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Never Say a Word
The past is never as buried as we'd like to believe.
Former paramedic Tom Berry is barely holding himself together, haunted by the ghosts of a childhood he can't remember. Then, one storm-lashed night in the Welsh mountains, he discovers a young boy struggling barefoot through the rain. The child is mute, terrified and unable to say who he is or where he came from.
As their fragile bond grows, Tom becomes determined to find answers. But the deeper he digs, the more he's forced to confront his own repressed memories — and the night that shattered his life forever.
To save the boy he's come to care for, Tom must journey from the quiet valleys of Wales into a violent and dangerous criminal underworld. And when the past finally resurfaces, he'll uncover secrets more devastating than he ever imagined — about the boy and about himself.
Dark, emotional and pulse-pounding, Never Say a Word is a gripping crime thriller perfect for fans of MW Craven, Michael Wood and LJ Ross.
Former paramedic Tom Berry is barely holding himself together, haunted by the ghosts of a childhood he can't remember. Then, one storm-lashed night in the Welsh mountains, he discovers a young boy struggling barefoot through the rain. The child is mute, terrified and unable to say who he is or where he came from.
As their fragile bond grows, Tom becomes determined to find answers. But the deeper he digs, the more he's forced to confront his own repressed memories — and the night that shattered his life forever.
To save the boy he's come to care for, Tom must journey from the quiet valleys of Wales into a violent and dangerous criminal underworld. And when the past finally resurfaces, he'll uncover secrets more devastating than he ever imagined — about the boy and about himself.
Dark, emotional and pulse-pounding, Never Say a Word is a gripping crime thriller perfect for fans of MW Craven, Michael Wood and LJ Ross.
381 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 5, 2026
About the author
C.J. Carver
20 books127 followersCJ Carver is a half-English, half-Kiwi author living just outside Bath. Her books have been published in the UK, USA and translated throughout Europe. Her first novel Blood Junction, won the CWA Debut Dagger Award, the USA Barry Award, and was also voted as one of the best mystery books of the year by Publishers Weekly. Spare Me the Truth, the first book in the Dan Forrester series and The Snow Thief have both been shortlisted for the Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Crime Novel. CJ lived in Australia for 10 years before taking up long distance rally driving – she has driven London to Saigon, London to Cape Town and covered 14,000 miles on the Inca Trail.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
It's a long time since I last read a complete novel in a single sitting but it really would have been impossible to put this book down at any point before the very end.
Tom Berry, a former paramedic, is an extraordinary main protagonist. He is at the centre of a plot that is full of excellent characterisation.
From the sometimes eerie desolation of the Welsh mountains and valleys the story shifts to urban central England with its own horrors of the modern world in which we live.
This is fast-paced, intriguing, and at times violent, but it is also emotive, sensitive and heartbreaking.
CJ Carver goes from strength to strength. This is undoubtedly her best novel to date. I do hope she will bring Tom Berry back in a future book.
Tom Berry, a former paramedic, is an extraordinary main protagonist. He is at the centre of a plot that is full of excellent characterisation.
From the sometimes eerie desolation of the Welsh mountains and valleys the story shifts to urban central England with its own horrors of the modern world in which we live.
This is fast-paced, intriguing, and at times violent, but it is also emotive, sensitive and heartbreaking.
CJ Carver goes from strength to strength. This is undoubtedly her best novel to date. I do hope she will bring Tom Berry back in a future book.
March 27, 2026
This was a very good read, the author does a great job making you want to keep turning pages unlike authors I DNF in recent attempts. There were some extra wordy descriptions but at least they pertained to important and meaningful goings on. The story was true to life taking on the subjects of PTSD, kidnapping and slavery. CJ did a marvelous job weaving these elements into the story's life threatening situations. It was so well done you find yourself surprised that things/people are not always what they seem to be. You will enjoy every page of this book.
February 18, 2026
There's a theory that it takes three elements to make a good story. How about these three? A former paramedic suffering from flashbacks and hallucinations after a deeply traumatic experience in a war zone. A small boy, apparently mute and terrified, who appears naked out of nowhere in the middle of a stormy night on a remote Welsh hilltop. And hundreds of miles away, a teenage girl who went missing several years ago.
The other thing a good story needs, of course, is someone to write it. C J Carver has picked up these three elements and run with them, all the way from the twisty lanes of rural mid-Wales to the litter-strewn seedy side of England's second city.
Tom, the paramedic, lives in a camper van which he parks close to a place where he enjoyed family holidays as a boy. He encounters the boy he names Wren, who is clearly running away from something; they form an unlikely bond, and Tom makes it his mission to find out where the boy came from.
It's as much a journey of self-discovery as a hunt for Wren's origins. Tom has suffered from crippling PTSD ever since he returned home; he has rejected therapy, which made things worse, in favour of self-medication with alcohol and solitude. Caring for Wren and looking for the child's family gives him a sense of purpose – and also puts him in the worst danger he has ever faced and forces him to connect with people and the real world again.
The result is a tense rollercoaster of a psychological thriller, with a cast of bad and good guys so well realized that they jump off the page. There's Vanessa the trainee psychologist, who makes Tom face up to the deep-seated causes of his PTSD; Xantha the investigative journalist, a thorn in Tom's side at first, but later an unexpected ally; Lana the self-styled anti-ageing therapist, and Trevor her ingenuous husband; and a wide assortment of villainous types of both genders. Forming a richly detailed background to Tom's quest are Felicity, the best kind of social worker; a Indian couple still mourning the loss of their daughter; a host of immigrant workers, some legal, others more dubious; and a policeman doing his best against the odds.
Remote Welsh hillside villages contrast with run-down city back streets, as do a factory owner's mansion with cosy cottages and Tom's compact camper van. All have a part to play as the gripping story is played out, Wren's origins are revealed and Tom's personal journey reaches a conclusion. It kept me on the edge of my seat and could do the same to you.
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Reviewer: Lynne Patrick
For Lizzie Sirett (Mystery People Group)
The other thing a good story needs, of course, is someone to write it. C J Carver has picked up these three elements and run with them, all the way from the twisty lanes of rural mid-Wales to the litter-strewn seedy side of England's second city.
Tom, the paramedic, lives in a camper van which he parks close to a place where he enjoyed family holidays as a boy. He encounters the boy he names Wren, who is clearly running away from something; they form an unlikely bond, and Tom makes it his mission to find out where the boy came from.
It's as much a journey of self-discovery as a hunt for Wren's origins. Tom has suffered from crippling PTSD ever since he returned home; he has rejected therapy, which made things worse, in favour of self-medication with alcohol and solitude. Caring for Wren and looking for the child's family gives him a sense of purpose – and also puts him in the worst danger he has ever faced and forces him to connect with people and the real world again.
The result is a tense rollercoaster of a psychological thriller, with a cast of bad and good guys so well realized that they jump off the page. There's Vanessa the trainee psychologist, who makes Tom face up to the deep-seated causes of his PTSD; Xantha the investigative journalist, a thorn in Tom's side at first, but later an unexpected ally; Lana the self-styled anti-ageing therapist, and Trevor her ingenuous husband; and a wide assortment of villainous types of both genders. Forming a richly detailed background to Tom's quest are Felicity, the best kind of social worker; a Indian couple still mourning the loss of their daughter; a host of immigrant workers, some legal, others more dubious; and a policeman doing his best against the odds.
Remote Welsh hillside villages contrast with run-down city back streets, as do a factory owner's mansion with cosy cottages and Tom's compact camper van. All have a part to play as the gripping story is played out, Wren's origins are revealed and Tom's personal journey reaches a conclusion. It kept me on the edge of my seat and could do the same to you.
-------
Reviewer: Lynne Patrick
For Lizzie Sirett (Mystery People Group)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Tom has suffered two traumatic events in his life, one as a child and one as an adult. His friend, Petey, died in unusual condition when the two friends explored in a forbidden forest. Then, as an adult, working as a medic in Afghanistan, Tom witnessed a brutal murder, then endured a terrifying kidnapping ordeal. He is tormented by flashbacks and panic attacks, which cause him to react dramatically and inappropriately. He has taken refuge in the Welsh hills, not far from the forest where Petey died. One night a young boy turns up unexpectedly and Tom gives him shelter. This is the start of Tom’s quest to uncover the mystery of the boy’s origin, but, to do so, he is forced to revisit his own past traumas. I really enjoyed this unusual story, particularly as it was set in an area of Wales that I love.
February 14, 2026
Could not stop reading this! Tom has suffered such trauma, most recently as a paramedic in Afghanistan who survived being kidnapped and kept in horrible conditions and previously as a young boy who blocked out what really happened. Fast forward to him being back in the same area of his childhood when a young boy shows up at his campervan, naked and mute. He takes the boy in overnight only to find him gone the next morning. The search is on and the boy is found. Tom becomes quite the investigator into where the boy came from which leads him to the family of a girl who went missing a few years earlier. You will not believe where the story goes and how every little thing is connected. It's a bit deep, dark and twisted but such a captivating read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Tom is a strong but unstable protagonist who is trying to protect a young boy. As well as being full of tension I felt like this is also a emotional rollercoaster. The plot is fast paced and doesn't slow down with it's demanding attention. The crime storyline is rather a dark one. I felt like this book is different from others and that alone makes it stand out. I personally was absorbed from page one and I didn't want to turn away in case I missed something. It is a deeply emotionally disturbing crime thriller.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Tom, a former paramedic, is struggling to confront his demons, mainly from his childhood. One night a young boy finds his camper van. The boy is naked and doesn’t talk at all.
While trying to find out about the boy’s past, he is forced to face his own. All the while he is also dealing with a dangerous criminal underworld.
Plenty of action, great characters and a fast-moving story. I was gripped and wanted to keep reading, always a plus for me.
Thank you to Bloodhound books for the chance to read this excellent book.
While trying to find out about the boy’s past, he is forced to face his own. All the while he is also dealing with a dangerous criminal underworld.
Plenty of action, great characters and a fast-moving story. I was gripped and wanted to keep reading, always a plus for me.
Thank you to Bloodhound books for the chance to read this excellent book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Tom is an ex-military paramedic, plagued by flashbacks and a dodgy knee, as well as the trauma of the death of his childhood friend. He lives in a campervan and one evening, he gets an unexpected visitor. From there, his life is turned upside down and he gets drawn into the nightmare world of human trafficking.
The book has a decent storyline, strong characters and a good pace. Technically, it's good, with regard to punctuation and vocabulary, aside from the very occasional bit of odd phrasing.
I would have given 3½ stars, but that's not possible here.
The book has a decent storyline, strong characters and a good pace. Technically, it's good, with regard to punctuation and vocabulary, aside from the very occasional bit of odd phrasing.
I would have given 3½ stars, but that's not possible here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is a fabulous, gripping crime thriller and edge of seat read.
It has shocking revelations and strong characters, some to like and some to hate.
There's a roller-coaster of twists and turns, leading to a surprising ending.
This is one of those books. Once started, it's hard to put down until finished.
This is my first book by this author, and I'm very impressed. I will seek out and read more of her books.
My thanks to Bloodhound books for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review of this book.
It has shocking revelations and strong characters, some to like and some to hate.
There's a roller-coaster of twists and turns, leading to a surprising ending.
This is one of those books. Once started, it's hard to put down until finished.
This is my first book by this author, and I'm very impressed. I will seek out and read more of her books.
My thanks to Bloodhound books for the advanced copy. This is my honest and unbiased review of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Never Say A Word by C.J.Carver
Ratings story 10/10. Characters 10/10, easy to read 10/10, excellent crime thriller, highly recommended, plot former paramedic Tom Berry rescues a mute boy, forcing him to confront repressed childhood memories while navigating a dangerous criminal underworld. I was kindly given advanced copy (ARC) of this novel by the nice people from BookFunnel
#cjcaver #neversayaword #brilliantcrimebooks #crimethrillerbooks #mustreadbooks #bookfunnel
Ratings story 10/10. Characters 10/10, easy to read 10/10, excellent crime thriller, highly recommended, plot former paramedic Tom Berry rescues a mute boy, forcing him to confront repressed childhood memories while navigating a dangerous criminal underworld. I was kindly given advanced copy (ARC) of this novel by the nice people from BookFunnel
#cjcaver #neversayaword #brilliantcrimebooks #crimethrillerbooks #mustreadbooks #bookfunnel
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What a fantastic read to finish 2025 with.
I was hooked on this story from the very first page.
Tom’s story was told so cleverly that at times I actually had to stop myself thinking I was reading a true story.
I loved every aspect of this book and I will certainly now be on the lookout for more books by CJ Carver.
Thanks to Lexi and the team at Bloodhound for offer an early copy, I think they saved their best book of the year till last 👏👏
I was hooked on this story from the very first page.
Tom’s story was told so cleverly that at times I actually had to stop myself thinking I was reading a true story.
I loved every aspect of this book and I will certainly now be on the lookout for more books by CJ Carver.
Thanks to Lexi and the team at Bloodhound for offer an early copy, I think they saved their best book of the year till last 👏👏
January 21, 2026
Brilliant book from start to finish.
Shows how PTSD can consume your whole life but with the right care, perseverance and courage it can be overcome.
Well written psychological thriller, lots of twists and turns, a rollercoaster ride with great characters and insight into the dark depths of the underworld hidden in plain sight!
Loved it, hope there’s more to come 💜
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC copy
This review is all my own thoughts 💜
Shows how PTSD can consume your whole life but with the right care, perseverance and courage it can be overcome.
Well written psychological thriller, lots of twists and turns, a rollercoaster ride with great characters and insight into the dark depths of the underworld hidden in plain sight!
Loved it, hope there’s more to come 💜
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC copy
This review is all my own thoughts 💜
January 5, 2026
Tom is trying to recover his life after traumatic events in his life living in a camper van far away from people but a small, naked, boy finds him one night. While trying to find where the boy has appeared from and why, his life changes beyond recognition. I couldn’t put this book down, so well written and totally captivating.
February 17, 2026
This book wow , I read it in a weekend . It follows Tom who had a traumatic episode in his childhood and another in his adult life. A former paramedic who was in Afghanistan who has to find a way to hold it all together .
Things start to happen during a storm in wales . When he finds a mute boy. Good story with good characters . Well worth a read.
Things start to happen during a storm in wales . When he finds a mute boy. Good story with good characters . Well worth a read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Absolutely loved this book. Well written with great characters and a good insight into PTSD. Enough twists and turns to keep me very interested to the end. A book that will stay with me for a long time, I do hope that this is the first of many.
Review of advance copy
This was an excellent dark crime thriller held my interest from start to finish
February 9, 2026
A brilliant edge-of-your-seat crime thriller. It hooked me from the first page and I stayed up way too late reading, as I just had to find out how things were going to pan out.
February 24, 2026
Quiet Child
Dark but oh so,entertaining! Tom, a man who never stops fighting for what is right, looks to set things right.
Dark but oh so,entertaining! Tom, a man who never stops fighting for what is right, looks to set things right.
March 16, 2026
I enjoyed this book very much! The writing and suspense was excellent. I judge a book by whether I am sad to see it end and this one I feel left the door open for a sequel, which I would love.
March 20, 2026
Fast paced, compelling and totally gripping. I raced through this book, desperate to know what happened next. Interesting highlight on modern slavery and PTSD.
February 14, 2026
Powerful and relevant.
This book is a terrific crime thriller, all the more relevant for dealing with the trauma caused by the recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Powerfully written and a real page turner; probably the best CJ Carver I’ve read.
This book is a terrific crime thriller, all the more relevant for dealing with the trauma caused by the recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Powerfully written and a real page turner; probably the best CJ Carver I’ve read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Absolutely brilliant!! What a ride this was. Starting off with the main character dealing with his PTSD I did wonder where this was going to head but I could never have predicted the route it took. Excellent writing and characters this was a strong 5*s from me.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
loved this, loved the main characters and got totally involved with his life and his experiences and his little unexpected visitor! I definitely recommend you read this and I'm looking forward to reading more c j carver books!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews