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McRyan Mystery #5

Blood Silence

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THE CRIME SERIES WITH OVER 1.5 MILLION DOWNLOADS
New York Times & USA Today Bestselling McRyan Mystery Series

She held her breath, her arms shaking, and it felt as though her heart was going to explode out of her chest. Go away, she thought. You’re done. You’ve killed me - now leave.

Tainted water. Dead bodies. Blood silence.
Two people are coldly executed behind a bar in Washington DC. A high-powered lawyer and his beautiful client are brutally slaughtered in a lake house in a suburb west of Minneapolis. Two cases separated by a thousand miles and connected by one man – Mac McRyan. In a tale of money and blood that hits a little too close to home, Mac is forced to confront his tumultuous past.

335 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 7, 2015

928 people are currently reading
667 people want to read

About the author

Roger Stelljes

43 books775 followers
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the McRyan Mystery Series and the Tori Hunter - Manchester Bay Mystery Series. The two crime series with over 3+ million downloads and 200,000+ reviews and ratings. Get the heart-stopping, action-packed thrillers that fans of John Sandford, Lee Child, Michael Connelly, James Patterson and Karin Slaughter will be hooked on by one of the best new authors in crime fiction.

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5 stars
2,360 (60%)
4 stars
1,187 (30%)
3 stars
261 (6%)
2 stars
52 (1%)
1 star
39 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
Profile Image for Jean.
892 reviews19 followers
July 21, 2017
What could the execution-style murders of two men behind a bar in Washington, D.C., have to do with the shooting deaths of an eminent Twin Cities attorney and his mistress at the lawyer’s west suburban lake home? How does Michael Mackenzie “Mac” McRyan, a former St. Paul, Minnesota, detective become involved? He’s no longer a police officer, having resigned when his fiancée Sally accepted a position in the new president’s administration in D.C. The couple now owns a brownstone residence; Mac occasionally accepts jobs working cases, but otherwise spends his time remodeling the home. One of the St. Paul victims just happens to be J. Frederick Sterling, the husband of Mac’s ex-wife Meredith. Roger Stelljes certainly starts off his fifth McRyan series mystery, Blood Silence, with a bang. Several bangs, in fact.

As a attorney with her sights on attaining great heights of wealth, power, and prestige, Meredith had been displeased, to put it mildly, when Mac chose to abandon his promising law career to follow in the footsteps of other McRyans to join the police force after the death of two family members. She began sleeping with Sterling; Mac suspected his wife’s infidelity, hired a private detective, and took her to the cleaners in the divorce settlement. Even after several years and a wonderful relationship with Sally, he still carries a huge chip on his shoulder.

When Sterling and his client are murdered, Meredith is arrested. His former in-laws approach Mac seeking his help. Much to his surprise, Sally urges him to take the case as a private investigator. She knows that he is bitter and angry. She is not really being magnanimous; she wants him to get that monkey off his back.

Mac relents, and with the occasional assistance of his old St. Paul P.D. buddies, he sets out to prove Meredith’s innocence. Does he believe she’s capable of murder? Does he believe she committed this murder in this fashion? I had to think his tongue was battered from the times he bit it to keep himself from saying, “I told you so.”

I enjoyed the opening chapters, especially the reunion of Mac, his former partner Richard Lich (AKA “Dick Lick”), and lawyer Lyman Hisle. Besides this combo name, later on there’s yet another reference for old-time Twins’ baseball fans like myself. Mac takes an alias using a little-known backup catcher – Junior Ortiz, who played on the 1991 championship team. The guys have fun razzing each other, and there is plenty of give-and-take as they exchange observations and theories about the crime.

How, then, does this very personal case become a more wide-spread fact-finding mission that takes Mac out to South Dakota’s oil country? Dick’s two days off are up, and McRyan is on his own, under strict order from his brothers in blue to check in regularly – or else. Or else? Yes – or else they tell Sally what he’s up to, and Mac doesn’t want her to worry.

I found this book to be greatly entertaining. It’s not a mystery of who’s doing the killing. We know that. I liked watching the pieces of the puzzle fall into place as Mac connected Washington, D.C. to Minnesota to South Dakota. Who was behind it all? As the saying goes, “Follow the money.” McRyan is his usual brilliant, cocky self. I noticed in the last book, but was particularly irritated this time around, that he has a terrible habit of finishing others’ sentences. I wanted to shout, “Stop it!” Not unpredictably, he gets shot at more than once and is in other mortal danger a time or two as well. We don’t see much of Sally in this one, which is just as well, because I’m sure she’d have been going crazy with concern. What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her. Of course, she understands that Mac is gonna do what he’s gonna do to catch the bad guys, because it’s the only way he knows how to be. And he always tells her the toned-down version of events later. Fortunately for us readers, we get to read all the details. What about that monkey? Can Mac finally let go of his ill will toward his ex-wife and let bygones be bygones? You can bet Sally has some influence there too.

5 stars
Profile Image for Jenny.
2,349 reviews73 followers
July 7, 2017
Blood Silence is number five in the McRyan Mystery Series by Roger Stelljes. Michael McKenzie McRyan was having a holiday with Sally in St Paul when he became involved in the investigation to prove that his ex-wife was innocent of killing her husband after Sally and Meredith's parents ask him too. The readers of Blood Silence will follow the twist and turns in Mac's investigation into the murder of J. Frederick Sterling. The readers of Blood Silence will be pleased and sad with the ending of this book.

I love reading Blood Silence. I impressed with the way Roger Stelljes portrays Michael McKenzie McRyan as an arrogant, stubborn, and great investigator. However, at times a softer side comes out with his friends, work colleagues and loved ones. Roger Stelljes highlighted this by Mac's involvement with the investigation into proving his ex-wife is innocent. I like the way Roger Stelljes describes a private detective investigation and how you gain the support of other law enforcement officers.

The readers of Blood Silence will learn that you can still stay friends and help people who have hurt you in the past. Also, the importance of letting the past go so that you can move on with your life. Readers of Blood Silence will enjoy the way Roger Stelljes portray the relationship between Mac's ex-wife and Sally.


I recommend this book.
Profile Image for ValerieC.
1,343 reviews56 followers
July 20, 2015
Excellent crime thriller! If you ever read this genre, I recommend this one (and the rest of the series).

Stelljes has taken Mac McRyan from D.C. back to his old stomping grounds in Minneapolis and up to the North Dakota oil patch to solve a puzzling series of murders.

Other than a few questions I had about the drilling technicalities, which may just be differences in the way it's done there versus how it's done in Texas, I was glued non-stop to this book. The story was good enough that those things didn't detract from my enjoyment.

Fans of John Sandford should enjoy these books without feeling they are reading a copycat series. I think this book is the best so far.
1,116 reviews23 followers
May 21, 2017
This wasn't my favorite book in the series but it was still worth reading. This time the story centers completely around Mac McRyan. Supposedly Dara Wire is in Europe when this story takes place. Understandable when Mac is helping clear his ex-wife of murder charges. Mac's divorce from Meredith left him full of anger and bitterness. He'd loved her yet she cheated on him with a very wealthy man she ended up marrying. Mac had taken her to the cleaners but even so he never got over her betrayal. Now he's engaged to Sally and couldn't be happier so when he's asked to help Meredith, he finds himself between a rock and a hard place. There's solid evidence against her but given the viciousness of the crime and the fact it looked more like a professional hit, Mac can't stand by and let her be convicted of a crime she didn't commit. He reluctantly begins to investigate and discovers far more than a simple crime of revenge on Meredith's part. Yes, her husband was killed along with his lover, him having cheated on Meredith just like she'd done to Mac. And no, Meredith doesn't have an alibi for the time the murders took place. Still, events leading up to that time have Mac returning to his home state of Minnesota in an effort to prove Meredith innocent.

This had plenty of twists along the way and held my attention all the way up to the climactic car chase down a snowy, congested highway where Mac was doing his best to stay alive. It kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to see him finally put an end to the bad guys. And while the plot was a good one, the writing style top notch, there were simply other books in the series I liked better. Even so, I'm still looking forward to reading whatever comes next. Hopefully, it will be soon. This is one author I've added to my favorites list and wouldn't want to pass up.
Profile Image for Mike Kennedy.
968 reviews25 followers
February 2, 2016
Really enjoyed the latest installment in the Mac McRyan series. Mac's ex-wife is framed for murder, and it is up to Mac to prove her innocence. The story starts in DC as Mac looks into a murder as a favor to the president's right hand man, The Judge. It quickly moves to Minnesota before moving to the oil fields in North Dakota. The more I read of this series the more I like Mac as a character. I fly through these books, as they are page turners. I really like the way Stelljes writes, and this book was no exception. Not spoiling anything here, but it was an interesting scene in the last chapter where Mac talks about his Dad's death. I wonder if this is Stelljes setting the stage for a future book. I look forward to the next chapter in the Mac McRyan saga!
Profile Image for l.
20 reviews1 follower
July 19, 2015
Blood Silence

There is just not a book written by Roger Stelljes that I haven't loved. Blood Silence continues in that tradition. Stelljtes always presents a complicated story with a heavily populated cast of characters. You have to pay attention to what the man is saying to keep up with the story.

This is certainly true of Blood Silence and the depth that Stelljes went to crafting the story around oil and gas production including the process of well fracking. There is always a gem in Stelljes' books...you always come away knowing more about something, and usually an in depth knowing, than you knew before. Just consider the Stelljes books as a life encyclopedia.

Well done Mr. Stelljes, well done as usual! Thanks.
5 reviews2 followers
July 29, 2015
Loved this book. Love all of his books. Very interesting story. I found it interesting to see the way Mac put all the pieces together as usual. I was very surprised to find out who was behind all of the deaths at the end.

It's always nice to read a good book and learn something at the same time. You hear so much about fracking in the news, after reading this book I feel I know more about it. As always fantastic story telling with great characters.

If you haven't read all of these books you are missing out. I was happy to see that a package deal of the first 3 books in the series are now available in audio form. I don't usually reread a book but I bought the audio books to listen to them since I enjoyed reading them so much.

Thanks Roger. Keep up the good work.
103 reviews
June 15, 2017
Now they're flying on Air Force One!

What a crock! Can't finish this one! You may be a good author but I've hadough is







You are a good author BUT I've had enough!













AND I've had enough
Profile Image for Elissa.
Author 39 books109 followers
October 7, 2017
As I finished this I was wondering who'd optioned the movie rights. This has it all! Murder and mayhem is a given but after our first murder(s) we get to go aboard Air Force One, flying to attend a glitzy ball followed by car chases and race, helicopters, Lear jets, cowboys, oil fields, trucks . . . ACTION! This is the sixth tale in the series and, like the others, stands alone but is even better if you have some of the background of the characters as developed in prior stories. I have been listening [AUDIO] to Johnny Peppers engrossing narration of the box set [[ASIN:B074DZCNX1 Mysteries, Thrillers and Killers: Crime Thriller Box Set: Mac McRyan Mystery Series, Books 4-6]], and am sad to have come to the end.

Disclaimer: "I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
Profile Image for Michael.
Author 179 books38 followers
January 25, 2018
Before you start this book, please realize it is the fifth one of a series. While it could be read as a standalone, I would recommend you start with the first title in order to understand all of the back story of the main characters.

The author does his usual nice job of getting you into the story, making you feel as if you are right in the middle of the action and it is another page turner. I picked this up for $3.99 on my Kindle and certainly received more than $3.99 worth of entertainment value out of it: if you enjoyed the previous novels in this series, I am confident you will enjoy this one, also.
Profile Image for Sandra Small.
106 reviews
May 3, 2018
Wowsers! He did it againl

Roger Stelljes does not disappoint in this crime thriller! Another page-turning story I could not put down! So much detail and vivid storytelling.....it was like I was actually there. The characters are so believable and the twists and turns make this book throttle from beginning to end!!
7 reviews2 followers
August 20, 2017
I have become a real Stelljes fan. While I am not a mystery reader who tries to figure out who did it early in the book, even if I were, I'm not sure I could! It helps that his books are set in my home town of St.Paul, but I think I would like them anywhere. His characters are fully drawn, real and likable. I'm always glad to see a new title.
Profile Image for Maurice James.
1 review
August 14, 2017
Have now read the five McRyan books and find them excellent; quite gripping. There is always a little twist at the end (little bit like Agatha Christie !) but not predictable. Would definitely recommend Roger Stelljes as a good read.
Profile Image for Jennifer Kinney.
63 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2017
I really enjoy the McRyan Mystery series. Just enough suspense and intrigue to keep me hooked to the end. A small touch of romance threaded through the book but I wouldn’t label it a romance book. Very well written.
3 reviews
November 23, 2017
This series continues to get better with every book. Compelling characters and a wonderful hero in Mac McRyan.

These books are always a great read. There are always surprises and plot twists. I usually finish the books in just a few days.
Profile Image for Vickilynn.
17 reviews
February 12, 2018
Page turner

Well liked characters, weaving of old & new story lines. Mac McRyan is a modern day Clint Eastwood.
Alittle life lessons thrown in & reminders on walking the path of truth, loyalty, Justice & Jesus’s teaching.
Profile Image for Michelle Everett.
9 reviews
August 9, 2018
Very suspenseful

I love the characters and storylines in all of the McRyan Mysteries. Roger Stelljes brought Mac back to the Twin Cities for a new case this time around. His vivid descriptions make me yearn to travel back home to St. Paul.
94 reviews1 follower
September 20, 2019
Thoroughly Enjoyable

This was a fast paced mystery novel with very descriptive characters. The author managed to weave all the different personalities and their interplay into a very interesting story with a surprising ending.
81 reviews
November 21, 2019
Silence

Couldn't put this down! Fast paced excellent read. Love how this author develops the characters. Suggest that this series is read in order. Could be read out of order; but you would lose a lot of the depth in the characters. Love this series. Highly recommend.
7,775 reviews50 followers
July 6, 2020
Mac McRyan no longer a detective, and moving when his fiancée accepts a job in DC. A twisted plot miles apart, yet these execution style murders are connected. Once again we have twists and turns to figure out. Mac has a past that comes to play in this and he is now faced once again by it,
Profile Image for Mary Hladio.
346 reviews1 follower
April 9, 2023
Enjoyable book. Repetitive as a series.

This is book 5 of McRyan Mystery series. And if you are reading the series you know several things:
- McRyan is independently wealthy despite being a police officer due a lucky investment.
- McRyan is handsome and his girlfriend/fiancé is gorgeous.
- McRyan’s family owns a pub.
- McRyan loves coffee, a lot.
- McRyan carries an sig sauer.
- McRyan loves to mind map his cases
You know this because it’s repeated in every book so overall it’s a 3.5/5 stars.

There plenty of twists along the way and the plot held my attention all the way up to the climactic car chase down a snowy, congested highway where Mac was doing his best to stay alive. It kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to see him finally put an end to the bad guys. And while the plot was a good one, the writing style is repetitive and it sometimes takes me out of story.

This author gives the readers a great plot, and his stories never get boring. I'm recommending if you like murder mysteries and thrillers.
1,903 reviews18 followers
February 26, 2021
Outstanding!

Roger Stepped is an excellent " spinner of tales". Started first book in series last week and have been reading through the series since! Must finish book before sleeping as they are exciting to stop! Each one is a thorough, intense, exciting, and tense adventure! Police procedural type investigation and high body count! The main characters are great, suspects deserve investigation, and the culprits are, generally, selfish, arrogant, and greedy! Each finale is "edge of your seat" scary and unusual. Great adventures!
432 reviews
August 23, 2020
I am enjoying this series. Mac is a great main character, likeable, has a sense of humor, smart. This one was especially good, he looked into defending his ex from a murder charge....was surprised where it led. I enjoy good mysteries, it has to tick all the boxes and one is the main characters, which I already said. A mystery that needs solving that attracts my attention, tick. I'm always up for a bit of a twist too! Tick.
13 reviews
August 19, 2020
Love This Series

I loggerheads yet if Mac McRyan-so well drawn out thAt I can see and picture him as I read.Every I 've in a while you find an author and a character you are simply drawn to, this is the one for .me. Please keep the stories coming..Mac is part of my everyday reading
Profile Image for Charlotte.
23 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2021
Well woven mystery

I’ve read the entire Mac series with great enjoyment. The writing is top notch; the story layers are satisfying; and the ethical and philosophical side themes add depth and interest. This book weaves environmental ethics and forgiveness adding much color to the story.
2 reviews
January 1, 2022
Couldn't put it down

I started this series awhile back and have enjoyed every book. Being from St Paul makes it more interesting, but even if you're not they're great reads. I highly recommend the entire series. This one in particular kept me going without wanting to put it down. A solid 4 star series.
Profile Image for Thomas Murray.
71 reviews
Read
June 11, 2023
Great Story Teller

I don't like this author's politics, but he is a great story teller and this another great story. I was sleepy a few nights ago but not sleepy enough to go to sleep. So I decided to read, and 5 hours later my alarm went off for work. The lost sleep was worth it because the intrigue was too good to let go.
Profile Image for Valerie Mann.
117 reviews
June 30, 2023
Blood Silence: A compelling crime thriller (Mac McRyan Mystery Thriller and Suspense Series Book) (McRyan Mystery Series Book 6)....I love his books because the characters are carried through and he takes you inside of a serial killer's thought....I can't put his books down. He keeps you guessing....
50 reviews1 follower
March 25, 2024
Mac does it again!

Mac is a different kind of hero in the crime solving mystery genre. This is a solo journey for him, different and risky compared to his usual cases. I definitely liked the look into his past but missed the usual gang of St. Paul cops who typically surround him. However, any Mac McRyan mystery is a win and this is no different.
Profile Image for DWH.
7 reviews
September 4, 2017
Did not get me from the first line,but___.

I'm a long time Minnesota resident and am familiar with the areas described. Being a long time time listener of garage Logic,I was introduced via that radio show to an author named John Camp many years ago. We now know
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews

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