Silent Night

by Anita Waller

One snowy night. One brutal murder. One shattering secret.

On Christmas Eve, Reverend Steve Rainforth leads midnight mass in his quiet Yorkshire village. Among the congregation sits a nervous young woman, a stranger to most – yet before the night is over, she will be found dead in the churchyard, and Steve's world will be shattered forever.


As Detective Inspector Adam France and his team race to uncover the truth, buried secrets begin to surface – secrets that reach into the heart of Steve's past and threaten the fragile life he has built. With the New Year approaching, loyalties will be tested, lies will unravel, and a devastating revelation will change everything…

Genres: Christmas, Audiobook, Fiction, Mystery, Crime

231 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2025

About the author

I live in Sheffield, UK. I am retired and have recently fulfilled my lifelong ambition of becoming a published author with Bloodhound Books.
I am married (almost 50 years to Dave) with three children and seven grandchildren.
I am a patchwork and quilting tutor as well as a writer.
My first book was Beautiful and my second, a sequel to Beautiful, is called Angel.

Reviews

[sophhhhh · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.25 stars | audiobook
started off pretty interesting but slowly got boring and there wasn’t much going on. i liked the detectives but that was about it. saw the ending coming from a mile away and the way it was presented was just borringggg☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️☹️

[Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs' · Rating 5 out of 5]

this kept me engaged throughout and although I had guessed the ending i didn't know it was unravel and that was the really interesting bit. I kept thinking each chapter is then when something comes out and if so which direction.

[Jillian Cole · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting little read by Anita Waller.
This book had some fun despite the fact it was about the traumatic death of a young lady in a churchyard on Christmas Eve.
The conclusion was a bit obvious to work out more or less from the start however it was still a great little read.

[Nicola Taylor · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was probably the worst book I have ever read in my entire life.
So badly written, it was actually shocking.
I wonder if the author has a sponsorship deal with kindle, as kindle was mentioned so many times.
I can't put into words how truly awful this "book" is. On every level.

[Rosie Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good storyline and well worth a read #KindleUnlimited

[Cheyenne Joy Mijdam · Rating 1 out of 5]

⭐️
Silent Night by Anita Waller

Alright, let me be painfully honest — this book and I had one of those relationships that’s doomed from page one. The kind where you know it’s not working, but you stay anyway because you’re stubborn and need to see if your instinct is on point. Spoiler: it was (and no, still no actual spoilers, relax).

Silent Night is definitely fast paced, I’ll give it that. The pages flew by, mostly because I skimmed through them like someone hunting through a supermarket flyer for the discount they already know is in there somewhere. The characters did their thing, the suspicious moments lined up neatly, but it all felt… well, like I knew exactly where the train was headed before I even bought the ticket. And sadly, that train wasn’t offering plot twists — just a very punctual conductor.

I kept reading purely to confirm whether my brain was right again. That moment where you think, “I bet a cookie this is going to happen.” And halfway through I was basically sitting on a whole bakery, because yep… I was right.

But hey — just because I’m relieved I can now shove this book back onto the shelf with a gentle yet firm “thanks, but no thanks,” doesn’t mean it doesn’t have an audience. I swear, somewhere in a parallel universe (or maybe just your neighbour who loves straightforward thrillers with zero mental gymnastics), someone is devouring this like it’s the best Christmas treat ever.

So yes, I’m still sharing it. Because tastes differ, and maybe Silent Night is exactly the kind of easy thriller you need when your brain is fried.

But for me?
One star. And that’s me being generous.



⭐️
Silent Night van Anita Waller

Oké, laat me heel eerlijk zijn — dit boek en ik hadden vanaf hoofdstuk één al een soort ongezonde relatie. Zo eentje waarbij je wéét dat het niet werkt, maar je toch blijft omdat je koppig bent en benieuwd bent of je instinct je weer eens teleurstelt. Spoiler: dat deed het niet (en nee, geen echte spoilers hier, rustig ademhalen).

Silent Night is lekker fast paced, dat moet ik ‘m geven. De pagina’s vlogen voorbij, maar vooral omdat ik ze bijna doorbladerde als iemand die in een supermarkt folder zoekt naar de aanbieding waarvan ze allang weet dat die erin staat. De personages deden hun ding, de verdachte situaties vielen netjes op hun plek, maar het voelde allemaal… ja, laat ik het zo zeggen: alsof ik al vóór ik begon wist waar de trein heen zou gaan. En helaas—die trein had geen plotwendingen, alleen een conducteur met een stopwatch.

Ik bleef lezen puur om te checken of mijn hersenen weer eens gelijk hadden. Dat moment waarop je denkt: “Ik wed om een koekje dat dit gaat gebeuren.” En halverwege zat ik al met een heel blik koekjes, want ja hoor… ik had gelijk.

Maar hé—dat ik blij ben dat ik dit boek nu met zachte doch vastberaden hand terug in de kast kan schuiven, betekent niet dat het géén publiek heeft. Ik zweer het: ergens, in een parallel universum (of gewoon bij jouw buurvrouw die houdt van eenvoudige thrillers zonder mentale hersenkrakers) ligt iemand dit verhaal te verslinden alsof het de beste kerstcadeau ooit is.

Dus ja, ik deel ‘m toch. Want smaken verschillen, en misschien is Silent Night precies het soort boek dat jij nodig hebt om je hoofd even niet te overbelasten.

Maar voor mij?
Één ster. En dat is nog gul.

[Emilie Gagnon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the setting and plot of this book, but I guessed the ending from the start, which disapoints me for mystery book. Also, a lot of useless details were given, which I thought would come together and be important in the end but then weren't...

[Eleanor Jordan O'Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silent Night is the perfect mix of a classic whodunnit and a chilling psychological drama. From the opening scene in a snowy Yorkshire village on Christmas Eve, the atmosphere is beautifully tense and foreboding. The murder at the heart of the story is shocking, but what really pulled me in was how seamlessly the author weaves in long-buried secrets and emotional twists that make the characters feel real and layered.

[Alyson Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really, I don’t need to say any more than it’s a cracking Christmas time murder mystery by the amazing Anita Waller, so just go out, buy it and enjoy!! But just in case you want to know a little more, here goes.
It’s definitely not a silent night in Sheffield for the kindly Reverend Steve Rainforth and his wife Jenna when Steve hears a crack, a thud and a short scream after locking up his church after Christmas Eve’s Midnight Mass. Checking the graveyard, he finds the body of a young woman, the same new face that had just attended the service. DI Adam France and DS Debra Jessop are summoned away from their festive preparations to investigate. They quickly establish an identity, Lucie Barker, the 24-year-old owner of a successful craft shop and Steve accompanies DI France to deliver the bad news to the girl’s mother. However, when they arrive, Steve is stunned to discover an old friend and learns a shocking secret. The post mortem shows Lucie died from having her throat cut so it’s definitely a case of murder. The detectives also hear that Lucie’s father left a few years ago under a cloud and is no longer welcome in their lives. So, could her death be linked to him, to her shop, to that secret that has just floored Steve or just a random case of wrong place, wrong time? With seemingly the entire country (apart from coppers and vicars) shut down or away at relatives for their Christmas celebrations, will Adam and Debra be able to discover that one little clue that will blow their case wide open? One thing is certain - it will not be a Happy Christmas for someone.
With a pair of astute and very likeable police officers and some lovely caring banter between the two of them, this is an engrossing and chilling story with a few great suspects, all of them keeping secrets and hiding the facts from the law. And when those lies and skeletons emerge, the truth will devastate those involved. Brilliant stuff, guaranteed to keep the reader glued to the pages till the final shocking ending.

[Nan Christine Borton-Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it, once I started I couldn’t stop.

When I write reviews I’m always careful not to write spoilers, so while brief I hope you pick it up.
This story isn’t packed with the twists and turns we all love in psychological thrillers but the story was compelling enough that I read it one sitting, even reading on my way to get my decaf refills.
The story is set in an English Village and centered around the murder of young woman, Lucie. Lucie attended her village church for Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. She had never been to the church, none of the congregation knew her so most of the attendees remembered her for that reason alone. Shortly after the Mass, she was discovered and deceased in the church graveyard by the Vicar who thought he might have heard a short scream, one he believed was most likely an animal but felt compelled to have a look around on his way through to home anyway…just to be sure.
Then the story really picks up. It’s part police procedural, domestic noir and psychological suspense.
The characters, setting and story arc were amazing and paced perfectly. I guessed “who” pretty early but took nothing from the story itself.
I’d love to see the author base a series based around the police team, in my opinion they were so well written with detailed backstories, sharp intellect with real, sometimes raw interactions internally and the community.
I know this review doesn’t have a lot of specific details but I hope it’s enough that you give it a shot. What it lacks in twists and turns as a psychological thriller (which are my favorite) is just as interesting and compelling, encompassing several genres without being disjointed is a credit to this author.
Now at 5:30 a.m. - I apologize for what I’m sure is a rambling, confusing review. Just get it - I can’t imagine you’ll be disappointed!

Ms Waller if you read any reviews know you are a master at your craft and I’ve enjoyed all of your books I’ve read. I would love to see, even a short series, featuring the investigative team. I would be the first in line to buy it.

[J Fearnley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the Kat and mouse series and when I saw this Christmassy book I simply couldn’t resist reading it.

This is a cosy kind of crime fiction although there are several murders it is not a gruesome or graphic story. I settled into it and was soon hooked.

The Rev Steve hears a cry as he is locking up the church after midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Thinking it was a fox, what else could it be? He is shocked to find the body of a young woman amongst the graves as he takes the path home from the church.

There is a bigger shock awaiting him when he goes to inform the family of the young woman. The mother is an old flame, Steve’s first real love. What she whispers to him as he and the Detective are leaving brings the death of the young woman onto a very personal level!

D I Adam France is not getting very far with the investigation and he feels that those who are being questioned are keeping information from him.

D I France doggedly keeps at the investigation, continuing to question those who seem to be keeping information from him especially the decedents mother. What is she hiding?

Why is Rev Steve so reticent about visiting the mother to offer solace and support? Why hasn’t he told his wife or, indeed, the Detective Inspector what the mother whispered to him?

There are more murders before D I France gets to the bottom of this one and solves the mystery. But will he get to the murderer before they can get away? Will Rev Steve be willing indeed able to give the Inspector a vital piece of information and allow justice to be done?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend to those who like less vivid crime fiction or would like a slightly lighter, it is after all a story about murder so not a frivolous book, cosier murder mystery over the festive season.

Book: purchased | Rating: 4.5*

[CeeCee · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're a fan of gritty, no-holds-barred crime, then this definitely isn't the one for you.
A young lady, Lucie, has been murdered in the church graveyard after Midnight Mass and her body discovered by the vicar Steve.
Who could possibly have committed such a dastardly deed?
I have to say the killer was so blindingly obvious, practically from the first chapters, that I raced through the book if only to confirm my suspicions.
Our two leading detectives, Adam and Debra, bumble their way through the investigation, saying things like "Oh we won't bother questioning these people because they weren't involved."
There are loads of chapters that I would refer to as fillers. Family life of the coppers in minute detail, all of which have absolutely nothing to do with crime solving.
Eventually, at nearly thre-quaters of the book in, they have a lightbulb moment as to Lucie's parentage. However, even then, the book slldes to a slow finish confirming what most of us had guessed from the glaring clues chucked our way at the beginning.
If you like cosy crime where not a lot happens, apart from shoe buying for twins and man-flu descriptions, then this is the book for you. Otherwise, don't bother.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC.

[Pauline Render · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silent Night is yet another fantastic novel from the pen of Anita Waller. Although set around Christmas, this is certainly no cheery, cosy tale.
When the body of a young woman is found in the grounds of St Peter’s church, DI Adam France along with DS Debra Jessop know that at this time of year, solving the murder isn’t going to be easy. I read this book in one sitting, invested in the work of France and his team, who have almost no leads to go on as to why this woman was killed. I loved the camaraderie and interaction within the team, as I could sense their frustration of trying to find the killer as well as juggling their own personal lives. There are some other great characters as well, such as Reverend Steve Rainforth and his wife Jenna. There were a couple of moments which brought a lump to my throat, but there are also a few shocking moments as well.
Silent Night had me hooked from the first page, proving once again that Anita is without a doubt one of the best authors of this genre.

[Sharon Rimmelzwaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another new book from the brilliant Anita Waller! Yet again, she didn't let me down. I always expect a well written and gripping story, and Silent Night is exactly that!
I always make sure I have time to read when I get a new one from this author because I can never put her books down. Well, that's exactly what happened. If you are a lover of crime cosy or otherwise, you can't go wrong with this author.
Silent Night is set around Christmas in a quiet Yorkshire village. A body of a young woman is discovered in the grounds of St Peter's church. DI Adam France and DS Debra Jessop are on the case. They realise that solving this one won't be the easiest, but they are determined enough.
The banter between the team is a light point in a difficult case, and it made me smile as I read. The characters are all well developed and interesting, too. I was hooked and needed to know everything!! Needless to say, I read this so fast that I missed the characters after I had finished. Another excellent addition to Anita Waller's work.

[Liz T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I worked out who the murderer was quite early in the story I did enjoy the criminal investigation process undertaken by Inspector Adam France and his team.
When Lucie Barker is murdered in the churchyard of St Peter’s Church after Midnight Mass on a snowy Christmas Eve she is found by the local vicar Steve Rainforth. The first time he has seen the murdered young woman was at the church service that evening but it soon becomes clear that he has a connection with the victim which surprisingly he keeps quiet about. The team find Angela Goldsmith, the victim’s mother a difficult person to interview and are at a loss to find out what she may be hiding.
The investigation is somewhat hampered by the fact that it is Christmas and the team are frustrated by the inability to track down all the congregation as some have gone away for Christmas.
The ending was the one that I was expecting but it did feel a little rushed.
Thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for an advanced reading copy.

[Chelsey Pryce · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ☆'s

I had high hopes for this one. However, it didn't quite hit the mark for me. I worked out who the killer was quite early on, which in itself isn't a big negative, providing I enjoy the police search for answers.
Unfortunately, I found the police to be rather lacking with their work. A young woman who lives with her mother is murdered and yet their is no family liaison officer. There are no updates for her and no compassion. Instead, he continued bringing her into the station to question her. Not to forget, putting her in a position where she also had to identify the body of her ex-husband, too. The ex who was really not a nice man at all, yet the police seemed to have more empathy for him than his poor ex-wife.
Also, instead of bringing everyone in to solve the murder, they take days off until the world returns to normal after the festivities.
I know it's only a work of fiction, but I wasn't able to enjoy it when it seemed to be making a joke out of the police procedures.
sorry!

[Misfits farm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following the traditional Christmas eve midnight mass, the vicar is locking up when he hears what he thinks is a muffled scream and then footsteps. What on earth? He carefully goes around the churchyard and finds a young woman dead- a woman who was at the mass, but a stranger to the church and congregation. Who would do this and why?

As ever Anita drew me in very quickly with a clever premise and an early twist- I’m not giving anything away. But wow! I liked the characters which come to life with Anita’s brilliant and endearing style of writing. I didn't know who the perpetrator was, although I had a suspicion but kept doubting it with the twists and turns of the plot. Was I right? No and it kept me second guessing- something I like- to me the skill of a brilliant author. A cozy type mystery I more than thoroughly enjoyed and kept the grey matter activated in a very good way. An author I don’t have to read the blurb for- I know I’ll more than enjoy it. A huge five stars.

[Bob Phillis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anita Walker tells a tale of tragedy on Christmas.
Reverend Steve is locking up after midnight Mass when he hears a noise. Upon inspection he finds a young woman, Lucie, dead. His wife Jenna appears and check for life but to no avail.
DI Adam France, DS Debra Jessop head the investigation, but Angela, Lucie's mom seems to be holding something back.
Can Adam, Debra and the team solve the murder. Steve the ever present vicar, always there to help; what is his connection.
The world seems to be at a standstill over the Christmas break, will the police ever get the break they need.
Then Angela admits that in his youth, Reverend Steve was actually the father, before entering the church.
Who killed Lucie? Was it Steve to keep his secret? What was to be gained from her death.
Great twist at the end.
Great read.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas Eve in a snowy Yorkshire Village. A Young girl is found murdered by the Vicar after attending midnight mass, but why was she there and who would want her dead. This is a great, easy to crime story set around Christmas into the new year. DI Adam France and his team are left frustrated with the lack of being able to move the investigation forward because of the festive holiday.
This was a well written book with some well-developed characters, and although a crime book there were some lighter moments throughout the book, particularly using “banter” between the DI and his team, which I really liked. Anita dropped the twists in at just the right pace, and I didn’t know for definite who had done it until right towards the end. I loved the epilogue.

This was the first time reading this author, but I will be adding Anita’s back list to my want to read list.
My thanks to Bloodhound books for the ARC copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. A less cheerful festive read than some I have read recently, but nonetheless enjoyable.
When a young lady is found dead in a churchyard following Midnight Mass, DI Adam France and DS Debra Jessup are brought into investigate.
At first trying to work over Christmas brings little joy, but as the investigation continues, slowly but surely the net tightens as one by one suspects are eliminated.
I didn't guess the killer til nearly the end, and even then the motive was a mystery which was great as it keep me turning the pages to find out who done it!
I felt the ending was a little rushed, but other than that I fully enjoyed it.
Thanks to Bloodhound books for sending me an advanced copy to read and review

[Claire - TheBookendReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silent Night blends a classic whodunnit with a darker psychological edge, all set against a snowy Yorkshire backdrop that feels tense from the very first scene. The murder is shocking, but it’s the buried secrets and emotional undercurrents that make this story so compelling.

I really enjoyed the two investigators at the centre of the case—their grounded, warm banter cuts through the bleakness without ever undercutting the tension. The suspects are strong, the motives murky, and almost everyone is hiding something worth digging into.

It’s atmospheric, well-paced, and full of reveals that land exactly when they should. A chilling festive mystery that kept me fully invested right through to the final twist.

[Julie Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good cosy Christmas murder mystery.
Steve is looking forward to Midnight Mass and seeing all the friendly faces in his church. It all goes well until after the service when he hears a scream, then finds a young woman dead in the graveyard.
Two Detectives are called out but there’s not much that can be done in the early hours of Christmas morning.
Adam and Debra get things moving as much as possible but even after Christmas, they struggle to find the killer as a few people are keeping things from them.
I did guess the identity of the killer but it didn’t spoil the story for me.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to read this book.

[Rhian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Locking the church after midnight mass, Rev Steve Rainforth hears a cry, and finds a young woman has been murdered in the churchyard.
As the investigation proceeds, hampered by Christmas close down, secrets are uncovered which change lives.
This is an easy reading cosy (not for those who like it dark and gritty) which would make a terrific Christmas read.
I particularly liked detectives France & Jessop - not tortured or liners, just normal people dealing with man flu and children's shoes, who happen to investigate murders. I hope we see more of them in future books.
A really enjoyable read, the first of Anita Waller's books that I have read but it won't be the last.

[Alison Cairns · Rating 3 out of 5]

Silent Night by Anita Waller. A not so cosy Christmas read. Vicar Steve has just had a very successful Christmas Eve midnight mass when a scream from the churchyard stops him in his tracks and he makes a gruesome discovery. Christmas is cancelled for the church and the local detectives while they investigate a sad murder. The identity of the murdered woman is a bit of a shocker and it takes a while for this information to reach the police. The reader can work out fairly early on who the murderer is, however I enjoyed the story with all its loose ends, until the ending which just seemed so rushed and thrown at us. Still, a good Christmas murder mystery. #bloodhoundbooks #silentnight

[Christine Rennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silent Night by Anita Waller is a Christmas story but murder is the crime on Christmas Eve/Christmas Day. The small congregation in a quiet Yorkshire village are all there for midnight mass on Christmas Eve led by Reverend Steve Rainforth. All of the congregation are regular attendees other than the young woman sat at the back.
It is after the service and when the vicar is on his way home that he hears a noise. He goes to investigate and it is the young woman from the service brutally murdered dead on a gravestone.
Detective Inspector Adam. France and his team then have to find out who would kill a young woman and why.
Highly recommended

[sharon moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m an ardent reader of Anita Waller novels and have never been disappointed this latest is once again brilliant. It’s set on Christmas Eve and most of the village has turned out in the cold weather for midnight mass at the local church. A young lady comes into the church who no one recognises takes a seat at the back and takes in the service. She leaves and is then found dead at the side of the church. No one knows her and it’s a mystery of why this has happened. So many twists and turns. No one will guess what’s happened, can understand why when all is unravelled. Well done once again Anita brilliant once again.

[Jacqueline Moxon · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a naivety to this book. A story about a murder in a churchyard on Christmas morning. Who killed such a lovely young woman, and why? There are clues, so, like the detectives, the reader will probably work out the solution. It’s a gentle story, despite the shocking events. It does lack subtlety and depth of characterisation, which, for me, made it a rather far fetched and unbelievable read. The redeeming qualities lie in the genuine goodness of most of the characters and the simple descriptions of family life. It’s a short novel, and an acceptable light read.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another enjoyable read from this author. Set at Christmas time, the body of a murdered young woman is found in the cemetery by the local vicar after midnight mass.

I don't want to give away any spoilers but suffice to say, there's plenty for the detectives to unravel and it is clear that the victim's mother is not fully forthcoming with the detectives. I liked how Adam and Debra slowly started piecing things together. I guessed who the killer was but enjoyed how we got there in the end.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good cosy mystery. Christmas Eve and Steve is preparing for midnight mass, the church fills up, a few new faces. One of the new faces is a young woman, he notices her because she takes a seat in the pew at the back, that is Roger’s pew. She doesn’t take communion but does come up with Roger to get a blessing.
After everyone has gone and Steve has tidied the church he hears a scream whilst locking up, investigating he finds a body in the churchyard, it is the young woman.
I read this one go.

[Kairen Harries · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this cosy, light detective read. If you want a full on police procedural or a gritty detective story then give this a miss but for an easy Christmas read it is brilliant.
The story is interesting and the characters are well-written. The way the detectives work is probably far from the real world but I liked this about it, especially if you're reading in season.
I found the writing style engaging and flew through the book.
All in all a great read and I'll be reading more of this author.