Silent Screams

by Hiliary Amanda

Joshua Ferguson disappears in a town where people have a habit of doing exactly that.

One moment, he’s there. The next, he’s gone.

When Joshua wakes in a dark room, he has no idea how he got there—or why the stranger holding him captive seems to know things no stranger should.

His wife is searching. His children are waiting. And Joshua will do anything to get back to them.

People disappearing is common in this mountain town. No one seems surprised. Ordinary people do inexplicable things without fear. And everyone knows someone is always watching

As the search for Joshua continues, so does something far more dangerous.

Because in these mountains, getting lost is the least terrifying thing that can happen to you.

208 pages, Paperback

Published October 17, 2026

About the author

Dark Psychological Thriller Author

Reviews

[Bo.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

That creepy cover was the first thing that caught my eye with Silent Screams, and once I saw it involved a man disappearing in a mountain town where people seem to have a habit of doing exactly that, I was sold. Joshua Ferguson vanishes while away with his wife and kids, and it quickly becomes clear he’s far from the first person to go missing. The locals were strange, the bookstore owner had me suspicious straight away, and some seriously bizarre things were happening around town. I had no idea what was going on, but I definitely wanted to find out.

Going in, I thought I was getting a fairly straightforward missing-person thriller, but it got darker and more psychological than I expected from the blurb. Some of the behaviour around town and little details I’d almost brushed aside started making more sense as things unfolded, and there were a couple of reveals I genuinely hadn’t pieced together.

The beginning did take a little while to get moving for me, with a lot of focus on Joshua working too much and the tension in his family. Parts of the captivity storyline also started to feel repetitive with the escape attempts and never really knowing what was real. Once the answers start coming, there’s quite a bit of backstory and explanation packed in close together, and I think a few of the ideas could have used a little more time.

Even with those few gripes, there was still plenty here that worked for me, and I’m glad I gave this one a go.

3.5⭐

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

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐ 5/5 Stars

One Read Wasn’t Enough!

First off, I’m a day late posting this review because my internet decided to go out yesterday. 😭 But better late than never!

I started Silent Screams by Hiliary Amanda on a Thursday and finished it that Friday, and let me tell you… I was MIND BLOWN!

I genuinely had to go back and reread the book because I wanted to catch all those little details I might have missed the first time around and get a clearer picture of everything that happened. And you know what? I thoroughly enjoyed it BOTH times!

This book was tense, unsettling, and psychologically compelling. There was this constant feeling that something wasn’t quite right, and I absolutely loved how that tension lingered throughout the story. The way the different characters and their individual stories were woven together was so well done, and seeing how everything unfolded made the experience even better.

Another thing I really appreciated was the pacing. Nothing felt unnecessarily dragged out, but it also didn’t feel rushed or incomplete. The story felt like it had exactly the amount of time it needed, and I personally thought the ending was a fantastic fit for a psychological thriller!

I’m someone who loves a thriller that keeps me thinking even after I’ve turned the last page, and Silent Screams definitely delivered on that. The fact that I immediately wanted to reread it says a lot about how much I enjoyed this book!

If you enjoy psychological thrillers with an unsettling atmosphere, interconnected stories, and details that make you want to go back and look a little closer, I definitely recommend giving this one a read!

Happy release to Silent Screams! 🖤

A huge thank you to Hiliary Amanda for the opportunity to read this ARC! All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

[MJ Poison and Plots · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missing posters may fade over time, but the town doesn't forget. They may whisper amongst themselves and avoid the desperate pleas to help find the troubled son or the workaholic husband, but loved ones don't forget....

When Joshua goes missing, it is not the start of our story. It's not even Joshua's story. Oh no, there is so much more!!!! It's not a good psychological horror book unless you have WTF moments. There are plenty! Seriously! That punch came out of nowhere!!!! Stalker is stalked? I'll be a better mommy? Hehe it will only make sense if you read the book and see for yourself. (Yes, I am gleefully picturing other readers and their reactions to all my fav parts!)

My brain is still in awe of all the genius ways the tidbits of information were hiding RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY FACE and I still could not predict the ending! And then BAM, the epilogue holds an even bigger plot twist! I LOVED this book so much, I immediately read it again!!!

I was thoroughly creeped out as I started reading Silent Screams. I mean, have you seen the cover? Imagine seeing that image in the middle of the night on your glowing kindle screen... To have the prologue leave me jumping at the slightest sound is a feat itself! I LOVE being scared and this book did not disappoint. While it is a 'quick' read, it is not something you can just read and expect everything to reveal itself. Oh no, you have to really listen to what the characters are saying. Innocent dinner with friends? HA NO!!! Think again! Random kitty cat show up? Cute right? WRONG!!! It's all just a culmination of details that lead to the grand reveal that will leave you asking yourself WHHHAAAAT!!!

Overall, amazing book. It has the right blend of mystery and horror. The nest eggs hidden throughout it were an entire level of genius. I really didn't see it happening until I read the last sentence in the epilogue and then it all just clicked. Missing people in one town and missing girls in another? Consider that my non-spoiler nudge to kick off the mindf*** in all its wonderful glory. I am excited to read more from the author!

Lastly, thanks for the ARC read!!!! Or shall I say, thanks for scaring me and scrambling my brain a bit. I thought I was the crazy one there for a sec.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silent Screams grabbed me from the beginning and never really let me settle in, which is exactly what I want from a psychological thriller. There’s an unsettling, almost surreal quality to this story that made me question everyone and everything, including the town itself. The atmosphere feels wrong in the best possible way, as though something is always lurking just outside your line of sight.

This was such a quick, consuming read for me. I finished it in a single sitting because every chapter left me needing to know what was waiting on the next page. There’s a constant undercurrent of anxious anticipation, and just when I thought I had a handle on where things were going, another detail made me reconsider everything.

I especially enjoyed that the characters felt relatable while still leaving plenty of room for suspicion. No one ever felt completely safe or entirely trustworthy, and even the setting seemed to have secrets of its own. The unexpected turns kept me guessing without taking away from the emotional pull of Joshua’s situation and his desperation to get home to his family.

And then came the final stretch. Just when I thought I was finally piecing everything together, I realized I absolutely was not. Things became a little confusing as the story twisted further, but somehow that only added to the experience of reading it. I went from thinking I had answers to quite literally asking, what?! more than once.

Strange, eerie, disturbing, and wonderfully mind bending, this delivered everything I enjoy in a psychological thriller. It got inside my head, kept me second guessing myself, and refused to let me look away. Beautifully unnerving, completely absorbing, and just unhinged enough to leave me staring at the last page wondering what exactly I had just experienced. I thoroughly enjoyed this one.

Thank you to the author and BookSirens for the ARC.

[Stacy's Reads · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Okay… this book was CHAOS. 😂 I honestly don’t even know if I was reading the story or just trying to keep up with everything happening.

There were parts I really enjoyed, especially the darker moments and the overall intensity. The characters definitely kept things interesting, and there were enough twists and drama to keep me turning the pages. But at the same time, there were moments where I was sitting there thinking, “Wait… what is actually happening right now?” 😅

For me, the biggest issue was that everything sometimes felt a little too all over the place. I wanted more consistency and a bit more breathing room between all the chaos because some of the emotional moments didn’t hit as hard as they could have.

That said, I didn’t hate it. It kept me entertained, and there were definitely moments that had me completely invested. It just wasn’t a book that fully clicked for me.

3.5 stars — chaotic, messy, and definitely an experience. 🖤

[Tracey Cheeseman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabbed me from the first couple of pages, I wasn't sure what to expect but I got more than I bargained for!
Typical family life working husband doesn't take any notice of his wife while she holds everything together.
They've been together so long that neither him or the kids actually see the wife/mum she's just always done everything for all of them.

Well they go to a Cabin on the edge of the woods for a trip and strange things start to happen, they go into the town and omg the magic has already arrived. The twists and turns that happen I never spotted, the Authors writing style just kept drawing me in I loved it. I can't wait for book 2 and no I still didn't guess who it was at the end ohh you'll never believe what happens in chapter..... You need to read it you won't be disappointed!!

I received an Arc copy from the Author and this in no way has affected this review in any way.
These are completely my own opinions on this great book.

[Micah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was phenomenal! It had me hooked and spooked the whole time! You must pay attention to every detail because the its a full circle ending. So keep your eyes wide for details! The story made you feel like you knew how it was going to end and then pulled the rug right out from under you! The writing was so good too I never felt bored or that things were dragging.

[Kristen Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very creepy, confusing, and a great read! Silent Screams had me trying to make sense of everything, and honestly, that added to the unsettling feeling. There were definitely some “Wait… what?!” moments. 😂

[Laurie Gleason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Batman this book was amazing and scary all in one. The story was twisted insanely brilliant. Dark woodsy with cabin and a town full of crazies. I inhaled this book in 24hrs and didn’t want to put it down. The ending is so good and surprising.

[Katie Reads🥀📖 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way this book had me on my toes! The way the characters lives intertwined and revelations came out…and the ending I NEVER would have expected!! Cannot wait to read more from this author!!

[Melvin Hunter · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Silent Screams surprised me. It starts off slow, which I don’t mind, but some of the early transitions felt abrupt and left me a little lost. Then the story picked up, and it felt like that sudden drop on a roller coaster. From there, I couldn’t put it down.

I never knew what to believe or what was real, and that uncertainty kept me hooked. Just when I thought I had a handle on things, something else made me question everything. Some seriously unsettling moments gave me goosebumps.

As things came together, I realized how much paying attention to every little detail mattered. Things I could’ve easily brushed past ended up helping me understand the story, and making those connections added so much to my enjoyment.

And that black cat! It kept showing up, and every appearance had me wondering how it fit into everything. Such a simple detail, but it added so much to the creepy atmosphere.

I went from struggling to connect with this book to loving it. The beginning took some patience, but once things got going, I was all in. Strange, disturbing, and full of surprises.

I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Catrina Fischer · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5 Stars

Silent Screams by Hilary Amanda 🖤 ARC Review

First off, can we talk about that cover?! 👀 It immediately caught my attention and set the tone for a dark, eerie psychological thriller!

The story starts with some creepy, suspenseful moments that definitely sparked my curiosity. There are plenty of characters, mysteries, and moving pieces woven throughout, creating a story that keeps readers wondering how everything might connect.

For me personally, I had a little trouble keeping track of all the characters and following the different storylines. I tend to enjoy thrillers that pull me in quickly, and this one took a bit more concentration than I was expecting.

That being said, I can appreciate the creativity behind the premise and the unsettling atmosphere the author created. I think readers who enjoy intricate mysteries, multiple characters, and stories that challenge them to piece everything together may really enjoy this one!

While it wasn’t quite the right fit for my personal reading preferences, I’m glad I had the opportunity to give it a try!

Thank you to Hilary Amanda for the ARC and the opportunity to share my honest thoughts! 📚🖤

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m generally not one to leave reviews, but after reading an advance copy of this book, I’d be doing it a disservice if I didn’t.

Following Joshua, the main character who goes missing, and the people desperately trying to find him was absolutely insane. I love a good dark thriller the darker, the better, but this one had me questioning myself more than once. “Did I really just read that?!”

The different locations, scenes, and storylines had me constantly thinking, Where are we going with this? And then somehow, everything comes together beautifully.

I’ve read Hilary’s other book, Truths We Bury, and honestly, I didn’t think she could top it.

WRONG.

The details, my friends. THE DETAILS. Something that seems completely insignificant can matter later. Pay attention, folks. It’s right in your face. Don’t read and scroll or watch a tv. Pay attention.

If you’re looking for an easy, predictable read, this probably isn’t for you. But if you want to be challenged, kept on the edge of your seat, and proven wrong over and over again… Christmas in October!

READ THIS BOOK.

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off the cover of this book quickly drew me in, it was like I had to know what was inside. This was a quick read for me and right away had me sucked in. I would say around chapter 2-3 it seems like the author was talking about several characters that I was wondering who was who, so that was a bit confusing.

The story itself centered around several people going missing from a small, mountain town is what had me hooked. It was like I kept reading to find who did this. The book has several details that you really have to pay attention to until the end. Even at the end I was piecing all the characters and the story together. I think if the author maybe would have left a couple irrelevant characters out, it would have been easier to understand. It’s still a good read, and will still have you hooked!

[Emma Riemenschneider · Rating 3 out of 5]

Advanced Reader Copy Review:

Wow! If you like the feeling of creepy suspense, read this! I’m so impressed by the sense of unease while reading the first part of the novel.

I was a bit confused about the characters when first reading, but things became clearer as I continued. Still, there was a lot going on and it was hard to follow at times.

I finished the book with some big questions, like how were the strange, violent occurrences within the town connected to the missing person case? What role did Charlotte’s sister play in all of this? If you’re someone that can REALLY read between the lines, you’ll maybe understand more than I did and have a deeper appreciation for the creepiness of the story.

This was fun to read, all in all! I am honored to have read it early. Fans of creepy, vengeful characters, read this ASAP!

[Brandi Hooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book, but…

Started off strong, I was hooked immediately. Very descriptive, so I could picture what was happening, and that kept me engaged. As the story progressed, it became confusing…and stayed there. The overall story had so much potential, but the transitions between POVs and scenes made it hard to keep up. There are so many things left unanswered and I still don’t know whodunit. This easily could’ve been a 2-part (book) and it would’ve been a hit! More development with the “side” stories and linking them to each other, would’ve made this book flow better.

Thank you for allowing me to do this ARC review !

[Ooopsie Daisy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I almost DNFed (did not finish) this book. I had a hard time understanding what was going on. It felt like it should have been two different books. I couldn't tell who died or not, who the killer was, or what the point of the book really was.

​It was a struggle to piece together the timeline and the character fates, leaving the mystery more confusing than suspenseful. While the dark, atmospheric vibes were definitely there, the chaotic plot made it really hard to stay invested. unfortunately, this one just didn’t click for me!

[Armageddon Reads · Rating 2.25 out of 5]

I was genuinely excited to read this and received it as a last minute ARC read. While I am truly grateful for the opportunity to read it and hate to leave a low rating I promised to be honest.

I can see genuine potential in the story and its underlying concept, but I struggled significantly with narrative clarity and POV transitions. I frequently had to reread sections to determine whose perspective I was following, and unfortunately, that made it difficult for me to stay immersed in the story.

[Taylor Ayers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first ARC read, thank you for the opportunity. I couldn’t put this book down. Great book to start out spooky season. I love how descriptive each page was that it made it so easy to create a vivid image/little movie in my head. I could feel the stress of the characters. Nothing is what it seems. Always love a good twist! Recommend this book!! Excited to check out more from this author!

[Julia Feitz · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a short entertaining read. She bounces from scene to scene a lot, making it a little difficult to form what truly happens to that person in the story and it does leave you guessing sometimes. There are somethings I did connect, others I feel like there are some loose ends that I'm still trying to figure out. Possibly a lot of it could be the jumping from scene to scene and then back to the one scene, with that being said, its probably not the writing style for me and that's okay!

[Margie Gavaldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book hand my mind going. I mean I would be afraid to visit that town and just to go missing because of certain things. And for people to keep an eye on you like that. I was just like no thank you.
But the book was awesome I loved it. Such a thrill and perfect time to read during spooky season.
If you are looking for a good spooky book check this one out. You will enjoy it

[Jason Ross · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

The cover pulled me in as I'm a huge fan or horror/ thriller. Character development was good. Story had a steady pace with lots of twists. There were a few scenes that became sort of predictable, but they were very well played out. Hopefully there is a second book in the works playing out the story the ending created.

[Sylence · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ending felt like it was rushed. Im not entirely sure who did what. I liked it. But im a little confused by how many bad guys there were or weren't