A Silent Curse

Electra Poole Mystery Series #4

by Christy Carlyle

A silent predator stalks London’s streets, and only Electra’s sight can find him.

When Scotland Yard asks for Electra Poole's assistance in the disappearance of a young woman, her friend, Detective Inspector Gideon Pierce, urges her to refuse. Electra has already risked her reputation—and her safety—by aiding past investigations. This case is different. It is high-profile, and it may be connected to another young woman’s recent death.

But when Electra meets Violet Delacourt, who recently lost her mother and is desperate to find her missing twin sister, she cannot turn away. As she leans into the visions she once feared and begins to trace details the police have failed to see, Electra realizes this disappearance is no isolated tragedy. A predator has been moving through London undetected for years, selecting his victims with precision and leaving almost nothing behind.

Now the silence surrounding those deaths is closing in. And as Electra edges closer to the truth, she is determined to find the killer stalking young women before Iris Delacourt becomes his latest victim.

Dark, suspenseful, and atmospheric, A Silent Curse is a Victorian paranormal mystery where the gift of sight may be the only thing that can find a killer silently hunting from the shadows.

PERFECT FOR READERS WHO
• Victorian mysteries with serial killer suspense
• Psychic heroines who see what others miss
• Dark atmospheric tension and predator hunts
• Pattern-driven investigations with mounting danger
• Stories where the hunter may already be watching

Christy Carlyle delivers a dark, suspenseful Victorian mystery where psychic insight meets serial killer suspense, atmospheric tension builds to a relentless climax, and the gift of sight is the only way to find a killer. Perfect for readers who crave Victorian mysteries with depth, danger, and heroines who refuse to look away from evil.

Genres: Mystery

235 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 27, 2026

About the author

Fueled by Pacific Northwest coffee and inspired by multiple viewings of every British costume drama she can get her hands on, USA Today bestselling author Christy Carlyle writes sensual historical romance set in the Victorian era. She loves heroes who struggle against all odds and heroines who are ahead of their time. A former teacher with a degree in history, she finds there's nothing better than being able to combine her love of the past with a die-hard belief in happy endings.

Reviews

[Cathy Geha · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

A Silent Curse by Christy Carlyle
Electra Poole Mysteries #4

~ Paranormal abilities can be fickle, useful, and often hidden – when they are used for good as they are in this story, almost everyone benefits ~

What I liked:
* Electra Poole: senses emotions, sees visions, sometimes hears words in the visions, refining her skills, curious, tenacious, generous, mother was institutionalized by her father, loved & hated her murdered father, requested to use her ability to assist in finding a missing woman
* Gideon Pierce: Detective Inspector, pickpocket in childhood, taken into the home of Electra’s father and mentored by him, controlled, well dressed and spoken, bright, protective, would like Electra to be more than a friend and is working toward that
* That Gideon and Electra work well together, communicate easily, and are beginning to express their interest in possible courtship…or more
* The paranormal element of the story and watching Electra’s abilities develop
* The plot, pacing, setting, writing that felt of the era and made me feel part of the story
* The way Electra and Gideon find and follow clues using investigative and paranormal abilities to solve cases
* Having a strong feeling I knew who the killer was when they were introduced into the story
* Being invested in the characters and the outcome of the story
* That all the threads were tied up at the end of the story and the murderer caught
* Knowing that there will be another book to read in the future

What I didn’t like:
* The evil, wicked, warped killer
* Thinking about the devastation left in the way by the killer
* Having to wait for the next book

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

Thank you to the author, BookSprout, and Oliver Heber Books – This is my honest review
5 Stars

[Robin Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Electra Poole has a unique gift, she sometimes sees visions when holding an object or touching a person. She has gained a reputation as a psychic, and her friend Inspector Gideon Pierce is slowly placing trust in her abilities. When Scotland Yard hires Electra to use her “gift” to find a missing woman, Gideon insists on accompanying her during the investigation. Filled with emotion, drama, secrets, and a bit of danger, this is an engaging and entertaining mystery. There are a few twists and turns as Gideon and Electra travel about interviewing suspects and witnesses, and underneath it all, the pull of attraction between them. I am greatly enjoying this series, and look forward to the next installment!
I received an ARC via Booksprout, this review is my honest and voluntary opinion.

[NelleRenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this series and this story is no exception. Electra Poole uses her psychic abilities to help discover clues to cases. Detective Inspector Gideon Pierce is now willing to accept her help and her unusual abilities. I liked the slow growing romance between these two. This persons involved in this case have actually asked for Electra’s help so this time she can openly use her abilities. The mystery has some twists and turns that kept my attention. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.

[Fanosse23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Silent Curse is the fourth entry in Christy Carlyle’s Electra Poole Mystery series. The author balances mystery, suspense, and that shiver of the supernatural is just right, and the slow-burn chemistry between Electra and Detective Gideon Pierce makes the story even more addictive.

This time, Scotland Yard enlists Electra’s help in absolute secrecy—they can’t exactly admit to consulting a psychic. When Iris Delacourt disappears, it’s her twin sister, Violet, who reaches out for Electra’s assistance. The case quickly deepens: Iris vanishes just as another young woman—also a volunteer at the British Museum—is found murdered.

Is it mere coincidence that Iris has vanished just as another young woman is found murdered—both of them volunteers at the British Museum? As Electra embraces the visions, she begins to trace details the police overlooked. She realizes this disappearance is no isolated tragedy: a patient predator has been hunting in London for years, selecting victims with chilling precision and leaving almost no trace. As more unsolved cases of young women discovered dead under similar circumstances emerge, the connection becomes undeniable. Driven by determination, Electra vows to uncover the truth and stop the killer before Iris Delacourt becomes his next victim.

I loved every layer of this mystery—the steady pace of the investigation, the clever trail of clues, the twists that caught me off guard, and the touch of danger that kept me hooked. The dynamic between Electra and Gideon is one of my favorite parts of the series: he trusts her instincts, gives her space to use her unique gifts, and their partnership grows warmer with each case. Watching their friendship quietly evolve into something deeper has been such a treat.

This series just keeps getting better. A Silent Curse had me fully invested from the first page to the last, and I’m already eager to see where Electra and Gideon’s journey takes them next.

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

[Pranav Bhatnagar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Silent Curse by Christy Carlyle is such a captivating historical mystery, and I absolutely loved how it brought together suspense, emotion, and a beautiful slow-burn romance. Set in Victorian London, the story follows Electra Poole, a woman with an extraordinary gift who becomes involved in investigating the disappearance and deaths of young women. What made this story especially memorable for me was Electra herself. She is thoughtful, compassionate, and quietly courageous, and I loved seeing her trust her abilities even when she doubted herself. Gideon Pierce was another character I genuinely enjoyed. His dedication to finding the truth, his growing respect for Electra, and the way he gradually allowed himself to become emotionally closer to her made their relationship feel wonderfully natural. The investigation kept me curious, especially as the connections between the missing women, the British Museum, and the people surrounding them became increasingly disturbing. I also appreciated how the story explored grief, loneliness, and the different ways people respond to losing someone they love. The mystery was gripping, but the emotional journey made it even more meaningful. And the ending? It left me smiling, especially seeing Electra finally recognize how much she had accomplished and how deeply Gideon valued her. This was a wonderful combination of historical atmosphere, mystery, and romance that kept me emotionally invested until the very end.

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this series is progressing and getting better with each book. This one is a very fast paced story as both Gideon and Electra are trying to find a missing young lady, Iris. Electra has been asked by her twin sister Violet to be involved. Electra is still learning how to understand her gift. She gets upset that she can’t control it better. Not being able to see things when she wants and from different people. She wants to help more and what good is having visions if she can’t use them for good. Gideon is her rock, always there and makes sure she is ok. He worries that the visions take too much from her. With lots of twists and turns adding to the suspense. There was another woman who was found murdered that Iris knew and worked with. Which lets them know they must find her as soon as possible. Unfortunately, they have many suspects to interview. They will find betrayal, and pure evil before they are done. I was so happy to finally see both Gideon and Electra move on with their feelings a little. Now we need to add some affection and a kiss or two! I can’t wait for the next book. This series is best read in order, when I was offered an ARC by the author for this book, I went back and read all the books. It made this book much better. Each book gives us more history between them. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it. Rush and get started you will not be sorry and will end up reading late into the night too.

[Jill E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better and better

Here yet is another great mystery by Christie Carlyle. Electra, while impatient that her gifts don’t always work, seems to be improving in her supernatural skills to summon visions and control her focus, only so she can help others: why else, she reasons, does she have these gifts if not to assist those in need. Gideon is ever the professional, but his heart is continually drawn, not only to spending time with Electra, but also in encouraging her and working cases with her.

This was a great story. There are several suspects to choose from. And it is only in the last segment of the book that we come to realize who the villain is.

The character development is very good, not only with Electra, but also with Gideon, as well as the people they interact with in the course of the story.

The ending is very exciting, but the story development is interesting as well.

I appreciate the way the author portrays Electra’s frustrations; but I also admire Gideon’s ability to honestly and carefully help her to see all that she has to offer— especially when she begins to doubt herself.

I look forward to the next book!

[Rose Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written, full of murder, mystery, intrigue, suspense, danger, family, friends, society and a special gift. Electra Poole is a young woman who has a very special gift- she has visions. When a young lady goes missing, her family asks that Scotland Yard to allow Electra to help. Detective Inspector Gideon Pierce has worked with her in the past and now will do so again. When Electra is there during certain interviews, she realizes that there may be more victims then just this one. Gideon had hoped that she wouldn't get involved in this one but that's not the case. As Electra and Gideon follow the clues, you think you have an idea who the murderer is but then another clue is given to you and you head into that direction. Will keep you guessing till the end and on the edge of your seat. Great cover, storyline and the characters are multidimensional and complex. Can't wait for their next story. Would strongly recommend to everyone.

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

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful addition to a wonderful series! This time, Electra’s services are actually requested by the police. She once again is working with Gabriel, but now she is official. It makes a difference in how each of them feel, which leads to some interesting developments in their relationship.

A young woman is missing soon after her friend’s death. Are the two events connected? Electra and Gabriel need to Gifu the that out as soon as possible to have any chance of saving the missing young woman.

Lots of clues and suspects so you get to flex your investigative muscle.

Looking forward to the next one!.

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

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Electra Poole Mysteries is a series that keeps becoming more suspenseful and intriguing with each book. A Silent Curse is Electra most intense case yet. Scotland Yard may want her help n finding a missing woman but Detective Inspector Gideon Pierce, advises for her sake that she refuse. By Christy Carlyle this Victorian historical fiction novel blends slow burn romance, emotional turmoil, intrigue, and suspense perfectly together in the dark atmospheric London setting. This case that has Electra Poole using her psychic abilities to discover clues is one with twists and turns, so my interest was held from beginning to conclusion. A Silent Curse is a marvelous addition to this outstanding series.

[Christa Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Electra Poole has used her psychic abilities to help her old friend Detective Inspector Gideon Pierce with some of his cases. After one of their recent successes hit the papers, a family specifically asks for her to help the police to find their missing daughter. As Electra helps Gideon interview suspects and acquaintances of the victim, her visions show that there are actually other victims of the same man and that time may be running out before their kidnapping case becomes a murder investigation. This book has an engrossing mystery, interesting character relationships, and tons of Victorian details and ambiance.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from Booksprout and the publisher and these are my opinions.
This is another wonderful mystery with Electra Poole and Inspector Gideon Pierce.
A young woman from high powered family is missing, and Scotland Yard asks for Electra to help with the investigation.
When Electra and Gideon discover that this case is related to others in the past, she is determined to catch the culprit.
The story is interesting; there are lots of suspects, twists and turns, and an unexpected ending.
Definitely a 5-star read!
I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

[Cri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really liking the way this series is evolving. Electra and Gideon must once again solve an investigation that is really having quite an impact on her.

The mystery is really well written, the guilty party complicated to guess and the numerous persons of interest keep you wondering on their motive.

I found Violet a bit too naive, but for sure that was what the author went for.

I will look forward to the next book!

I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily, thanks to the author for it.

[Pat Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good mystery and this author is great at it. Getting to see Electra and Gideon work together again and watching the clues unfold are so satisfying. I love how their relationship is progressing and how well the author hides the villain. I will say I figured this one out rather quickly, which is not normal for me with this author, but watching the villain get caught was fun. Truly enjoyed it and can’t wit for the next!.

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

[Deborah Durand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stellar Mystery

Electra and Gideon pair once again for a murder investigation simultaneously involving a missing person. What’s unusual this time is that Scotland Yard is specifically requesting Electra’s involvement. Carlyle has written enough twists and turns in the plot to enhance the mystery. Readers will relish the new development in Electra’s gift as well as the flourishing of the budding romance between her and Gideon. Well done. 👍🏻
I have received an ARC from OHB and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a page turner. Detective Inspector Gideon Pierce is enlisted to solve the disappearance of a woman. He is asked to enlist the help of Electra Poole, a psychic who is also a childhood friend. Together they must try to find answers. They are both extremely fond of each other and the sparks begin when they are together. I look forward to reading more of this series.

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

[Robin · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

4.25/5 stars

I am consistently continuing to enjoy this series. I love the characters; the plotlines and the premise is entertaining.

I especially loved that in this particular book; Electra's gift is actively being sought out and becoming more appreciated by the powers that be (Scotland Yard). The relationship between Electra and Gideon is sweet and supportive and is a pleasure to watch unfold.

All-in-all, this series has become an auto-read for me. Looking forward to more!

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Silent Curse by Christy Carlyle is another stellar entry in this captivating historical mystery series. The story draws you in immediately with a clear and engaging plot, full of intrigue and subtle suspense. The two protagonists continue to shine as they navigate both the unfolding mystery and their slowly blossoming, sweet romance. Their dynamic is charming and full of potential, leaving me eager to see where their relationship will go next.

Christy Carlyle excels at creating vibrant, memorable characters who feel alive on the page. Every interaction is engaging, and the richly drawn historical setting adds texture and depth to the story. This installment left me fully satisfied yet excited for the future of the series—I genuinely can’t wait to see what comes next!

Highly recommended for fans of historical mysteries with heart, romance, and a compelling cast of characters.

[Rowan Creech · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book. Each book in the series builds on the last, creating a truly captivating narrative. The premise is wonderfully crafted and the author’s insight into the characters and the psychic dimension adds depth and intrigue. It’s a truly great collection to read.

[Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down until it was finished. It's not a hard and fast book, but it is engaging, and the way Electra's gift is developing, I love how it gives them clues, no matter how small. They're both embracing her gift, and Gideon is the perfect person to accept her and protect her.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice ending

Well written mystery that used Electra's talents and Gideon's detective skills to save a young woman from harm. The descriptions and actions make the characters come alive, making the interviews enjoyable and intriguing.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. This is a fast read that kept me guessing. I will be watching for more.

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