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DS Manon Bradshaw #3
Remain Silent
An immigrant's mysterious death sets off a chilling hunt for the truth--a gripping crime novel from the author of Missing, Presumed.
Newly married and navigating life with a toddler as well as her adopted adolescent son, Manon Bradshaw is happy to be working part-time in the cold cases department of the Cambridgeshire police force, a job which allows her to "potter in, coffee in hand and log on for a spot of internet shopping--precisely what she had in mind when she thought of work-life balance." But beneath the surface Manon is struggling with the day-to-day realities of what she assumed would be domestic bliss: fights about whose turn it is to clean the kitchen, the bewildering fatigue of having a young child in her forties, and the fact that she is going to couple's counseling alone because her husband feels it would just be her complaining.
But when Manon is on a walk with her two-year-old son in a peaceful suburban neighborhood and discovers the body of a Lithuanian immigrant hanging from a tree with a mysterious note attached, she knows her life is about to change. Suddenly, she is back on the job, full-force, trying to solve the suicide--or is it a murder--in what may be the most dangerous and demanding case of her life.
Newly married and navigating life with a toddler as well as her adopted adolescent son, Manon Bradshaw is happy to be working part-time in the cold cases department of the Cambridgeshire police force, a job which allows her to "potter in, coffee in hand and log on for a spot of internet shopping--precisely what she had in mind when she thought of work-life balance." But beneath the surface Manon is struggling with the day-to-day realities of what she assumed would be domestic bliss: fights about whose turn it is to clean the kitchen, the bewildering fatigue of having a young child in her forties, and the fact that she is going to couple's counseling alone because her husband feels it would just be her complaining.
But when Manon is on a walk with her two-year-old son in a peaceful suburban neighborhood and discovers the body of a Lithuanian immigrant hanging from a tree with a mysterious note attached, she knows her life is about to change. Suddenly, she is back on the job, full-force, trying to solve the suicide--or is it a murder--in what may be the most dangerous and demanding case of her life.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published June 2, 2020
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June 1, 2020
“Bigots have feelings too.”
Remain Silent is a timely and depressing police procedural about the murder of an immigrant and the growing racial and xenophobic tensions in post-Brexit England.
This is book #3 in the Manon Bradshaw series. While this book can be read as a standalone, I think the reader won’t fully appreciate Manon’s character if they skip the first two books in this series.
When a Lithuanian immigrant is found hanging from a tree, suicide is believed to be the cause of death, but when a closer look is taken, it appears that the victim might have been murdered. DS Manon Bradshaw and her partner are pulled into the investigation, bringing them into contact with a group of desperate and displaced people struggling to survive:
“People searching for a better life are despised for wanting it when native strivers are admired. What’s the name for this?”
At the same time, Manon’s personal life is a bit of a mess. But isn’t it always? Struggling to balance her career with motherhood, with aging and relationship problems with her partner, Mark, Manon is in a shambles.
Split between Manon, Davy, and one of the Lithuanian immigrants, Steiner explores growing tensions and divides over immigration.
This book is not easy to read. The topics of xenophobia and racism were only too real and timely. There are no happy endings in this story. On top of it all, Steiner’s Author’s note brought me to tears.
However, Mannon’s witticisms made this book bearable to read! I love her snarky brain and the way she thinks.
Below are just a few of my favorite gems from Manon (and one from Mark):
“I hate positive thinking. Just a way of bullying people, making them feel bad stuff is their fault.”
“Still, it’s nice to be on the road with you, visiting some racists.”
“Ignorance is the new black. All you need right now is some knee-jerk reactions and a Twitter feed. All you need is to ‘feel you’re right.’”
“Truly stupid people are too stupid to realize they are stupid.”
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Remain Silent is a timely and depressing police procedural about the murder of an immigrant and the growing racial and xenophobic tensions in post-Brexit England.
This is book #3 in the Manon Bradshaw series. While this book can be read as a standalone, I think the reader won’t fully appreciate Manon’s character if they skip the first two books in this series.
When a Lithuanian immigrant is found hanging from a tree, suicide is believed to be the cause of death, but when a closer look is taken, it appears that the victim might have been murdered. DS Manon Bradshaw and her partner are pulled into the investigation, bringing them into contact with a group of desperate and displaced people struggling to survive:
“People searching for a better life are despised for wanting it when native strivers are admired. What’s the name for this?”
At the same time, Manon’s personal life is a bit of a mess. But isn’t it always? Struggling to balance her career with motherhood, with aging and relationship problems with her partner, Mark, Manon is in a shambles.
Split between Manon, Davy, and one of the Lithuanian immigrants, Steiner explores growing tensions and divides over immigration.
This book is not easy to read. The topics of xenophobia and racism were only too real and timely. There are no happy endings in this story. On top of it all, Steiner’s Author’s note brought me to tears.
However, Mannon’s witticisms made this book bearable to read! I love her snarky brain and the way she thinks.
Below are just a few of my favorite gems from Manon (and one from Mark):
“I hate positive thinking. Just a way of bullying people, making them feel bad stuff is their fault.”
“Still, it’s nice to be on the road with you, visiting some racists.”
“Ignorance is the new black. All you need right now is some knee-jerk reactions and a Twitter feed. All you need is to ‘feel you’re right.’”
“Truly stupid people are too stupid to realize they are stupid.”
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2020
Susie Steiner's latest addition to her superb DI Manon Bradshaw of Cambridgeshire police is pure gold. Steiner invests Manon with the emotional truths, realities, and ennui of a middle aged woman, the constant fatigue, the chaotic tensions of family life with a hyperactive two year old toddler, Teddy, with the joys and maturity of her adopted black teen son, Fly, doing his GCSEs, and trying to keep a relationship alive with partner, Mark, particularly with the stresses of his cancer diagnosis. Working a 3 day week focusing on cold cases, should, in theory, make a work life balance easier, but as we observe, it ain't necessarily so, particularly when she becomes SIO of a ambiguous investigation of a man she finds hanging in a tree on a walk with her son, Teddy, a strange note is left at the scene that suggests it could be murder rather than suicide.
The victim is a Lithuanian migrant trapped by the inhuman slavery operated by illegal gangmasters who refuse to pay and confiscate passports, providing accommodation unfit for humans, creating a climate of fear and threats that has made it impossible for a police operation to get victims to turn evidence on the likes of the sadistic and abusive Edikas Petrov. The misery of the working conditions the Lithuanians live under is harrowing, cruel and horrifying, working all hours, moving from job to job, their lives at risk, with their families back home under threat if they fail to comply with orders or consider escaping. If all that is not enough, their terrors are exacerbated further with the intense febrile atmosphere of racism, with local hostility whipped up by swivel-eyed maniacs compelled to spew out their hatred, knee jerk reactions, and ignorant opinions in a political climate that grant them a gravitas and respect that makes a mockery of any concept of decency, or rationality.
If it wasn't for Manon's wit, banter, humour and spot on snark, I would have found the horrors of the plight of the migrant workers just too unbearable, not to mention the despair I feel at the rise of anti-immigrant populism in the country. She is a joy to accompany through the darkest of narratives, having to handle the ambition, incompetencies and ego of her over promoted boss, the woefully incompetent and good for nothing Nigel, whilst her relationship with the able DS Davy Walker, under the stress of wedding preparations, illustrates the depth of their friendship and loyalty to each other. Particular Manon highlights for me were her confrontation with Peter at his office, he is planning to leave her best friend, Bryony, and their children and I had hysterics over Bradshaw's School of Motoring Etiquette. This is superior British crime fiction, and if you haven't read any of the series, you are seriously missing out. In a world gone mad, this book is the tonic you need. Do I really need to say I highly recommend this??? Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.
The victim is a Lithuanian migrant trapped by the inhuman slavery operated by illegal gangmasters who refuse to pay and confiscate passports, providing accommodation unfit for humans, creating a climate of fear and threats that has made it impossible for a police operation to get victims to turn evidence on the likes of the sadistic and abusive Edikas Petrov. The misery of the working conditions the Lithuanians live under is harrowing, cruel and horrifying, working all hours, moving from job to job, their lives at risk, with their families back home under threat if they fail to comply with orders or consider escaping. If all that is not enough, their terrors are exacerbated further with the intense febrile atmosphere of racism, with local hostility whipped up by swivel-eyed maniacs compelled to spew out their hatred, knee jerk reactions, and ignorant opinions in a political climate that grant them a gravitas and respect that makes a mockery of any concept of decency, or rationality.
If it wasn't for Manon's wit, banter, humour and spot on snark, I would have found the horrors of the plight of the migrant workers just too unbearable, not to mention the despair I feel at the rise of anti-immigrant populism in the country. She is a joy to accompany through the darkest of narratives, having to handle the ambition, incompetencies and ego of her over promoted boss, the woefully incompetent and good for nothing Nigel, whilst her relationship with the able DS Davy Walker, under the stress of wedding preparations, illustrates the depth of their friendship and loyalty to each other. Particular Manon highlights for me were her confrontation with Peter at his office, he is planning to leave her best friend, Bryony, and their children and I had hysterics over Bradshaw's School of Motoring Etiquette. This is superior British crime fiction, and if you haven't read any of the series, you are seriously missing out. In a world gone mad, this book is the tonic you need. Do I really need to say I highly recommend this??? Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.
July 30, 2020
Manon is stressed. She’s anxious, she’s bored, her relationship is in the crapper. She's going to couples therapy as a single because her partner won’t come with her. She’s got a part time job in cold cases. That is, until she’s in the park with her young son and finds a body swinging from a tree. The body is that of a migrant worker and before she knows what’s hit her, she’s assigned back as SIO on the case. Davy is once again her second in command. And he’s no happy camper either. Engaged, but not sure it’s the right thing and keeps casting eyes at buxom Bridget.
Seems everyone has a real anti-immigrant mindset these days. Britain wants the Eastern Europeans gone. This book covers the talking heads, the protestors, the neighbors fighting declining property values. But who else will catch the chickens? And those immigrants, exploited, barely one step above slaves.
We also get to see the internal team politics which I found fascinating. Manon’s boss is all talk and budget cut worries and no practical experience. Davy isn’t happy to lose top billing to Manon, no matter close they are.
Steiner does a good job of balancing the personal lives with the murder to be solved. I love her take on what’s important in a relationship, the “scratchy, old towel” analogy. Manon is just so real. What she was feeling, I felt myself thinking, that would be me. There’s also quite a bit of humor here. When she takes on a wandering husband, I could have stood up and cheered.
The book takes some wild turns as it winds its way to the end. I didn’t see some of those twists coming.
This is the third book in the series and the first two were both five stars for me. And I’m happy to report, so is this one. But oh my God, not sure I was at all ready for that Author’s Note.
My thanks to netgalley and Random House for an advance copy of this book.
Seems everyone has a real anti-immigrant mindset these days. Britain wants the Eastern Europeans gone. This book covers the talking heads, the protestors, the neighbors fighting declining property values. But who else will catch the chickens? And those immigrants, exploited, barely one step above slaves.
We also get to see the internal team politics which I found fascinating. Manon’s boss is all talk and budget cut worries and no practical experience. Davy isn’t happy to lose top billing to Manon, no matter close they are.
Steiner does a good job of balancing the personal lives with the murder to be solved. I love her take on what’s important in a relationship, the “scratchy, old towel” analogy. Manon is just so real. What she was feeling, I felt myself thinking, that would be me. There’s also quite a bit of humor here. When she takes on a wandering husband, I could have stood up and cheered.
The book takes some wild turns as it winds its way to the end. I didn’t see some of those twists coming.
This is the third book in the series and the first two were both five stars for me. And I’m happy to report, so is this one. But oh my God, not sure I was at all ready for that Author’s Note.
My thanks to netgalley and Random House for an advance copy of this book.
December 1, 2019
This gripping and well written novel is the third in the brilliant DI Manon Bradshaw series. Shockingly, while out in a country park with her young son Teddy, Manon finds a man hanging from a tree. This proves to be Lukas Balsys, a Lithuanian migrant worker, whose gang master Edikas is brutal. Is it suicide or murder? Detective Chief Superintendent Glenda McBain(ofherlife) instructs Manon to find out. The ensuing investigation is a very challenging one as Manon struggles with some personal issues and demons.
First of all, Manon! I just love her and I’m contemplating remodelling myself and channeling her she actually says the things that on occasion I’d dearly love to!!😂. She’s funny, so funny, loyal, very good at her job though she doubting herself and is feeling somewhat bleak, she doesn’t tolerate fools, she’s loose lipped, wide hipped, a bit misanthropic, ambivalent, impatient and so darned entertaining and never, ever dull!!! As a lead character I think she’s one of the best and I love the banter with DS Davy Walker who is another terrific character. The rest of the team are excellently crafted even Glenda McDifferentAgenda, who is a brilliant foil for Manon. Mark, her partner, son Fly (divine) and son Teddy (utterly gorgeous) are fabulous too.
The setting of the East Anglian Fens is so appropriate for this relevant inquiry. The big moody, atmospheric skies of this fertile, flat landscape matches the tone of this investigation into this dreadfully exploited, abused Lithuanian gang of workers with their crazy long hours of backbreaking work with zero hour contracts and below minimum wage. Everyone who reads this should feel anger and shame. The writing is gritty and doesn’t hang back as it shouldn’t. There are twists and turns as the team alongside the Fenland Exploitation Team and the desperate situation they uncover is peppered with Manon humour. The Bradshaw School of Motoring Etiquette for instance, is hilarious and I think the humour is very cleverly used as when you read the awfulness they find it forces a sharp intake of breath.
Overall, another brilliant book from the amazing Susie Steiner and just like the previous two books, I could barely tear myself away from this one. Highly recommended.
With very big thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the privilege of the ARC.
First of all, Manon! I just love her and I’m contemplating remodelling myself and channeling her she actually says the things that on occasion I’d dearly love to!!😂. She’s funny, so funny, loyal, very good at her job though she doubting herself and is feeling somewhat bleak, she doesn’t tolerate fools, she’s loose lipped, wide hipped, a bit misanthropic, ambivalent, impatient and so darned entertaining and never, ever dull!!! As a lead character I think she’s one of the best and I love the banter with DS Davy Walker who is another terrific character. The rest of the team are excellently crafted even Glenda McDifferentAgenda, who is a brilliant foil for Manon. Mark, her partner, son Fly (divine) and son Teddy (utterly gorgeous) are fabulous too.
The setting of the East Anglian Fens is so appropriate for this relevant inquiry. The big moody, atmospheric skies of this fertile, flat landscape matches the tone of this investigation into this dreadfully exploited, abused Lithuanian gang of workers with their crazy long hours of backbreaking work with zero hour contracts and below minimum wage. Everyone who reads this should feel anger and shame. The writing is gritty and doesn’t hang back as it shouldn’t. There are twists and turns as the team alongside the Fenland Exploitation Team and the desperate situation they uncover is peppered with Manon humour. The Bradshaw School of Motoring Etiquette for instance, is hilarious and I think the humour is very cleverly used as when you read the awfulness they find it forces a sharp intake of breath.
Overall, another brilliant book from the amazing Susie Steiner and just like the previous two books, I could barely tear myself away from this one. Highly recommended.
With very big thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the privilege of the ARC.
May 20, 2020
DS Manon Bradshaw #3
DS Manon Bradshaw and her team are investigating the death of a Lithuanian immigrant who was found hanging from a tree. There was a note saying " the dead cannot speak". Manon had found the body when she was out walking with her son. Manon juggles her family life with work.
Once again I did ot know that this book was part of a series when I requested it. This is a modern day take on slavery and immigration protests. This is a dark and complex read. We learn some background information on Manon's personal life. I do feel that ve missed out on some background information by not reading the first teo books in this series. I did enjoy this book and I will read ore from this author in future.
I would like to thank NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and the author Susie Steiner for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
DS Manon Bradshaw and her team are investigating the death of a Lithuanian immigrant who was found hanging from a tree. There was a note saying " the dead cannot speak". Manon had found the body when she was out walking with her son. Manon juggles her family life with work.
Once again I did ot know that this book was part of a series when I requested it. This is a modern day take on slavery and immigration protests. This is a dark and complex read. We learn some background information on Manon's personal life. I do feel that ve missed out on some background information by not reading the first teo books in this series. I did enjoy this book and I will read ore from this author in future.
I would like to thank NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and the author Susie Steiner for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 3, 2023
I only had a few pages left to read and was desperate to know how it ended, so I took this book to my doctor's office thinking I would have time while I waited for my appointment, alas no! They were right on schedule. So, I had to wait until my lunch break to find out if someone would be found in time to remain alive and if the killer(s) would be brought to justice.
This is not a feel-good book, rather it is a realistic look at how some people, in this case they were Lithuanians, are lured into what amounts to providing slave labor for ruthless people. They become truly trapped and the only way out is death through sickness and neglect, or murder.
DS Manon Bradshaw is a wonderful character and I truly enjoyed walking with her through her day as she tries to juggle the demands of a sick husband, toddler and teenager, and her job as a detective with a less than stellar boss. She puts a lot of things in perspective and she has a realistic perspective on marriage and relationships.
Here are my favorite quotes:
"You've got to try new things, take a risk, try a new person, a new culture, she told herself. The conservative tendency, her father's turned-up nose at new foods, new smells, his fear of germs on public transport, which was actually a fear of foreigners - that kind of thinking could trap you. There's a fork in the road and you could choose which way to go - open or closed."
"Colin is like the office pet; sometimes he blows off, ideologically speaking, and it smells revolting, but mostly he is just there, and if he weren't there, you'd miss his rather stolid presence."
"It's not a 'day off,' Davy; it's a day at the brutal coalface of childcare."
"Thanks for giving me the fright of my life," she says, her anger popping candy on her tongue; little explosions of it."
This is not a feel-good book, rather it is a realistic look at how some people, in this case they were Lithuanians, are lured into what amounts to providing slave labor for ruthless people. They become truly trapped and the only way out is death through sickness and neglect, or murder.
DS Manon Bradshaw is a wonderful character and I truly enjoyed walking with her through her day as she tries to juggle the demands of a sick husband, toddler and teenager, and her job as a detective with a less than stellar boss. She puts a lot of things in perspective and she has a realistic perspective on marriage and relationships.
Here are my favorite quotes:
"You've got to try new things, take a risk, try a new person, a new culture, she told herself. The conservative tendency, her father's turned-up nose at new foods, new smells, his fear of germs on public transport, which was actually a fear of foreigners - that kind of thinking could trap you. There's a fork in the road and you could choose which way to go - open or closed."
"Colin is like the office pet; sometimes he blows off, ideologically speaking, and it smells revolting, but mostly he is just there, and if he weren't there, you'd miss his rather stolid presence."
"It's not a 'day off,' Davy; it's a day at the brutal coalface of childcare."
"Thanks for giving me the fright of my life," she says, her anger popping candy on her tongue; little explosions of it."
June 3, 2020
In the third book in Steiner's Manon Bradshaw series, we find Manon at work part-time in cold cases, leaving her "time" to raise her toddler, Teddy, and teenage son, Fly. She's adjusting to domestic living with Mark and all the bliss that comes with it: who will take out the garbage, pick up the kids, cook dinner, and more. Then Teddy and Manon take a walk to the park and discover a body: a Lithuanian immigrant named Lukas hanging from a tree, a note attached to his body. Manon's annoying and perhaps clueless boss assigns her to lead the case--with her faithful partner Davy Walker--and Manon is back, attempting to juggle work, motherhood, and what could be a very dangerous murder case.
I love Manon and this was yet another well-written mystery from Steiner. The introduction to this book features one of the most amazing, realistic, and yes, depressing, ruminations on marriage, life, and death that I may have ever read. In fact, Steiner so perfectly captures real life, especially juggling being a working mom. I love that she doesn't shy away from how hard Manon finds parenting, or gloss over the difficulties of marriage. Once or twice I might have found these tirades a bit tiresome (back to the case, I say!), but overall, it's refreshing to find a book that tells it like it is.
Speaking of, this is such a timely read, focusing on immigration, racism, and the overall hatred of "otherness" that seems to permeate the world right now. The central plot focuses on the infusion of immigrants, particularly Eastern Europeans, into England. The story told is a heartbreaking one of anger and loss. Steiner deftly weaves a tale from multiple points of view and time periods--we hear not only from Manon and Davy, but Lukas' friend Matis, who spearheads the pair's immigration from Lithuania, only for them to find themselves basically prisoners. They are indebted to the man who brought them over, trapped in a smelly workhouse, and forced to do menial labor to pay off their "debt." With Lukas dead, the story leading up to his death unfolds, and it's absolutely riveting and heartbreaking. Steiner handles the sensitive issues surrounding immigration and racism wonderfully, crafting a well-done mystery that still gives this topic its due.
"'Why do they hate us so much?'"
Overall, I cannot recommend this book (4.5 stars) or this series enough. I have followed Steiner on social media for years and was devastated to learn she was diagnosed with a brain tumor after submitting this book. My heart goes out to her and her recovery.
I received a copy of this book from Random House and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ PaperBackSwap ~ Smashbomb
I love Manon and this was yet another well-written mystery from Steiner. The introduction to this book features one of the most amazing, realistic, and yes, depressing, ruminations on marriage, life, and death that I may have ever read. In fact, Steiner so perfectly captures real life, especially juggling being a working mom. I love that she doesn't shy away from how hard Manon finds parenting, or gloss over the difficulties of marriage. Once or twice I might have found these tirades a bit tiresome (back to the case, I say!), but overall, it's refreshing to find a book that tells it like it is.
Speaking of, this is such a timely read, focusing on immigration, racism, and the overall hatred of "otherness" that seems to permeate the world right now. The central plot focuses on the infusion of immigrants, particularly Eastern Europeans, into England. The story told is a heartbreaking one of anger and loss. Steiner deftly weaves a tale from multiple points of view and time periods--we hear not only from Manon and Davy, but Lukas' friend Matis, who spearheads the pair's immigration from Lithuania, only for them to find themselves basically prisoners. They are indebted to the man who brought them over, trapped in a smelly workhouse, and forced to do menial labor to pay off their "debt." With Lukas dead, the story leading up to his death unfolds, and it's absolutely riveting and heartbreaking. Steiner handles the sensitive issues surrounding immigration and racism wonderfully, crafting a well-done mystery that still gives this topic its due.
"'Why do they hate us so much?'"
Overall, I cannot recommend this book (4.5 stars) or this series enough. I have followed Steiner on social media for years and was devastated to learn she was diagnosed with a brain tumor after submitting this book. My heart goes out to her and her recovery.
I received a copy of this book from Random House and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ PaperBackSwap ~ Smashbomb
September 22, 2019
Susie Steiner is an amazing writer and Remain Silent is pure magic. Beautiful immersive prose telling an emotional, relevant and extraordinarily authentic story. Manon is one of the most real characters in fiction and I devoured this book first page to last. Insightful and clever on every level. The ending, given the current circumstances, was poignant to the point where I was in tears.
Unmissable. Fuller review near publication.
Unmissable. Fuller review near publication.
May 26, 2020
In this third outing in the series, DCI Manon Bradshaw has been working cold cases and has been just fine with that. But when she chances upon the body of an Eastern European worker hanging in a tree in a local park, she is assigned to lead the Major Crime Unit investigation.
She already has a lot on her plate at home with a two-year-old and an adopted teenage son, but now her husband has fallen worrisomely ill and her best friend's marriage seems to be breaking up. Even worse--she's feeling fat and middle-aged! All this is dealt with with a good dose of snarky humor. You either laugh or you cry.
The timely topic at the heart of this story though is immigration--how the local people feel about the changes it is bringing to their society and how poorly immigrants are often treated. There are low-paying, dirty jobs that only immigrants are willing to do but there are unscrupulous employers only too willing to exploit their vulnerabilities.
This is a decent mystery with some twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. Manon is a gem!
I was sorry to read in the author's Acknowledgements that she is seriously ill with a malignant brain tumor. My prayers go out to her and hope that she gets her wish for five more years to finish bringing up her boys.
I received an arc of this new mystery from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thanks for the opportunity!
She already has a lot on her plate at home with a two-year-old and an adopted teenage son, but now her husband has fallen worrisomely ill and her best friend's marriage seems to be breaking up. Even worse--she's feeling fat and middle-aged! All this is dealt with with a good dose of snarky humor. You either laugh or you cry.
The timely topic at the heart of this story though is immigration--how the local people feel about the changes it is bringing to their society and how poorly immigrants are often treated. There are low-paying, dirty jobs that only immigrants are willing to do but there are unscrupulous employers only too willing to exploit their vulnerabilities.
This is a decent mystery with some twists and turns that keep the reader guessing. Manon is a gem!
I was sorry to read in the author's Acknowledgements that she is seriously ill with a malignant brain tumor. My prayers go out to her and hope that she gets her wish for five more years to finish bringing up her boys.
I received an arc of this new mystery from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thanks for the opportunity!
May 13, 2020
This is the third book featuring D.S. Manon Bradshaw, following on from “Missing, Presumed,” and “Person Unknown.” I enjoyed both of those novels and this is, I am pleased to say, just as good.
One of the things I love most about this series are the characters, who are both realistic, and sympathetic, and you really care about their difficulties and problems. Manon is now happily settled with Mark, adopted son, Fly and her young toddler, Teddy. Life has had its ups and downs, but, like so many women, Manon is pulled between home and work. Fly is having issues at school, Teddy demands her attention and Mark is unwell. Meanwhile, she becomes involved in a new case when she stumbles across the body of a young, Lithuanian man, hanging in a tree, when she takes Teddy to the park.
This is a book dealing with some very difficult issues – the terrible conditions faced by many migrant workers, nationalism, populist politics, the threat of illness and more. However, Steiner has a deft touch and dark humour, which meant that I enjoyed every page of this book. Having read the author’s note at the end of this book, I can only say that I am sure all her readers send their best wishes. Steiner is only a very talented author, but a strong and resourceful woman – much like her central character, who I look forward to meeting again. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
One of the things I love most about this series are the characters, who are both realistic, and sympathetic, and you really care about their difficulties and problems. Manon is now happily settled with Mark, adopted son, Fly and her young toddler, Teddy. Life has had its ups and downs, but, like so many women, Manon is pulled between home and work. Fly is having issues at school, Teddy demands her attention and Mark is unwell. Meanwhile, she becomes involved in a new case when she stumbles across the body of a young, Lithuanian man, hanging in a tree, when she takes Teddy to the park.
This is a book dealing with some very difficult issues – the terrible conditions faced by many migrant workers, nationalism, populist politics, the threat of illness and more. However, Steiner has a deft touch and dark humour, which meant that I enjoyed every page of this book. Having read the author’s note at the end of this book, I can only say that I am sure all her readers send their best wishes. Steiner is only a very talented author, but a strong and resourceful woman – much like her central character, who I look forward to meeting again. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
June 5, 2020
Manon Bradshaw is mother to a teenager and a toddler, relatively newly married, and an active member, part time, of the Cambridgeshire Police Force. Her life is hectic and she is rethinking her place in the world when suddenly she is taken away from her niche in cold cases and dropped into a new, developing case involving the death of an immigrant found hanging in a tree. Was he a suicide or was he murdered, that is the major question. Second to that, what is the situation with the Lithuanian migrants all over the district who seem to be increasing in number and inciting the anti-immigrant part of the local population to demonstrations.
This is the third of Steiner’s series about Manon and continues her development as mother and policewoman. She is a fully human woman, something I respect and enjoy. She lives an occasionally messy life, as most of us do, questioning herself and others. As she approaches middle age, she finds herself asking harder questions.
The case goes in several directions and reflects current social situations in the world. Manon and erstwhile partner Davey follow. Home life both intrudes and suffers. It is real life being portrayed.
I recommend all three books in this series but I found this book, Remain Silent, especially good and rewarding. It is not only a procedural, it is a portrait of a cop whose emotions are raw and brain is always working.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This is the third of Steiner’s series about Manon and continues her development as mother and policewoman. She is a fully human woman, something I respect and enjoy. She lives an occasionally messy life, as most of us do, questioning herself and others. As she approaches middle age, she finds herself asking harder questions.
The case goes in several directions and reflects current social situations in the world. Manon and erstwhile partner Davey follow. Home life both intrudes and suffers. It is real life being portrayed.
I recommend all three books in this series but I found this book, Remain Silent, especially good and rewarding. It is not only a procedural, it is a portrait of a cop whose emotions are raw and brain is always working.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
May 24, 2020
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.
I am a big fan of Suzie Steiner and DS Manon Bradshaw and was looking forward to the release of Remain Silent.
The storyline had moved on two years and Manon worked three days a week on a cold case team. She was struggling to care for her sons two year old Teddy and fifteen year old adopted son Fly. Manon and her sons lived with partner Mark who was safe but boring.
One day Manon was sickened when she stumbled upon the apparent suicide of Lithuanian immigrant Lukas Balsy However Manon was suspicious because beside the body was a note saying the dead cannot speak.
Manon was delighted when she was moved from cold cases to head the investigation along with friend DS Davey Walker. However she receives bad news when Mark is rushed to history with stomach pains. The story is goes back to when childhood friends Lukas and his friend decided to migrate to England.
I am sorry to say I did not enjoy Remain Silent as much as the authors previous books.
The plot was dark and depressing and I felt so sorry for the migrants. The writing was so vivid I could imagine the abuse they received. Poor Manon had become a moaner and was selfish despite Mark`s diagnosis. I really had to force myself to read the book, however there was a funny dark part towards the end.
My heart sank when I read the authors note at the end I wish Suzy Steiner good luck in her continued recovery.
I am a big fan of Suzie Steiner and DS Manon Bradshaw and was looking forward to the release of Remain Silent.
The storyline had moved on two years and Manon worked three days a week on a cold case team. She was struggling to care for her sons two year old Teddy and fifteen year old adopted son Fly. Manon and her sons lived with partner Mark who was safe but boring.
One day Manon was sickened when she stumbled upon the apparent suicide of Lithuanian immigrant Lukas Balsy However Manon was suspicious because beside the body was a note saying the dead cannot speak.
Manon was delighted when she was moved from cold cases to head the investigation along with friend DS Davey Walker. However she receives bad news when Mark is rushed to history with stomach pains. The story is goes back to when childhood friends Lukas and his friend decided to migrate to England.
I am sorry to say I did not enjoy Remain Silent as much as the authors previous books.
The plot was dark and depressing and I felt so sorry for the migrants. The writing was so vivid I could imagine the abuse they received. Poor Manon had become a moaner and was selfish despite Mark`s diagnosis. I really had to force myself to read the book, however there was a funny dark part towards the end.
My heart sank when I read the authors note at the end I wish Suzy Steiner good luck in her continued recovery.
May 26, 2020
This is a gutsy, unique, very realistic crime novel. A wonderful lead character, DI Manon Bradshaw, coping with the pressure of trying to run 2 major police investigations and a personal life with many pressures, and unwanted devastating news. She is a lady we can all identify with, the work life balance, enjoying a successful career without destroying a young marriage. This is not a normal police procedural in which the unravelling of the facts leads to the identification of the perpetrator….it is so much more than that. Susie Steiner has been able to showcase and bring to our attention issues that influence our daily lives, not only in the UK but throughout the world: Racism, modern day slavery, people kidnapping/trafficking, neo-Nazi groups, immigration, exploitation, ill equipped police force, prejudice. It expertly highlights internal and external pressures a career police man/woman has to accommodate in order to survive in a world where we are led to believe we can have it all.
A body is discovered hanging from a tree in the Cambridgeshire woods with the words, “The dead cannot speak”, attached as a note to the body. What a fabulous way to start a novel, what numerous possibilities enter the mind of the reader. Did he jump or was he pushed? Like the opening of Pandora’s box what on first blush appears a relatively simple investigation unfolds in a web of hate, racism, and political intrigue. Manon is not a woman to accept defeat, as she struggles with her personal life caring for partner Mark, and her two children. She is determined to be successful in a career where cynicism and politics rule supreme.
“They barely touch each other these days, her and Mark. The bed is an icy canyon they cannot cross”……
“Why does this mental load descend with such force? Is it late middle age? The anxiety has smothered her libido once as bouncy as a Labrador pup”….
“It’s flexing in and out of a relationship that’s difficult. It’s the same after intense jobs- twenty hours at work, then domesticity, the supermarket”….
“There are phases of life that are depressing, when it feels as if things are ending-vigour, fertility, excitement, pleasure- and nothing now seems to be coming over the horizon”….
This is not just a story it is a literary achievement. It is captivating in its ability to get under the skin of what it is like to live, of what it is like to survive in a world obsessed by social media, a world where achievement and perfect home life is the true value when in reality it is not worth a damn. An outstanding book in both its content and execution. Many thanks to the good people at netgalley for a gratis copy in return for a honest review and that is what I have written. Highly, highly recommended.
A body is discovered hanging from a tree in the Cambridgeshire woods with the words, “The dead cannot speak”, attached as a note to the body. What a fabulous way to start a novel, what numerous possibilities enter the mind of the reader. Did he jump or was he pushed? Like the opening of Pandora’s box what on first blush appears a relatively simple investigation unfolds in a web of hate, racism, and political intrigue. Manon is not a woman to accept defeat, as she struggles with her personal life caring for partner Mark, and her two children. She is determined to be successful in a career where cynicism and politics rule supreme.
“They barely touch each other these days, her and Mark. The bed is an icy canyon they cannot cross”……
“Why does this mental load descend with such force? Is it late middle age? The anxiety has smothered her libido once as bouncy as a Labrador pup”….
“It’s flexing in and out of a relationship that’s difficult. It’s the same after intense jobs- twenty hours at work, then domesticity, the supermarket”….
“There are phases of life that are depressing, when it feels as if things are ending-vigour, fertility, excitement, pleasure- and nothing now seems to be coming over the horizon”….
This is not just a story it is a literary achievement. It is captivating in its ability to get under the skin of what it is like to live, of what it is like to survive in a world obsessed by social media, a world where achievement and perfect home life is the true value when in reality it is not worth a damn. An outstanding book in both its content and execution. Many thanks to the good people at netgalley for a gratis copy in return for a honest review and that is what I have written. Highly, highly recommended.
May 24, 2020
"Because I could not stop for death-He kindly stopped for me-the carriage held but just Ourselves-And Immortality"
A brilliantly written and heartwrenching story that highlights the abuse that migrants face.
Manon Bradshaw is 46. She is only working 3 days a week on cold cases which suits her perfectly. She is struggling with anxiety and feels permanently fatigued. Then she discovers the body of Lukas; a Lithuanian immigrant; hanging from a tree with a note pinned to him that says "the dead cannot speak". Suddenly she is in charge of the investigation. At the same time, her partner is struggling with health issues and she must try and juggle more than one ball at the same time.
I loved the humour in the book. If it was not for that it would have been a very depressing read. The characters are very well developed and I will definitely look out for more books by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, HaperFiction for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
A brilliantly written and heartwrenching story that highlights the abuse that migrants face.
Manon Bradshaw is 46. She is only working 3 days a week on cold cases which suits her perfectly. She is struggling with anxiety and feels permanently fatigued. Then she discovers the body of Lukas; a Lithuanian immigrant; hanging from a tree with a note pinned to him that says "the dead cannot speak". Suddenly she is in charge of the investigation. At the same time, her partner is struggling with health issues and she must try and juggle more than one ball at the same time.
I loved the humour in the book. If it was not for that it would have been a very depressing read. The characters are very well developed and I will definitely look out for more books by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, HaperFiction for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 20, 2020
DS Manon Bradshaw #3
DS Manon Bradshaw and her team are investigating the death of Lithuanian immigrant who was found hanging from a tree. There was a note saying "thendead cannot speak". Manon had found the body while out walking with her son. Manon juggles her family life with work.
Once again I did not k ow that this book was part of a series when I requested it. This is a modern day take on slavery and immigration protests. This is a dark and complex read. We learn some background information on Manon' personal life. I do feel I've missed out on some background information by not reading the first two books in this series. I did enjoy the book and I will read more from the author in future.
I would like to thank NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and the author Susie Steiner for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
DS Manon Bradshaw and her team are investigating the death of Lithuanian immigrant who was found hanging from a tree. There was a note saying "thendead cannot speak". Manon had found the body while out walking with her son. Manon juggles her family life with work.
Once again I did not k ow that this book was part of a series when I requested it. This is a modern day take on slavery and immigration protests. This is a dark and complex read. We learn some background information on Manon' personal life. I do feel I've missed out on some background information by not reading the first two books in this series. I did enjoy the book and I will read more from the author in future.
I would like to thank NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction and the author Susie Steiner for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2020
Remain Silent is the third instalment in the Detective Inspector Manon Bradshaw trilogy set in the countryside of Cambridgeshire. These are excellent police procedural's but if you haven't read the previous two books not to worry as this stands pretty well on its own as Steiner provides enough background to get you up to date. Newly married and navigating life with a preschooler as well as her adopted adolescent son, Manon Bradshaw is happy to be working part-time in the cold cases department of the Cambridgeshire police force, however, her marriage already seems under strain. When Manon is on a walk with her four-year-old son in a peaceful suburban neighbourhood she discovers the body of Lithuanian immigrant, Lukas Balsys, hanging from a tree with a mysterious note attached to his trousers that translates as ”the dead cannot speak.”
This is a compulsive, addictive and intelligently woven police procedural that takes a little longer to get into but once you are it is not easy to put it down. I appreciate that the author didn't shy away from exploring prevalent social issues such as exploited workers working for little pay in appalling conditions for long stretches and anti-immigrant sentiment which has certainly set-in a lot more since the whole Brexit fiasco; these issues have been treated sensitively by Ms Steiner and it’s clear the extensive research carried out in order to make this as accurate as possible. Luckily to balance things out there is some great wit and humour throughout which really is needed due to the harrowing nature of the immigrant/refugee situation addressed throughout.
Overall, this is an entertaining, compelling and addictive tale that will gain Steiner many new fans and cements her place near the top of the crime thriller tree. A cracking, well-written page-turner with plenty of twists and turns, drama, danger and suspense. It is a thoroughly satisfying read and if you prefer your crime fiction with a deeper side to it then this is an absolute must-read. Highly recommended. Many thanks to The Borough Press for an ARC.
This is a compulsive, addictive and intelligently woven police procedural that takes a little longer to get into but once you are it is not easy to put it down. I appreciate that the author didn't shy away from exploring prevalent social issues such as exploited workers working for little pay in appalling conditions for long stretches and anti-immigrant sentiment which has certainly set-in a lot more since the whole Brexit fiasco; these issues have been treated sensitively by Ms Steiner and it’s clear the extensive research carried out in order to make this as accurate as possible. Luckily to balance things out there is some great wit and humour throughout which really is needed due to the harrowing nature of the immigrant/refugee situation addressed throughout.
Overall, this is an entertaining, compelling and addictive tale that will gain Steiner many new fans and cements her place near the top of the crime thriller tree. A cracking, well-written page-turner with plenty of twists and turns, drama, danger and suspense. It is a thoroughly satisfying read and if you prefer your crime fiction with a deeper side to it then this is an absolute must-read. Highly recommended. Many thanks to The Borough Press for an ARC.
June 18, 2020
For my complete review of this novel visit: https://fictionophile.com/2020/06/16/...
The police case involves migrant workers. Although the case was compelling, for me it was by far overshadowed by the wonderful characters in this novel. Manon is a brilliant policewoman trying to attain the always illusive home/work balance. She loves her children like a fierce ‘Mamma Bear’. Fly is a wonderful boy who at age sixteen is facing his GCSEs and is an excellent big brother for Teddy.
What I love about Steiner’s novels is that she creates the perfect balance between the case in hand and Manon’s personal life. The case this time highlights the abhorrent treatment of Lithuanian migrant workers in the United Kingdom. A very real problem that ‘Operation Pheasant‘ is trying to address.
On the personal side, Manon is struggling with parenting, middle age, police budget cuts and most importantly a cancer diagnosis for her partner Mark. She adores the people in her life and her humour filled relationship with her best friend Bri is a joy to read.
This novel is about normal people just trying to get by in a world that often feels adversarial. It is about parenting, and the love of family in all its permutations. A skillfully written novel that contains empathy, pathos, and humour. In short, I loved this book. I’m already yearning for another glimpse into Manon’s world.
I wish everyone could read this fantastic series. Highly, highly recommended!
The police case involves migrant workers. Although the case was compelling, for me it was by far overshadowed by the wonderful characters in this novel. Manon is a brilliant policewoman trying to attain the always illusive home/work balance. She loves her children like a fierce ‘Mamma Bear’. Fly is a wonderful boy who at age sixteen is facing his GCSEs and is an excellent big brother for Teddy.
What I love about Steiner’s novels is that she creates the perfect balance between the case in hand and Manon’s personal life. The case this time highlights the abhorrent treatment of Lithuanian migrant workers in the United Kingdom. A very real problem that ‘Operation Pheasant‘ is trying to address.
On the personal side, Manon is struggling with parenting, middle age, police budget cuts and most importantly a cancer diagnosis for her partner Mark. She adores the people in her life and her humour filled relationship with her best friend Bri is a joy to read.
This novel is about normal people just trying to get by in a world that often feels adversarial. It is about parenting, and the love of family in all its permutations. A skillfully written novel that contains empathy, pathos, and humour. In short, I loved this book. I’m already yearning for another glimpse into Manon’s world.
I wish everyone could read this fantastic series. Highly, highly recommended!
February 9, 2021
Remain Silent by Susie Steiner is the third book in the DI Manon Bradshaw series. This is what appears on the surface to be a pretty traditional British procedural except with notable difference that the author and protagonist are both female. The first two books in the series, Missing, Presumed and Persons Unknown were interesting, quirky crime fiction novels I quite enjoyed a few years ago so when I saw the third one had been released in 2020 I decided to give it a go. I’ve somewhat recently read the first three books in multiple crime fiction series: Cork O’Connor by William Kent Krueger, Ruth Galloway by Elly Griffiths, Roy Grace by Peter James, Ben Cooper & Deborah Fry by Stephen Cooper and Joe Pickett by C.J. Box. I would probably say my favorites in this bunch are the last 3 (I intend to read every book in each of these series, which are all at least 12 books long) but my point of making the list is to put the DI Manon Bradshaw series in the context of others I have recently read and to alert readers of this review to some other (longer) series they may want to check out, if you like the Manon Bradshaw books as much as I do, perhaps you’ll like these others as well.
First, one reason I connected with Manon is her unique view of the world and attitude towards the police and police work itself. To put it mildly, she’s quite skeptical of the ability of the police to “make things right” and her personality doesn’t mesh well with working in a rigidly hierarchical, faux-militaristic, staunchly bureaucratic organization like the Metropolitan Police. What’s great is that Steiner makes Manon’s thoughts very clear on this and many other subjects.
In Remain Silent, Manon’s (and very likely the author’s) views on multiple aspects of contemporary life in modern Britain are made very clear. The focus of the story is on the death of a naive, saintly teenager from Lithuania who is trafficked into England and exploited by a gang of dehumanizing, heartless thugs to do awful work (catching live chickens for slaughter with unprotected bare hands for 10-12 hours a day) no homegrown Brits would do, especially at the literally slave-labor wages. Steiner is clearly making a point about immigration and xenophobia (and of course, Brexit, although that word never appears in the text ). The depiction of how a group of able-bodied men are forced into a situation which is basically modern-day slavery, primarily caused by a language barrier and culturally inculcated fear/hatred of official authority and the law, occurring in the full view of polite society, which in most cases is literally snarling hostilely at the foreigners’ exploitation, is blood-curdling.
One of the best features of Persons Unknown was watching as Manon’s relationship with Fly, her adopted teenaged son (who is Black), develops, especially in the context of the plot, where Fly’s racial identity (and Manon’s) play extremely important factors. Sadly, Fly is almost a cipher in Remain Silent her second child, a toddler named Teddy gets far more “ink” in this book. Happily, Mark, one of the best things to happen to Manon in Book 2, along with her co-worker Davy, have substantial parts in Book 3. Davy and Manon’s professional relationship and banter while working together is one of the highlights of the series as a whole.
In addition to making her thoughts known about “the immigration question” the author also deploys Manon’s status as a middle-aged, unmarried, white woman in a committed relationship raising two kids to make several points about marriage and middle-age and modern life. At some points, Manon’s thoughts and comments about her best friend’s philandering husband (and her success at terminating his infidelity and convincing him to return to his wife) as well as her running commentary about the nature of commitment, especially in the context of medical uncertainty overwhelm the police-procedural, crime fiction narrative that we the reader are ostensibly reading this book for. And this was absolutely fine with me, elevating it above the first two entries in the series. “Persons Unknown” is more than a whodunnit, it’s also a “whyshouldwecare” and I liked that about it. As I’ve said multiple times, ultimately most genre books are formulaic, so to build more than a casual connection with readers requires more than just the elements that are found in all books of this type, and with the attention brought to a serious, pressing issue as well as particular insight brought to modern life, “Persons Unknown” stands out among the pack.
First, one reason I connected with Manon is her unique view of the world and attitude towards the police and police work itself. To put it mildly, she’s quite skeptical of the ability of the police to “make things right” and her personality doesn’t mesh well with working in a rigidly hierarchical, faux-militaristic, staunchly bureaucratic organization like the Metropolitan Police. What’s great is that Steiner makes Manon’s thoughts very clear on this and many other subjects.
In Remain Silent, Manon’s (and very likely the author’s) views on multiple aspects of contemporary life in modern Britain are made very clear. The focus of the story is on the death of a naive, saintly teenager from Lithuania who is trafficked into England and exploited by a gang of dehumanizing, heartless thugs to do awful work (catching live chickens for slaughter with unprotected bare hands for 10-12 hours a day) no homegrown Brits would do, especially at the literally slave-labor wages. Steiner is clearly making a point about immigration and xenophobia (and of course, Brexit, although that word never appears in the text ). The depiction of how a group of able-bodied men are forced into a situation which is basically modern-day slavery, primarily caused by a language barrier and culturally inculcated fear/hatred of official authority and the law, occurring in the full view of polite society, which in most cases is literally snarling hostilely at the foreigners’ exploitation, is blood-curdling.
One of the best features of Persons Unknown was watching as Manon’s relationship with Fly, her adopted teenaged son (who is Black), develops, especially in the context of the plot, where Fly’s racial identity (and Manon’s) play extremely important factors. Sadly, Fly is almost a cipher in Remain Silent her second child, a toddler named Teddy gets far more “ink” in this book. Happily, Mark, one of the best things to happen to Manon in Book 2, along with her co-worker Davy, have substantial parts in Book 3. Davy and Manon’s professional relationship and banter while working together is one of the highlights of the series as a whole.
In addition to making her thoughts known about “the immigration question” the author also deploys Manon’s status as a middle-aged, unmarried, white woman in a committed relationship raising two kids to make several points about marriage and middle-age and modern life. At some points, Manon’s thoughts and comments about her best friend’s philandering husband (and her success at terminating his infidelity and convincing him to return to his wife) as well as her running commentary about the nature of commitment, especially in the context of medical uncertainty overwhelm the police-procedural, crime fiction narrative that we the reader are ostensibly reading this book for. And this was absolutely fine with me, elevating it above the first two entries in the series. “Persons Unknown” is more than a whodunnit, it’s also a “whyshouldwecare” and I liked that about it. As I’ve said multiple times, ultimately most genre books are formulaic, so to build more than a casual connection with readers requires more than just the elements that are found in all books of this type, and with the attention brought to a serious, pressing issue as well as particular insight brought to modern life, “Persons Unknown” stands out among the pack.
October 7, 2020
Thank you to Harper Collins UK, HarperFiction and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This is the first Susie Steiner book I have read and found that this is the third in the series. I didn't feel I needed to read the earlier books in order to enjoy this one, as there was already a lot of insight into all the characters. Having said that, the book was very enjoyable and I am very likely to go back and read the previous two titles.
As I started the book I wasn't sure I would enjoy it, but the more I read, the more enjoyable it became. Its the story of Manon Bradshaw who was working in the cold case department of the Cambridge Police Force. While on a walk she spots the body of a Lithuanian immigrant hanging from a tree with a mysterious note attached, she knows her life is about to change. Suddenly, she is back on the job, full-force, trying to solve the suicide--or is it a murder--in what may be the most dangerous and demanding case of her life.
This book has obviously been very well researched as was the plot of Eastern European workers from Lithuania and their harsh treatment in England, including the way they were brought into the country and both by their employers and the general public. It really helps you to understand the issues of modern slavery that are alive today an how bad things can be. It's really well written and a very enjoyable read.
This is the first Susie Steiner book I have read and found that this is the third in the series. I didn't feel I needed to read the earlier books in order to enjoy this one, as there was already a lot of insight into all the characters. Having said that, the book was very enjoyable and I am very likely to go back and read the previous two titles.
As I started the book I wasn't sure I would enjoy it, but the more I read, the more enjoyable it became. Its the story of Manon Bradshaw who was working in the cold case department of the Cambridge Police Force. While on a walk she spots the body of a Lithuanian immigrant hanging from a tree with a mysterious note attached, she knows her life is about to change. Suddenly, she is back on the job, full-force, trying to solve the suicide--or is it a murder--in what may be the most dangerous and demanding case of her life.
This book has obviously been very well researched as was the plot of Eastern European workers from Lithuania and their harsh treatment in England, including the way they were brought into the country and both by their employers and the general public. It really helps you to understand the issues of modern slavery that are alive today an how bad things can be. It's really well written and a very enjoyable read.
May 29, 2020
I thought Remain Silent was excellent. It is readable, has genuine content and quite brilliant characterisation.
This is the third Manon Bradshaw novel. I’ve not (yet) read the previous two but it works fine as a stand-alone. Manon is a Detective Inspector in the Cambridgeshire Constabulary, this time investigating the death of a migrant worker from Lithuania. The plot is nicely structured and I found it refreshingly free of implausible action, but it moves along well and hangs together – two things which are by no means universally true of police procedurals. Susie Steiner also gives a fine, nuanced (and sometimes horrifying) view of migrant labour in East Anglia and of the reaction from local residents.
What makes this special, though is Steiner’s portraits of her central characters, most notably Manon herself. She is a wholly believable middle-aged woman coping with a family, her career and the irritations and difficulties of life. She seems so utterly human in her responses and her internal monologue, which seems to me to be the voice of a real, likeable, flawed person rather than just a novelist’s Character Study or yet another detective given a Complex Personal Life for Interesting Background. She is also very funny at times and exceptionally wise about marriage and relationships. I love the way she flip-flops between loving her partner and family desperately and thinking it’s all an oppressive, stultifying mistake – sometimes both at once. I have been half in love with easful Manon.
I’d not read any Susie Steiner before and this was a delightful discovery for me. I shall certainly be reading the others in the series and I can recommend this very warmly indeed.
(My thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC via NetGalley.)
This is the third Manon Bradshaw novel. I’ve not (yet) read the previous two but it works fine as a stand-alone. Manon is a Detective Inspector in the Cambridgeshire Constabulary, this time investigating the death of a migrant worker from Lithuania. The plot is nicely structured and I found it refreshingly free of implausible action, but it moves along well and hangs together – two things which are by no means universally true of police procedurals. Susie Steiner also gives a fine, nuanced (and sometimes horrifying) view of migrant labour in East Anglia and of the reaction from local residents.
What makes this special, though is Steiner’s portraits of her central characters, most notably Manon herself. She is a wholly believable middle-aged woman coping with a family, her career and the irritations and difficulties of life. She seems so utterly human in her responses and her internal monologue, which seems to me to be the voice of a real, likeable, flawed person rather than just a novelist’s Character Study or yet another detective given a Complex Personal Life for Interesting Background. She is also very funny at times and exceptionally wise about marriage and relationships. I love the way she flip-flops between loving her partner and family desperately and thinking it’s all an oppressive, stultifying mistake – sometimes both at once. I have been half in love with easful Manon.
I’d not read any Susie Steiner before and this was a delightful discovery for me. I shall certainly be reading the others in the series and I can recommend this very warmly indeed.
(My thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC via NetGalley.)
April 28, 2020
Remain Silent by Susie Steiner is the third book in the DS Manon Bradshaw series. I was not aware of this and I have not read the previous books in the series. So, at first, I found it bit confusing to know what is going on. As I did not know the back story. If I had read the others it would have been 5 stars.
DS Manon is now working part time for Cambridgeshire Police force investigating cold cases Now married and has an adopted teenager named Fly. She is finding it hard juggling everything together. When on her day off she goes for a walk with her two-year-old son Teddy. and finds Lithuanian immigrant Lukas Balsys a migrant worker, hanging dead from a tree with a strange note pinned on him.
DS Manon helps with the investigation which delves into the exploitation of migrant workers, abuse, human trafficking and racism. She also must deal with her new boss that she does not get along with.
I thank Harper Collins and NetGalley for a copy of Remain silent. This story was a slow burner but, I found it well written and researched especially around migrant workers, the racism against them their exploitation. But I did not much care of the characters in this story. 4 stars from me.
DS Manon is now working part time for Cambridgeshire Police force investigating cold cases Now married and has an adopted teenager named Fly. She is finding it hard juggling everything together. When on her day off she goes for a walk with her two-year-old son Teddy. and finds Lithuanian immigrant Lukas Balsys a migrant worker, hanging dead from a tree with a strange note pinned on him.
DS Manon helps with the investigation which delves into the exploitation of migrant workers, abuse, human trafficking and racism. She also must deal with her new boss that she does not get along with.
I thank Harper Collins and NetGalley for a copy of Remain silent. This story was a slow burner but, I found it well written and researched especially around migrant workers, the racism against them their exploitation. But I did not much care of the characters in this story. 4 stars from me.
August 25, 2020
DI Manon Bradshaw is back at it! She is a strong female protagonist that is insightful and hilarious, all while solving brutal crimes! She is definitely one of my favorite literary characters! Bradshaw is definitely NOT ashamed to tell it like it is and doesn’t care what ANYONE thinks of her! Her confidence is astounding!
Manon is currently assigned to the cold case division at the Cambridgeshire Police District. This allows her to get her work-life balance she so desperately needs. One morning while walking in her neighborhood with her 4-year old son, she spots a body hanging from the trees. She calls it in and thinks that’s the end of it (at least for her involvement)....until she is asked by her superior to take the lead on this case. She is assigned with her past partner Davy Walker. As the two veteran detectives begin to investigate, they start to uncover the dark, sinister world of Lithuanian migrants.
This was another awesome installment in the Manon Bradshaw series! Cannot wait for the next one!
4-stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Manon is currently assigned to the cold case division at the Cambridgeshire Police District. This allows her to get her work-life balance she so desperately needs. One morning while walking in her neighborhood with her 4-year old son, she spots a body hanging from the trees. She calls it in and thinks that’s the end of it (at least for her involvement)....until she is asked by her superior to take the lead on this case. She is assigned with her past partner Davy Walker. As the two veteran detectives begin to investigate, they start to uncover the dark, sinister world of Lithuanian migrants.
This was another awesome installment in the Manon Bradshaw series! Cannot wait for the next one!
4-stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 4, 2024
I'm so sorry this is the last DS Manon Bradshaw installment as the author died a couple of years ago. I have enjoyed all three books. Her characters seem so real, grappling with the things we deal with these days, personal and societal. Farewell!
Why I'm reading this: I recently saw a GR friend's review of this, reminding me that I liked the first two books in this series and intended to read this one. Now is the time! I'm sad there won't be any more books in the Manon Bradshaw series as the author died in summer of 2022.
Why I'm reading this: I recently saw a GR friend's review of this, reminding me that I liked the first two books in this series and intended to read this one. Now is the time! I'm sad there won't be any more books in the Manon Bradshaw series as the author died in summer of 2022.
December 30, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for an advance copy of Remain Silent, the third novel to feature DI Manon Bradshaw of the Fenland Police.
When Lukas Balsys’s body is found hanging from a tree nobody is sure if it is suicide or murder. Manon is asked to investigate but the fraught situation of exploited workers and anti-immigrant sentiment do not make her job easy.
I thoroughly enjoyed Remain Silent which not only has a good crime plot but is an interesting exposition of the issues surrounding immigrant labour and is extremely funny to boot. The novel is told from various points of view, not an approach I am overly fond of as it doesn’t always allow the reader to identify with the characters and really get involved in the read but, in this case it works well as Manon, a strong character, gets most of the attention and the other points of view flesh out the narrative in ways that Manon alone can’t.
I don’t work and live in a small town with little immigration so I have absolutely no understanding of the problems involved. It sounds harsh but it’s therefore not a subject that animates me or I have much interest in, other than a feeling that people shouldn’t be discriminated against. I found the novel enlightening as it discusses both sides of the argument and some of the practicalities involved. I also thought that it is one of the best novels I have read on the subject in terms of making the arguments human and relevant to the characters.
The plight of exploited immigrants is at the root of the crime and I liked the various avenues of investigation so they held my attention throughout. I thought the solution was a bit of a letdown and overly high minded for the setting but it makes a sort of sense.
The novel is all about Manon. It had me laughing out loud at some of her reactions and caustic takes on life. It should be noted, however, that I am in the same age group as her so her complaints and observations ring many bells but may be lost on younger or non middle aged female readers.
Remain Silent is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
When Lukas Balsys’s body is found hanging from a tree nobody is sure if it is suicide or murder. Manon is asked to investigate but the fraught situation of exploited workers and anti-immigrant sentiment do not make her job easy.
I thoroughly enjoyed Remain Silent which not only has a good crime plot but is an interesting exposition of the issues surrounding immigrant labour and is extremely funny to boot. The novel is told from various points of view, not an approach I am overly fond of as it doesn’t always allow the reader to identify with the characters and really get involved in the read but, in this case it works well as Manon, a strong character, gets most of the attention and the other points of view flesh out the narrative in ways that Manon alone can’t.
I don’t work and live in a small town with little immigration so I have absolutely no understanding of the problems involved. It sounds harsh but it’s therefore not a subject that animates me or I have much interest in, other than a feeling that people shouldn’t be discriminated against. I found the novel enlightening as it discusses both sides of the argument and some of the practicalities involved. I also thought that it is one of the best novels I have read on the subject in terms of making the arguments human and relevant to the characters.
The plight of exploited immigrants is at the root of the crime and I liked the various avenues of investigation so they held my attention throughout. I thought the solution was a bit of a letdown and overly high minded for the setting but it makes a sort of sense.
The novel is all about Manon. It had me laughing out loud at some of her reactions and caustic takes on life. It should be noted, however, that I am in the same age group as her so her complaints and observations ring many bells but may be lost on younger or non middle aged female readers.
Remain Silent is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
July 8, 2020
3 stars--I liked the book.
I adore Manon (the main character of this series) and her friends and family. And I love how Steiner incorporates social issues into the plot without being preachy. This, however, was probably my least favorite Manon novel; I felt it lacked urgency or tension. However, I still devoured it, and consider these books one of favorite procedural series.
I adore Manon (the main character of this series) and her friends and family. And I love how Steiner incorporates social issues into the plot without being preachy. This, however, was probably my least favorite Manon novel; I felt it lacked urgency or tension. However, I still devoured it, and consider these books one of favorite procedural series.
May 11, 2020
I received a free publisher's digital advance review copy, via Netgalley.
I’m a fan of British police procedurals. There are some things I don’t like about them that I’ve seen in recent years, though. Among them are (1) a lot of detail about the detective’s home life, especially kids, (2) a plot focusing on human trafficking (for sex or labor). This book includes both (1) and (2), and yet I loved it. Steiner is just that great a writer.
This is the third Manon Bradshaw novel and, while they’ve all been excellent, this one is superb. Manon is just so real. She’s driven to achieve justice in her work, which makes her butt heads fairly frequently. She becomes obsessed with her cases, though she feels guilty about neglecting her family because she loves (and is driven crazy by) her teenage son, toddler son and partner, Mark. She despairs at her weight, lack of exercise, poor eating habits, terrible housekeeping and bad attitude. But don’t think she’s too self-critical. She’s got a lot of opinions, strong ones, and doesn’t hesitate to share them. Her rant on how we, in the 21st century, have embraced ignorance and rejected expertise, is hilarious and depressing at the same time.
As for the plot, Steiner manages to bring freshness to yet another trafficking plot. Hers is not about sexual slavery, but about Baltic men lured into work bondage. Without being heavy-handed, Steiner points out the hypocrisy of her countrymen for being anti-immigrant, while jumping to hire the Baltic crews for the tough, dirty jobs no Briton wants to do.
A beautifully written, standout novel.
I’m a fan of British police procedurals. There are some things I don’t like about them that I’ve seen in recent years, though. Among them are (1) a lot of detail about the detective’s home life, especially kids, (2) a plot focusing on human trafficking (for sex or labor). This book includes both (1) and (2), and yet I loved it. Steiner is just that great a writer.
This is the third Manon Bradshaw novel and, while they’ve all been excellent, this one is superb. Manon is just so real. She’s driven to achieve justice in her work, which makes her butt heads fairly frequently. She becomes obsessed with her cases, though she feels guilty about neglecting her family because she loves (and is driven crazy by) her teenage son, toddler son and partner, Mark. She despairs at her weight, lack of exercise, poor eating habits, terrible housekeeping and bad attitude. But don’t think she’s too self-critical. She’s got a lot of opinions, strong ones, and doesn’t hesitate to share them. Her rant on how we, in the 21st century, have embraced ignorance and rejected expertise, is hilarious and depressing at the same time.
As for the plot, Steiner manages to bring freshness to yet another trafficking plot. Hers is not about sexual slavery, but about Baltic men lured into work bondage. Without being heavy-handed, Steiner points out the hypocrisy of her countrymen for being anti-immigrant, while jumping to hire the Baltic crews for the tough, dirty jobs no Briton wants to do.
A beautifully written, standout novel.
October 27, 2020
I wasn't enjoying reading another immigration based book even though it contained a fiction story line.I enjoyed reading a nonfiction one previously but this one didn't grab my attention
May 28, 2020
This story is told from the perspective of various characters and moves back and forth in the retelling. While this story tackles some serious issues of slave labour and racialism, this wasn’t for me, I expected more police procedures and investigation. Instead, there was too much rambling inner thoughts of someone who had to come to terms with her family problems and work/ life balance. I hadn’t read any of the previous books and maybe that would have helped. I noticed that I am in the minority of the reviews as most people gave this book a higher rating. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 19, 2020
After loving the first two Manon Bradshaw books--the epitome of great British literary detective novels--REMAIN SILENT fell flat for me. Rather than feeling specific and interesting, the Manon of this book felt like a cookie-cutter cliche. I didn't find myself invested in her interpersonal goings-on any more than I was invested in the murdered immigrant plot line (which to avoid spoilers I will just say had a less than satisfying conclusion). I'll keep recommending the first two books to people who enjoy a smart mystery, and I'm sure I'll give the next book a try if Manon gets another shot...but my impression from this book is that Steiner is tired of writing her, so I'll be curious to see if she branches out or launches a new series with her next book.
January 14, 2020
I really like this series and was distressed to learn the Author has brain cancer which she reveals in the Afterword. Prayers for her recovery. Steiner' s main character is tough yet motherhood has brought out her softness. This mystery revolves around Eastern European migration and human trafficking. Timely and the regular characters continue to grow. I am a fan of all three books in the series.
Copy provided by the Publisher and NetGalley
Copy provided by the Publisher and NetGalley
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