A child she'll do anything to keep. After Kelsey Moore's husband dies, she wants only one thing. To adopt her husband's son who she has come to call her own. But as she begins the process that her husband had dragged his feet on, she learns a secret so shocking she begins to question everything she knows except for the love she feels for her son. The child is not her husband's biological child, her former husband never had legal custody of the boy, and no one knows where he got the child. Fearing she might lose her son, Kelsey must find his birth mother and convince her to give up her parental rights.
A danger she's never known. But when Kelsey starts asking questions, she runs into a brick wall named DEA Agent Devon Dunbar. Devon has been investigating an adoption/human trafficking ring with drug connections for the last six months, and he's not about to let Kelsey interfere in his investigation. But even if Devon brings out feelings she never thought she'd experience again, and he asks her to trust him, Kelsey can't even give him the benefit of the doubt. Not with the way her husband had lied to her and not even when her own life is on the line. If she doesn't succeed, she could lose the one thing that means everything to her - her five-year-old son.
SUSAN SLEEMAN is the bestselling author of over sixty romantic suspense and mystery novels with more than two million books sold. She writes romantic suspense novels that are clean with inspiring messages of faith. Readers love her series for the well-drawn characters and edge-of-your-seat action. She graduated from the FBI and local police citizen academies, so her research is spot-on and her characters are real.
In addition to writing, Susan also hosts The Suspense Zone. She has lived in nine states but now calls Oregon home. Her husband is a retired church music director, and they have two beautiful daughters, two special sons-in-law, and four amazing grandsons
Susan Sleeman is riveting in her second book in the Truth Seekers series. Focusing on the members of the Veritas Group, a collection of ultra specialists in crime solving, this book zeroes in on Kelsey Moore, recent widow and stepmother to a five year old boy, who someone snatches from her one night on her way home from work. A bystander sees what happens and rescues the child. This bystander is a undercover DEA agent, Devon Dunbar, but he thinks the snatcher is a member of a drug cartel he has been working for six months to take down. In his investigation, he discovers that Kelsey's son Jace is not only not related to her dead husband, but he was most likely purchased in a child snatching ring.
As they begin to work together, both Kelsey and Devon begin to develop feelings for one another, but both have been hurt in the past and do not want to go down that road again. But her son is still in danger. Can Devon manage to keep the boy safe without falling for the mother? Will they uncover and even deeper crime than they first thought?
Sleeman is a huge favorite of mine. She completely slays a suspense novel, and includes a wonderful spiritual theme in the bargain. She is a definite go-to author for me. I look forward to each of her books eagerly. Now I have to wait for the next.
*My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.
Susan Sleeman has done it again. You guys, this is one author who consistently delivers an intense, investigation-focused romantic suspense filled with knowledge and characters you can’t help but want more of (so it’s a good thing this is only book two in the Truth Seekers series).
As a forensic anthropologist, Kelsey works with bones, soil, and more to help solve crimes. When someone tries to abduct her stepson, she finds herself in the center of DEA agent Devon Dunbar’s investigation. Running down leads and possible suspects uncovers more questions than answers, including the validity of a child’s parentage.
Sleeman is a master of bringing readers along on an investigation, educating them on procedures and more modern methods of evidence retrieval and processing with enough dangers thrown in to keep the pacing of the story ramped up. Add in the development of a growing romance, personal struggles and revelations, and friendships—new and old, and Sleeman has become an auto-buy author for me and one I highly recommend to other fans of the romantic suspense genre.
Disclosure statement: I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Oh, but there was. Kelsey's Moore's worst nightmares just about came true when her young son is nearly kidnapped from a grocery store parking lot. When a bystander comes to their aid, Kelsey's life takes yet another unexpected turn.
Undercover DEA Agent Devon Dunbar's surveillance is abruptly interrupted when he witnesses a grab and run. Incensed that the drug ring he is tracking has resorted to kidnapping young children, he risks revealing his identity to reunite mother and child. But the dark haired beauty is no ordinary mother, she is fighting to adopt her dead husband's son and unfortunately Devon's investigative nature is going to uncover secrets that will upset her plans for the future once again.
