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Cold Silence
An alternate cover edition can be found here and here.
A widow and ex-FBI agent of hard-earned courage, Cody O'Brien is finally enjoying the quiet life, providing a good home for herself and her eight-year-old son, Ryan.
Then Ryan is kidnapped in broad daylight.
And Cody knows why. Her life is a dangerous lie, easily exposed by the killers responsible for her husband's murder.
Failed by the Witness Protection Program, she's on the run again, trusting only herself to save her son while heading blindly toward a past that wants only one thing from her: cold-blooded revenge.
Winner: Barry Award 2002
THE ROOKIE CLUB, in series order:
Dead Center
One Clean Shot
Dark Passage
Interference
Everything to Lose
DR. SCHWARTZMAN SERIES, in series order:
Exhume
Excise (due out 2017)
OTHER SUSPENSE NOVELS by Danielle Girard:
Chasing Darkness
Savage Art
Ruthless Game
Cold Silence
A widow and ex-FBI agent of hard-earned courage, Cody O'Brien is finally enjoying the quiet life, providing a good home for herself and her eight-year-old son, Ryan.
Then Ryan is kidnapped in broad daylight.
And Cody knows why. Her life is a dangerous lie, easily exposed by the killers responsible for her husband's murder.
Failed by the Witness Protection Program, she's on the run again, trusting only herself to save her son while heading blindly toward a past that wants only one thing from her: cold-blooded revenge.
Winner: Barry Award 2002
THE ROOKIE CLUB, in series order:
Dead Center
One Clean Shot
Dark Passage
Interference
Everything to Lose
DR. SCHWARTZMAN SERIES, in series order:
Exhume
Excise (due out 2017)
OTHER SUSPENSE NOVELS by Danielle Girard:
Chasing Darkness
Savage Art
Ruthless Game
Cold Silence
406 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2002
4569 people are currently reading
1366 people want to read
About the author
Danielle Girard
23 books1,081 followersDanielle Girard is the USA Today and Amazon #1 bestselling author of sixteen novels, including the Annabelle Schwartzman Series, Chasing Darkness, and The Rookie Club series.
Her books have won the Barry Award, the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, and White Out was in the top 100 bestselling e-books of 2020. In addition, two of her titles have been optioned for screen. Her next thriller, Pinky Swear, will be out from the Emily Bestler Imprint of Atria books February 24, 2026.
Danielle is also the creator and host of the Killer Women Podcast where she interviews the women who write today’s best crime fiction. A graduate of Cornell University, Danielle received her MFA in Creative Writing at Queens University of Charlotte, North Carolina. When she’s not traveling, Danielle lives in the mountains of Montana.
Her books have won the Barry Award, the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, and White Out was in the top 100 bestselling e-books of 2020. In addition, two of her titles have been optioned for screen. Her next thriller, Pinky Swear, will be out from the Emily Bestler Imprint of Atria books February 24, 2026.
Danielle is also the creator and host of the Killer Women Podcast where she interviews the women who write today’s best crime fiction. A graduate of Cornell University, Danielle received her MFA in Creative Writing at Queens University of Charlotte, North Carolina. When she’s not traveling, Danielle lives in the mountains of Montana.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
June 11, 2019
This was a page turner, but the scenarios were drawn out and wordy. I found myself wanting to get through each episode quicker and the extra words were frustrating. All in all it was a good read.
May 14, 2020
This was a slow starter, I found, though from around 60% it was very exciting !! I realised too, once I'd read it that it made a change to read a complete story, since most of those I've recently read have been instalments from a series. Not that that's an issue, it just makes a refreshing difference is all.
Once I started on this I realised a lot of it's a mob-related tale and I would probably have given it a wide swerve if I'd known, as the mob fullstop holds zero interest for this reader. I did not like our heroine Cody much, either. Considering people tried assisting her a lot, I thought she was a rude, ungrateful bitch and I personally would've let her get on with it !! My favourite character was The Colonel.
It isn't without mistakes, though. This line didn't warrant the random punctuation, "I thought maybe I could come by sometime so we: could talk," French needs capitalising, some lines lost words altogether, then one character was called Lisa on one page and Peggy the next (which cost it one star from me) and she also did that horrible thing I can't stand to see in writing, "You want me to come with ?" She used tick and not tic, also.
The author thanked the reader for selecting her book but I'd like to thank her back for offering it free of charge.....there are many authors I'd never have happened upon if not for their offers and I appreciate it.
Once I started on this I realised a lot of it's a mob-related tale and I would probably have given it a wide swerve if I'd known, as the mob fullstop holds zero interest for this reader. I did not like our heroine Cody much, either. Considering people tried assisting her a lot, I thought she was a rude, ungrateful bitch and I personally would've let her get on with it !! My favourite character was The Colonel.
It isn't without mistakes, though. This line didn't warrant the random punctuation, "I thought maybe I could come by sometime so we: could talk," French needs capitalising, some lines lost words altogether, then one character was called Lisa on one page and Peggy the next (which cost it one star from me) and she also did that horrible thing I can't stand to see in writing, "You want me to come with ?" She used tick and not tic, also.
The author thanked the reader for selecting her book but I'd like to thank her back for offering it free of charge.....there are many authors I'd never have happened upon if not for their offers and I appreciate it.
October 11, 2019
It's definitely better to not get involved with the Russian mob!!!
This was a great book. It was filled with mystery, suspense, murder and thrilling happenings involving the FBI, Russian mob, kidnapping and mayhem. Recommend this book to lovers of these things and you will want to read it straight through, like I did. Because of this, I gave this read 5 stars and Highly recommend Ms Girard's books to everyone.
This was a great book. It was filled with mystery, suspense, murder and thrilling happenings involving the FBI, Russian mob, kidnapping and mayhem. Recommend this book to lovers of these things and you will want to read it straight through, like I did. Because of this, I gave this read 5 stars and Highly recommend Ms Girard's books to everyone.
May 3, 2020
First... if any of you are thinking about starting to read this novel... make sure you have a space in your day to devote hours and hours for it. I wasn't able to stop reading this glorious book. I have never been disappointed by any of Danielle's writings and this one most definitely fulfilled my need for captivation.
And Lady Danielle... if you read this...THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH for writing this book for me.
And Lady Danielle... if you read this...THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH for writing this book for me.
September 23, 2019
I could not put this book down!! This was my first Danielle Girard book. She did an Amazing job! Cold silence kept me on my toes. Cody O’Brien is an ex-FBI agent. She was enjoying her life with her son RJ, until one day he was kidnapped from his school. Cody know why he was kidnapped but can she get to him in time? Thank you so much Danielle Girard for this amazing book!
June 16, 2022
I wanted to like the book more than I did. The story was pretty interesting but I found myself disliking the heroine. Also, I skimmed quite a bit to pick up the pace. It seemed that certain scenes were too drawn out…ie when Cody questions an 8 year old boy and that continues for several pages and then picks up again in a new chapter.
Also, what’s with the bugs? Kind of silly, I thought.
Also, what’s with the bugs? Kind of silly, I thought.
April 29, 2020
I always hate when people have to live in hiding and fear so as to not be attacked.
June 13, 2020
Good book, good story just the right amount of detail. This was my first book from Danielle Girad and I think I will read a few more of them
Read
April 22, 2025not my cup of tea, my bf picked it out for christmas as a gift😵💫 thought it was dumb & didn’t finish. i’m marking it as read though because i read 300/377 pages
September 3, 2020
Fast paced thriller/suspense. Excellent read.
Megan's husband is killed by the Russian mafia- as is the mob boss' son. Shortly after entering the witness protection program, Megan and her son flee their burning house.
After several years in California, Megan is now Cody. Her son plans to spend a Friday night at his friend's house. But is kidnapped. Have the Russians found them?
Cody is forced to trust - her neighbor, her son's friend's father, while desperately searching for her son.
Great twists. Some details were challenging to accept. Overall great read.
Megan's husband is killed by the Russian mafia- as is the mob boss' son. Shortly after entering the witness protection program, Megan and her son flee their burning house.
After several years in California, Megan is now Cody. Her son plans to spend a Friday night at his friend's house. But is kidnapped. Have the Russians found them?
Cody is forced to trust - her neighbor, her son's friend's father, while desperately searching for her son.
Great twists. Some details were challenging to accept. Overall great read.
December 22, 2024
Do not recommend
A widow and ex-FBI agent, Cody O'Brien, is finally enjoying the quiet life, providing a good home for herself and her eight-year-old son, Ryan.
Then Ryan is kidnapped in broad daylight. And Cody knows why. Her life is a dangerous lie, easily exposed by the killers responsible for her husband's murder.
There’s not much to say about this read- the first 180 pages were boring, the rest was so-so, and the ending was predictable. I did not enjoy the authors writing style. She was very chopping in her writing, she lacked details and depth, and it was just bad.
A widow and ex-FBI agent, Cody O'Brien, is finally enjoying the quiet life, providing a good home for herself and her eight-year-old son, Ryan.
Then Ryan is kidnapped in broad daylight. And Cody knows why. Her life is a dangerous lie, easily exposed by the killers responsible for her husband's murder.
There’s not much to say about this read- the first 180 pages were boring, the rest was so-so, and the ending was predictable. I did not enjoy the authors writing style. She was very chopping in her writing, she lacked details and depth, and it was just bad.
March 23, 2022
This is my third Danielle Girard book and man, does she know how to write an opening chapter. The beginning of her books are always so action-packed and tense—once you start one of her books you know you won’t be getting any sleep.
Cold Silence follows Megan Riggs, an ex-FBI agent who is running from the Russian Mob. Her husband and the mob boss’ son were both killed in a FBI raid years ago, and now Kirov has sworn to get revenge on Megan and her son Ryan.
I’m not usually big on law enforcement-type thrillers, but this had so much actions and so many twists and turns that I was riveted the whole time and finished it in 24 hours. This is reads like an action movie and will keep you entertained from start to finish.
Cold Silence follows Megan Riggs, an ex-FBI agent who is running from the Russian Mob. Her husband and the mob boss’ son were both killed in a FBI raid years ago, and now Kirov has sworn to get revenge on Megan and her son Ryan.
I’m not usually big on law enforcement-type thrillers, but this had so much actions and so many twists and turns that I was riveted the whole time and finished it in 24 hours. This is reads like an action movie and will keep you entertained from start to finish.
December 31, 2019
What a roller coaster ride
Well written story that keeps your attention and interest all the way to the end. Mother and son in Witness Protection and son gets kid napped at school. Great detail in her writing.
Well written story that keeps your attention and interest all the way to the end. Mother and son in Witness Protection and son gets kid napped at school. Great detail in her writing.
Want to read
July 25, 2019TheFussyLibrarian
February 1, 2024
Good read. Interesting characters that you care about. Not really enough detail for me about the who and why, but otherwise a good story
Read
April 8, 2024DNF. Really really slow and confusing on who was talking
May 12, 2020
Hard To Put This Book Down
Megan Riggs is a great character, in fact they all are great. This Book kept me up all night, I just has to finish it. It has been a long time since a book kept me up all night. I can't wait to read all of Danielle's books.
Megan Riggs is a great character, in fact they all are great. This Book kept me up all night, I just has to finish it. It has been a long time since a book kept me up all night. I can't wait to read all of Danielle's books.
July 17, 2021
We listened to this driving for vacation. A good story, well written, some suspense and mystery. We both enjoyed it.
July 28, 2020
This was one of those Book Bub free Kindle downloads. Glad I didn't pay money for it. Promoted as a psychological thriller similar to Gone Girl. That was very misleading. There were just too many scenes that were not believable. I skimmed a lot of unnecessary minute details. The lake scene at the end just went on and on and on...........I did finish it but don't recommend it.
November 2, 2020
Don't go there
Usually read a book (good or not so good) all the way through. This one I should have stopped after chapter 3. Story line hard to imagine. Poorly written. Don't bother. Won't be reading her other books.
Usually read a book (good or not so good) all the way through. This one I should have stopped after chapter 3. Story line hard to imagine. Poorly written. Don't bother. Won't be reading her other books.
July 28, 2019
This was an exceptionally great FBI thriller. I loved it. The plot was unique and kept me on edge throughout the book. I loved the characters and how they related to each other. I love how this author writes and will be reading more of her books.
September 3, 2019
Fast moving story
Sad to think with a whole team of FBI agents at the disposal that one small woman and an old retired Colonel are the ones that decimate a branch of the Russian mob. Believable and a 5* rating until the final act. Heart stopping but just a little over the top.
Sad to think with a whole team of FBI agents at the disposal that one small woman and an old retired Colonel are the ones that decimate a branch of the Russian mob. Believable and a 5* rating until the final act. Heart stopping but just a little over the top.
November 25, 2020
There's plenty of action and danger in this crime thriller that features widow and former FBI agent Cody O'Brien and her son Ryan. They are in the Witness Protection Program in hiding from the Russian mob. Ryan is kidnapped in broad daylight, mistaken for a computer tycoon's child. His picture is released by the media, blowing the family's cover and putting the mob back on their trail. Cody is befriended by neighbor Walter Turner, a retired colonel, who lends his support and displays much bravery. The colonel is a black character free of stereotypes and he has a wife with Alzheimer's. Russian mob leader Oskar is a particularly diabolical villain and we learn much about this well-developed character. FBI agent Mei, a former coworker, plays a leading role in the case. Mei, a Chinese American, is suspicious about the behavior of coworker Jennifer, once Cody's best friend. Landon is a rich computer software developer who may be untrustworthy. He is the father of Ryan's best friend, Peter. There are a lot of moving parts in this story and there is a plot full of danger all the way. A kidnapping gone wrong. Witness protection. FBI. Russian mob. Put all that together and you can't help but have a high-octane, high-excitement story. The author does a good job of delivering. Some things are a bit too convenient and stretch believability, however. The ending is drawn out and a bit too syrupy. Overall, it's a creative, exciting read.
February 28, 2021
This was a little over 4 stars to me.
The plot and characters were well developed. The writing style and grammar are good, so it was easier to read than some with poor grammar in the narrative.
Megan Riggs and her young son are in witness protection after the death of her husband, a law enforcement officer, in a raid on the Russian mob facility in Chicago when their son, Ryan, was three. Somehow, two years later, a fire in the apartment building in which they were living in New Orleans caught fire, and Megan quickly realized that the Russians had found her and had set the fire in hopes that she and her son would die in the fire. After all, the Russian mob leader's oldest son had been killed by Megan's husband in the raid, so even though her husband had died, there must be retaliation for the death of Viktor. Someone had to have leaked the information to the mob.
On her own, with her planning for just such an occurrence, she made it to the car she had stashed, and with her son, they set out and settled in northern California with new identities that she created without government agency help. She had worked for the FBI in internet crimes division, so she had skills that she could use to work from home with no face to face contact with clients. She was always fearful of the chance that the mob would track her down, so she was very careful.
After Ryan was kidnapped, she had to use all of her skills to get him back alive.
I would recommend this book.
The plot and characters were well developed. The writing style and grammar are good, so it was easier to read than some with poor grammar in the narrative.
Megan Riggs and her young son are in witness protection after the death of her husband, a law enforcement officer, in a raid on the Russian mob facility in Chicago when their son, Ryan, was three. Somehow, two years later, a fire in the apartment building in which they were living in New Orleans caught fire, and Megan quickly realized that the Russians had found her and had set the fire in hopes that she and her son would die in the fire. After all, the Russian mob leader's oldest son had been killed by Megan's husband in the raid, so even though her husband had died, there must be retaliation for the death of Viktor. Someone had to have leaked the information to the mob.
On her own, with her planning for just such an occurrence, she made it to the car she had stashed, and with her son, they set out and settled in northern California with new identities that she created without government agency help. She had worked for the FBI in internet crimes division, so she had skills that she could use to work from home with no face to face contact with clients. She was always fearful of the chance that the mob would track her down, so she was very careful.
After Ryan was kidnapped, she had to use all of her skills to get him back alive.
I would recommend this book.
November 7, 2022
Excellent
Cold Silence by Danielle Girard is an edge of the seat super psychological thriller that keeps the readers glued to their seats. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and couldn't take my eyes off even for a moment. The story is very good.
Megan Riggs, a former FBI agent and her son, Ryan are under Federal Witness Protection Program after Megan's husband, Mark, an FBI agent dies on duty while bursting a drug deal. Her apartment is set on fire and she somehow manages to escape with her five year old son Ryan. The story moves forward by three years. Now, Megan Riggs has changed her name to Cody 'O'Brien and her son is called RJ.
Every thing goes fine until RJ begs his mom to let him stay with his best friend, Peter Landon, who's the son of the rich businessman, Travis Landon, the CEO of TecLan Pro software and a millionaire. RJ gets kidnapped in a case of a mistaken identity. Travis feels miserable for letting her down because he failed to be on time to pick up RJ and Peter. To add to her woes, the police discover a mutilated body of a child and Cody fears it might be RJ. There are incredible twists and turns with a nail biting finish!
What happens next is simply awesome! This is a fascinating story of betrayal, danger, thrill, excitement, and a battle of nerves with a pile of dead bodies. If you are looking for excitement, action, and a spine chilling suspense, this is a perfect book for you. Loved reading it.
Cold Silence by Danielle Girard is an edge of the seat super psychological thriller that keeps the readers glued to their seats. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and couldn't take my eyes off even for a moment. The story is very good.
Megan Riggs, a former FBI agent and her son, Ryan are under Federal Witness Protection Program after Megan's husband, Mark, an FBI agent dies on duty while bursting a drug deal. Her apartment is set on fire and she somehow manages to escape with her five year old son Ryan. The story moves forward by three years. Now, Megan Riggs has changed her name to Cody 'O'Brien and her son is called RJ.
Every thing goes fine until RJ begs his mom to let him stay with his best friend, Peter Landon, who's the son of the rich businessman, Travis Landon, the CEO of TecLan Pro software and a millionaire. RJ gets kidnapped in a case of a mistaken identity. Travis feels miserable for letting her down because he failed to be on time to pick up RJ and Peter. To add to her woes, the police discover a mutilated body of a child and Cody fears it might be RJ. There are incredible twists and turns with a nail biting finish!
What happens next is simply awesome! This is a fascinating story of betrayal, danger, thrill, excitement, and a battle of nerves with a pile of dead bodies. If you are looking for excitement, action, and a spine chilling suspense, this is a perfect book for you. Loved reading it.
December 11, 2022
free ebook
she was in hiding, her husband had been murdered and the russians were after her and her son. she was x agent and someone had leaked her witness protection location so she went on the run
she never allowed her son to go over night to his friends house, but she allowed his friends dad to pick him up from school to spend the night. his dad was late and the boy was taken
she was sure the russians had him, but the friends dad got a email showing the boys photo but with his sons name. they had switched jackets and the kidnappers thought it was the mans son
he came to tell her and she found a clue , her son was pointing at a bug. she went next door, the man was x military and he is helping her id the bug to find her sons location
the girl that worked at the fbi and was girlfriend to russian mob son killed him and od' herself
the other girl at the fbi got info and they all headed out to the lake where the boy was held
the mom and her neighbor got there first, it was the cabin of the rich man, they were holding the son to get money for his co but he claimed to not know
after a shoot out the mob was killed, the woman and her boy rescued and the daughter of the neighbor and her dad made up
she was in hiding, her husband had been murdered and the russians were after her and her son. she was x agent and someone had leaked her witness protection location so she went on the run
she never allowed her son to go over night to his friends house, but she allowed his friends dad to pick him up from school to spend the night. his dad was late and the boy was taken
she was sure the russians had him, but the friends dad got a email showing the boys photo but with his sons name. they had switched jackets and the kidnappers thought it was the mans son
he came to tell her and she found a clue , her son was pointing at a bug. she went next door, the man was x military and he is helping her id the bug to find her sons location
the girl that worked at the fbi and was girlfriend to russian mob son killed him and od' herself
the other girl at the fbi got info and they all headed out to the lake where the boy was held
the mom and her neighbor got there first, it was the cabin of the rich man, they were holding the son to get money for his co but he claimed to not know
after a shoot out the mob was killed, the woman and her boy rescued and the daughter of the neighbor and her dad made up
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2020
Wow! What a surprising exceptional read this was! Prior to this book, I had only read the books from the Dr. Anna Swartzman series by Danielle Girard so I was a little skeptical of a standalone (Why? I have no clue because I love the Swartzman series!) but when I noticed that the overall rating was exceptionally high, I knew I had to give it a chance and I was not disappointed.
Cody and her son are just trying to live a normal life when suddenly Ryan is kidnapped. Cody is certain she knows who took Ryan and is trying desperately to find him, still alive. However, everything she believes she knows is put to the test in this unputdownable (is that a word?! HA!) story!
I loved everything about this book from the strong story, to the intense characters, the narrator...it was all the works! Danielle Girard definetly outdid herself on Cold Silence and I can't wait to read more from her, both standalones and series books!
Cody and her son are just trying to live a normal life when suddenly Ryan is kidnapped. Cody is certain she knows who took Ryan and is trying desperately to find him, still alive. However, everything she believes she knows is put to the test in this unputdownable (is that a word?! HA!) story!
I loved everything about this book from the strong story, to the intense characters, the narrator...it was all the works! Danielle Girard definetly outdid herself on Cold Silence and I can't wait to read more from her, both standalones and series books!
June 22, 2022
A fantastic thriller
This was a heartbreaking, complex, intense, and suspenseful story that will hook you from the beginning. Megan Riggs has had her life turned upside down, and being on the run with a small child wouldn't have been easy. The worst happens, and her only help comes from two unlikely people. Will they be able to figure it out before it's too late? You'll have to read this to find out.
I know that I have read all of the books by this author in the wrong order. Lol! My fault for sure. Although this book, and possibly other stand alone books, included some of the characters from the Dr. Schwartzman, Pax Arrington, and the Rookie Club series. I would think that it might be best to read the books in the order that they were released, for all of the series and stand alone novels. JMO!
I would definitely recommend this book and outstanding author.
This was a heartbreaking, complex, intense, and suspenseful story that will hook you from the beginning. Megan Riggs has had her life turned upside down, and being on the run with a small child wouldn't have been easy. The worst happens, and her only help comes from two unlikely people. Will they be able to figure it out before it's too late? You'll have to read this to find out.
I know that I have read all of the books by this author in the wrong order. Lol! My fault for sure. Although this book, and possibly other stand alone books, included some of the characters from the Dr. Schwartzman, Pax Arrington, and the Rookie Club series. I would think that it might be best to read the books in the order that they were released, for all of the series and stand alone novels. JMO!
I would definitely recommend this book and outstanding author.
June 30, 2020
When Megan Riggs, an FBI agent, and her son, Ryan, are forced into the witness protection program, somehow the Russian mobsters find her and they are forced to run again. This time they become Cody and RJ O'Brian and for years live a normal life, until one day RJ is mistaken for his friend, Peter, and kidnapped. When the media gets ahold of the story, their cover is blown again. With some unexpected help, Megan manages to find her son and eliminate the bad guys. The mobsters are really creepy and the chase scene at the end is a real nail-biter. A few times the story gets bogged down with excessive narrative but for the most part is full of action and even has some plot twists that I didn't see coming.
April 27, 2021
Not my most favorite!
I am usually so enthused and overly excited to read any of this author's books,but this book took me on a different path.I was very reluctant and not to happy in reading this book.It took me so long to finally complete it. I think it was due to the fact that it was way too wordy and so slow in coming to a conclusion on certain aspects of the story.
I understand it is a physiological thriller,but this book was torture to read, in my experience.
I felt compelled to continue to read this book, because I wanted to read it to the ending.
I literally wanted to just turn to end of the book to read the ending because,this book was really hard to continue,but I did and I am glad it ended as it did.
This was definitely not my favorite
I am usually so enthused and overly excited to read any of this author's books,but this book took me on a different path.I was very reluctant and not to happy in reading this book.It took me so long to finally complete it. I think it was due to the fact that it was way too wordy and so slow in coming to a conclusion on certain aspects of the story.
I understand it is a physiological thriller,but this book was torture to read, in my experience.
I felt compelled to continue to read this book, because I wanted to read it to the ending.
I literally wanted to just turn to end of the book to read the ending because,this book was really hard to continue,but I did and I am glad it ended as it did.
This was definitely not my favorite
Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews