What do you think?
Rate this book
The Silent Children
Vienna, 1938: Something's amiss at the home of young Annabel Albrecht. First, her favourite maid Eva disappears, then her friend Oskar. Worse is to come – her brother is murdered and her mother is taken away, leaving Annabel to fend for herself.
Almost 70 years later, Annabel's son Max uncovers his mother's long-buried past, and unlocks the secrets preserved by Annabel's missing friends. But as Max is to discover, some children can never be completely silenced. Is he haunted by ghosts or by guilt, and will he ever escape?
The Silent Children is a gripping tale of tragedy and revenge, a modern-day ghost story that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.
Almost 70 years later, Annabel's son Max uncovers his mother's long-buried past, and unlocks the secrets preserved by Annabel's missing friends. But as Max is to discover, some children can never be completely silenced. Is he haunted by ghosts or by guilt, and will he ever escape?
The Silent Children is a gripping tale of tragedy and revenge, a modern-day ghost story that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.
Kindle Edition
Published November 28, 2015
1 person is currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Amna K. Boheim
1 book8 followersAmna K. Boheim worked in investment banking before turning her hand to writing. She has completed two Faber Academy writing courses, including the six-month Faber Academy Writing a Novel (online) course. She authors a blog under the title, Djinn Mamu … & Other Strange Stories.
The Silent Children is her debut novel and was awarded the Independent Publisher Book Awards 2016 Silver medal for best suspense/thriller.
The Silent Children is her debut novel and was awarded the Independent Publisher Book Awards 2016 Silver medal for best suspense/thriller.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 16, 2016
3.5 stars
I was really intrigued and excited by the blurb describing what The Silent Children is all about, especially it being described as a a modern ghost story . I can still remember reading my first scary ghost story back in the 90’s-
. It is still my favorite after all these years and will always be the one I compare others too.
But back to the story at hand...
Max, who is estranged from his Mother, receives an ominous letter and photo from her after many years of silence. It is her dying wish that he help her find Oskar, the child who is in the photo with her. On the back of the photo is written 'You Knew'. This is all Max has to go on for now, but it's enough to draw him in and so he starts to dig and slowly some dark, sinister family secrets come to light.
There is a lot to like here, but I'm going to start with sharing what I didn't care for.
First, I didn't feel there was anything 'modern' about this story. It's told in various time periods starting from the late 1930’s and bouncing back and forth, leading to present day. Even the present day chapters had a dated feel to them and I kept having to remind myself what time period I was actually reading.
Another thing I had a problem with was staying committed to the story. I found myself straying after reading a couple of chapters and would take a break to check out Facebook, Goodreads or other diversions before wanting to take on a couple more. The chapters seemed a bit long winded and the writing felt a bit flat to me. I was still intrigued, but not in any rush to get to the end like I am with most books.
What did keep me turning the pages was the dark, gothic feel that really gave certain scenes a true ghostly feel. In this I felt the author was spot on. There is an element of the supernatural at play here and you do get a sense of what it's like when things go bump in the night.
The secrets itself were compelling to me to want to know the truth as well, even if the final reveal lacked some punch.
And the ending was exactly how you would expect a true ghost story to end...leaving you wondering if the ghosts are finally at peace or still walking amongst the living.
So, do I recommend? That depends. If you haven't read Ghost Story yet then no. I recommend you read that one first. If you have read it, then yes, I would recommend reading The Silent Children, as there just aren't enough ghost stories out there to read. It was a nice diversion to read something outside the typical suspense thriller.
ARC provided by NetGalley
I was really intrigued and excited by the blurb describing what The Silent Children is all about, especially it being described as a a modern ghost story . I can still remember reading my first scary ghost story back in the 90’s-
. It is still my favorite after all these years and will always be the one I compare others too.But back to the story at hand...
Max, who is estranged from his Mother, receives an ominous letter and photo from her after many years of silence. It is her dying wish that he help her find Oskar, the child who is in the photo with her. On the back of the photo is written 'You Knew'. This is all Max has to go on for now, but it's enough to draw him in and so he starts to dig and slowly some dark, sinister family secrets come to light.
There is a lot to like here, but I'm going to start with sharing what I didn't care for.
First, I didn't feel there was anything 'modern' about this story. It's told in various time periods starting from the late 1930’s and bouncing back and forth, leading to present day. Even the present day chapters had a dated feel to them and I kept having to remind myself what time period I was actually reading.
Another thing I had a problem with was staying committed to the story. I found myself straying after reading a couple of chapters and would take a break to check out Facebook, Goodreads or other diversions before wanting to take on a couple more. The chapters seemed a bit long winded and the writing felt a bit flat to me. I was still intrigued, but not in any rush to get to the end like I am with most books.
What did keep me turning the pages was the dark, gothic feel that really gave certain scenes a true ghostly feel. In this I felt the author was spot on. There is an element of the supernatural at play here and you do get a sense of what it's like when things go bump in the night.
The secrets itself were compelling to me to want to know the truth as well, even if the final reveal lacked some punch.
And the ending was exactly how you would expect a true ghost story to end...leaving you wondering if the ghosts are finally at peace or still walking amongst the living.
So, do I recommend? That depends. If you haven't read Ghost Story yet then no. I recommend you read that one first. If you have read it, then yes, I would recommend reading The Silent Children, as there just aren't enough ghost stories out there to read. It was a nice diversion to read something outside the typical suspense thriller.
ARC provided by NetGalley
December 6, 2015
Max Albrecht returns to his London home feeling happy and relaxed, only to find a letter from his estranged mother, Annabel. They had parted in anger, but now Annabel informs her son that she is dying and asks him to visit her so she can explain. She also includes a photograph of herself as a child with a boy, Oskar Edelstein, and asks him to trace her former playmate.
Max’s mother dies before he can speak to her and he is deeply conflicted about their relationship and his place in her life. To his surprise, he is left his family home in Vienna but, when he stays there, he feels something is very wrong and suspects there is someone else hiding in the house. What follows are a series of events in which Max attempts to track down Oskar Edelstein and make sense of his relationship with his mother.
This novel is set very firmly in the present, but there are flashbacks to the past; most poignantly to Annabel’s childhood, before and during the war years. Her parents ran an orphanage, the Albrecht Trust, which is still a respected charity. Through Annabel’s friend, Vivienne Fuchs, and through Oskar, who he tracks down to London, Max begins to discover the secrets of his mother’s past and the disturbing ways the past are encroaching on the present.
This is an unsettling read, with a ghostly feel and a real sense of the past. I liked the way that Max was, very much, a real character. He became very involved in the mystery of his mother’s life, but still had to deal with work issues and his emotions. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book and would certainly like to read more by this author. Lastly, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
Max’s mother dies before he can speak to her and he is deeply conflicted about their relationship and his place in her life. To his surprise, he is left his family home in Vienna but, when he stays there, he feels something is very wrong and suspects there is someone else hiding in the house. What follows are a series of events in which Max attempts to track down Oskar Edelstein and make sense of his relationship with his mother.
This novel is set very firmly in the present, but there are flashbacks to the past; most poignantly to Annabel’s childhood, before and during the war years. Her parents ran an orphanage, the Albrecht Trust, which is still a respected charity. Through Annabel’s friend, Vivienne Fuchs, and through Oskar, who he tracks down to London, Max begins to discover the secrets of his mother’s past and the disturbing ways the past are encroaching on the present.
This is an unsettling read, with a ghostly feel and a real sense of the past. I liked the way that Max was, very much, a real character. He became very involved in the mystery of his mother’s life, but still had to deal with work issues and his emotions. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book and would certainly like to read more by this author. Lastly, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
January 17, 2016
3.8 stars (which is almost 4).
First of all, thank you to NetGalley, Troubador Publishing Ltd and author Amna K. Boheim for sending me the ebook in exchange for a honest review.
This is Ms. Boheim first novel and it's a great one once it finds its rhythm.
The book took a little to find its footing, the first third drags a little, but once it did, it became a fast and very pleasant read. This is a horror storywhere some of the horrors are supernatural, others sadly all too real. The story is told through two timelines - one beginning in the 1930s and other in 2004. The first narrative is in the 3rd person while the second one is in 1st, which gives the book a good pace, for me at least.
The characters and relationships are interesting. I wish I had learned more about Vivienne and her relationship with Annabel, I was left with the impression that there was something more behind the surface of their friendship.
The one character I had trouble with was Max, the narrator of the 2004 part of the book. He was likable but I had a hard time picturing him the way the author intended - a thirty-something successful man. Try as I might, I kept picturing him as a young man, probably just out of his adolescence. I don't know if it was his feelings towards his mother, or his relationship with Vivienne that clouded the image I made of him, but I couldn't see him as mature as he was supposed to be. That didn't spoiled my enjoyment, though. At some point I didn't care about that anymore, I was too engrossed in the story.
The twists presented were not hard to guess, and nothing important was left unexplained.
This was an enjoyable read, more than I expected, and I'm looking forward to reading more from Ms. Boheim.
***
Review now also posted on my blog: https://tinyboxofimagination.wordpres...
First of all, thank you to NetGalley, Troubador Publishing Ltd and author Amna K. Boheim for sending me the ebook in exchange for a honest review.
This is Ms. Boheim first novel and it's a great one once it finds its rhythm.
The book took a little to find its footing, the first third drags a little, but once it did, it became a fast and very pleasant read. This is a horror storywhere some of the horrors are supernatural, others sadly all too real. The story is told through two timelines - one beginning in the 1930s and other in 2004. The first narrative is in the 3rd person while the second one is in 1st, which gives the book a good pace, for me at least.
The characters and relationships are interesting. I wish I had learned more about Vivienne and her relationship with Annabel, I was left with the impression that there was something more behind the surface of their friendship.
The one character I had trouble with was Max, the narrator of the 2004 part of the book. He was likable but I had a hard time picturing him the way the author intended - a thirty-something successful man. Try as I might, I kept picturing him as a young man, probably just out of his adolescence. I don't know if it was his feelings towards his mother, or his relationship with Vivienne that clouded the image I made of him, but I couldn't see him as mature as he was supposed to be. That didn't spoiled my enjoyment, though. At some point I didn't care about that anymore, I was too engrossed in the story.
The twists presented were not hard to guess, and nothing important was left unexplained.
This was an enjoyable read, more than I expected, and I'm looking forward to reading more from Ms. Boheim.
***
Review now also posted on my blog: https://tinyboxofimagination.wordpres...
September 1, 2017
This was a very different story to anything I have read before, ghost stories are not usually my choice but I was very taken in by this one. There are elements of the supernatural but also mystery and crime. Before Max's mother Annabel passes away she sends him a letter requesting him to visit her or at least telephone. Twelve months before he and his mother had a falling out and Max did not have a strong desire to mend the relationship. By the time he decides to contact her Annabel passes away. The letter he received contained a photograph of herself and a long lost childhood friend whom she urged Max to track down, Max finally decides to do so and this is where the story takes off. Also, much to Max's surprise, Annabel leaves him her house and this gift creates a lot of intrigue and suspense within the book, it is quite a disturbing tale. To say anymore would give the plot away but even if you have never read a ghost story before I can highly recommend this.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 31, 2021
In The Silent Children the main character, Max, is discovering his recently deceased mother’s past. His mother, Annabel, leaves him a photo of her as a child. In the picture she is with another young boy and on the back she has written “you knew”. This story goes back and forth in timelines from Annabel’s youth in Vienna(1930s), to Max in London and Vienna in present day. Annabel also leaves Max her Viennese home, which is hiding a terrible secret. Max seeks out the boy in the picture to try to find out what his mother was trying to tell him. What he uncovers is a family legacy that can’t stay buried any longer.
The good: There was a real mystery within this book. I was quite disturbed by the details of Annabel’s youth. She is growing up in war torn Vienna and living a nightmare at home. There just wasn’t much fun about her childhood. The boy in the picture becomes an obsession for Max as he comes to terms with her death and who she really was. The mystery of how he fit in really kept me flipping pages.
The Viennese estate that his mother left him was really a great facet to this story. Max immediately makes plans to refinish the house which causes it’s long term inhabitants to become upset. I enjoyed the hints of paranormal sprinkled throughout the story. There isn’t an all out answer for things right away and that kept me wondering if it was a true haunt or an overactive imagination.
The bad: I found the beginning of this book strange. I don’t know what it would be like to get that kind of letter from my mother. I know in some cases children become estranged from their parents. It was not clear why Max wasn’t close with his mother until much later. There were long winded chapters and jumps in the timeline that I found a bit disappointing. I just didn’t like that we weren’t able to follow the story through, or more like Max couldn’t stay and figure out the mystery. I could have done without him going home to London. I don’t think it added much to the story.
Max was a hard character to get used to for me. I honestly forgot I was dealing with a grown man and started thinking of him as a woman. His thoughts and worries seemed more like a woman’s or a young man, to me anyways. Also, there is robbery scene that really put me off. Max didn’t react how I expect any man to, so that was really off-putting. He is the worst thing about this story.
Despite his character inconsistencies, I was able to enjoy this book for the most part. I liked how this author blended historical fiction with a paranormal ghost story. This story took a few twists that kept me on my toes. This story had a creepy gothic feel to it. I just wish the main character was more consistent.
December 10, 2015
An eerie tale set in Vienna and London in 1938 and 2004.
Ghost stories are not normally my thing, but I really liked this disturbing supernatural tale that keeps your attention right to the end.
The book starts in London when Max receives a letter from his dying and estranged mother, Annabel, who requests his help. Enclosed is a disturbing image of his mother and forgotten childhood friend, Oskar Edelstein, taken in Vienna in 1938 with the words ‘you knew’ scrawled on its reverse.
Max inherit’s his mother’s Viennese house and discovers some dark family secrets as he sets out to to find Oskar Edelstein.
Amna K. Boheim has produced a tale that unnerves you as the rational Max questions his mind and his family history in a dark and unpredictable story.
Recommended for anyone who enjoys a good mystery with a slight touch of the supernatural..
Ghost stories are not normally my thing, but I really liked this disturbing supernatural tale that keeps your attention right to the end.
The book starts in London when Max receives a letter from his dying and estranged mother, Annabel, who requests his help. Enclosed is a disturbing image of his mother and forgotten childhood friend, Oskar Edelstein, taken in Vienna in 1938 with the words ‘you knew’ scrawled on its reverse.
Max inherit’s his mother’s Viennese house and discovers some dark family secrets as he sets out to to find Oskar Edelstein.
Amna K. Boheim has produced a tale that unnerves you as the rational Max questions his mind and his family history in a dark and unpredictable story.
Recommended for anyone who enjoys a good mystery with a slight touch of the supernatural..
February 28, 2016
I would like to thank Netgalley for offering this book for on honest review.
This is a mysterious ghost story that I truly enjoyed. I loved the way the author moved between present time and past history to weave a haunting tale of hidden family secrets. At times there is much love and in others there is much sorrow. I think it was well written leaving just enough said for our imagination to fill in the blanks. There were many times I truly felt sorry for the main character Max in having to unravel all of his families secrets and go it alone. I am not sure I could have endured such things in my own life.
I look forward to more from Amna K. Boheim.
This is a mysterious ghost story that I truly enjoyed. I loved the way the author moved between present time and past history to weave a haunting tale of hidden family secrets. At times there is much love and in others there is much sorrow. I think it was well written leaving just enough said for our imagination to fill in the blanks. There were many times I truly felt sorry for the main character Max in having to unravel all of his families secrets and go it alone. I am not sure I could have endured such things in my own life.
I look forward to more from Amna K. Boheim.
November 6, 2016
When Max Albrecht’s dying mother, Annabel Albrecht, wants to meet with him and explain why she’s been so distant with him, he isn’t sure what he should do. He and his mother had angry words the last time they met. Max’s mother has also asked him in her letter to find a boy she once knew when she was young – Oskar Edelstein. Little does he know that he’s begun a journey into the past that will bring up family secrets that he may be better off not knowing.
This is a well-constructed novel that sent chills up and down my spine and that’s saying something for me as I don’t scare easily. The book takes place mostly in the present with flashbacks to Annabel’s life as a young girl in Vienna. I had thought, due to the time period of the past being in the 1930’s, that the book would be centered on Nazism but it only lightly touches on that theme. The author does an excellent job of setting up a very spooky atmosphere and creating empathetic characters. I had thought the book was pretty much over at one point but it still held yet another surprise.
This book is a dark, tragic ghost story, a thriller, a mystery and a sad tale of the love of mothers all in one. I enjoyed it very much and am looking forward to reading more by this author. Since the book is so well written, I was surprised that the book is the author’s debut and that she started writing it while taking a writing course. She’s a natural and her first book well deserves the awards it’s received. She’s also generously donating 50% of the royalties from her book to Borne, a charity doing research into preventing death and disability in childbirth. Recommended.
This book was given to me by the publisher through Smith Publicity in return for an honest review.
This is a well-constructed novel that sent chills up and down my spine and that’s saying something for me as I don’t scare easily. The book takes place mostly in the present with flashbacks to Annabel’s life as a young girl in Vienna. I had thought, due to the time period of the past being in the 1930’s, that the book would be centered on Nazism but it only lightly touches on that theme. The author does an excellent job of setting up a very spooky atmosphere and creating empathetic characters. I had thought the book was pretty much over at one point but it still held yet another surprise.
This book is a dark, tragic ghost story, a thriller, a mystery and a sad tale of the love of mothers all in one. I enjoyed it very much and am looking forward to reading more by this author. Since the book is so well written, I was surprised that the book is the author’s debut and that she started writing it while taking a writing course. She’s a natural and her first book well deserves the awards it’s received. She’s also generously donating 50% of the royalties from her book to Borne, a charity doing research into preventing death and disability in childbirth. Recommended.
This book was given to me by the publisher through Smith Publicity in return for an honest review.
December 8, 2015
I really Really enjoyed this book.
The book tells the story of Annabel Albrecht who was the mother of Max, the Mother and Son have a very strained relationship and haven't seen much of each other in years so when Annabel dies and leaves everything to Max with a photo of her and a young boy her childhood friend Oskar Edelstein asking Max to track Oskar down it is all very mysterious.
Meeting up with his mothers long term friend Vivienne he tries to find Oskar.
Set in the present there are flashbacks to the past telling the story of his Grandparents and Mother and Father.
I thought this book was brilliant has so much going on in the story to hard to write in a review without giving to much away its a mystery suspenseful, tragic and ghostly and the ending is not what i was expecting at all it blew me away.
Can not wait to read more books from this Author I would give it more then 5 stars if I could.
Thank you Netgalley the Author and publisher for a chance to read such a great book.
The book tells the story of Annabel Albrecht who was the mother of Max, the Mother and Son have a very strained relationship and haven't seen much of each other in years so when Annabel dies and leaves everything to Max with a photo of her and a young boy her childhood friend Oskar Edelstein asking Max to track Oskar down it is all very mysterious.
Meeting up with his mothers long term friend Vivienne he tries to find Oskar.
Set in the present there are flashbacks to the past telling the story of his Grandparents and Mother and Father.
I thought this book was brilliant has so much going on in the story to hard to write in a review without giving to much away its a mystery suspenseful, tragic and ghostly and the ending is not what i was expecting at all it blew me away.
Can not wait to read more books from this Author I would give it more then 5 stars if I could.
Thank you Netgalley the Author and publisher for a chance to read such a great book.
December 21, 2015
Surprisingly good for a random debut find on Netgalley. Random finds, much like Kindle freebies, are always such a crapshoot, but this turned out to be a well written mystery with ghostly undertones. Or a story of an angry haunting with mystery undertones. I'm not sure it needed the supernatural aspect and I'm definitely not sure it needed the very ending, but there it was. The mystery aspect was to an extent predictable and I think the story might have benefitted from...well, a more mysterious mystery. The plot was quite strong, family secrets from prewar Vienna coming to haunt a surviving heir many decades later. Luxurious descriptions of classical mansions with priceless or at least very pricy artwork and hidden dens. Compelling characters. The story was nicely paced, with pretty good suspense throughout and solid drama. Made for an enjoyable quick read. Recommended.
November 5, 2016
If you’ve seen my ‘Books I’ve Read.. ‘ lists I read a lot of Contemporary Romance novels. Next to Contemporary Romance novels I read mostly crime and fantasy novels. But I definitely also love to go out of my comfort zone at times. So when I received an email about ‘The Silent Children’ and read the book description I really wanted to read this one.
In ‘The Silent Children’ we meet Max Albrecht. Max is born in Vienna, but has lived in London for a while now. Max hasn’t been back to Vienna for a long time. But when Max’s mother suddenly dies, he is forced to go back to his childhood home. And soon Max finds out there is a lot of mystery and secrets in his mom pasts. And when Max stays in his childhood home one time.. Strange things start to happen.
‘The Silent Children’ definitely was very different than my normal reads. Although ‘The Silent Children’ is kind of dark, mysterious, and tragic, I was fascinated by this read from the very beginning. At first this book really read like a nice and easy to read romance novel. But after the first view chapters this book became ‘darker’ and definitely more spooky.
What I really enjoyed about this read was that it was written in the modern time, but we also got some flashbacks to the nineteen thirties. I loved reading those parts. The story itself was very interesting and I really wanted to keep on reading until the end.
After the first half of the book, the story became a little ‘slow’. I really missed some action around that point. But thankfully the story quickly got back to being interesting, dark and spooky.
The main character Max, was nice to read about. But he was definitely a character I needed to get used to a little. In the beginning I didn’t really like him. I just couldn’t connect with him, and I found the way he did a little strange at times. Thankfully, after the first part of the book, he began to grow on me.
‘The Silent Children’ was a good read. I especially loved reading this book during these dark and cold nights. If you’re looking for a nice, thrilling read.. This one is definitely for you. But if your easily spooked.. Well.. Don’t read this one when your home alone! ;)
In ‘The Silent Children’ we meet Max Albrecht. Max is born in Vienna, but has lived in London for a while now. Max hasn’t been back to Vienna for a long time. But when Max’s mother suddenly dies, he is forced to go back to his childhood home. And soon Max finds out there is a lot of mystery and secrets in his mom pasts. And when Max stays in his childhood home one time.. Strange things start to happen.
‘The Silent Children’ definitely was very different than my normal reads. Although ‘The Silent Children’ is kind of dark, mysterious, and tragic, I was fascinated by this read from the very beginning. At first this book really read like a nice and easy to read romance novel. But after the first view chapters this book became ‘darker’ and definitely more spooky.
What I really enjoyed about this read was that it was written in the modern time, but we also got some flashbacks to the nineteen thirties. I loved reading those parts. The story itself was very interesting and I really wanted to keep on reading until the end.
After the first half of the book, the story became a little ‘slow’. I really missed some action around that point. But thankfully the story quickly got back to being interesting, dark and spooky.
The main character Max, was nice to read about. But he was definitely a character I needed to get used to a little. In the beginning I didn’t really like him. I just couldn’t connect with him, and I found the way he did a little strange at times. Thankfully, after the first part of the book, he began to grow on me.
‘The Silent Children’ was a good read. I especially loved reading this book during these dark and cold nights. If you’re looking for a nice, thrilling read.. This one is definitely for you. But if your easily spooked.. Well.. Don’t read this one when your home alone! ;)
November 28, 2015
REVIEW: THE SILENT CHILDREN by Anna K. Boheim
A disturbing and intensely thought-provoking neck, THE SILENT CHILDREN deftly enfolds a past both glorious and ugly (Vienna, from 1938 and the encroaching Third Reich through World War II) with contemporary London and Vienna. Max is a junior executive at a financial firm in London, educated at Princeton, whose formative years occurred with his unusual mother in Vienna. Estranged for years, he is shocked when she announces her imminent demise and requests to see him. He delays, and doesn't arrive until after her death, but discovers quickly that her house is suffused with her presence and not only hers. Connecting to his mother's long-term friend Vivienne, in Vienna, and her childhood friend Oskar,whose Jewish family emigrated to London in 1938, only entraps Max further into the complexities of his mother and grandparents and the children's orphanage they founded and administered.
A disturbing and intensely thought-provoking neck, THE SILENT CHILDREN deftly enfolds a past both glorious and ugly (Vienna, from 1938 and the encroaching Third Reich through World War II) with contemporary London and Vienna. Max is a junior executive at a financial firm in London, educated at Princeton, whose formative years occurred with his unusual mother in Vienna. Estranged for years, he is shocked when she announces her imminent demise and requests to see him. He delays, and doesn't arrive until after her death, but discovers quickly that her house is suffused with her presence and not only hers. Connecting to his mother's long-term friend Vivienne, in Vienna, and her childhood friend Oskar,whose Jewish family emigrated to London in 1938, only entraps Max further into the complexities of his mother and grandparents and the children's orphanage they founded and administered.
December 21, 2015
The Silent Children is Amna Boheim's first novel but she comes across as a highly seasoned writer. her grip over her characters and setting is phenomenal, and the way she deftly transcends from one timeline to another is worth commendation.
The novel introduces us to the worlds of Annabel Albrecht and son, Max. Told over different periods of times, we are repeatedly drawn to the sinister presence of the house, the secrets it's been hiding. The supernatural elements in the novel are not superficially explored, but properly dug into. Fans of the Horror genre will relish the way the author has handled the scary sequences. Boheim does not let the pace drag. There is always a twist in the tale waiting right around the corner.
It tells a great deal about the prowess of an author in how the more sensitive scenes in a novel are dealt with. Ms.Boheim has a tender and compassionate hand at dealing with emotional scenes - the relationship between Max and Vivienne is so pure, so unadulterated by greed and intrigue that the reader can't help but fall in love with the two of them, especially dear Vivienne.
in Annabel, Boheim introduces a very fierce if vulnerable woman both at the cusp of adolescence and as an elderly lady on the verge of suicide. the contrast in the mood of Annabel over the course of her life, her feelings and thoughts are so vividly imagined in a series of delightful vignettes that by the end of the novel, the reader does get some closure as to why the events in the novel took place. so many horror tales take an abrupt ending without ever explaining what happened and why. Ms.Boheim, however, leaves the reader extremely satisfied by tying most of the loose ends. the result is quite gratifying.
I would suggest this bold and insightful novel not just to enthusiasts of the horror genre, but to all fiction readers as there is something in it for everyone. Enjoy!
The novel introduces us to the worlds of Annabel Albrecht and son, Max. Told over different periods of times, we are repeatedly drawn to the sinister presence of the house, the secrets it's been hiding. The supernatural elements in the novel are not superficially explored, but properly dug into. Fans of the Horror genre will relish the way the author has handled the scary sequences. Boheim does not let the pace drag. There is always a twist in the tale waiting right around the corner.
It tells a great deal about the prowess of an author in how the more sensitive scenes in a novel are dealt with. Ms.Boheim has a tender and compassionate hand at dealing with emotional scenes - the relationship between Max and Vivienne is so pure, so unadulterated by greed and intrigue that the reader can't help but fall in love with the two of them, especially dear Vivienne.
in Annabel, Boheim introduces a very fierce if vulnerable woman both at the cusp of adolescence and as an elderly lady on the verge of suicide. the contrast in the mood of Annabel over the course of her life, her feelings and thoughts are so vividly imagined in a series of delightful vignettes that by the end of the novel, the reader does get some closure as to why the events in the novel took place. so many horror tales take an abrupt ending without ever explaining what happened and why. Ms.Boheim, however, leaves the reader extremely satisfied by tying most of the loose ends. the result is quite gratifying.
I would suggest this bold and insightful novel not just to enthusiasts of the horror genre, but to all fiction readers as there is something in it for everyone. Enjoy!
October 21, 2016
Just in time for the cold, wintry nights when you're looking for a ghost story to creep you out, comes "The Silent Children," a past-meets-present novel that isn't quite what you'd expect.
Max's estranged mother sends him a cryptic letter asking for him to seek out a childhood friend who was forced to flee Vienna. She says he has a "missing link," but not to what. Meanwhile, after her death, Max is left to deal with his rich - but often tragic - family's estate and children's Trust, but far from simple, he begins experiencing weird sensations in the house. All this is set against Pre-WWII Vienna, where we learn the origins of all the chaos, and how it may affect the present.
My description cannot do this book justice. It is an amazing, creepy tale that just rocks you until the last page. It's like a horror movie that doesn't let up.
And it doesn't happen the way you think. I figured WWII would factor hugely into things, but it didn't really. Not to spoil anything, but it's more of a personal story of a family rather than a societal outrage story.
It does have paranormal elements, but not overwhelmingly so. I didn't feel like the plot at any point became absurd or completely outrageous. It's definitely the type of book that will make you check the locks at night.
As I said, read to the last page, don't skim or give up. It's necessary.
Not that you'll want to give up on this creep-fest, which I give five-out-of-five screams!
Max's estranged mother sends him a cryptic letter asking for him to seek out a childhood friend who was forced to flee Vienna. She says he has a "missing link," but not to what. Meanwhile, after her death, Max is left to deal with his rich - but often tragic - family's estate and children's Trust, but far from simple, he begins experiencing weird sensations in the house. All this is set against Pre-WWII Vienna, where we learn the origins of all the chaos, and how it may affect the present.
My description cannot do this book justice. It is an amazing, creepy tale that just rocks you until the last page. It's like a horror movie that doesn't let up.
And it doesn't happen the way you think. I figured WWII would factor hugely into things, but it didn't really. Not to spoil anything, but it's more of a personal story of a family rather than a societal outrage story.
It does have paranormal elements, but not overwhelmingly so. I didn't feel like the plot at any point became absurd or completely outrageous. It's definitely the type of book that will make you check the locks at night.
As I said, read to the last page, don't skim or give up. It's necessary.
Not that you'll want to give up on this creep-fest, which I give five-out-of-five screams!
October 18, 2022
It is a modern ghost story. The intrigue is good even though I guessed many of its lines before they were revealed. Unlike other readers, I liked all the characters, the Egon Schiele painting included. The writing is a little bit too formal for my taste but it is well written. I liked the gothic feel to this book and that it is set most of the time in Vienna, a city I love and find so mysterious myself.
But the ending lost me and spoilt the book for me, what a shame. Hence a star less.
But the ending lost me and spoilt the book for me, what a shame. Hence a star less.
August 22, 2017
The silent children by Amna k Boheim.
The photograph haunts him following his mother's death and there's something about her old house in Vienna, that's not quite right. As much as max wants to stay away, he can't, as he uncovers his mother's long buried past and the secrets preserved by Annabels missing friends. But as more is to discover, some children can never be completely silenced.
Absolutely fantastic read with brilliant characters. A twister of a read. What a ending. Wow. Must read. Highly recommended. Definitely worth more than 5*. Netgalley and matador.
The photograph haunts him following his mother's death and there's something about her old house in Vienna, that's not quite right. As much as max wants to stay away, he can't, as he uncovers his mother's long buried past and the secrets preserved by Annabels missing friends. But as more is to discover, some children can never be completely silenced.
Absolutely fantastic read with brilliant characters. A twister of a read. What a ending. Wow. Must read. Highly recommended. Definitely worth more than 5*. Netgalley and matador.
January 11, 2016
The Silent Childrenby Amna K. Boheim
Troubador Publishing Ltd
MatadorMystery & Thrillers, History
Pub Date Nov 28, 2015
I was given a copy of The Silent Children by the publish and their partnership with Netgalley in exchange for my honest review which is as follows:
Max receives a letter from his Mother saying that she is dying but when he dials his Mother’s number at the end of the week she is already dead.
In his Mother’s possessions he finds a picture with the name Oskar Edelstein and the phrase You Knew…
Soon Max finds himself on a search for Oskar Eldstein to uncover what the message on the photo meant.
This book is told in the first person from Max’s perspective but it also goes into flashbacks to his Mother’s childhood in Vienna at a time when Hitler held power. These flashbacks give us a glimpse into Max’s Mother and Oskar Edelstein’s Childhood.
Max soon discovers that Annabel (His Mother) had a baby brother that they had believed died from Cot death but it may have been his Grandmother’s hands that killed the child she had suffered from severe Post Partum Depression.
Was Thaddeus really killed though, or was there some other hidden truth?
Would Max’s Search led by a picture with the name Oskar Edelstein and the phrase “You Knew” unravel dark secrets from his Mother’s past?
Will uncovering the truth about the kind of man his Grandfather really was lead to dangerous even life threatening consequences for Max and for Oskar Eldstein?
If you are a fond of Mystery and Intrigue you will enjoy The Silent Children.
Five out of five Stars
Happy Reading
Troubador Publishing Ltd
MatadorMystery & Thrillers, History
Pub Date Nov 28, 2015
I was given a copy of The Silent Children by the publish and their partnership with Netgalley in exchange for my honest review which is as follows:
Max receives a letter from his Mother saying that she is dying but when he dials his Mother’s number at the end of the week she is already dead.
In his Mother’s possessions he finds a picture with the name Oskar Edelstein and the phrase You Knew…
Soon Max finds himself on a search for Oskar Eldstein to uncover what the message on the photo meant.
This book is told in the first person from Max’s perspective but it also goes into flashbacks to his Mother’s childhood in Vienna at a time when Hitler held power. These flashbacks give us a glimpse into Max’s Mother and Oskar Edelstein’s Childhood.
Max soon discovers that Annabel (His Mother) had a baby brother that they had believed died from Cot death but it may have been his Grandmother’s hands that killed the child she had suffered from severe Post Partum Depression.
Was Thaddeus really killed though, or was there some other hidden truth?
Would Max’s Search led by a picture with the name Oskar Edelstein and the phrase “You Knew” unravel dark secrets from his Mother’s past?
Will uncovering the truth about the kind of man his Grandfather really was lead to dangerous even life threatening consequences for Max and for Oskar Eldstein?
If you are a fond of Mystery and Intrigue you will enjoy The Silent Children.
Five out of five Stars
Happy Reading
December 20, 2015
The Silent Children begins when Max learns that his mother Annabel Albrecht is dying. When he returns to his childhood home, he finds that he is too late, for his mother has died. She has left him a mysterious old photo, with an even more mysterious note on the back. Even though Max and his mother were not close in the later years of her life, he sets off to find out as much as he can about the photo and why it meant so much to his mother.
The story alternates between the time of his mother’s childhood which is the 1930’s in Vienna and present (2004) for Max. As Max starts looking into the photo of his mother’s childhood playmate, Oskar, some disturbing things start happening around the house.
It’s been a while since I’ve read a ghost story and I found this one enjoyable. The chapters alternating past with present are very effective. The ghost/horror part of the book is woven well with the underlying mystery. It reads like a murder mystery with a little supernatural thrown in.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for review.
The story alternates between the time of his mother’s childhood which is the 1930’s in Vienna and present (2004) for Max. As Max starts looking into the photo of his mother’s childhood playmate, Oskar, some disturbing things start happening around the house.
It’s been a while since I’ve read a ghost story and I found this one enjoyable. The chapters alternating past with present are very effective. The ghost/horror part of the book is woven well with the underlying mystery. It reads like a murder mystery with a little supernatural thrown in.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for review.
December 1, 2015
I received this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Set in two different time periods the book tells the dual story of Annabel Albrecht's formative life and the disturbing discoveries her son Max makes after she has died. One chapter set in the 1930's and the next chapter in modern times. Despite the dichotomy of time, the story melds well together, each part enhancing the other to weave a suspenseful, yet sorrowful, tale of lost innocence, tragedy and ghostly revenge.
December 29, 2015
Excellent Book. There aren't many books that can get my heart racing. Without giving too much away, there is a part in this book with Max in his house, that is scary. I enjoyed how the book goes back to the past and present. A very well put together story that kept me interested, and wanting to find out what happens in the end. This book is worth a read.
February 28, 2017
I received a copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I had a lot of ups and downs with The Silent Children. I was so disinterested with the first 20% that I wouldn't have been able to tell you the protagonist's name at this point (actually, as it was told in first person I wouldn't have been able to tell you the protagonist's gender, either). I think I spent about five days trying to get through the first quarter of this book, certainly on the verge of calling it a DNF; then I ended up reading the rest in one sitting yesterday.
At the aforementioned 20% mark it begins to hit its stride - it turns out the narrator is a young man named Max, whose recently deceased mother left behind a series of clues about a dark family secret. Max tries to balance his comfortable London job with frequent trips back to his mother's house in Vienna, where he attempts to get to the bottom of the mystery. As Max finds himself buried deep within the investigation, more and more unsavory layers are revealed, and with paranormal elements at play Max finds himself wondering if he's on the precipice of madness. The story takes place in the present, though each chapter ends with a short flashback to Max's mother's early life, beginning in 1938 Vienna.
This book was so close to being great. Initial pacing issues aside, I ended up being very glad that I stuck with it, as there was a lot to love: the scenes where you felt the presence of the ghost(s) were wrought with tension, and the intricate web of family secrets is at once compelling and horrifying. Information is revealed at a satisfying pace, and while I don't think any of the big reveals were particularly difficult to guess, the story keeps you engaged through the end, with a handful of surprises along the way.
If you're looking for a terrifying, nail-bitingly scary ghost story, this isn't it. I'd actually recommend this to fans of the mystery/thriller genre over fans of horror and paranormal. The integration of the ghost story to the mystery is something that I thought started out well, but ended up faltering toward the end. Without giving away specifics, I'll just say that I thought there was a lot of build up and not enough payoff in this respect. It's not that we don't get answers - we do - but I couldn't help but to feel a bit of a sense of anticlimax, a sense that the author could have gone a bit further. But when it comes to the Albrecht family's sinister past and the mystery that ties the novel together, nothing is lacking. It's a darkly compelling and sad tale.
There was just a level of detachment I couldn't get past, and I think a lot of that had to do with a difficulty connecting with our protagonist. We're held at arm's length from a lot of details of Max's life that the author considers extraneous to the central plot - his job is mentioned, but specifics are conspicuously omitted, and though his girlfriend Lana plays a role, we never really get to meet her. Consequently this ended up being a page-turner at a very surface level: I wanted to get to the bottom of the mystery and my interest was piqued enough to get through most of it in a day, but I didn't care enough about the characters that it made a very strong impression on me. I didn't dislike Max; I rather felt for him at times, but, despite the first-person narration, it was difficult to really get inside his head.
This is a difficult book to rate - as you can see, my thoughts are all over the place - but I think I'd call it 3.5 stars. Despite my criticisms, I did really enjoy this and I would almost certainly look into anything Amna K. Boheim writes in the future.
I had a lot of ups and downs with The Silent Children. I was so disinterested with the first 20% that I wouldn't have been able to tell you the protagonist's name at this point (actually, as it was told in first person I wouldn't have been able to tell you the protagonist's gender, either). I think I spent about five days trying to get through the first quarter of this book, certainly on the verge of calling it a DNF; then I ended up reading the rest in one sitting yesterday.
At the aforementioned 20% mark it begins to hit its stride - it turns out the narrator is a young man named Max, whose recently deceased mother left behind a series of clues about a dark family secret. Max tries to balance his comfortable London job with frequent trips back to his mother's house in Vienna, where he attempts to get to the bottom of the mystery. As Max finds himself buried deep within the investigation, more and more unsavory layers are revealed, and with paranormal elements at play Max finds himself wondering if he's on the precipice of madness. The story takes place in the present, though each chapter ends with a short flashback to Max's mother's early life, beginning in 1938 Vienna.
This book was so close to being great. Initial pacing issues aside, I ended up being very glad that I stuck with it, as there was a lot to love: the scenes where you felt the presence of the ghost(s) were wrought with tension, and the intricate web of family secrets is at once compelling and horrifying. Information is revealed at a satisfying pace, and while I don't think any of the big reveals were particularly difficult to guess, the story keeps you engaged through the end, with a handful of surprises along the way.
If you're looking for a terrifying, nail-bitingly scary ghost story, this isn't it. I'd actually recommend this to fans of the mystery/thriller genre over fans of horror and paranormal. The integration of the ghost story to the mystery is something that I thought started out well, but ended up faltering toward the end. Without giving away specifics, I'll just say that I thought there was a lot of build up and not enough payoff in this respect. It's not that we don't get answers - we do - but I couldn't help but to feel a bit of a sense of anticlimax, a sense that the author could have gone a bit further. But when it comes to the Albrecht family's sinister past and the mystery that ties the novel together, nothing is lacking. It's a darkly compelling and sad tale.
There was just a level of detachment I couldn't get past, and I think a lot of that had to do with a difficulty connecting with our protagonist. We're held at arm's length from a lot of details of Max's life that the author considers extraneous to the central plot - his job is mentioned, but specifics are conspicuously omitted, and though his girlfriend Lana plays a role, we never really get to meet her. Consequently this ended up being a page-turner at a very surface level: I wanted to get to the bottom of the mystery and my interest was piqued enough to get through most of it in a day, but I didn't care enough about the characters that it made a very strong impression on me. I didn't dislike Max; I rather felt for him at times, but, despite the first-person narration, it was difficult to really get inside his head.
This is a difficult book to rate - as you can see, my thoughts are all over the place - but I think I'd call it 3.5 stars. Despite my criticisms, I did really enjoy this and I would almost certainly look into anything Amna K. Boheim writes in the future.
October 20, 2016
I was thoroughly intrigued by the premise of this book as I do love a good ghost story, and the historical element of WWII was an added bonus. Plus, having grown up in the suburb of Hietzing, Vienna, as a child, many of the settings described in Boheim’s novel were very familiar to me. I could instantly visualise Annabel’s house with its high ceilings and chandeliers, and the dark damp cellar – ugh, I am getting goosebumps thinking about it. A good ghost story is one which makes you burrow deeper under the doona, shuddering at every creak of a floorboard, ducking for cover when a branch brushes against the side of the house in the wind, and having to turn all the lights on to venture to the toilet in the middle of the night. Boheim delivered all those elements to me, and the haunted house’s gothic setting followed me into my dreams (my fault for reading a ghost story before bed).
Where the story fell short for me was in the main character, Max, who remained an enigma to me despite the first-person narrative. To be honest, I found him rather wooden and stodgy, his voice that of an old person rather than the young man he is supposed to be. Had Max captured my heart and my imagination, the slow escalation of ghostly events would have worked so much better, but his inability to communicate his feelings to me, the reader, made the later part of the book appear exaggerated and forced. His account of events, rather than eliciting emotion, read like a tedious report he has to write as part of his office job (and I still haven’t figured out what his actual position there was). He didn’t shed a tear for his dead mother, and even the relationship with his new girlfriend was brushed over as if it had been a brief encounter with a stranger on the train. I felt that I was always held at arms’ length, forbidden to catch a glimpse of any emotion Max might be feeling, which in turn prohibited any real emotional engagement with the story from my end. Shame – there was real potential here to get me thoroughly engrossed in the chain of events had Max been a more sympathetic character.
The general theme of The Silent Children is a dark one, which has nothing to do with the wartime setting, but a different kind of crime altogether. I enjoyed Annabel’s flashbacks to her childhood, which initially appear innocent enough but soon acquire a much more sinister flavour. There were a few lose ends in Annabel’s story, which I would have loved to have answered, as they provided the backbone of the ghost story.
I guess I am sitting a bit on the fence with this one, as there were aspects of the story I really enjoyed, but others that didn’t work for me at all. To cut a long story short, I enjoyed the dark gothic feel of the story and its setting but would have loved to be able to relate more to the narrator to fully make it work for me and to keep me interested till the end.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free electronic copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Where the story fell short for me was in the main character, Max, who remained an enigma to me despite the first-person narrative. To be honest, I found him rather wooden and stodgy, his voice that of an old person rather than the young man he is supposed to be. Had Max captured my heart and my imagination, the slow escalation of ghostly events would have worked so much better, but his inability to communicate his feelings to me, the reader, made the later part of the book appear exaggerated and forced. His account of events, rather than eliciting emotion, read like a tedious report he has to write as part of his office job (and I still haven’t figured out what his actual position there was). He didn’t shed a tear for his dead mother, and even the relationship with his new girlfriend was brushed over as if it had been a brief encounter with a stranger on the train. I felt that I was always held at arms’ length, forbidden to catch a glimpse of any emotion Max might be feeling, which in turn prohibited any real emotional engagement with the story from my end. Shame – there was real potential here to get me thoroughly engrossed in the chain of events had Max been a more sympathetic character.
The general theme of The Silent Children is a dark one, which has nothing to do with the wartime setting, but a different kind of crime altogether. I enjoyed Annabel’s flashbacks to her childhood, which initially appear innocent enough but soon acquire a much more sinister flavour. There were a few lose ends in Annabel’s story, which I would have loved to have answered, as they provided the backbone of the ghost story.
I guess I am sitting a bit on the fence with this one, as there were aspects of the story I really enjoyed, but others that didn’t work for me at all. To cut a long story short, I enjoyed the dark gothic feel of the story and its setting but would have loved to be able to relate more to the narrator to fully make it work for me and to keep me interested till the end.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free electronic copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
February 1, 2016
The sins of the grandfather are to be laid upon the grandson (with apologies to William Shakespeare)
Max Gissing has been estranged from his mother for almost a year, following a particularly heated exchange. When he receives a letter from her informing him that she is dying of cancer and would like him to get in touch to discuss several important matters, he is unable to reconcile his thoughts and feelings to respond immediately. Included with the letter is an old dog-eared photograph of a boy and a girl – clearly his mother – and on the back are the pencilled words “Oskar Edelstein – ‘38” and underneath in black ink “You Knew”.
By the time his work commitments allow and his curiosity is piqued, when he telephones his mother in Vienna, it is too late. She is already dead.
From the very outset of this book the reader is hooked. We are taken back in time and the family’s history to Vienna during WW2, and this is cleverly interweaved between the chapters of the present-day. Max embarks on a hunt for the truth via Oskar Edelstein and does not realise that his life and those of others around him will be put on the line.
Having attended the funeral in Vienna, he finds that his mother has left him the family house and contents in her will. He is taken back to his childhood when he sets foot in the house, and he finds that the atmosphere inside is decidedly unpleasant.
Without giving too much away, this is a story full of resentment, cover up, intrigue and abuse. There is also an evil malevolence within the house which haunts Max. There are many twists and turns right up to the very last page and I congratulate Amna Boheim for this, her first novel. For one who would not choose to read a ‘ghost’ story I really enjoyed this book, and it was difficult to put down.
And for those tactile readers who enjoy having an actual book in their hands, the quality of the paper is excellent and it ‘feels’ like a classy book.
Thoroughly recommended.
Sméagol
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
Max Gissing has been estranged from his mother for almost a year, following a particularly heated exchange. When he receives a letter from her informing him that she is dying of cancer and would like him to get in touch to discuss several important matters, he is unable to reconcile his thoughts and feelings to respond immediately. Included with the letter is an old dog-eared photograph of a boy and a girl – clearly his mother – and on the back are the pencilled words “Oskar Edelstein – ‘38” and underneath in black ink “You Knew”.
By the time his work commitments allow and his curiosity is piqued, when he telephones his mother in Vienna, it is too late. She is already dead.
From the very outset of this book the reader is hooked. We are taken back in time and the family’s history to Vienna during WW2, and this is cleverly interweaved between the chapters of the present-day. Max embarks on a hunt for the truth via Oskar Edelstein and does not realise that his life and those of others around him will be put on the line.
Having attended the funeral in Vienna, he finds that his mother has left him the family house and contents in her will. He is taken back to his childhood when he sets foot in the house, and he finds that the atmosphere inside is decidedly unpleasant.
Without giving too much away, this is a story full of resentment, cover up, intrigue and abuse. There is also an evil malevolence within the house which haunts Max. There are many twists and turns right up to the very last page and I congratulate Amna Boheim for this, her first novel. For one who would not choose to read a ‘ghost’ story I really enjoyed this book, and it was difficult to put down.
And for those tactile readers who enjoy having an actual book in their hands, the quality of the paper is excellent and it ‘feels’ like a classy book.
Thoroughly recommended.
Sméagol
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
December 14, 2017
Max Albrecht does not have a close relationship with his mother, in fact, his mother's friend Vivienne raised him most of his childhood. So, when Max receives a letter from his mother telling him that she is dying along with the hope that Max will help her uncover the mysteries behind a chilling picture, he is surprised. The picture is of his mother, Annabell and a childhood friend, Oskar. On the back, the words you knew. Max doesn't make it to his mother before her death; however, having spent an unsettling night in his childhood home in Vienna, Max decides that the picture must be looked into. The deeper Max goes, the more disturbing secrets he uncovers and the more the house seems to rebel.
This was a really interesting blend of historical fiction, mystery, thriller and a ghost story. More importantly, the fantasy aspect, while chilling and intriguing, does not detract from the rest of the story, but expertly adds depth and mystique to Max's plight. I do love a good duel time story, so this was right up my alley. The story hops back and forth from 2004 in London and Vienna to 1938 Vienna. The snippets in the past are quick and give just a glance at Annabell's life with hints of clues of what is going on so we never know much more than Max. At first, Max seems like an ungrateful son, but as he figures out his mother's past his character as well as Annabel's is explained. Oskar was the most surprising character for me, another mystery to unravel, but I loved his gentle and easygoing demeanor. Overall, the mystery building was well done continually throwing me in different directions and the suspense is tightly woven all the way through. The ending threw me for a huge curveball, also. This is not a story where everything is tied up all nicely, the chilling ending definitely places this book squarely in the thriller category.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
This was a really interesting blend of historical fiction, mystery, thriller and a ghost story. More importantly, the fantasy aspect, while chilling and intriguing, does not detract from the rest of the story, but expertly adds depth and mystique to Max's plight. I do love a good duel time story, so this was right up my alley. The story hops back and forth from 2004 in London and Vienna to 1938 Vienna. The snippets in the past are quick and give just a glance at Annabell's life with hints of clues of what is going on so we never know much more than Max. At first, Max seems like an ungrateful son, but as he figures out his mother's past his character as well as Annabel's is explained. Oskar was the most surprising character for me, another mystery to unravel, but I loved his gentle and easygoing demeanor. Overall, the mystery building was well done continually throwing me in different directions and the suspense is tightly woven all the way through. The ending threw me for a huge curveball, also. This is not a story where everything is tied up all nicely, the chilling ending definitely places this book squarely in the thriller category.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
January 10, 2017
Max Albrecht does not have a close relationship with his mother, in fact, his mother's friend Vivienne raised him most of his childhood. So, when Max receives a letter from his mother telling him that she is dying along with the hope that Max will help her uncover the mysteries behind a chilling picture, he is surprised. The picture is of his mother, Annabell and a childhood friend, Oskar. On the back, the words you knew. Max doesn't make it to his mother before her death; however, having spent an unsettling night in his childhood home in Vienna, Max decides that the picture must be looked into. The deeper Max goes, the more disturbing secrets he uncovers and the more the house seems to rebel.
This was a really interesting blend of historical fiction, mystery, thriller and a ghost story. More importantly, the fantasy aspect, while chilling and intriguing, does not detract from the rest of the story, but expertly adds depth and mystique to Max's plight. I do love a good duel time story, so this was right up my alley. The story hops back and forth from 2004 in London and Vienna to 1938 Vienna. The snippets in the past are quick and give just a glance at Annabell's life with hints of clues of what is going on so we never know much more than Max. At first, Max seems like an ungrateful son, but as he figures out his mother's past his character as well as Annabel's is explained. Oskar was the most surprising character for me, another mystery to unravel, but I loved his gentle and easygoing demeanor. Overall, the mystery building was well done continually throwing me in different directions and the suspense is tightly woven all the way through. The ending threw me for a huge curveball, also. This is not a story where everything is tied up all nicely, the chilling ending definitely places this book squarely in the thriller category.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
This was a really interesting blend of historical fiction, mystery, thriller and a ghost story. More importantly, the fantasy aspect, while chilling and intriguing, does not detract from the rest of the story, but expertly adds depth and mystique to Max's plight. I do love a good duel time story, so this was right up my alley. The story hops back and forth from 2004 in London and Vienna to 1938 Vienna. The snippets in the past are quick and give just a glance at Annabell's life with hints of clues of what is going on so we never know much more than Max. At first, Max seems like an ungrateful son, but as he figures out his mother's past his character as well as Annabel's is explained. Oskar was the most surprising character for me, another mystery to unravel, but I loved his gentle and easygoing demeanor. Overall, the mystery building was well done continually throwing me in different directions and the suspense is tightly woven all the way through. The ending threw me for a huge curveball, also. This is not a story where everything is tied up all nicely, the chilling ending definitely places this book squarely in the thriller category.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
October 27, 2016
Max Albrecht returns home after a trip away. To find a letter from his estranged mother Annabel Albrecht. Informing him that she is dying and begging for his help to find her long lost friend Oskar Edelstein.
Unfortunately Max's mother dies before he gets the chance to speak to her. Not having gotten to put things right Max feels conflicted about this feelings towards his mother. Annabel leaves Max her home in Vienna. Determined to find Oskar for his mother and to try and set things right even though she is dead. Max moves back to the family home.
When Max returns to the house we have a very ghostly feel about the book and we are left wondering what is hiding in the house and why is it so creepy. Is Max really alone?
Max is determined to track down Oskar, and track down Oskar he does. Along the way though Max finds out secrets about his mother that he never knew before.
I loved the ghostly feel to it. The author writes with such clarity that I was left with a chill running up and down my spine. Max to me felt very real and easy to connect with because even thou he was determined to track down the truth about the past and his mothers friend he did so juggling work and other commitments like we all would.
I liked how this book was set in two time zones. The present and the past which ran along side the war.
I would like to read more books by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley, Amna K Boheim and Troubador publishing LTD for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.
Happy reading everyone
Unfortunately Max's mother dies before he gets the chance to speak to her. Not having gotten to put things right Max feels conflicted about this feelings towards his mother. Annabel leaves Max her home in Vienna. Determined to find Oskar for his mother and to try and set things right even though she is dead. Max moves back to the family home.
When Max returns to the house we have a very ghostly feel about the book and we are left wondering what is hiding in the house and why is it so creepy. Is Max really alone?
Max is determined to track down Oskar, and track down Oskar he does. Along the way though Max finds out secrets about his mother that he never knew before.
I loved the ghostly feel to it. The author writes with such clarity that I was left with a chill running up and down my spine. Max to me felt very real and easy to connect with because even thou he was determined to track down the truth about the past and his mothers friend he did so juggling work and other commitments like we all would.
I liked how this book was set in two time zones. The present and the past which ran along side the war.
I would like to read more books by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley, Amna K Boheim and Troubador publishing LTD for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.
Happy reading everyone
January 13, 2016
An amazing ghost-story, but don't be fooled by this description, as it's also a thriller and a crime novel.
Before Annabel, Max Gissing's mother dies, she sends him a letter asking him to find a childhood friend. Finding the friend is easy, but what comes after is not. His mother leaves him the family home, and as soon Max sets foot in it, he can feel something is not right. Shadows, whispers, noises and broken objects feel his nights in the old house
The story goes back and forth between Annabel's life in Vienna and Max's point of view as he tries to untangle
I don't like ghost stories, even "modern-day" ones, as the book description says, so I started to read this book with big misgivings, asking myself why I was reading a book about ghosts. And to my big surprise, I could not put it down.
Miss Boheim is such a good writer! This is her debut book and I hope the first of many more.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Before Annabel, Max Gissing's mother dies, she sends him a letter asking him to find a childhood friend. Finding the friend is easy, but what comes after is not. His mother leaves him the family home, and as soon Max sets foot in it, he can feel something is not right. Shadows, whispers, noises and broken objects feel his nights in the old house
The story goes back and forth between Annabel's life in Vienna and Max's point of view as he tries to untangle
I don't like ghost stories, even "modern-day" ones, as the book description says, so I started to read this book with big misgivings, asking myself why I was reading a book about ghosts. And to my big surprise, I could not put it down.
Miss Boheim is such a good writer! This is her debut book and I hope the first of many more.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 10, 2016
In 1938, Annabel Albrecht's life takes a turn for the worst. Her favorite maid, Eva disappears then her friend Oscar leaves as well. Annabel is left alone when her brother is murdered and her mother is taken away after being accused of his murder. Around 70 years later, Annabel has passes away and leaves her house to her son, Max. While trying to cope with his mother's death and cryptic dying message, he begins to unearth deep, dark, and deadly secrets. Will these secrets help bridge his relationship with his mother or will it keep them apart forever?
A haunting modern day ghost story with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until you turn the last page. I like how the novel alternates between in the past with Annabel and then modern day with Max. It was very interesting and kept me hooked until the last page. Little by little, all perceptions of what you know to be true is torn down.
**Disclosure - I received a uncorrected book in exchange for my honest opinion**
A haunting modern day ghost story with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until you turn the last page. I like how the novel alternates between in the past with Annabel and then modern day with Max. It was very interesting and kept me hooked until the last page. Little by little, all perceptions of what you know to be true is torn down.
**Disclosure - I received a uncorrected book in exchange for my honest opinion**
August 1, 2016
Max's estranged mother sent him a letter as she lay dying, telling him that she really did love him after all. With the letter are photographs that provide the impetus for Max to find out more about his family.
In Vienna in 1938, those closest to Annabel disappear, die or are taken away in mysterious circumstances. 70 years later her son Max unravels the sinister secrets of the past.
A ghost story with clever plotting, particularly in the last act, that kept me up late one night, determined to read to the end.
Amna Boheim's meticulous research and attention brings Vienna – then and now, and contemporary London to life. The shifts in location and time are done in such a way that enhances the storytelling: Max tells the present day story in first person and Annabel becomes the narrator in the 1930s.
A tale of secrets and retribution, that left me with a lingering sense of foreboding
In Vienna in 1938, those closest to Annabel disappear, die or are taken away in mysterious circumstances. 70 years later her son Max unravels the sinister secrets of the past.
A ghost story with clever plotting, particularly in the last act, that kept me up late one night, determined to read to the end.
Amna Boheim's meticulous research and attention brings Vienna – then and now, and contemporary London to life. The shifts in location and time are done in such a way that enhances the storytelling: Max tells the present day story in first person and Annabel becomes the narrator in the 1930s.
A tale of secrets and retribution, that left me with a lingering sense of foreboding
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews