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Anna Kronberg Thriller #5
Silent Witnesses
Only two people in this world know my name.
I am one.
The other is believed dead.
Dr Elizabeth Arlington keeps her past buried. But when a woman is killed in a train accident, she falls into old habits and examines the body. All evidence points to murder.
Soon, a second victim is found, and a photograph left at the scene incriminates Elizabeth. Now the prime suspect, she must hurry to catch the killer before the police arrest her. But when he strikes again, Elizabeth discovers a terrifying truth.
I am one.
The other is believed dead.
Dr Elizabeth Arlington keeps her past buried. But when a woman is killed in a train accident, she falls into old habits and examines the body. All evidence points to murder.
Soon, a second victim is found, and a photograph left at the scene incriminates Elizabeth. Now the prime suspect, she must hurry to catch the killer before the police arrest her. But when he strikes again, Elizabeth discovers a terrifying truth.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 5, 2018
367 people are currently reading
304 people want to read
About the author
Annelie Wendeberg
23 books340 followersAnnelie Wendeberg likes to throw morally grey heroines into impossible situations just to watch disaster unfold. Her books have sold nearly a million copies worldwide in multiple languages through both independent and traditional publishing. When she's not writing, you can find her herding goats, making cheese, and saving owls and kangaroos from peril.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 21, 2018
This series has been so good to follow! Wow, I like the narrator/protagonist a lot. (Yes, the film version in my head still features Chloë Sevigny in the leading role.) The narrator—either Anna or Liz, take your pick of names—is a forthright, plain speaker who never minces words and doesn't shy away from correct medical terminology as needed, e.g., in referring to intercourse, vagina, uterus, pregnancy—silly proprieties be damned. (I.e, this is not recommended for pearl clutchers or knicker twisters.) That all seemed fine—yes, a very progressive woman for the early 1890s, and I firmly believe such people existed; and it works so well that she's German. (Oh, and I relished that brief squishy squee moment with Margaret and Eliza... Heh heh, in Boston.)
This book still fits really well with the long story arc that has been brewing since the beginning. Those who know the Holmes canon will recognize precisely where this and the previous book fit in terms of that timeline, so I'm expecting this trend to continue for perhaps a couple more volumes before (I hope), tying things back together. But we'll see, I suppose; I'll leave it at that.
Gosh, I've been devouring this series like candy, but I guess now I'll have to pause and catch my breath while waiting for the next volume... which I will definitely pre-order as soon as possible! Oh, did I mention I really like this series?
There are also some nits about this book that I probably should just shut up about. It needs a bit of copy-editing for consistency, but the overall grammatical editing and so forth are mostly excellent. On the other hand, there was one anachronism of language that drove me nuts...
This book still fits really well with the long story arc that has been brewing since the beginning. Those who know the Holmes canon will recognize precisely where this and the previous book fit in terms of that timeline, so I'm expecting this trend to continue for perhaps a couple more volumes before (I hope), tying things back together. But we'll see, I suppose; I'll leave it at that.
Gosh, I've been devouring this series like candy, but I guess now I'll have to pause and catch my breath while waiting for the next volume... which I will definitely pre-order as soon as possible! Oh, did I mention I really like this series?
There are also some nits about this book that I probably should just shut up about. It needs a bit of copy-editing for consistency, but the overall grammatical editing and so forth are mostly excellent. On the other hand, there was one anachronism of language that drove me nuts...
January 31, 2026
Silent Witnesses - Annelie Wendeberg
I’d never heard of this author before but I will definitely read more of this series. This book literally had me hooked from the beginning, well written, an absorbing Victorian Mystery set in Boston, 1893. 🔍
With such graphic detail about how the victims are found, this book is gory and places you there in the moment…
〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️
The First Victim: Henrietta Hyde ~
‘It appears she was pregnant. I mean…with child. Possibly fifth or sixth month.’
‘I heard she was in bits and pieces.’
‘She was.’ ‘She’d been dead for hours. The train decapitated her and cut off her foot.’
〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️
The Second Victim: Mrs E. Hughes ~
‘She was strangled.’
‘Was it the same man who killed Mrs Hyde?’
〰️Connection between Hughes AND Hyde? Coincidence?〰️
〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️
The Third Victim: Millicent Dowling ~
“All that mattered to me right then was that I didn't know this woman. I could let myself believe that the connection between the first two victims and me was only a coincidence.”
“Do you know her?' McCurley asked.
'No. I never heard the name. Do you have a photograph?”
“Now I looked closer. A woman of about thirty-five years was lying on her back, her eyes staring straight up at me.”
“Bile rose up my throat.”
“Millie Dumont had been her name. She'd been a nurse at Harvard Medical School and must have married after I left Boston. That's why I hadn’t recognised her name. Because she'd changed it.”
〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️
The evil ‘Prick got what he deserved! The end.
〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️
I’m reading them in the order Apple Books has them.
〰️Silent Witness is #1 on Apple Books, and #5 on Goodreads
〰️River Of Bones is #2 on Apple Books and #6 on Goodreads
〰️And The Viper is #3 on Apple Books and #3 on Goodreads
🤔 I’m going to read them 1,2,3 (Apple Books) then try and find the first one in the series according to Goodreads starting at #1 The Lions Courtship and read them again in order 1-6 or however many I can find. lol It pisses me off when you start at the ‘beginning’ of a series to find out you’re actually halfway through! 🙄
On to the next book - River Of Bones
I’d never heard of this author before but I will definitely read more of this series. This book literally had me hooked from the beginning, well written, an absorbing Victorian Mystery set in Boston, 1893. 🔍
With such graphic detail about how the victims are found, this book is gory and places you there in the moment…
〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️
The First Victim: Henrietta Hyde ~
‘It appears she was pregnant. I mean…with child. Possibly fifth or sixth month.’
‘I heard she was in bits and pieces.’
‘She was.’ ‘She’d been dead for hours. The train decapitated her and cut off her foot.’
〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️
The Second Victim: Mrs E. Hughes ~
‘She was strangled.’
‘Was it the same man who killed Mrs Hyde?’
〰️Connection between Hughes AND Hyde? Coincidence?〰️
〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️
The Third Victim: Millicent Dowling ~
“All that mattered to me right then was that I didn't know this woman. I could let myself believe that the connection between the first two victims and me was only a coincidence.”
“Do you know her?' McCurley asked.
'No. I never heard the name. Do you have a photograph?”
“Now I looked closer. A woman of about thirty-five years was lying on her back, her eyes staring straight up at me.”
“Bile rose up my throat.”
“Millie Dumont had been her name. She'd been a nurse at Harvard Medical School and must have married after I left Boston. That's why I hadn’t recognised her name. Because she'd changed it.”
〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️
The evil ‘Prick got what he deserved! The end.
〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️
I’m reading them in the order Apple Books has them.
〰️Silent Witness is #1 on Apple Books, and #5 on Goodreads
〰️River Of Bones is #2 on Apple Books and #6 on Goodreads
〰️And The Viper is #3 on Apple Books and #3 on Goodreads
🤔 I’m going to read them 1,2,3 (Apple Books) then try and find the first one in the series according to Goodreads starting at #1 The Lions Courtship and read them again in order 1-6 or however many I can find. lol It pisses me off when you start at the ‘beginning’ of a series to find out you’re actually halfway through! 🙄
On to the next book - River Of Bones
June 3, 2019
I found this author because her Character Anna, started in London, and Sherlock Holmes was involved. He alone knew who she really was. Not a young man, brilliant in medicine for the time, but a woman. These stories have evolved, and she has been through much facing foes with Holmes, and on her own. London is far behind her in this book She is in America, where ladies are allowed to teach medicine, and practice it. The book starts with her trying to help where it seems perhaps a suicide, or a terrible accident, and a train are involved. Although she does help with the investigation, with friends, and reluctantly the police , it seems there is a serial killer at work, and her picture is found with the body. This is frightening since she has escaped from the evil that surrounded her in London with Mycroft Holmes help, but Moran is still looking for her, and her infant daughter. I liked the story, brilliant, and the characters that make up her new friends. Plus the detective she works with, who is quick, and smart, and knows their is more to this female doctor than her back ground explains. He is not Sherlock, but neither is he not well suited to his career. Plus it has so much emotion in the storyline. It just swallows you whole, like all her books..Her bravery, and pluck, and love for her daughter, and those she cares for, and protects is really special. I also loved to see her medical advice, and how she goes right in without fainting, to every case no matter the Gore of the scene. I hope her , and the detective are in more books. This series is so brilliant, and suspenseful, Her character has many layers, as does those around her. I was lucky to get to know this author, and her work is a ten. start with book one. The Lion's Courtship and read them in order.
November 25, 2024
This story set in 1890s, a story of baggage , hurt, pain and secrets she hold. Dr Elizabeth Arlington keeps her past buried. She ran away from her husband to America with her toddler for safety and better future and she killed him before coming to America for all the domestic abuse she went through. Now, She is in America, where ladies are allowed to teach medicine, and practice it. The book starts with her trying to help where it seems perhaps a suicide, or a terrible accident, and a train are involved. But when a woman is killed in a train accident, she falls into old habits and examines the body. All evidence points to murder.Although she does help with the investigation, with friends, and reluctantly the police , it seems there is a serial killer at work, and her picture is found with the body.
This is frightening since she has escaped from the evil that surrounded her in London with Mycroft Holmes help, but Moran is still looking for her, and her infant daughter. I liked the story, brilliant, and the characters that make up her new friends. Plus the detective she works with, who is quick, and smart, and knows their is more to this female doctor than her back ground explains.
Soon, a second and third and fourth victim is found, and a photograph left at the scene incriminates Elizabeth. Now the prime suspect, she must hurry to catch the killer before the police arrest her. But when he strikes again, Elizabeth discovers a terrifying truth.This series is so brilliant, and suspenseful, Her character has many layers, as does those around her
This is frightening since she has escaped from the evil that surrounded her in London with Mycroft Holmes help, but Moran is still looking for her, and her infant daughter. I liked the story, brilliant, and the characters that make up her new friends. Plus the detective she works with, who is quick, and smart, and knows their is more to this female doctor than her back ground explains.
Soon, a second and third and fourth victim is found, and a photograph left at the scene incriminates Elizabeth. Now the prime suspect, she must hurry to catch the killer before the police arrest her. But when he strikes again, Elizabeth discovers a terrifying truth.This series is so brilliant, and suspenseful, Her character has many layers, as does those around her
August 27, 2019
THE NEW DOCTOR IS A WOMAN
“Silent Witnesses” The fifth book in the Anna Kronberg series is just as mesmerizing and excellently written as all of A. Wendeberg’s stories. Her medical, criminal and recreation of, in this case, Boston in the late 19th century would be worthy of Mr. Sherlock Holmes himself.
“Silent Witnesses” finds our heroine and her young daughter living and working in the Boston area. A serial murderer has started killing young women and leaving their bodies near railroad tracks. Anna is convinced Moran has finally caught up to her and is going to carry out Anna’s death and the kidnapping of her almost 3-year-old daughter.
“Silent Witnesses”, once started, is difficult to put down. It is an excellent read to take your mind off what’s going on in the world today. While it’s not necessary to read the previous books in the series, it makes it more entertaining and helps understand the backstory of Anna, Sherlock, Moriarty, Moran, et.al. Enjoy.
“Silent Witnesses” The fifth book in the Anna Kronberg series is just as mesmerizing and excellently written as all of A. Wendeberg’s stories. Her medical, criminal and recreation of, in this case, Boston in the late 19th century would be worthy of Mr. Sherlock Holmes himself.
“Silent Witnesses” finds our heroine and her young daughter living and working in the Boston area. A serial murderer has started killing young women and leaving their bodies near railroad tracks. Anna is convinced Moran has finally caught up to her and is going to carry out Anna’s death and the kidnapping of her almost 3-year-old daughter.
“Silent Witnesses”, once started, is difficult to put down. It is an excellent read to take your mind off what’s going on in the world today. While it’s not necessary to read the previous books in the series, it makes it more entertaining and helps understand the backstory of Anna, Sherlock, Moriarty, Moran, et.al. Enjoy.
March 23, 2018
Anna at her Best
This is the latest in the Anna Kronberg books. She is on her own without Sherlock, but has created a new family unit for herself and her daughter. We see her sticking her nose in places where it isn't wanted, but she can't seem to help herself. The book depicts the very real struggle of women trying to gain equal rights in a man's world in a very human way, and how even men weren't always happy with the status quo of society's expectations. It is a great read.
This is the latest in the Anna Kronberg books. She is on her own without Sherlock, but has created a new family unit for herself and her daughter. We see her sticking her nose in places where it isn't wanted, but she can't seem to help herself. The book depicts the very real struggle of women trying to gain equal rights in a man's world in a very human way, and how even men weren't always happy with the status quo of society's expectations. It is a great read.
March 2, 2020
I accidentally read the next in the series before reading this one, so reading this was pretty satisfying because it was the transition book with Anna leaving England and starting over as Elizabeth in America. Quite a few things were explained in this book that left me a bit befuddled reading out of sequence. This book, where Anna/Elizabeth is called upon to catch a serial murderer with her in his sights is also another tightly woven and suspenseful book in the series. I do miss Sherlock's involvement, but the burgeoning partnership with a Boston detective has promise.
December 10, 2025
This is the first book I've read by this author. It is a follow up to the first 3 books with the same particular protagonist in this one. But I didn't feel lost as her past and how she got to where she was was sufficiently explained.
The atmosphere of the book was amazingly well done and I could "see" everything in my mind's eye. The characters were well fleshed out and the sense of time and place were also very well described.
The only thing I didn't like was the ending. It wasn't put forth as a surprise, as if the author dropped you into the reveal and you find yourself gasping, "NO WAY!" Those are my favorite kinds of reveals.
The killer seemed rather unlikely, in fact, and was rather a disappointment.
As I said, the saving grace of this story was the description of people and place and time period.
It's not a bad book. But the ending could've been a lot better.
The atmosphere of the book was amazingly well done and I could "see" everything in my mind's eye. The characters were well fleshed out and the sense of time and place were also very well described.
The only thing I didn't like was the ending. It wasn't put forth as a surprise, as if the author dropped you into the reveal and you find yourself gasping, "NO WAY!" Those are my favorite kinds of reveals.
The killer seemed rather unlikely, in fact, and was rather a disappointment.
As I said, the saving grace of this story was the description of people and place and time period.
It's not a bad book. But the ending could've been a lot better.
February 7, 2018
Beautifully written!
Anna Kronberg is back, but this time she's masquerading as Dr. Elizabeth Arlington. It's a new beginning for Anna Kronberg, and I loved it! We're introduced to a wonderful cast of new characters that came alive under Annelie Wendeberg's pen. I'm looking forward to reading more books set in Boston with Anna's new friends. And enemies.
While this is the fourth book in the Kronberg series, you can definitely jump in and start here.
Anna Kronberg is back, but this time she's masquerading as Dr. Elizabeth Arlington. It's a new beginning for Anna Kronberg, and I loved it! We're introduced to a wonderful cast of new characters that came alive under Annelie Wendeberg's pen. I'm looking forward to reading more books set in Boston with Anna's new friends. And enemies.
While this is the fourth book in the Kronberg series, you can definitely jump in and start here.
April 14, 2020
New crimes await
Anna Kronberg has left Europe and returned to Boston. She is still practicing medicine but no longer needs to dress as a man. But as the fear of being hunted remains, she continues to be drawn into helping solve brutal murders. While I did not find her new partner as engaging as Holmes I will reserve my judgement for now. Maybe his character will develop more in the next book.
Anna Kronberg has left Europe and returned to Boston. She is still practicing medicine but no longer needs to dress as a man. But as the fear of being hunted remains, she continues to be drawn into helping solve brutal murders. While I did not find her new partner as engaging as Holmes I will reserve my judgement for now. Maybe his character will develop more in the next book.
November 17, 2023
A new author and a different genre for me. This novel was very interesting and kept me engaged until the revelation of the killer was revealed. I was unable to predict the killer and considered many of the characters and friends of Dr. Arlington to be the possible villain. I would recommend this novel and will investigate more of this author's stories. There were a few crude comments, but overall they were few and far between and did not saturate the entire body of the text.
January 10, 2024
It is about a qualified female doctor in Victorian times in America, where ladies are allowed to teach medicine, and practice it. The book starts with her trying to help where it seems perhaps a suicide, or a terrible accident.
She is an interesting strong character when women were given no respect but pushes on regardless.
Very different to what I usually read and part of a series, I will have to go back and read the others now.
She is an interesting strong character when women were given no respect but pushes on regardless.
Very different to what I usually read and part of a series, I will have to go back and read the others now.
November 28, 2018
abrupt
the set up, the new characters, awesome. seriously, the freaks and inspector, fabulous. this mystery finished suddenly. lots of trying to put pieces together and then BLAM! still not sure who the murder was in relation to anna. felt like a set up book. of course, i love the characters so i am on to the next book already.
the set up, the new characters, awesome. seriously, the freaks and inspector, fabulous. this mystery finished suddenly. lots of trying to put pieces together and then BLAM! still not sure who the murder was in relation to anna. felt like a set up book. of course, i love the characters so i am on to the next book already.
October 2, 2023
Interesting new wrinkle to the series- Dr Kronberg as an unofficial forensic specialist in America. Definitely enjoyable, but I would have liked a more solid connection to the murderer. It was uncharacteristically left half addressed. But some fun new characters that I hope to see in future books. :)
February 21, 2018
Not my cup of tea!
I did finish reading this one but in the beginning it was close. I found the beginning to be confusing. It picked up in the middle but then faded at the end. We found out who but not why?!
I did finish reading this one but in the beginning it was close. I found the beginning to be confusing. It picked up in the middle but then faded at the end. We found out who but not why?!
August 7, 2018
Anna Kronberg never disappoints
It's like having a connection with a fictional character every time I read one of Annelie's novels! I managed to read this I in two days because I couldn't put it down!
It's like having a connection with a fictional character every time I read one of Annelie's novels! I managed to read this I in two days because I couldn't put it down!
January 11, 2024
Great story, I liked this writing style and the notes for the investigation. Took a little bit to get into the book but you start to really get involved with the characters and you can't wait to see who the killer is and what each character has for a story.
February 17, 2024
Historical novel takes place in the 1800’s. Female doctor attained her degree by posing as a man at Harvard…. Not only an excellent doctor, but also a very savvy detective who investigates the murder of several women, but solves the case! Very good storyline and RECOMMENDED.
July 27, 2025
DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME!!!
WHY WHY WHY WOULD YOU MAKE THE BAD GUY BE SOMEONE YOU DON'T EVEN MENTION UNTIL THE LAST CHAPTER!!! RIDICULOUS ENDING!!!
VERY DISAPPOINTING!!!
IF I COULD GIVE NEGATIVE STARS I WOULD BLOW IT UP!
SO UPSET WITH MYSELF FOR WASTING TIME ON THIS READ!!!
WHY WHY WHY WOULD YOU MAKE THE BAD GUY BE SOMEONE YOU DON'T EVEN MENTION UNTIL THE LAST CHAPTER!!! RIDICULOUS ENDING!!!
VERY DISAPPOINTING!!!
IF I COULD GIVE NEGATIVE STARS I WOULD BLOW IT UP!
SO UPSET WITH MYSELF FOR WASTING TIME ON THIS READ!!!
February 20, 2018
Love Annelie Wendeberg
Love Anna, love the time period, and love a kick ass heroine! Read in one day. Can't wait until the next book!
Love Anna, love the time period, and love a kick ass heroine! Read in one day. Can't wait until the next book!
February 25, 2018
Another great book in the series! I really enjoyed it, looking forward to her next one
March 3, 2018
The beginning of this book made me wonder if I should keep reading it but considering how much I enjoyed the first two I am so glad I kept with it. I loved it!
March 31, 2018
Excellent
There are no dull passages in this well written story. Far fetched but completely enjoyable. Odd, but engaging characters, a very quick read.
There are no dull passages in this well written story. Far fetched but completely enjoyable. Odd, but engaging characters, a very quick read.
April 8, 2018
Fair female semi heroine
S bit murky and no clear set of clues. fails to measure up. I didn't feel i identified with her.
S bit murky and no clear set of clues. fails to measure up. I didn't feel i identified with her.
April 26, 2018
Annelie just gets better and better.
August 27, 2019
Another really good book in this excellent series. Anna becomes Elizabeth in America. She is the most amazing woman! I love reading about smart strong women like this. Already starting book 6.
July 6, 2021
The “who done it” is revealed but without much back story. Kind of disappointing
October 2, 2023
She died several hours earlier??? who is killing these women and why??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
June 30, 2025
New author to me. Was a good read.
January 27, 2026
A great series. I've read other books in the same series. I love it when a mystery is set in the distant past.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews