The Pact of Silence: A Psychological Thriller

by Skyler Avalon

318 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 5, 2026

About the author

Skyler Avalon has been crafting stories since middle school, where short fiction and scribbled mysteries first filled her notebooks. Today, she writes what she loves most—psychological thrillers that twist and turn, alongside the occasional cozy mystery for when she’s in the mood for something a little lighter.

She lives in central Virginia with her spouse of 26 years and their two twelve-year-old cats, who are convinced they run the household. When she isn’t plotting her next suspenseful tale, Skyler enjoys curling up with a good mystery, exploring small-town bookstores, and sipping strong coffee while daydreaming about her characters’ next secrets.

With every story, Skyler hopes to deliver heart-pounding suspense, unforgettable characters, and just enough mystery to keep readers guessing late into the night.

Reviews

[Kellyanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exceptionally well-written story that I simply couldn't put down. The unpredictable plot is its strongest asset, filled with twists that will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat until the shocking final chapter.

The author brilliantly weaves together several threads: the mystery of the murders, the sinister rules of the Secret Society that governs this world, and the vendetta of a daughter whose family was "erased."

You are instantly pulled into a high-stakes environment where a judge's death raises the immediate question: suicide or murder? In this ruthless system, asking too many questions risks elimination, leaving a trail of dead bodies. This intriguing book will constantly have you second-guessing everything you thought you knew.

I received an ARC through "Booksprout", and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This is a story which involves Sarah, a journalist, Rick,an asst. D.A., and Emily, a history professor. Each one of them becomes involved with hunting for what is somewhat called a "System". It seems that this system is good at making people disappear, hiding criminal situations relating to peoples' deaths as well as keeping information silent. Sarah's involvement comes through the disappearance of her son Nick, Emily's relates to her father's actions and Rick's relates to the killing of a judge and identifying it as a suicide, while the M.E. called it a homicide.

Follow this trio along and discover what steps they had to do in order to discover what and who was the force behind hiding what actually happened. The ending resolves you questions and the book is well worth reading, don't miss out!

[Earth Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. This story is very well written. The twists keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat. I enjoyed all the suspenseful moments. This story pulled me into the mystery of the murders. And the rules of the Secret Society that rules their world. All mixed together with a vengeful daughter of one of the "erased".
This is one of my favorites by Skyer. I really enjoy how the story builds and keeps you guessing until the very end. And even the last chapter. I was like. Ummmm. Really. I just sat there in total shock and speechless. Yup.
This is a must read for all you Thriller Lovers out there.
Enjoy.

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

[Dave Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A respectable judge dies but not all is right, you can get that from the spill but this is a great read so definitely a read to experience.

This is a well told and creative storyline that is definitely worth pursuing and full of great pages that are attention grabbing. The ex's that are pursuing the truth chums together with a plus one (well another character) there is dark content edge of the seat dynamics and fun to be had.

So yes I loved this book and highly recommend it its one you don't want to miss in my opinion.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had an amazing start! In fact, the first several chapters had me on the edge of my seat! At some point though, it started to feel repetitive for a bit. There were also times the scene just jumped forward in a chapter with no segway or break in the page making chunks of the story hard to follow. In the end, the way it all came together was not quite what I expected. Overall, I did like " The Pact of Silence"

I won this book from a Goodreads Giveaway. I would like to thank Goodreads and the author for the opportunity to read this book.

[Bren · Rating 5 out of 5]

The unpredictability of this story kept me glued to the pages especially when a judge dies and the question arises was it suicide or murder? If you ask to many questions you take a chance of being eliminated by the system that's playing hardball and leaving dead bodies in their wake. Not only is this book intriguing it'll have you second guessing what you think you know.

[ALYSA HORSMAN · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great psychological thriller by Skyler Avalon.

Who is trying to bring down the Pact?? One minute you think its one person, then the next you think its another person. Ride along with the characters to discover who really is taking down the Pact and bring to light all that has been done.

I received this as an ARC from the author and truly enjoyed the twists and turns at every turn.

[Nicole Collins]

this was another good book of this author well written a page turner need to know what happened next I really enjoy reading from this author i will keep reading their books.

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