"When a crisis comes along, don't make quick judgments. Focus on God instead of the crisis. His ways are higher and wiser than our ways. . . . . we have to trust that He's in control and that it will work out for our good."
Will it? Can it? This fascinating story line brings previous characters back into focus and introduces new ones who will fight to the finish for those they love.
I can always trust Susan Sleeman to deliver action-packed, heart-pounding romantic suspense with lots of twists and turns, and Dead Silence is no exception. The second book in the Truth Seekers series is packed with memorable characters and unforgettable detail. Obvious research goes into Sleeman’s books, and she enlightens the readers on different occupations and crime-related details while unfolding the story layer by layer. Kelsey, a forensic pathologist, and Devon, an undercover DEA agent, both have baggage from the past, but I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow and trust begin to blossom and take hold. I loved the way they were able to work together with each other and their friends to solve problems.
Tender messages of trust, forgiveness, and helping others give this story added depth and dimension. The author is talented at weaving the messages through the book without detracting from the storyline. “When a crisis comes along, don’t make quick judgments. Focus on God instead of the crisis. His ways are higher and wiser than our ways. If we believe that, then we have to trust that He’s in control and it’ll all work out for our good.”
It was fun to see characters from the first Truth Seekers book and Sleeman’s previous Cold Harbor series pop in and make appearances in this book. I’m looking forward to the rest of this series. 4.5 stars
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Once again, Susan has created characters that are fascinating, a plot line that is riveting and a book that I can't put down! From the opening scene until the last page, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough! Kelsey's world comes crashing down one night when her stepson is almost kidnapped and during the investigation she finds out some information that rocks her world. She knows her dead husband lied to her occasionally but what she finds out she could never prepare for! Enter a DEA undercover agent, Devon Dunbar, who rescued Kelsey's stepson from the attempted kidnapping while undercover. Kelsey doesn't know what to believe and what not to when it comes to all the information she gets from him. Trust is a hard thing for her after her dead husband's lies. When they team up to find answers regarding an adoption and child trafficking ring, who knows what will happen! I enjoyed both these characters very much and their emotions were so real & raw. Kelsey's stepson, Jace, is adorable. All of Kelsey's co-workers were amazing and I really loved getting to visit Blackwell Tactical again from Susan's previous books although you don't have to have read them to understand this book. An A+ book for me! I loved it!
The next book of the Truth Seeker series is about Kelsey, the forensic anthropologist on the Veritas team. Kelsey is a recently widowed woman who is trying to adopt her husband’s son, Jace. However, she finds out that her husband had been lying to her and that Jace was never her husband’s biological son, and he has no legal custody. Of course, Kelsey is naturally freaking out, and she freaks out even more when she realizes that her son may have been human trafficked. While all this happening, Devon, a DEA agent, is working to stop a human trafficking/adoption ring, and he and Kelsey start working together to find some answers and bring down the human trafficking/adoption that is going on. This is another excellent book in the Truth Seeker series. I really liked Kelsey and her relationship with Jace. It was really sweet how she showed that she didn’t need to be related by blood to love him. Another thing that I really enjoyed with Kelsey’s character is that she dressed very feminine. I think that in a lot of books, dressing in pants and a T-shirt is celebrated. And I totally understand that it can be more comfortable and everyone has a distinct style that they enjoy. But I do love a book that shows that a strong woman can wear a dress or ruffles. As always, Susan Sleeman did a great job of making a really sweet romance. I loved the fact that Devon got close and had a relationship with Jace too. I think that Susan Sleeman did a great job of making sure that the horrible things that were happening to the birth mothers of these children were shown. I really liked that because it is wrong, and it would have been very out of character for Kelsey and Devon to not care about Jace’s birth mother. The suspense was excellent. It definitely kept me guessing without being too scary. The romance was sweet without being inappropriate. Their sexual contact was just kissing. I would definitely recommend this book! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
My review today is on the Romantic Suspense, Dead Silence. This is book two in the Truth Seekers Series. I'm always thrilled to get one of Susan's books. I'm not sure how she keeps coming up with new and wonderful stories. I don't think I've ever read one of her books I didn't really like. This book is no exception. It's well written, action packed, and almost impossible to put down. Not only that but it is filled with faith. I know you are going to love this one. I can't wait for the next one to come out. I really enjoy visiting the Blackwell family too.
Veritas Center Forensic Anthropologist Kelsey Moore and her step son are just leaving the grocery store one night when someone tries to abduct the boy. The man is getting away with Jace when a scruffy looking man stops the abduction and rescues the boy. The man really looks rough. He ends up being an undercover DEA agent. He talks to the police for her and she heads home. She hires Blackwell Tactical to protect Jace. She learns the next morning that there is something wrong about her deceased husbands records. Could he have bought Jace?
DEA Agent Devon Dunbar is under cover. He is investigating the Sotos Cartel. He is watching one of the members when he witnesses the man try to abduct a young boy. He manages to stop the man without blowing his cover but what is this all about. He knows there is a part of Sotos that is into baby trafficking but this boy is much older. Did this woman buy the baby and they are trying to get him back? That didn't really make since. Is she a part of this, what secrets are she keeping from him? Kelsey not having full custody of Jace is a red flag. Even though he is attracted to the woman he will find out what's going on here if it's the last thing he does. He will keep this little family safe though.
A devastating journey as they find out more about how Jace became Todd's and how someone wants to tie up loose ends. God has a plan for this family, a plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you too. A good plan and not for evil. Turn your life over to Jesus and watch Him move in your life.
Dead Silence is book two in Susan Sleeman's latest series, The Truth Seekers. It follows forensic anthropologist Kelsey Moore and DEA agent Devon Dunbar in their race to discover who tried to kidnap Kelsey's stepson before the culprits try again.
Kelsey works for the technologically advanced Veritas Center and her co-workers come to her aide when she discovers that her stepson might not be her deceased husband's biological child. In fact, he may have bought the boy through a trafficking ring and lied to her about it for the two years they'd been married. With this new revelation, she may not be able to adopt the child she already calls her son.
Devon stops the attempted kidnapping of Kelsey's stepson while undercover for the DEA. His team is nearly ready to bring down a drug ring that also has a baby trafficking branch, so he cannot blow his cover. However, questions build: Was Kelsey's stepson a victim of the cartel? Did they want him back? Devon cannot risk his investigation, but with a child's life on the line, he determines to find the answers any way he can.
I always enjoy Susan Sleeman's books and Dead Silence was no exception. While I found it tricky to keep track of the bad guys' names, it didn't slow the action. I especially like how Susan adds specific detail about the interesting careers her characters have chosen. In this book, readers get the chance to learn more about undercover work and forensic anthropology.
If you're looking for a book to read this summer, I recommend Dead Silence. However, if you chose to read outside, be sure to wear sunscreen since it's very easy to lose track of the time as the pages keep turning.
--- I received this book free from the author in order to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Why yes, this is me trying to read every Susan Sleeman book before the year is out....and I'm getting so close!!! And enjoying myself immensely as I compulsively work at catching up with this author. :-)
Dead Silence is the second book in the Truth Seekers series but reads fantastically as a standalone suspense novel as well. There are recurring secondary characters from both this series and a previous one, but they are introduced in such a way that it's not overwhelming for a newbie reader. What you do get is the sense of camaraderie among the team at the Veritas Center and the various law enforcement agencies they work with.
You also get an amazing suspense plot with so many twists and turns! Heart-stoppingly good! And I love the way there's a solid amount of investigative work along with some action scenes. Kelsey is a partner at the Veritas Center as a forensic anthropologist (think Temperance Brennan of Bones fame) and the author has included tons of interesting forensic details throughout the story.
The opening scene is fraught with eerie tension and sets the sense of desperation for the rest of the read. Love the way Devon and Kelsey are thrown together and then how they have to learn to work together -- Kelsey, the determined mother who just happens to have access to the latest forensic tools to aid an investigation and Devon, the world weary undercover agent who is tired of living a double life but driven to put an end to a notorious crime ring. Some clashing of wills and a whole lot of swooning ensues. :-)
Once again I listened to the audible edition, expertly narrated by Whitney Dykhouse. I've come to associate her voice with Susan Sleeman's storytelling and it always gives me a kind of homecoming thrill when I start listening to a new book.
We have heard of someone “living a lie,” but what about someone “dying a lie?” Kelsey had already learned that her late husband had lied to her over and over, but she didn’t learn until after his death the extent of his lies. She was looking forward to adopting his son Jace as soon as she could, but someone snatches him from her as she is walking across the parking lot to her car after dark. Suddenly Devon, an undercover DEA agent, shows up to save the day, or maybe I should say save the little boy. Her excitement at getting Jace back almost immediately is short-lived when she gets a call from her attorney the next day and suddenly she fears losing him forever. Meanwhile Devon is trying to sort out why a known drug mule would get involved in kidnapping a young boy. What an exciting story as Kelsey, a forensic anthropologist, and Devon start seeking answers to many questions. The partners at the Veritas Center and the team at Blackwell Tactical quickly get on board with assisting in any way possible. The skills, the connections, the work ethic, their love of God and country, and their deep respect for each other spoke volumes about them. If I ever found myself in trouble, I would love to know there were those around like these experts who would be ready, willing, and able to get involved to help. Sadly, real life doesn’t always have a storybook ending, but we can place our faith in God to find the best ending for our own story. Things could have come unraveled at any point for Kelsey and Jace, but her faith in God held her steady. I received a copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
Once again the author gives us a clean, Christian suspense story with some romance thrown in the mix. This second story in the author’s series , Truth Seekers, as with book one, revolves around a member of the Veritas Group. A well respected group of individuals seeking answers about crimes and lost family members, where others have failed. Kelsey Moore, a widow and caretaker of her step-son wants to adopt the child. But it appears her late husband had kept secrets from her. While going out shopping, with the boy, there is an attempted kidnapping. Who would want to take the child? Thankfully, an undercover DEA agent sees the danger and saves the boy. From then on there is an attraction between them, but both have been hurt by love and have responsibilities that take precedence. The story is an eye opener not only about the drug cartel but also about child trafficking. This is a well written and engaging story with complex characters. If you have read the Cold Harbor stories, you will get a chance to “visit” with some of the members of Blackwell Security, since they have secondary parts in this one as well. I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed were solely my own.
I have really liked this series. I noticed that some of the characters in the first book seemed to come from another series - and Cold Truth, the Blackwell Security stories. I went back and read those and then moved back into these and I'm glad I did, I have a feel for some of the background characters used frequently in these stories.
Devon is an undercover DEA agent and one night, while surveilling a gang member he sees this guy steal a woman's child. She is chasing him but falls. Devon needs to step in and he saves the child, five year old Jace but has to keep the guy he tackled from knowing it's him. Now to figure out why someone tried to steal Jace.
Kelsey Moore, a forensic anthropologist, has been a widow for a year and has guardianship of her step son. While trying to adopt him she learns something very disturbing, Jace isn't the biological son of either her dead husband or his dead previous wife. How did Jace come to be in their lives, and is that going to mean she is going to lose him???
This is a fast paced romantic story that is clean!
This is book two in the Truth Seekers series, however it is a stand alone novel. A lot of characters in this novel we have meet in Dead Ringer or her Cold Harbor series, however you do not have to read those to enjoy this book at all, If you have read them you get to reconnect with some old "friends". Sleeman always does a great job at writing suspenseful, mystery, police type of romance books.
This novel will focus on the smart, beautiful, Kelsey Moore. She must learn to trust a man she knows is an expert liar to help solve a twisted mystery. DEA Agent Devon Dunbar, (whom I fell in love with, just saying) is the handsome undercover (expert liar) who can't help but be attracted to Kelsey. Yet he must decide what she is and is not knowledgeable about.
Kelsey and Devon find themselves in some intense circumstances and must rely on the Veritas Center team and the Blackwell Tactical Team to help them find all the clues and protect her son.
I have read several books by Susan Sleeman, including all her "Cold Harbor" books and "Dead Ringer" which is Truth Seekers number 1 in this series; and let me tell you...she is an AMAZING writer!! I love the characters, the engaging suspenseful story line...I read this book late into the night so I could finish it and find out what happened to Kelsey's son and who was trying to kill Kelsey. Lots of drama, suspense, twists and turns, and even (clean) romance!
I love that this new series includes characters from the team mentioned in the Cold Harbor series, but for those who haven't read her other books will not be confused. I love the team camaraderie, professionalism and reading into their personal lives when they aren't busy at work.
I HIGHLY recommend this series and this book! Book number 3 is on my wish list to read when it releases the end of September.
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
Dead Silence by Susan Sleeman Truth Seekers Series Book Two DEA Agent Devon Dunbar is working undercover when a situation happens that he has to intervene in. That one night turns into more than he'd ever thought. His investigation is widened and bad things are uncovered, thanks to the help from the Veritas team.
Kelsey Moore is hoping to adopt her stepson, Jace. She's all the family the little boy has left since her husband was murdered a year ago. The last thing she expects is a complication in the adoption. A very large complication.
Devon believes that meeting Kelsey is no coincidence. Rather a gift from God. But he needs to convince her of that. First, they need to find the answers to this case and the repercussions it's going to cause. Loving this series and that it revisits the Blackwell Tactical characters from the Cold Harbor Series. https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
While working undercover, DEA agent Devon saves a young boy from being kidnapped. Kf course, he has to wait for the police to take his statement. He meets young Jace and his beautiful Mother, Dr. Kelsey Moore. It turns out that she has been a widow for shortly over a year. Why would anyone try to kidnap her son? She has no clue, but is terrified for the boy she is trying to adopt since he isn't her biological son, but rather her stepson by marriage. As she begins to search her husband's paperwork looking for Jace's original birth certificate, she finds troubling papers. Since Devon is in law enforcement to begin with, he offers to help her. Twists and turns galore are the rules of this story. Romance awakens in the midst as well. Oh, even dead people crop up! Thankfully there is also those who know God has good plans for His own. He always carries our burdens, even though we are not always aware of it.
Susan Sleeman does a marvelous job of weaving together various characters and subplots, along with the latest technology and characters who are skilled at their work in solving crimes. I enjoy reading about the varied people who work at Veritas in Portland (yay for my home state of Oregon) and their talents and dedication. In this intriguing novel, Kelsey Moore has no idea of what she’s been pulled into, concerning her former husband and her stepson and who knows what else. Now, she fears for their lives. Can they figure out who’s behind the crimes? DEA Agent Devon Dunbar gets involved since his investigation overlaps. Can she trust him? This fast-paced book keeps you racing through the pages to see what else will happen next and how it will all turn out. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
Susan Sleeman is one of my favorite authors and doesn’t disappoint. Dead Silence is the second book in the Truth Seekers series and every bit as good as the first. The opening scene grabs you from the start and has your heart pumping right along with Kelsey as her son is grabbed off the street. The action in this book ramps up from there and never lets go. This one keeps you guessing from beginning to end. Along with great suspense you get a romance that builds tension throughout the story as Kelsey and Devon are drawn to each other but both held back by previous relationship issues and Kelsey’s fear of losing her son. Add in the well-developed characters from the Veritas Center and visits from some old friends from Blackwell Tactical and you have a winner. This one is well worth the read and highly recommended. You won’t be disappointed.
Dead Silence, Book #2 in the Truth Seekers series was just as good, if not better than Dead Ringer. I say better only because we met the team (and my favorite security guard of all time!) in the first book so while I got a new mystery to read about, I was back with family and that’s my favorite kind of book to read. I love how each of the team are so different with their own personalities, yet they mesh so well with each other. I wasn’t sure how this one was going to play out – I thought for sure there would have to be some sadness and heartbreak involved because I couldn’t figure out how the author would give a “happily ever after” ending with this storyline but she kept it realistic and yet satisfying.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but all opinions are strictly my own. This series is wonderful – definitely encourage others to pick it up!
I loved this story! I love the new cast of characters from Veritas, a top of the line private forensics firm. And I love seeing our old friends from Blackwell Tactical and the Cold Harbor series.
My one concern is the amount of forensic instruction in this particular story. I loved the authentic detail and learning about finding evidence. Reminded me of Bones, only easier to understand.
The amount of information shared can leave the story feeling a little bogged down, unless your a total crime geek like me! Just be prepared for a good sized information dump around 2/3 in.
Dead Silence will keep you turning pages and gaining knowledge as you spend time with a forensic anthropologist! Kelsey Moore files to adopt her stepson who she dearly loves and discovers he is not her late husband's biological child! Where did Todd get Jace? Who are his biological parents? Why does someone try to kidnap Jace? Former Seal and now DEA Agent Devon Dunbar is a wonderful male protagonist who is investigating an adoption/human trafficking ring! Renew acquaintances with some of the Blackwell Tactical team from earlier books! If you like suspense, you will want to read Dead Silence! I won my copy of Dead Silence in the author's giveaway. This is my honest opinion.
I was so excited to get to read the second book in this series! I was not disappointed! Susan Sleeman keeps bringing books out that will keep you interested and entertained! This series deals with DNA testing and we all know with all the people pushing for Ancestry info that it could get messy real quick.
Great way to spend a lazy summer day with a book like this in your hand! I received a complimentary copy of this book from The Partners In Crime Street Team and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.
Kelsey has her step son ripped from her side and is helped to get him back by Devon an undercover cop. He is trying to break up a drug ring and baby trafficking ring and they think they are after Jace. Kelsey is trying to adopt him since his dad died and is finding out that he isn't Todd's son. Very fast moving in finding out who is responsible for the baby selling while all this is going on Devon and Kelsey are falling in love though neither wants to admit it. Great characters and well written
My thoughts: Dead Silence by Susan Sleeman is an action packed story about a drug enforcement officer and a woman who finds herself the target of criminals who wanted her son for some reason. Kelsey is desperate to find the proof she needs to keep her son from going to foster care but what she finds might destroy her. I enjoyed getting to know the main characters in the story and for those who like criminology and romantic suspense readers will absolutely love this book and the previous two books in the series. I was given a copy free and all opinions on my own.
"Her ankles were quickly swallowed up by the soupy fog swirling around the large parking lot, and unease skittered down her spine.". How can you not be intrigued by this description? You know from the beginning a career woman and single mom has faced fear and sadness and is on edge. Susan Sleeman then takes you on a suspenseful, romantic adventure you won't forget! Loved the characters and the involvement of Veritas partners as well as Blackwell Tactical. Hard to put down!
This is supposedly a Christian author, writing “Christian“ stories. However the characters think a lot. They don’t really pray about anything. They don’t seem very repentant.
This is a very well written mystery, but the author is missing just a few things to really drive home the message of Christianity. The mystery is excellent. I do not regret buying the book and reading it. However, there needs to be some repentance and biblical doctrine to make it a Christian mystery.
Someone tried to kidnap her stepson, Jace . Kelsey was a forensic anthropologist with Veritas, the super laboratory that held more brain power and equipment than most police agencies had. But who was the scruffy looking man who tackled the kidnapper? Go with the highly creative author Susan Sleeman as she leads us through the twisted paths of criminals that she pulled from her highly imaginative brain. I couldn't put it down.
I am very much enjoying this series! This book deals with human trafficking, baby selling, and the lengths someone will go to in order to protect their family. For fans of books in a series, this one also brings in characters from a previous series. It’s not essential to have read any of the other books, but I personally like reconnecting with characters I’ve “met” in previous books! Great romantic suspense!
Dead Silence is a great addition to the Truth Seekers series. Susan Sleeman never fails to deliver a well written book. The plot pulled me in immediately and I couldn’t put this book down. Many twists and turns in the story. Fans of romantic suspense will not want to miss this book. My thanks to the author for my early ecosystem. This is my honest and unbiased review.
I loved this book by 1 of my favorite authors! Fast-paced action with lots of twists and turns, kidnappings, human trafficking, and so much more. It was fun getting reacquainted with the Cold Harbor gang as well as the Veritas crew as they came together to solve 1 mystery after another! I highly recommend this clean romantic suspense!