What do you think?
Rate this book
The Silent Ones: An unmissable Irish crime thriller from an international bestseller
Not yet published
Expected 17 Mar 26The murder of an innocent shakes Ireland to its core. One cold January morning in 1980, on a beach in Kerry, the body of a newborn baby is found in its most sheltered sand dune. Local Garda Mary Shea is first on the scene.
Such a case calls for more than small town policing, and the Dublin major crimes team are brought in to take charge. But there’s a way of doing things in Kerry, one which Mary understands well. And when she is able to get crucial, female witnesses to cooperate, lead detective Matt Foley takes her under his wing. This is the biggest case of his career and he needs all the help he can get.
Mary finds more questions than answers and it becomes clear many locals conduct secret lives – but who would do such a thing?
A dark and gripping Irish crime debut from an international bestseller. Perfect for fans of Olivia Kiernan, Tana French and John Banville.
Praise for The Silent Ones 'Harrowing, suspenseful and authentic... a writer at the top of her game' Jo Spain
Such a case calls for more than small town policing, and the Dublin major crimes team are brought in to take charge. But there’s a way of doing things in Kerry, one which Mary understands well. And when she is able to get crucial, female witnesses to cooperate, lead detective Matt Foley takes her under his wing. This is the biggest case of his career and he needs all the help he can get.
Mary finds more questions than answers and it becomes clear many locals conduct secret lives – but who would do such a thing?
A dark and gripping Irish crime debut from an international bestseller. Perfect for fans of Olivia Kiernan, Tana French and John Banville.
Praise for The Silent Ones 'Harrowing, suspenseful and authentic... a writer at the top of her game' Jo Spain
368 pages, Paperback
Expected publication March 17, 2026
27 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Anna McPartlin
27 books592 followersAnna McPartlin is an international best selling author, currently published in 15 languages across 18 countries. Pack Up The Moon and The Last Days of Rabbit Hayes were nominated for Irish book awards. Rabbit Hayes also won a silver readers book award in Germany. In the UK it was a Simon Mayo and Richard and Judy book club pick and in the USA it was a Barnes & Nobel Book of the Month.
In the last few years Anna has been honing her TV scriptwriting skills working on medical drama ‘Holby City’ for the BBC (UK), legal drama ‘Striking Out,’ for RTE (IRE) and historical adaptation Jesus His Life for History Channel (USA).
Anna was nominated for an Irish Film & Television Academy award for her one off bi-lingual drama ‘School Run,’ and is currently in development with Hot Drop Films / Treasure Entertainment and funded by Screen Ireland for the film adaptation of ‘Rabbit Hayes.’ She is also in development for a crime series ‘Serious Crimes,’ with Blinder Productions (Virgin Media) in IRE. A historical crime drama with Noho Film & TV (UK) and ‘Richter,’ an RTE/NZ TV co-production crime drama with Blinder Productions.
Anna’s first children’s book the ‘Fearless Five’ came out May 2019. Her next fiction novel ‘Below The Big Blue Sky,’ is on shelves in UK and IRE in April 2020 and she is currently working on her ninth commercial fiction title.
Anna started out briefly as an actress and stand-up comedian but although her heart wasn’t in performance, she revels in storytelling and shining a light in dark places. Anna’s USP is in tackling difficult subjects with understanding, empathy and humour that spills onto every page.
In the last few years Anna has been honing her TV scriptwriting skills working on medical drama ‘Holby City’ for the BBC (UK), legal drama ‘Striking Out,’ for RTE (IRE) and historical adaptation Jesus His Life for History Channel (USA).
Anna was nominated for an Irish Film & Television Academy award for her one off bi-lingual drama ‘School Run,’ and is currently in development with Hot Drop Films / Treasure Entertainment and funded by Screen Ireland for the film adaptation of ‘Rabbit Hayes.’ She is also in development for a crime series ‘Serious Crimes,’ with Blinder Productions (Virgin Media) in IRE. A historical crime drama with Noho Film & TV (UK) and ‘Richter,’ an RTE/NZ TV co-production crime drama with Blinder Productions.
Anna’s first children’s book the ‘Fearless Five’ came out May 2019. Her next fiction novel ‘Below The Big Blue Sky,’ is on shelves in UK and IRE in April 2020 and she is currently working on her ninth commercial fiction title.
Anna started out briefly as an actress and stand-up comedian but although her heart wasn’t in performance, she revels in storytelling and shining a light in dark places. Anna’s USP is in tackling difficult subjects with understanding, empathy and humour that spills onto every page.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 21, 2025
I think we are being spoiled with very good starters to procedural series this year, and I know for sure that Mary Shea is a detective I'll continue to follow book after book.
The setting is rural Ireland in the 1980's, and I had to doublecheck if it wasn't 1950, because the way Mary has to fight for her rights didn't resonate with my own experience and I'm only 10 years younger. After doing some online sleuthing myself, I understood I was just very lucky having been born a decade later and 1.000 km futher to have all the priviliges of a free life. As it turns out, Ireland in the 80's was having a setback in women's rights and this is very prominent in this book. It was hard to read at times, seeing how men treated women as little more than cattle.
And then we have Mary, flawed and all, but pushing her elbows out to claim her spot. Sometimes with succes, sometimes with setbacks. The case she has to solve is gruesome and involves the death of a newborn, so consider this the biggest trigger warning amongst other violent acts against minorities.
In short: a great setting, multilayered characters, a slow build and a good mystery. I know I'm looking forward to the next installment.
Thank you NetGalley, Canelo Crime, and the author for allowing me to be an early reader. All opinions are my own.
The setting is rural Ireland in the 1980's, and I had to doublecheck if it wasn't 1950, because the way Mary has to fight for her rights didn't resonate with my own experience and I'm only 10 years younger. After doing some online sleuthing myself, I understood I was just very lucky having been born a decade later and 1.000 km futher to have all the priviliges of a free life. As it turns out, Ireland in the 80's was having a setback in women's rights and this is very prominent in this book. It was hard to read at times, seeing how men treated women as little more than cattle.
And then we have Mary, flawed and all, but pushing her elbows out to claim her spot. Sometimes with succes, sometimes with setbacks. The case she has to solve is gruesome and involves the death of a newborn, so consider this the biggest trigger warning amongst other violent acts against minorities.
In short: a great setting, multilayered characters, a slow build and a good mystery. I know I'm looking forward to the next installment.
Thank you NetGalley, Canelo Crime, and the author for allowing me to be an early reader. All opinions are my own.
August 9, 2025
Thank you Canelo, the author and Netgalley.com for the eBook to review, the following is my review.
Wow—this book absolutely surprised my socks off. It has everything you could want in a crime novel: vivid character descriptions, a rollercoaster of a plot, and twists that keep you guessing right to the final page. I expected the deaths of two babies to be resolved quickly, but no—McPartlin masterfully weaves in unexpected turns that deepen the mystery.
Humour is cleverly dosed throughout, always in context, often aimed at the egits of the Garde police. Our protagonist, Garde Mary Shea, is a lone, strong woman navigating a toxic environment of male chauvinism and pig-headedness. Her colleagues made me so mad I wanted to push them off a cliff! Shea’s resilience and sharp wit make her a standout lead.
If you love crime fiction that’s smart, emotional, and unafraid to tackle dark themes with a touch of humour—read this.
Wow—this book absolutely surprised my socks off. It has everything you could want in a crime novel: vivid character descriptions, a rollercoaster of a plot, and twists that keep you guessing right to the final page. I expected the deaths of two babies to be resolved quickly, but no—McPartlin masterfully weaves in unexpected turns that deepen the mystery.
Humour is cleverly dosed throughout, always in context, often aimed at the egits of the Garde police. Our protagonist, Garde Mary Shea, is a lone, strong woman navigating a toxic environment of male chauvinism and pig-headedness. Her colleagues made me so mad I wanted to push them off a cliff! Shea’s resilience and sharp wit make her a standout lead.
If you love crime fiction that’s smart, emotional, and unafraid to tackle dark themes with a touch of humour—read this.
September 14, 2025
This is a superb Irish police procedural. Even better it’s the start of a series. And even better it’s set in 1980 giving strong nostalgia vibes with a fierce feminist streak. Highly recommend.
August 27, 2025
Advanced Reader Copy!
This was sooo good. Crime/murder in a small town is up there as one of my most favourite genres. I really enjoyed the main character Mary Shea, all the characters really, except the Dublin boys. The story was fast paced and kept me guessing, there were some sad moments and some that made me want to throw my kindle across the room. 4.5 stars, I smashed through this over two nights it was just so damn bingeable.
This was sooo good. Crime/murder in a small town is up there as one of my most favourite genres. I really enjoyed the main character Mary Shea, all the characters really, except the Dublin boys. The story was fast paced and kept me guessing, there were some sad moments and some that made me want to throw my kindle across the room. 4.5 stars, I smashed through this over two nights it was just so damn bingeable.
August 9, 2025
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it is the start of a new series. It is set in 1980 on the west coast of Ireland. A new born baby is found murdered on the beach and local Garda Mary Shea is first on the scene. Soon the case is handed to detectives from Dublin and Mary is asked to help by Foley, the detective leading the case. This does not go down well with the other Gardai who believe that there’s no place for women in the police force except for making the tea and doing the mundane admin jobs! It is a step back in time showing attitudes to women, unmarried mothers and same sex relationships. There are a lot of twists and turns in the book as Shea and Foley try to discover who the mother of the baby is and how the events lead up to the baby being murdered. A thought provoking first novel in the series and I’m looking forward to the next one.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thanks to Canelo for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review. I was lucky enough to receive a proof of this at the Theakston Old Peculiar Crime Festival 2025.
Oh how this book angered me. Not in terms of the writing or the book itself as if it was a bad book, but at the unfairness in the story. I know it's based 40+ years ago and that was a different time, but the casual sexism and sexual misconduct, homophobia, domestic violence, political unrest - it was so full on that I found myself getting pissed off with it (in the best way).
For me, Mary is the star of this book. She's a female police officer, which in 1980s Ireland was very rare, and unfortunately she is seen as nothing more than a glorified ta maker. But she is good at her job, she wants to help, and she trusts her gut, even if it means standing up to those with more power. She is a star, one of the best written characters I've read.
I was really worried this would be a very sad book. I mean, a dead newborn baby is not exactly ripe for a comedy. It is sad but it doesn't get too uncomfortable, I never felt I had to look away, but I won't pretend, this is a hard book to read. But I think she's balanced it well.
Now I am not a night owl, instead I am a permanently exhausted pigeon who likes to be tucked up in be by 9, and yet I read this into the early hours it was so addictive.
It is full of twists and turns but none feel too much. It keeps you on your toes, and you're not sure who to trust or what to believe.
Whilst this isn't her debut novel, I believe it is her debut thriller, and what an achievement it is. I think she should definitely pursue this more in her future books.
Yes it's about a dead child, that's the heart of the story and we shouldn't forget that. But it's more than that. It's about community, family, friendship, finding your place, standing up for yourself, proving yourself, trusting your instant. Just fabulous.
Oh how this book angered me. Not in terms of the writing or the book itself as if it was a bad book, but at the unfairness in the story. I know it's based 40+ years ago and that was a different time, but the casual sexism and sexual misconduct, homophobia, domestic violence, political unrest - it was so full on that I found myself getting pissed off with it (in the best way).
For me, Mary is the star of this book. She's a female police officer, which in 1980s Ireland was very rare, and unfortunately she is seen as nothing more than a glorified ta maker. But she is good at her job, she wants to help, and she trusts her gut, even if it means standing up to those with more power. She is a star, one of the best written characters I've read.
I was really worried this would be a very sad book. I mean, a dead newborn baby is not exactly ripe for a comedy. It is sad but it doesn't get too uncomfortable, I never felt I had to look away, but I won't pretend, this is a hard book to read. But I think she's balanced it well.
Now I am not a night owl, instead I am a permanently exhausted pigeon who likes to be tucked up in be by 9, and yet I read this into the early hours it was so addictive.
It is full of twists and turns but none feel too much. It keeps you on your toes, and you're not sure who to trust or what to believe.
Whilst this isn't her debut novel, I believe it is her debut thriller, and what an achievement it is. I think she should definitely pursue this more in her future books.
Yes it's about a dead child, that's the heart of the story and we shouldn't forget that. But it's more than that. It's about community, family, friendship, finding your place, standing up for yourself, proving yourself, trusting your instant. Just fabulous.
August 19, 2025
Wow. A truly unique story with depth.
August 21, 2025
‘The Silent Ones’, whilst being a fictional story in itself, is based on the real event of 1984 where Baby John, murdered, washed up on a beach in Kerry.
Following Garda Mary Shea’s perspective, this murder mystery and police procedural sees the case of a baby left in a sand dune after being murdered, and the tribulations that follow her and the team she’s working alongside.
A phenomenal read, Anna McPartlin injected raw feeling into this storyline, whilst weaving a clever plot that kept me as a reader gripped and on the edge of my seat throughout.
The impact behind the crime at the heart of the story, intermingled with the importance in continuing to highlight the persecution and suppression of women in 1980s Ireland and beyond made this novel extraordinary. Misogyny and homophobia are also important topics covered throughout, making this a think piece you’ll remember long after turning the last page.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟♾️
Easily a six star read for me, thank you so much to Canelo for my proof copy in exchange for my honest review.
Following Garda Mary Shea’s perspective, this murder mystery and police procedural sees the case of a baby left in a sand dune after being murdered, and the tribulations that follow her and the team she’s working alongside.
A phenomenal read, Anna McPartlin injected raw feeling into this storyline, whilst weaving a clever plot that kept me as a reader gripped and on the edge of my seat throughout.
The impact behind the crime at the heart of the story, intermingled with the importance in continuing to highlight the persecution and suppression of women in 1980s Ireland and beyond made this novel extraordinary. Misogyny and homophobia are also important topics covered throughout, making this a think piece you’ll remember long after turning the last page.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟♾️
Easily a six star read for me, thank you so much to Canelo for my proof copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 30, 2025
An excellent start to a new series - full of emotion and raising some important points - at times it did feel a little like a vehicle to convey a message but it is still a tightly woven emotional read that sets up an intriguing series idea. 4.5* from me
October 6, 2025
I “met” Anna McPartlin over a decade ago when the bookstore I worked at had her books on a display table. I immediately fell in love with her style and prose in Pack up the Moon.
And the location. Yes Yes Yes
But her genre, a label I don't like to use but for easy understanding, chick-lit.
Then in the following years I discovered UK-Ireland police procedurals.
For reasons I can’t fathom or abide by, American publishers change names of UK novels making it difficult, if not impossible to figure out which UK titles we’ve read vs title changes. I admit I sadly gave up because in an email or social media post to the author herself, she wasn’t sure. (Not a diss on the author but on the practice that thinks Americans are too dumb to understand a UK/Ireland title.) So I stopped reading her books.
Years go by. I followed Perez in Shetland, Logan in The Highlands. Grimm in Yorkshire. Walsh in the City of London. And dozens of others when I see McPartlin has switched genres. So here I am. Let’s see what the woman who wrote some of my favorite (using ironically) chick-lit/easy reads that were so very needed and important in that particular time of my life could write about murder and mayhem.
Wowsers! A female lead, in Ireland. In the early 80’s. No DNA, no cell phones, hell, women in the male -dominate workplace are is still a challenge many women couldn’t endure. Kudos. Add in the inspired by true events...wow again.
Then I got angry. I kept reminding myself I was only 5 or 6 when this novel takes place; in a place I didn’t grow up in (me: Southern California), I had to set my “knowledge” aside and endure the anguish Mary Shea had to endure just to be seen competent much less good at her job. F**k, I wanted to punch them all in the face, some more than others.
The case is a hard one and without DNA testing being a thing yet, made the case even more frustrating. I hate how much they just wanted to tidy up the case and move on. Who cares that they're destroying a mostly innocent girl's life, violating the rights of soooooo many. Maybe people didn't have the same rights as they do now, but marching a girl off to the doctor for a physical exam without her consent with not a shred evidence against her is appalling at best and illegal, inhumane, and a violation of her rights are the worst.
Again, I had to keep telling myself that 1. I was a kid when this takes place and don't actually know what my own country was truly like for women then 2. this takes place in Ireland, not the US, so of course there are different laws/procedures, this is still the case today, 3. And from what I can tell, a really small town in Ireland and small towns are always different to big cities and how things are done...but still, I wanted to pull my hair out so many times.
Oh and the whole gay storyline was just fire to the flame of my rage at times in the book, but again, time and place Michelle, time and place.
I got frustrated with Mary so many times. Speak up, fight back, don't compromise, but then I asked myself, what would I be doing in her actual situation, same place, same time, everything, and the answer is, I don't really know.
That's what make this book wonderful. It forced me to think on a whole new level than I normally do in this genre....this is escapist reading and pure entertainment for me but McPartlin not only gave me everything I require in novels of this sort, she made me really think. Looking forward to what's next from McPartlin and Mary Shea.
And the location. Yes Yes Yes
But her genre, a label I don't like to use but for easy understanding, chick-lit.
Then in the following years I discovered UK-Ireland police procedurals.
For reasons I can’t fathom or abide by, American publishers change names of UK novels making it difficult, if not impossible to figure out which UK titles we’ve read vs title changes. I admit I sadly gave up because in an email or social media post to the author herself, she wasn’t sure. (Not a diss on the author but on the practice that thinks Americans are too dumb to understand a UK/Ireland title.) So I stopped reading her books.
Years go by. I followed Perez in Shetland, Logan in The Highlands. Grimm in Yorkshire. Walsh in the City of London. And dozens of others when I see McPartlin has switched genres. So here I am. Let’s see what the woman who wrote some of my favorite (using ironically) chick-lit/easy reads that were so very needed and important in that particular time of my life could write about murder and mayhem.
Wowsers! A female lead, in Ireland. In the early 80’s. No DNA, no cell phones, hell, women in the male -dominate workplace are is still a challenge many women couldn’t endure. Kudos. Add in the inspired by true events...wow again.
Then I got angry. I kept reminding myself I was only 5 or 6 when this novel takes place; in a place I didn’t grow up in (me: Southern California), I had to set my “knowledge” aside and endure the anguish Mary Shea had to endure just to be seen competent much less good at her job. F**k, I wanted to punch them all in the face, some more than others.
The case is a hard one and without DNA testing being a thing yet, made the case even more frustrating. I hate how much they just wanted to tidy up the case and move on. Who cares that they're destroying a mostly innocent girl's life, violating the rights of soooooo many. Maybe people didn't have the same rights as they do now, but marching a girl off to the doctor for a physical exam without her consent with not a shred evidence against her is appalling at best and illegal, inhumane, and a violation of her rights are the worst.
Again, I had to keep telling myself that 1. I was a kid when this takes place and don't actually know what my own country was truly like for women then 2. this takes place in Ireland, not the US, so of course there are different laws/procedures, this is still the case today, 3. And from what I can tell, a really small town in Ireland and small towns are always different to big cities and how things are done...but still, I wanted to pull my hair out so many times.
Oh and the whole gay storyline was just fire to the flame of my rage at times in the book, but again, time and place Michelle, time and place.
I got frustrated with Mary so many times. Speak up, fight back, don't compromise, but then I asked myself, what would I be doing in her actual situation, same place, same time, everything, and the answer is, I don't really know.
That's what make this book wonderful. It forced me to think on a whole new level than I normally do in this genre....this is escapist reading and pure entertainment for me but McPartlin not only gave me everything I require in novels of this sort, she made me really think. Looking forward to what's next from McPartlin and Mary Shea.
August 17, 2025
There were not many women in the Garda in the 80s and the treatment of women was another reason why my parents chose to move to England on top of the economic situation at the time. Heavy on misogyny and Catholic rules in Ireland, we all know this story will not end well for many involved. Pregnant teens were often sent off to 'the laundries' to have their babies and shunned for bringing shame on the family while nuns sold their babies and made them work ridiculous hours for their room and board. Or married off to later pretend the baby was a full size preemie - whether to the father or an arrangement that often ended badly. You couldn't buy contraception over the counter, so you can guess how often this happened too.
As Mary explains early in the book, if she marries, she will have to give up her job so she stays single and makes the tea, types the reports and tries to work her way up to doing anything useful. That is, until one day that one of the other Guards is sick and she rides with Dicey when he gets a call about the body of an infant on the beach.
The small local Garda station know they can't handle a case like this and call for investigators from Dublin. They want it closed, and yesterday. They sweep through the town looking for anyone who may be pregnant before finding a teenager who has been off school for a while. After a violent night at the police station, she is charged despite the facts and her story not adding up. Mary tries her best to see the young woman's side and follow the evidence while not being thrown off the case for being too outspoken.
The ongoing misogyny is hard to read. It is accurate for Ireland in those times (and to some extent, even now). Not just Mary, but the treatment of witnesses, where the fathers are 'poor fellas' while the women are subjected to medical tests to ensure they have not given birth just on the word of teenagers who say they have a boyfriend. But I couldn't put this one down, I wanted to know who the mother was, how the baby ended up at the beach and why so violent.
I really enjoyed Mary's character and it sounds like this may be the first in a series, so looking forward to more investigations with her. Thanks to Canelo and Netgalley for the advance copy for review. The Silent Ones is available on Sept 4th.
As Mary explains early in the book, if she marries, she will have to give up her job so she stays single and makes the tea, types the reports and tries to work her way up to doing anything useful. That is, until one day that one of the other Guards is sick and she rides with Dicey when he gets a call about the body of an infant on the beach.
The small local Garda station know they can't handle a case like this and call for investigators from Dublin. They want it closed, and yesterday. They sweep through the town looking for anyone who may be pregnant before finding a teenager who has been off school for a while. After a violent night at the police station, she is charged despite the facts and her story not adding up. Mary tries her best to see the young woman's side and follow the evidence while not being thrown off the case for being too outspoken.
The ongoing misogyny is hard to read. It is accurate for Ireland in those times (and to some extent, even now). Not just Mary, but the treatment of witnesses, where the fathers are 'poor fellas' while the women are subjected to medical tests to ensure they have not given birth just on the word of teenagers who say they have a boyfriend. But I couldn't put this one down, I wanted to know who the mother was, how the baby ended up at the beach and why so violent.
I really enjoyed Mary's character and it sounds like this may be the first in a series, so looking forward to more investigations with her. Thanks to Canelo and Netgalley for the advance copy for review. The Silent Ones is available on Sept 4th.
August 1, 2025
My Review –
Huge thanks to Kate at Canelo for so kindly sending me a proof copy of The Silent Ones.
All I can say to this book is WOW! Anna McPartlin is an author I’ve not heard of before; however, when I saw the blurb for The Silent Ones, I just KNEW I would love it, and I was spot on!
Set in a small Irish town in 1980, we follow Garda Mary Shea after she gets called to the body of a baby lying on a beach. What she finds shocks her, her colleagues and the community to its core – a newborn baby stabbed to death.
What follows then is a sharply written and clearly deeply researched novel following Mary as she is brought into the investigation ( as the only female Garda in the station this causes a few issues!), and how she fights every step of the way to keep hers and the victims around her, safe from the rife mysongny that is prevelant amongst her male colleagues. The way Anna has written what Mary endures on a daily basis from her male colleagues is frankly amazing and had me getting really blooming angry and shouting at some of the male characters in the book! Having been a Traffic Warden in the UK in 1990 for 12 years, I can tell you that what Mary experiences is only half of what females were subjected to. Even 10 years late,r it was still rife in the UK, and there was the ever-present “Old Boys Club” in every station!
This is a story that is based on truth, and you can feel the shock waves erupting off the page when you reach the frankly gripping conclusion! I really enjoyed The Silent Ones, it kept me gripped from the opening pages, the cast of characters was fairly large but all were superbly described and there is a real sense of darkness and light in this novel, and amongst other things it has a heart.
This will be a series, I believe, and I can’t wait to read the second book and find out where Mary Shea goes next. A fantastically gripping 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star read.
Huge thanks to Kate at Canelo for so kindly sending me a proof copy of The Silent Ones.
All I can say to this book is WOW! Anna McPartlin is an author I’ve not heard of before; however, when I saw the blurb for The Silent Ones, I just KNEW I would love it, and I was spot on!
Set in a small Irish town in 1980, we follow Garda Mary Shea after she gets called to the body of a baby lying on a beach. What she finds shocks her, her colleagues and the community to its core – a newborn baby stabbed to death.
What follows then is a sharply written and clearly deeply researched novel following Mary as she is brought into the investigation ( as the only female Garda in the station this causes a few issues!), and how she fights every step of the way to keep hers and the victims around her, safe from the rife mysongny that is prevelant amongst her male colleagues. The way Anna has written what Mary endures on a daily basis from her male colleagues is frankly amazing and had me getting really blooming angry and shouting at some of the male characters in the book! Having been a Traffic Warden in the UK in 1990 for 12 years, I can tell you that what Mary experiences is only half of what females were subjected to. Even 10 years late,r it was still rife in the UK, and there was the ever-present “Old Boys Club” in every station!
This is a story that is based on truth, and you can feel the shock waves erupting off the page when you reach the frankly gripping conclusion! I really enjoyed The Silent Ones, it kept me gripped from the opening pages, the cast of characters was fairly large but all were superbly described and there is a real sense of darkness and light in this novel, and amongst other things it has a heart.
This will be a series, I believe, and I can’t wait to read the second book and find out where Mary Shea goes next. A fantastically gripping 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star read.
August 25, 2025
Generally readable, sometimes infuriating and about a time when things were different!
In full
This is the story of the murder of a newborn baby, stabbed many times and left on a beach, and the Garda Mary Shea who is first on the scene. She is very much the lone female in a very male world of the Garda. The story is inspired by a real event in 1984 when Baby John is washed up on a beach in Kerry and I was aware of this true story before I read this book. This story is set in 1984 and, as always, "times were different then". The treatment of almost everyone by the Garda varies from bad to appalling in my mind (you have been warned!). The story follows the Garda attempts to find the murderer and Mary's point to and look at all the evidence.
As the local Garda are not well staffed nor have any real detectives the "Dublin Boys" are called in to deal with this investigation which is getting a lot of coverage in a shocked nation. Detective Matt Foley leads the investigation (a "tricky fecker"!) and Mary does her best to stay involved. The local Garda are looked down on by the Dublin Boys (And Mary is looked down on by the local Garda…) so there are tensions from the start. There are twists and turns, some more possible than others. I do realise that this was a "different time" (and that the real Baby John case was badly mishandled) however some of the things said/done are simply crazy and often offensive.
I spent quite a bit of my time reading this frustrated. There is a good story here. However the appalling behaviour of some of the characters really annoyed me even if it might be the way it was. Mary herself seemed to flip from time to time. At times she was a clear headed thoughtful Garda; at times she seemed determined to play the stereotypical woman that the men assumed she had to be. There is homophobia here too; something some may be concerned about - again extremely different attitudes in the era in Ireland.
I would never have stopped reading this and - in the main - I really liked Mary as a character. Probably the only other good character for me would have been Matt Foley in that he wasn't as bad as the others and did sometime listen and think. I've read a previous book by this author and I did enjoy that more I think although it was some time ago. I would almost certainly read another one of McPartlin's books too. I found the first half of this rather slow however it certainly got better. 3.5/5
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
In full
This is the story of the murder of a newborn baby, stabbed many times and left on a beach, and the Garda Mary Shea who is first on the scene. She is very much the lone female in a very male world of the Garda. The story is inspired by a real event in 1984 when Baby John is washed up on a beach in Kerry and I was aware of this true story before I read this book. This story is set in 1984 and, as always, "times were different then". The treatment of almost everyone by the Garda varies from bad to appalling in my mind (you have been warned!). The story follows the Garda attempts to find the murderer and Mary's point to and look at all the evidence.
As the local Garda are not well staffed nor have any real detectives the "Dublin Boys" are called in to deal with this investigation which is getting a lot of coverage in a shocked nation. Detective Matt Foley leads the investigation (a "tricky fecker"!) and Mary does her best to stay involved. The local Garda are looked down on by the Dublin Boys (And Mary is looked down on by the local Garda…) so there are tensions from the start. There are twists and turns, some more possible than others. I do realise that this was a "different time" (and that the real Baby John case was badly mishandled) however some of the things said/done are simply crazy and often offensive.
I spent quite a bit of my time reading this frustrated. There is a good story here. However the appalling behaviour of some of the characters really annoyed me even if it might be the way it was. Mary herself seemed to flip from time to time. At times she was a clear headed thoughtful Garda; at times she seemed determined to play the stereotypical woman that the men assumed she had to be. There is homophobia here too; something some may be concerned about - again extremely different attitudes in the era in Ireland.
I would never have stopped reading this and - in the main - I really liked Mary as a character. Probably the only other good character for me would have been Matt Foley in that he wasn't as bad as the others and did sometime listen and think. I've read a previous book by this author and I did enjoy that more I think although it was some time ago. I would almost certainly read another one of McPartlin's books too. I found the first half of this rather slow however it certainly got better. 3.5/5
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
August 13, 2025
Anna McPartlin’s The Silent Ones is the kind of crime novel that doesn’t just grip you—it unsettles you in the best way. Set in 1980s Kerry, it opens with a chilling discovery: the body of a newborn tucked into a sand dune on a cold January morning. From there, the story unfolds with quiet urgency, drawing us into a community steeped in secrets and silence.
Mary Shea, the local Garda first on the scene, is a breath of fresh air in the genre. She’s intuitive, compassionate, and just ahead of her time—exactly the kind of character you want to follow into the darkest corners of a mystery. As she joins forces with Dublin’s major crimes unit, the investigation becomes more than just a hunt for a killer; it’s a reckoning with the hidden lives and unspoken truths of a small town.
McPartlin’s writing is elegant and restrained, letting the emotional weight of the story speak for itself. The atmosphere is rich, the pacing deliberate, and the tension quietly relentless. It’s not flashy—it’s thoughtful, haunting, and deeply human.
If you’re drawn to crime fiction that balances suspense with soul, The Silent Ones is a standout. It’s the beginning of a series, and if Mary Shea is leading the way, I’ll be following.
With thanks to Anna McPartlin, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
Mary Shea, the local Garda first on the scene, is a breath of fresh air in the genre. She’s intuitive, compassionate, and just ahead of her time—exactly the kind of character you want to follow into the darkest corners of a mystery. As she joins forces with Dublin’s major crimes unit, the investigation becomes more than just a hunt for a killer; it’s a reckoning with the hidden lives and unspoken truths of a small town.
McPartlin’s writing is elegant and restrained, letting the emotional weight of the story speak for itself. The atmosphere is rich, the pacing deliberate, and the tension quietly relentless. It’s not flashy—it’s thoughtful, haunting, and deeply human.
If you’re drawn to crime fiction that balances suspense with soul, The Silent Ones is a standout. It’s the beginning of a series, and if Mary Shea is leading the way, I’ll be following.
With thanks to Anna McPartlin, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
November 15, 2025
The first in the Mary Shea Murders Series and it is 1980 where on a beach in Kerry a baby boy if found dead; violently stabbed. It is a massive shock to the local community, the local police and indeed the whole of Ireland.
Briefly, 28 year old Garda Mary Shea is first on the scene and she is later taken on as one of the major crimes team run by detective Matt Foley, who have been brought in from Dublin, to manage this horrific crime. Very quickly a suspect is identified and arrested and although Mary is convinced the girl is innocent, she is treated as a joke by the misogynistic major crimes team.
Welcome to a world that it is hard to believe actually existed, particularly in regard to the male attitudes to both women in general and gay people in particular. Mary is a very strong women, resilient when dealing with her stubborn colleagues, using humour as a coping mechanism. She was a lot nicer than I would have been. As Mary struggles to find her way forward the case gets darker and darker with a shocking climax. A sobering read in many ways but what an engaging and compelling story.
Briefly, 28 year old Garda Mary Shea is first on the scene and she is later taken on as one of the major crimes team run by detective Matt Foley, who have been brought in from Dublin, to manage this horrific crime. Very quickly a suspect is identified and arrested and although Mary is convinced the girl is innocent, she is treated as a joke by the misogynistic major crimes team.
Welcome to a world that it is hard to believe actually existed, particularly in regard to the male attitudes to both women in general and gay people in particular. Mary is a very strong women, resilient when dealing with her stubborn colleagues, using humour as a coping mechanism. She was a lot nicer than I would have been. As Mary struggles to find her way forward the case gets darker and darker with a shocking climax. A sobering read in many ways but what an engaging and compelling story.
September 2, 2025
Anna McPartlin is one of my favourite authors, and I was very interested to see she had written a police investigation/murder book.
Set in Ireland in 1980, Mary Shea is a guard with the local force. Her gender means she's constantly judged, and it's assumed she's not capable of the job.
Until a baby is found on a beach, murdered. When the 'Dublin boys' arrive to take over the investigation, Foley, who is in charge, understands how a woman will be key to finding who the mother was.
I have to say I was shocked at the appalling way women were treated back then. Although not surprised. I grew up in the 70s and 80s and know how sexist that time was. some might say we haven't progressed muc, but I hope we have.
I love Mary. She had a gutsy attitude and although at time, doubted hersel, pushed on throug, and stood up for what was right.
The story it's self was a real page turner. I guessed who the mother wa, but there was a twist that I won't give away. I'll be looking forward to the next Mary Shea book.
Set in Ireland in 1980, Mary Shea is a guard with the local force. Her gender means she's constantly judged, and it's assumed she's not capable of the job.
Until a baby is found on a beach, murdered. When the 'Dublin boys' arrive to take over the investigation, Foley, who is in charge, understands how a woman will be key to finding who the mother was.
I have to say I was shocked at the appalling way women were treated back then. Although not surprised. I grew up in the 70s and 80s and know how sexist that time was. some might say we haven't progressed muc, but I hope we have.
I love Mary. She had a gutsy attitude and although at time, doubted hersel, pushed on throug, and stood up for what was right.
The story it's self was a real page turner. I guessed who the mother wa, but there was a twist that I won't give away. I'll be looking forward to the next Mary Shea book.
October 17, 2025
This is my first read by Anna McPartlin but it won't be my last. The Silent Ones is a Irish Crime Thriller, Mystery&Suspense, Small town vibes, emotional & shocking and plot twists
The body of an innocent baby is found at the beach, it shakes Ireland to its core. Local police, Garda Mary Shea is first on the scene. such a crime has the Dublin Major Crimes Team arriving to investigate. Because of the way females cooperate with Mary, lead detective Matt Foley allows her to join him as he navigates this delicate case. As they investigate, more harrowing secrets are revealed. what is really going on and whole could harm an innocent baby?
I was hooked on this book and devoured in two days. I will look for more books by Anna McPartlin.
There were parts of the story that made me sad, it's emotional but such a good read..
Thanks to NetGalley, Canelo Crime Publishers, Author Anna McPartlin for the ARC in exchange for my honest review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#NetGalley
#TheSilentOnes
#AnnaMcPartlin
#CaneloCrimePublications
The body of an innocent baby is found at the beach, it shakes Ireland to its core. Local police, Garda Mary Shea is first on the scene. such a crime has the Dublin Major Crimes Team arriving to investigate. Because of the way females cooperate with Mary, lead detective Matt Foley allows her to join him as he navigates this delicate case. As they investigate, more harrowing secrets are revealed. what is really going on and whole could harm an innocent baby?
I was hooked on this book and devoured in two days. I will look for more books by Anna McPartlin.
There were parts of the story that made me sad, it's emotional but such a good read..
Thanks to NetGalley, Canelo Crime Publishers, Author Anna McPartlin for the ARC in exchange for my honest review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#NetGalley
#TheSilentOnes
#AnnaMcPartlin
#CaneloCrimePublications
Review of advance copy
A tough read but well worth it. Many Irish people have heard of the tragic case of the Kerry babies, and the awful treatment of women by the Gardaí involved in investigating the case.I was too young to be aware of the case at the time, but it’s been in the news and on social media many times in the recent past. The details of the investigation are bizarre to anyone in modern Ireland, the insane theories of the investigators are beyond rational belief.
Reading this fictional book gives a very well written, but often unpleasant insight into the way things were, how women were treated professionally and socially, and how few rights they had in so many ways. Mary’s treatment by the other Gardaí, the outright pervert local doctor, the lurid way the press deal with the suspected young girls are all very familiar and ring true.
For me, the author dealt with the issues sympathetically and with great craft in creating a fictional story from such a horrific true happening. Definitely one for any Irish person to read, not just women. I’ll be looking out for the next book in this series.
Reading this fictional book gives a very well written, but often unpleasant insight into the way things were, how women were treated professionally and socially, and how few rights they had in so many ways. Mary’s treatment by the other Gardaí, the outright pervert local doctor, the lurid way the press deal with the suspected young girls are all very familiar and ring true.
For me, the author dealt with the issues sympathetically and with great craft in creating a fictional story from such a horrific true happening. Definitely one for any Irish person to read, not just women. I’ll be looking out for the next book in this series.
October 22, 2025
Set in a small town in County Kerry in the 80s, Mary is a rarity for that time and place, a woman Garda. Her life is plagued by misogyny and she is not really taken seriously in her role by the rest of the team. It makes for shocking reading as a case is pieced together and witnesses abused so that they say what the detectives want to hear. Small town Ireland in the early 80s was full of prejudice, against women trying to make a career, homosexuality and the right to be seen and treated as equals.
I found parts of the book difficult, the baby victims, police brutality and the attitudes to women. The pace is fairly slow to get going, but does pick up later in the book. Characterizations are done well. Shocking that such attitudes prevailed within my adult lifetime. The different threads do come together and although I liked Mary and her attitude, I was frustrated by the limitations posed upon her. I`ll definately look out for more in this series.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC
I found parts of the book difficult, the baby victims, police brutality and the attitudes to women. The pace is fairly slow to get going, but does pick up later in the book. Characterizations are done well. Shocking that such attitudes prevailed within my adult lifetime. The different threads do come together and although I liked Mary and her attitude, I was frustrated by the limitations posed upon her. I`ll definately look out for more in this series.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC
September 11, 2025
I believe that this is the first in a series which I will definitely be reading. Set in 1980 we follow Garda Mary Shea who has joined the police force which is predominantly male . The novel follows the case of a baby found dead in a sand dune ,and Mary is on the team to find out what has happened and who has done it. She is constantly up against male bravado and the treatment of women is appalling. She is determined to not let them get to her and all through the book she does not believe the accused is guilty. She is a feisty character and stands her ground most of the time . She has to ignore the police brutality and the sexual innuendos that she encounters . The actual mystery is good and I was left wondering where it was going . Friendships are formed and she tries to make a difference . And a side note this is loosely based on a true event that happened .
Review of advance copy
The murder of an innocent s policing, and shakes Ireland to it's core.
One cold January morning in 1980, on a beach in Kerry, the body of a newborn baby is found in its most sheltered sand dune. Local Garda Mary Shea is first on the scene.'
Such a case calls for more than small town policing, and the Dublin major crimes team is brought in to take charge. But there's a way of doing things in Kerry, one which Mary understands well. And when she is able to get crucial female witnesses to cooperate, lead detective Matt Foley takes her under his wing. This is the biggest case of his career and he needs all the help he can get.
Mary finds more questions than answers and it becomes clear many locals conduct secret lives - but who do such a thing?
A dark and gripping crime debut.
*************************
One cold January morning in 1980, on a beach in Kerry, the body of a newborn baby is found in its most sheltered sand dune. Local Garda Mary Shea is first on the scene.'
Such a case calls for more than small town policing, and the Dublin major crimes team is brought in to take charge. But there's a way of doing things in Kerry, one which Mary understands well. And when she is able to get crucial female witnesses to cooperate, lead detective Matt Foley takes her under his wing. This is the biggest case of his career and he needs all the help he can get.
Mary finds more questions than answers and it becomes clear many locals conduct secret lives - but who do such a thing?
A dark and gripping crime debut.
*************************
August 11, 2025
Emotional, suspenseful, dark, tragic. All these words describe the book.
A baby is found dead, stabbed multiple times, on a dune on a beach. The race is on for the detectives to find the woman who gave birth and killed her baby.
A woman working in a 'man's' world. Overlooked and despised, Mary Shea is a police officer who can go far, given the chance. But her misogynistic and sexist colleagues use her as a tea maid, and a secretary, not giving her the chance to show her talents. She was born to be a detective. She just needs a chance to prove herself.
Strange that this idea that women are lesser beings than men still persists in this world.
The book is excellent. An absorbing read, a real eye opener.
Definitely a page turner - I was engrossed from the first chapter.
A baby is found dead, stabbed multiple times, on a dune on a beach. The race is on for the detectives to find the woman who gave birth and killed her baby.
A woman working in a 'man's' world. Overlooked and despised, Mary Shea is a police officer who can go far, given the chance. But her misogynistic and sexist colleagues use her as a tea maid, and a secretary, not giving her the chance to show her talents. She was born to be a detective. She just needs a chance to prove herself.
Strange that this idea that women are lesser beings than men still persists in this world.
The book is excellent. An absorbing read, a real eye opener.
Definitely a page turner - I was engrossed from the first chapter.
August 24, 2025
When the body of a newborn baby is found on the beach, Garda Mary Shea teams up with Detective Foley to solve the biggest case of her career.
Wow I flew through this, the writing was fantastic, so well paced. I don’t usually read a lot of crime stories because I find there is usually a lull and a lot of downtime, but this kept me engaged throughout.
I really liked Mary and her tough no nonsense stance in the face of mistreatment by male colleagues. All the characters had such personality and all added something to the story, though I wasn’t keen on the Dublin boys for obvious reasons.
I’m looking toward to reading future cases!
Thank you Canelo for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Wow I flew through this, the writing was fantastic, so well paced. I don’t usually read a lot of crime stories because I find there is usually a lull and a lot of downtime, but this kept me engaged throughout.
I really liked Mary and her tough no nonsense stance in the face of mistreatment by male colleagues. All the characters had such personality and all added something to the story, though I wasn’t keen on the Dublin boys for obvious reasons.
I’m looking toward to reading future cases!
Thank you Canelo for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 24, 2025
Thank you to the author and publisher for the advance copy of The Silent Ones. This was a powerful and emotional read that really highlighted the injustices women in Ireland faced during the 1980s, especially around motherhood and the lack of choice women had at that time. I found the story moving and important, and I appreciated how it shed light on such a difficult history. That said, the pacing felt a little too slow for me, and I think the book could have been a bit shorter while still keeping its impact. Overall, though, it was a strong and thought-provoking read that I’m glad I picked up.
August 29, 2025
I was utterly gripped by this book and having read the authors previous books, it wasn't what I was expecting. Mary is a police officer who finds a murdered baby on the beach.
On top of the mystery of the baby, which is sad, the story is about Mary's journey as a police officer in the 80s, full of sexism. She is resilient & carries on, but i think the author really captures how it was and the things Mary has to put up with an suffer, all linked in with solving a traumatic case.
It's really well written and I hope it becomes a series, to see what Mary does next.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
On top of the mystery of the baby, which is sad, the story is about Mary's journey as a police officer in the 80s, full of sexism. She is resilient & carries on, but i think the author really captures how it was and the things Mary has to put up with an suffer, all linked in with solving a traumatic case.
It's really well written and I hope it becomes a series, to see what Mary does next.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
September 2, 2025
3.75 stars for me. In January morning in 1980, newborn baby boy body was found. Garda Mary Shea is first on the scene ,and Dublin major crimes comes for resolve the case. Lead detective Foley get Mary to help him. She hope to solve case, and prove her coworkers that she's better then just making tea.
Who is guilty ?
Who is lying?
Will Mary find the mother of dead baby?
Full of questions this crime was hard to resolve, the appealing treatment of women in Gardai was hard to read about it. Still could not put this book down until the end. Hope to read more books with Mary Shea, she's the smart one. Definitely would recommend.
Thank you netgalley and publisher for arc.
Who is guilty ?
Who is lying?
Will Mary find the mother of dead baby?
Full of questions this crime was hard to resolve, the appealing treatment of women in Gardai was hard to read about it. Still could not put this book down until the end. Hope to read more books with Mary Shea, she's the smart one. Definitely would recommend.
Thank you netgalley and publisher for arc.
November 15, 2025
This is a good book - good(ish)
I'm a very big fan of Anna McPartlin. I've read lots of her books. I absolutely LOVED "The Last Days of Rabbit Hayes" and "Below The Big Blue Sky".
I didn't love this book. There were way too many characters. Like 10 times too many. And I had to use my Kindle dictionary way more than I'm comfortable doing for unusual use of words like "galvanised" "purport" "galoot" "fearmongering" "ratcheted" ""obfusation" "perdition" "vox-popping" etc etc etc.
I realise it's a new genre for Anna McPartlin and there is more about Garda Mary Shea to come and I'll happily read them when they are printed.
I'm a very big fan of Anna McPartlin. I've read lots of her books. I absolutely LOVED "The Last Days of Rabbit Hayes" and "Below The Big Blue Sky".
I didn't love this book. There were way too many characters. Like 10 times too many. And I had to use my Kindle dictionary way more than I'm comfortable doing for unusual use of words like "galvanised" "purport" "galoot" "fearmongering" "ratcheted" ""obfusation" "perdition" "vox-popping" etc etc etc.
I realise it's a new genre for Anna McPartlin and there is more about Garda Mary Shea to come and I'll happily read them when they are printed.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This story is set in 1980 on the west coast of Ireland, the body of a new born baby is found murdered on the beach. A local female Garda is first on the scene. The case is handed to detectives from Dublin and, the female Garda, Mary is asked to help. The other Garda I are not pleased with this due to the fact that she is a woman. this story shows insights to the attitudes toward women, unmarried mothers and same sex relationships at the time. It was hard going at times due the sensitivity of the topics discussed. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy for an honest review.
August 22, 2025
What an excellent read this was and a bit of a rollercoaster ride! I loved the rural Irish setting in the 1980's, what different times they were, and the characterisation was wonderfully described, especially Mary a local Gardaí. When the body of a baby is found on the beach, Mary is called to assist the team brought down from Dublin to carry out the investigation. This is an emotional, truth based and difficult read but I highly recommend to lovers of crime fiction. I would definitely read a follow up. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
August 31, 2025
The story begins on a cold January Morning in 1980 on a Kerry beach, when a new born is discovered by a passer-by. Local Garda Officer Mary Shea is the first police office at the scene. Shortly afterwards, lead detective, Matt Foley and the Dublin Major Crimes Team arrive to begin their investigations. Mary, who understands the small town, is asked to help Matt and the team. The plot was gripping, there were twists and turns that kept me guessing. The final reveal was complete and satisfying. It was well written and the characters were realistic. More Mary please!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews