Silent Approach

by Bobby Cole

One year after witnessing the tragic traffic accident that claimed his beloved wife and unborn child, accountant John Allen Harper seeks to remake his life. When he accepts a position with the Mississippi Choctaw Nation as their cultural liaison, he is tasked with one to track down and reclaim the tribe’s stolen artifacts dug up from sacred ground and sold on the black market. John Allen’s investigation leads him to crooked publisher Winston Walker, who’s using these priceless antiquities to prop himself up after a wealth-wasting divorce. Racing against time, John Allen finds a cache of treasures stolen thirty years ago that may hold the key to an unsolved murder and mysterious disappearance. Along the way, he teams up with FBI agent Emma Haden, who is also investigating Walker and who stirs unexpected feelings in John Allen. But the desperate Walker won’t go quietly, and the closer John Allen gets to the truth and the proof that will put Walker away, the closer he may come to being buried himself.

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction

Audio CD

Published April 4, 2017

About the author

Born William Robert Cole, Jr., in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1964, writer Bobby Cole now lives in West Point, Mississippi, where he is President of Mossy Oak® BioLogic®. He and his wife Melissa are the parents of a daughter named Jessi. Cole is an avid wildlife manager, hunter, and supporter of the Catch-A-Dream™ Foundation (a program for terminally-ill children). He began writing his first book, The Dummy Line, after a camping experience with his daughter, and he now regularly enjoys writing in his free time.

Reviews

[Robert P. Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Story!

Bobby Cole spins the story well. I was thoroughly enthralled and entertained by the easy way he leads you through the book. You can see what happens as clear as if you are looking at the action in real life.
I can't write more, as I must go buy his next book!

[Don Gerstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley.

Fans of uncommon detective stories will find “Silent Approach” by author Bobby Cole to be a good choice. The main character is not your normal hero, and while he could be considered a detective, at the end of the day that word doesn’t quite fit his job description.

John Allen Harper has used his connections with the Mississippi Band of the Choctaw Indians to secure a job as an agent. He is tasked with recovering artifacts, most of which have been illegally excavated and then sold. While John Allen finds his new job exciting, there is an element of danger. At times he is dealing with people who are not only criminals, but dangerous men. As he well knows, the last man to hold his job disappeared and no one knows what happened.

Mr. Cole is usually sparing with his descriptions, and pages uncluttered with an excess of descriptions help to make this a fast read. A love element is introduced, but the author doesn’t allow it to overwhelm the story. The story moves at a steady pace, and picks up and races toward the climax. The dialogue flows naturally, and the plot is extremely believable (and the author’s notes at the end reveal that the tale is loosely based on some real-life facts). For those who wish to know, there are some vulgarities, but they are not used excessively.

During the last ten minutes of the book, I almost felt as if a different author had sat down at Mr. Cole’s typewriter. One sentence details an FBI agent introducing his partner to all the police officers as “…a distinguished agent for the FBI.” While the word distinguished may describe her, it is not reflective of the realism that flowed through the earlier pages of the novel. The melodramatic “With the courage that propels law-enforcement officers into the teeth of trouble…” also didn’t mesh with the earlier chapters, and some of the dialogue didn’t hold the same crispness and genuineness I had come to enjoy.

But no matter. This is a good book, and a few missteps at the end pale in the light of the many chapters that had proceeded them. If you like a good, well-told story with a mix of detective and thriller elements, you will enjoy this one. Four stars.

[Patricia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I definitely liked the premise of this book but, as with so many books over the last several years, it suffered from not landing in the hands of a good editor. Both characters and plot were flat. I think an editor might have encouraged the author to flesh the story out a bit more, and add some depth to his characters. If you read this one, you might want to borrow, rather than buy. The overuse of the main character's name, John Allen (never just John), also became annoying very early in the book. It really IS ok to use a "he" or "him" occasionally.

[Francis J. Baird · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a resident of the region of the backdrop of the story it is exciting to read about familiar locations. This is a fine tale with plenty of twists and turns

and turns and was truly hard to put down. Another winner for Bobby Cole! Further, he brings attention to a real life problem that deserve our attention and respect when the agenda of others seems to userp our attention.

[Patty Arledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book!!! Bobby Cole books are so easy to read. The stories are so real especially if you live around these areas.

Another great book!!! Bobby Cole books are so easy to read. The stories are so real especially if you live around these areas.

[Kay Roseberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indian artifacts

This book turned out to be educational on Indian artifacts. I love how Bobby Cole created this story around a web of emotions, mystery, and fast paced closure keeping me, in "I gotta finish mode." I have read all of this author's books. All of his books yield a different story plot taking place in my home state. I recognize the areas he places his characters. In my opinion, all of his books are worthy reads. I hope his precious wife will continue to do the yard work because I am ready for another book. I call mowing my yard "mowing therapy." Mr. Cole keep up the super great work! Your books for me are "I can't put it down Tim's I finish."
He provides mystery, love, down and dirty bad guys, and the endings are for you to find out.

[DarcLibrarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Searching for treasure has never been so deadly!

John Allen a former accountant grieving the death of his wife and unborn child finds new purpose tracking down missing artifacts for the Choctaw Nation. His search collides with sexy FBI agent Emma's hunt to put a ruthless businessman out of business and solve a series of murders. To solve the case John Allen must put everything on the line including his life. If he survives maybe he will get a second chance at his HEA. I listened to this intriguing thriller for free with Kindle Unlimited and thoroughly recommend it to bookworms who love a good clean mystery.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Allen Harper has left his old life behind after witnessing the fatal accident of his wife and unborn child. He is hired by the Mississippi Choctaw Nation to recover stolen artifacts being sold on the black market and crosses the path of a sinister conman who is linked to unsolved murders, theft of stolen ancient artifacts and crimes leading back 30 years ago. John finds himself in a very real life threatening situation as the story unfolds.

Beginning with the first page I was immediately drawn into the story. Bobby Cole is an amazing writer and I'm anxious to read his other books.

[Johnette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down!

This was an action packed crime story with history and romance along with a side of mystery. A work of fiction with true details about Native American artifacts. It will make a lot of sense to those living in tribal areas and an interesting read for those who don't.

[Kevin Allmond · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, but...

For a quick read when there is nothing else, this book is OK. It has a good story with unique subject matter, however, it lacks something. Can't put my finger on it but there is just not enough "meat" to keep the reader fully invested. I could have not finished the book and not felt bad about it. I'm not saying don't read, but be prepared to not get invested.

[Lois Keel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

I have been a fan of Bobby Cole since his first book Dummy Line as a writer that started this career later in life he sure has made up for that with his tales of good ole boys in the South.
John Allen is just another example of the lead character that pulls you into the story and takes you be along on a nail biting conclusion.

[Megan Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent to pass the time

This book was ok to pass the time, the writing is passable and the characters are predictable. It had a strong start and went downhill. A reader can easily skip paragraphs without missing amything important.

[J Terry Sides · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read every book Bobby Cole has written and I don't lay one down once I start reading

He grabs you from the first page and won't let go. I can't wait for the movies to start being produced.

[Karen Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy Bobby Cole's books and this one kept me turning the pages. Fast paced.


Liked the characters and look forward to a sequel. I could recommend all of Bobby Cole's books to any of my friends.

[Candy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silent Approach is set in Mississippi. The Choctaw Indian Nation has hired John Allen Harper, a former accountant to buy back stolen artifacts which are sacred to the Indians. Very good and educational story line! Fast paced after John Allen runs into a couple of criminals!

[Paul B. Jorgensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good believable read

This is a nice easy reading book with believable characters, and situations. Its nice to see the author include Christianity into the story, or better yet our dependence on God. I highly recommend

[Kendra Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad

The storyline of Silent Approach is good. The pace needs some work. Many places the story drug on and on and on. Other places, it went so fast I had to reread it.

[sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read

Couldn't put it down till I was done. Can't wait for the next book . Bobby Cole and C. J. Box two of the best .

[Maryfbruce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining. I like the main characters and I was surprised to learn about how prevalent the theft of Native American artifacts was.

[Peggy Windham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mississippi stories

I love to read Bobby Coles stories! I’m constantly surprised and thoroughly enjoy each of his books I look forward to the next one!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the book was above average. It has a lot of action.

[Donna Huber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good crime. I probably would have enjoyed it more if I hadn't been reading a similar book at the same time. I wonder if it the start of a series.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this book
Good plot

[David Housel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't know about Stella, but Bobby Cole flat got his groove back in "Silent Approach"

This is, by far, his best work since "The Dummy Line." By far...

Characters are well, well developed. Very human characters. You care for these people and detest the villains trying to do evil to them...and there plenty of dastardly deeds done here. Good Southern dastardly deeds....the best, most readable kind.

Suspenseful, like "The Dummy Line," from start to finish. Bad guys stealing and selling Indian artifacts on the black market. The Indians want them back and are willing to go to any extent to get them back.

Mississippi murder and mayhem at its best.

John Grisham has the name recognition, but, as a writer of mystery and suspense, Bobby Cole is right up there with him.

Bobby Cole is a writer worth reading....and don't miss this one...

[KyBunnies · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an average read for me. It was a halfway decent book but the suspense just was not there. I did not feel concern for the characters during the major suspense part of the book. I honestly did not care if they made it out alive or not. I feel the author could have built this up more.

I received this book through NetGalley for review.

[Cindy Mink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

I am a fan of Bobby Cole and his stories set in the deep south. Understanding our true culture, this book is easy to read and the story just flows as natural as the Coosa River. I am sad about the robbery of Indian artifacts from Moundville, Alabama. We have been to the museum and have seen other beautiful bowls and other items found from the site. The mounds are truly impressive.

[Heather Doughty · Rating 4 out of 5]

***I won this book through the Goodreads Giveaway Program. This has not influenced my review***

This story has many intricate moving parts - like a clock. When you first see a clock, it looks like any other clock. Then the gears begin to move, our eyes and mind are fascinated, and then the it all makes sense. There are several characters introduced to the reader in the initial chapters. They don't seem to have anything to do with one another, then the story gets going. The gears of the plot all turn together and a different kind of tale unfolds.

I found the writing to be dry, factual, and straight forward. I didn't like it at first, but I enjoyed it more as the story moved along. The characters are interesting, as are their backstories. The plot was different than I have read before. The writer had done some research for this, and it shows.

In all, it's a quick read, good story, and straight-forward writing.

[Karen Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was an easy to read, fun story. I loved all the characters.

[Tammi Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It is about a topic that I had little knowledge of prior to reading this book -- the theft and illegal sales of native american artifacts. The story is gripping from the beginning, with lots of plot twists and surprises that made me really anxious to finish reading. The main character is very likable and especially "human". He seems like someone you could meet on the street and not some special agent super hero type. Really loved it.

[Linda Montgomery]

Great book!

This was my first Bobby Coe book and it certainly won't be my last. I'll be searching out everything he has written. This was a subject I had never considered, even though we have been in many Wisconsin Indian Casinos. I will certainly be more aware in the future!