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Every Silent Thing
Not yet published
Expected 13 Oct 26A mother and son each harbor a plot to save the other—unaware their colliding plans threaten to unearth a secret that will destroy them both.
At thirteen, Levi Tallon is already running out of options. Trapped between a father's escalating violence and a mother who keeps waiting for God to save them, he lives in constant fear of the next drunken rage. Then he meets Doley—a juvie-scarred loner and prime suspect in a woman's disappearance. What starts as an unlikely friendship hardens into a dangerous alliance sealed in blood: together they'll kill Levi's father and free his mother for good.
But Levi has misjudged the woman who raised him. Maggie struck her own pact long ago, and the secret she's been hiding within her marriage will twist his plan inside out. As her truth unravels, so does Levi's faith—sending him on a search for answers that will tear apart everything he thought he knew about his family, his new friend, and himself.
Dark, intimate, and emotionally charged, Every Silent Thing is a searing domestic drama with the pulse and twists of a thriller—but it's also a heartrending coming-of-age story of unbendable devotion, stolen innocence, and the choices that leave no clean way back. With its intricate plot and sharply drawn characters, Every Silent Thing establishes M.R. Madonna as a powerful new voice in psychological suspense. For fans of Gillian Flynn, Tana French, Dennis Lehane, and Daniel Woodrell.
At thirteen, Levi Tallon is already running out of options. Trapped between a father's escalating violence and a mother who keeps waiting for God to save them, he lives in constant fear of the next drunken rage. Then he meets Doley—a juvie-scarred loner and prime suspect in a woman's disappearance. What starts as an unlikely friendship hardens into a dangerous alliance sealed in blood: together they'll kill Levi's father and free his mother for good.
But Levi has misjudged the woman who raised him. Maggie struck her own pact long ago, and the secret she's been hiding within her marriage will twist his plan inside out. As her truth unravels, so does Levi's faith—sending him on a search for answers that will tear apart everything he thought he knew about his family, his new friend, and himself.
Dark, intimate, and emotionally charged, Every Silent Thing is a searing domestic drama with the pulse and twists of a thriller—but it's also a heartrending coming-of-age story of unbendable devotion, stolen innocence, and the choices that leave no clean way back. With its intricate plot and sharply drawn characters, Every Silent Thing establishes M.R. Madonna as a powerful new voice in psychological suspense. For fans of Gillian Flynn, Tana French, Dennis Lehane, and Daniel Woodrell.
380 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 13, 2026
About the author
M.R. Madonna
1 book9 followersM.R. Madonna grew up in Queens with a childhood dream of writing songs, which mostly just hooked him on storytelling. He studied journalism at NYU, began his career in the editorial department at New York magazine, and later took an unexpected detour into finance and corporate consulting. Today, he lives with his partner on a former Christmas tree farm in northwest Connecticut. His massive vinyl collection from his early DJ days made the move with him, and when he isn't writing, he’s usually gardening, reading, baking homemade bread and pizza, or uncorking a good Chianti. His debut novel, Every Silent Thing, is inspired in part by his own childhood. Learn more at mrmadonna.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 22, 2026
A must read debut novel. Run to NetGalley now to get it dear NetGalley friends. Oh my God. I am left speechless with so much emotion after barrelling to get to the end of this amazing novel. This one hit the heart hard. This was an unexpected gem in my week, my month and my year to date. This is a book I recommend you all read for so many reasons.
This was one of those easy books to get into from the start and be gripped right to the unbelievable ending. I was shouting at characters in my head in the last few chapters. I had a real true moment of feeling that hitch in my throat, the tears prick the corners of my eyes. Oh man. It hit deep.
Young Levi and his parents move back to the big house where his Mother grew up after his grandfather dies and the property is left to her. It’s another new start but Levi is used to these moves. They are moves away from questions and prying eyes and whispers. His Father. A violent alcoholic, his Mother - his punching bag with a backbone that made little sense for a lot of the book. I kept asking a lot of WHY? I got to find out and it blew me apart. Nothing is simple.
Some would call this a coming of age novel as Levi’s childish self begins to disintegrate the more he hates what he sees at home and questions so much in his life. I watched the hardening in him and my heart broke but I understood him. He is one incredible character I absolutely was rooting for. I needed to hug him a million times. You incredible young man!
Levi forms what is an an initially a tenuous relationship with the towns hard kid - Doley, the tough kid, the fighter, some would say the bully and it’s incredibly complex as they bond together over so many different things. I want to shout the damn spoilers out! Their relationship deepens and it is an integral part of the plot. The Author is brilliant at character development and making sure they stand out from each other. It’s also not that easy always to get you emotionally invested in characters deeply but this book did it for me.
There are so many secrets, lies, misunderstandings, cover-ups and deception in this novel. Yet so cleverly intertwined with storytelling and reality and humanness and feelings like pain and grief and loss and torment. In fact most of it is hidden from view. You try to follow the threads and go with the flow but you KNOW deep down something big is coming. It doesn’t just come, it slams through the pages.
I thought I knew the characters really well then something would happen to make my spider senses tingle that maybe it wasn’t so clear. I swung between opinions on many a character in this novel and even by the end, by the time I knew it all I still am conflicted on some of them. People do things for the right reasons or the wrong ones but once decisions are made at times in life there is no going back. That choice or choices can rot you from the inside out and chew you up and spit you out OR it can make you hold on tight to all you know because your very belief system depends on it. Either way things will never sit right inside you. This book is full of that.
I DID have the inkling of one of the major reveals earlier in the book than it was apparent but kept pushing it aside, it kept niggling at me however. I don’t know if every reader my get that same niggle reading this but it doesn’t matter anyway because once everything is laid bare, character by character and event by event you’ll be left speechless and lost in a world of feelings. I’d be shocked if this book doesn’t move your heart. Not in a sappy way - but real raw emotion.
It’s a book that needs to be read. If you are looking for something special to hook you in this is it. This will appeal to readers of any genre. Readers of just damn good storytelling. It took a long time for the Author to get this book from his imagination, a notebook of early outline to publication but thank you for not giving up on it along the way.
I lost track of time completely in the latter half of this book and the first half mesmerised me into what I thought was all I knew to be true. As layers upon layers and event upon event is thrust open in the last chunk of the book nothing could have interrupted my determination to finish this book.
The very ending. The last two pages. I wanted so much to read what I was reading and despite it not giving complete closure it let me imagine what comes next. If I can be so bold Mr. Madonna to please request a sequel because I NEED to know what’s beyond those trees.
Thank you so much to the Author and Publisher Channel Street Books for my ARC via NetGalley. Go get it now!
Once it’s released in the world grab your copy and I highly recommend this one for book clubs. There are even some good discussion questions at the end of the book. I could see some great discussion going on over this gem. This is the type of book and debut Author I’d be wanting to represent if I still had my book publicity company. A book I can get behind and want the world to read. A huge 5 stars without a doubt from me.
My review seriously just skims this novel.
Thanks so much for taking a little time to read my review. Your likes and comments mean a lot to me. 😻 Feel free to add me as a friend or follow me for more book reviews.
If you are an Author or Publisher and would like to ask me to review any books my email address is in my bio.
This was one of those easy books to get into from the start and be gripped right to the unbelievable ending. I was shouting at characters in my head in the last few chapters. I had a real true moment of feeling that hitch in my throat, the tears prick the corners of my eyes. Oh man. It hit deep.
Young Levi and his parents move back to the big house where his Mother grew up after his grandfather dies and the property is left to her. It’s another new start but Levi is used to these moves. They are moves away from questions and prying eyes and whispers. His Father. A violent alcoholic, his Mother - his punching bag with a backbone that made little sense for a lot of the book. I kept asking a lot of WHY? I got to find out and it blew me apart. Nothing is simple.
Some would call this a coming of age novel as Levi’s childish self begins to disintegrate the more he hates what he sees at home and questions so much in his life. I watched the hardening in him and my heart broke but I understood him. He is one incredible character I absolutely was rooting for. I needed to hug him a million times. You incredible young man!
Levi forms what is an an initially a tenuous relationship with the towns hard kid - Doley, the tough kid, the fighter, some would say the bully and it’s incredibly complex as they bond together over so many different things. I want to shout the damn spoilers out! Their relationship deepens and it is an integral part of the plot. The Author is brilliant at character development and making sure they stand out from each other. It’s also not that easy always to get you emotionally invested in characters deeply but this book did it for me.
There are so many secrets, lies, misunderstandings, cover-ups and deception in this novel. Yet so cleverly intertwined with storytelling and reality and humanness and feelings like pain and grief and loss and torment. In fact most of it is hidden from view. You try to follow the threads and go with the flow but you KNOW deep down something big is coming. It doesn’t just come, it slams through the pages.
I thought I knew the characters really well then something would happen to make my spider senses tingle that maybe it wasn’t so clear. I swung between opinions on many a character in this novel and even by the end, by the time I knew it all I still am conflicted on some of them. People do things for the right reasons or the wrong ones but once decisions are made at times in life there is no going back. That choice or choices can rot you from the inside out and chew you up and spit you out OR it can make you hold on tight to all you know because your very belief system depends on it. Either way things will never sit right inside you. This book is full of that.
I DID have the inkling of one of the major reveals earlier in the book than it was apparent but kept pushing it aside, it kept niggling at me however. I don’t know if every reader my get that same niggle reading this but it doesn’t matter anyway because once everything is laid bare, character by character and event by event you’ll be left speechless and lost in a world of feelings. I’d be shocked if this book doesn’t move your heart. Not in a sappy way - but real raw emotion.
It’s a book that needs to be read. If you are looking for something special to hook you in this is it. This will appeal to readers of any genre. Readers of just damn good storytelling. It took a long time for the Author to get this book from his imagination, a notebook of early outline to publication but thank you for not giving up on it along the way.
I lost track of time completely in the latter half of this book and the first half mesmerised me into what I thought was all I knew to be true. As layers upon layers and event upon event is thrust open in the last chunk of the book nothing could have interrupted my determination to finish this book.
The very ending. The last two pages. I wanted so much to read what I was reading and despite it not giving complete closure it let me imagine what comes next. If I can be so bold Mr. Madonna to please request a sequel because I NEED to know what’s beyond those trees.
Thank you so much to the Author and Publisher Channel Street Books for my ARC via NetGalley. Go get it now!
Once it’s released in the world grab your copy and I highly recommend this one for book clubs. There are even some good discussion questions at the end of the book. I could see some great discussion going on over this gem. This is the type of book and debut Author I’d be wanting to represent if I still had my book publicity company. A book I can get behind and want the world to read. A huge 5 stars without a doubt from me.
My review seriously just skims this novel.
Thanks so much for taking a little time to read my review. Your likes and comments mean a lot to me. 😻 Feel free to add me as a friend or follow me for more book reviews.
If you are an Author or Publisher and would like to ask me to review any books my email address is in my bio.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
✰ 3 stars ✰
Told in a non-linear narrative, alternating between Maggie's relationship with John, to their 13-year-old son, Levi, desperate to finally be rid of his father's violent abuse that has worsened over the years due to alcoholic abuse, the layer of unease is palpable. The veneer of fear is prevalent, and the desire for a clean break is crucial.
The writing was fluid but not entirely engaging; surprisingly, I didn't even highlight much. 🤔 The storytelling is strong; you can see that truths and secrets can coexist. Yet, it was also within the cracks of a fractured family that I caught glimpses of hints that created enough speculation for me to doubt the verity of the memories being shown - the faux air that something may be more than just amiss of what is being shown. 🤨
“But that wouldn’t stop her from doing what needed to be done. From being the wife God intended her to be.”
I think those slight clues made it difficult to really care and feel; that feeling I could not shed that already made me treat them all as guilty parties; but, no spoilers. It'll be hard to fully sympathize or empathize, but you'll at least see why even deniability can be an unwitting accomplice when all else fails; it really does become a survival of the fittest in order to regain that lost and stolen sense of control. 🥺
The characters were flawed humans. The mistakes they chanced upon and the decisions made in moments of despair and desperation defined them for so long that they believed the lies they told themselves. Why was Maggie a willing victim of domestic abuse for so long? Why did John foster such animosity toward Levi? Why did Levi feel bereft of belonging?
“Everyone smiling like they got secrets they don’t want you to know.”
It's a slow-burnish psychological family thriller, one where silence is in its own form of complicity that you don't face until your final reckoning. While the suspense really only picked up in the final quarter, I still was in appreciative awe of the climax, well, one of them, anyway. 🙂↕️ The events leading up to that final moment, to watch each piece fall into place - the various mysteries converging - and then have that final oomph reveal, was very rewarding. ❤️🩹
A story not about forgiveness but a heart-wrenching reflection of escaping by accepting the difficult choices made. 😟 How our love outweighs our fears, and how our strength comes from protecting what matters most - even at the cost of covering our own guilt. It's a dark, difficult existence that only can be explained by Every Silent Thing hidden away that we keep buried in our hearts. 🙏🏻
““I have a wolf by the ears”—.... Hold on and the wolf wears you down slowly, let go and it tears you apart in seconds.”
Told in a non-linear narrative, alternating between Maggie's relationship with John, to their 13-year-old son, Levi, desperate to finally be rid of his father's violent abuse that has worsened over the years due to alcoholic abuse, the layer of unease is palpable. The veneer of fear is prevalent, and the desire for a clean break is crucial.
The writing was fluid but not entirely engaging; surprisingly, I didn't even highlight much. 🤔 The storytelling is strong; you can see that truths and secrets can coexist. Yet, it was also within the cracks of a fractured family that I caught glimpses of hints that created enough speculation for me to doubt the verity of the memories being shown - the faux air that something may be more than just amiss of what is being shown. 🤨
“But that wouldn’t stop her from doing what needed to be done. From being the wife God intended her to be.”
I think those slight clues made it difficult to really care and feel; that feeling I could not shed that already made me treat them all as guilty parties; but, no spoilers. It'll be hard to fully sympathize or empathize, but you'll at least see why even deniability can be an unwitting accomplice when all else fails; it really does become a survival of the fittest in order to regain that lost and stolen sense of control. 🥺
The characters were flawed humans. The mistakes they chanced upon and the decisions made in moments of despair and desperation defined them for so long that they believed the lies they told themselves. Why was Maggie a willing victim of domestic abuse for so long? Why did John foster such animosity toward Levi? Why did Levi feel bereft of belonging?
“Everyone smiling like they got secrets they don’t want you to know.”
It's a slow-burnish psychological family thriller, one where silence is in its own form of complicity that you don't face until your final reckoning. While the suspense really only picked up in the final quarter, I still was in appreciative awe of the climax, well, one of them, anyway. 🙂↕️ The events leading up to that final moment, to watch each piece fall into place - the various mysteries converging - and then have that final oomph reveal, was very rewarding. ❤️🩹
A story not about forgiveness but a heart-wrenching reflection of escaping by accepting the difficult choices made. 😟 How our love outweighs our fears, and how our strength comes from protecting what matters most - even at the cost of covering our own guilt. It's a dark, difficult existence that only can be explained by Every Silent Thing hidden away that we keep buried in our hearts. 🙏🏻
August 9, 2026
Every Silent Thing, the stunning debut novel by author M. R. Madonna, is literary suspense at its finest. This novel is dark, intimate, and emotionally charged. The author takes his time giving life to every character, making you feel connected to them in ways you may not be prepared for.
Levi Tallon is the young protagonist at the heart of Every Silent Thing. Having spent his entire life being moved from place to place whenever his father’s violent rages bring police to his door, Levi has never known stability, safety, or true peace. His mother, Maggie, has been deeply impacted by the abuse she suffers at the hands of her husband, and seems unable to protect Levi, or herself.
Levi quickly becomes a target for the local bully, an angry outcast who calls himself Doley. Levi recognizes a shared pain in Doley, and tries to befriend him. When Levi shows him true kindness, Doley’s hostility begins to fade. As time passes, an undeniable, magnetic pull draws the two boys together. As their tense encounters give way to a quiet, unspoken understanding, their friction dissolves into a fierce friendship. Bound by isolation and the heavy weight of their individual traumas, they become each other’s only constant in their otherwise chaotic world.
When Levi’s parents find out about the boys’ friendship, they demand Levi stay away from Doley. They say he’s a bully, a liar, a bad influence. But Levi knows his parents are the ones lying, and he’ll do anything to stay friends with Doley, including making a decision that will change their lives forever.
Brilliantly written and impossible to put down, M.R. Madonna’s heartrending coming-of-age thriller explores the crippling weight of toxic devotion, stolen innocence, and fateful decisions from which there is no turning back. Highly, highly recommended.
Levi Tallon is the young protagonist at the heart of Every Silent Thing. Having spent his entire life being moved from place to place whenever his father’s violent rages bring police to his door, Levi has never known stability, safety, or true peace. His mother, Maggie, has been deeply impacted by the abuse she suffers at the hands of her husband, and seems unable to protect Levi, or herself.
Levi quickly becomes a target for the local bully, an angry outcast who calls himself Doley. Levi recognizes a shared pain in Doley, and tries to befriend him. When Levi shows him true kindness, Doley’s hostility begins to fade. As time passes, an undeniable, magnetic pull draws the two boys together. As their tense encounters give way to a quiet, unspoken understanding, their friction dissolves into a fierce friendship. Bound by isolation and the heavy weight of their individual traumas, they become each other’s only constant in their otherwise chaotic world.
When Levi’s parents find out about the boys’ friendship, they demand Levi stay away from Doley. They say he’s a bully, a liar, a bad influence. But Levi knows his parents are the ones lying, and he’ll do anything to stay friends with Doley, including making a decision that will change their lives forever.
Brilliantly written and impossible to put down, M.R. Madonna’s heartrending coming-of-age thriller explores the crippling weight of toxic devotion, stolen innocence, and fateful decisions from which there is no turning back. Highly, highly recommended.
August 30, 2026
Levi is stuck in the middle of his parent’s abusive marriage. We have high stakes here early on in the story. As the violence escalates, the resentment and tension builds. His mother keeps promising him a fresh start but when they move to her hometown memories from the past resurface.
The author did a good job of keeping me hooked because the story was almost told backwards where we are waiting on this secret to be revealed. We get bits and pieces but when the truth comes out I was stunned.
I love a book that can portray how a secret can eat you up until there’s nothing left and this delivered. It also asks the question of what would you do when what you want is within reach but you have to lie to get it? Is it worth it or will you live a lifetime of regret?
The author did a good job of keeping me hooked because the story was almost told backwards where we are waiting on this secret to be revealed. We get bits and pieces but when the truth comes out I was stunned.
I love a book that can portray how a secret can eat you up until there’s nothing left and this delivered. It also asks the question of what would you do when what you want is within reach but you have to lie to get it? Is it worth it or will you live a lifetime of regret?
September 14, 2026
This novel starts out very dark, with a man struggling for his life, followed by chapters of this same man abusing his wife and scaring their son. It’s hard to take. The son, Levi, is going into high school when they move back to the wife’s home town. Levi creates an alliance with a juvenile delinquent and his mother is worried about the boy’s influence on her son. Meanwhile, we’re treated to more scenes of abuse and several long-buried secrets are hinted at until rising to the surface.
It’s a complex story with multiple plot lines. The multiple narrators of the audiobook make for an excellent listening experience. 3.75 rounded up.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @ChannelStreetBooks, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook #everysilentthing for review purposes. Publication date: 13 October 2026.
It’s a complex story with multiple plot lines. The multiple narrators of the audiobook make for an excellent listening experience. 3.75 rounded up.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @ChannelStreetBooks, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook #everysilentthing for review purposes. Publication date: 13 October 2026.
September 6, 2026
This was casted BRILLIANTLY. I loved the interwoven dialogue throughout, while most of the narration alternates between Nan McNamara as Maggie and Aaron Landon as Levi. Nan just sounds like a mom, there’s this natural warmth to her voice that fit Maggie perfectly. Aaron has a younger sounding voice that made him such a good choice for a teenage character without ever sounding like an adult trying too hard to play a kid lol Steve Hendrickson as John that older, gruff voice was PERFECT for such a morally dark grey character. All three added so much emotion to this, and I’d absolutely recommend listening to this!!
We get three POVs(mom, dad and son) as Maggie moves her family back to her hometown and childhood home. Levi has already dealt with bullies when he immediately finds himself targeted by the monster bully of his new town, eventually turning into the friend he desperately needed...or so he thought... Having so much of the domestic abuse seen and processed through the eyes of a teenage son was really difficult to process and added another layer to both the suspense and Levi’s story.
This is DARK domestic suspense with some seriously morally dark gray characters, but they’re so fleshed out and layered that nobody feels reduced to just being “good” or “bad.” I did guess the final reveal, but the book doesn’t depend on one giant GOTCHA twist anyway. There are smaller reveals throughout that essentially guide you toward the ending, and I really liked that style tbh!!
We get three POVs(mom, dad and son) as Maggie moves her family back to her hometown and childhood home. Levi has already dealt with bullies when he immediately finds himself targeted by the monster bully of his new town, eventually turning into the friend he desperately needed...or so he thought... Having so much of the domestic abuse seen and processed through the eyes of a teenage son was really difficult to process and added another layer to both the suspense and Levi’s story.
This is DARK domestic suspense with some seriously morally dark gray characters, but they’re so fleshed out and layered that nobody feels reduced to just being “good” or “bad.” I did guess the final reveal, but the book doesn’t depend on one giant GOTCHA twist anyway. There are smaller reveals throughout that essentially guide you toward the ending, and I really liked that style tbh!!
September 16, 2026
Don’t let 4 stars fool you. Read the book. My reason for the 4 stars is that we didn’t get to say goodbye to the characters I developed a love/hate relationship with. It moved into Epilogue and I wasn’t ready. I prefer a little more closure, BUT I would do it all over again.
I’m going to try not to give spoilers.
A story of a young couple (Maggie and John) that struggled with being unable to carry a child to birth and developed a relationship full of abuse. They later moved their now 13/14 year old child (Levi) from town to town. Upon the last move, Levi made some new friends, one in particular (Doley)while being in a place he wasn’t supposed to be, seeing something he wasn’t supposed to see, or was he? Levi felt a connection with Doley, the outcast. He does not want to believe any of the bad things people say about Doley Could he possibly be the one that hurt Sessamee?
While hanging out with Doley, he learns some new ways of thinking. He decides to stand up to his father for the way his mother is being treated. He feels his father hates him and has been an embarrassment for him, and since Mom won’t save them, there is only one way out.
In the meantime, Maggie is keeping secrets, John too, Secrets that, if Levi knew, and once he does know- changes EVERYTHING , but it may be too late.
This author knows how to develop a story, make you know and feel for the characters and keep it interesting. It’s definitely a psychological twister.
I’m longing for a part 2- the aftermath, the clean up.
Read the book!
I’m going to try not to give spoilers.
A story of a young couple (Maggie and John) that struggled with being unable to carry a child to birth and developed a relationship full of abuse. They later moved their now 13/14 year old child (Levi) from town to town. Upon the last move, Levi made some new friends, one in particular (Doley)while being in a place he wasn’t supposed to be, seeing something he wasn’t supposed to see, or was he? Levi felt a connection with Doley, the outcast. He does not want to believe any of the bad things people say about Doley Could he possibly be the one that hurt Sessamee?
While hanging out with Doley, he learns some new ways of thinking. He decides to stand up to his father for the way his mother is being treated. He feels his father hates him and has been an embarrassment for him, and since Mom won’t save them, there is only one way out.
In the meantime, Maggie is keeping secrets, John too, Secrets that, if Levi knew, and once he does know- changes EVERYTHING , but it may be too late.
This author knows how to develop a story, make you know and feel for the characters and keep it interesting. It’s definitely a psychological twister.
I’m longing for a part 2- the aftermath, the clean up.
Read the book!
September 16, 2026
Thank you to Channel Street Books for providing me with a digital copy of this book as well as the audiobook via Netgalley. I’m sharing my thoughts voluntarily.
This audiobook was excellent. I also read along with the digital book as well. There are multiple narrators as the book chapters alternate between Maggie and her son Levi. I would absolutely recommend the audiobook!
This book really kept my attention. There are so many twists and revelations that come about as the story progresses. All of the characters in this book have secrets. There is also a bit of a mystery involving a woman who was attacked in the woods. I thought the writing was great. This book does have a domestic violence situation so that is something to be aware of before diving in. I believe this is a debut novel. I would definitely read future books from this author!
If you enjoy small town psychological thrillers, this is a good one!
This audiobook was excellent. I also read along with the digital book as well. There are multiple narrators as the book chapters alternate between Maggie and her son Levi. I would absolutely recommend the audiobook!
This book really kept my attention. There are so many twists and revelations that come about as the story progresses. All of the characters in this book have secrets. There is also a bit of a mystery involving a woman who was attacked in the woods. I thought the writing was great. This book does have a domestic violence situation so that is something to be aware of before diving in. I believe this is a debut novel. I would definitely read future books from this author!
If you enjoy small town psychological thrillers, this is a good one!
September 14, 2026
A fantastic novel! I was so emotionally invested in the story, and the characters are all so complex and flawed. It has a psychological thriller storyline rooted in an emotional small town setting.
The narrators are perfect for the roles of Levi, Maggie, and John. The contrast between Maggie’s relationship with religion and the abuse she experiences from her husband is unsettling, but it’s written so well.
I like to try and guess the twist in thrillers, and whilst I was close in some parts, I was so wrapped up in the story that the reveal still completely caught me off guard. For any thriller or contemporary fiction fans, you need to add this to your reading list!
The narrators are perfect for the roles of Levi, Maggie, and John. The contrast between Maggie’s relationship with religion and the abuse she experiences from her husband is unsettling, but it’s written so well.
I like to try and guess the twist in thrillers, and whilst I was close in some parts, I was so wrapped up in the story that the reveal still completely caught me off guard. For any thriller or contemporary fiction fans, you need to add this to your reading list!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have just listened to this audiobook as an ALC from NetGalley and it was really excellent.
This is a debut novel and I cannot wait to read more from this fantastic author.
I found the writing style similar to the amazing Chris Whittaker. Very atmospheric and alluring. The story grips you from the first page and keeps you immersed in the drama right to the very end. I would say that the twist at the end was obvious from half way through the book however it was still such a gripping, emotional read.
Definitely a very strong 5⭐️
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the ALC 🎧
This is a debut novel and I cannot wait to read more from this fantastic author.
I found the writing style similar to the amazing Chris Whittaker. Very atmospheric and alluring. The story grips you from the first page and keeps you immersed in the drama right to the very end. I would say that the twist at the end was obvious from half way through the book however it was still such a gripping, emotional read.
Definitely a very strong 5⭐️
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the ALC 🎧
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Part family drama, part thriller/mystery, part coming-of-age story, this debut novel is one of those books I couldn’t put down. The characters are beautifully drawn, flaws and all, and many of them have secrets that kept me guessing until the end. Madonna tackles some difficult subjects with compassion and without ever losing sight of the very human people at the heart of the story. A compelling, moving read that I highly recommend. I can’t wait to see what Madonna writes next.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
You know a book is good when you’re mad at it, but you still can’t put it down. This was a rollercoaster of a book. The characters you think you like, until you don’t. And then there are the characters that you can’t stand until you are like…well…..And just when I thought I had the book figured out, it had me turning back pages to reread what I just read. The author does a great job dropping clues along the way for you to kind of tuck it away u til later. You will probably get angry reading this book, but you will also keep reading because you HAVE to see what happens in the end.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A wonderful novel that is multi-layered and nuanced! Although difficult subjects are ever present in the novel, it was beautifully written and thoughtfully presented.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Every Silent Thing is the kind of thriller that quietly pulls you in and then makes it almost impossible to stop reading. From the very beginning, there is a feeling that something is terribly wrong inside Levi's family, but the truth is hidden so carefully that you are left wondering what could possibly have happened. Levi is a teenage boy growing up in a home filled with fear, rules and secrets. His father is frightening, his mother is deeply protective and Levi has learned to survive by keeping his head down and saying as little as possible. But Levi is not alone. His best friend Doley is the one person who makes him feel strong, understood and less trapped by the life around him. Their friendship becomes one of the most powerful parts of the story because these two boys are carrying far more than children should ever have to carry. Maggie's story adds another layer to everything. Her chapters slowly take us into the past and show us the woman behind the mother Levi knows. She has suffered enormous loss and has spent years trying to build the family she desperately wanted. At first, you may think you understand what she is doing and why she behaves the way she does. But the deeper you go, the more questions begin to appear. The story moves between different years and different points of view, and I loved the way each part slowly adds another piece to the puzzle. You are constantly learning something new while realizing that you may have misunderstood something from earlier. That kept me completely hooked. Doley is another character who stayed in my mind long after reading. Everyone sees him as tough and fearless, but underneath that hard outside is a lonely boy who desperately wants to belong somewhere. His friendship with Levi feels real because they give each other something neither can find at home. Their secret Circle becomes a place where they can finally be themselves, and that makes the danger surrounding them even more painful. The story also does an incredible job with tension. A simple conversation can feel dangerous. A walk through the woods can make you nervous. A family dinner can feel more frightening than a dark road at night. You keep waiting for the truth to come out, but every answer seems to create another question. And then there are the moments when Levi begins to realize that the story he has been told about his own life may not be the truth at all. That part completely pulled me in. I wanted to know who was lying, why they were lying and how far they would go to keep those lies hidden. I will not reveal the biggest secrets, what happened on that terrible night or what Levi eventually discovers because those are the moments that make this book so powerful. You need to experience them yourself. What I can say is that the story becomes more emotional and more heartbreaking as the truth comes closer. This is not only a mystery about what happened. It is also a story about childhood, abuse, grief, friendship, family and the terrible things people can do when they become desperate enough to protect the life they want. M.R. Madonna writes the characters with so much emotional detail that I found myself caring about even the most complicated people in the story. Levi's fear, Doley's loneliness and Maggie's desperate need for a family all feel painfully real. And the final pieces of the story make you look back at everything that came before in a completely different way. Every Silent Thing is dark, emotional, disturbing and incredibly gripping. It is the kind of book where you tell yourself you will read one more chapter because you need one more answer, only to keep going because another question appears. If you love psychological thrillers, family secrets, complicated characters, childhood friendships, buried truths and stories that slowly reveal something you never saw coming, this is a must read. Go in knowing as little as possible. Trust me, the less you know, the harder this book will hit...
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
HOLY SH*T! This book will ruin you for other books.
I don't think I've ever read anything like it. I'd call it more of a coming-of-age family drama, a slow burn thriller maybe, but in the best way. You feel the tension build sentence by sentence from page one, making you know something bad is coming—and then it literally SLAMS into you.
Every Silent Thing is about a mother and her teenage son Levi who's stuck in a home with an abusive father. After moving from town to town to evade whatever problems the father attracted, Levi is finally done with it. He thinks the only way to protect his mom is to get rid of his dad, by whatever means necessary. What he doesn't have a clue about is his mom's dilemma—and she's hiding things too.
Fair warning, this book can be heavy at times. There's abuse in many forms but it never felt needless or treated lightly. The author does a good job giving every character a little bit heart and a little bit hate. Almost everyone's a half-villain and a half-hero, no matter what they've done. In the case of the father, you get shown where his cruelty comes from instead of given easy answers, and none of it gets excused away, which I appreciated. That's the part that hit me by surprise—I found myself feeling for every single one of them, and I did not expect that halfway through.
The range of emotion in this book works because it's so real. The author puts you right inside their house, and you start thinking about what you'd actually do for someone you love. It's easy to say "anything," but this book makes you wonder where the line is. The saddest part isn't just what horrible stuff they're living through—it's what they believe they have to do to fix it.
But Levi's story hit me hardest. Kids in situations like that end up carrying way too much, and it changes who they become. Your home is supposed to be where you learn to trust people, and when that's broken, you build walls instead. Watching Levi do that was rough. Then he connects with this local bully who's also been through it, and you're not sure if that's going to help him or make everything worse. Two damaged kids could go either way.
Maggie was the shocker! I had inklings about what the big secret was, but every time I thought I understood her, the story shifted. The twists are bonkers!!! They're not the kind that come out of nowhere, they're the kind right under your nose that make it so darn fun, and every hair stands on end when it finally sinks in. I literally had to go back and check a few things. I'm not lying when I say I shouted "noooo way!" more than once. And the ending…. THE ENDING! O.M.G it was so satisfying and so gut-wrenchingly rewarding you don't even know!
I'm trying SO hard not to spill the plot, because this is one of those books where you want to talk about it the second you close it, which is a little annoying, because nobody I know has read it yet.
You can't search Amazon or Google for a book like this because it has that something else that makes it so unique. Highly, highly recommend!
I don't think I've ever read anything like it. I'd call it more of a coming-of-age family drama, a slow burn thriller maybe, but in the best way. You feel the tension build sentence by sentence from page one, making you know something bad is coming—and then it literally SLAMS into you.
Every Silent Thing is about a mother and her teenage son Levi who's stuck in a home with an abusive father. After moving from town to town to evade whatever problems the father attracted, Levi is finally done with it. He thinks the only way to protect his mom is to get rid of his dad, by whatever means necessary. What he doesn't have a clue about is his mom's dilemma—and she's hiding things too.
Fair warning, this book can be heavy at times. There's abuse in many forms but it never felt needless or treated lightly. The author does a good job giving every character a little bit heart and a little bit hate. Almost everyone's a half-villain and a half-hero, no matter what they've done. In the case of the father, you get shown where his cruelty comes from instead of given easy answers, and none of it gets excused away, which I appreciated. That's the part that hit me by surprise—I found myself feeling for every single one of them, and I did not expect that halfway through.
The range of emotion in this book works because it's so real. The author puts you right inside their house, and you start thinking about what you'd actually do for someone you love. It's easy to say "anything," but this book makes you wonder where the line is. The saddest part isn't just what horrible stuff they're living through—it's what they believe they have to do to fix it.
But Levi's story hit me hardest. Kids in situations like that end up carrying way too much, and it changes who they become. Your home is supposed to be where you learn to trust people, and when that's broken, you build walls instead. Watching Levi do that was rough. Then he connects with this local bully who's also been through it, and you're not sure if that's going to help him or make everything worse. Two damaged kids could go either way.
Maggie was the shocker! I had inklings about what the big secret was, but every time I thought I understood her, the story shifted. The twists are bonkers!!! They're not the kind that come out of nowhere, they're the kind right under your nose that make it so darn fun, and every hair stands on end when it finally sinks in. I literally had to go back and check a few things. I'm not lying when I say I shouted "noooo way!" more than once. And the ending…. THE ENDING! O.M.G it was so satisfying and so gut-wrenchingly rewarding you don't even know!
I'm trying SO hard not to spill the plot, because this is one of those books where you want to talk about it the second you close it, which is a little annoying, because nobody I know has read it yet.
You can't search Amazon or Google for a book like this because it has that something else that makes it so unique. Highly, highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Genre: Coming of Age Story/Psychological Suspense
Publisher: Channel Street Books
Pub. Date: October 13, 2026
Dark, intimate, and emotionally charged, Every Silent Thing is a domestic drama infused with the tension and twists of a thriller. Set in the small towns of New York’s Finger Lakes region, the novel follows Maggie Tallon as she attempts to begin a new life with her abusive husband, John, and their 13-year-old son, Levi, in the place where she grew up.
Unfortunately, starting over proves nearly impossible. John’s escalating drinking and violent behavior make home life unbearable, especially for Levi, who is forced to endure the devastating effects of his father’s abuse towards his mother. As long-held secrets begin to surface, the family’s fragile world starts to unravel, demonstrating how profoundly hidden truths can alter—and even destroy—a person’s life.
One of the novel’s most fascinating characters is Doley, the town’s teenage bully. His unexpected friendship with Levi adds complexity to the story, as Levi is never completely certain whether Doley can be trusted. Their relationship captures the uncertainty, vulnerability, and difficult choices of adolescence.
A heartrending coming-of-age thriller, Every Silent Thing explores toxic devotion, stolen innocence, family violence, and the consequences of decisions from which there may be no turning back. Although it is a heavy and emotionally challenging read, moments of warmth and humanity give the story balance.
I recommend Every Silent Thing to readers who enjoy psychologically intense domestic dramas, complex characters, and suspenseful coming-of-age stories.
Publisher: Channel Street Books
Pub. Date: October 13, 2026
Dark, intimate, and emotionally charged, Every Silent Thing is a domestic drama infused with the tension and twists of a thriller. Set in the small towns of New York’s Finger Lakes region, the novel follows Maggie Tallon as she attempts to begin a new life with her abusive husband, John, and their 13-year-old son, Levi, in the place where she grew up.
Unfortunately, starting over proves nearly impossible. John’s escalating drinking and violent behavior make home life unbearable, especially for Levi, who is forced to endure the devastating effects of his father’s abuse towards his mother. As long-held secrets begin to surface, the family’s fragile world starts to unravel, demonstrating how profoundly hidden truths can alter—and even destroy—a person’s life.
One of the novel’s most fascinating characters is Doley, the town’s teenage bully. His unexpected friendship with Levi adds complexity to the story, as Levi is never completely certain whether Doley can be trusted. Their relationship captures the uncertainty, vulnerability, and difficult choices of adolescence.
A heartrending coming-of-age thriller, Every Silent Thing explores toxic devotion, stolen innocence, family violence, and the consequences of decisions from which there may be no turning back. Although it is a heavy and emotionally challenging read, moments of warmth and humanity give the story balance.
I recommend Every Silent Thing to readers who enjoy psychologically intense domestic dramas, complex characters, and suspenseful coming-of-age stories.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
🎧 Audio Review: Enjoyed the narration!
📝 Story Review: Definitely check your TW’s before diving into this one, it contains very sensitive content.
I thought this story was very well written. It had plenty of twisty mysterious themes, keeping you guessing along the way. It was very tragic, but also an enjoyable thriller amidst the domestic issues. Some was relatively easy to piece together and some not so easy. It’s centered around one family with an alcoholic parent who gets abusive and violent (and I never condone spouses abusing each other or their children) but it was interesting to see what circumstances drove him to that point in his life. This was a story involving secrets being unearthed, teenagers having to grow up too fast and feeling forced to make decisions that should never have to be in their hands, and thinking you understand a situation when there is actually a lot more behind the scenes. A woman’s disappearance also played a part in the telling of this story, so there were multiple aspects at play.
I believe this was the author’s debut novel and he really did a great job with it! I’d be happy to read more from him in the future!
My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5
TW’s 👇
- Domestic Abuse
- Alcoholism
- Teen Bullying/Physical Assaults
- Mention of past miscarriages
- Mention of death from car accident
- Extramarital Affairs
- Mention of coercing a minor for sexual favors/pictures
Audio Release Date: October 13, 2026
Audio Run Time: 10 hrs, 17 mins
Genre: Domestic Drama/Thriller
POV: Third Person; Multi
Thank you to NetGalley and Channel Street Books for this ALC in return for my honest review.
📝 Story Review: Definitely check your TW’s before diving into this one, it contains very sensitive content.
I thought this story was very well written. It had plenty of twisty mysterious themes, keeping you guessing along the way. It was very tragic, but also an enjoyable thriller amidst the domestic issues. Some was relatively easy to piece together and some not so easy. It’s centered around one family with an alcoholic parent who gets abusive and violent (and I never condone spouses abusing each other or their children) but it was interesting to see what circumstances drove him to that point in his life. This was a story involving secrets being unearthed, teenagers having to grow up too fast and feeling forced to make decisions that should never have to be in their hands, and thinking you understand a situation when there is actually a lot more behind the scenes. A woman’s disappearance also played a part in the telling of this story, so there were multiple aspects at play.
I believe this was the author’s debut novel and he really did a great job with it! I’d be happy to read more from him in the future!
My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5
TW’s 👇
- Domestic Abuse
- Alcoholism
- Teen Bullying/Physical Assaults
- Mention of past miscarriages
- Mention of death from car accident
- Extramarital Affairs
- Mention of coercing a minor for sexual favors/pictures
Audio Release Date: October 13, 2026
Audio Run Time: 10 hrs, 17 mins
Genre: Domestic Drama/Thriller
POV: Third Person; Multi
Thank you to NetGalley and Channel Street Books for this ALC in return for my honest review.
August 12, 2026
Every Silent Thing is one of those rare novels that grips you from the first page and doesn’t let go—not because of shocking twists alone, but because the emotional stakes feel painfully real. M.R. Madonna crafts a dark, intimate story about a mother and son trying to save each other in the only ways they know how, even as those choices threaten to unravel everything they’re fighting for.
Levi is a heartbreaking narrator—thirteen, terrified, and already carrying the weight of impossible decisions. His bond with Doley, a loner with a bruised past, is both tender and unsettling, and the way their friendship hardens into something dangerous is handled with such nuance. At the same time, Maggie’s secret adds a whole new layer of tension, reframing the story in ways I didn’t see coming. Watching Levi’s faith crack and reshape itself as he learns the truth was one of the most affecting parts of the book.
What really stands out is how seamlessly this novel blends domestic drama with psychological suspense. The pacing is tight, the atmosphere heavy with dread, and yet the emotional core—devotion, innocence, and the desperate hope for a way out—never gets lost. Madonna’s writing is sharp and immersive, and the characters linger long after the final page.
Fans of Gillian Flynn, Liz Moore, Chris Whitaker, and Dennis Lehane will find a lot to love here. Every Silent Thing is a powerful, haunting debut that announces a compelling new voice in the genre.
With thanks to MR Madonna, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Levi is a heartbreaking narrator—thirteen, terrified, and already carrying the weight of impossible decisions. His bond with Doley, a loner with a bruised past, is both tender and unsettling, and the way their friendship hardens into something dangerous is handled with such nuance. At the same time, Maggie’s secret adds a whole new layer of tension, reframing the story in ways I didn’t see coming. Watching Levi’s faith crack and reshape itself as he learns the truth was one of the most affecting parts of the book.
What really stands out is how seamlessly this novel blends domestic drama with psychological suspense. The pacing is tight, the atmosphere heavy with dread, and yet the emotional core—devotion, innocence, and the desperate hope for a way out—never gets lost. Madonna’s writing is sharp and immersive, and the characters linger long after the final page.
Fans of Gillian Flynn, Liz Moore, Chris Whitaker, and Dennis Lehane will find a lot to love here. Every Silent Thing is a powerful, haunting debut that announces a compelling new voice in the genre.
With thanks to MR Madonna, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed this one! Every Silent Thing is definitely on the heavier side, but I was surprised by how quickly I became invested in these characters. 🖤
This is much more character-driven than I was expecting. It takes its time, but in this case I think that really worked. You actually get to KNOW these characters, especially Levi and Doley, and their friendship was easily my favorite part of the entire book. Two kids carrying around way too much pain and somehow finding each other. 😭💔
There are some really difficult themes in this story, particularly surrounding abuse and childhood trauma, so definitely check the content warnings. But even with how dark it gets, I never felt like it was dark just for the sake of being dark. There is so much heart underneath all of it.
And can we talk about the title?! 👀 Every Silent Thing means SO much more once you’ve finished the book. I love when a title clicks into place as you’re reading and suddenly you’re like… OH. Okay. Now I get it. 😭 It fits this story so incredibly well.
I also really appreciated that this wasn’t just twist after twist after twist. The suspense is there, but the characters are what kept me reading. I cared about them and needed to know where this story was going.
Dark, heartbreaking, beautifully written, and such an impressive debut. 👏📚 I’ll definitely be interested to see what M. R. Madonna writes next!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📅 Pub Date: October 13, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Channel Street Books for the advance copy! 🖤✨
I really enjoyed this one! Every Silent Thing is definitely on the heavier side, but I was surprised by how quickly I became invested in these characters. 🖤
This is much more character-driven than I was expecting. It takes its time, but in this case I think that really worked. You actually get to KNOW these characters, especially Levi and Doley, and their friendship was easily my favorite part of the entire book. Two kids carrying around way too much pain and somehow finding each other. 😭💔
There are some really difficult themes in this story, particularly surrounding abuse and childhood trauma, so definitely check the content warnings. But even with how dark it gets, I never felt like it was dark just for the sake of being dark. There is so much heart underneath all of it.
And can we talk about the title?! 👀 Every Silent Thing means SO much more once you’ve finished the book. I love when a title clicks into place as you’re reading and suddenly you’re like… OH. Okay. Now I get it. 😭 It fits this story so incredibly well.
I also really appreciated that this wasn’t just twist after twist after twist. The suspense is there, but the characters are what kept me reading. I cared about them and needed to know where this story was going.
Dark, heartbreaking, beautifully written, and such an impressive debut. 👏📚 I’ll definitely be interested to see what M. R. Madonna writes next!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📅 Pub Date: October 13, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Channel Street Books for the advance copy! 🖤✨
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
📖🎧
𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗞
Thirteen year old Levi is desperate to protect his mother from his abusive father. After forming an unlikely friendship with troubled loner Doley, Levi finds himself caught up in a dangerous situation that threatens to expose family secrets and change everything he thought he knew about his family.
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
I always appreciate an imaginative audiobook production. The book is dual POV between Levi and Maggie, with the POV changing by chapter. But there’s an important flashback where both narrators speak their own lines, and it adds such an extra dimension to the scene and makes it even more powerful.
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
This is a dark, character driven coming-of-age suspense about choices, secrets and consequences.
It’s definitely a gritty slow burn, with spousal abuse and childhood trauma playing a big part in the story. I’d have found this off putting but the writing itself is really accessible, and it doesn’t feel overly literary or like you have to work to get into it.
I did get a little impatient with the pace halfway in, but things picked up and it was so worth it. The layers started coming together, the twists kept coming, and it all built to a powerful ending - talk about bittersweet!
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
This is such a strong debut and a great choice for anyone who enjoys slow burn, layered, twisty, emotional reads. Just check out the TWs first, as the spousal abuse is prominent.
Thank you Channel Street Books and NetGalley for these gifted ARCs.
🎧 Narrated by Aaron Landon, Nan McNamara, Steve Hendrickson
📖 Release 10•13•26 | 380 pages | 10h 46m
𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗞
Thirteen year old Levi is desperate to protect his mother from his abusive father. After forming an unlikely friendship with troubled loner Doley, Levi finds himself caught up in a dangerous situation that threatens to expose family secrets and change everything he thought he knew about his family.
𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
I always appreciate an imaginative audiobook production. The book is dual POV between Levi and Maggie, with the POV changing by chapter. But there’s an important flashback where both narrators speak their own lines, and it adds such an extra dimension to the scene and makes it even more powerful.
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
This is a dark, character driven coming-of-age suspense about choices, secrets and consequences.
It’s definitely a gritty slow burn, with spousal abuse and childhood trauma playing a big part in the story. I’d have found this off putting but the writing itself is really accessible, and it doesn’t feel overly literary or like you have to work to get into it.
I did get a little impatient with the pace halfway in, but things picked up and it was so worth it. The layers started coming together, the twists kept coming, and it all built to a powerful ending - talk about bittersweet!
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
This is such a strong debut and a great choice for anyone who enjoys slow burn, layered, twisty, emotional reads. Just check out the TWs first, as the spousal abuse is prominent.
Thank you Channel Street Books and NetGalley for these gifted ARCs.
🎧 Narrated by Aaron Landon, Nan McNamara, Steve Hendrickson
📖 Release 10•13•26 | 380 pages | 10h 46m
Review of advance copy received from Author
M.R. Madonna’s Every Silent Thing is my new favorite book—the one I’m going to annoy everyone with by asking “Have you read this yet? You need to read it so we can talk about it!” I haven’t stayed up past my bedtime to finish a book in a long time, but this is one of those books you can’t stop reading.
The story centers around 14-year-old Levi Tallon, his not-so-slightly delusional mother, Maggie, and angry, abusive father, John. When they move back to the town and the house Maggie grew up in, it sets off a chain of events that inexorably unravels the threads holding their dysfunctional little family together. Levi, tired of being the target of bullying in the town they left behind, befriends the toughest kid in town, known as Doley. It’s an uneasy partnership, as Doley is moody and prone to outbursts of violence, but he’s also honest—a quality lacking in Levi’s homelife, where his dad rarely even looks at him and his mom is determined to pretend everything is okay.
Every cliché that’s ever been used about a book applies to Every Silent Thing: it’s un-put-downable, riveting, an absolute page-turner. I’d describe it as Gillian Flynn’s Sharp Objects meets Stephen King’s “Stand by Me,” a rich mash-up of compelling domestic noir and heartrending coming-of-age story. I can’t wait for Mr. Madonna’s next book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story centers around 14-year-old Levi Tallon, his not-so-slightly delusional mother, Maggie, and angry, abusive father, John. When they move back to the town and the house Maggie grew up in, it sets off a chain of events that inexorably unravels the threads holding their dysfunctional little family together. Levi, tired of being the target of bullying in the town they left behind, befriends the toughest kid in town, known as Doley. It’s an uneasy partnership, as Doley is moody and prone to outbursts of violence, but he’s also honest—a quality lacking in Levi’s homelife, where his dad rarely even looks at him and his mom is determined to pretend everything is okay.
Every cliché that’s ever been used about a book applies to Every Silent Thing: it’s un-put-downable, riveting, an absolute page-turner. I’d describe it as Gillian Flynn’s Sharp Objects meets Stephen King’s “Stand by Me,” a rich mash-up of compelling domestic noir and heartrending coming-of-age story. I can’t wait for Mr. Madonna’s next book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*ARC Review*
This debut novel is a dark, psychological thriller exploring themes of hate & hidden secrets.
Trapped in a home ruled by his violent father, thirteen year old Levi forms a blood pact with a troubled loner Doley to free his mother, Maggie but Levi is unaware that Maggie has her own buried secrets. When their hidden plots collide, an unraveling family secret threatens to destroy them both.
Every Silent Thing by M.R. Madonna is an emotional, slow burn psychological thriller about family secrets and domestic trauma. (Trigger warnings: Domestic abuse, miscarriages).
Listening to the reality of Levi's domestic life is genuinely tough and heartbreaking. A thirteen year old child should never have to deal with worrying about his mother’s safety or protecting her from a father's violent outbursts.
While I usually prefer fast-paced storylines, this story slowly builds the foundation, but around the 70% mark, the pace picks up as the secrets begin to unravel. The final quarter reveals the background behind why Levi's father is the way he is with him, and the twist went in a direction I never saw coming, with family secrets buried for years coming to the surface.
If you love slow burn psychological thrillers with dark family secrets, deep emotions, and a twist you won't see coming, this is for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Channel Street Books for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This debut novel is a dark, psychological thriller exploring themes of hate & hidden secrets.
Trapped in a home ruled by his violent father, thirteen year old Levi forms a blood pact with a troubled loner Doley to free his mother, Maggie but Levi is unaware that Maggie has her own buried secrets. When their hidden plots collide, an unraveling family secret threatens to destroy them both.
Every Silent Thing by M.R. Madonna is an emotional, slow burn psychological thriller about family secrets and domestic trauma. (Trigger warnings: Domestic abuse, miscarriages).
Listening to the reality of Levi's domestic life is genuinely tough and heartbreaking. A thirteen year old child should never have to deal with worrying about his mother’s safety or protecting her from a father's violent outbursts.
While I usually prefer fast-paced storylines, this story slowly builds the foundation, but around the 70% mark, the pace picks up as the secrets begin to unravel. The final quarter reveals the background behind why Levi's father is the way he is with him, and the twist went in a direction I never saw coming, with family secrets buried for years coming to the surface.
If you love slow burn psychological thrillers with dark family secrets, deep emotions, and a twist you won't see coming, this is for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Channel Street Books for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed this book now that I can think back over the entirely of it.
The beginning chapters are a little clunky with the introduction of multiple characters to the storyline, without linking them to other characters or the plot. It’s heavy on world building without really moving the plot forward. So initially you feel as though you’re juggling all these pegs without being able to place them. Don’t DNF! hang on and let the author get everyone on the page.
Because…once the world is built and everyone is in their places the twists and turns will pull you right in. I thought I knew where it was headed initially….I was wrong.
The ones you rooted for become the ones you hate, the ones you hated become the broken pieces you want to put back together and hold until it’s okay.
This is the type of read you want others to read, you recommend this in book clubs so you can dive into the complexities of it afterward over tapas and a bottle of red…or white….hell do both!
I will forever fall for the Ian Crane’s of the world🖤.
**I received this book as a pass along through an ARC, I’m not an affiliate nor am I being paid for this review-these are just my thoughts passed along.
The beginning chapters are a little clunky with the introduction of multiple characters to the storyline, without linking them to other characters or the plot. It’s heavy on world building without really moving the plot forward. So initially you feel as though you’re juggling all these pegs without being able to place them. Don’t DNF! hang on and let the author get everyone on the page.
Because…once the world is built and everyone is in their places the twists and turns will pull you right in. I thought I knew where it was headed initially….I was wrong.
The ones you rooted for become the ones you hate, the ones you hated become the broken pieces you want to put back together and hold until it’s okay.
This is the type of read you want others to read, you recommend this in book clubs so you can dive into the complexities of it afterward over tapas and a bottle of red…or white….hell do both!
I will forever fall for the Ian Crane’s of the world🖤.
**I received this book as a pass along through an ARC, I’m not an affiliate nor am I being paid for this review-these are just my thoughts passed along.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Every Silent Thing by M.R. Madonna is a haunting, atmospheric read that pulled me in with its unsettling premise and slowly building tension. I really enjoyed the way the story creates a sense that something is wrong beneath the surface, keeping me curious about what was coming next.
There’s a strong emotional undercurrent to the story, and I appreciated that the horror and suspense weren’t just about scares—they also explored fear, secrets, and the things people keep buried. The atmosphere was definitely one of my favorite parts.
A creepy and intriguing read for anyone who enjoys psychological suspense with darker, unsettling elements.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.
There’s a strong emotional undercurrent to the story, and I appreciated that the horror and suspense weren’t just about scares—they also explored fear, secrets, and the things people keep buried. The atmosphere was definitely one of my favorite parts.
A creepy and intriguing read for anyone who enjoys psychological suspense with darker, unsettling elements.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a challenging slow burn. Things really come together at the end.
Teenaged Levi is living in a troubled home, filled with domestic violence. He befriends delinquent Doley, who people think has killed a woman.
Everyone in this story, with perhaps the exception of Levi, is not who they seem. I feel this is where the story lost me. One part is the time it takes to get there. The other part is how the domestic violence is dealt with and essentially absolved when we find out the twist at the end. I am really against this. There is no excuse for violence and the excuse of doesn't even make sense.
Thank you to NetGalley and Channel Street Books for the advance copy of the audiobook.
Teenaged Levi is living in a troubled home, filled with domestic violence. He befriends delinquent Doley, who people think has killed a woman.
Everyone in this story, with perhaps the exception of Levi, is not who they seem. I feel this is where the story lost me. One part is the time it takes to get there. The other part is how the domestic violence is dealt with and essentially absolved when we find out the twist at the end. I am really against this. There is no excuse for violence and the excuse of doesn't even make sense.
Thank you to NetGalley and Channel Street Books for the advance copy of the audiobook.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book had me hooked from page one! The development of Levi and the mystery surrounding Doley had me anxious, curious, and completely invested. The tension and buildup were so well done, and the character development made the story feel incredibly real and emotional. Just when I thought I had things figured out, another twist pulled me in. Dark, suspenseful, emotional, and full of surprises—I couldn’t put it down! @channelstreetbooks
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
This is hands down one of the best books I've read all year. It was nostalgic, heartbreaking, and beyond nerve-wracking to read. The way this story wrecked my heart with one of the biggest acts of betrayal will stick with me. I expected a dark twist, but this was so much more sinister than anything I anticipated.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a fast paced and anxiety inducing plot which is heartbreakingly told largely from the perspective of the thirteen year old protagonist, who is a really convincing creation by this talented author. The comparison to Gillian Flynn is a terrific guide for readers as M R Madonna has a similar rawness to the way they describe people and situations.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you M. R. Madonna and NetGalley for the advanced audiobook of this novel.
4.5 Stars
That was a wild ride, and definitely not what I was expecting. In the best way.
There is a lot of suspicious characters but they really helped redirect attention from the "worst" character, though about half way I was starting to figure things out.
Well written, great narration.
A solid read.
4.5 Stars
That was a wild ride, and definitely not what I was expecting. In the best way.
There is a lot of suspicious characters but they really helped redirect attention from the "worst" character, though about half way I was starting to figure things out.
Well written, great narration.
A solid read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
DNF - this one just wasn't for me unfortunately. It was incredibly slow paced, didn't hold my attention and I was just bored. I gave it till 40% in but decided it wasn't worth the slog.
Thanks to Netgalley & Channel Street Books for the opportunity to review this ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley & Channel Street Books for the opportunity to review this ARC.
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