and revenge. A very good psychological thriller that will have you turning the pages at a very fast speed to find out what happens. A quick easy read that I am sure many readers of this genre will highly enjoy.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.
August 27, 2025
Silent Vows by C.S. Dodds is a tightly wound suspense novel that pulls you in from the very first chapter and doesn’t let go until the final page.
Vanessa St. Clair seems to have it all wealth, love, and a picture-perfect life on the verge of marriage, but a long-buried secret from her past threatens to destroy everything. What starts as a whisper of blackmail soon spirals into a full-blown nightmare, and Dodds keeps the pressure on with relentless pacing and ever-rising stakes.
The emotional conflict in Vanessa’s character is compelling. She’s not just a damsel in distress she’s layered, flawed, and determined, which makes her both believable and easy to root for. The contrast between her glamorous present and the haunting echoes of her past adds depth to the story.
Dodds excels at creating atmosphere, whether it’s the glitz of Vanessa’s elite life or the creeping dread of anonymous threats. The suspense builds steadily, and just when you think you know where it’s going, the story twists again.
If you're a fan of psychological suspense with morally gray characters and dark secrets that refuse to stay buried, Silent Vows is worth the read. It's a story about the cost of silence, the weight of guilt, and just how far someone will go to protect or destroy their version of the truth.
Vanessa St. Clair seems to have it all wealth, love, and a picture-perfect life on the verge of marriage, but a long-buried secret from her past threatens to destroy everything. What starts as a whisper of blackmail soon spirals into a full-blown nightmare, and Dodds keeps the pressure on with relentless pacing and ever-rising stakes.
The emotional conflict in Vanessa’s character is compelling. She’s not just a damsel in distress she’s layered, flawed, and determined, which makes her both believable and easy to root for. The contrast between her glamorous present and the haunting echoes of her past adds depth to the story.
Dodds excels at creating atmosphere, whether it’s the glitz of Vanessa’s elite life or the creeping dread of anonymous threats. The suspense builds steadily, and just when you think you know where it’s going, the story twists again.
If you're a fan of psychological suspense with morally gray characters and dark secrets that refuse to stay buried, Silent Vows is worth the read. It's a story about the cost of silence, the weight of guilt, and just how far someone will go to protect or destroy their version of the truth.
April 8, 2025
C.S. Dodds’ Silent Vows is a gripping, suspenseful tale that puts a fresh spin on the classic “dark past comes back to haunt you” trope, reminiscent of I Know What You Did Last Summer—but with a darker, more psychological edge. From the first chapter, readers are pulled into a tightly woven mystery full of buried secrets, lingering guilt, and the chilling sense that someone is always watching.
What makes Silent Vows so compelling is its constant undercurrent of unease. There’s always something happening—clues, suspicions, and strange turns—that keeps the reader second-guessing everything. Dodds masterfully lays out a narrative that demands attention, encouraging readers to piece things together while deliberately keeping key details just out of reach.
And then comes the twist. Just when you think you’ve sorted through the tangled threads, Dodds flips the story on its head in a moment that’s both shocking and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of twist that makes you want to go back and see all the signs you might have missed.
Silent Vows is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers, layered storytelling, and slow-burn suspense that pays off. It’s the kind of story that sticks with you long after the final page—haunting, clever, and deeply entertaining.
What makes Silent Vows so compelling is its constant undercurrent of unease. There’s always something happening—clues, suspicions, and strange turns—that keeps the reader second-guessing everything. Dodds masterfully lays out a narrative that demands attention, encouraging readers to piece things together while deliberately keeping key details just out of reach.
And then comes the twist. Just when you think you’ve sorted through the tangled threads, Dodds flips the story on its head in a moment that’s both shocking and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of twist that makes you want to go back and see all the signs you might have missed.
Silent Vows is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers, layered storytelling, and slow-burn suspense that pays off. It’s the kind of story that sticks with you long after the final page—haunting, clever, and deeply entertaining.
April 3, 2025
Vanessa St. Clair has everything—a dream career, a fairy-tale romance, and a wedding just days away. Life couldn’t be more perfect… until a shadow from her past resurfaces. A tragic accident, a buried secret, and a vow of silence should have stayed in the past. But someone knows what she did, and they want revenge.
From the moment Vanessa receives the first ominous note, the tension tightens like a noose. The blackmailer’s demands escalate, and the once-glamorous world she built begins to crack. As the clock ticks down, she’s caught in a deadly game where trust is a luxury she can’t afford.
C.S. Dodds weaves a gripping, fast-paced thriller filled with deception, suspense, and a sense of impending doom that keeps you turning pages late into the night. Silent Vows is an addictive read, perfect for anyone who loves a mix of psychological tension and high-stakes drama.
Thank you to Cedar Hill Book Group for this advance copy via NetGalley for an honest, voluntary review.
#SilentVows #NetGalley #CSDodds
From the moment Vanessa receives the first ominous note, the tension tightens like a noose. The blackmailer’s demands escalate, and the once-glamorous world she built begins to crack. As the clock ticks down, she’s caught in a deadly game where trust is a luxury she can’t afford.
C.S. Dodds weaves a gripping, fast-paced thriller filled with deception, suspense, and a sense of impending doom that keeps you turning pages late into the night. Silent Vows is an addictive read, perfect for anyone who loves a mix of psychological tension and high-stakes drama.
Thank you to Cedar Hill Book Group for this advance copy via NetGalley for an honest, voluntary review.
#SilentVows #NetGalley #CSDodds
May 15, 2025
CS Dodds does it again. She keeps you in suspense and tricks you into thinking you've figured out the 'who done it.' Just when you think you've finally figured things out, there's a twist, then another surprise. Then you work it all out again, you've got a grip on it now!...but then Wait!! What??? There are still 20 pages left. This can't be the answer. Something else is going to happen... and yup, it does. Then another Wait! What???
At the end of all her books I'm tempted to go back read the whole thing again just to see where I missed the hints and how she tricked me! I loved her intense Chelsea Choker and Stealth Stalker series. CS Dodds, I can't wait for the next one so you can blow me away again!
At the end of all her books I'm tempted to go back read the whole thing again just to see where I missed the hints and how she tricked me! I loved her intense Chelsea Choker and Stealth Stalker series. CS Dodds, I can't wait for the next one so you can blow me away again!
July 28, 2025
Silent Vows by C.S. Dodds
What a beautifully layered psychological thriller. Silent Vows pulled me in with its quiet tension and emotional depth. C.S. Dodds has a poetic writing style that makes every moment feel intentional and powerful. The characters are raw and complex, and the suspense slowly builds until it all comes together in a stunning, satisfying ending.
This isn’t your typical fast-paced thriller—it’s more introspective, atmospheric, and emotionally rich. If you enjoy thrillers that explore the human psyche and leave a lasting impression, this one is worth the read.
I’ll be thinking about this one for a long while.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What a beautifully layered psychological thriller. Silent Vows pulled me in with its quiet tension and emotional depth. C.S. Dodds has a poetic writing style that makes every moment feel intentional and powerful. The characters are raw and complex, and the suspense slowly builds until it all comes together in a stunning, satisfying ending.
This isn’t your typical fast-paced thriller—it’s more introspective, atmospheric, and emotionally rich. If you enjoy thrillers that explore the human psyche and leave a lasting impression, this one is worth the read.
I’ll be thinking about this one for a long while.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 2, 2025
Spoiled daddy's little princess, Vanessa, has been living a lie for 15 years. On the verge of her wedding day, the lie threatens to be revealed and bring down the princess' castle.
This book really kept my interest. But sadly, I guessed the plot twist halfway through the book.
It is a really easy read. It was enjoyable.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC.
This book really kept my interest. But sadly, I guessed the plot twist halfway through the book.
It is a really easy read. It was enjoyable.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC.
July 8, 2025
Thank you to Goodreads for the e-copy.
I’m always drawn to thrillers with a cast full of morally questionable characters, and this one delivered on that front. While the plot was intriguing, it leaned toward the predictable side. Still, it was a quick, entertaining read that I genuinely enjoyed.
I’m always drawn to thrillers with a cast full of morally questionable characters, and this one delivered on that front. While the plot was intriguing, it leaned toward the predictable side. Still, it was a quick, entertaining read that I genuinely enjoyed.
January 2, 2026
I must have read a different book than everyone else here.
This was awful. The dialogue was juvenile. The plot was absurd. It had just about it every cliche you can think of. I had the “twist” figured out as soon as the characters involved were introduced. If it wasn’t my book club pick for the month I wouldn’t have bothered finishing it.
This was awful. The dialogue was juvenile. The plot was absurd. It had just about it every cliche you can think of. I had the “twist” figured out as soon as the characters involved were introduced. If it wasn’t my book club pick for the month I wouldn’t have bothered finishing it.
January 25, 2026
A perfect wedding to her dream man is threatened to be derailed by dark secrets from her past!!
Silent Vows by C.S. Dodds captivated me immediately. It is well-written, fast-paced, and kept me guessing (I thought I had it all figured out and NO, I did not!). I especially loved all the twists and turns toward the end and the way the book wrapped up.
Silent Vows by C.S. Dodds captivated me immediately. It is well-written, fast-paced, and kept me guessing (I thought I had it all figured out and NO, I did not!). I especially loved all the twists and turns toward the end and the way the book wrapped up.
April 28, 2025
Plot twist surprise!
I absolutely loved this book from start to finish! I read it in one go because I couldn't put it down! I thought it had figured it out early on and that it was way too obvious. Boy, was I wrong! Definitely need to read more from this author!
I absolutely loved this book from start to finish! I read it in one go because I couldn't put it down! I thought it had figured it out early on and that it was way too obvious. Boy, was I wrong! Definitely need to read more from this author!
March 17, 2025
Definitely a good thriller, kept me on my toes and was a good read. Just when I thought I had it ALL figured out, there was a “twist” thrown into the story that I definitely was not expecting.
December 2, 2025
This book was ok. Had a few spots in the book where I thought it was kind of dull but the ending had a great twist !
Read
January 31, 2026too predictable for me, difficult to push through to finish the book.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews