Cold Silence

by Freya Barker

Single motherhood to two teenage boys turns out to be far more challenging for Tessa Androtti than her brand-new job as detective for the Edwards County Sheriff’s Department. Especially, when the younger of her sons is keeping her up at night. Not only was the move from the big city supposed to give her a chance to build a new life away from lingering memories, but she had hoped it would be a positive change for her youngest, Remi.

However, just when she’s up to her eyeballs working on a recent violent murder, Remi gets himself into trouble again.

Trouble that appears to be connected to her investigation.

Lifetime resident of Silence, Clem Tanek, couldn’t be more surprised to find one of the new, pretty detective’s sons trespassing and stealing property from behind his auto repair shop. Despite his social awkwardness when interacting with the boy’s mother a few months ago, Clem can handle her kid just fine. Remi’s skills and interest in vehicles provide an opportunity to try and get the kid back onto the right track, without involving law enforcement. It also offers Clem a second chance with the new detective, hoping to make up for that disastrous first encounter.

But their path isn’t an easy one. Both have significant baggage, as one would expect from lives already half lived, and adapting to change can be a challenge. Particularly, when dealing with teenagers which, in this case, means wading into dangerous waters for both Tessa and Clem.

Genres: Romantic Suspense

301 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 29, 2026

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Freya Barker loves writing about ordinary people with extraordinary stories.
Driven to make her books about 'real' people; she creates characters who are perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy, but just as deserving of romance, thrills and chills in their lives.

Recipient of the ReadFREE.ly 2019 Best Book We've Read All Year Award for "Covering Ollie, the 2015 RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for Best First Book, “Slim To None”, and Finalist for the 2017 Kindle Book Award with “From Dust”, Freya continues to add to her rapidly growing collection of published novels as she spins story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!

Reviews

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one started out a bit quiet, slow, little things happening, but as it went on so many things were going on with the crime/crimes it got a bit crazy! I liked how each new nugget led to more, to more, to more, until the end it all came out and shocked every one. At least the bad guys were caught and some of the people used look to be getting a support space.

While all the craziness was happening, it was interesting to see the relationship between Clem and Tessa grow as well. It was slow too, but made sense. The two of them built something solid by being honest and talking frankly, even when it was about Tessa's son and how to deal with things with him. The united front and plan they had worked well to help him and to get them on the same team.

And as much fun as it was to watch Clem with Tessa, it was just as much fun to watch him win over both boys. For the boys to see how Clem treated their mom, versus how their dad did. It made the ending all the happier for them all.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tessa is a single mom to two teenage sons, and is the new detective for the sheriff’s department, while Clem is a long-time resident on town, and is the owner of his auto repair shop. When Clem catches Remi, Tessa’s youngest son trespassing and stealing parts from behind his shop, he takes him under his wing and has Remi working in his shop, rather than reporting him.
This is a well written action packed, easy to read story, with family, friendships, emotions, engaging and realistic characters, tension, complex investigation, suspense, intrigue, romance, and entertaining and unpredictable, addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[mellidiezahnfee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cold Silence is a shining example of why Freya Barker continues to be one of the most compelling voices in romantic suspense. From the very first page, I was completely drawn into the story and found it impossible to put down.

Barker masterfully blends a gripping investigation with a deeply emotional romance, creating a story that is both thrilling and heartfelt. What truly sets this novel apart is the authenticity of its characters. Tessa and Clem are beautifully written—flawed, resilient, and incredibly relatable. Their personal struggles, past experiences, and emotional growth make them feel like real people rather than fictional characters.

The chemistry between them develops naturally and convincingly. Instead of relying on unnecessary drama, Barker focuses on trust, healing, and genuine connection, making their relationship all the more rewarding to follow. At the same time, the suspenseful storyline keeps the tension high, with enough twists and surprises to keep readers eagerly turning the pages.

Another highlight is the vivid small-town setting of Silence, which feels like a character in its own right. The sense of community, the familiar faces, and the emotional depth woven throughout the story create an immersive reading experience that lingers long after the final chapter.

Cold Silence is an emotional, suspenseful, and beautifully crafted novel about second chances, family, courage, and finding hope in the most difficult circumstances. Fans of romantic suspense will find everything they could wish for here: compelling characters, a captivating mystery, heartfelt romance, and exceptional storytelling.

Mit Cold Silence beweist Freya Barker einmal mehr, warum sie zu den stärksten Stimmen im Bereich Romantic Suspense gehört. Dieses Buch hat mich von der ersten Seite an gefesselt und bis zum Schluss nicht mehr losgelassen.

Die Geschichte verbindet spannende Ermittlungsarbeit mit einer tief emotionalen Liebesgeschichte und schafft dabei eine Atmosphäre, die gleichzeitig berührend, aufregend und absolut authentisch wirkt. Besonders beeindruckend ist, wie Barker ihre Figuren zeichnet: Tessa und Clem sind keine perfekten Helden, sondern Menschen mit Narben, Verantwortung und einer Vergangenheit, die sie geprägt hat. Gerade dadurch wirken ihre Entscheidungen, Ängste und Gefühle so glaubwürdig.

Die Dynamik zwischen den beiden entwickelt sich langsam und natürlich. Statt auf oberflächliche Dramatik setzt die Autorin auf echte Emotionen, Vertrauen und gegenseitiges Verständnis. Gleichzeitig sorgt der Kriminalfall für eine konstante Spannung, die immer wieder neue Wendungen bereithält. Die Verknüpfung von Tessas Ermittlungen mit den Problemen ihres Sohnes verleiht der Handlung zusätzliche Tiefe und macht die Geschichte besonders packend.

Auch die Kleinstadt Silence wird erneut zu einem lebendigen Schauplatz voller Charaktere, die man gern begleitet. Fans der Reihe werden viele vertraute Gesichter wiedersehen, während Neueinsteiger problemlos in die Geschichte eintauchen können.

Cold Silence ist ein emotionaler, spannender und wunderbar geschriebener Roman über zweite Chancen, Familie, Vertrauen und die Kraft, trotz aller Herausforderungen wieder Hoffnung zu finden. Wer Romantic Suspense mit reifen Charakteren, glaubwürdigen Beziehungen und einer mitreißenden Handlung liebt, sollte dieses Buch unbedingt lesen.

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Realistic, High-Stakes Romantic Suspense!

Freya Barker does it again! Released just yesterday, Cold Silence is the fourth book in her incredible Silence series, and it delivers exactly what I love and expect from her storytelling. It is packed with real love, deep romance, true-to-life realism, and that beautiful sense of a real-world dream coming true—all wrapped up with a bit of extra suspense to really spice things up!

Dangerous Waters and Second Chances
Single motherhood to two teenage boys is turning out to be a massive challenge for Tessa Androtti—even more challenging than her brand-new job as a detective for the Edwards County Sheriff’s Department. She moved her family away from the big city to escape lingering memories and give her youngest son, Remi, a positive new start. But just as she gets up to her eyeballs investigating a brutal, violent murder, Remi gets himself into trouble again. The most terrifying part? His trouble appears to be directly connected to her murder case.

Clem Tanek is a lifetime resident of Silence and the owner of the local auto repair shop. He is completely shocked to find the new detective's son trespassing and stealing property from his yard. Clem might have been incredibly socially awkward when he first met Tessa a few months ago, but he knows exactly how to handle her kid. Seeing Remi’s natural skill with vehicles, Clem decides to take him under his wing to get him back on the right track without involving the law. It’s the perfect opportunity to guide the kid—and get a much-needed second chance with the beautiful detective after their disastrous first encounter.

But their path is anything but easy. Both Tessa and Clem carry significant baggage from lives already half-lived. Adapting to change is a massive challenge, and when dealing with teenagers, it means wading straight into incredibly dangerous, life-threatening waters.

Why This Gritty, Realistic Romance Hooked Me:

True-to-Life Realism: Freya Barker is a master at writing seasoned romance. Tessa and Clem feel like real people with real responsibilities, real baggage, and authentic mid-life struggles that make their connection feel incredibly grounded.

High-Stakes Suspense: The way Remi's teenage rebellion accidentally tangles up with Tessa's violent murder investigation kept the tension dialed up to a ten. It was an absolute page-turner!

A Heartwarming Dynamic: I loved watching Clem use his mechanic skills to mentor Remi. It showed what a massive, protective heart he has under his awkward exterior, making him the ultimate match for a fierce mama bear like Tessa.

My Final Verdict
Cold Silence earns a very strong 4 stars from me! I thoroughly enjoyed this book, just as I do with all of Freya’s stories. It is a perfect blend of small-town realism, protective romance, and gripping suspense that reminds you it's never too late for a second chance. It provides a truly wonderful, comforting place to lay your head.

Freya Barker always hits the perfect note when it comes to mature, realistic romance with a side of danger!

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read Great world building Wonderful characters Entertaining Realistic Mature romance Adults that have lived life

[RB · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is the best so far in this series. I am always thrilled to find stories with mature leads, as most have female leads in particular barely old enough to drink. In this book, both leads are firmly in their 40s. Yeah! And I love that they are realistic--not fabulous bodies, still attractive as most people are at that age, but more like people you actually know or see on the street or in the grocery.

I also enjoyed the sort of small town deal. Many of us grew up or live in smaller towns, and we know the good and bad of them. Frey Barker is pretty good at drawing a mostly realistic picture of that kind of community.

She's also good at portraying the teenage characters. They aren't quite as interesting to me, but I'm pretty familiar since I raised several myself. She gets it right as she details the ever-present anxiety every parent feels when your babies start feeling their way towards the family home exit. It's usually a pretty bumpy ride. She does a good job of sketching that out.

So the story is interesting and has a good amount of action. I do wonder about the motivations of the villain(s). It seems a big pill to swallow that a guy who finds out his mother didn't talk to him about his birth father would decide that murder is an appropriate behavior as part of his criminal enterprise. Maybe I haven't watched enough true crime TV or listened to enough pod casts. Still, I found this a weird motivation.

My other sort of picky point is about the mayor character. Sure, he's a big old bag of swinging richards. But I was a little shocked by the ugly talk around the dude's $exual proclivities with his girlfriend. Apparently, they indulged in some BDSM at a secret location that was accidentally revealed. Freya Barker wrote about this in clearly disgusted terms. I found that to be offensive. What consenting people do isn't ever disgusting and shouldn't be addressed that way. If you don't want to do things like that, it's cool. Don't. Or turn your head away if you aren't interested in seeing the tools of the trade, so to speak. I just didn't appreciate the language around this, the clear disgust and description of these things as gross and just ewww. I really noticed that even though it was a very small episode in the overall story.

There was some spice as well, but not much of it. In many of her earlier series, Freya Barker wrote a lot of spice and it was hot. I'm not sure why she doesn't do that any more. She's written about more mature characters for a long time so I don't think she really believes that older people aren't as active. But for some reason she's really cut back on the heat, and I'm super disappointed by that.

I was very happy that she stayed away from that surprise baby trope. She loves that crap and has blown up a number of otherwise pretty good books by throwing that in there right at the end. It's a trope I sincerely dislike. I've known hundreds of women, and never knew one that wanted or even had a baby after 40 or older. That's not a fantasy or a romance IMO. I'm sure I'll get hateful comments about how terrible I am to say such a thing, but there it is.

Generally, I really liked this story and am looking forward to more in this series.

[Carvanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is romantic suspense at its best! From the first pages, this story pulled me in. Ms. Barker vividly set the stage, then let loose with all her craft in bringing her characters to life. I could not stop reading this!





My heart went out to Tessa as she struggled to do what was right for her sons, especially her youngest. I loved the way their relationship was highlighted to showcase the angst and attitude of the younger and the “on the edge of adulthood” nature of the oldest. As a detective for the Sheriff’s office, she had a plate full, and everything about her felt real.





Clem caught me immediately. His handling of the situation with Tessa’s son grabbed me, and I was in love! I knew he was going to be the perfect partner for Tessa and the boys. And oh my, was he ever! He knew when to step in and when to let it be. We all need a Clem in our lives.





This storyline was not a slow unveiling; it was lightning fast right from the start. The mystery, the suspense, and the intrigue were immediately introduced, and the only thing that slowed the pace was when, where, and how Tessa was going to yield to her attraction to Clem after having been shot down by him in the past. I was cheering him on and urging her to give him a chance. And when they took that step together…they sizzled!





Overall, this was a fantastic read with characters I loved, a mystery that was unpredictable, and friends and family that added that little something that makes all of this author’s books memorable.

Dual POV
Safe no ow/om drama; h not a virgin; H not a player
Triggers no apparent triggers
Steam 5 /5 ; explicit; condoms used

[Karen_Lee_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cold Silence
Silence Series Book 4
by Freya Barker

Two teenage sons, one single mom; Tessa Androtti is a new addition to the Edwards County Sheriff’d department and the email she had been waiting for had come in. Two weeks ago a brand new Ford Mustang, covered with brush and the passenger seat covered with blood had been found on a old logging road. Turns out the blood was human…but where was the body?

Clem Tanek who was the owner of Main Street Mechanics! Last year a fire had taken the original building on Main Street ; as it happened the original fire station was all but empty. Clem purchased it, fixed it up, has more bays for cars and an apartment upstairs. On a Friday night, with his mechanics home and his dinner done, he decides to go down to the shop and work on one of the cars. That’s when he heard the clang, heads to the exit and sees a red sneaker under the car. With a wrench in hand and his phone in his hand, the kid who crawled out was not at all who he thought he would see!

Now if this information doesn’t make you want to pick up this book my question is what the heck is wrong with you! Don’t you like good suspense stories? With the Mustang, the blood and potential missing body add in the red sneaker this author is going to send readers into a story that you might find on any news station, in any town or city..we are back in Silence.

The first time Clem and Tessa met each other, well it surely was not a meet cute, it was a meet or heck did I ever destroy my chances for both Clem and Tessa. It isn’t until Clem get himself involved with Tessa’s son Remi. There might have been words, but the reality was maybe Clem did know a bit about teenage boys.

While the story puts readers smack in the middle of a nightmare that no parent would want to face, the author can bring Tessa and Clem to starting over, while the sparks between them fly.

Author Freya Barker is one of my go to authors when I want people who would be your neighbors. She brings you into the story and we watch as the case grows and widens at the same time as Remi and brother Linc Androtti are watching and making sure Clem is treating Tessa right! This is just a bit of what you will find in those pages.

I can’t say enough good things not just about this author but how she get readers invested in stories that have twists and turns and when you think you have it solved…you don’!. Cold Silence gets a five star read from me. If you haven’t started the Silence series, grab them they are great reads

["Avonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

COLD SILENCE (Silence Book #4) by Freya Barker is another wonderful addition to the small-town romantic suspense Silence book series. While there is some character crossover between the small-town characters, each book has a complete romance HEA and self-contained suspense/crime plot so they can be read as standalones. The entire series is excellent, and I enjoyed reading them in order of publication.

Tessa Androtti is the newest detective in Silence working for the county Sheriff Department. After a bad divorce, she is hoping to create a new and happier life for her two teenage boys. Her eldest, Linc, is heavily into sports and easy-going and adapts easily from large town to small town life. Remi is two years younger, moody, not happy about the move, and he is making sure his mother knows how he feels. When Tessa is drawn into a teen’s murder investigation, she does not realize how close to home the danger is lurking.

Clem Tanek owns the only car repair business in Silence. He has been into cars since working with his father and wants to do nothing else. He has both his repair shop and home in the old fire department building and is happy with his friends and uncomplicated life believing having a family has passed him by. When he hears a noise coming from behind his shop at night, he investigates and discovers Remi stealing catalytic converters from cars in the lot. Clem discovers Remi has a love of cars, too, and he reminds him of himself at that age, so he makes a deal to have him work part-time at the garage in exchange for not turning him in, but he knows Remi is keeping secrets. Clem knows he will have to deal with Tessa, but he does not consider that a hardship.

As the chemistry between Clem and Tessa heats up, so does the danger from the people Remi has gotten himself entangled with.

This is an endearing romance with two mature people; one who has endured an abusive relationship and one who believes that finding a partner has passed him by. They come together to form a great couple. The romance plot progresses at a believable rate while both also think of how it will affect the boys. Tessa’s sons are fully developed in their differences, and I loved that even when Remi was being his moody self, he was still protective of his mother. The sex scenes are explicit and hot but also have the emotions that go with them. The suspense/crime plot felt realistic and builds with an ever-increasing sense of jeopardy to a conclusion with an unexpected twist.

I highly recommend this romantic suspense and all the books in this series.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

COLD SILENCE is the fourth instalment in Freya Barker’s contemporary, adult SILENCE romantic suspense series focusing on the small town of Silence Washington. The is Silence police detective and single mother Tessa Androtti, and auto mechanic Clem Tanek’s story line. COLD SILENCE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Clem and Tessa) COLD SILENCE follows in the wake of the suspected murder of a young high school student, with a possible connection to a car theft ring. When auto mechanic Clem Tanek discovers the detective’s son stealing, Clem takes on a young man who is struggling, and the woman who will call to his heart but all is not well in Silence, Washington, someone is taking aim at young and easily manipulated boys.

The world building focuses on the search for a killer as Tessa Androtti becomes desperate enough to call in the FBI as the small town of Silence becomes vulnerable to outside forces. While Tessa continues with her investigation, the FBI will take over, leaving a struggling Tessa to watch from the sidelines.

The relationship between Clem and Tessa begins acrimoniously. Months before, Tessa and Clem had a professional run-in, and as such Tessa doesn’t give much sway to our story line hero but Clem is about to take Tessa’s son Remi, under his wing, and in doing so, begins a slow seduction of our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are passionate but mostly implied.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, familiar and sometimes questionable secondary and supporting characters including the return of Chief Deputy Hugo Alexander, Sheriff Savvy Colter and Nate Gaines, and Mayor Don Merrick. We are introduced to Special Agent Jason Mancuso, and Tessa’s sons Linc and Remi. The requisite evil has many faces.

COLD SILENCE is a story of secrets and lies, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is dramatic and dark; the romance is flirtatious and captivating; the characters are desperate, determined and charismatic.


copy supplied for review

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cold Silence is the fourth (and final?) book in Freya Barker's Silence series....and it does NOT disappoint! Ms. Barker's signature writing style is on point in this one and I could not put it down! The suspense and intrigue kept me on the edge the whole time while reading and the romance aspect just made it unforgettable!

Tessa Androtti is the newest detective in the Edwards County Sheriff Department and has moved to Silence to, hopefully, create a new life with her two teen boys after a difficult and traumatic divorce. Her eldest, Linc, is adjusting just fine....it's her younger boy, Remi, who is having a hard time with this new life in small-town Washington! And things are about to get a whole lot MORE dramatic!

Clem Tanek owns the garage in town and has moved his business to the old fire station after his shop burned down. It's a quiet, uncomplicated life he leads. He has his work to keep him busy and some good friends he hangs out with once a week to play some cards. It can be a little lonely sometimes, but he likes his life just fine! When he initially meets Tessa at the wedding of mutual friends, things do NOT go well and the tension between them is palpable. When Clem discovers Remi vandalizing vehicles on his lot, instead of just calling the Sheriff, he decides to try and help him get back on the straight and narrow by having him "work off" his debt in the shop, fixing the damage he created. After clearing up some misunderstandings of intentions, Tessa and Clem start to really feel the chemistry and attraction that was evident when they first met! It turns out that they have a lot more in common than either of them thought!

As things progress between Tessa and Clem, the suspense ramps up when Tessa discovers a car with what appears to be a LOT of blood....but no body. The compelling twists and turns, the emotional components, the angst and drama leading up to the surprising conclusion are some of what make this book my favourite in this series, although I can honestly say that EVERY book that Ms. Barker writes is a "top read"! I can't recommend this book AND this author highly enough!!!

[~lil maso~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Robyn for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner

Clem Tanek has always lived in Silence, he owns and runs an auto repair business. He’s basically on a weekly routine: mainly work, playing cards with his buddies once a week, and the rest of his time spent on domestic chores. A simple enough lifestyle—that is until he meets Remi, the youngest son of the new detective in Silence.

Tessa Androtti is the new detective for the Edwards County Sheriff’s Department, she’s also a single mother of two sons. Her first meeting with local mechanic, Clem was a disaster. However, when needs must they discover the past can truly be left in the past. There’s a lot more that meets the eye when first getting to know Tessa. She is a tough detective in all the right aspects and a great mother, who won’t let her teenage sons walk all over her—a terrific balance.

The chemistry between Tessa and Clem is explosive, and they certainly like each other more as they get to know one another. Being a single mother can be tough so Clem’s support means so much but it’s more than that because he doesn’t want to step on her toes. His thoughtfulness extends to Tessa’s sons, too.

The suspense element in this story is quite complex and multifaceted, which adds a lot of excitement to the story. Unpredictable twists make this such an entertaining book. What I really enjoy is how this author makes the suspense element the main part of the story, with the romance as support. Both are wonderful but (and I really am not a prude) it’s refreshing reading a book where the passion is high but there’s no play-by-play descriptions.

I found it hard to put this book down once I started it because it is so good.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*

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[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives readers a wonderful slow-burn romance and thrilling suspense. Tessa and Clem are two characters that resonate with me. They are older, a bit wary of love, have survived trauma and didn’t expect to find someone they wanted to be in their foreseeable future. Their first encounter was a tad awkward and left both feeling that the other didn’t like them. It is her troubled teenage son who brings them together. Clem catches young Remi in the midst of vandalizing and stealing on his property. Instead of turning him in and calling his mother, who is a detective in the local Sheriff’s Department, Clem insists that the teenager show up for work in his garage on the weekend, with no excuses. He sees a kid who reminds him of himself, troubled, rebellious and in need of redirection. Clem wants to channel Remi’s focus into his interest in the mechanics of vehicles. Clem’s understanding and compassion for Remi endears Clem to Tessa, but even more importantly, wins him Remi’s trust. This proves to be vital as the story unfolds. Young Remi is caught up in a dangerous criminal organization that has put a target on his back. This same organization is implicated in the case of a brutal murder of a teenager, the case that Tessa is investigating. Clem and Tessa work together to protect Remi and themselves as the danger escalates. Tessa and her boys are a package deal that Clem decides he would like to claim for himself. Thankfully, she and the boys are on board with that plan.

These characters are very well defined, with flaws and character traits that are very relatable. The evolution on Tessa and Clem’s relationship is captivating and just makes me smile. Young Remi just breaks my heart. He is dealing with so much inner turmoil and chose a wrong path to try to alleviate it, only to discover he put himself and his family in danger. His burgeoning relationship with Clem melts my heart. The intrigue and suspense in this book is very well done and had me gritting my teeth, holding my breath and unable to put this book down. This book has my wholehearted recommendation.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back in Silence, Washington where Tessa Androtti , the new detective in the force has moved with her two teenage boys. They all need a new start after the trauma of the divorce that affected everyone. While her older son, Linc, is thriving, it’s her younger son, Remi, who worries her. The lost of trust after the divorce and the natural struggles of a teen are affecting his behavior.
When long time resident of Silence, and owner of the local garage owner, Clem Tanek, finds him stealing expensive parts from cars in the garage , he proposes a solution to the boy who obviously needs an outlet. The challenge will be convincing his mother. The same woman he’s been attracted to but blew his chances due to his own fault.
Meanwhile Tessa has discovered a young teen’s body and a car with blood inside . Are the two related and could it be that there is something more sinister going on involving car thefts, teens and dangerous men ? Is Remi keeping important information from Tessa?
While all this is going on, Clem is not only helping Remi but now that Tessa realizes he is truly a good man, these two are realizing that they are getting a chance of finding love once again in their lives.
But first, as the danger intensifies and not only the local cops but also the FBI are involved in the investigation, the boys and Tessa might be in danger.
This story had a little of everything: suspense, bad guys, and romance, where two mature individuals in their 40s get a chance of finding love and new beginnings..
The plot was engaging, and the main character complex and likable. For those that have read the previous stories, you’ll get a chance to visit some of the previous main characters .
Another winner in this much loved series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Buoni Amici Press. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Robyn Corcoran · Rating 5 out of 5]

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I wrote this review for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner.
Clem Tanek has always lived in Silence, he owns and runs an auto repair business. He’s basically on a weekly routine: mainly work, playing cards with his buddies once a week, and the rest of his time spent on domestic chores. A simple enough lifestyle—that is until he meets Remi, the youngest son of the new detective in Silence.

Tessa Androtti is the new detective for the Edwards County Sheriff’s Department, she’s also a single mother of two sons. Her first meeting with local mechanic, Clem was a disaster. However, when needs must they discover the past can truly be left in the past. There’s a lot more that meets the eye when first getting to know Tessa. She is a tough detective in all the right aspects and a great mother, who won’t let her teenage sons walk all over her—a terrific balance.

The chemistry between Tessa and Clem is explosive, and they certainly like each other more as they get to know one another. Being a single mother can be tough so Clem’s support means so much but it’s more than that because he doesn’t want to step on her toes. His thoughtfulness extends to Tessa’s sons, too.

The suspense element in this story is quite complex and multifaceted, which adds a lot of excitement to the story. Unpredictable twists make this such an entertaining book. What I really enjoy is how this author makes the suspense element the main part of the story, with the romance as support. Both are wonderful but (and I really am not a prude) it’s refreshing reading a book where the passion is high but there’s no play-by-play descriptions.

I found it hard to put this book down once I started it because it is so good.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cold Silence by Freya Barker
Silence Book 4

~ Excellent addition to the series ~ I know when I pick up one of Freya’s books I will be satisfied when I read the last page ~ Couldn’t put it down and am eager to read what comes next ~

What I liked:
* Clem Tanek: business owner, mechanic, brother, relocated to firehouse after his shop burned down, calm, wise, supportive, crochets, excellent listener, stable, attracted to Tess
* Tessa “Tess” Androtti: single parent, homicide detective, divorced from abusive husband, new in Silence, has teenage sons, honest, open, dedicated to her family and friends, attracted to Clem
* Clem’s interaction with the teenager he caught stealing on his business property made me know he was a good man
* The open honest way Clem and Tessa communicated with one another and with others
* The maturity of both Tess and Clem and their positive body images and senses of self-worth – watching their relationship develop was a joy and so much fun – I know they will be happy together
* The murder mystery of who killed Ryan Wells, how the clues are followed to solve the case, take the bad guys down, and bring justice to Ryan’s mother
* Remi and his brother Linc: typical teens and brothers who were raised right by Tess
* Mouse: dog adopted by Clem that was perfect for him
* Catching up with some of the previous characters in the series while wondering which character(s) will star in the next book of the series
* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:
* Thinking about the damage done to the teens and the way they were exploited
* Having to wait for the next book

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in by this author? Definitely

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars

[Susan Olmstead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cold Silence
Book Four

I was sad to read this book as it meant the end of an amazing series. Once again, the writing of Freya Barker does not disappoint. She always weaves a great storyline while also introducing new characters. I always enjoy reading books with older characters.

The main characters in this story are Tessa Androtti, a detective at Edwards County Sheriff’s Department, and Clem Tanek, the owner of Main Street Mechanics. Their relationship definitely started out on the wrong foot, with Clem embarrassing Tessa by walking away from her on the dance floor at Savvy and Nate’s wedding.

Tessa has two children, Lincoln (Linc) and Remington (Remi). They have relocated to Silence from Spokane. Remi is withdrawn with an attitude. He definitely did not want to move to Silence. Linc is the “favourite” son, at least according to Remi, who makes good grades, is a football player and has a girlfriend.

Clem catches Remi stealing catalytic converters at his shop. Clem decides to give him a second chance as he sees Remi as a misguided kid heading down the wrong path. Plus, Remi reminds Clem of himself 30 years ago.

Add to this story a deserted Mustang with blood on the passenger’s side, a murder, an assault on Remi, thefts of vehicles in Spokane and the fact that Remi is lying about something. Will the murder be solved? Will the car thieves be caught? Will Tessa be able to get past the tension between her and Clem or will she continue to swear off relationships?

This story is well written and entertaining. While this book is a standalone, I would highly recommend reading the entire series.

[Jacqui Norris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tessa Androtti is the new detective in town. She moved herself and her two teenage sons to Silence, Washington to start over. Barely settled, she is thrown into a mystery of an abandoned Mustang and the body of a young man lying at the bottom of a cliff. Little does she know that this isn't just another random stolen car but a piece of a larger puzzle which may include her son as one of the pieces. Now she is having to navigate this car theft ring while trying to keep her son Remi safe from it's leader.

Clem Tanek is the local mechanic in Silence. After losing his shop in a fire, he has turned the local fire station into not only his home but his business. When a sound coming from outside rouses his curiosity he didn't expect to find the son of the new police detective under cars to steal parts. He knows Remi is not a bad kid, just a kid who needs an outlet. Offering to let him work off the damages, Clem now has to tell Tessa what happened and hope that the last encounter he had with Tessa doesn't come back with the hurt and embarrassment he showed her years before.

Despite their past, Tessa and Clem come together not only for her son and her case, but to figure out why they avoided each other for so long and try to let the past go.

Cold Silence is the latest book in the Silence Series. Each book introduces new characters but also brings back characters from previous stories so I would highly recommend starting from the beginning. The story mixes drama, online gaming, and the ways predators recruit kids for their crime sprees. It can be a bit thought provoking but it comes as real life challenges any parent may face raising kids.

[Eclectic Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a big fan of Freya Barker’s books, and I jumped at the chance to visit Silence, Washington, again. Clem and Tessa are like night and day, and they found themselves in a misunderstanding until her troubled son is caught in a dangerous situation that unexpectedly brings them all together.

Tessa is a single mom struggling to raise two teenage sons while working as a new detective in town. But things take a wild turn when her youngest son gets mixed up in something that lands him in hot water. Tessa is smart and committed to finding out who is putting her family in danger, and I love the attraction she feels for the local garage owner, Clem. He is such a reliable, patient guy who becomes a real grounding force not just for Tessa, but for her sons, too.

When a dead body pops up on the mountain, Tessa is thrown into the heart of the action. Not only does she have to dig deep into the investigation, but she also has to deal with family drama when her son, Remi, has a less-than-stellar run-in with Clem.

What I love most about this book is how beautifully the author captures the ups and downs of everyday life. Tessa and Clem’s struggles, their relationship ups and downs, and the way they handle extraordinary situations with a touch of humor and class are what drew me in. The twists and turns of the investigation add that extra spice, keeping me guessing the whole time, while watching Tessa and Clem fall deeper for each other.

If you’re looking for a read with relatable characters and a gripping storyline, I highly recommend reading this series. I can’t wait to see where the next book takes me.

Thank you to Ms. Barker for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

For more of my reviews, visit The Eclectic Review.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have completely feel in love with this little town of Silence and all its locals. This story of Tessa and Clem grabbed me from the very beginning and help me captive until the very end. Full of Ms Barker's wonderful weaved web of suspense and mystery, and realistic relatable characters who feel like friends.

Tessa has uprooted her two teenage boys and moved them from the city to a small town as she starts her new detective job for the local sheriff's office. That is it's self is a feat to tackle. Just when her first real big case falls on her lap, things start happening at home with the youngest boy. Already stretched with the job and day to day, now she has to find the fine line between detective and mom.

Clem has been living his steady life of work, friends, sleep, repeat. Not too much out of the ordinary. Sure he has times where he wishes he had someone to share his spare time with but what he has going on right now works. When he finds Remi in the back at the shop stealing parts off some cars, he has two choice, call the sheriff's office or give the kid a change to right his wrongs.

To say Tessa and Clem got off on the wrong foot would be an understatement. A meet cute that didn't really end that way has caused a bit of a wall. When Tessa finds out that Clem has stepped in with her youngest son, that also doesn't immediately go over well. But with each contact after that, these two are finding it harder and harder to fight the attraction. Will Tessa let Clem in, will she let him help with her boys when needed?

Grab your copy and find out.

*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leaving her former position and now a detective with the Edwards County Sheriff’s Department has made quite a change for Tessa Androtti. Now she is safe from her abusive ex, with her sons, although her youngest son, Remington, is unhappy with the move. Her older son, Lincoln, has adjusted well with his interest in sports. When she comes across an abandoned car in the forest, it is the blood inside that tells her this case may turn deadly. Finding the body, will involve the entire department in an evolving case of the abandoned car and murder. Clem Tanek met and unintentionally insulted Tessa at their friends’ wedding. When he finds Remi outside his shop, Main Street Mechanics, he realizes that the interest in cars might be the way to get Remi involved in something positive. Will his mother agree to his time spent at the garage? Tessa’s investigation in to the identity of the body found in the canyon, will soon prove that this may not be a case of one stolen car and one murder. Clem, who has been attracted to Tessa from the time she moved to town, slowly proves to her that he cares not only for her, but the well being of her sons. Will she accept this chance at a deeper relationship with Clem, while working to uncover those involved in the murder of the young boy and the stolen car? A completely absorbing and thrilling romantic suspense with a cast of characters devoted to the well-being of their community. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated that this author focuses on more mature couples who have had real.life experiences. I also love that they are not all physically perfect or focused on their looks and bodies. It makes the relationships feel.more real. It's not that Tessa and Clem didn't care about looking good for each other, but it didn't overshadow more important parts of their relationship.

I liked Tessa and Clem as a couple. I thought after their very first interaction there might be a ton of angst or hostility and was pleasantly surprised to find out that wasn't the case. They were able to pretty easily work through that first hiccup.

I also liked that their romance progressed very naturally. Clem was supportive, and Tessa was able to be vulnerable and lean on him. I also liked how Remi and Linc came to accept and appreciate how supportive Clem was and enjoyed having a relationship with him.

The relationships felt real and stable. The book also highlights how vulnerable kids can be to people online which felt like an important and timely reminder. I enjoyed getting to revisit characters from the previous books in the series. There was romance, mystery, danger, and suspense. Overall, this proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Dora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cold Silence is the next installment in the Silence series and if you read the previous books, you already know Clem and Tessa. Their history coming in isn’t exactly a warm one, an awkward encounter left one embarrassed and the other with regrets, and neither realized the attraction was actually mutual. Tessa has relocated her two sons to this new community for a fresh start and is now working as a detective at the Sheriff’s office. She quickly finds herself in the middle of a serious case that hits close to home in ways that are hard to shake.

Her younger son Remi isn’t adjusting well to the move and makes some choices that unexpectedly bring him and Clem together. Clem sees something familiar in Remi and handle things his own way. The romance between Clem and Tessa builds slowly and naturally, and once the misunderstandings get cleared up, Clem isn’t about to let his chance slip away a second time. He is steady and supportive in a way that lets Tessa finally lean on someone. When things get dangerous and Remi ends up caught in the middle of it all, the story pulls together in a satisfying way.

Overall, this was a solid addition to the series and I definitely enjoyed it. Clem and Tessa’s story is worth the read.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anything but cold or silent

Cold Silence is the fourth book in the Silence series by Freya Barker. This series keeps you guessing what is going to happen next. So when new detective Tessa Androtti arrives at the Edwards County Sheriff's Department things are going to get even more interesting. Tessa and her two sons, Linc and Remi, have moved to Silence from the city. It was supposed to be a reboot to their lives and getting into an easier groove with each other, after all small towns are slower paced right...right!. Tessa is quickly dropped into a mysterious murder case and there are also the residents she is getting to know. Remi is a bit of a "tear-away" as my grandfather would have said. He gets himself into trouble fairly quickly which has Tessa crossing paths again with Clem Tanek, who owns Main Street Mechanics, the local auto repair shop and garage. I really liked this book. The story is well developed, the writing is what I have come to expect from Freya Barker, and the characters are interesting, intense, likeable, complicated, and just human beings. This is a slow burning romance wrapped into a murder, mystery and complicated families story. A perfect way to spend a weekend!

[Sarita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clem and Tessa’s book have so many themes and relationship gems that come together to make a fantastic story. Ms. Barker always does a marvelous job with character development. Tessa is coming out of an abusive relationship. She moves to Silence with her teenage sons (a pivotal time in high school). Both boys were affected by the divorce and the relocation to a new town in different ways. Your normal and more emotional teenage angst are very prominent. Then you have Tessa who on the surface appears confident and somewhat brash at times. And easygoing Clem who keeps his emotions very close to the vest. At first, I didn’t feel the connection between Clem and Tessa. But after digging deeper into their personas, their connection shines through. The mystery surrounding Remi, Tessa’s son, I think is relevant to what many teenagers, especially boys, go through. I felt for him on a very deep level having gone through similar emotions with my son but for different reasons. The storyline for a parent doing their best to connect with their children is spot on (been there too). I love Clem’s relationship with both sons. This was a great read on so many levels.

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clem is the town mechanic who has had his share of ups and downs in life and Tessa is the new detective in the town with her own ups and downs. Raising two teenage sons on her own is a challenge, especially with her youngest, Remi, who seems to be a magnet for trouble. When Clem catches Remi getting into trouble, he decides to give the boy a chance to work off his debt in his garage, he sees something in Remi, a good kid who deserves a chance. Tessa is doing her best with her boys, and at first is wary of the friendship between Clem and Remi until she gets to know the real reason behind Clem’s gesture. Appreciative of the help from Clem, the two find themselves moving forward with their attraction but with a murder of a teenage boy that is linked to Remi, Tessa and Clem do the best they can to protect her son while figuring out their relationship.
A great read with suspense, twists and turns, surprises, and great characters that are REAL. Once again this author will hook you from page one, descriptions that are spot on, characters that are flawed, no over the top drama and a story that will pull you in and not let go….loved it!!!

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of an Advanced Reader Copy supplied by the Author

A love story that takes the long route to a happy ending but is so worth taking the time to immerse yourself in Cold Silence. If you’ve read the 3 previous books, you’ll have already been introduced to Clem and Tessa. Their relationship gets off to a very rocky start but things quickly change. Tessa is a mum to 2 teenage boys and is the new detective within the police force. Clem works very hard in his garage business and when one of Tessa’s boys tries to steal from his business he encourages the lad to work off the ‘debt.’ Once all the misunderstandings have been dealt with, our storyline begins to pick up steam and the drama, family dynamics and danger move along quite quickly. Once again I can highly recommend a Freya Barker book because she covers my go to type of books…. Mature characters, that are flawed, have lived and loved and come through to meet a new love in later life. They may deal with trials and tribulations and even heartache but come out as a strong and likeable couple. Another 5-star read from me. More please.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one!!!
If you are reading this series, you’ve already met Clem and Tessa. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about Clem if we are being honest. He surprised me in the best of ways!
Tessa is the newly hired detective who happens to be a single mom to two teenage boys (single parent is one of my favorite tropes!!). One of her boys gets caught by Clem trying to steal from his business. So he offers him a ‘job’ in exchange for the work he now has to do to repair what her son did. Seems fair to me.
Tessa is one angry mama though. She makes assumptions before even knowing what’s going on. But in her defense, this is the same man who walked off the dance floor without a word and embarrassed her.
I enjoyed the characters very much and I look forward to the next story in this series!!! I thought the story flowed well and kept me wanting to read ‘one more chapter’ throughout the entire story!

[BecReadReview · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cold Silence brings Clem and Tessa together after an awkward first meeting that quickly sparks into something more. Clem is the kind of stand-up man you absolutely want in your corner, and his easy, caring manner with Remi genuinely warms your heart.

Despite her failed attempt to keep things professional, I loved that Tessa never truly held back from Clem, and the chemistry between them creates plenty of sparks. The danger surrounding Remi is what first draws Clem’s attention, and from there the suspense keeps you holding your breath as everything unfolds. When the threat begins crossing into the case Tessa is investigating, it sends her world into a complete tailspin.

Through all the chaos, danger, and emotional upheaval, family and friends remain a steady source of strength, while love proves strong enough to weather it all.

A suspenseful and heartfelt romance with strong characters, emotional connections, gripping danger, and a satisfying balance of love and loyalty.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another suspenseful installment in the town of Silence series by Freya Barker. Tessa, a detective and single mom of two teen boys is drawn to Clem the mechanic and business owner. Clem sets out to help her son and encourage his interest in auto rebuilds. There is much more to the story but you will need to read it to find out.
Tessa is a strong heroine with a past that included an abusive husband. She wasn't looking for love but her sons helped her to find it.
"A little rough around the edges but direct, not some smooth operator with an arsenal of pretty words, but nothing to follow it up with. I get the sense Clem has the goods to deliver on any promises he makes."
"Pure unadulterated heat that singes me right to the very tips of my toes."
Excellent writing and another story that mature readers will appreciate and enjoy reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cold Silence brings us back to Silence with suspense, intrigue and romance all woven through the story and I was completely invested right from the start.
Tessa Androtti is new to town with a job as a new detective with the Edwards County sheriffs department. She has her two boys, Remi and Linc with her. As a single mom she has her hands full with her rebellious son Remi especially when he finds himself at the center of a car ring that is operating across a few counties.
Clem Tanek owns and runs the local mechanic shop in Silence and finds himself getting involved helping with not only Remi, but his beautiful, independent mom Tessa also. He is very drawn to her and will do whatever is necessary to help her and her boys when they find themselves in danger. This town carries a lot of secrets but bringing the bad guys down is definitely going to bring peace to a lot of people. My favorite part however, is seeing Tessa and Clem find love and create a new family dynamic in the process.