Silent Watcher: A Standalone Fantasy Spy Novel

by Jon Cronshaw

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 3, 2026

About the author

Jon Cronshaw is a British science fiction and fantasy author based in the north of England, just south of the wall.
As a freelance features writer, he has had work published in local and national newspapers across the UK, including the Yorkshire Post and the Guardian.
He earned his PhD in history of art from the University of Leeds in 2011, focusing on the life and work of Anglo-American sculptor, Jacob Epstein (1880-1959).
He's a voracious reader, guide dog owner, ex-gamer, and wrestling fan.

Reviews

[Debbie]

The story follows Anselma Versen, a Watcher whose job is to observe, record, and make history official. She’s sent to the quiet town of Halborg to investigate the suspicious death of another Watcher. The town feels staged, the people repeat the same lines, and the dead Watcher left behind a forbidden journal. Soon, Anselma finds mismatched records, conflicting memories, and even reports signed with her own name ones she never wrote. She realizes she’s up against something bigger than a cover‑up: the truth itself is being rewritten. Instead of fighting monsters or dark lords, Anselma is fighting an institution a system that manufactures reality. The conspiracy isn’t hidden; it’s officially documented. Anselma isn’t a warrior; she’s a witness whose attention is her weapon. The tone is tense, paranoid, and claustrophobic, more filing cabinets and interrogations than swords and spells.

[Colleen Bratley]

The book was interesting, and the writing kept you wondering what was going on. Then you think you have figured it out, only to be surprised by another move and another concept to think about. It was challenging trying to figure out what was happening and what would happen next. I liked that.
This story is related to the series by Jon that I had read recently, and I enjoyed them, but this one was less evolving since it is a standalone, so I guess I prefer series. Anyway, it was still well done and intriguing.
The crimes (or not), the details and questions, and the storyline were well worth the read. If you like intrigue from beginning to end, you will enjoy this book. I know there will be a second book to this next year, 2027. That should be interesting.

[Joseph Lau]

An eerie tale that blends the Guardians (one of the more shadowy groups in the Ravenglass world) and treachery/ mass influence and control.
Are the Guardians manipulating populations for their own ends? And how does this match with their goal to seek truth?
Anselma is a lifelong Guardian, a Watcher, and staunch loyalist. But what is going on here and how can she reconcile her 20 year career with her quest for truth in this situation?
So many aspects of the story resonate with modern life: social and other media influencing society, and for someone trying to uncover what is real, doubting ourselves and what really is “truth” from institutions we are supposed to trust.

[Tina Lincoln]

Watch and Report ~
Watch and Report is what a Silent Watcher is supposed to do. They don't manipulate the information, change its color... just report.
So what happens when it is changed?
This was a very good story about those who do things that are not exactly what they should be.
Thank you, Jon Cronshaw, for a good story.
I received a complimentary arc copy of this story and this is my honest review.

[Lee Brothers]

Heck of a roller coaster ride!!! Reading something like this reminds me of the old sci-fi books written by the masters; subtly showing us a future that we are walking into. So yes, it was uncomfortable but very well written and worth reading.

[Terry M]

An intricately woven spy thriller of death, cover ups, falsified information and danger. An excellent read and highly recommended. I received a complimentary copy from the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Manie]

History is far too many times written by the winning authority and preserved as such for the future.
But what about those hidden revelations also preserved?
That is exactly what Anselma Versen would encounter when arriving in Halborg to investigate a suspicious death. And the truth would be devastating.
Or would it?
Author Jon Cronshaw really touches on an issue where truth and consequences may result in serious contemplation by readers for days after finishing Silent Watcher.
Enjoy