What do you think?
Rate this book
Win a free print copy of this book!
26 days and 00:29:13
3 copies available
U.S. only
Her Silence
Not yet published
Expected 21 Jul 26Win a free print copy of this book!
26 days and 00:29:13
3 copies available
U.S. only
Enter our Goodreads giveaway and win 1 of 3 paperback copies of the thriller sensation that hit the Top 4 Most Wanted Thrillers on NetGalley worldwide.
She survived the night. The truth didn't
Nicole was just seventeen when she had Lacey, and she swore her daughter would have a better life than she did. But years later, a call from the police shatters everything she swore to protect.
Lacey is found in the woods beside her friend's dead husband. He has been stabbed forty-five times. Lacey is barely alive. Covered in blood. And completely mute.
She hasn't said a word since. Not to the police. Not to her husband. Not even to Nicole.
Soon, everyone decides Lacey did it. And the Alderwyns become the most hated family in town.
But Nicole knows her daughter isn't a cold-blooded murderer. Guilt didn't silence her. Fear did. Whatever happened in those woods scares Lacey more than prison. And her silence is hiding something darker than murder.
Now Nicole is running out of time. Because whatever came for her daughter and left one person dead is coming for her next.
***Her Silence hit the Top 4 Most Requested Thrillers on NetGalley! Limited ARCs available on Netgalley. Releases 7/21/26 and will be available on Kindle Unlimited. Follow me here for giveaway and release updates. Thank you!***
She survived the night. The truth didn't
Nicole was just seventeen when she had Lacey, and she swore her daughter would have a better life than she did. But years later, a call from the police shatters everything she swore to protect.
Lacey is found in the woods beside her friend's dead husband. He has been stabbed forty-five times. Lacey is barely alive. Covered in blood. And completely mute.
She hasn't said a word since. Not to the police. Not to her husband. Not even to Nicole.
Soon, everyone decides Lacey did it. And the Alderwyns become the most hated family in town.
But Nicole knows her daughter isn't a cold-blooded murderer. Guilt didn't silence her. Fear did. Whatever happened in those woods scares Lacey more than prison. And her silence is hiding something darker than murder.
Now Nicole is running out of time. Because whatever came for her daughter and left one person dead is coming for her next.
***Her Silence hit the Top 4 Most Requested Thrillers on NetGalley! Limited ARCs available on Netgalley. Releases 7/21/26 and will be available on Kindle Unlimited. Follow me here for giveaway and release updates. Thank you!***
Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 21, 2026
About the author
S.T. Ashman
8 books738 followersS. T. Ashman is an American-German author who calls the beautiful U.S. Seacoast home. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, she spent years working as a psychotherapist in the criminal justice system. The work gave her a rare window into the human mind, both the beautiful and the deeply shadowed. It's no wonder readers often say her characters feel real enough to step off the page.
When she's not crafting her next twisty tale, you'll find her chasing after her kids, nose-deep in a book, or curled up late at night with a horror movie and a husband who always falls asleep on the couch before the scary parts.
When she's not crafting her next twisty tale, you'll find her chasing after her kids, nose-deep in a book, or curled up late at night with a horror movie and a husband who always falls asleep on the couch before the scary parts.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
May 23, 2026
This thriller novel was extremely addictive, mysterious, and terrifying. I love that this story and the characters were both very multilayered. It is emotional and incredibly deep. It’s more than just a thriller novel; there are layers to it. What initially attracted me to this book was the cover and the story’s description. I was curious whether it would live up to my expectations, and it really did! I can tell the author really put a lot of effort and time into creating this! It is very well written, easy to read, and full of twists!
This novel is written from different points of view and across different timelines. This really gave me a good perspective on the main characters and what they were thinking and going through. I felt every emotion while reading this. It’s about not giving up on family, complex characters, and trauma. My favorite character in the story was, of course, Lacey’s Mom, Nicole. The love she has for her daughter is so precious. Nicole is a fighter, and she does everything it takes to protect her daughter and the family. She even risks putting her own life in danger. This is more of a fast-paced novel with strong character development! In my opinion, this one will definitely be getting a movie adaptation! It is powerful in so many ways! I give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley, author S. T. Ashman, and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is expected to be released on July 21, 2026!
This novel is written from different points of view and across different timelines. This really gave me a good perspective on the main characters and what they were thinking and going through. I felt every emotion while reading this. It’s about not giving up on family, complex characters, and trauma. My favorite character in the story was, of course, Lacey’s Mom, Nicole. The love she has for her daughter is so precious. Nicole is a fighter, and she does everything it takes to protect her daughter and the family. She even risks putting her own life in danger. This is more of a fast-paced novel with strong character development! In my opinion, this one will definitely be getting a movie adaptation! It is powerful in so many ways! I give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley, author S. T. Ashman, and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is expected to be released on July 21, 2026!
May 25, 2026
This was the perfect rainy-day-at-the-cabin read. I flew through Her Silence in just over a day because I couldn’t put it down. The story kept me engaged from the beginning, with unexpected twists woven throughout that had me constantly second-guessing what would happen next. Just when I thought I had things figured out, another surprise pulled me back in. I also found myself genuinely invested in the characters and eager to see how everything would unfold. If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers with plenty of twists and turns, this is one to add to your list.
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 29, 2026
This book has so much packed into it, but I don’t want to reveal too much! Just as the synopsis says, Lacey and Brian are having marriage troubles, and decide to go away to their best friend’s lake house. They leave their three kids with Lacey’s mom, Nicole. Brian drove up alone and Lacey carpooled with Amanda’s husband, Zach.
Early the next morning, Nicole gets a call from the police. Lacey and Zach never made it to the lake house. They were found on a country road with Zach dead and Lacey with a head injury and covered in blood. They race to the hospital and soon realize there’s something wrong with Lacey. The blood isn’t hers, and she’s practically catatonic. She won’t/can’t speak, and she just stares at people with nothing in her eyes.
Eventually, she becomes the main suspect in Zach’s death. The blood covering her is his, there is no evidence of anyone else being at the scene, and the police eventually arrest her. As she sits in jail, mute, her family, friends and lawyer are all working hard to figure out what happened. So are the police, and with politics at play, Nicole is worried her daughter may never talk again, and may never step foot outside prison again.
The ending of the book was fantastic, and there is a lot more to the story than the synopsis reveals. There are a lot of characters, which normally I find tedious, but I didn’t in this story. They are all quite interesting, and necessary for that perfect ending. This covers a lot of subjects, but the main story of Lacey is very compelling and heartbreaking. I think it’s much deeper than the average mute murder mystery novel, and I really enjoyed this quick read. 4.5 stars!
(Thank you to NetGalley and S.T. Ashman for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on July 21, 2026.)
Early the next morning, Nicole gets a call from the police. Lacey and Zach never made it to the lake house. They were found on a country road with Zach dead and Lacey with a head injury and covered in blood. They race to the hospital and soon realize there’s something wrong with Lacey. The blood isn’t hers, and she’s practically catatonic. She won’t/can’t speak, and she just stares at people with nothing in her eyes.
Eventually, she becomes the main suspect in Zach’s death. The blood covering her is his, there is no evidence of anyone else being at the scene, and the police eventually arrest her. As she sits in jail, mute, her family, friends and lawyer are all working hard to figure out what happened. So are the police, and with politics at play, Nicole is worried her daughter may never talk again, and may never step foot outside prison again.
The ending of the book was fantastic, and there is a lot more to the story than the synopsis reveals. There are a lot of characters, which normally I find tedious, but I didn’t in this story. They are all quite interesting, and necessary for that perfect ending. This covers a lot of subjects, but the main story of Lacey is very compelling and heartbreaking. I think it’s much deeper than the average mute murder mystery novel, and I really enjoyed this quick read. 4.5 stars!
(Thank you to NetGalley and S.T. Ashman for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on July 21, 2026.)
May 28, 2026
HER SILENCE ABSOLUTELY RUINED MY SLEEP SCHEDULE (AND I LOVED EVERY SECOND) 🌲📖
Her Silence by S. T. Ashman 🔪🖤
First things first — thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and S. T. Ashman for the ARC in exchange for an honest review 🖤
NOW LISTEN. This book had me acting completely feral. 😭🔪
When S. T. Ashman personally asked me to join her street team, my response was basically:
💅 say less, babe
Because after reading Her Silence??? I would rep this book from the rooftops. She immediately approved my NetGalley request, and we’ve been chatting on Instagram ever since. She is genuinely such a gem AND an absolute thriller queen 👑🖤
This was one of those “just one more chapter” situations that turns into you staring at the clock at 2 a.m. questioning all your life choices because there was NO WAY you were sleeping without answers. I finished this in three sittings because putting it down felt illegal.
And this premise??? HELLO???? 🔥
She survived the night. The truth didn’t.
Nicole gets a call at 4 a.m. Her daughter Lacey has been found in the woods beside her friend’s dead husband — stabbed forty-four times. Lacey is barely alive, covered in blood, and completely mute.
She won’t speak to police.
She won’t speak to her husband.
She won’t even speak to her mother.
Yeah. inject this directly into my veins 🫠
What made this hit so hard was the emotional layer under the chaos. Nicole isn’t just solving a murder — she’s trying to protect her daughter while unraveling secrets that get darker and darker with every chapter. The family dynamics, fear, and tension made this completely addictive.
The pacing? Insane.
No filler. No lull. Just constant escalation and paranoia. Every time I thought I had something figured out, the book basically went absolutely not and ripped the rug out anyway 💀
And the twists??? rude. disrespectful. iconic. 😭👏
If you love:
🔪 psychological thrillers
🌲 dark secrets + family drama
😳 morally messy characters
📖 bingeable fast reads
🩸 staying up way too late because you need answers
…you need this on your radar.
S. T. Ashman officially has my full attention now because WHAT do you mean I need her entire backlist immediately??? 🖤
📅 Her Silence releases July 21, 2026 — but if you’re on NetGalley, go request this ASAP. And go follow the author because she deserves ALL the hype 👏🔥
Her Silence by S. T. Ashman 🔪🖤
First things first — thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and S. T. Ashman for the ARC in exchange for an honest review 🖤
NOW LISTEN. This book had me acting completely feral. 😭🔪
When S. T. Ashman personally asked me to join her street team, my response was basically:
💅 say less, babe
Because after reading Her Silence??? I would rep this book from the rooftops. She immediately approved my NetGalley request, and we’ve been chatting on Instagram ever since. She is genuinely such a gem AND an absolute thriller queen 👑🖤
This was one of those “just one more chapter” situations that turns into you staring at the clock at 2 a.m. questioning all your life choices because there was NO WAY you were sleeping without answers. I finished this in three sittings because putting it down felt illegal.
And this premise??? HELLO???? 🔥
She survived the night. The truth didn’t.
Nicole gets a call at 4 a.m. Her daughter Lacey has been found in the woods beside her friend’s dead husband — stabbed forty-four times. Lacey is barely alive, covered in blood, and completely mute.
She won’t speak to police.
She won’t speak to her husband.
She won’t even speak to her mother.
Yeah. inject this directly into my veins 🫠
What made this hit so hard was the emotional layer under the chaos. Nicole isn’t just solving a murder — she’s trying to protect her daughter while unraveling secrets that get darker and darker with every chapter. The family dynamics, fear, and tension made this completely addictive.
The pacing? Insane.
No filler. No lull. Just constant escalation and paranoia. Every time I thought I had something figured out, the book basically went absolutely not and ripped the rug out anyway 💀
And the twists??? rude. disrespectful. iconic. 😭👏
If you love:
🔪 psychological thrillers
🌲 dark secrets + family drama
😳 morally messy characters
📖 bingeable fast reads
🩸 staying up way too late because you need answers
…you need this on your radar.
S. T. Ashman officially has my full attention now because WHAT do you mean I need her entire backlist immediately??? 🖤
📅 Her Silence releases July 21, 2026 — but if you’re on NetGalley, go request this ASAP. And go follow the author because she deserves ALL the hype 👏🔥
May 19, 2026
Lacey was found in the woods beside a man stabbed forty-four times. Covered in blood. Barely alive. And since then she hasn't spoken a single word.
Everyone thinks she's a killer. But her mother knows better. Whatever happened that night didn’t just leave bodies behind… it left terror buried in the silence.
This book absolutely wrecked me. I couldn't put it down for a second. The tension, the heartbreak, the rage. Perfect.
And speaking of rage… Brian has officially joined my list of most hated book characters of all time. I can’t even explain why without spoilers, but just know that man had me SEETHING. Meanwhile, my favourite character was Ginny the doberman. Again, can't say why without spoilers, but just know she is a QUEEN.
The writing was incredible and I flew through this so fast. My heart broke for Lacey and her family (minus Brian, obviously). But Part One? DEVASTATING. I was already emotional over Ginny, then the ending of Part One came along and absolutely destroyed me. I genuinely had no idea where the story could go after that, but Part Two from Dylan’s POV still packed one hell of an emotional punch. I was a mess by the end.
Easily my favourite book by this author so far. Zero notes. Okay, one note: Brian should’ve been killed off...
Everyone thinks she's a killer. But her mother knows better. Whatever happened that night didn’t just leave bodies behind… it left terror buried in the silence.
This book absolutely wrecked me. I couldn't put it down for a second. The tension, the heartbreak, the rage. Perfect.
And speaking of rage… Brian has officially joined my list of most hated book characters of all time. I can’t even explain why without spoilers, but just know that man had me SEETHING. Meanwhile, my favourite character was Ginny the doberman. Again, can't say why without spoilers, but just know she is a QUEEN.
The writing was incredible and I flew through this so fast. My heart broke for Lacey and her family (minus Brian, obviously). But Part One? DEVASTATING. I was already emotional over Ginny, then the ending of Part One came along and absolutely destroyed me. I genuinely had no idea where the story could go after that, but Part Two from Dylan’s POV still packed one hell of an emotional punch. I was a mess by the end.
Easily my favourite book by this author so far. Zero notes. Okay, one note: Brian should’ve been killed off...
May 27, 2026
Holy cow, this book! I am officially running to read everything else this author has ever written.
This was my first read from S.T. Ashman, and I absolutely loved it! It is a gripping , fast-paced thriller that kept the tension high throughout, but it also made me feel a HUGE range of emotions, which is so rare for this genre.
Nicole receives a call in the middle of the night that her daughter Lacey is in the hospital with a head injury. She was found in the woods near a murdered man and is totally drenched in his blood. The trauma has left her unable to speak. When she’s arrested for the murder, Nicole has to fight with everything in her to get justice for Lacey before it’s too late.
The mystery goes DEEP, and I completely lost myself in it. You will be constantly guessing because everyone has a secret, and the one person who knows what happened that night isn't talking.
A huge thank you to the author for reaching out to me with the opportunity to read Her Silence, because this was such an amazing book and right up my alley. Additional thanks goes to Victory Editing via NetGalley for providing the ARC.
Trust me: do NOT sleep on this thriller!
This was my first read from S.T. Ashman, and I absolutely loved it! It is a gripping , fast-paced thriller that kept the tension high throughout, but it also made me feel a HUGE range of emotions, which is so rare for this genre.
Nicole receives a call in the middle of the night that her daughter Lacey is in the hospital with a head injury. She was found in the woods near a murdered man and is totally drenched in his blood. The trauma has left her unable to speak. When she’s arrested for the murder, Nicole has to fight with everything in her to get justice for Lacey before it’s too late.
The mystery goes DEEP, and I completely lost myself in it. You will be constantly guessing because everyone has a secret, and the one person who knows what happened that night isn't talking.
A huge thank you to the author for reaching out to me with the opportunity to read Her Silence, because this was such an amazing book and right up my alley. Additional thanks goes to Victory Editing via NetGalley for providing the ARC.
Trust me: do NOT sleep on this thriller!
May 17, 2026
I knew when I read the synopsis and saw all the 5 star reviews that this book was going to be something special. I tore through the pages and audibly said “what!” about 4 times. Not only was this fast-paced with short chapters, but this thriller pulls at the heart strings. Definitely a read in a day type of book. Also, the scene with the dog (don’t worry nothing happens to him) might be the best scene I have ever read!
Lacey is found in the woods next to her best friend’s murdered husband. She’s gone mute, has multiple injuries, and the police have no other suspects. Her mom Nicole is taking care of the house, her kids, and her husband who is spiraling out of control. She is determined to find who the real killer is and stops at nothing to protect her family.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC! What a wild ride!
Lacey is found in the woods next to her best friend’s murdered husband. She’s gone mute, has multiple injuries, and the police have no other suspects. Her mom Nicole is taking care of the house, her kids, and her husband who is spiraling out of control. She is determined to find who the real killer is and stops at nothing to protect her family.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC! What a wild ride!
May 22, 2026
I could not put this book down. From the very first chapter, it pulled me in completely and kept me guessing the entire time. If you like fast-paced thrillers with twist after twist, this is absolutely the book for you. Every time I thought I had figured things out, the story took another unexpected turn. I finished it and I’m still not entirely sure what really happened… and honestly? That’s what made it so good.
May 23, 2026
Wow, what an absolutely wild ride!
This book was unpredictable, dripping with suspense, and genuinely impossible to put down. S.T. Ashman never lets me down.
If you need a thriller that will completely consume you, I highly recommend this one!
This book was unpredictable, dripping with suspense, and genuinely impossible to put down. S.T. Ashman never lets me down.
If you need a thriller that will completely consume you, I highly recommend this one!
April 23, 2026
This one was such a good read. The writing had me hooked right from the beginning and I definitely flew through it. It wastes no time pulling you in, and the storyline catches your interest fast. I needed to know what really happened that night and every chapter kept me wanting more.
I loved the characters… minus Brian 🤣 He definitely got on my nerves. But the family dynamics in this one really stood out to me. As a boy mom, I especially loved the relationship between the son and mom.
This was a fast, engaging thriller with secrets, family drama, and twists that kept me locked in. If you like books that grab you immediately and keep the pages turning, definitely pick this one up.
I loved the characters… minus Brian 🤣 He definitely got on my nerves. But the family dynamics in this one really stood out to me. As a boy mom, I especially loved the relationship between the son and mom.
This was a fast, engaging thriller with secrets, family drama, and twists that kept me locked in. If you like books that grab you immediately and keep the pages turning, definitely pick this one up.
May 22, 2026
Her Silence by S T Ashman was a gripping and fast-paced read that kept me hooked from the start. The story is shocking and upsetting in places, especially with the strong themes of death and grief running throughout, but it’s also a powerful story about family loyalty, resilience, and inner strength.
The characters felt believable, and the emotional moments really stayed with me. Just when I thought I had worked everything out, the plot twist completely caught me off guard. A tense and emotional thriller that’s hard to put down.
The characters felt believable, and the emotional moments really stayed with me. Just when I thought I had worked everything out, the plot twist completely caught me off guard. A tense and emotional thriller that’s hard to put down.
June 1, 2026
This was my first S.T. Ashman book and most certainly will not be my last.
This one had me tensing through out needing to find the truth and boy those twists I thought I had it all figured out.
If you like dark and twisty books with secrets, suspense and obsession? This one will be a go to!
This one had me tensing through out needing to find the truth and boy those twists I thought I had it all figured out.
If you like dark and twisty books with secrets, suspense and obsession? This one will be a go to!
May 21, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book. Wow this book literally started with a punch! It kept me engaged and I couldn't put it down. I especially loved the twist!
May 4, 2026
I started and finished this in one day - got sucked in from the outset and was compelled to finish! Wife, mom and daughter Lacey gets into some trouble and things spiral from there. Absolutely loved the characters of Lacey's mom Nicole and son Dylan and how much they love Lacey. Loved Ginny the Doberman. I half predicted some aspects of how things resolved, but didn't reduce my enjoyment of the book. A wild ride that was emotional at times.
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for providing me with an advance reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
Expected pub date: July 21, 2026.
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for providing me with an advance reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
Expected pub date: July 21, 2026.
June 2, 2026
First, I want to thank the author for reaching out to me and offering me an ARC copy through NetGalley. This was the first time I was approached by an author, so I didn't know what to expect, but I was excited to give it a try!
It is hard to finish a book like this and find the best words to describe the thrilling, emotional rollercoaster I just went on. I have never read a thriller that was equal parts jaw-dropping and sob-worthy. As soon as I thought I knew what was happening another curveball would hit me. UNREAL. I even woke up throughout the night to power my Kindle on and read as much as I could before I dozed off again. I could NOT put it down!
As a mom myself, I can relate to the grandmother on such a deep level. I would do anything for my children and the stuff she endured for hers was unreal. There were moments I audibly gasped as she was chasing justice and answers. The love she showed for her daughter and grandkids is something I will never forget.
I knew I loved Dylan from the beginning but the way his character evolved and matured by the end made me love him even more! I appreciate the way the author wrapped everything up... I hate books that leave me wondering or with more questions than answers. Ashman ties everything up nicely and left me wanting to scramble to KU and find another read from her!
It is hard to finish a book like this and find the best words to describe the thrilling, emotional rollercoaster I just went on. I have never read a thriller that was equal parts jaw-dropping and sob-worthy. As soon as I thought I knew what was happening another curveball would hit me. UNREAL. I even woke up throughout the night to power my Kindle on and read as much as I could before I dozed off again. I could NOT put it down!
As a mom myself, I can relate to the grandmother on such a deep level. I would do anything for my children and the stuff she endured for hers was unreal. There were moments I audibly gasped as she was chasing justice and answers. The love she showed for her daughter and grandkids is something I will never forget.
I knew I loved Dylan from the beginning but the way his character evolved and matured by the end made me love him even more! I appreciate the way the author wrapped everything up... I hate books that leave me wondering or with more questions than answers. Ashman ties everything up nicely and left me wanting to scramble to KU and find another read from her!
May 18, 2026
I really enjoyed this one. From the beginning I had a feeling something was off and I spent the entire book trying to figure out who was telling the truth. Every time I thought I had it figured out, the story would shift just enough to make me question everything all over again.
The family dynamics, secrets, and tension kept me completely invested. I especially liked that the twists didn’t feel thrown in just for shock value. Looking back after finishing, there were little moments and clues planted throughout that made the ending feel satisfying instead of random.
Dylan ended up being one of the most interesting characters to me because my opinion of him kept changing throughout the story. Suspicious, smart, unsettling, observant… honestly I never fully knew what to think.
This was one of those thrillers that keeps you mentally investigating the entire time, and I love books that can actually make me do that. Definitely a bingeable read for thriller fans who love messy relationships, secrets, and constantly second-guessing everyone.
The family dynamics, secrets, and tension kept me completely invested. I especially liked that the twists didn’t feel thrown in just for shock value. Looking back after finishing, there were little moments and clues planted throughout that made the ending feel satisfying instead of random.
Dylan ended up being one of the most interesting characters to me because my opinion of him kept changing throughout the story. Suspicious, smart, unsettling, observant… honestly I never fully knew what to think.
This was one of those thrillers that keeps you mentally investigating the entire time, and I love books that can actually make me do that. Definitely a bingeable read for thriller fans who love messy relationships, secrets, and constantly second-guessing everyone.
May 19, 2026
𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒐𝒇 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒑𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅
I feel honored to be able to review Her Silence by S.T Ashman. Thank you Victory Editing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC.
Fast-paced and impossible to put down, full of twist that will have you guessing what’s next? This story has the MOST TWISTED ENDING!
When Nicole received that unexpected call early morning. It was the day that everything was changing for her , her grandkids and her daughter Lacey.
A mother’s love is to be protective and like any mother will do, fight for her children until the end.
This story will have you addicted from the beginning. Unexpected events will have you gasping. I was living Lacey’s story, my heart was beating fast like It was me going thru all the emotions .
The real question is, who was Zach’s killer? What really happened that night is the answer everyone needed .
I feel honored to be able to review Her Silence by S.T Ashman. Thank you Victory Editing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC.
Fast-paced and impossible to put down, full of twist that will have you guessing what’s next? This story has the MOST TWISTED ENDING!
When Nicole received that unexpected call early morning. It was the day that everything was changing for her , her grandkids and her daughter Lacey.
A mother’s love is to be protective and like any mother will do, fight for her children until the end.
This story will have you addicted from the beginning. Unexpected events will have you gasping. I was living Lacey’s story, my heart was beating fast like It was me going thru all the emotions .
The real question is, who was Zach’s killer? What really happened that night is the answer everyone needed .
May 25, 2026
Her Silence was everything I want in a psychological thriller — tense, emotional, and impossible to put down. Every chapter pulled me deeper into the mystery, and just when I thought I had things figured out, the story twisted again. S.T. Ashman did such a great job building suspense while also making the characters feel real and layered.
What really stood out to me was the atmosphere and the way the silence between characters said just as much as the dialogue. The pacing kept me hooked the entire time, and the ending genuinely shocked me in the best way. If you love thrillers that keep your heart racing and your mind guessing, this one absolutely delivers. Easy 5 stars from me.
What really stood out to me was the atmosphere and the way the silence between characters said just as much as the dialogue. The pacing kept me hooked the entire time, and the ending genuinely shocked me in the best way. If you love thrillers that keep your heart racing and your mind guessing, this one absolutely delivers. Easy 5 stars from me.
May 25, 2026
Her Silence had me hooked from the very beginning. It was fast paced and kept me on the edge of my seat. Just when I thought I had it figured out, nope! I gobbled it up in two short days.
Lacey is found in the woods next to her best friend's dead husband. She is covered in blood, hers and the dead husband, and she has multiple injuries of her own. Unfortunately, she is the one and only suspect in the case and she is so traumatized that she's gone mute! Lacey's mom, Nicole, steps in to take care of everything in addition to trying to find the real killer.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. It's a good one!
Lacey is found in the woods next to her best friend's dead husband. She is covered in blood, hers and the dead husband, and she has multiple injuries of her own. Unfortunately, she is the one and only suspect in the case and she is so traumatized that she's gone mute! Lacey's mom, Nicole, steps in to take care of everything in addition to trying to find the real killer.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. It's a good one!
May 12, 2026
Anything by S.T. Ashman is an auto-read for me! I can always count on a masterfully woven tale and complex, interesting characters, and Her Silence did not disappoint.
I was immediately drawn in by the eye-catching cover, but the story itself is what truly sparked. The words flow from the page like electricity, providing jolt after jolt of excitement. It’s the kind of writing that keeps you electrified and eager to see what the next page brings.
What really sealed the deal for me was the family dynamic. I love a story where families go hard for each other, and that loyalty was the heartbeat of this book. A must-read for fans of high-stakes tension and deep-rooted character bonds!
I was immediately drawn in by the eye-catching cover, but the story itself is what truly sparked. The words flow from the page like electricity, providing jolt after jolt of excitement. It’s the kind of writing that keeps you electrified and eager to see what the next page brings.
What really sealed the deal for me was the family dynamic. I love a story where families go hard for each other, and that loyalty was the heartbeat of this book. A must-read for fans of high-stakes tension and deep-rooted character bonds!
May 31, 2026
I love a good thriller and this certainly didn’t disappoint. It was intriguing and each chapter made you want to keep going. The whole way through I found myself constantly changing my mind on who I thought was the blame for this whole mess. You really felt so connected to the characters that you were actually going through this all with them!
Thank you very much for the opportunity to read this book early!
Thank you very much for the opportunity to read this book early!
May 16, 2026
Her Silence by ST Ashman was such an addictive thriller that had me hooked almost immediately. The twist kept coming and every time I thought I had the ending figured out, I was wrong. Which is exactly what I want from a thriller.
Lacey and Dylan were both relatable, and I liked them instantly. The ending delivered all the gratification I was hoping for.
Personally, I wish there was a little more depth and emotional stakes, but again, that’s just a preference. Give me all the emotional damage. 😏
If you’re looking for a fast-paced, easy-to-read thriller that will keep you guessing until the end, I’d definitely recommend adding this one to your TBR.
Lacey and Dylan were both relatable, and I liked them instantly. The ending delivered all the gratification I was hoping for.
Personally, I wish there was a little more depth and emotional stakes, but again, that’s just a preference. Give me all the emotional damage. 😏
If you’re looking for a fast-paced, easy-to-read thriller that will keep you guessing until the end, I’d definitely recommend adding this one to your TBR.
May 16, 2026
Not a dull moment in this one! Lacey was found in the woods beside her best friends dead husband. Stabbed 44 times, and Lacey charged with his murder.
I will say there’s way more than meets the eye in this book. Lots of time jumps where you feel the story has ended just for it to take another turn. Strong themes of family loyalty and pursuing the truth. This was a quick read!
I will say there’s way more than meets the eye in this book. Lots of time jumps where you feel the story has ended just for it to take another turn. Strong themes of family loyalty and pursuing the truth. This was a quick read!
May 31, 2026
Ironically, Her Silence had me gasping the entire time! Some books start strong & lose momentum along the way, but not this one. From start to finish I was invested! The pace, the tension, the characters, the shock! I found myself unable to put it down.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC and to S.T. Ashman for writing a book that kept me up all night!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC and to S.T. Ashman for writing a book that kept me up all night!
May 18, 2026
4.75⭐
👀👄: În ultima perioadă citesc rar altceva decât dark romance, dar, îmi e dor din când în când de câte un thriller. Rar am găsit, în ultimă vreme, unul care să mă captiveze de la primele pagini și care să mă facă să citesc obsesiv, să văd ce se întâmplă. Am fost extrem de surprinsă când autoarea mi-a propus acest ARC. Dar nu am refuzat pentru că eu mai citisem de la ea, IKK crime series, unde "I kill killers" mi-a plăcut foarte mult. Cât sunt de norocoasă că am acceptat.
Unul dintre cele mai bune thrillere citite vreodată.
Ceea ce face cărțile ei atât de speciale este latura psihologică din spatele poveștii și a personajelor. Nu am crezut vreodată că pot plânge la un thriller, dar am făcut - o de mai multe ori citind. O poveste incredibilă, care te ține în suspans de la început și care se dezvoltă incredibil, personaje extrem de bine conturate, familie, iubire necondiționată și infinită, putere și luptă pentru dreptate. Plot twist -urile de la sfârșit te lasă fără cuvinte. Atâtea idei și păreri îți faci pe parcursul lecturii, fiecare scenă și frază îți dau fiori și îți trezesc nenumărate sentimente, iar sfârșitul este neașteptat.
📖: Lacey, este o mamă a trei copii, care se luptă zilnic cu viața de familie, responsabilități, un soț destul de înstrăinat de îndatorirea de tată și partener de viață, care, împreună cu prietena ei cea mai bună, Amanda, soțul acesteia Zach și soțul lui Lacey, Brian, hotărăsc o mică escapadă la casa luxoasă a Amandei. Dimineață, mama lui Lacey, Nicole, primește un telefon de la detectivul Nolan, că Zach a fost găsit mort, înjunghiat de peste 40 de ori, în mașina lui, iar Lacey în pădure, plină de sânge, cu hainele sfâșiate și în stare de șoc. După ce lucrurile s-au mai calmat un pic, justiția o găsesc vinovată pe Lacey și o încarcerează până când începe procesul. Doar că Lacey nu își mai revine, nu vorbește, se mișcă ca un robot și este într-o permanentă stare catatonică. Nicole, o mamă care nu își poate abandona fiica, începe să investigheze pe cont propriu pentru a descoperi ce s-a întâmplat de fapt în ziua aceea.
📖
Lately I rarely read anything other than dark romances, but I miss a thriller from time to time. I have rarely found one that captivates me from the first pages and makes me read obsessively to see what happens. I was extremely surprised when the author proposed this ARC to me. But I did not refuse because I had read her before, IKK crime series, where I really liked "I kill killers". How lucky I am that I accepted.
One of the best thrillers I have ever read.
What makes her books so special is the psychological side behind the story and the characters. I never thought I could cry at a thriller, but I did it several times while reading. An incredible story, that keeps you in suspense from the beginning and that develops incredibly: extremely well-defined characters, family, unconditional and infinite love, strength and the fight for justice. The plot twists at the end leave you speechless. So many ideas and opinions you form while reading, every scene and sentence gives you chills and awakens countless feelings, and the ending is unexpected.
Lacey, is a mother of three children, who struggles daily with family life, responsibilities, a husband quite alienated from his duty as a father and life partner, who, together with her best friend, Amanda, her husband Zach and Lacey's husband, Brian, decide to have a little getaway to Amanda's luxurious home. In the morning, Lacey's mother, Nicole, receives a call from Detective Nolan, that Zach has been found dead, stabbed over 40 times, in his car, and Lacey in the woods, covered in blood, with torn clothes and in a state of shock. After things calm down a bit, the justice system finds Lacey guilty and locks her up until her trial begins. But Lacey never recovers, she doesn't speak, moves like a robot and is in a permanent catatonic state. Nicole, a mother who can't abandon her daughter, begins to investigate on her own to discover what really happened that day.
👀👄: În ultima perioadă citesc rar altceva decât dark romance, dar, îmi e dor din când în când de câte un thriller. Rar am găsit, în ultimă vreme, unul care să mă captiveze de la primele pagini și care să mă facă să citesc obsesiv, să văd ce se întâmplă. Am fost extrem de surprinsă când autoarea mi-a propus acest ARC. Dar nu am refuzat pentru că eu mai citisem de la ea, IKK crime series, unde "I kill killers" mi-a plăcut foarte mult. Cât sunt de norocoasă că am acceptat.
Unul dintre cele mai bune thrillere citite vreodată.
Ceea ce face cărțile ei atât de speciale este latura psihologică din spatele poveștii și a personajelor. Nu am crezut vreodată că pot plânge la un thriller, dar am făcut - o de mai multe ori citind. O poveste incredibilă, care te ține în suspans de la început și care se dezvoltă incredibil, personaje extrem de bine conturate, familie, iubire necondiționată și infinită, putere și luptă pentru dreptate. Plot twist -urile de la sfârșit te lasă fără cuvinte. Atâtea idei și păreri îți faci pe parcursul lecturii, fiecare scenă și frază îți dau fiori și îți trezesc nenumărate sentimente, iar sfârșitul este neașteptat.
📖: Lacey, este o mamă a trei copii, care se luptă zilnic cu viața de familie, responsabilități, un soț destul de înstrăinat de îndatorirea de tată și partener de viață, care, împreună cu prietena ei cea mai bună, Amanda, soțul acesteia Zach și soțul lui Lacey, Brian, hotărăsc o mică escapadă la casa luxoasă a Amandei. Dimineață, mama lui Lacey, Nicole, primește un telefon de la detectivul Nolan, că Zach a fost găsit mort, înjunghiat de peste 40 de ori, în mașina lui, iar Lacey în pădure, plină de sânge, cu hainele sfâșiate și în stare de șoc. După ce lucrurile s-au mai calmat un pic, justiția o găsesc vinovată pe Lacey și o încarcerează până când începe procesul. Doar că Lacey nu își mai revine, nu vorbește, se mișcă ca un robot și este într-o permanentă stare catatonică. Nicole, o mamă care nu își poate abandona fiica, începe să investigheze pe cont propriu pentru a descoperi ce s-a întâmplat de fapt în ziua aceea.
📖
Lately I rarely read anything other than dark romances, but I miss a thriller from time to time. I have rarely found one that captivates me from the first pages and makes me read obsessively to see what happens. I was extremely surprised when the author proposed this ARC to me. But I did not refuse because I had read her before, IKK crime series, where I really liked "I kill killers". How lucky I am that I accepted.
One of the best thrillers I have ever read.
What makes her books so special is the psychological side behind the story and the characters. I never thought I could cry at a thriller, but I did it several times while reading. An incredible story, that keeps you in suspense from the beginning and that develops incredibly: extremely well-defined characters, family, unconditional and infinite love, strength and the fight for justice. The plot twists at the end leave you speechless. So many ideas and opinions you form while reading, every scene and sentence gives you chills and awakens countless feelings, and the ending is unexpected.
Lacey, is a mother of three children, who struggles daily with family life, responsibilities, a husband quite alienated from his duty as a father and life partner, who, together with her best friend, Amanda, her husband Zach and Lacey's husband, Brian, decide to have a little getaway to Amanda's luxurious home. In the morning, Lacey's mother, Nicole, receives a call from Detective Nolan, that Zach has been found dead, stabbed over 40 times, in his car, and Lacey in the woods, covered in blood, with torn clothes and in a state of shock. After things calm down a bit, the justice system finds Lacey guilty and locks her up until her trial begins. But Lacey never recovers, she doesn't speak, moves like a robot and is in a permanent catatonic state. Nicole, a mother who can't abandon her daughter, begins to investigate on her own to discover what really happened that day.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
From the very first chapter, this book had me completely hooked. The short chapters, constant tension, and fast-paced plot made it incredibly hard to put down. If you're looking for a thriller that keeps you turning pages late into the night, this one definitely delivers. The suspense is intense, the stakes feel high, and there are plenty of moments that will leave you desperate to know what happens next.
One of my favorite things about this book was the author's attention to detail. Not the overly descriptive kind, but the small, everyday details that make characters feel real. Those little touches added so much personality and helped me become more invested in the story and the people at its center.
This book also packed quite an emotional punch. There were several heartbreaking moments throughout the story, and I found myself genuinely invested in Nicole's journey and her determination to protect her family.
As much as I enjoyed the ride, I did have some reservations. I absolutely loved the first part of the novel and thought the mystery was being woven together brilliantly. However, as the story progressed, I felt some cracks begin to show. The later sections took the narrative in a direction that felt very different from the story I thought I was reading, and I struggled to connect with some of the developments. By the final stretch, I found myself more confused than shocked, wondering how the story had arrived at certain places.
There were also a few scenes that felt unnecessary to me and disrupted the emotional flow rather than strengthening it. Some moments that should have carried a heavier emotional impact didn't land quite as strongly because of the way they were positioned within the story.
I also have a very minor and completely personal nitpick: I never quite connected with the name Nicole for Lacey's mother. I know it's such a small thing, but character names sometimes shape how I picture relationships, and I occasionally had to remind myself that Nicole and Lacey were mother and daughter rather than sisters. That's entirely a "me" issue, but I thought it was worth mentioning.
Another small observation: the book frequently emphasizes how attractive certain characters are. It wasn't a major problem, but after a while I found myself wondering if there was a specific reason for repeating those descriptions so often.
And then there's one particular character who tested my patience from beginning to end. My frustration with him reached astronomical levels.
Despite my issues with some of the later developments, I can't deny how gripping this book was. The opening sections were fantastic, the mystery immediately pulled me in, and the tension rarely let up. Even though the ending didn't fully work for me, I was thoroughly invested throughout most of the journey.
If you enjoy fast-paced mystery thrillers filled with family secrets, emotional stakes, and plenty of twists, Her Silence is worth checking out.
One of my favorite things about this book was the author's attention to detail. Not the overly descriptive kind, but the small, everyday details that make characters feel real. Those little touches added so much personality and helped me become more invested in the story and the people at its center.
This book also packed quite an emotional punch. There were several heartbreaking moments throughout the story, and I found myself genuinely invested in Nicole's journey and her determination to protect her family.
As much as I enjoyed the ride, I did have some reservations. I absolutely loved the first part of the novel and thought the mystery was being woven together brilliantly. However, as the story progressed, I felt some cracks begin to show. The later sections took the narrative in a direction that felt very different from the story I thought I was reading, and I struggled to connect with some of the developments. By the final stretch, I found myself more confused than shocked, wondering how the story had arrived at certain places.
There were also a few scenes that felt unnecessary to me and disrupted the emotional flow rather than strengthening it. Some moments that should have carried a heavier emotional impact didn't land quite as strongly because of the way they were positioned within the story.
I also have a very minor and completely personal nitpick: I never quite connected with the name Nicole for Lacey's mother. I know it's such a small thing, but character names sometimes shape how I picture relationships, and I occasionally had to remind myself that Nicole and Lacey were mother and daughter rather than sisters. That's entirely a "me" issue, but I thought it was worth mentioning.
Another small observation: the book frequently emphasizes how attractive certain characters are. It wasn't a major problem, but after a while I found myself wondering if there was a specific reason for repeating those descriptions so often.
And then there's one particular character who tested my patience from beginning to end. My frustration with him reached astronomical levels.
Despite my issues with some of the later developments, I can't deny how gripping this book was. The opening sections were fantastic, the mystery immediately pulled me in, and the tension rarely let up. Even though the ending didn't fully work for me, I was thoroughly invested throughout most of the journey.
If you enjoy fast-paced mystery thrillers filled with family secrets, emotional stakes, and plenty of twists, Her Silence is worth checking out.
May 1, 2026
First things first - take a look at this cover! Doesn’t it make you want to dive right in?
Nicole receives a call at 4 a.m. about her daughter Lacey, who is found near a murdered man, critically injured and mute. Believing Lacey's silence stems from fear, not guilt, Nicole is determined to uncover the truth, despite the dangers of hidden secrets.
The story begins by unfolding through the perspectives of Lacey and Nicole, then shifts to Dylan's point of view in the second part. The author dives right into the action, so don’t get too cozy! You’ll have an engaging reading day ahead! Each chapter is packed with rich character development and numerous secrets intertwined in their lives. I particularly enjoyed Lacey’s determination to protect those around her. Meanwhile, Nicole faces the repercussions of her past, and Dylan showcases an insightful patience as he waits for his moment to shine. You’ll certainly encounter some characters you’ll warm up to, alongside a few who may not be as endearing, but don’t underestimate any of them!
This was my first read from this author, and wow! It was a thrilling rollercoaster ride filled with twists and turns. The clever plot and execution were truly impressive. I’m not used to this writing style, but I really enjoyed it. I originally thought the book could stand on its own with just the first part, but the second half added a layer of realism as the characters mature and confront their pasts. Dylan, in particular, grows up and sets out to uncover what happened to his mother and who was behind it all.
There’s so much intention behind Lacey's actions that you don’t see at first. But as you peel back the layers, more and more is revealed. I loved how the author teased us, making it feel like the case was closed when it really wasn't. Dylan had to dig deeper because, as we know, lies are like threads; pull one, and others unravel, leading to a web of deception. The truth is out there, but can you handle it?
This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys a dark, suspenseful read that’s hard to put down, especially with the short chapters that make it easy to binge. If you don’t mind going the extra mile to uncover the truth, especially when it comes to generational trauma and seeking justice for a parent, you’ll find a lot to appreciate here. Stay alert, as numerous subtle hints will become clear later on. This story left me speechless, and by the end, I had so many questions that were answered. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to have a chat with my best friend because she sure can’t have my man if something ever happens to me! Ha!
Thank you, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Nicole receives a call at 4 a.m. about her daughter Lacey, who is found near a murdered man, critically injured and mute. Believing Lacey's silence stems from fear, not guilt, Nicole is determined to uncover the truth, despite the dangers of hidden secrets.
The story begins by unfolding through the perspectives of Lacey and Nicole, then shifts to Dylan's point of view in the second part. The author dives right into the action, so don’t get too cozy! You’ll have an engaging reading day ahead! Each chapter is packed with rich character development and numerous secrets intertwined in their lives. I particularly enjoyed Lacey’s determination to protect those around her. Meanwhile, Nicole faces the repercussions of her past, and Dylan showcases an insightful patience as he waits for his moment to shine. You’ll certainly encounter some characters you’ll warm up to, alongside a few who may not be as endearing, but don’t underestimate any of them!
This was my first read from this author, and wow! It was a thrilling rollercoaster ride filled with twists and turns. The clever plot and execution were truly impressive. I’m not used to this writing style, but I really enjoyed it. I originally thought the book could stand on its own with just the first part, but the second half added a layer of realism as the characters mature and confront their pasts. Dylan, in particular, grows up and sets out to uncover what happened to his mother and who was behind it all.
There’s so much intention behind Lacey's actions that you don’t see at first. But as you peel back the layers, more and more is revealed. I loved how the author teased us, making it feel like the case was closed when it really wasn't. Dylan had to dig deeper because, as we know, lies are like threads; pull one, and others unravel, leading to a web of deception. The truth is out there, but can you handle it?
This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys a dark, suspenseful read that’s hard to put down, especially with the short chapters that make it easy to binge. If you don’t mind going the extra mile to uncover the truth, especially when it comes to generational trauma and seeking justice for a parent, you’ll find a lot to appreciate here. Stay alert, as numerous subtle hints will become clear later on. This story left me speechless, and by the end, I had so many questions that were answered. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to have a chat with my best friend because she sure can’t have my man if something ever happens to me! Ha!
Thank you, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 20, 2026
I wasn’t expecting anything I found in this book. I’m still a little “dazed” and trying to process what I just read.
It’s an incredible book. The kind that makes you read nonstop, holding your breath, feeling every emotion the story allows and delivers through its plot.
Nicole receives a late-night phone call that changes her entire life. Her daughter, Lacey, has been found in the woods beside the body of her best friend’s husband. Lacey was severely injured, covered head to toe in blood, and Zach had been murdered with multiple stab wounds while still inside the car. No murder weapon was found.
From the moment they were discovered, Lacey became selectively mute. Trauma, they say… grief, fear?
Nicole had Lacey when she was still very young and always made sure her daughter would have everything within her reach. But now Lacey is in prison, and her children, Nicole’s grandchildren, have been left behind with an unstable, uncontrollable father. But I’ll talk about Brian later on.
Lacey is not a murderer. Nicole knows her daughter better than anyone else and, without thinking twice, begins investigating what really happened. But time is running out, and Lacey may end up being convicted of a crime she didn’t commit.
Let me start by saying that I DESPISED Brian with every fiber of my being. What a despicable, selfish, narcissistic man, a terrible father, terrible husband, terrible everything. So many times I wished the author would “kill him off” during the story. Lacey is on the verge of losing everything, including her life, and Brian is completely oblivious to it all, too busy feeling sorry for himself. Neglecting his children’s pain. Seeking comfort in his wife’s best friend! Speaking of her…
The unusual yet deeply united family dynamic in this story won me over right from the start. Lacey and her best friend are like sisters, and together they practically raised Lacey’s children. They are family. And the character I loved the most was the eldest son, Dylan. Dylan shares a deep bond with Nicole and, just like her, refuses to give up on proving his mother’s innocence no matter the cost.
The book is divided into two parts, with multiple points of view and different timelines, which makes perfect sense. It tackles themes such as extreme police and political corruption, violence against vulnerable people, mental health, and the fight against severe injustice. The final twists leave you breathless and with the feeling that everything is somehow right when at least someone gets justice. But there are secrets that kill, and here, beyond killing, they corrupt the very best parts of people.
This was my first time reading this author, even though I still haven’t read the ones already published in Portugal (and she is comingo to Lisbon Book Fair) and I couldn’t be happier or more grateful for the opportunity! Wishing her every success! Thank you Netgalley and author for this.
@bibliotecamil_insta
It’s an incredible book. The kind that makes you read nonstop, holding your breath, feeling every emotion the story allows and delivers through its plot.
Nicole receives a late-night phone call that changes her entire life. Her daughter, Lacey, has been found in the woods beside the body of her best friend’s husband. Lacey was severely injured, covered head to toe in blood, and Zach had been murdered with multiple stab wounds while still inside the car. No murder weapon was found.
From the moment they were discovered, Lacey became selectively mute. Trauma, they say… grief, fear?
Nicole had Lacey when she was still very young and always made sure her daughter would have everything within her reach. But now Lacey is in prison, and her children, Nicole’s grandchildren, have been left behind with an unstable, uncontrollable father. But I’ll talk about Brian later on.
Lacey is not a murderer. Nicole knows her daughter better than anyone else and, without thinking twice, begins investigating what really happened. But time is running out, and Lacey may end up being convicted of a crime she didn’t commit.
Let me start by saying that I DESPISED Brian with every fiber of my being. What a despicable, selfish, narcissistic man, a terrible father, terrible husband, terrible everything. So many times I wished the author would “kill him off” during the story. Lacey is on the verge of losing everything, including her life, and Brian is completely oblivious to it all, too busy feeling sorry for himself. Neglecting his children’s pain. Seeking comfort in his wife’s best friend! Speaking of her…
The unusual yet deeply united family dynamic in this story won me over right from the start. Lacey and her best friend are like sisters, and together they practically raised Lacey’s children. They are family. And the character I loved the most was the eldest son, Dylan. Dylan shares a deep bond with Nicole and, just like her, refuses to give up on proving his mother’s innocence no matter the cost.
The book is divided into two parts, with multiple points of view and different timelines, which makes perfect sense. It tackles themes such as extreme police and political corruption, violence against vulnerable people, mental health, and the fight against severe injustice. The final twists leave you breathless and with the feeling that everything is somehow right when at least someone gets justice. But there are secrets that kill, and here, beyond killing, they corrupt the very best parts of people.
This was my first time reading this author, even though I still haven’t read the ones already published in Portugal (and she is comingo to Lisbon Book Fair) and I couldn’t be happier or more grateful for the opportunity! Wishing her every success! Thank you Netgalley and author for this.
@bibliotecamil_insta
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 ⭐ ARC Review - The absolutely wild story of a gruesome murder, a silent victim, and how far one will go to protect their family.
🔪 For Fans of:
- murder mystery
- psychological thriller
- amateur sleuth
- family falling apart
- family secrets
- layered plot
- multiple POV
- multiple timelines
✏️ Spoiler-Free ARC Review
Lacey and her husband just needed a weekend away but next thing you know, she is found in the woods next to her best friend’s husband, who was stabbed 45 times. She is catatonic and hasn’t spoken since. Lacey’s mother, Nicole, is left to hold the family together and solve the murder that her daughter is being blamed for.
It’s been a while since I had a thriller come at me this strongly before. It’s a plot I haven’t heard of (with the grandma solving it), it’s got multiple pints of view (Lacey, her son and her mother), it kept getting more and more shocking in the second half without feeling unbelievable nor random, AND it’s honestly just very well written!
The book is emotional as we watch the young grandmother, Nicole, try to keep Lacey’s husband sober, try to keep Lacey’s eldest child Dylan from despair, and try to keep the rest of the children and household afloat. She visits her daughter every time she can, but it’s heartbreaking since Lacey is still mute, still staring off into the distance, so mentally wounded by whatever happened to her.
Meanwhile, there’s a killer on the loose and there’s so many questions. Why did they only kill him? Why was Lacey with her best friend’s husband? What is her best friend hiding? And the question we all want to know… what was Lacey’s role in it all?
BUT WAIT. That’s just part of the book because then we get to watch the family beyond the original crime.
How far will one go to protect their family? Who knows what really happened that day?
The pacing is quick, the family dynamic is heartbreaking, and the story is absolutely captivating.
I’ve already added more of Ashman’s books to my TBR!
🖤 Thank you to author S. T. Ashman and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the digital advanced reader copy (ARC) via NetGalley.
As always, my reviews are honest, my own, and voluntary!
📚 Book: Her Silence by S. T. Ashman
📅 Release Date: July 21, 2026
⭐ Rating: 4.5 out of 5
🔪 For Fans of:
- murder mystery
- psychological thriller
- amateur sleuth
- family falling apart
- family secrets
- layered plot
- multiple POV
- multiple timelines
✏️ Spoiler-Free ARC Review
Lacey and her husband just needed a weekend away but next thing you know, she is found in the woods next to her best friend’s husband, who was stabbed 45 times. She is catatonic and hasn’t spoken since. Lacey’s mother, Nicole, is left to hold the family together and solve the murder that her daughter is being blamed for.
It’s been a while since I had a thriller come at me this strongly before. It’s a plot I haven’t heard of (with the grandma solving it), it’s got multiple pints of view (Lacey, her son and her mother), it kept getting more and more shocking in the second half without feeling unbelievable nor random, AND it’s honestly just very well written!
The book is emotional as we watch the young grandmother, Nicole, try to keep Lacey’s husband sober, try to keep Lacey’s eldest child Dylan from despair, and try to keep the rest of the children and household afloat. She visits her daughter every time she can, but it’s heartbreaking since Lacey is still mute, still staring off into the distance, so mentally wounded by whatever happened to her.
Meanwhile, there’s a killer on the loose and there’s so many questions. Why did they only kill him? Why was Lacey with her best friend’s husband? What is her best friend hiding? And the question we all want to know… what was Lacey’s role in it all?
BUT WAIT. That’s just part of the book because then we get to watch the family beyond the original crime.
How far will one go to protect their family? Who knows what really happened that day?
The pacing is quick, the family dynamic is heartbreaking, and the story is absolutely captivating.
I’ve already added more of Ashman’s books to my TBR!
🖤 Thank you to author S. T. Ashman and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the digital advanced reader copy (ARC) via NetGalley.
As always, my reviews are honest, my own, and voluntary!
📚 Book: Her Silence by S. T. Ashman
📅 Release Date: July 21, 2026
⭐ Rating: 4.5 out of 5
May 23, 2026
To what lengths will a mother go to protect her children before she dies? And how far will someone else go to make sure her plan succeeds?
This book easily earned 4.75 stars from me and had me completely hooked from start to finish!
S.T Ashman perfectly captures the fierce, unconditional love of a mother willing to do absolutely anything to protect her children. Think Goodbye Earl by The Chicks vibes 👀
This book had me laughing, crying, gasping, and yelling at the pages the entire time. The twists kept coming, and every time I thought I had the killer figured out, I was wrong all over again.
S.T. Ashman is a new-to-me author, but after this book, I’m officially hooked and already adding her other books to my TBR.
Her Silence by S.T. Ashman follows Nicole, Lacey’s mother, as she desperately fights to prove her daughter is not a cold-blooded killer after receiving a devastating 4 a.m. phone call. Lacey was found covered in blood in the woods, unable to speak, while Zach lay dead in a car near her. Zach, the wealthy husband of Lacey’s best friend Amanda, was arrogant and controlling, believing the world revolved around him. While he gave Amanda financial freedom, he denied her the one thing she wanted most: children.
Lacey’s husband Brian is a recovering alcoholic with a history of cheating. Though physically present, he fails to be the husband and father his family truly needs.
To make matters worse, Nicole’s nemesis is in charge of the investigation and seems determined to keep Lacey behind bars regardless of the evidence — or lack of it.
As the secrets unravel, the twists just keep coming. Brian’s loyalty to Lacey becomes questionable as he grows closer to Amanda again, especially considering their past affair. Nicole is brutally attacked in her own home, yet justice for Lacey still feels impossible.
I changed my mind countless times trying to figure out who the killer was. Even when I thought I had it figured out, I was only partially right. I love thrillers that keep you constantly guessing, and this one absolutely delivered. This is a must read for anyone seeking a thriller that keeps you on your toes until the very end.
This book easily earned 4.75 stars from me and had me completely hooked from start to finish!
S.T Ashman perfectly captures the fierce, unconditional love of a mother willing to do absolutely anything to protect her children. Think Goodbye Earl by The Chicks vibes 👀
This book had me laughing, crying, gasping, and yelling at the pages the entire time. The twists kept coming, and every time I thought I had the killer figured out, I was wrong all over again.
S.T. Ashman is a new-to-me author, but after this book, I’m officially hooked and already adding her other books to my TBR.
Her Silence by S.T. Ashman follows Nicole, Lacey’s mother, as she desperately fights to prove her daughter is not a cold-blooded killer after receiving a devastating 4 a.m. phone call. Lacey was found covered in blood in the woods, unable to speak, while Zach lay dead in a car near her. Zach, the wealthy husband of Lacey’s best friend Amanda, was arrogant and controlling, believing the world revolved around him. While he gave Amanda financial freedom, he denied her the one thing she wanted most: children.
Lacey’s husband Brian is a recovering alcoholic with a history of cheating. Though physically present, he fails to be the husband and father his family truly needs.
To make matters worse, Nicole’s nemesis is in charge of the investigation and seems determined to keep Lacey behind bars regardless of the evidence — or lack of it.
As the secrets unravel, the twists just keep coming. Brian’s loyalty to Lacey becomes questionable as he grows closer to Amanda again, especially considering their past affair. Nicole is brutally attacked in her own home, yet justice for Lacey still feels impossible.
I changed my mind countless times trying to figure out who the killer was. Even when I thought I had it figured out, I was only partially right. I love thrillers that keep you constantly guessing, and this one absolutely delivered. This is a must read for anyone seeking a thriller that keeps you on your toes until the very end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews