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Rooted in Silence: Some Roots Grow Deeper in the Dark
Part I of a III Part Series
She’s planning the perfect wedding. She’s also planning the perfect murder.
Emily Byrd has everything she ever a beautiful home, a perfect fiancé, and the wedding of her dreams just days away. But perfection has always felt like a performance and Emily has grown tired of playing her part.
Behind closed doors, she’s plotting something unthinkable. Her fiancé, Remmy Black, trusts her with his life. He shouldn’t.
Lurking on the edges of their quiet neighborhood is Miss Volkova, the enigmatic neighbor whose watchful presence unsettles Emily in ways she can’t explain. And then there’s Matt, Remmy’s best friend, whose loyalty to Remmy makes him dangerously curious... too close to uncovering secrets Emily would kill to protect.
As the wedding approaches, Emily’s carefully tended plans begin to fray. The question isn’t whether she can go through with it-it’s whether she can keep anyone from noticing until it’s too late.
Dark, tense, and unsettling, Rooted in Silence is a psychological thriller about obsession, secrets, and the twisted lengths we go to for control.
She’s planning the perfect wedding. She’s also planning the perfect murder.
Emily Byrd has everything she ever a beautiful home, a perfect fiancé, and the wedding of her dreams just days away. But perfection has always felt like a performance and Emily has grown tired of playing her part.
Behind closed doors, she’s plotting something unthinkable. Her fiancé, Remmy Black, trusts her with his life. He shouldn’t.
Lurking on the edges of their quiet neighborhood is Miss Volkova, the enigmatic neighbor whose watchful presence unsettles Emily in ways she can’t explain. And then there’s Matt, Remmy’s best friend, whose loyalty to Remmy makes him dangerously curious... too close to uncovering secrets Emily would kill to protect.
As the wedding approaches, Emily’s carefully tended plans begin to fray. The question isn’t whether she can go through with it-it’s whether she can keep anyone from noticing until it’s too late.
Dark, tense, and unsettling, Rooted in Silence is a psychological thriller about obsession, secrets, and the twisted lengths we go to for control.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
March 22, 2026
Disclaimer: I was provided with a free copy of the book in exchange for a review.
I know that it can be difficult for authors to take narrative risks, and I appreciate that A.M. Walker has taken on the challenge of creating a sympathetic psychopath. However, between narrative quality issues and bloated prose, the emotions I primarily felt while reading this book were annoyance and boredom.
By the end of the book, I remained confused about the overall timeline and sequence of events or what kind of place the book was set in. This is because of both a lack of contextualizing details and random time skips within and between chapters.
The prose felt overdeveloped. While there are some clever turns of phrase scattered throughout, it felt like every single sentence was weighed down with figurative language. Inanimate objects or emotions were personified in every sentence. Motifs were overused and lost efficacy. This severely impeded the pacing of the novel, and it neutralized the potential effect of any literary device. Every single sentence had to have meaning, which meant that, ultimately, none did.
I can’t sympathize with Emily because, as a character, she is a collection of impulses without causality. I have nothing against irrational characters, but nothing she does or wants makes sense. Emily claims she wants to be a widow because widows are unforgettable, but this is not a stereotype I’ve heard of, and she cites no examples of unforgettable widows. She wants fame and sympathy, but hates being perceived. She constantly talks about how carefully she presents her actions and emotions, but then laments how easily everyone sees through it immediately. She has clear control issues but never provides psychological context beyond some slightly hallucinatory yet vague references to a traumatic childhood with a difficult mother. I found myself rooting for Emily to get caught so that the novel would have an actual climax.
Walker has created a world and a cast of characters that she could easily revisit in future novels. But to do so, she needs to spend more time developing plot arcs, timelines, character backstories, and overall depth, rather than flowery prose.
I know that it can be difficult for authors to take narrative risks, and I appreciate that A.M. Walker has taken on the challenge of creating a sympathetic psychopath. However, between narrative quality issues and bloated prose, the emotions I primarily felt while reading this book were annoyance and boredom.
By the end of the book, I remained confused about the overall timeline and sequence of events or what kind of place the book was set in. This is because of both a lack of contextualizing details and random time skips within and between chapters.
The prose felt overdeveloped. While there are some clever turns of phrase scattered throughout, it felt like every single sentence was weighed down with figurative language. Inanimate objects or emotions were personified in every sentence. Motifs were overused and lost efficacy. This severely impeded the pacing of the novel, and it neutralized the potential effect of any literary device. Every single sentence had to have meaning, which meant that, ultimately, none did.
I can’t sympathize with Emily because, as a character, she is a collection of impulses without causality. I have nothing against irrational characters, but nothing she does or wants makes sense. Emily claims she wants to be a widow because widows are unforgettable, but this is not a stereotype I’ve heard of, and she cites no examples of unforgettable widows. She wants fame and sympathy, but hates being perceived. She constantly talks about how carefully she presents her actions and emotions, but then laments how easily everyone sees through it immediately. She has clear control issues but never provides psychological context beyond some slightly hallucinatory yet vague references to a traumatic childhood with a difficult mother. I found myself rooting for Emily to get caught so that the novel would have an actual climax.
Walker has created a world and a cast of characters that she could easily revisit in future novels. But to do so, she needs to spend more time developing plot arcs, timelines, character backstories, and overall depth, rather than flowery prose.
March 27, 2026
This is a slow psychological thriller about a bride-to-be organising her fiancé's ending.
I'm between 3.5 and 4 stars rating this book. I love psychological thrillers and this one was written with care. The suspense kept me on my toes thinking all the time "What's next"? From the very first moment you dive in deep and until the end it captures you. BUT! But unfortunately there were some inconsistencies, though nothing major, and it left many questions unanswered. Even though the whole book is slowly narrated and described, the end felt kind of rushed. I would have liked more depth in the characters and especially their relationship. Though the process is described to the detail, the status of their relationship is quite fuzzy. Maybe then there wouldn't have been so many unanswered questions.
I believe this is the Author's first work and I really hope they continue writing while evolving themselves. They have the potential for something big.
I read this arc after a request from the author even though it has already been published.
I'm between 3.5 and 4 stars rating this book. I love psychological thrillers and this one was written with care. The suspense kept me on my toes thinking all the time "What's next"? From the very first moment you dive in deep and until the end it captures you. BUT! But unfortunately there were some inconsistencies, though nothing major, and it left many questions unanswered. Even though the whole book is slowly narrated and described, the end felt kind of rushed. I would have liked more depth in the characters and especially their relationship. Though the process is described to the detail, the status of their relationship is quite fuzzy. Maybe then there wouldn't have been so many unanswered questions.
I believe this is the Author's first work and I really hope they continue writing while evolving themselves. They have the potential for something big.
I read this arc after a request from the author even though it has already been published.
March 20, 2026
I really wanted to love this… I found myself asking “why” a lot and never got any answers. Slow burn for sure…
March 27, 2026
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I appreciate the time that the author took to write this but I have to say that I did not enjoy it at all.
The idea behind this book is very interesting but unfortunately, it fell quite flat on the execution. There is a lack of depth in the characters, specifically the main character Emily, that made it very hard for me to connect with them or want to learn more.
The purple prose and heavy handed symbolism made this a slog to get through and really detracted from the plot/progression of the storyline. It felt like the author was telling us that there was tension but it would have been more successful if the writing built up the tension instead of just saying it repeatedly. A handful of the metaphors were very good so I think there is some potential, but overall needs to be edited down significantly.
There were some continuity errors that made it difficult to understand how much time had passed between one event to the next and made it hard to follow. I stuck with it in the hopes that the ending would bring some excitement, but sadly it did not.
Overall, this book left me with a lot of questions at the end, but without any desire to want to find out more.
The idea behind this book is very interesting but unfortunately, it fell quite flat on the execution. There is a lack of depth in the characters, specifically the main character Emily, that made it very hard for me to connect with them or want to learn more.
The purple prose and heavy handed symbolism made this a slog to get through and really detracted from the plot/progression of the storyline. It felt like the author was telling us that there was tension but it would have been more successful if the writing built up the tension instead of just saying it repeatedly. A handful of the metaphors were very good so I think there is some potential, but overall needs to be edited down significantly.
There were some continuity errors that made it difficult to understand how much time had passed between one event to the next and made it hard to follow. I stuck with it in the hopes that the ending would bring some excitement, but sadly it did not.
Overall, this book left me with a lot of questions at the end, but without any desire to want to find out more.
April 6, 2026
I'm sorry, but did no one else notice the blatant use of ChatGPT?? The heavy use of em dashes, the "not this, just this" phrasing used over and over again, the excessive empty imagery and overwriting?
March 20, 2026
Rooted in Silence is a psychological thriller of a bride with dark secrets and sinister plans for her marriage. I loved the imagery in the book and felt so captivated by some of the descriptions. I wish there had been more context and character development as I struggled at times to understand the relationships of some of the characters as well as the motives. Since this is part of a trilogy, I’m hopeful the next installments will build on that and deepen the story. I’m definitely curious to see where it goes next!
May 1, 2026
Won my copy from goodreads giveaways!
April 18, 2026
I really wanted to love this book, especially since I was part of the ARC team, but unfortunately it just didn’t work for me. I always try to give ARCs a fair chance out of respect for the author, but the writing felt extremely slow, and it made it difficult for me to stay engaged with the story and the character development wasn’t there for me. I kept waiting for things to pick up or for a stronger sense of direction, but that momentum never quite came.
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May 10, 2026This book wasn't for me. I loved the premise and the genre is right in my wheelhouse, but it simply didn't resonate. I didn't vibe with the storytelling (e.g. some sections were tell-heavy and I was trapped inside the head of this clinical, cataloging-data type character). I felt no emotional connection to the narrator; even in YOU and Dexter I felt something! 😩
December 1, 2025
Rooted in Silence is the kind of psychological suspense that settles into your mind and stays there long after you’ve turned the final page. It’s beautifully written — eerie and comforting at once — and the atmosphere is so rich you can almost feel it pressing in around you.
What impressed me most was the intentional build-up. A.M. Walker crafts every scene with care, letting tension simmer quietly beneath the surface. The characters are layered and complex, each one revealing pieces of themselves slowly, in ways that keep you leaning forward and needing more.
This story feels grounded, introspective, and deeply emotional, with the kind of subtle psychological weight that reminds me of Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train — but with its own unique voice and heartbeat.
If you love:
✔️ Slow-burn psychological suspense
✔️ Domestic tension
✔️ Character-driven storytelling
✔️ Dark, unsettling atmosphere
…this debut is absolutely worth your time.
A powerful start to a new trilogy — and I’m already desperate for book two.
Thank you to Harbor & Stone Press and A.M. Walker for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What impressed me most was the intentional build-up. A.M. Walker crafts every scene with care, letting tension simmer quietly beneath the surface. The characters are layered and complex, each one revealing pieces of themselves slowly, in ways that keep you leaning forward and needing more.
This story feels grounded, introspective, and deeply emotional, with the kind of subtle psychological weight that reminds me of Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train — but with its own unique voice and heartbeat.
If you love:
✔️ Slow-burn psychological suspense
✔️ Domestic tension
✔️ Character-driven storytelling
✔️ Dark, unsettling atmosphere
…this debut is absolutely worth your time.
A powerful start to a new trilogy — and I’m already desperate for book two.
Thank you to Harbor & Stone Press and A.M. Walker for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 8, 2026
Rooted in Silence is a chilling psychological thriller that proves the most unsettling horrors rarely come from strangers. A. M. Walker crafts a slow burn narrative that burrows under your skin while blending domestic intimacy with an ever tightening sense of dread.
Told from an intimate perspective the novel explores control, obsession, and the dangerous power of appearances. Emily is a protagonist who feels disturbingly real. Her meticulous routines, fixation on order, and quiet justifications make each chapter more tense than the last. The contrast between beautiful imagery and sinister intent is handled with precision.
Walker’s prose is elegant and deliberate. It allows tension to build naturally rather than relying on only shock. The pacing is methodical. It rewards patient readers with mounting unease and an atmosphere that feels claustrophobic. Fans of The Silent Patient and Gone Girl will appreciate the psychological depth and moral ambiguity woven throughout this story.
What makes Rooted in Silence stand out most is its restraint. It trusts the reader to notice what is unsaid and makes the quiet moments in the book just as powerful as the confrontations. This is a haunting examination of how easily love can curdle into control and how danger often hides behind even the most polished smiles.
Told from an intimate perspective the novel explores control, obsession, and the dangerous power of appearances. Emily is a protagonist who feels disturbingly real. Her meticulous routines, fixation on order, and quiet justifications make each chapter more tense than the last. The contrast between beautiful imagery and sinister intent is handled with precision.
Walker’s prose is elegant and deliberate. It allows tension to build naturally rather than relying on only shock. The pacing is methodical. It rewards patient readers with mounting unease and an atmosphere that feels claustrophobic. Fans of The Silent Patient and Gone Girl will appreciate the psychological depth and moral ambiguity woven throughout this story.
What makes Rooted in Silence stand out most is its restraint. It trusts the reader to notice what is unsaid and makes the quiet moments in the book just as powerful as the confrontations. This is a haunting examination of how easily love can curdle into control and how danger often hides behind even the most polished smiles.
April 24, 2026
“Perhaps insomnia was common among people who carried dangerous knowledge - cause and effect, action and consequence - that others preferred to ignore.”
A slow psychological thriller of a bride to be plotting how to murder her husband using plants/flowers. Talk about using something beautiful fatally.
This was eerie and unsettling in the best way. The writing was beautiful and the dynamics between the characters and the atmospheric vibe was spot on. Also, you would think you’ll hate the FMC yet the author manages to make her admirable? Insane.
Looking forward to continuing this series!
A slow psychological thriller of a bride to be plotting how to murder her husband using plants/flowers. Talk about using something beautiful fatally.
This was eerie and unsettling in the best way. The writing was beautiful and the dynamics between the characters and the atmospheric vibe was spot on. Also, you would think you’ll hate the FMC yet the author manages to make her admirable? Insane.
Looking forward to continuing this series!
May 1, 2026
Rooted In Silence is Part 1 of the Root & Vein Trilogy. It's an eerie, highly atmospheric, tense and slow burning psychological suspense. It completely drew me in from the start with the lyrical and beautiful writing. This is a book you savor and don't devour, it felt like every sentence needed to be absorbed and read completely. It all had something deeper to convey. It left me unsettled, with a constant sense of impending doom which really differentiated it from other thrillers/suspenses I've read. The pacing was also very different, I am usually not one for slow in my thrillers, but Walker's storytelling grabbed me and wouldn't let me go until the last page.
The botanical touches throughout the book were so different, they left a little witchy feel to it and I really enjoyed that. It truly made this book even more original. It is not a book that is packed with action and non stop twists, it's a book that settles slowly under your skin and just leaves a lingering unease even after closing it. There are some things I definitely am hoping to get a little more clarity and depth on in the following books, I am excited to see where the author takes the story.
Overall, this was a chilling, unsettling and atmospheric suspenseful read that will remain under my skin until I have the complete answers.
✨️ Thank you to @harborandstonepress, @harborandskull & @authoramwalker for my gifted ARC.
The botanical touches throughout the book were so different, they left a little witchy feel to it and I really enjoyed that. It truly made this book even more original. It is not a book that is packed with action and non stop twists, it's a book that settles slowly under your skin and just leaves a lingering unease even after closing it. There are some things I definitely am hoping to get a little more clarity and depth on in the following books, I am excited to see where the author takes the story.
Overall, this was a chilling, unsettling and atmospheric suspenseful read that will remain under my skin until I have the complete answers.
✨️ Thank you to @harborandstonepress, @harborandskull & @authoramwalker for my gifted ARC.
March 27, 2026
This book was well written with a lot of good descriptors/visual imagery. However, I kept waiting for more details about the characters or background of the story, or a more sinister reveal about the marriage. Overall, it read well but lacked depth in the plot.
December 30, 2025
This is unlike any book I have read before. I love psychological thrillers, so I was excited to dive in. It did not disappoint. I loved this book. It is a chilling story that I think will stay with me for a long time, in the best way.
The character dynamics intrigued me from the beginning. The book was really well written and left me wanting to read the rest of the series. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a good thriller with an original idea.
I can't wait for book two!!
Thank you for the ARC copy!
The character dynamics intrigued me from the beginning. The book was really well written and left me wanting to read the rest of the series. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a good thriller with an original idea.
I can't wait for book two!!
Thank you for the ARC copy!
December 6, 2025
"She’s planning the perfect wedding. She’s also planning the perfect murder."
Rooted in Silence (Root & Vein Series – Book 1) by @authoramwalker
A brilliantly written debut novel! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Publisher: @harborandstonepress
Genre: Psychological Thriller
"Releasing in January 2026!"
Blurb :
Emily Byrd has the dream life, With her perfect wedding days away, Emily is secretly planning something far darker than vows. Her trusting fiancé Remmy has no idea. Matt, his best friend, is getting too curious. And her eerie neighbor Miss Volkova seems to know more than she should. As the countdown to the wedding begins, Emily’s carefully crafted lies start to unravel.
"Some secrets bloom quietly… and some roots grow deepest in the dark."
My Thoughts:
I truly didn’t know what I was stepping into with this book. Emily’s thoughts shocked me from page one girl, WHY are you doing this?! I couldn’t understand why she’d ruin such a “perfect” relationship. but slowly, the story pulled me in like vines wrapping around your ankles.
The small things… tiny dismissals… quiet hurts…
They change you more deeply than anyone realises.
Remmy bothered me the most outwardly trusting and calm, but his behavior..It’s subtle, uncomfortable, and yes. soft gaslighting.
Matt is way too nosy, and the scenes between him and Emily?Nerve-wrecking.
I held my breath through those moments.
And then there’s Miss Volkova
mysterious, sharp, unsettling, and weirdly comforting.
Honestly, we all need a Volkova in our lives… someone who sees the truth behind our silence.
The ending was absolutely brillian!! I loved it!!
I wasn’t the same person finishing the book as I was when I started it. It hits you with thoughts about control, survival, and the strength women carry in shadows.
I also loved the botanical knowledge woven into the story.
Honestly, I think I was rooting for Emily… or maybe for every woman who has carried too much, for too long.
This book is unique, bold, chilling, empowering, and unlike anything I’ve read in the psychological thriller genre. I highly recommend Rooted in Silence to thriller lovers, especially women.
Thank you for the e-ARC!
"Can’t wait for book 2!
Rooted in Silence (Root & Vein Series – Book 1) by @authoramwalker
A brilliantly written debut novel! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Publisher: @harborandstonepress
Genre: Psychological Thriller
"Releasing in January 2026!"
Blurb :
Emily Byrd has the dream life, With her perfect wedding days away, Emily is secretly planning something far darker than vows. Her trusting fiancé Remmy has no idea. Matt, his best friend, is getting too curious. And her eerie neighbor Miss Volkova seems to know more than she should. As the countdown to the wedding begins, Emily’s carefully crafted lies start to unravel.
"Some secrets bloom quietly… and some roots grow deepest in the dark."
My Thoughts:
I truly didn’t know what I was stepping into with this book. Emily’s thoughts shocked me from page one girl, WHY are you doing this?! I couldn’t understand why she’d ruin such a “perfect” relationship. but slowly, the story pulled me in like vines wrapping around your ankles.
The small things… tiny dismissals… quiet hurts…
They change you more deeply than anyone realises.
Remmy bothered me the most outwardly trusting and calm, but his behavior..It’s subtle, uncomfortable, and yes. soft gaslighting.
Matt is way too nosy, and the scenes between him and Emily?Nerve-wrecking.
I held my breath through those moments.
And then there’s Miss Volkova
mysterious, sharp, unsettling, and weirdly comforting.
Honestly, we all need a Volkova in our lives… someone who sees the truth behind our silence.
The ending was absolutely brillian!! I loved it!!
I wasn’t the same person finishing the book as I was when I started it. It hits you with thoughts about control, survival, and the strength women carry in shadows.
I also loved the botanical knowledge woven into the story.
Honestly, I think I was rooting for Emily… or maybe for every woman who has carried too much, for too long.
This book is unique, bold, chilling, empowering, and unlike anything I’ve read in the psychological thriller genre. I highly recommend Rooted in Silence to thriller lovers, especially women.
Thank you for the e-ARC!
"Can’t wait for book 2!
April 3, 2026
Hauntingly Beautiful
There was something so hauntingly beautiful about this story.
It moved with a quiet, deliberate pace — calm on the surface, but underneath it all was this steady current of tension that kept pulling me deeper. Slow, intense, and impossible to look away from. Every detail felt intentional, layered with care, building an atmosphere that was both unsettling and completely captivating.
I was fascinated from start to finish.
I do wish we had gotten a little more of Emily’s past, more insight into her relationship with Remmy, and a bit more from Mrs. Volkova because every piece of this story left me wanting to know more.
And honestly… that ending left so much open that I need more from this world. More answers, more story, more everything.
A beautifully eerie 5-star read that lingers long after the final page. 🌙🖤
There was something so hauntingly beautiful about this story.
It moved with a quiet, deliberate pace — calm on the surface, but underneath it all was this steady current of tension that kept pulling me deeper. Slow, intense, and impossible to look away from. Every detail felt intentional, layered with care, building an atmosphere that was both unsettling and completely captivating.
I was fascinated from start to finish.
I do wish we had gotten a little more of Emily’s past, more insight into her relationship with Remmy, and a bit more from Mrs. Volkova because every piece of this story left me wanting to know more.
And honestly… that ending left so much open that I need more from this world. More answers, more story, more everything.
A beautifully eerie 5-star read that lingers long after the final page. 🌙🖤
March 30, 2026
This premise immediately hooked me—psychological thrillers centered around obsession and control are always my kind of read, and this one had all the ingredients for something really compelling.
One of the standout elements was the writing style. For a debut novel, A.M. Walker shows strong potential with descriptive language and an ability to create an unsettling, tense atmosphere. There were definitely moments where the tone really worked and pulled me into Emily’s mindset.
That said, I did struggle with the overall execution of the story.
At times, the plot felt repetitive, and a few inconsistencies made it difficult to stay fully immersed. For example, certain character details—like Emily’s level of expertise in botany or Remmy’s profession—seemed to shift in ways that felt unintentional rather than purposeful. The timeline also moved somewhat abruptly between moments, and clearer transitions or chapter breaks could have helped ground the pacing and flow.
In terms of suspense, I found myself predicting the outcome fairly early on. While some readers may enjoy that sense of anticipation, I personally look for either a slow, intensifying buildup or a twist that recontextualizes everything—and I felt like that element was a bit missing here.
With more developmental editing—particularly around continuity, pacing, and structure—I think this story could become much stronger, because the core idea is genuinely intriguing.
This is definitely an author I’d be open to revisiting in the future, especially to see how their storytelling evolves.
One of the standout elements was the writing style. For a debut novel, A.M. Walker shows strong potential with descriptive language and an ability to create an unsettling, tense atmosphere. There were definitely moments where the tone really worked and pulled me into Emily’s mindset.
That said, I did struggle with the overall execution of the story.
At times, the plot felt repetitive, and a few inconsistencies made it difficult to stay fully immersed. For example, certain character details—like Emily’s level of expertise in botany or Remmy’s profession—seemed to shift in ways that felt unintentional rather than purposeful. The timeline also moved somewhat abruptly between moments, and clearer transitions or chapter breaks could have helped ground the pacing and flow.
In terms of suspense, I found myself predicting the outcome fairly early on. While some readers may enjoy that sense of anticipation, I personally look for either a slow, intensifying buildup or a twist that recontextualizes everything—and I felt like that element was a bit missing here.
With more developmental editing—particularly around continuity, pacing, and structure—I think this story could become much stronger, because the core idea is genuinely intriguing.
This is definitely an author I’d be open to revisiting in the future, especially to see how their storytelling evolves.
May 13, 2026
Dark and intense. I found myself asking so many questions (in a good way)
Chilling to the max. Definitely a twisty psychological thriller.
Emily was a very complex person in my opinion. I loved being inside of her head.
The vibes were spot on. So extremely brooding and intellectual. I found myself over thinking so many parts, just double reading and actually putting my mind to work.
I had a lot of fun and can’t wait until the next book comes out!
If you liked gone girl, the housemaid or any enigmatic stories I would definitely pick this one up.
4/5⭐️
“You’d be amazed what people admire so long as it’s beautiful. Some of the most dangerous plants in the world are blue and violet.”
Chilling to the max. Definitely a twisty psychological thriller.
Emily was a very complex person in my opinion. I loved being inside of her head.
The vibes were spot on. So extremely brooding and intellectual. I found myself over thinking so many parts, just double reading and actually putting my mind to work.
I had a lot of fun and can’t wait until the next book comes out!
If you liked gone girl, the housemaid or any enigmatic stories I would definitely pick this one up.
4/5⭐️
“You’d be amazed what people admire so long as it’s beautiful. Some of the most dangerous plants in the world are blue and violet.”
April 9, 2026
Listen y’all, I’m a 34-year-old guy who usually sticks to sci-fi and fantasy, but Rooted in Silence by A.M. Walker hooked me hard. It’s told from Emily’s point of view as she plans her wedding to Remmy (solid guy who builds furniture and loves their dog), it starts off feeling like normal domestic life, like a spotless house, and a perfect fiancé, until you realize she’s secretly cataloging poisonous plants like foxglove and wolfsbane in a hidden notebook. Hmmm interesting! The neighbor lady keeps handing her dangerous stuff like it’s sugar, and the tension builds in the quietest moments like making tea, walking the dog, or arguing about seating charts. It’s a slow-burn psychological thriller that feels a bit too believable.
The writing is great! If you like Gone Girl or The Silent Patient vibes where the scariest person is the one everyone trusts, this one delivers. Solid 4 stars, and i definitely recommend!
The writing is great! If you like Gone Girl or The Silent Patient vibes where the scariest person is the one everyone trusts, this one delivers. Solid 4 stars, and i definitely recommend!
April 17, 2026
3 ⭐ Review - A good book but I just kept wanting more character depth. Still worth the read because I have high hopes for the sequel!
🌱 For Fans of:
- suspense
- thriller
- slow burn
- psychological thriller
- marriage in trouble
- tense
✏️ Spoiler-Free Review
From page one, I was immediately hooked. Emily is engaged to Remmy and is totally wrapped up in wedding planning. Obsessed with becoming a widow, she’s also planning to kill her soon-to-be-husband. His friend, Matt, knows something is suspicious as Emily devolves.
The book is intense, suspenseful, and dark, but the main characters lacked the depth that makes it easy to connect to them, leaving it a little flat for me.
That said, I know this is the authors first book, so I’m really excited to see them grow as an author! The instincts are there, so I know book 2 will be even better!
🖤 As always, my reviews are honest, my own, and voluntary!
📚 Book: Rooted in Silence by A.M. Walker
📚 Series: Root & Vein #1
📅 Release Date: OUT NOW (2025)
⭐ Rating: 3 out of 5
📲 Find On: Kindle Unlimited
🌱 For Fans of:
- suspense
- thriller
- slow burn
- psychological thriller
- marriage in trouble
- tense
✏️ Spoiler-Free Review
From page one, I was immediately hooked. Emily is engaged to Remmy and is totally wrapped up in wedding planning. Obsessed with becoming a widow, she’s also planning to kill her soon-to-be-husband. His friend, Matt, knows something is suspicious as Emily devolves.
The book is intense, suspenseful, and dark, but the main characters lacked the depth that makes it easy to connect to them, leaving it a little flat for me.
That said, I know this is the authors first book, so I’m really excited to see them grow as an author! The instincts are there, so I know book 2 will be even better!
🖤 As always, my reviews are honest, my own, and voluntary!
📚 Book: Rooted in Silence by A.M. Walker
📚 Series: Root & Vein #1
📅 Release Date: OUT NOW (2025)
⭐ Rating: 3 out of 5
📲 Find On: Kindle Unlimited
January 22, 2026
A Slow-Burn Psychological Thriller That Creeps Under Your Skin
I was lucky enough to read Rooted in Silence as an ARC and as part of the street team, and it’s a book that stayed with me long after the final page.
A.M. Walker has created a tense, atmospheric psychological thriller that leans into emotional unease rather than fast-paced shock value. This is very much a slow-burn story – one that builds quietly, layer by layer, until you realise just how deep the roots of the mystery go.
The writing is thoughtful and immersive. You can feel the main character’s anxiety, uncertainty, and growing sense of unease. Her detachment, her fear, and her need to keep parts of herself hidden all felt incredibly authentic. I especially appreciated how the author explored the idea of secrets – how they shape us, protect us, and sometimes trap us.
The plot unfolds gradually, revealing just enough to keep you guessing without giving too much away. There were moments where the tension felt almost suffocating, and I found myself constantly second-guessing characters and motives.
For me, the only reason this isn’t a full five stars is that the final section felt slightly rushed compared to the careful build-up. I wanted just a little more depth and breathing room in the ending after such a strong emotional journey.
Overall, though, this is an impressive read – haunting, emotional, and cleverly constructed. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy character-driven thrillers with a psychological edge.
I was lucky enough to read Rooted in Silence as an ARC and as part of the street team, and it’s a book that stayed with me long after the final page.
A.M. Walker has created a tense, atmospheric psychological thriller that leans into emotional unease rather than fast-paced shock value. This is very much a slow-burn story – one that builds quietly, layer by layer, until you realise just how deep the roots of the mystery go.
The writing is thoughtful and immersive. You can feel the main character’s anxiety, uncertainty, and growing sense of unease. Her detachment, her fear, and her need to keep parts of herself hidden all felt incredibly authentic. I especially appreciated how the author explored the idea of secrets – how they shape us, protect us, and sometimes trap us.
The plot unfolds gradually, revealing just enough to keep you guessing without giving too much away. There were moments where the tension felt almost suffocating, and I found myself constantly second-guessing characters and motives.
For me, the only reason this isn’t a full five stars is that the final section felt slightly rushed compared to the careful build-up. I wanted just a little more depth and breathing room in the ending after such a strong emotional journey.
Overall, though, this is an impressive read – haunting, emotional, and cleverly constructed. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy character-driven thrillers with a psychological edge.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2026
"That was the difference. Ordinary wives kept their husbands alive because they had to. I did it because I decided to. That choice made me exceptional."
Guys...this book! It stayed with me long after I turned the final page. Dark, poetic, and gripping from start to finish, A.M. Walker’s debut feels anything but. The storytelling is confident and immersive, with twists that truly land. A main character who’s wildly unlikeable yet somehow completely impossible not to root (pun not intended!) for. I can’t wait to see where the series goes next. Absolutely recommend.
Guys...this book! It stayed with me long after I turned the final page. Dark, poetic, and gripping from start to finish, A.M. Walker’s debut feels anything but. The storytelling is confident and immersive, with twists that truly land. A main character who’s wildly unlikeable yet somehow completely impossible not to root (pun not intended!) for. I can’t wait to see where the series goes next. Absolutely recommend.
May 10, 2026
I really enjoyed Rooted in Silence. It’s one of those books that slowly gets under your skin and then suddenly you’re way more invested than you expected to be. The tension builds in such a quiet, unsettling way, and I loved constantly questioning the characters and their motives. It felt very atmospheric and psychological without trying too hard. I found myself wanting to pick it back up every time I put it down. Such a solid, gripping read. I’m already curious where this story goes next!!
February 10, 2026
I will reiterate what another reviewer said about this book, it's like no other book I've read. I could not put it down and was intrigued the whole time. Rooted in Silence is a psychological thriller that I won't forget. We all read books we forget what it was about the next week but this book is so different and it stays with you. I am looking forward to reading the trilogy she has written. A.M. Walker did an amazing job as a first time author. I see a great future ahead!
March 22, 2026
Five Stars – Twisted But Refreshingly Domestic
Rooted in Silence by A.M. Walker is that rare debut novel that is equal parts stalker comfort-food cozy and your skin-crawling worst nightmare fuel. It takes tropes like “Marriage as a Trap” and flips them on their head by giving us a lead that is just as twisted as the monster trying to ensnare her.
Emily Byrd is going to win you over (with murder on her mind) and you won’t even realize how dangerous she is until its too late.
The Good: Sensory Storytelling & Gorgeous Prose
Above all else this novel was a joy to read from a writing perspective. Walker’s style is airy and lyrical but with an undercurrent of something much heavier trying to burrow beneath your skin. There’s an attention to detail that most authors shy away from; not only do you feel like you are living inside Emily’s meticulously clean house with her, you feel like you are seeing everything through her keen eyes. The botanical descriptions are some of my favorite I’ve read this year; learning about flowers that can strangle you to death was equal parts fascinating and delightfully morbid.
Speaking of Emily, the character work is wonderful across the board. There’s just something about rooting for a Serial Killer that makes you question your love of true crime podcasts. But Walker rounds out the story with such interesting characters (I’m looking at you, conniving Ms. Volkova) that you’ll find yourself itching for the sequel to this thrilling trilogy.
The Tropes: Playing With Your Head
Trust me when I say that Walker takes full advantage of the Unreliable Narrator trope. Told entirely in first person, we are privy to every delicious thought going through Emily’s mind. The fun “murkiness” of it is that you spend half the novel questioning what’s a hard truth and what she’s conjuring in her mind to justify her psychosis. It’s the sign of a great psychological thriller when you’re questioning every interaction your protagonist has… And when you’re subtly rooting for a murderer.
Speaking of great thriller merits, Rooted in Silence is a fantastic example of a Slow-Burn. There are no cheap thrills here, only tension that you can cut with a knife. Much of the action feels “staccato” as Emily sleepswalks through her day doing wedding things while we’re free to roam the depths of her madness. The build-up results in an ending that hits you like a whisper.
Rooted in Silence delivers because it urges you not to define Emily by her actions. It’s more than “Crime by Women.” It scratches that same itch as The Silent Patient and gets under your skin like Gone Girl. Admittedly Domestic Noir at heart, there’s something so delightful about getting together with your favorite killer and cooking them both dinner.🫣
Writer A.M. Walker has penned a masterpiece in this tiny package, and I cannot wait to read the next book in this trilogy.
Rooted in Silence by A.M. Walker is that rare debut novel that is equal parts stalker comfort-food cozy and your skin-crawling worst nightmare fuel. It takes tropes like “Marriage as a Trap” and flips them on their head by giving us a lead that is just as twisted as the monster trying to ensnare her.
Emily Byrd is going to win you over (with murder on her mind) and you won’t even realize how dangerous she is until its too late.
The Good: Sensory Storytelling & Gorgeous Prose
Above all else this novel was a joy to read from a writing perspective. Walker’s style is airy and lyrical but with an undercurrent of something much heavier trying to burrow beneath your skin. There’s an attention to detail that most authors shy away from; not only do you feel like you are living inside Emily’s meticulously clean house with her, you feel like you are seeing everything through her keen eyes. The botanical descriptions are some of my favorite I’ve read this year; learning about flowers that can strangle you to death was equal parts fascinating and delightfully morbid.
Speaking of Emily, the character work is wonderful across the board. There’s just something about rooting for a Serial Killer that makes you question your love of true crime podcasts. But Walker rounds out the story with such interesting characters (I’m looking at you, conniving Ms. Volkova) that you’ll find yourself itching for the sequel to this thrilling trilogy.
The Tropes: Playing With Your Head
Trust me when I say that Walker takes full advantage of the Unreliable Narrator trope. Told entirely in first person, we are privy to every delicious thought going through Emily’s mind. The fun “murkiness” of it is that you spend half the novel questioning what’s a hard truth and what she’s conjuring in her mind to justify her psychosis. It’s the sign of a great psychological thriller when you’re questioning every interaction your protagonist has… And when you’re subtly rooting for a murderer.
Speaking of great thriller merits, Rooted in Silence is a fantastic example of a Slow-Burn. There are no cheap thrills here, only tension that you can cut with a knife. Much of the action feels “staccato” as Emily sleepswalks through her day doing wedding things while we’re free to roam the depths of her madness. The build-up results in an ending that hits you like a whisper.
Rooted in Silence delivers because it urges you not to define Emily by her actions. It’s more than “Crime by Women.” It scratches that same itch as The Silent Patient and gets under your skin like Gone Girl. Admittedly Domestic Noir at heart, there’s something so delightful about getting together with your favorite killer and cooking them both dinner.🫣
Writer A.M. Walker has penned a masterpiece in this tiny package, and I cannot wait to read the next book in this trilogy.
May 9, 2026
Alright.. here's the deal. A.M. Walker had me out here with plant related trust issues. I finished this book and immediately started googling every plant within my eyesight.. houseplants, yard plants, the dead one on my porch.. ALL of them. Don't even get me started on my neighbors. One of them spent a little too much time in her yard this week and I'm pretty sure I know why.
This story is quiet in the same way a locked room is quiet; too still, too intentional, too aware of you. The author builds tension like you'd tighten a fishing line, slow, invisible, then suddenly you realize you caught it. The dread doesn't slam into you, it creeps. It roots itself somewhere deep and refuses to let go.
The neighbor dynamic? Absolutely unhinged. It's the perfect blend of "this could never happen" and "uhhh, this could absolutely happen", which honestly makes the most dangerous kind of thriller. I kept thinking about it. Would I notice if someone in my neighborhood was doing something... off? Would I just wave politely and go back inside? Probably the latter.. my neighbors are probably planting the same plants.
There was a grief soaked undercurrent running through everything. The kind that makes everything seem still, but eerie. The way that Walker twists the mundane into something menacing was fantastic.
If you are interested in a psychological thriller that feels like paranoia wrapped in vines.. or you love that slow burn tension.. or simply enjoy questioning your own instincts, this is the one to get under your skin.
Just.. maybe don't make eye contact with your neighbors hydrangeas anymore.
This story is quiet in the same way a locked room is quiet; too still, too intentional, too aware of you. The author builds tension like you'd tighten a fishing line, slow, invisible, then suddenly you realize you caught it. The dread doesn't slam into you, it creeps. It roots itself somewhere deep and refuses to let go.
The neighbor dynamic? Absolutely unhinged. It's the perfect blend of "this could never happen" and "uhhh, this could absolutely happen", which honestly makes the most dangerous kind of thriller. I kept thinking about it. Would I notice if someone in my neighborhood was doing something... off? Would I just wave politely and go back inside? Probably the latter.. my neighbors are probably planting the same plants.
There was a grief soaked undercurrent running through everything. The kind that makes everything seem still, but eerie. The way that Walker twists the mundane into something menacing was fantastic.
If you are interested in a psychological thriller that feels like paranoia wrapped in vines.. or you love that slow burn tension.. or simply enjoy questioning your own instincts, this is the one to get under your skin.
Just.. maybe don't make eye contact with your neighbors hydrangeas anymore.
February 8, 2026
I found Rooted in Silence to be a highly entertaining and unsettling read, refreshing and unique in its attitude. Rarely is a reader launched into the mind of the villain of a story and this vantage point changes everything.
Emily Byrd has a good life, a nice home and a fiancé who loves her without question, but she is plotting an unforgivable crime. The clinical way that she schemes is unnerving, and I loved the fact that Walker doesn't make any attempt to romanticise her character - quite the opposite. Emily is a thoroughly unlikeable human, with practically no redeeming qualities, which is what makes being inside her head so disquieting, and also, rather fun.
There are only really 4 characters in the story, which makes the writing feel compact and intimate. Emily, her fiancé Remmy, his best friend Mat and the enigmatic Ms Volkova, are entwined in the plot, in the countdown to the big night, and at times it's hard to say whether one of the characters is a friend or a foe.
I found myself analysing Emily's personality throughout the book, her desperation for control, her manipulation and being unsure whether she is mentally unstable, has some kind of personality disorder or is just plain wicked. I love the fact that it is never explained, the reader is left to make their own interpretations and possibly even wonder if they don't share some of her traits. How far away are any of us from becoming a monster?
Overall, Rooted in Silence is a fast paced little read, that many will rattle through in one sitting. Fiendishly clever.
Emily Byrd has a good life, a nice home and a fiancé who loves her without question, but she is plotting an unforgivable crime. The clinical way that she schemes is unnerving, and I loved the fact that Walker doesn't make any attempt to romanticise her character - quite the opposite. Emily is a thoroughly unlikeable human, with practically no redeeming qualities, which is what makes being inside her head so disquieting, and also, rather fun.
There are only really 4 characters in the story, which makes the writing feel compact and intimate. Emily, her fiancé Remmy, his best friend Mat and the enigmatic Ms Volkova, are entwined in the plot, in the countdown to the big night, and at times it's hard to say whether one of the characters is a friend or a foe.
I found myself analysing Emily's personality throughout the book, her desperation for control, her manipulation and being unsure whether she is mentally unstable, has some kind of personality disorder or is just plain wicked. I love the fact that it is never explained, the reader is left to make their own interpretations and possibly even wonder if they don't share some of her traits. How far away are any of us from becoming a monster?
Overall, Rooted in Silence is a fast paced little read, that many will rattle through in one sitting. Fiendishly clever.
April 28, 2026
Rooted in Silence by A.M. Walker reads less like a traditional narrative and more like a confession whispered in the dark. It feels like sitting inside her thoughts, unfiltered, aching, and achingly honest. The entire story unfolds almost like a monologue from Emily’s heart, and that intimacy is what makes it so powerful.
You don’t just watch her process her grief, her regrets, her love, and her fears; you live inside them with her. Every page feels like she’s peeling back another layer, speaking the words she’s maybe never been brave enough to say out loud. It’s reflective and deeply personal, almost like reading someone’s journal that was never meant to be shared.
There’s a quiet heaviness to this book. The silence isn’t empty it’s full of everything she’s carrying. The writing is tender but raw, soft but piercing. Her inner dialogue feels so authentic that at times it’s almost uncomfortable, in the best way, because it mirrors the thoughts we often keep buried ourselves.
This isn’t a flashy, plot driven story. It’s emotional. Introspective. Rooted deeply in healing and self-discovery. Watching her slowly come to terms with her past and learn how to move forward feels intimate and real. The growth is subtle but meaningful, like roots stretching beneath the surface before you ever see the bloom.
If you love character driven stories that feel like you’re sitting inside someone’s soul, Rooted in Silence will absolutely stay with you. It’s quiet, reflective, and deeply human, the kind of book that doesn’t shout, but lingers.
You don’t just watch her process her grief, her regrets, her love, and her fears; you live inside them with her. Every page feels like she’s peeling back another layer, speaking the words she’s maybe never been brave enough to say out loud. It’s reflective and deeply personal, almost like reading someone’s journal that was never meant to be shared.
There’s a quiet heaviness to this book. The silence isn’t empty it’s full of everything she’s carrying. The writing is tender but raw, soft but piercing. Her inner dialogue feels so authentic that at times it’s almost uncomfortable, in the best way, because it mirrors the thoughts we often keep buried ourselves.
This isn’t a flashy, plot driven story. It’s emotional. Introspective. Rooted deeply in healing and self-discovery. Watching her slowly come to terms with her past and learn how to move forward feels intimate and real. The growth is subtle but meaningful, like roots stretching beneath the surface before you ever see the bloom.
If you love character driven stories that feel like you’re sitting inside someone’s soul, Rooted in Silence will absolutely stay with you. It’s quiet, reflective, and deeply human, the kind of book that doesn’t shout, but lingers.
April 25, 2026
*paperback
“… the most beautiful things are also the most dangerous.”
“He was alive because I chose to keep him alive. When he felt well, it was because I chose to let him feel well. It was intoxicating: his comfort, his health, his very survival, depended on decisions I made in private, with knowledge he didn’t possess, using methods he couldn’t detect.”
“You should be cautious with him. Men who notice too much rarely survive it.”
“Some gardens require blood to bloom properly.”
Thanks to A. M. Walker (@authoramwalker) and Harbor & Stone (@harborandstonepress) for my gifted signed copy of this book and exchange for an honest review.
This book is a debut novel and had a cool story behind it, very unique.
First of all, I’m was obsessed with the cover, its beautiful but has a darkness about it which is perfect for this book.
This book has a lot about botany and I thought it was so interesting to learn about the poisonous plants, especially “… the most beautiful things are also the most dangerous.”
I don’t want to give too much away but one thing you’ll need to know going into this one is the FMC Emily is a psycho. Her sole purpose in life is to unalive her doting soon to be husband. No rhyme or reason…she’s just dead set on becoming a widow. The WHY wasn’t super clear in the beginning of the book, I just kept thinking wait, what is she doing and WHY!!!? The thing is when you’re dealing with a psycho there isn’t always a why.
Things come together in the end but definitely leave you wanting more from the next book. I’m hoping we will get more background on how Emily & Remmy met and how she chose him. The side characters in this one were interesting too so I’m hoping we see more of them as well.
There’s much more to come in book 2 of this trilogy of psychopathic proportions.
I def recommend that you give this one a read.
“… the most beautiful things are also the most dangerous.”
“He was alive because I chose to keep him alive. When he felt well, it was because I chose to let him feel well. It was intoxicating: his comfort, his health, his very survival, depended on decisions I made in private, with knowledge he didn’t possess, using methods he couldn’t detect.”
“You should be cautious with him. Men who notice too much rarely survive it.”
“Some gardens require blood to bloom properly.”
Thanks to A. M. Walker (@authoramwalker) and Harbor & Stone (@harborandstonepress) for my gifted signed copy of this book and exchange for an honest review.
This book is a debut novel and had a cool story behind it, very unique.
First of all, I’m was obsessed with the cover, its beautiful but has a darkness about it which is perfect for this book.
This book has a lot about botany and I thought it was so interesting to learn about the poisonous plants, especially “… the most beautiful things are also the most dangerous.”
I don’t want to give too much away but one thing you’ll need to know going into this one is the FMC Emily is a psycho. Her sole purpose in life is to unalive her doting soon to be husband. No rhyme or reason…she’s just dead set on becoming a widow. The WHY wasn’t super clear in the beginning of the book, I just kept thinking wait, what is she doing and WHY!!!? The thing is when you’re dealing with a psycho there isn’t always a why.
Things come together in the end but definitely leave you wanting more from the next book. I’m hoping we will get more background on how Emily & Remmy met and how she chose him. The side characters in this one were interesting too so I’m hoping we see more of them as well.
There’s much more to come in book 2 of this trilogy of psychopathic proportions.
I def recommend that you give this one a read.
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