Craving Silence

by Freya Barker

Nurse practitioner, Dana Kerrigan, finds her steady and comfortably predictable life suddenly turned upside down as the result of a family emergency. With no choice but to take a leave from work, she has to hustle to keep Silence’s favorite pub running and her parents looked after.
When heartbreak brings with it an unexpected opportunity to realize a long-held dream, it presents a new set of problems.
One that involves murder, and the man sent to investigate.

As a recent transplant to Silence, sheriff’s detective, Rick Althof, was aiming for less stress and more solitude. Instead, he finds himself frequently drawn to The Kerrigan, a popular pub in town, to enjoy a meal, a beer, and—if lucky—a friendly chat with the owner’s pretty daughter.
Still bearing the invisible scars of past mistakes, he’s determined to keep things friendly, despite a growing attraction.

However, his resolve is put to the test when she lands in the middle of an elaborate development scheme involving bribery, blackmail, and even murder.

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 16, 2026

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Freya Barker loves writing about ordinary people with extraordinary stories.
Driven to make her books about 'real' people; she creates characters who are perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy, but just as deserving of romance, thrills and chills in their lives.

Recipient of the ReadFREE.ly 2019 Best Book We've Read All Year Award for "Covering Ollie, the 2015 RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for Best First Book, “Slim To None”, and Finalist for the 2017 Kindle Book Award with “From Dust”, Freya continues to add to her rapidly growing collection of published novels as she spins story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!

Reviews

[Carvanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freya Barker, you did it again! I loved this book!

Dana and Rick have stolen my heart. The chemistry between these two was fire, but there was also such a beautiful tenderness to their relationship I fell in love with them even more. I loved watching their connection develop, seeing them navigate their struggles, and feeling all those emotions right along with them. There were times when my heart felt crushed by what Dana was going through, but Freya balanced the angst so well that I never felt overwhelmed by it. Instead, I was able to settle back into the story and enjoy every moment of it.

Everything about this story unfolded naturally. Nothing felt forced, manipulated, or overdone. The relationship developed at a pace that felt right for these characters. The case wasn't just something happening alongside the romance. It was woven into the characters' lives in a way that made the two feel connected and gave the story an extra layer of suspense without taking away from the emotional heart of it.





This book gave me all the romance, heart, and mystery I love, wrapped up in a story that pulled me in and kept me invested. I couldn't have asked for more!

Dual POV
Safe no ow/om drama; h not a virgin; H not a player
Triggers death of child
Steam 5 /5; explicit; condoms used

[Cathy Geha · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

Craving Silence by Freya Barker
Silence #5

~ Excellent addition to an immersive small town romantic suspense series by an author I love ~ Couldn’t put it down ~

What I liked:
* Dana Kerrigan: Nurse Practitioner, runs the local clinic, lived in Silence all of her life, only child, helps parents at the family owned pub, good friend, mother provides her the ability to fulfill one of her longtime dreams, attracted to Rick
* Rick Althof: Sheriff’s deputy, recently moved from Coeur D’Alene, loves his mother and two sisters, focused, quiet, tenacious, coming out of a dark space as he works in Silence, attracted to Dana
* That the two main characters are mature, professional, wise, have life experience, and communicate openly about issues of importance
* The house refurbishment portion of the story
* The way the emotional aspects faced by the characters were handled
* The suspense portion with crimes to solve and criminals to thwart
* The small-town vibe and catching up with characters from previous stories in the series
* Rick’s family support even when they were being a “bit much”
* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:
* Thinking about grief and the process one goes through when a loved one dies
* Wondering what makes people choose to do evil things
* Having to wait for the next book in the series

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Definitely

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review
5 Stars

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back in Silence and this time the story belongs to nurse practitioner Dana Kerrigan and newcomer, detective Althof. A man that moved to town needing a change after a personal heartbreak.
They meet while Dana is helping out at her parents’ pub but neither acknowledged the attraction. It isn’t until Dana if left with a loss as well as an unexpected gift that the relationship starts to develop. Especially when an inheritance unexpectedly puts Dana in the midst of danger filled with corruption, bribes and people who thought they could get away with deceit.
The plot is engaging from the start filled with danger, whodunit, family dynamics and romance. One of the things this reader loves about this author is that she presents individuals that are not only complex, and imperfect but that they are mature and have experienced the ups and downs of life. Making them very real. There were times that I wanted to travel into the book and give a character a hug as they were dealing with personal losses.
Definitely this one was another winner not only in the series but also for this talented author. Leaving this reader “craving” for her next story.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Buoni Amici Press .The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one started out slow, Dana and Rick find their way about things. You could tell that Rick was interested in Dana, but didn't do anything about it, until the day he did. That really made a big change for both of them. Dana soon was going through things were having someone at her side made a difference and we later learn that Rick was coming back to life in his own way. It was fun to see how they started to build a relationship. They really needed that quiet time, because boy...did things get a bit crazy towards the end.

Of course we find out the Mayor was a dirty and a sleaze. Didn't mind a bit what happened to him. What did surprise me was the betrayal by someone close to Dana, hated how that one ended.

Rick's family popping in was funny. The mother was a hoot, the sisters were funny too, but in a different way.

It was nice to see how this one ended, a great start for this couple who's been through so much.

[Mary Lohorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the mix of small-town romance and mystery. Dana and Rick had such a great slow-burn chemistry, and I was definitely rooting for these two. Rick trying to keep things friendly while the attraction between them kept getting stronger was so good. 😏

The mystery added so much to the story too. The secrets, blackmail, bribery, murder, and small-town drama kept me hooked and wanting to see how everything would unfold.

I really liked Dana’s journey as well. Her life gets completely turned upside down, and I loved watching her step outside the predictable life she thought she wanted and figure out what she really wanted.

This had everything I enjoy in a small-town read: romance, tension, mystery, and just enough drama to keep me turning the pages.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another fab and engaging addition to the series and I really like that we get Rick and Dana's story. The author has done a great job giving previous books' side characters their own story, giving each book more depth. Love this! And while these two start off as more acquaintances, they end up as friends and then lovers. Their journey was woven into secrets, bribery, murder, suspense, mystery and drama but the chemistry between them was definitely hot ;) Expect to be glued to your reader when you crack this baby open. So good!

[Mindy Lou's Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another exciting installment in the town of Silence!

This was such a good read. The suspense kept things interesting. The realness of what both Dana and Rick were going through while also finding love between them made this a very realistic romance. That’s the one thing I love about this author. She writes romance that can happen to the average person while still make it exciting.

I’m not sure if there’ll be more in this series but I hope so. I’m enjoying it too much for it to end.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives readers a wonderful slow-burn romance and twisty intrigue. Dana and Rick are both in their early forties and not really looking for romance or a relationship. She is a nurse practitioner who also pitches in at the family’s pub when needed. Her career and saving for a house of her own or her focus at the moment. Rick, a sheriff’s detective, is fairly new to town. He relocated to Silence for the slower, less stressful pace and to escape some painful memories. He keeps to himself and prefers observing and listening rather than talking. Lately, Rick has come to the pub to watch and converse with Dana. There is just something about her that sparks something within him that he thought had died.

Rick is at the pub the night Dana’s mother collapses, and thereafter makes it a point to check in to see how Dana is doing. He steps up to help when he sees that she is overwhelmed by stress and anxiety. When her mother passes, Rick is the one who holds her as she finally lets herself cry. He has his own experience with profound grief and wants nothing more than to help her get through this very emotional time in her life. He keeps showing up for Dana and she has helped ease the pain in his heart and brought light into his life.

While their relationship is developing, Rick is working on a murder case that seems tied to a parcel of land that abuts the new house and property that Dana just inherited from her mother. Rick admires Dana’s determination to move into her house and begin the necessary repairs and renovations, but he is concerned by the calls and letters to her that all but demand that she sell her property. His case has grown in scope and now the FBI is involved. Rick makes his growing feelings for Dana clear to her, shows up to help her with the renovations and refuses to leave her unprotected. Dana finds herself with a sexy and very protective roommate. As their story continues, the danger escalates, Rick’s case has a couple more twists, and Rick‘s family makes an appearance. Just because he’s grown doesn’t mean Rick‘s mother isn’t going to keep tabs on him.


I liked the moments of humour threaded throughout this book that lighten things up after some very emotional scenes. I enjoyed the chemistry and connection between Dana and Rick. He is a protector to his core, but even so he doesn’t try to stifle or control Dana‘s independence or determination to be in her house. They support and give each other grace. They both choose to move forward in the relationship, choose to move past pain begin to heal. The intrigue and danger kept me on edge and eager to see what happened next. This compelling book has my full recommendation.

[Sandy S · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

4.25 stars--CRAVING SILENCE is the fifth instalment in Freya Barker’s contemporary, adult SILENCE romantic suspense series. This is Detective Rick Althof, and nurse practitioner Dana Kerrigan’s story line. CRAVING SILENCE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Dana and Rick) CRAVING SILENCE follows several intersecting pathways as our heroine grieves the loss of her mother, who left our heroine a home in the woods. Between working at her parents’ diner and her full-time job as a nurse practitioner, Dana has little time to renovate the house but the with help of Detective Rick Althof, Dana finds herself falling for a man with secrets of his own but all is not well in the small town of Silence, a town mired in fraud, blackmail, corruption and murder. With the help of the FBI, Rick begins an investigation into the murder of a local man, an investigation that will lead back to our story line heroine.

The world building focuses on betrayal, vengeance and greed as Silence finds itself the centre of attention with the FBI. Questionable politicians with secrets, a town awash in local gossip, and the high stakes dishonesty and deception of the people involved.

The relationship between Dana and Rick begins as a friendships but Rick is hoping for something more. Working side by side to rehab the house she inherited from her mother, our couple find themselves pulled together by loneliness and need. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters include the return of FBI Agent Jason Mancuso, Detective Tessa Androtti, and sheriff Savvy Colter, as well as the introduction of Dana’s father Jacob Kerrigan, veterinarian Buck Wilson, Rick’s mother Theresa Rojas, and his sister Julie. The requisite evil has many faces.

CRAVING SILENCE is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, greed and murder, power and control, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is dramatic and edgy; the characters are determined and charismatic; the romance is seductive and impassioned.

copy supplied for review

[Karen_Lee_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Craving Silence
Silence Series Book 5
by Freya Barker

I think this author keeps a jar in her kitchen full of suspense and each time she opens the jar and releases a book, you wonder what you are going to get today! Her Silence series proves it, each book better than the last.

Dana Kerrigan was born and raised in Silence. She’s a Practical Nurse, a on-call waitress (for her parents Pub The Kerrigan) and friend to everyone. She is also getting close to being burnt out….with her Clinic in the hospital and the extra time at the Pub, she tired. Things need to change, what she didn’t expect was a change that would turn her world around!

Detective Rick Althof, left his old department in Coeur d’Alene, hoping that moving to Silence for more solitude. It worked for awhile. The Kerrigan pub was a second home, he opened up a bit, started meeting more people and then there was Dana; was he ready to bring someone into his life?

Suspense is one of the things this author gives her readers and although you might not have seen it at the beginning, you will realize that the suspense started on page one! Threads that are introduced, a medical emergency and a loss, keeps you occupied, but the suspense is there between the lines and once those threads start to come together you remember back to the beginning….I know when it started to come together, my thoughts were, darn she got me, I felt it for awhile, but began loving it as the story line played out!

As Dana and Rick spend more time together, it is evident they were made for each, now they just have to survive those who have other plans?

I loved these characters, the suspense had me all the way and that got ‘cha at the end, amazing!!!

I’ve read almost all of the series this author has written, but honestly her Silence series is my favorite. I’m giving Craving Silence 5 stars but it certainly is worthy of many more.

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this suspenseful, perfectly-paced who-done-it from Freya Barker! Craving Silence is the fifth (and final?) book in this series and it does NOT disappoint! Ms. Barker has written another unputdownable story featuring Dana Kerrigan, a nurse-practitioner who suddenly has to juggle looking after her parents' pub while also dealing with a heartbreaking loss! Everything seems to be happening at once, and fast! I felt ALL of her anxiety and heartbreak through this well-written story from Ms. Barker!

As for Rick, he's a newer transplant to Silence, having transferred to the small town in hopes of living a quieter, less stressful life! He's also a frequent customer at Kerrigan's Pub, stopping in for a beer and meal with the hope of chatting with the daughter of the owners (Dana) There is an attraction there, but neither of them feel the need to act on it, both having been burned in the past and not wanting to complicate their settled existence or risk their heart! When Dana's inheritance lands her in the middle of a dangerous situation, Rick steps up to protect her and the attraction between them ramps up right along with the danger! I am here for ALL of it!

I loved the slow-burn aspect of Rick and Dana's relationship! The emotions these two felt jump off the pages and the organic way their relationship developed made it that much more believable! The steamy scenes were tasteful and JUST enough!

Once again, Freya Barker is an auto-click author for me, who never disappoints! Craving Silence is a journey that you really WANT to take, trust me! Although this CAN be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading them in order to get the whole experience of the town of Silence...which is a character all it's own!

[Pam · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

This beautiful small town of Silence is anything but silent these days. As we wander into Dana and Ricks story we come face to face with fraud, blackmail and people thinking that money is power. Can Rick and the authorities keep Dana safe while trying to bring back the quiet justice to Silence?

Dana has gone from a busy work life, balanced with helping at her family's bar & restaurant. Before she can blink she is dealing with loss and trying to keep her father and the bar moving in forward motion. A huge surprise left behind my her mother, gives her the one thing she has always wanted. Now she just needs to find the time to make it everything she dreamed of. Somebody doesn't want her in the old house in the woods and they are willing to do just about anything to get her out.

Rick has come to Silence needing a slower pace and leave the traumas of his life in the rear view mirror. He is happy with his choice in this small town, there is still lots to keep him busy with work. Its the quiet non work time that is his struggles, letting the past hurts seep back in. But he has taken to his visits at the Kerrigan in hope of seeing the beauty behind the bar.

As Rick observes Dana and her struggles, he can't seem to help himself from stepping up to help her. With each interaction the attraction seems to spark a little stronger. Soon neither of the are able to deny it's there. When danger seems to be on Dana's door, Rick steps in to protect her in any way he can. Could it be that these dangers will be the final push they need to see where things lead?

A wonderful emotional read full of loss, healing while trying to keep everyone safe and stopping the corruption.

*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***

[Dora · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Nurse practitioner Dana Kerrigan has a lot on her plate. Not only does she work full-time as a nurse, but she’s also constantly being called upon to help at her family’s pub. Her parents work hard to keep the business running, but they always seem to need an extra helping hand from Dana. It is here that newcomer Detective Rick Althof comes to unwind. After a devastating tragedy, Rick left his former job and home in Coeur d’Alene, hoping that moving to Silence would off him some much needed solitude. But his visits to the pub are slowing helping him heal.

When tragedy strikes Dana’s family, an unexpected inheritance gives her the opportunity for a fresh start. However, her decision to hold on to the property unknowingly puts her in danger. As Rick becomes involved in a murder investigation, he finds himself spending more time with Dana, allowing their unspoken attraction to slowly develop into something more. With his feelings for her growing stronger, Rick is determined to do everything he can to keep her safe.

Craving Silence is another wonderful suspense driven, slow-burn romance featuring two mature characters who have both experienced tragedy in their lives. The mystery, secrets, and even murder kept me hooked throughout the book. This was another great small-town romance that I definitely recommend.

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

This read will pull at your heartstrings as Rick and Dana take a journey filled with loss, hope, and a spark that turns into love. Dana is a nurse practitioner and helps out at her family’s pub that Rick, a Sheriff’s detective, likes to frequent. There’s surface conversations between the two until a tragedy brings them closer. Unfortunately, Dana has captured the attention of shady characters and is in the middle of a murder and corruption scandal. Rick is in full protection mode, now that he has Dana, he will do whatever it takes to keep her safe but the corruption runs deep in the small town, not knowing who to trust as deep dark secrets are exposed….looks like the town of Silence is not so quiet anymore.
Word of warning….tissues, lots of tissues will be needed during this read…tragedy, past loss and health scares had me reaching for the box as Rick and Dana navigate their relationship. These two will capture your heart as Rick, the stoic detective opens up and finds light in his life with Dana and Dana, a woman who is beautiful inside and out. The story flowed beautifully with descriptions that were spot on…suspense, corruption, scandals, murder, loss, hope, love, meddling families that will have you smiling and laughing out loud and amazing characters will keep you flipping till the end.

[Ginger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Rick and Dana's story, two people approaching the brink of middle age. A slow burn romance, ordinary people getting caught up in extraordinary circumstances. all the great things we've come to expect from this author. I really enjoyed Rich and Dana's romance story, a wounded man and a woman who is caught up in the whirlwind of every day life trying to be everything for everyone. Then she inadvertently gets caught up in a dangerous situation when a body is found next to her property. Rick realizes how much he feels the need to protect her, while also realizing his feelings go much deeper. A deeply wounded man slowly emerging from his shell and a woman so busy living she forgot she needs a life. Their relationship builds as they navigate the danger surrrounding Dana. I always worry about giving away too much when I write a review. Ms Barker nails this one, her topics are always timely and her characters are exactly as she says, ordinary people caught up in extraordinary circumstances.

[Mg Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Craving Silence is a fantastic, drama-filled contemporary romance that completely hooked me from the very first page. Freya Barker has a wonderful writing style that is incredibly easy to follow, yet deeply engaging. She has a real talent for building tension, weaving an intense murder investigation and development scheme seamlessly into the romance.
What really made this story shine for me personally was the incredible depth of the characters and their personal connections. Dana and Rick are exceptionally well-rounded protagonists. Both bring their own unique personality quirks, past mistakes, and emotional backgrounds to the table, making their growing attraction feel incredibly authentic. Watching them navigate the dangerous mystery together while building a real, grounded connection kept me entirely glued to the pages. If you love well-written romantic suspense with genuine emotional heart, I highly recommend picking this fifth installment up.

I received a advance reader's copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever had a book that you just KNEW was going to be good, but you almost didn't want to start reading it because you already knew you wouldn't want it to end? There are only a handful of authors who make me feel that way, and Freya Barker is definitely one of them.

Rick and Dana's story was so good that I read it in one sitting. I especially loved that they were a more mature couple, both having experienced the kind of losses and heartaches that come with living life.

I thoroughly enjoyed the complex mystery, intrigue, and danger woven into small-town life. Add a strong sense of family, suspense that kept me turning the pages, and a generous helping of romance, and you have the icing on an already delicious cake.

This romantic suspense was a pleasure to read from beginning to end, and I genuinely hated to see it end. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series, as well as the audiobook release of this one!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Craving Silence by Freya Barker is a suspenseful, perfectly-paced whodunit that does NOT disappoint! Ms. Barker has delivered another completely addictive story featuring Dana Kerrigan, a hardworking nurse practitioner who suddenly finds herself juggling her parents' pub while coping with a heartbreaking loss. Everything seems to be happening at once and fast—I felt every single bit of Dana’s anxiety and grief through the author’s exceptional storytelling.

Enter Rick, a transferee to the small town of Silence who hopes for a quieter, less stressful life after a devastating tragedy in Coeur d’Alene. A frequent customer at Kerrigan's Pub, Rick enjoys stopping in for a beer, a meal, and a chance to chat with Dana. While the spark between them is immediate, both have been burned in the past and are hesitant to complicate their settled lives or risk their hearts. But when an unexpected inheritance places Dana right in the crosshairs of a dangerous murder investigation, Detective Rick steps up to protect her—and the slow-burn attraction ramps up right alongside the danger!

[Eclectic Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I want to read a good small-town romantic suspense, I pick up a Freya Barker book, and Dana and Rick’s story didn’t disappoint. A nurse and a cop find solace in each other when her life is threatened.

Dana is a nurse practitioner who has received a property from her recently deceased mother. Grief-stricken, she spends her time fixing up the rundown house with a beautiful view, but someone else has eyes on her property and will stop at nothing to get it. Fortunately, a knight in cop’s clothing is willing to protect her at all costs.

I like Dana’s maturity and common sense as she handles life’s struggles with capable, responsible hands. The love and respect for her father is expressed by her help at the family’s restaurant despite her busy job and renovation of her new home. Her kindness to help others is another trait that makes her stand out. The friendship-to-lovers trope with Rick is believable and refreshing to watch as they let down their walls and let each other in.

Rick has experienced heartbreaking loss himself, which explains his aloofness and slow acceptance of the town of Silence, Washington. However, he does his job well when he discovers the plot that puts Dana in danger, as his protective instincts turn into much more. I appreciated Rick’s kindness toward Dana during her grief and his unexpected gestures of affection that even surprised him.

Dana and Rick’s slow-burn chemistry and the mystery are well done, which kept me hooked and eager for a happy ending.

Ms. Barker knows how to draw the reader in with lots of action, intense emotions, and flawed and complex characters. It is a great combination that keeps me coming back for more.

If you enjoy well-written mature romances with suspense, I recommend giving this book a try.

Thank you to Ms. Barker for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

For more of my reviews, visit The Eclectic Review.

[Silke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Craving Silence is the 5th book in the excellent Silence series, a captivating mix of small town romance and bone-chilling suspense. It can easily be read as a standalone but characters from previous books make cameo appearances, letting returning readers like me catch up on their lives, which I always enjoy. Dana and Rick are both wonderfully complex, mature characters who have suffered their share of setbacks in life and still find themselves falling in love while entangled in a deadly conspiracy. There are quite a number of events that made me sad and brought tears to my eyes, but also heartwarming moments with family and friends. But most of all, the beautiful HEA is very uplifting. Not an easy read because of personal tragedies, but a very rewarding one. There are a good number of unattached side characters and I'm looking forward to finding out whose story is next. I received an early copy and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel in love with the characters of Dana and Rick . Dana is a hard working Nurse Practitioner and helps in her parents pub. Rick a newly appointed Detective and keeps himself to himself. But slowly the town and its people have broken down his walls. Or one person in the name of Dana. With the loss of Stella Dana’s mum, Dana finds Rick is the man she can turn to. I loved Rick’s character he has very strong females in his family and trust me they make their presence known. His mum is amazing characters.
Danger, a missing voice recorder, and murders are keeping Rick very busy. When it comes knocking at Dana’s door Rick is the man who shows up.
Brilliant characters that you will fall in love with. Angst , secrets, pain and emotions that will pull at you.
Perfect amount of chemistry, suspense, trust, and spice.

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

[Sarita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Ms. Barker for several reasons. She writes books about mature adults who have so much depth to their characters. Her stories are ones you can get totally lost in, and the drama is relatable. This book certainly does not disappoint. This is Rick Althof’s story with Dana Kerrigan. Rick is a fairly new transplant to Silence and the police force. Dana is a lifelong resident who meets Rick at her family’s pub where he frequently eats his dinner. Over time they begin talking and become more aware of each other. Once a case intersects with Dana’s life, you have a juicy mystery to solve. I love visiting with the recurring characters while getting to know new ones that I hope will visit and even have their own story in the future. There are a few fist bumps with characters you love to hate and a few shockers as well. No spoilers here. You just have to read it for yourself. Get a glass of wine, put up your feet, and enjoy reading.

[Maria Angie Mendoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author always knocks it out of the park with stories featuring everyday people that make extraordinary characters.

In this installment, we return to small town Silence and get up close and personal with Dana and Rick. Theirs, is a truly bittersweet, heartfelt and compassionate story that begins sexily enough, but something happens that changes things turning it into a complex and suspenseful crime mystery.
Will that put romance on pause…or does it?

Told in dual POV, this story was well paced and brimming with plenty of suspense and mystery. A healthy dose of slow burn but simmering romance made their story totally addictive. Add older, mature characters that were so relatable and lovable, i was hooked! Their sincerity and no games attitude made discovering their journey a real pleasure.

While this book can be read and enjoyed as a standalone, there are interconnecting characters so that reading the prior books helps understand the dynamics of this unique small town!

[Susan Olmstead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Craving Silence
Book Five

Once again, the writing of Freya Barker does not disappoint. She always weaves a great storyline and the connection to the characters, as a reader, is always present. I enjoy reading books with older characters as well as returning characters.

The main characters in this story are Dana Kerrigan, a nurse practitioner, and Rick Althof, a sheriff’s detective who has recently located to Silence. Dana’s parents, Jacob and Stella, own The Kerrigan, the popular town pub where Detective Althof spends some time hoping to talk with Dana.

Tragedy strikes and Dana takes a leave from her job to help out at the pub. She inherits a house which lands her in the middle of a development scheme and a murder. Who can she trust?

A story with corruption, danger and personal loss. Does Dana and Rick get their HEA? This story is well written and entertaining. I recommend this book and the entire series.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dana and Rick . . .

Nurse practitioner, Dana Kerrigan, takes a leave of absence from work, to help out at the family pub and care for her parents. Sheriff’s Detective Rick Althof begins to visit The Kerrigan pub, especially to talk with the owner’s attractive daughter. Dana's mom collapses and Rick is there for Dana to get her through her grief when her mom passes away. The house and property that Dana inherits from her mom seems to put her in potential danger, especially with implied threats to sell the property. Instead of the quiet Rick had hoped for with his job here, he reaches out to protect Dana as a development scheme escalates the threats. Dana has attracted some shady characters and is being pulled into a scandal that could get her killed. Can he keep her safe while working on the case and protecting the town? Will the two of them end up falling in love despite all the chaos around them?

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rick met Dana when he first moved to the area, but his head wasn’t in the right space for a friend. Especially not a female friend. But when Dana’s mom is in the hospital he feels drawn to her. He starts off small - sending her a message via text and then moves to helping her chop veggies.
They build a friendship….
And then that friendship turns to more.

When Dana’s mom dies she finds out her mother purchased a fixer upper home for her (something she’s always wanted) and decides to move in it while fixing it up. Rick helps her move in and pretty much tells her father his intentions.

Of course this wouldn’t be an amazing story if we didn’t have a little murder mystery mixed in! Did I mention Rick is in law enforcement??? A man in uniform is hot!

Loved this story start to finish - excellent ending!!!

[BecReadReview · Rating 5 out of 5]

Craving Silence continues to pull you into the small town that has seen big things. Dana and Rick get added to the mix as they slowly get closer when loss, grief, and an investigation pave their way to each other.

I enjoyed watching Rick slowly open up and let Dana in. His subtle ways of pushing the friendship boundaries were adorable. Emotions hit you hard as they open up their hearts. Dana definitely has grit as the hits keep coming at her, yet she holds strong.

Family drama to the mix? Why not, right? It gets sticky! Danger keeps Dana in its sights, and Rick doesn’t disappoint as he keeps showing up. You stay on edge just when you think it’s over, but it isn’t.

Looking for a mature romance, danger, an interesting investigation, family drama, and heaps of warm love? Get onto this series!

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Craving Silence brings us back to the town of Silence where it is anything but silent. If you like romantic suspense stories then grab your copy. You will not be disappointed!
Rick Althof is relatively new to town sheriff’s detective and is finding himself knee deep in a murder investigation that has the town on edge.
Dana Kerrigan has lived in Silence her whole life and is nurse practitioner that also works at her family’s pub until the sudden death of her mom. Her mom, however has left her a big surprise that changes her priorities and promises to bring her the beauty, solace and silence she craves, but it also puts her near the danger and now Rick will do whatever is necessary to keep her safe. These two had a slow budding friendship that blossomed into so much more as they got to know one another and I loved their journey.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love visiting unique pockets of people and community from the Pacific Northwest. I especially appreciate that the characters that people the stories from Freya Barker are folks who are a bit older, a bit bruised by life, but still doing their best to live out their lives in communities that have small town atmosphere and issues.

Addressing the sometimes creepy and criminal elements that can sneak in, at the same time as describing the lives and losses of folks who aren't twenty anymore.

Romance isn't just hormonal, though it is heartening to hear folks who thought the zippity went out of their doodahs still find not just hurt, but hunger, mistakes, ego and humility.

A little steam, a lot of community and personal hurts and hearts, and even some firefighting action.

Great read for a cool night, or an awesome distraction in the hot weather.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love my time in Silence; this is book 5 in the series that highlights secondary characters with each successive book. Dana is a nurse practitioner who steps in to help her parents with their bar/restaurant when her mom's health becomes difficult.
Rick is a sheriff's detective who has recently moved to Silence to start fresh. Dana and Rick meet in the bar and Rick can't seem to stay away.
Things get difficult then dangerous and Rick takes on the protector roll to keep Dana safe.
This author weaves interesting novels with middle ages characters, close knit families and suspense and love.
Just when you think you have the crimes figured out, the author spins the story and I am always amazed at this author's creativity and writing abilities.
This reader can't get enough!.

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