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Stay Silent: A Post-Apocalyptic Psychological Horror
If you’re not fast, you’re dead.
Nothing could have prepared Kayla and Cristy for the carnage they faced. Their perfect Christmas shopping plans were destroyed in an instant by the Christmas outbreak.
The news reported it as a flu epidemic, but it's much worse. They were lucky to escape with their lives.
Now, they live in fear, hunted and hidden, trying to stay alive.
The infected are more than just fast, rage-filled once-human creatures; as they evolve, they have many different ways to seek out survivors, leaving the sisters to question how much longer they can remain hidden from these perfect predators.
How much will they suffer? Is it inevitable that they will become one of the creatures relentlessly hunting them?
Nothing could have prepared Kayla and Cristy for the carnage they faced. Their perfect Christmas shopping plans were destroyed in an instant by the Christmas outbreak.
The news reported it as a flu epidemic, but it's much worse. They were lucky to escape with their lives.
Now, they live in fear, hunted and hidden, trying to stay alive.
The infected are more than just fast, rage-filled once-human creatures; as they evolve, they have many different ways to seek out survivors, leaving the sisters to question how much longer they can remain hidden from these perfect predators.
How much will they suffer? Is it inevitable that they will become one of the creatures relentlessly hunting them?
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 3, 2026
16 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 18, 2025
Kayla and her sister, Cristy, head into the city for a day of shopping for the holiday season. The air is crisp and the people are full of cheer. It's like a Hallmark movie! The sisters stop off for some food to take a break from all the festivities. As Kayla browses the menu, she can't help but watch the family at the next table. The little girl is well-behaved. The mother looks so proud. The father has seen better days. Chaos breaks out and the diners flee. The sisters are locked into a life or death battle for survival as society falls. Can they navigate the remnants of civilization or will they be another casualty?
Blood soaked and wild, this book grabs you by hair and pulls you screaming along with Kayla. Every move the characters make can be the difference between survival and death, so I found myself holding my breath as I hoped for the best (and sleeping with the lights on). Every crunch of bones and splatter of blood made me shudder and I loved it. The book takes you on a journey, whether you're ready or not. Sometimes the enemy isn't always the obvious one in front of you.
The writing is sharp and the scenes are so vivid that I could smell the fear. If you're a fan of a tense, gripping horror, then don't miss out on this one. Mask up and grab a gun. We're going hunting.
Blood soaked and wild, this book grabs you by hair and pulls you screaming along with Kayla. Every move the characters make can be the difference between survival and death, so I found myself holding my breath as I hoped for the best (and sleeping with the lights on). Every crunch of bones and splatter of blood made me shudder and I loved it. The book takes you on a journey, whether you're ready or not. Sometimes the enemy isn't always the obvious one in front of you.
The writing is sharp and the scenes are so vivid that I could smell the fear. If you're a fan of a tense, gripping horror, then don't miss out on this one. Mask up and grab a gun. We're going hunting.
Review of advance copy
Stay Silent
~Keeley Webb
When I received the latest ARC from Keeley, I genuinely didn’t know what to expect … but I can promise you this was not it - in the best possible way. Whether she somehow tapped into my exact reading mood or the book gods simply knew what I needed, Stay Silent landed at the perfect time. I’ve been buried in psychological thrillers, cozy mysteries, rom-coms, and finishing up my own book, and this was exactly the gritty, chaos-filled reset my brain was craving. I’d been itching for a zombie read - and wow, did this deliver.
The story kicks off innocently enough with sisters Kayla and Cristy spending the day shopping in the city. After retail therapy and pizza, they cross paths with a sweet little girl named Poppy, who leaves a lasting impression. But everything shatters when Poppy’s father collapses - and then rises. What follows is a moment straight out of The Walking Dead: violence, panic, and the horrifying realization that this isn’t an isolated incident. As the city erupts into chaos, the sisters make a split-second decision to grab Poppy and run.
From there, survival mode is fully activated. An ambulance escape gone wrong, traffic gridlock, another sudden turn, and eventually refuge in a restaurant mid-renovation with owners Nico and Luke - who are understandably skeptical at first. Once reality hits, though, all bets are off.
This book does not pull punches. Danger is everywhere - from evolving zombies to human survivors who are just as terrifying. The atmosphere is brutal, unrelenting, and deeply unsettling. I don’t say this lightly: I am not easily grossed out or triggered, but the sensory detail in this book came closer than anything I’ve read in a long time. The sounds, the smells, the sheer visceral horror - it’s immersive in the most uncomfortable way. Once the first zombie appeared, I was locked in and completely unable to put it down.
And the characters? Phenomenal. Cristy’s emotional vulnerability, Luke’s gruff strength, Kayla’s resilience, Nico’s steadiness - and Poppy. Sweet, brave, hopeful Poppy. She absolutely stole my heart. There’s a sizable cast, but every character has purpose, growth, and just enough backstory to make you care (even Jack … yes, he’s an arsehole). No one feels wasted or unnecessary, and that payoff matters.
Between the intense gore, the emotional gut punches, and the constant tension, Stay Silent is a journey you won’t forget. It’s raw, disturbing, heartfelt, and gripping in equal measure. Be sure to add this to your must read list! Releasing January 3, 2026 and available for preorder now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/44DSjXy
I would like to thank Keeley Webb for the opportunity to Alpha/Beta/ARC for Stay Silent. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation, current or future, by the author or publisher for a fair and honest review.
~Keeley Webb
When I received the latest ARC from Keeley, I genuinely didn’t know what to expect … but I can promise you this was not it - in the best possible way. Whether she somehow tapped into my exact reading mood or the book gods simply knew what I needed, Stay Silent landed at the perfect time. I’ve been buried in psychological thrillers, cozy mysteries, rom-coms, and finishing up my own book, and this was exactly the gritty, chaos-filled reset my brain was craving. I’d been itching for a zombie read - and wow, did this deliver.
The story kicks off innocently enough with sisters Kayla and Cristy spending the day shopping in the city. After retail therapy and pizza, they cross paths with a sweet little girl named Poppy, who leaves a lasting impression. But everything shatters when Poppy’s father collapses - and then rises. What follows is a moment straight out of The Walking Dead: violence, panic, and the horrifying realization that this isn’t an isolated incident. As the city erupts into chaos, the sisters make a split-second decision to grab Poppy and run.
From there, survival mode is fully activated. An ambulance escape gone wrong, traffic gridlock, another sudden turn, and eventually refuge in a restaurant mid-renovation with owners Nico and Luke - who are understandably skeptical at first. Once reality hits, though, all bets are off.
This book does not pull punches. Danger is everywhere - from evolving zombies to human survivors who are just as terrifying. The atmosphere is brutal, unrelenting, and deeply unsettling. I don’t say this lightly: I am not easily grossed out or triggered, but the sensory detail in this book came closer than anything I’ve read in a long time. The sounds, the smells, the sheer visceral horror - it’s immersive in the most uncomfortable way. Once the first zombie appeared, I was locked in and completely unable to put it down.
And the characters? Phenomenal. Cristy’s emotional vulnerability, Luke’s gruff strength, Kayla’s resilience, Nico’s steadiness - and Poppy. Sweet, brave, hopeful Poppy. She absolutely stole my heart. There’s a sizable cast, but every character has purpose, growth, and just enough backstory to make you care (even Jack … yes, he’s an arsehole). No one feels wasted or unnecessary, and that payoff matters.
Between the intense gore, the emotional gut punches, and the constant tension, Stay Silent is a journey you won’t forget. It’s raw, disturbing, heartfelt, and gripping in equal measure. Be sure to add this to your must read list! Releasing January 3, 2026 and available for preorder now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/44DSjXy
I would like to thank Keeley Webb for the opportunity to Alpha/Beta/ARC for Stay Silent. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation, current or future, by the author or publisher for a fair and honest review.
January 3, 2026
I had read books by Keeley and enjoyed them a lot, but this is her first horror book....and she nailed it!
Someone said this was "Resident Evil" meets "The Walking Dead" and they weren't wrong. You really do get sucked into this post apocalyptic world and fear for your own life as you read it! The character development is fabulous. The details just make this such a raw and emotionally devastating book that just NEED to finish as fast as you can to find out what happens. I really hope this isn't her only horror book because, man, it's in her blood to write these!
Someone said this was "Resident Evil" meets "The Walking Dead" and they weren't wrong. You really do get sucked into this post apocalyptic world and fear for your own life as you read it! The character development is fabulous. The details just make this such a raw and emotionally devastating book that just NEED to finish as fast as you can to find out what happens. I really hope this isn't her only horror book because, man, it's in her blood to write these!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
Stay Silent
Author Keeley Webb
Release date 3rd January 2026
My rating ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow!!!! What a stunning apocalyptic psychological horror this is by Keeley Webb.
This is the first time for me reading a horror like this, and I found myself glued to this terrifying fast-paced gripping thriller.
Sisters Kayla and Christy are enjoying a day out Christmas shopping, and it is when they are taking a break for lunch, that all hell breaks out.
The outbreak of a reported virus where the infected are full of rage against human survivors has evolved to have many ways to search for and track down the uninfected.
Can the sisters in fear of their lives avoid detection from the monstrous predators and for how long?
Keeley has excelled in her brilliant narrative and her characters are truly believable in visually stunning settings, and a very riveting high-tension reading experience.
An excellent must-read book I very highly recommend from an incredible Author.
Stay Silent
Author Keeley Webb
Release date 3rd January 2026
My rating ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow!!!! What a stunning apocalyptic psychological horror this is by Keeley Webb.
This is the first time for me reading a horror like this, and I found myself glued to this terrifying fast-paced gripping thriller.
Sisters Kayla and Christy are enjoying a day out Christmas shopping, and it is when they are taking a break for lunch, that all hell breaks out.
The outbreak of a reported virus where the infected are full of rage against human survivors has evolved to have many ways to search for and track down the uninfected.
Can the sisters in fear of their lives avoid detection from the monstrous predators and for how long?
Keeley has excelled in her brilliant narrative and her characters are truly believable in visually stunning settings, and a very riveting high-tension reading experience.
An excellent must-read book I very highly recommend from an incredible Author.
January 12, 2026
Review for Keeley Webb’s Stay Silent
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fans of post-apocalyptic zombie stories like The Walking Dead, need to check out Stay Silent. The infected in Stay Silent are a whole new take on the undead, and Keeley’s descriptions of the newly and the evolving infected paint horrifically vivid pictures that would be fantastic to see translated to the screen. Like any good post-apocalyptic thriller, there is just as much danger from the living to keep you at the edge of your seat, and Stay Silent will have you feeling the emotion and intensity of every dangerous encounter.
Keeley Webb writes characters that draw you in, and make you want to know more of their story. She especially has a knack for writing strong female characters.
I 100% recommend Stay Silent, and I have officially added author Keeley Webb to my list of Must Read Authors!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fans of post-apocalyptic zombie stories like The Walking Dead, need to check out Stay Silent. The infected in Stay Silent are a whole new take on the undead, and Keeley’s descriptions of the newly and the evolving infected paint horrifically vivid pictures that would be fantastic to see translated to the screen. Like any good post-apocalyptic thriller, there is just as much danger from the living to keep you at the edge of your seat, and Stay Silent will have you feeling the emotion and intensity of every dangerous encounter.
Keeley Webb writes characters that draw you in, and make you want to know more of their story. She especially has a knack for writing strong female characters.
I 100% recommend Stay Silent, and I have officially added author Keeley Webb to my list of Must Read Authors!
January 5, 2026
Great read for zombie horror fans
This book added some brand new twists into the zombie genre.
It is fast paced, gritty, and heart breaking in equal measure.
I really enjoyed the fresh take on such a well worn genre.
The creatures were absolutely terrifying whilst the story dragged you into the fear and confusion of the main characters.
Also, it was nice to have some strong female roles.
I recommend "Stay Silent" for horror/ post-apocalyptic book lovers.
Looking forward to discovering more of this author's work.
This book added some brand new twists into the zombie genre.
It is fast paced, gritty, and heart breaking in equal measure.
I really enjoyed the fresh take on such a well worn genre.
The creatures were absolutely terrifying whilst the story dragged you into the fear and confusion of the main characters.
Also, it was nice to have some strong female roles.
I recommend "Stay Silent" for horror/ post-apocalyptic book lovers.
Looking forward to discovering more of this author's work.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is probably my first zombie read. I like some of the shows but never really wanted to read about them. As a fan of Keeley, I decided to take a chance and boy am I glad I did!
Kayla and Cristy go out to finish Christmas shopping and their world turns upside down. Flu outbreak? Zombies? They really don't know what is going on around them. Follow Kayla and Cristy to see how long or if they survive.
Kayla and Cristy go out to finish Christmas shopping and their world turns upside down. Flu outbreak? Zombies? They really don't know what is going on around them. Follow Kayla and Cristy to see how long or if they survive.
Review of advance copy
I absolutely loved this story and all the terrifying events that took place that gave the intense feel to the story! The author's writing made you feel like you'rein the room with the characters experiencing the different Types of the dead. I liked the dynamic between the characters and how they all banded together to take care of one another and became family without no second thoughts! The book was very much reminded me of a mixture between resident evil and the walking dead in the best way! I definitely hope there are plans for a book 2 though as I need to know what happens next to tough and resilient characters!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Stay Silent by Keely Webb was a five-star read for me. Fast-paced, easy to read, and emotionally impactful, this story stood out most for its strong characters and found family dynamic. The relationships felt real and made every moment more intense.
The zombie element is fresh and terrifying, with evolving threats that kept the tension high throughout. It’s gory, suspenseful, and never loses momentum, while still delivering heart and emotional depth.
Marketed as a standalone, but the ending left me wanting more...in the best way. Highly recommend for zombie horror fans who love character-driven stories.
The zombie element is fresh and terrifying, with evolving threats that kept the tension high throughout. It’s gory, suspenseful, and never loses momentum, while still delivering heart and emotional depth.
Marketed as a standalone, but the ending left me wanting more...in the best way. Highly recommend for zombie horror fans who love character-driven stories.
January 6, 2026
Kayla and Cristy don't know what's about to hit them. When they go shopping, they suddenly find themselves in the middle of some kind of infection. How will they cope? Will they be turned?
Keeley is an amazing storyteller, she takes the reader on an exciting journey. I felt I was part of the story and loved every step of the journey.
Keeley is an amazing storyteller, she takes the reader on an exciting journey. I felt I was part of the story and loved every step of the journey.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I couldn't put this one down! I'm not usually a big fan of zombies, but I read this in one day. I am a fan of Keeley Webb, so I had to give this one a read and I was not disappointed.
This book took me back to the early days of The Walking Dead when it was really good!
This book took me back to the early days of The Walking Dead when it was really good!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Stay Silent by Keeley Webb
First things first: thank you, Keeley, for trusting me with an ARC. Truly appreciated. And yes—she openly says she doesn’t believe in trigger warnings, because you can’t possibly predict what will hit which reader. Honestly? I respect the hell out of that. Life doesn’t come with content warnings either.
Also important public service announcement: the animals are safe. My nervous system thanks you. Immediate plus.
Now. This book.
This book does something.
It slides into your brain easily—dangerously easy, actually. The writing flows so smoothly you don’t notice you’re already halfway in, emotionally invested, slightly unsettled, and low-key preparing your own apocalypse survival plan. Despite sudden shifts, chaos, and people turning into zombie-like shells of themselves, it never felt messy. I could keep up. I wanted to keep up.
Somehow, in the middle of collapse and horror, Keeley manages to build a family. Kayla, Christie, Nico, Luke, and Poppy didn’t just survive together—they belonged together. And against all logic, I felt like I belonged there too. Found family, end of the world edition.
And then… the bunkers.
Absolutely not.
Instant claustrophobia. My chest tightened. My brain screamed. Every instinct yelled get me the hell out of here. If that was the goal—congrats, mission accomplished. I felt trapped just reading it, which is honestly impressive and mildly rude.
The ending?
Yeah. That one sat quietly in my chest and refused to leave. Not a sobbing mess, not emotional devastation—but that dry, internal ache. The kind where you just stare for a second after closing the book. It wasn’t happy. It wasn’t devastating. It was… honest. The kind of ending that understands that even when the world burns, the right people can still make it worth staying.
There’s room for more here. And I hope she takes it.
I’ve never even managed to finish a full episode of The Walking Dead. Lost interest. Didn’t care.
This? This was different. I wanted to be there. I wanted to survive, learn, adapt, heal, and fight alongside them. And even after closing the book—annoyingly—I still kind of do.
So yeah.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Four claustrophobic, brain-scratching, anxiety-inducing, oddly comforting stars.
Brilliant.
Not for the faint-hearted.
Definitely not for the “romantic butterflies and everything will be fine” crowd.
Perfect for those of us who like our stories a little dark, a little twisted, and uncomfortably human.
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Stay Silent door Keeley Webb
Allereerst: dank je wel, Keeley, voor het vertrouwen en het verstrekken van een ARC. Dat waardeer ik oprecht. En ja—ze zegt zelf dat ze niet gelooft in trigger warnings, omdat het simpelweg onmogelijk is om te voorspellen wat bij welke lezer iets raakt. Eerlijk? Daar heb ik veel respect voor. Het leven komt tenslotte ook niet met waarschuwingen vooraf.
Ook belangrijk om te vermelden: de dieren blijven ongedeerd. Mijn zenuwstelsel zegt dank je wel. Meteen een pluspunt.
Dan. Dit boek.
Dit boek doet iets.
Het glijdt je hoofd in—gevaarlijk makkelijk zelfs. De schrijfstijl leest zo soepel dat je niet eens doorhebt dat je al halverwege bent, emotioneel geïnvesteerd, licht ongemakkelijk, en ondertussen mentaal een eigen apocalyps-overlevingsplan aan het samenstellen. Ondanks abrupte veranderingen, chaos en mensen die veranderen in zombie-achtige schaduwen van zichzelf, voelde het nooit rommelig. Ik kon het volgen. Ik wílde het volgen.
Op de een of andere manier weet Keeley, midden in totale instorting en horror, een familie te bouwen. Kayla, Christie, Nico, Luke en Poppy overleefden niet alleen samen—ze hóórden bij elkaar. En tegen alle logica in voelde ik me daar ook onderdeel van. Found family, einde-van-de-wereld-editie.
En dan… de bunkers.
Absoluut niet.
Onmiddellijke claustrofobie. Mijn borst trok samen. Mijn brein begon te schreeuwen. Elk instinct riep: haal me hier NU uit. Als dat de bedoeling was—gefeliciteerd, missie geslaagd. Ik voelde me opgesloten terwijl ik alleen maar aan het lezen was. Indrukwekkend. En een tikje onbeleefd.
Het einde?
Ja. Dat bleef stil in mijn borst zitten en weigerde weg te gaan. Geen tranenbui, geen emotionele verwoesting—maar die droge, interne pijn. Zo’n moment waarop je na het dichtslaan van het boek gewoon even voor je uit staart. Het was niet gelukkig. Het was niet verpletterend verdrietig. Het was… eerlijk. Zo’n einde dat begrijpt dat zelfs wanneer de wereld instort, de juiste mensen het nog steeds de moeite waard kunnen maken.
Er is ruimte voor meer. En ik hoop dat ze die ruimte ook pakt.
Ik heb nog nooit een volledige aflevering van The Walking Dead uitgekeken. Interesse verloren. Het boeide me niet.
Dit? Dit was anders. Ik wílde daar zijn. Ik wilde overleven, leren, me aanpassen, helen en met hen meevechten. En zelfs nadat ik het boek dichtklapte—irritant genoeg—wil ik dat eigenlijk nog steeds.
Dus ja.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vier claustrofobische, hersenkrakende, angst-oproepende, vreemd genoeg troostende sterren.
Briljant.
Niet voor watjes.
Zéker niet voor de “romantische vlinders-en-alles-komt-goed”-mensen.
Perfect voor wie zijn verhalen graag een beetje donker, een beetje twisted en pijnlijk menselijk heeft.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Stay Silent by Keeley Webb
First things first: thank you, Keeley, for trusting me with an ARC. Truly appreciated. And yes—she openly says she doesn’t believe in trigger warnings, because you can’t possibly predict what will hit which reader. Honestly? I respect the hell out of that. Life doesn’t come with content warnings either.
Also important public service announcement: the animals are safe. My nervous system thanks you. Immediate plus.
Now. This book.
This book does something.
It slides into your brain easily—dangerously easy, actually. The writing flows so smoothly you don’t notice you’re already halfway in, emotionally invested, slightly unsettled, and low-key preparing your own apocalypse survival plan. Despite sudden shifts, chaos, and people turning into zombie-like shells of themselves, it never felt messy. I could keep up. I wanted to keep up.
Somehow, in the middle of collapse and horror, Keeley manages to build a family. Kayla, Christie, Nico, Luke, and Poppy didn’t just survive together—they belonged together. And against all logic, I felt like I belonged there too. Found family, end of the world edition.
And then… the bunkers.
Absolutely not.
Instant claustrophobia. My chest tightened. My brain screamed. Every instinct yelled get me the hell out of here. If that was the goal—congrats, mission accomplished. I felt trapped just reading it, which is honestly impressive and mildly rude.
The ending?
Yeah. That one sat quietly in my chest and refused to leave. Not a sobbing mess, not emotional devastation—but that dry, internal ache. The kind where you just stare for a second after closing the book. It wasn’t happy. It wasn’t devastating. It was… honest. The kind of ending that understands that even when the world burns, the right people can still make it worth staying.
There’s room for more here. And I hope she takes it.
I’ve never even managed to finish a full episode of The Walking Dead. Lost interest. Didn’t care.
This? This was different. I wanted to be there. I wanted to survive, learn, adapt, heal, and fight alongside them. And even after closing the book—annoyingly—I still kind of do.
So yeah.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Four claustrophobic, brain-scratching, anxiety-inducing, oddly comforting stars.
Brilliant.
Not for the faint-hearted.
Definitely not for the “romantic butterflies and everything will be fine” crowd.
Perfect for those of us who like our stories a little dark, a little twisted, and uncomfortably human.
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Stay Silent door Keeley Webb
Allereerst: dank je wel, Keeley, voor het vertrouwen en het verstrekken van een ARC. Dat waardeer ik oprecht. En ja—ze zegt zelf dat ze niet gelooft in trigger warnings, omdat het simpelweg onmogelijk is om te voorspellen wat bij welke lezer iets raakt. Eerlijk? Daar heb ik veel respect voor. Het leven komt tenslotte ook niet met waarschuwingen vooraf.
Ook belangrijk om te vermelden: de dieren blijven ongedeerd. Mijn zenuwstelsel zegt dank je wel. Meteen een pluspunt.
Dan. Dit boek.
Dit boek doet iets.
Het glijdt je hoofd in—gevaarlijk makkelijk zelfs. De schrijfstijl leest zo soepel dat je niet eens doorhebt dat je al halverwege bent, emotioneel geïnvesteerd, licht ongemakkelijk, en ondertussen mentaal een eigen apocalyps-overlevingsplan aan het samenstellen. Ondanks abrupte veranderingen, chaos en mensen die veranderen in zombie-achtige schaduwen van zichzelf, voelde het nooit rommelig. Ik kon het volgen. Ik wílde het volgen.
Op de een of andere manier weet Keeley, midden in totale instorting en horror, een familie te bouwen. Kayla, Christie, Nico, Luke en Poppy overleefden niet alleen samen—ze hóórden bij elkaar. En tegen alle logica in voelde ik me daar ook onderdeel van. Found family, einde-van-de-wereld-editie.
En dan… de bunkers.
Absoluut niet.
Onmiddellijke claustrofobie. Mijn borst trok samen. Mijn brein begon te schreeuwen. Elk instinct riep: haal me hier NU uit. Als dat de bedoeling was—gefeliciteerd, missie geslaagd. Ik voelde me opgesloten terwijl ik alleen maar aan het lezen was. Indrukwekkend. En een tikje onbeleefd.
Het einde?
Ja. Dat bleef stil in mijn borst zitten en weigerde weg te gaan. Geen tranenbui, geen emotionele verwoesting—maar die droge, interne pijn. Zo’n moment waarop je na het dichtslaan van het boek gewoon even voor je uit staart. Het was niet gelukkig. Het was niet verpletterend verdrietig. Het was… eerlijk. Zo’n einde dat begrijpt dat zelfs wanneer de wereld instort, de juiste mensen het nog steeds de moeite waard kunnen maken.
Er is ruimte voor meer. En ik hoop dat ze die ruimte ook pakt.
Ik heb nog nooit een volledige aflevering van The Walking Dead uitgekeken. Interesse verloren. Het boeide me niet.
Dit? Dit was anders. Ik wílde daar zijn. Ik wilde overleven, leren, me aanpassen, helen en met hen meevechten. En zelfs nadat ik het boek dichtklapte—irritant genoeg—wil ik dat eigenlijk nog steeds.
Dus ja.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vier claustrofobische, hersenkrakende, angst-oproepende, vreemd genoeg troostende sterren.
Briljant.
Niet voor watjes.
Zéker niet voor de “romantische vlinders-en-alles-komt-goed”-mensen.
Perfect voor wie zijn verhalen graag een beetje donker, een beetje twisted en pijnlijk menselijk heeft.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
First time reading this author and was quite eager to see what she'd bring to the oversaturated zombie horror genre, where literally everything has been already imagined and then done to death - twice.
I'm sorry to say that your enjoyment of the book will depend on how much zombie fiction you've already read: if you're familiar with the basics, well, better skip it; it's a decent attempt at something new but ultimately it comes across as pretty much unmemorable. If you're new to the genre, there are a couple of interesting surprises, such as the complex evolution of the zombies and their ways of communication and location of prey - though it might be argued that the author is trying too hard; any attempt at novelty eventually comes at the cost of character development (which is nil), and there's way too much tell than show (not to mention the interminable dialogue, the uneven pacing, and a simplistic understanding of good and evil).
I'd suggest a rewrite on the basis of ambiguity and conflict: let the sisters (and the brothers) have a huge fight at least once; the precocious six-year-old girl might be more interesting as a teenager (and far less easy to handle!); and allow your characters to be less articulate and far more open to trauma - they're witnessing the collapse of civilization, after all. And get a proper cover, please: the AI image is repulsive, it's been used many times already.
The Greek restaurant was a nice touch, though.
I'm sorry to say that your enjoyment of the book will depend on how much zombie fiction you've already read: if you're familiar with the basics, well, better skip it; it's a decent attempt at something new but ultimately it comes across as pretty much unmemorable. If you're new to the genre, there are a couple of interesting surprises, such as the complex evolution of the zombies and their ways of communication and location of prey - though it might be argued that the author is trying too hard; any attempt at novelty eventually comes at the cost of character development (which is nil), and there's way too much tell than show (not to mention the interminable dialogue, the uneven pacing, and a simplistic understanding of good and evil).
I'd suggest a rewrite on the basis of ambiguity and conflict: let the sisters (and the brothers) have a huge fight at least once; the precocious six-year-old girl might be more interesting as a teenager (and far less easy to handle!); and allow your characters to be less articulate and far more open to trauma - they're witnessing the collapse of civilization, after all. And get a proper cover, please: the AI image is repulsive, it's been used many times already.
The Greek restaurant was a nice touch, though.
January 18, 2026
Review Time! Stay Silent by Keeley Webb
What did I just read? Pure adrenaline rush omg 😳
😳👀👀😳 Looking over your shoulder 24/7 so a dang zombie does not eat your face up.
Okay, I had never read a zombie book before but when this lady here dropped this I could not resist!
From the beginning I was hooked! The characters are amazing, as the fight for survival is so intense. You can read this in one night EASY! Mine was two sittings 😉 BUT it’s a crazy and scary read.
Very chilling with the screaming, eerie sounds and how they change, glow. These zombies are macabre, terrifying, as the pages fill with death, gruesome scenes that are mortifying.
Makes a reader think omg 😳 are we set up and prepared for this?
The carnage left behind, absolute terror as Kayla and Christy seek different ways to survive. They become a very tight-knit family with ONLY a few others, not trusting anything or anyone else.
Lord a mercy 😳 can you even imagine desperately trying to keep a barrier and be safe plus the food and all supplies needed? No I cannot. 👀👀👀
You’re locked in. But how long when the trips become so dangerous. The fear is pure fuel but survival kicks in.
I was riveted as The helicopters soar overhead, the flu epidemic and a center that seems just a bit too structured!
Zombies in rage hungry for flesh, innocent victims torn apart, the pages brim in horror.
This book Shines in stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ BRIGHT STARS. Keeley Webb amazing!
What did I just read? Pure adrenaline rush omg 😳
😳👀👀😳 Looking over your shoulder 24/7 so a dang zombie does not eat your face up.
Okay, I had never read a zombie book before but when this lady here dropped this I could not resist!
From the beginning I was hooked! The characters are amazing, as the fight for survival is so intense. You can read this in one night EASY! Mine was two sittings 😉 BUT it’s a crazy and scary read.
Very chilling with the screaming, eerie sounds and how they change, glow. These zombies are macabre, terrifying, as the pages fill with death, gruesome scenes that are mortifying.
Makes a reader think omg 😳 are we set up and prepared for this?
The carnage left behind, absolute terror as Kayla and Christy seek different ways to survive. They become a very tight-knit family with ONLY a few others, not trusting anything or anyone else.
Lord a mercy 😳 can you even imagine desperately trying to keep a barrier and be safe plus the food and all supplies needed? No I cannot. 👀👀👀
You’re locked in. But how long when the trips become so dangerous. The fear is pure fuel but survival kicks in.
I was riveted as The helicopters soar overhead, the flu epidemic and a center that seems just a bit too structured!
Zombies in rage hungry for flesh, innocent victims torn apart, the pages brim in horror.
This book Shines in stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ BRIGHT STARS. Keeley Webb amazing!
Review of advance copy
A.G. Mock certainly tagged this one perfectly! It’s the definition of Resident Evil meets The Walking Dead! 💀
The infected aren’t the only sinister creatures in this heart-pounding game of survival. As sisters Cristy and Kayla create a new reality of family and community, the struggles to survive are ruthless. They stay vigilant, learning everything they can about these creatures and how they evolve to stay one step ahead and fight back with cunning strategic plans. But the danger isn’t just lurking in the darkness, it also walks among the living. When trust is a thing of yesterday as the new dawn brings a world of chaos, death and destruction you will have a front row seat to the revolution.
This post apocalyptic psychological horror is like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. I can feel every character’s emotions, celebrate with them, ache with them, run with them, hide with them, fight with them and visual the entire story playing out in my head in real time.
Do yourself a favor and get lost in the world of Stay Silent! It’s something you just have to experience! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The infected aren’t the only sinister creatures in this heart-pounding game of survival. As sisters Cristy and Kayla create a new reality of family and community, the struggles to survive are ruthless. They stay vigilant, learning everything they can about these creatures and how they evolve to stay one step ahead and fight back with cunning strategic plans. But the danger isn’t just lurking in the darkness, it also walks among the living. When trust is a thing of yesterday as the new dawn brings a world of chaos, death and destruction you will have a front row seat to the revolution.
This post apocalyptic psychological horror is like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. I can feel every character’s emotions, celebrate with them, ache with them, run with them, hide with them, fight with them and visual the entire story playing out in my head in real time.
Do yourself a favor and get lost in the world of Stay Silent! It’s something you just have to experience! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Y’all! Stay Silent is horror done right—dark in the best way and absolutely relentless. 🩸🖤
It starts with sisters Kayla and Cristy heading into the city for Christmas shopping during a flu epidemic—crowded trains, masks everywhere, tension buzzing under the festive lights. Then there’s the man on the train. Sleeping. Filthy. Wrong. He wakes and grabs Kayla.
What follows is full-scale chaos as the infected flood the city—violent, fast, and driven by pure rage. If you hesitate, you’re dead. The body count climbs, the fear spikes, and the pacing never lets up. The sister dynamic adds emotional weight, grounding the horror in very real panic, denial, and survival instincts.
The writing is sharp, brutal, and cinematic—I could hear the screams and feel the cold, bloody streets. It was genuinely scary, wildly intense, and impossible to put down.
Read it. Love it. Side-eye the darkness afterward.
Just maybe don’t read it at night. Or do. I’m not your mom. 🖤📖
Thanks to Keeley Webb for the opportunity to ARC read this brilliant book.
It starts with sisters Kayla and Cristy heading into the city for Christmas shopping during a flu epidemic—crowded trains, masks everywhere, tension buzzing under the festive lights. Then there’s the man on the train. Sleeping. Filthy. Wrong. He wakes and grabs Kayla.
What follows is full-scale chaos as the infected flood the city—violent, fast, and driven by pure rage. If you hesitate, you’re dead. The body count climbs, the fear spikes, and the pacing never lets up. The sister dynamic adds emotional weight, grounding the horror in very real panic, denial, and survival instincts.
The writing is sharp, brutal, and cinematic—I could hear the screams and feel the cold, bloody streets. It was genuinely scary, wildly intense, and impossible to put down.
Read it. Love it. Side-eye the darkness afterward.
Just maybe don’t read it at night. Or do. I’m not your mom. 🖤📖
Thanks to Keeley Webb for the opportunity to ARC read this brilliant book.
January 15, 2026
Holy cow, this book was intense.
Stay Silent had me on edge from start to finish, with tension that only grew as the stakes got higher. Keeley Webb’s writing is so immersive that I truly felt like I was right there in the middle of the story. I could feel, smell, hear, and even taste the world the characters were trapped in.
My heart was racing the entire time. I rooted for the characters nonstop, and by the end, I even shed a few tears. As a big sister myself, Kayla’s journey hit especially hard and stayed with me long after I turned the final page.
This post-apocalyptic psychological thriller is unlike anything I’ve read before — chilling, emotional, and impossible to put down. That said, I had a feeling it was going to be amazing after reading Keeley Webb’s other books, and Stay Silent absolutely delivered.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Highly recommend if you love intense, atmospheric thrillers that pull you in and don’t let go.
Stay Silent had me on edge from start to finish, with tension that only grew as the stakes got higher. Keeley Webb’s writing is so immersive that I truly felt like I was right there in the middle of the story. I could feel, smell, hear, and even taste the world the characters were trapped in.
My heart was racing the entire time. I rooted for the characters nonstop, and by the end, I even shed a few tears. As a big sister myself, Kayla’s journey hit especially hard and stayed with me long after I turned the final page.
This post-apocalyptic psychological thriller is unlike anything I’ve read before — chilling, emotional, and impossible to put down. That said, I had a feeling it was going to be amazing after reading Keeley Webb’s other books, and Stay Silent absolutely delivered.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Highly recommend if you love intense, atmospheric thrillers that pull you in and don’t let go.
Review of advance copy received from Author
As night falls shrill screams echo through the air.
The smell of blood and death permuates.
The infected begin their hunt.
Kayla and Cristy are thrown into a world of survival. Dangers are lurking around every corner. Senses are on heightened alert. The battles are gruesome. Surviving is living.
Keeley didn't just create some story about an outbreak. She made a world centered around two sisters. The lengths they must go to avoid becoming one of the creatures. There are no details she leaves out. You get it all. Bloodied kills. Desperation of safety. The impacts of the evolving predators. All while managing to tell a in depth story of sisterhood and family.
I am still feeling the same emotional rollercoaster I felt when I finished, days later. This book has dug a hole and will forever be engraved into my soul.
The smell of blood and death permuates.
The infected begin their hunt.
Kayla and Cristy are thrown into a world of survival. Dangers are lurking around every corner. Senses are on heightened alert. The battles are gruesome. Surviving is living.
Keeley didn't just create some story about an outbreak. She made a world centered around two sisters. The lengths they must go to avoid becoming one of the creatures. There are no details she leaves out. You get it all. Bloodied kills. Desperation of safety. The impacts of the evolving predators. All while managing to tell a in depth story of sisterhood and family.
I am still feeling the same emotional rollercoaster I felt when I finished, days later. This book has dug a hole and will forever be engraved into my soul.
January 12, 2026
Stay Silent is an addicting thriller, psychological horror. It's a post apocalyptic story with zombies that are so unique in their abilities, it will leave you chilled.
This story sucks you in immediately. Kayla and Christy are some really strong, tough characters, though, with their current situation, they aren't left with much choice. Poppy was a great addition though I felt like Poppy latching on to Kayla and making her a more motherly figure really held Kayla back from being something greater than she was. The zombies are so unique and I truly terrified me. The story had me picturing everything very vividly in my head. The writing was captivating and compelling. It's also very well written and thrilling.
I highly recommend giving this a read. It isn't your typical post apocalyptic story.
This story sucks you in immediately. Kayla and Christy are some really strong, tough characters, though, with their current situation, they aren't left with much choice. Poppy was a great addition though I felt like Poppy latching on to Kayla and making her a more motherly figure really held Kayla back from being something greater than she was. The zombies are so unique and I truly terrified me. The story had me picturing everything very vividly in my head. The writing was captivating and compelling. It's also very well written and thrilling.
I highly recommend giving this a read. It isn't your typical post apocalyptic story.
January 20, 2026
This book was literally so bad. I cannot believe it has such good reviews. I was so excited to read this! And disappointed almost immediately.
I struggle as it is to read books written in other countries because I find the vernacular distracting to the story. But this book was honestly just dumb. It only got 2 stars because it was about zombies. I love zombie movies and I was excited to read my first zombie novel! I'm upset it was this one.
It was really the writing style that did it for me. Everything just happened so quickly with no rhyme or reason; no explanation. "Nico stabbed him. He staggered. I hit him on the head. He fell over. I hit him again before we kept walking." Like the writing style was just awful to me. Is this the first book written by this author? Because it reads as such.
I would not read another one of her books.
I struggle as it is to read books written in other countries because I find the vernacular distracting to the story. But this book was honestly just dumb. It only got 2 stars because it was about zombies. I love zombie movies and I was excited to read my first zombie novel! I'm upset it was this one.
It was really the writing style that did it for me. Everything just happened so quickly with no rhyme or reason; no explanation. "Nico stabbed him. He staggered. I hit him on the head. He fell over. I hit him again before we kept walking." Like the writing style was just awful to me. Is this the first book written by this author? Because it reads as such.
I would not read another one of her books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Stay Silent is a strong and impressive first step into horror for Keely Webb. What begins as a normal Christmas shopping trip quickly turns into a terrifying epidemic, and the tension never lets up. The infected are fast, evolving, and genuinely frightening, while the survivors and communities feel just as dangerous. Kayla and Cristy’s struggle to stay alive is gripping and unsettling, making this a creepy, fast-paced read that sticks with you long after the last page. A must read for all horror and thriller readers!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Holy crap, this book was so freaking good!! The intensity, the pacing, the atmosphere — everything hit exactly the way I wanted it to. It was off‑the‑charts exciting and had me fully locked in from start to finish.
Keeley has this incredible way of writing that makes you feel like you’re right there in the middle of the chaos, and I was completely immersed the entire time.
I seriously can’t explain enough how much I loved this story. It’s gripping, vivid, and absolutely unforgettable. Without a doubt, it’s sitting at the very top of my 2025 favorites list.
If you want a read that keeps your pulse up and your mind spinning, you’ve found it.
Keeley has this incredible way of writing that makes you feel like you’re right there in the middle of the chaos, and I was completely immersed the entire time.
I seriously can’t explain enough how much I loved this story. It’s gripping, vivid, and absolutely unforgettable. Without a doubt, it’s sitting at the very top of my 2025 favorites list.
If you want a read that keeps your pulse up and your mind spinning, you’ve found it.
January 16, 2026
I have read many zombie story's and this one is absolutely perfect. I read this in under 4hrs I couldn't put it down. The amount of depth each character has is mind blowing. This book plays out in your head like movie...and I think this needs to be a movie. It's raw, emotional and gory.
The ending left me wanting so much more.
If you’re not fast, you’re dead.
The ending left me wanting so much more.
If you’re not fast, you’re dead.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Bleak, brutal, and fast-paced. Stay Silent throws you into a city on the edge as chaos descends into violent madness. The tension builds quickly, the danger feels constant, and survival comes down to speed and instinct. A gripping thriller that doesn’t give you a moment to breathe.
January 17, 2026
A modern day Walking Dead. Zombies, survival, twists and turns. Just when you think there is going to be a happy ending at the end….haha just kidding. This was my first book by this author, but maybe it won’t be my last, as long as the Echoes don’t catch me first 😉
Review of advance copy received from Author
rounding up from 4.5 stars
There are zombies, then there are EVOLVING zombies! This book starts off fast paced and never slows down. As crazy as that was, around 75% in I'm pretty sure my pulse actually increased and I started to forget to breathe! Ms. Webb writes characters in a way that makes them so relatable and easy to picture that you become attached to them. Do I dare hope for a sequel?
There are zombies, then there are EVOLVING zombies! This book starts off fast paced and never slows down. As crazy as that was, around 75% in I'm pretty sure my pulse actually increased and I started to forget to breathe! Ms. Webb writes characters in a way that makes them so relatable and easy to picture that you become attached to them. Do I dare hope for a sequel?
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Stay Silent” by Keeley Webb absolutely blew me away. WOW! I was hooked from the very first page. This gripping story follows two sisters trying to survive after a devastating virus outbreak that completely changes their world. Every day is a fight for survival, and the danger never lets up.
The suspense is intense—I found myself holding my breath more times than I can count. Keeley Webb’s fast-paced writing, constant threats, and high-stakes tension kept me glued to the pages. The fear, urgency, and emotional bond between the sisters made this story impossible to put down. If you love intense, suspense-filled survival stories, this one is a must-read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Kayla and her sister Cristy are out Christmas shopping and decide to stop for lunch. What happened next had Kayla and Cristy running for their lives. There has been a flu epidemic and it turns worse when people start dying and become rage filled zombies. Kayla and Cristy need to learn how to survive these zombies or become zombie food. I loved Stay Silent! The ending, oh my goodness!
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