The Cost of Silence

by John Nixon

On the day of the General Election in 1992, a man is stabbed to death in a country church. The murderer is caught quickly, confesses and is convicted. He dies in prison shortly afterwards, having never disclosed the reasons behind his actions. Twenty-three years later, a recently retired crime reporter decides to write a book about the murder, hoping to uncover the motive. He establishes that the murdered man was a genealogist researching parish records held in the church, and he suspects that therein lies the answer. Being unfamiliar with the ins and outs of family history research, he calls on the expertise of local genealogists Madeleine Porter and her husband Ian Clay. However, their investigations are soon thrown off track when Ian receives a surprising letter.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 21, 2015

Reviews

[Jackie Cain · Rating 2 out of 5]

Now, look, these books are getting better. This one had two well-plotted stories, interwoven as the protagonists discovered them. It had a dramatisation of the history of one of the stories too. John Nixon is getting better at showing the characters, not telling them. I really enjoyed the book. However, to be fair on my other reviews, I can't really give it more than 2 stars. Everything about Cragside is better than this even though Cragside itself isn't as good the earlier books in its series. I need more stars to play with !

My quibble now is that the genealogy is a bit perfunctory. Madeleine and Ian need to draw out some trees and look at more stuff!

Still, if you like genealogical mysteries and are wary about poor quality, I think you'll enjoy this book.

[Marty Mcintyre · Rating 3 out of 5]

While reading the latest Madeleine Porter mystery a few days ago, I discovered that I had not read one book in the series. All of these novels are crime and mystery solved with some genealogy research. This was no exception. The story was good and the plot twists kept my interest but I felt that this book ended too abruptly and failed to resolve the outstanding issues satisfactorily. Thus it only gets 3 stars. I'm hoping that there will be another book that will pick up the thread.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little disappointed with The Cost of Silence. I read the Madeleine Porter mysteries because of an interest in genealogy. While I always find the plot ideas promising, the books never quite measure up to their potential. But I am entertained and can usually figure out the ending long before mid-book. This book seemed to be all over the place, filled with best guesses about everything and few facts about anything. I have now read all the books in this series and will anxiously the next, hoping the author can provide a more developed storyline, characters, and fitting ending.

[Jane Irish Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Madeleine's latest case is a real mystery — a retired journalist is curious about murder he reported on over twenty years ago; the culprit confessed, so no one ever knew what the motive was. With almost nothing to go on, Madeleine and Ian begin by searching the same church records the victim had been searching to see if they can find a clue. And they do, leading to a fascinating search. Interspersed are brief passages in the past. Recommended.

[Zoe Obstkuchen · Rating 3 out of 5]

First I've read from this author and although I found the writing a bit clunky the plot was intriguing and I'll probably read more hoping they hone their style along the way

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pleasant

A nice, quiet little mystery. A good book for a peaceful day in the sun or an evening by the fire.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book, yet again it’s been a book day by the fire. Enjoyable if short read and abrupt ending.

[Beverly Bigmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner

I got totally hooked on this tale, and read the book in 5 hours. A first for me.
Now for the next one.

[Maree Croxon Mapperson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding all the links

Leads are great and information on your family research add up, but it can also lead you to wrong conclusions.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The year is 1992 and a man has been murdered whilst perusing the parish registers in the vestry of a country church. It does not take the police long to apprehend the culprit although no motive for the killing has ever been discovered. With the death of the murderer in prison, will the real reason for the attack ever emerge?

Fast forward to the present and a retired crime reporter decides to take up the case. As there appears to be a genealogical aspect, he enlists the help of Madeleine Porter, a local family history researcher.

As with all of Nixon’s previous books, the subject has been well researched and the story moves on at a quick pace. It was good that the importance of backing up your theories was highlighted and how jumping to conclusions can lead you completely off track.

The sub-plot concerning Oliver was also a good addition although I felt that this part of the story was left hanging at the end. Will this be addressed in a further book or is that the end? I don’t feel that it would warrant a book of its own so could have been fully resolved here.

[Debi Levins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another twister

John Nixon is rapidly becoming the king of the convoluted plot. Unfortunately, he's set himself up this time and may have alienated a few fans. This book ends just as a revelation is made concerning a main plot point. Shame on you Mr. Nixon. Are you concerned readers would be less interested in your next book without bait?

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another hit for John Nixon

The Cost of Silence is another wonderful read. The main characters are once again on a whirlwind search to solve an old murder. In the meantime they try to unite a young man with the identity of his father. Fast paced and full of twists.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

These books hold my interest, but I am an amateur genealogist myself. I don't think a non-genealogy person is going to be interested in this series.

[Gerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

How Family History Can Get You In Trouble

This is an easy read, entertaining without being challenging.
I prefer a little more depth. I'll try another in the series.

[Kaye Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok

And it was an ok book about genealogists looking into more than one person's family. I thought they went about their searches a bit backwards. But what do I know?

[Janet Hollman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another spellbinder

Another good book following the ancestral trail. It has inspired me to look into mine. I just hope murder and intrigue don't follow.

[Marie Shirley Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

I enjoy the Madeleine Porter mysteries. While not "rocket science", you really do have to pay attention to names, dates, etc.

Well worth your time.

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another entertaining Madeleine Porter genealogy mystery. Nixon does tend to have a large cast of characters and a few red herrings!