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www.theoriginalheathergraham.com

Where is Lara Mayhew? 

Lara, a congressman's media assistant, suddenly quits her job—and disappears on the way to her Washington, DC, apartment. 

Novice FBI agent Meg Murray, a childhood friend of Lara's, gets a message from her that same night, a message that says she's disillusioned and "going home." To Richmond, Virginia. Meg discovers that she never got there. And bodies fitting Lara's description are showing up in nearby rivers… Could she be the victim of a serial killer? 

Meg is assigned to work with special agent Matt Bosworth, a hard-nosed pro in the FBI's unit of paranormal investigators—the Krewe of Hunters. They trace the route Meg and Lara took more than once in the past, visiting battlefields and graveyards from Harpers Ferry to Gettysburg. Places where the dead share their secrets with those who can hear… As Meg and Matt pursue the possibility of a serial killer, they find themselves in the middle of a political conspiracy. Is there a connection? If so, has Lara been silenced for good? And whom—besides each other—can they trust?

348 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 30, 2015

436 people are currently reading
2809 people want to read

About the author

Heather Graham

584 books6,922 followers
Also published as Heather Graham Pozzessere and Shannon Drake.

New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Heather Graham majored in theater arts at the University of South Florida. After a stint of several years in dinner theater, back-up vocals, and bartending, she stayed home after the birth of her third child and began to write, working on short horror stories and romances. After some trial and error, she sold her first book, WHEN NEXT WE LOVE, in 1982 and since then, she has written over one hundred novels and novellas including category, romantic suspense, historical romance, vampire fiction, time travel, occult, and Christmas holiday fare. She wrote the launch books for the Dell's Ecstasy Supreme line, Silhouette's Shadows, and for Harlequin's mainstream fiction imprint, Mira Books.

Heather was a founding member of the Florida Romance Writers chapter of RWA and, since 1999, has hosted the Romantic Times Vampire Ball, with all revenues going directly to children's charity.

She is pleased to have been published in approximately twenty languages, and to have been honored with awards frorn Waldenbooks. B. Dalton, Georgia Romance Writers, Affaire de Coeur, Romantic Times, and more. She has had books selected for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild, and has been quoted, interviewed, or featured in such publications as The Nation, Redbook, People, and USA Today and appeared on many newscasts including local television and Entertainment Tonight.

Heather loves travel and anything have to do with the water, and is a certitified scuba diver. Married since high school graduation and the mother of five, her greatest love in life remains her family, but she also believes her career has been an incredible gift, and she is grateful every day to be doing something that she loves so very much for a living.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 264 reviews
Profile Image for Montzalee Wittmann.
5,236 reviews2,346 followers
November 17, 2018
Another great paranormal FBI team mystery solved

The Silenced by Heather Graham takes the reader along on another Krewe assignment. These are FBI agents that get the supernatural cases. This one involves a dead politician, ghosts, a missing friend to a new FBI graduate, and a serial killer.
Profile Image for Madison Warner Fairbanks.
3,438 reviews495 followers
December 28, 2024
The Silenced by Heather Graham
Krewe of Hunters series #15. Paranormal Romantic suspense, thriller. Can be read as a stand-alone.
New FBI agent Meg Murray is worried about Lara Mathew, who disappeared on the way to her Washington, DC apartment. When bodies are discovered in a nearby river, Meg is concerned that Lara has become a victim. Meg sees Lara as a ghost in a mirror but that doesn’t help in finding her.
Meg is assigned to work with Special Agent Matt Bosworth, the head of one of the Krewe of Hunters, paranormal investigators, to trace the route from Harpers Ferry to Gettysburg, the known route that Lara would have taken. They follow leads from the dead, searching for a potential serial killer who cuts out the tongues of the victims and find themselves in a political conspiracy.

Fast pace action as Meg and Matt search DC and surrounding areas for a killer. There is POV from the killer occasionally and it’s chilling. The ghosts give clues where they can but it’s up to Meg and Matt to interpret those correctly. Plus Meg and Matt don’t initially get along adding to the tension.
Always a good mystery. I have lots more of these Krewe books on my shelf and hope to read another dozen before February.
Profile Image for Margitte.
1,188 reviews666 followers
June 24, 2020
This was a really enjoyable read. Southern charm, strong characters and good effort to market historical places around Washington, Harpers Ferry and Gettysburg. Oh yes, and the supernatural playing a pivotal road in saving the lives of the two dedicated FBI agents. Well done indeed.

Rating is lower for the political monologues which was a bit intrusive here and there, as well as the historical information slowing the narrative down. Although only slightly annoying. Overall though, a recommended read for historical-fictionadas as well as detective drama-groupies. For me personally, it was a win-win-win: three favorite genres combined.

A touch of chick lit added for those who need a voyeuristic fix. The elements in the plot was actually really well-balanced otherwise. I might read this author again.
Profile Image for ✨Susan✨.
1,153 reviews232 followers
June 7, 2017
I always like it when a book turns out to be better than I thought it would be. This is a fast paced mystery/thriller with good strong characters. The slight paranormal aspect really added a notch up to the story. Good narration. This would make a good movie.
Profile Image for Lynn Cahoon.
Author 105 books2,371 followers
June 25, 2020
I so enjoyed this Krewe book - especially Matt, Meg, and Killer. Great insight into historical sites regarding the civil war.
Profile Image for Elaine Nickolan.
657 reviews6 followers
December 28, 2022
I will admit, when I first started reading this series I was not thrilled with the idea of paranormal FBI investigators. However, the series has started to grow on me. The only remaining issue I have is that , so far, every story ends in a "love connection", but I can deal with it, as long as I take a break between stories.
This story begins with a woman named Lara, who quits her job as a political aide and gets taken by someone. At the same time there are some really grizzly murders taking place. A serial killer is on the loose, and Lara is just his type. Did he take her? And if so, why? Lara had texted her long time friend, Meg, who has recently graduated from the FBI academy, telling Meg that she had to get away for awhile, not knowing she was about to be snatched. Now Meg is looking for Lara. Meg happens to be "gifted" with being able to talk to the dead and is recruited into the "Krewe", which is the special FBI unit she has dreamed of being in since she was a young girl and her dead cousin spoke to her, telling her where her body was.
this kept me guessing as to the identity of the "evil" one and I loved the ending.
I will now be open to reading another in this series next year.
Profile Image for ☕️Kimberly  (Caffeinated Reviewer).
3,598 reviews786 followers
July 3, 2015
Graham’s Krewe is a special unit of the FBI, that utilizes the unique gifts of its crew and I love this paranormal element. Meg Murray has just graduated from the FBI Academy when her friend Lara goes missing. She is assigned to work the Krewe case and is partnered with senior agent Matt Bosworth. Both Meg and Matt have the ability to see the dead and their investigation soon finds them traveling from Harpers Ferry to Gettysburg.

The setting was wonderful and familiar, as I have visited quite a few of the historical sites and cemeteries mentioned. Graham always weaves in local lore and history her series, which I enjoy immensely. She vividly paints the landscape and amps up the suspense with her descriptions.

The missing person and murders were my favorite aspect of the Silenced. Graham gave us perspectives from the killer and slipping inside his mind really notched up the suspense. The case began to weave the missing person, murders and events around a D.C. Senator with eyes on the White House. Red herrings, and twists kept me engaged and I enjoyed seeing all of the threads come together as Lara and Matt connected the dots.

Matt and Lara had a rough, awkward start but slowly began developing feelings for each other. I loved the banter between them and Graham added a special element to the mix that brought humor and helped with the case. There is some heat, and once things ignited, the relationship moved quickly. While not my favorite romance of the series, I enjoyed these characters.

Copy provided by publisher This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Profile Image for Sheri.
Author 26 books55 followers
December 30, 2015
Oh my god....the freaking exclamation points....I almost can't comment on the story because every single exclamation point took me out of the story. This is one of the very few of these stories, which I generally love, that I didn't read in one sitting. More then once I threw it down because I couldn't handle the stupid exclamation points.
Profile Image for Mason.
Author 2 books25 followers
July 17, 2015
You don’t have to be a firm believer in ghosts and/or the paranormal to enjoy author Heather Graham’s Krewe of Hunters series. Her latest release, THE SILENCED, is a prime example of her impressive writing.

Narrator Phil Gigante does an excellent job bringing the various characters to life. His varied cadence and mannerisms gives distinct voices to the characters, both male and female. His vocals emphasizes the emotions and tension of the story.

Lara Mayhew, a congressional media assistant, goes missing shortly after leaving a cryptic message for her childhood friend Meg Murray, an FBI agent fresh out of the academy. When bodies fitting Lara’s description begin turning up brutally murdered, Meg fears her friend may be the next victim.

Meanwhile, Meg has been recruited by the leader of the Krewe of Hunters, a special FBI unit for paranormal investigation. Paired with Special Agent Matt Bosworth, Meg is determined to find her friend and unravel the political conspiracy she appears to be entangled in. The attraction between Meg and Matt heats up as they close in on a twisted serial killer.

Graham has created characters that not only deal with the paranormal, but are realistic, likable and well-developed. Their interactions and dialogue flows smoothly in this fast-pace adventure. The story is filled with suspense highlighted by great twists and turns.

The political aspects of the story are interesting, while the historical setting is mesmerizing. THE SILENCED focuses on a vicious killer and the lengths he will go to achieve the ultimate reward. The paranormal element adds to the intrigue, but doesn’t overwhelm the story. This story is a standalone and listeners/readers won’t be left in the dark if this is their first venture into the work of the Krewe of Hunters.

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.
Profile Image for Laura.
2,594 reviews113 followers
April 15, 2016
I find that I either love or hate books by this author. This one was firmly in the hate column. Firmly. The characters were flat and I am still not convinced I know more about Matt or Meg than I did from the blurb. Oh, they like dogs.

The plot was stale and I thought obvious. In order to go for a shock factor, you have to introduce the reader to the killers in the book at some point so there is a OMG moment. Well, I knew one of them right away and the other, well, wasn't a big shock. Had to be one of about 3 people.

Also, and I find this REALLY bothers me when I don't like the book and I am able to ignore when I do...the author's use of exclamation points is Out! Of! Control! I counted...5 in one Kindle page. Usually within dialog, most often jarringly out of place for the dialog and, as I mentioned, very distracting if you are already struggling to get into the book in the first place. I know this is a minor issue, but for an author of this caliber, you would think the editing would be better, that someone would tell her the characters seemed like one dimensional nothings who spoke in a series of forceful sentences.

I won't say I will never read another of her books, but it will be a while before I am willing to do so again. And, I am definitely not going to be paying for them...the library is the perfect place to get a book that you are not sure you will love.
Profile Image for Wendy.
2,371 reviews45 followers
July 18, 2016
The action-packed thriller "The Silenced" combines a murder- mystery, the paranormal and romance into a chilling tale that begins when Lara Mayhew, Congressman Ian Walker's media relations assistant disappears after a disturbing meeting with her boss and his aides. After FBI trainee Meg Murray receives a cryptic message from Lara she joins the Krewe Hunters, an FBI branch of paranormal investigators to hunt for her childhood friend. With her new partner Matt Bosworth, a seasoned agent they begin the search not only for Meg's friend but a psychotic serial killer, who's murdering young women.

In a thriller that takes the reader through Civil War battlefields and graveyards from Harpers Ferry to Gettysburg Heather Graham blends conspiracy, deception and murder into an exciting story. Fast-paced and intense the plot heats up when Meg and Matt uncover clues that connect the murders not only to Lara's disappearance but to a noted Congressman. With unexpected twists and turns Heather Graham cleverly creates an intricate plot that takes the reader from the questioning of ghosts at a cemetery to ghostly encounters at a Civil War re-enactment and infuses them into a political conspiracy and the murder of a presidential hopeful. As the violence builds and tension increases with the murderer's defilement of his victims' bodies and his hunger for killing, the suspense is tempered by the romantic sparks that ignite between Meg and Matt and their sudden ownership of "Killer" an ugly but adorable little dog.

Tall and lithe Meg Murray a novice FBI agent is independent, tough and feisty. Trained at Quantico she expects to be attached to the criminal division until her friend disappears and she joins the Krewe Hunters. Perceptive, shrewd, and gifted like Matt, able to communicate with the dead Meg is determined to find Lara and bring a killer to justice. Special Agent Matt Bosworth the seasoned pro is blunt, self-confident and intuitive. He trusts his gut instinct that Lara's alive and searches her diary for clues to where she's been hidden. The romance between Meg and Matt is interesting as what starts as a clash of wills quickly explodes into a sexual interlude as they become intoxicated with one another.

Yet of all the characters it's Slash McNeil a dangerous, arrogant, psychotic killer with his access to powerful people, one who has unleashed a deadly scheme that add a terrifying and realistic chill to the story.

I enjoyed Heather Graham's "The Silenced" a thrilling blend of mystery, murder and the paranormal that kept me on the edge of my seat until the end.
Profile Image for Majanka.
Author 70 books405 followers
January 11, 2016
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/reviews/...

I used to love Heather Graham’s books when I first picked one up, but now I find myself liking them less and less. The plots are just so predictable. In this one, it was obvious what was going to happen next, and it almost seemed like a recap of a previous book. The characters were flat too, and difficult to connect with.

Profile Image for Lori (on hiatus, life is crazy busy)).
452 reviews163 followers
November 8, 2017
Another great Krewe of hunters book! Women are turning up dead with their tongues cut out. Political scandals, secrets from the past and present and a missing woman who may or may not be dead. Time is of the essence for Meg and Matt who are FBI Krewe agents. They must unravel the mystery and hope that they are not too late. This book is fast paced, keeping you glued and as always, you can never guess who the killer is until it is revealed.
Profile Image for Brenna.
404 reviews40 followers
January 15, 2018
Every once in a while, I enjoy reading a Heather Graham novel. This one, set around a new FBI agent and her best friend who works for a congressman. Meg, upon completing her FBI training, gets assigned to a division of the FBI who are also mediums. Set in Washington, DC and several areas well known for their Civil War history, the plot moves along well. Graham always seems to add a little romance to her novels as well. In The Silenced, this romance part did not seem to get too much in the way. I enjoyed the Civil War part of the story, which includes a Civil War Reenactment. While Heather Graham is not one of my favorite authors, I do enjoy reading her novels for something fun and appealing for something a little easier to read.
Profile Image for Read With Chey.
659 reviews1 follower
April 15, 2024
I’m glad this series is approximately 1,900 books long because they’re perfect. Matt was one of the better heroes that Graham has written I think, and I loved the little age gap trope with the fresh new FBI grad and the more experienced agent. Also liked the political aspect and the murders themselves were so creepy. Getting to see Kat, Will, Jackson, and Angela again was a nice call back to the very beginning. Overall a solid Krewe book!
Profile Image for Jill.
108 reviews2 followers
September 8, 2018
This is TERRIBLE. Graham writes exactly like a bad stereotype of a male writer writing about a female protagonist. And she's a woman, so she has no excuse at all. I guess noting a character's flowing hair, large eyes, great figure and "generous mouth" are necessary description, but while they're investigating murders and a disappearance, Meg Murray and Matt Bosworth can't seem to stop describing the hotness of the other. These inappropriate sexual tension moments sprinkled throughout were a ridiculous nuisance, but when I hit this one, I just could not believe it:
She stepped away, wondering how she'd come to feel so drawn to the man. She was just a fledgling agent to him. He could be decent, but the work always came first. And yet, if she was honest, she'd have to admit she'd been attracted to him from the start--frightening though that attraction could be. He had a certain magnetism. Was it because of his strength? Because she wasn't as strong as she wanted to be and needed that strength?
No, she was dangerously attracted to the man. And she had to stop feeling that way. If she could...

Her friend has been slowly starving to death for a week while she's indulging in these romance novel musings. Writing like this props up the stereotype that women and men can't work together. Both of these idiots are distracted from investigating a grotesquely bloody crime by how much they want to sleep together.

I thought I was done with this review, but then I kept reading.
Page 232: A widow throws a party for our characters with finger sandwiches and tea cakes after her husband's body's exhumation. She also asks Meg and Bosworth to come keep her company at a political rally she's attending in a few days. I think they have both forgotten that they're looking for a missing woman.
Page 244: A severed tongue is delivered to the doorstep of a Senator. The home has security and cameras and neither the Senator nor his small army of security guards thinks to check the cameras until Meg brings it up. Instead, his first instinct is to accuse Meg's friend Lara of having something to do with it based only on the fact that Lara and he disagreed the night before she disappeared.
Page 277: The ghost of a Civil War soldier tells Meg that Lara is "near" and instead of asking follow-up questions, she lets him leave. Then, rather than look for her friend, Meg and Bosworth return to their cute little B & B for some sex and have breakfast in the morning in a quaint sun room. THEN they go out and try and find Lara (who at this point is mostly dead) by driving around a park aimlessly.
Page 334: The worst villain exposition I've ever seen.
Page 339: "Matt held Meg in his arms as if she were the most precious being on Earth--which she was, to him." This has to be the single sloppiest, worst sentence I've ever read in a novel.

Profile Image for Laura Agnella.
265 reviews11 followers
August 14, 2015
Have you ever gotten stuck in a book series and each time a new installment comes out, you have to grab it right away? Even though you know that every book in the series follows the same pattern? You know there will be a happy ending, boy gets girl or vice versa, and the mystery is solved, but you still keep reading? The Krewe of Hunters books are that series for me. Now, it might seem from what I wrote above that these books may not be good but that is not the case at all. I actually love them!

For those who have never read a book in this series, there are a few things to know. First, all of the books follow a specialized unit of the FBI called the Krewe of Hunters, who investigate cases that have an element of the strange or paranormal. Each member of the Krewe has an ability that lends to the solving of these cases and new members are being added to the group all the time. So, even though new characters are the focus in each new installment, the original characters are almost always play a role in the stories as well. Second, if you haven't figured it out already, every book in the series has a paranormal element to it. While they do follow a basic crime-solving mystery format, most of the books have a mild horror element to them and almost always involve the ghosts of the dead helping to lead the way. Some of them also have a historical element to them as well, which is an added bonus for me. Finally, the two main characters always become involved with one another about midway through the story so there is definitely some romance as well. Usually, the books are in sets of three but almost any of them can be read as a stand alone.

These are fairly quick, fun reads and perfect if you need a book for the beach or a weekend getaway. I love to read them in between deeper books because I know I can count on Heather Graham to give me a spooky story that won't disappoint. The next Krewe of Hunters book comes out in September and I will await it as patiently as possible.
2,323 reviews38 followers
July 4, 2015

4 STARS

Good suspense! Good mystery! Good history! Familiar characters and new ones too. There is a few love scenes.

Meg Murray has just graduated from the FBI training. When she listens to her phone messages she has a strange message from her best friend Lara. Lara is a congressman's media assistant called Meg at 2:00AM that she has to leave town and go back home. Lara never made it.

Meg knows that something is not right. She watches the news and hears about a serial killer. Whose two victims describe Lara. Meg sees ghosts. She wants to be a Krewe sometime but knows they are asked to join you can't just apply to that group. Years ago she met Adam Harrison and he listened to her and gave her a number to call if she needs it. Now she does.

Matt Bosworth is point on the new case of two woman's murder. Matt is a member of the Krewes. He has been a FBI Agent for ten years. He does not know if Lara fits in the case or not.

Adam has Matt and Meg working together to follow up on Lara's missing case. Meg feels that her friend is dead when she saw her asking for help. Matt does not believe that Lara has to be dead.

The setting is Washington D.C. , Richmond, VA, Harper's Ferry and Gettysburg. Lots of ghosts.

I enjoy Heather Graham's stories.

I was given this ebook by Net Galley and Harlequin. In return I agreed to give a honest review of The Silenced.
Profile Image for Toni.
1,571 reviews64 followers
October 12, 2016
4 Stars

I have been reading this series out of order…. gee, I’ll bet you’re surprised by that, huh? LOL. But the good thing about reading the Krewe series in this way is knowing that each book is a stand alone and you don’t need to read a previous book to get you up on what’s going on in the series as a whole. I love it when authors are so cognizant of that fact.

This book just pulls you into the action right from the get-go. I had been reading other books at the same time as this one but because of the exciting pace and thoroughly enjoyable storyline, I stuck with this book until the end. Heather Graham is great at pulling us into the storyline and never letting go of us.

I am a little gleeful that I figured out who dun it… at least mostly figured it out. But the ending was still a surprise worth discovering.

I gave this book four stars because I was taken by surprise by the first love scene. It sort of snuck up on me and I was left wondering where the build-up to it was?… Had I missed reading something important that would let me know these two were thinking of hitting the hay together?

Besides that this read was a great roller-coaster of a book that I think every Heather Graham fan has come to expect. I look forward to reading more in this Krewe series.

I bought this book with my own money
18 reviews
July 6, 2016
I read this entire book on a flight from Dallas to NYC (3 hrs 30 mins) and it was suspenseful and made my flight go by quickly. My only complaint was that HG used the exact same plot device in this book as she did in the book right before it...and since I am reading them in order it just felt 'too familiar' and a bit lazy on the writers part.
I also felt that her use of the other Krewe members was lacking. Why bring in characters if they add nothing to the story line?
I noticed in the later books of the series, the teamwork of the Krewe is not as prevalent as they were in the earlier books. The main characters could almost not be in the Krewe and the story line wouldn't really be effected.
This being said. It was a good book.
Profile Image for Hayzbaw.
280 reviews
May 15, 2015
I thought Graham gave her Krewe Hunters series a bit of a new lease of life in this book. She has a writing formula pretty much set, but she chooses interesting topics to keep readers engaged. Loved the dolphin element in this book, it has made me add swimming with dolphins to my bucket list.

This was the first mystery book in a while that I have read and not guessed the murderer within the first half of the book. I could pretty much work out the plot and who was going to be involved, there wasn't a twist. But I was pleasantly surprised with the ending.

732 reviews8 followers
June 15, 2015
I love ghost stories mixed with romance but I think I am ready to give up on Graham's "Krewe" stories. They all feel remarkably similar and the contrivances are just too convenient. Need a clue? Pop out a ghost sighting. Need a way to solve a clue? Pop out a ghost sighting. Need someone rescued? Well, you get the idea. I don't feel the suspense or anticipation to reach the end; it's more a feeling of work to reach the end.
151 reviews2 followers
June 11, 2015
I enjoyed The Silenced, although I was a little bothered by the heroes slowness in realizing they were being watched. After all they are FBI agents with special paranormal abilities! It is part of Graham's Krewe series but you do not have to read them it in order as it works as a solo. The plot concerns the death of a U.S. House member, a serial killer and a missing aide.
Profile Image for Donna.
263 reviews12 followers
July 7, 2015
Surprise ending. Not surprised who the killer turned out to be or his co-conspirator. I'm not convinced the congressman didn't know what was going on. Think he chose to turn a blind eye.
Profile Image for Aparna.
670 reviews8 followers
January 16, 2019
Stars: 3.5 / 5
Recommendation: Yes, pick it up for a mystery involving paranormal elements, historical flair and the romantic side of the plot.

The Silenced is the fifteenth book in the Krewe of Hunters series by Heather Graham and published in June of 2015. The plot is centered around Matthew "Matt" Bosworth - FBI agent with the Krewe in Virginia - and Margaret "Meg" Colleen Murray - a recent FBI graduate who is out to find her missing friend.

This forms the first book in the third trilogy within the series. Although not mentioned exclusively, I consider them as a trilogy as the characters kind of flow from one book to the next keeping the continuity. First trilogy consisted of the ninth book The Night is Watching; the tenth book The Night is Alive; the eleventh book The Night is Forever. Second trilogy consisted of the 12th book The Cursed, 13th book the Hexed and 14th book The Betrayed.

Krewe are a secret FBI unit with each member of the unit honing a particular psychic talent of their own, making them the paranormal investigating team. This unit was created to deal with murders having supernatural undertones and paranormal activities. Headed by paranormal investigator Adam Harrison, this elite unit is called on to solve cases linked to historical mystery involving legendary crime and serial killings, war events and hauntings. The Krewe are divided into three distinct groups. The first group is led by Jackson Crow, who is also the Assistant Director of the Krewe, and called as the original Krewe of Hunters; the second group is led by Texas Ranger Logan Raintree and called as the Texas Krewe; the third group is Yankee Krewe, based in NYC, overseen by Jackson Crow.

I had read this book when it had been released and posted review too here: https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c.... However, in reading the series from the beginning, I cannot help but re-read this book and re-write the review again. Yeah, I am like that! :P

Lara Mayhew leaves a message to her friend Margaret "Meg" Colleen Murray about leaving town. But Meg doesn’t find any trace of her anywhere. Then there are two women looking exactly like Lara who turn up dead. With a serial killer on loose, Meg is worried that Lara might be this killer's next victim. And her only hope was to reach out to Adam Harrison, the Director of the Krewe units. Adam tags her with Matthew "Matt" Bosworth, the lead investigator and their investigation begins before Lara is Silenced forever.

Adam Harrison has a more active role in this plot than most plots that I have read so far. However, compared to the Adam Harrison Investigation series (My review of the books in that series here: https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...), he appears a lot more in the Krewe of Hunters series. A simple missing persons case unravels into a much bigger net involving political conspiracies and of course the paranormal aspect.

As much as Meg and Matt butt heads in the beginning, their attraction towards each other finally brings them to a midpoint where they not only act on it, but fall in love in the end. It was really cute actually how this all goes on. Both are strong psychics and trained agents that does complement perfectly.

The other Krewe members who appear in this plot are - Jackson Crow, head of the original Krewe; Angela Hawkins, Jackson's wife and who primarily sorts out different requests and researches; Will Chan, specialist with film, sound and camera; Katya Sokolov, Will's girlfriend and is a medical examiner; Jane Everett, a very efficient sketch artist; Malachi Gordon and Logan Raintree from Team Two;

Finally Jackson Crow and Angela Hawkins are shown as married couple in this plot. Five years since we first met them in the first book, Phantom Evil (https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c...), it is nice to see their relationship taking a next step.

I see a pattern to Heather Graham's stories in the Adam Harrison and Krewe of Hunters series, apart from the presence of ghosts and spirits. Usually the stories revolve around historical inferences, somehow connecting the past to the present either by way of characters or incidents and they involve hidden tunnels be it in cemetery or old houses or mortuaries. I wonder if Heather will add a third twist to the plot.

Heather does have a flair to bring in old classic movies into her plots. This time she has her heroine, Meg, watching Errol Flynn movies. I don’t remember watching any of Errol Flynn movies, but then when I browsed his filmography I came across the 1935 film The Case of the Curious Bride. And then I remembered that I actually had watched that movie and did mention about Errol Flynn in my review. So I did watch one of his movies, even if it was a no-dialogue scene. My review is here: https://inspirethoughts.livejournal.c... if anyone is interested to read. :)

Along with the classic movies, this time around she adds things from childhood and sci-fi films that we all loved as much as the characters - The Muppets singing Movin Right Along; Sharknado (I watched this movie and did not like it a bit!); The Dark Crystal

As always there is historical and paranormal references from past are given to the reader with artifacts, events and places. This time we get the tour in Harpers Ferry, Richmond and Gettysburg towns. Oh yes, we even go through a ghost tour.

Instead of the hard card inserts, this book had sheets at the end that gave reader an opportunity to either join a book club and win books, or buy a book and get a few free. It is just impressive to see them still.

A very good mingle of murder and mystery; past and present; political history; and above all romance and love. The grammatical and character errors have been considerably less. Another successful thriller in the series of books under Krewe of Hunters by Heather Graham that is an easy ready and still enjoyable. A tale that captures one easily till the end.

Spoiler Alerts:

1. Plot Reveals:
a. One of the few places that Heather Graham had mentioned in this book, I could find only one place existing for real - Dobbin House Tavern in Gettysburg, PA (http://www.dobbinhouse.com/).
b. At the end of the plot, Lara Mayhew is set to move to Miami, FL. With her being such a strong psychic I wonder if she is on Adam Harrison's radar and if Heather Graham will have a story for her in near future.
2. Sub Plots:
a. In eleventh book, The Night Is Forever, Dustin Blake was part of an FBI team consisting of Grant Shelby, Cindy Greenstreet and Jerry Gunter. I am wondering why Heather Graham had mentioned their complete names as well as a brief intro, albeit as part of the conversation. Will they resurface in future plots is something we have to wait and see.
b. Dustin Blake has a sister Rayna Blake who is a Nashville sensation - a country music singer. I wonder if Heather Graham will use her as a lead character in a future book.
c. Katie O'Hara and David Beckett are two characters in The Cursed plot. And a history into their background paused me to think they might be characters from another of Heather Graham book. I was pretty sure they weren't from Krewe of Hunters or Harrison Investigation series. A little dig on google pointed me to Ghost Shadow, the first book in Bone Island Series by Heather Graham published in 2010. Having not yet read that series, I am curious if Hannah O'Brien or Liam Beckett, David's brother, appear in that book as well.
d. Jane Everett and Sloan Trent were part of Team Two: Texas Krewe. But in The Betrayed, Heather mentions that they were going to be permanent members of the Yankee Krewe. Have to read the rest of the books to know if that is where she sends them.

3. Grammatical / Historical / Location / Character Errors:
a. On Pg. 86, Line 1, it should be "Can you play with…"
Profile Image for Jennifer Brown-Flavin.
284 reviews5 followers
June 8, 2024
“The Silenced” is part of Heather Graham’s series “Krewe of Hunters”. Krewe is a special unit in the FBI where the members all have a special ability (ie: see and speak to ghosts).

I really enjoy reading books in this series. It is a fun different spin on crime novels. Graham does a good job being creative with the story involving paranormal yet making it feel real.

“The Silenced” was a fast and easy read. While I had figured out the whodunnit I still really enjoyed the story and seeing it unfold. I would recommend this book and others in this series.

Sensitive readers should be aware that this book does depict violence, a serial killer, vivid descriptions of victims and kidnapping.

Book synopsis is taken from Amazon:


Lara, a congressman's media assistant, suddenly quits her job - and disappears on the way to her Washington, DC, apartment.

Novice FBI agent Meg Murray, a childhood friend of Lara's, gets a message from her that same night, a message that says she's disillusioned and "going home." To Richmond, Virginia. Meg discovers that she never got there. And bodies fitting Lara's description are showing up in nearby rivers.... Could she be the victim of a serial killer?

Meg is assigned to work with special agent Matt Bosworth, a hard-nosed pro in the FBI's unit of paranormal investigators - the Krewe of Hunters. They trace the route Meg and Lara took more than once in the past, visiting battlefields and graveyards from Harpers Ferry to Gettysburg. Places where the dead share their secrets with those who can hear.... As Meg and Matt pursue the possibility of a serial killer, they find themselves in the middle of a political conspiracy. Is there a connection? If so, has Lara been silenced for good? And who - besides each other - can they trust?
Profile Image for Judy Hall.
641 reviews29 followers
April 21, 2018
Congressional aide Lara Mayhew leaves a cryptic message on her best friend's voice mail in the middle of the night and then disappears. That best friend is Meg Murray, who has just graduated from the F.B.I. academy has that something extra sought by the Krewe of Hunters and she has an in with their founder Adam Harrison so she goes to him for help. At the same time, A second body has been found in the DC area, leading the team to think they have a serial killer.

The victims look enough like Lara, that they worry that may be what happened to her. At the same time, there are rumors and conspiracy theories swirling through DC about the recent death of a presidential candidate so they need to explore all avenues. Matched up with veteran agent Matt Bosworth, Meg starts to follow in Lara's trail.

I enjoyed the road trip of this book as the two characters visit several civil war sites around the DC area. Graham always brings a sense of history to her Krewe books especially since they often encounter ghosts out of history. As I grow older and read more, I grow tired of the fawning of so many people over Robert E. Lee. He was not as honorable as we have been told and he did not work hard enough for reconciliation even though we have been told differently. That's just a minor issue.

I always like the characters of the Krewe. I would like to see relationships move more slowly and develop over several books, but, while the characters show up again, I feel like they are window dressing in later books.

Good story. Good characters. Great dog.
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