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Tango Key Mysteries #3
Total Silence
TOTAL FEAR
In the woods of North Carolina, it awaits, ready to unleash a shocking plan of revenge. Soon the victims will understand what it is to be helpless and alone. They will wish for mercy, but there will be none. Because actions have consequences, and someone must always pay...
TOTAL PANIC
For Florida psychic Mira Morales, spending the holidays at a remote farm in Asheville is a chance to spend some needed family time with her FBI fiancé, Shep, and her teenaged daughter, Annie, while they try to forget the horrors of the past. She has no idea that an even greater terror is waiting out there in the dark, wooded hills surrounding them; a fear beyond the reach of her abilities, because this time, the killer has prepared for her. And then, without warning, everything in Mira's world goes black...
TOTAL SILENCE
Now, isolated and alone, held silent captive in a cunning killer's secret lair, Mira has no way to warn the others of what is coming... of the twisted wrath of a dangerous psychopath whose work has only just begun...
In the woods of North Carolina, it awaits, ready to unleash a shocking plan of revenge. Soon the victims will understand what it is to be helpless and alone. They will wish for mercy, but there will be none. Because actions have consequences, and someone must always pay...
TOTAL PANIC
For Florida psychic Mira Morales, spending the holidays at a remote farm in Asheville is a chance to spend some needed family time with her FBI fiancé, Shep, and her teenaged daughter, Annie, while they try to forget the horrors of the past. She has no idea that an even greater terror is waiting out there in the dark, wooded hills surrounding them; a fear beyond the reach of her abilities, because this time, the killer has prepared for her. And then, without warning, everything in Mira's world goes black...
TOTAL SILENCE
Now, isolated and alone, held silent captive in a cunning killer's secret lair, Mira has no way to warn the others of what is coming... of the twisted wrath of a dangerous psychopath whose work has only just begun...
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
10 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
T.J. MacGregor
66 books41 followersPatricia Janeshutz MacGregor. Also writes under the pseudonyms of Trish MacGregor, Trish Janeshutz, and Alison Drake.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 5, 2021
This book was published in 2004 and the story begins in North Carolina where Mira and her FBI agent fiancee Shep plus her daughter Annie have driven to stay at a remote cabin. Mira owns a bookstore and is a psychic. The first evening there, a woman named Allie shoots Mira and kidnaps her.
The book goes back and forth in time with several narrators. In Georgia in 1989, Lia and Dean were dating. Dean is Allie's brother. Somehow, this story line is going to fit in with the other.
Just a few pages in, we learn that six months ago Mira time traveled back 35 years. This was an Oh, NO! moment for me because I don't do time travel. But that appeared to be in a previous book so I kept reading. I don't mind psychics but a few times this story went a little far for my personal preferences. However, I liked the parts that happened to real people. There's a lot of action in the book and that's a plus. If you like stories about psychics, ghosts, and a deranged person seeking revenge, you might try this book.
The book goes back and forth in time with several narrators. In Georgia in 1989, Lia and Dean were dating. Dean is Allie's brother. Somehow, this story line is going to fit in with the other.
Just a few pages in, we learn that six months ago Mira time traveled back 35 years. This was an Oh, NO! moment for me because I don't do time travel. But that appeared to be in a previous book so I kept reading. I don't mind psychics but a few times this story went a little far for my personal preferences. However, I liked the parts that happened to real people. There's a lot of action in the book and that's a plus. If you like stories about psychics, ghosts, and a deranged person seeking revenge, you might try this book.
December 25, 2022
Total Silence by T.J. MacGregor is book 3 of the Tango Key mystery series, set in late-20th-century North Carolina. Florida psychic Mira Morales is not feeling well, did not pack warm enough clothes for a winter vacation with FBI fiancé Wayne Sheppard and daughter Annie at a farm in North Carolina, owned by Shep's longtime friends. Mira sure isn't "full strength" psychically. She's completely taken by surprise, kidnapped by a psychopath bent on revenge, who doesn't care how many people must be murdered "because they're in the way".
The challenge for Shep and his FBI colleagues is to figure out who might be getting revenge, from the hundreds of perps he's put behind bars. Shep works with Nadine, Mira's grandmother, counting on her psychic abilities, as well as grinding through cases.
The story is told thriller style, the action alternating between the killer fleeing with Mira vs. Shep's frantic searching. As well, flashbacks to the past reveal the killer's background, leading to a shocking motive for revenge. The killer is a control freak, has carefully planned this revenge with precise timing. When things go wrong, the killer's constant reaction is "this is not part of the pattern".
Meanwhile in Panama, a man living the easy life is haunted by past events, from which he ran away. Once he realizes what is happening - almost too late - he joins the hunt for the killer, contributing his unique perspective.
The challenge for Shep and his FBI colleagues is to figure out who might be getting revenge, from the hundreds of perps he's put behind bars. Shep works with Nadine, Mira's grandmother, counting on her psychic abilities, as well as grinding through cases.
The story is told thriller style, the action alternating between the killer fleeing with Mira vs. Shep's frantic searching. As well, flashbacks to the past reveal the killer's background, leading to a shocking motive for revenge. The killer is a control freak, has carefully planned this revenge with precise timing. When things go wrong, the killer's constant reaction is "this is not part of the pattern".
Meanwhile in Panama, a man living the easy life is haunted by past events, from which he ran away. Once he realizes what is happening - almost too late - he joins the hunt for the killer, contributing his unique perspective.
March 20, 2023
First, don't read this book if you haven't read the first 2 books in this series and don't want to jump into characters with significant backstories. Second, don't read this book if you aren't open to all kinds of extrasensory phenomena, from psychic abilities to time travel to prediction of the future.
I was dismayed to discover that this was Book 3, not a stand-alone novel; this information doesn't appear anywhere on the cover. Although the book works okay as a stand-alone, I knew from the first pages that I was missing something, which was annoying. The psychic stuff didn't bother me, although there is a lot left unexplained.
Psychic Mira is kidnapped because of her connection to her fiancé, Shep. The exact reasons for this are something that Shep needs to uncover, aided by Mira's daughter Annie and her grandmother, Nadine, each with their own psychic abilities. Mira's kidnapper, Allie, has deep-set, vindictive motives that are only partially understood by events explained in the book. Although the novel was an engaging thriller and a quick read, a lot was left unanswered with respect to both Allie's motivations and those of her two brothers, Dean and Keith.
So, overall a decent read but one with a number of plot holes.
I was dismayed to discover that this was Book 3, not a stand-alone novel; this information doesn't appear anywhere on the cover. Although the book works okay as a stand-alone, I knew from the first pages that I was missing something, which was annoying. The psychic stuff didn't bother me, although there is a lot left unexplained.
Psychic Mira is kidnapped because of her connection to her fiancé, Shep. The exact reasons for this are something that Shep needs to uncover, aided by Mira's daughter Annie and her grandmother, Nadine, each with their own psychic abilities. Mira's kidnapper, Allie, has deep-set, vindictive motives that are only partially understood by events explained in the book. Although the novel was an engaging thriller and a quick read, a lot was left unanswered with respect to both Allie's motivations and those of her two brothers, Dean and Keith.
So, overall a decent read but one with a number of plot holes.
December 7, 2017
What a great read...a cracking tale! The fact that the main character in this book is psychic gives this tale a twist making it an above average thriller (in my opinion anyhow)
So in brief, psychic Mira Morales, her FBI agent fiancé, Wayne Sheppard & teenage daughter, Annie visit old friends, Ramona & Jerry in their woodland cabin outside Asheville. Soon after arriving , Mira opens the cabin door to a seemingly pleasant woman who introduces herself as Allie then pulls out a gun. Though she' a stranger, Allie seems to know an awful lot about Mira & Sheppard. Trying to escape Allie, Mira is shot & abducted by her. Of course Sheppard & Annie try to find her. Meanwhile the story flashes back 15 years to the Curry family...the wealthy but dysfunctional that Allie is from. These flashbacks help show the reasons for Allie's actions.
So thats the basic storyline & it's difficult to say anything else without giving too much away.
The characters are really well written & believeable & the "flashbacks" fit into the story really well. I throughly enjoyed this book & will look for more by this author, particularly in this series.
So in brief, psychic Mira Morales, her FBI agent fiancé, Wayne Sheppard & teenage daughter, Annie visit old friends, Ramona & Jerry in their woodland cabin outside Asheville. Soon after arriving , Mira opens the cabin door to a seemingly pleasant woman who introduces herself as Allie then pulls out a gun. Though she' a stranger, Allie seems to know an awful lot about Mira & Sheppard. Trying to escape Allie, Mira is shot & abducted by her. Of course Sheppard & Annie try to find her. Meanwhile the story flashes back 15 years to the Curry family...the wealthy but dysfunctional that Allie is from. These flashbacks help show the reasons for Allie's actions.
So thats the basic storyline & it's difficult to say anything else without giving too much away.
The characters are really well written & believeable & the "flashbacks" fit into the story really well. I throughly enjoyed this book & will look for more by this author, particularly in this series.
June 26, 2022
Really good stuff. I started another book after Black Water, but couldn't resist continuing with Mira. Although this book was really less Mira, and more other characters. Really thought provoking for me in terms of psychic gifts.
November 4, 2023
Enjoyable story. Who is going to rescue Mira?
July 12, 2014
Still loving this series three books in!! Ms MacGregor's writing style is one of my favorites.
What I liked: I sincerely enjoy the characters of the Tango Key Mysteries. They're not infallible and not super human. They get mad, make mistakes but essentially they are human, some with a bit of extra abilities.
The previous books built the foundation and I felt with Total Silence, Ms MacGregor was able to add that something more to make an intriguing read. Shep's past law enforcement work catches up to those closest to him when an unhinged woman decides to make him suffer.
The portrayal and looks inside Allie's twisted mind, left me a bit weak. I know there are "sick" people out there, but Allie just down right gave me the creeps. Depicting Allie's character was a strong suit of Total Silence. As a matter of fact, the characters are the draw for me.
Ms MacGregor doesn't pull any punches with anything in her books. Murdering characters in the very beginning of the story is a ballsy way to start a book. It was creepy and I loved it!
What I didn't like: In the previous books, I'd noticed some editing problems but they didn't seem to bother me too much, but all the books I've read so far could use major editing help. Maybe because I read them all so close together but in Total Silence, the misspelling drove me crazy. In some instances, I couldn't even tell what the word was supposed to be. It was maddening as it killed the momentum of the story!
Overall, a good book. I think it was my favorite story so far.
Recommended for thriller/paranormal/mystery lovers.
What I liked: I sincerely enjoy the characters of the Tango Key Mysteries. They're not infallible and not super human. They get mad, make mistakes but essentially they are human, some with a bit of extra abilities.
The previous books built the foundation and I felt with Total Silence, Ms MacGregor was able to add that something more to make an intriguing read. Shep's past law enforcement work catches up to those closest to him when an unhinged woman decides to make him suffer.
The portrayal and looks inside Allie's twisted mind, left me a bit weak. I know there are "sick" people out there, but Allie just down right gave me the creeps. Depicting Allie's character was a strong suit of Total Silence. As a matter of fact, the characters are the draw for me.
Ms MacGregor doesn't pull any punches with anything in her books. Murdering characters in the very beginning of the story is a ballsy way to start a book. It was creepy and I loved it!
What I didn't like: In the previous books, I'd noticed some editing problems but they didn't seem to bother me too much, but all the books I've read so far could use major editing help. Maybe because I read them all so close together but in Total Silence, the misspelling drove me crazy. In some instances, I couldn't even tell what the word was supposed to be. It was maddening as it killed the momentum of the story!
Overall, a good book. I think it was my favorite story so far.
Recommended for thriller/paranormal/mystery lovers.
December 8, 2013
I liked it. I wasn't riveted to my seat but it did get my attention and keep it there. I especially liked the psychic aspect. Out of Body (OBE) experiences, spirit communication, spirit possession (in a good way) all assist FBI Agent Wayne Shepherd to crack this case. And crack the case he must, the victim is his fiancé. The author has created a complex murderer. She is calculating, highly intelligent. Her life is one of absolute total control. She's a local ER doctor everyone in town knows who works nightly to save lives. Throw in a little free clinic work and it's a perfect cover for what lies beneath the beautiful exterior.
The good doc even has a Plan B to ensure she exacts her revenge. As we all know, the best laid plains...... Chance, fate survival instincts of the victim step in rattling our villain to the core. She's edgy, unpredictable, Plan B has been collapsed. The one thing she didn't count on was LOVE. Compelling here are the family dynamics which makes this more than a catch and arrest murder. How they cope with the control efforts of one of their own. She's a daughter, wife, sister and what, sociopath, lunatic, psycho, deranged person? OK then, read it and then you decide.
I'm implementing a Plan A, read more TJ MacGregor.
The good doc even has a Plan B to ensure she exacts her revenge. As we all know, the best laid plains...... Chance, fate survival instincts of the victim step in rattling our villain to the core. She's edgy, unpredictable, Plan B has been collapsed. The one thing she didn't count on was LOVE. Compelling here are the family dynamics which makes this more than a catch and arrest murder. How they cope with the control efforts of one of their own. She's a daughter, wife, sister and what, sociopath, lunatic, psycho, deranged person? OK then, read it and then you decide.
I'm implementing a Plan A, read more TJ MacGregor.
November 24, 2025
3.25⭐️
I need to write these reviews as soon as I finish so the book is fresh in my mind…
I do remember really liking the character development. The backstories were well thought out. There were also enough twists and turns to keep me interested.
When Mina first time traveled I was a little confused but as the story progressed it made more sense and it was kinda cool.
All in all if you like stories about ghosts, going back in time, and a deranged killer with a dark secret you might like this book 😊
I need to write these reviews as soon as I finish so the book is fresh in my mind…
I do remember really liking the character development. The backstories were well thought out. There were also enough twists and turns to keep me interested.
When Mina first time traveled I was a little confused but as the story progressed it made more sense and it was kinda cool.
All in all if you like stories about ghosts, going back in time, and a deranged killer with a dark secret you might like this book 😊
June 28, 2008
TJ MacGregor is an Edgar Award winning author. I like her series with Mira and Sheppard. Mira is a medium and Shep is an FBI agent. Obviously the books are about their adventures working together. Good, entertaining and easy reads.
July 8, 2013
Totally loved this book! Had me on thee edge of my seat the whole time. Fast paced & nail-biting scary! Read the whole thing in one day. Loved that it had mystery, love, strength, & a lot of faith in self, & in each other. One fantastic read!
October 27, 2013
I liked the movement of this book. I do hate starting in the middle of a series, this is #3 of 5. I checked two libraries and sadly neither carry the entire series, sad, because it really is a good read, especially if your into mediums.
December 3, 2008
Great mystery/suspense novel! I enjoyed the psychic powers tie-in, giving it an almost 'super natural' feel, but at the same time keeping it pretty realistic - not fantasy.
Read
August 22, 2012I really enjoyed this. I absolutely hated the "villain" and grew very fond of the other characters. A nice, easy read.
June 10, 2014
Good read but way too much fantasy for my cup of tea....some stuff in this book is weird to say the least
Read
June 13, 2017This was a good book and I enjoyed reading this book every much.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews