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Silent Winter
On an icy November night, Drew Blackmore is beaten unconscious, then abducted. He awakes to find himself in total darkness, naked and chained to the floor. Fed just enough to keep him alive, Drew is unable to identify his captor, or the reason for his incarceration. As reality fades, hallucinations take over. Can Drew escape his prison before madness claims him?
Meanwhile Drew's wife, Holly, despairing of ever seeing him again, turns to his brother for comfort. As the worst winter in decades sweeps the UK, she learns of Drew's tragic past. Could his disappearance be connected with that of a prostitute years before?
A story of how the mind responds to solitary confinement, 'Silent Winter' examines one man's desperate attempt to survive the unthinkable.
Meanwhile Drew's wife, Holly, despairing of ever seeing him again, turns to his brother for comfort. As the worst winter in decades sweeps the UK, she learns of Drew's tragic past. Could his disappearance be connected with that of a prostitute years before?
A story of how the mind responds to solitary confinement, 'Silent Winter' examines one man's desperate attempt to survive the unthinkable.
- GenresSuspense
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2019
70 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
Maggie James
13 books291 followersMaggie James is a British author who lives near Newcastle-upon-Tyne. She writes psychological suspense novels.
Before turning her hand to writing, Maggie worked mainly as an accountant, with a diversion into practising as a nutritional therapist. Diet and health remain high on her list of interests, along with travel. Accountancy does not, but then it never did. The urge to pack a bag and go off travelling is always lurking in the background! When not writing, going to the gym, practising yoga or travelling, Maggie can be found seeking new four-legged friends to pet; animals are a lifelong love!
Before turning her hand to writing, Maggie worked mainly as an accountant, with a diversion into practising as a nutritional therapist. Diet and health remain high on her list of interests, along with travel. Accountancy does not, but then it never did. The urge to pack a bag and go off travelling is always lurking in the background! When not writing, going to the gym, practising yoga or travelling, Maggie can be found seeking new four-legged friends to pet; animals are a lifelong love!
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 65 reviews
December 5, 2019
From critically-acclaimed writer Ms James, Silent Winter is the latest standalone work of psychological suspense and blew my other encounters with her thrillers right out of the water. Holly is concerned about her marriage and her husband, Drew, when he doesn't return home after work; she is absolutely convinced he is having an affair. What she doesn't realise is that Drew has been abducted and subjected to horrifying treatment. Chained to the floor like an animal he is held naked in a dark, soundproof room with no chance of anyone hearing his screams. There is nothing around but a few thin blankets and a mattress on which to sleep. Soon both Drew's mental and physical health deteriorate rapidly. Wracking his brains as to who and why he was kidnapped Drew focuses on an incident he kept quiet about from his past. But the identity of the abductor is unlikely to be known unless Drew opens up about his long-held secret as that appears to be the key to it all.
I have read all of Ms James's books and can genuinely say that this is her best and most accomplished to date; I couldn't put it down. It is a dark read which explores family relationships, betrayal, secrets and lies and focused heavily on the effects of Drew's incarceration and particularly solitary confinement with no chance for any interaction. It's a twisty mystery with many puzzle pieces to consider and once you get into the pacey novel it barely gives you a moment to breathe. It is very clear that the author has researched the topics of incarceration, solitary confinement and their impact on a person thoroughly. I loved that in parts of it was more of a slow-burn as they held a lot of atmosphere. We watch as Drew deteriorates; be warned there are rather vivid descriptions of his treatment. A well written and wholly captivating thriller. Many thanks to BOTBS for an ARC.
I have read all of Ms James's books and can genuinely say that this is her best and most accomplished to date; I couldn't put it down. It is a dark read which explores family relationships, betrayal, secrets and lies and focused heavily on the effects of Drew's incarceration and particularly solitary confinement with no chance for any interaction. It's a twisty mystery with many puzzle pieces to consider and once you get into the pacey novel it barely gives you a moment to breathe. It is very clear that the author has researched the topics of incarceration, solitary confinement and their impact on a person thoroughly. I loved that in parts of it was more of a slow-burn as they held a lot of atmosphere. We watch as Drew deteriorates; be warned there are rather vivid descriptions of his treatment. A well written and wholly captivating thriller. Many thanks to BOTBS for an ARC.
December 1, 2019
Drew was abducted and kept chained in a cage in a darkened soundproof room for months. Wide and his brother were worried and desperate. There were secrets and history behind this abduction.
Having read a couple of Maggie James book, I was expecting a good mystery. But what I got just blew my mind away. The author's descriptions of what Drew went through in that cage gave me the shivers as I read each chapter. The author had nailed it. The complete spiraling of mind and body was perfect.
The story kept me at the edge of the seat. My mind veered between wanting to take a break and reading the complete story at one go. I had to read it without break as I needed to know where this brilliant author would lead the book. Words written captured my emotions, my mind kept gasping at the twists shown. The author did take some sharp turns which had me clinging to my kindle.
Then came my niggle, the story moved away from the edge of the darkness in a few chapters. I wanted complete commitment to the shadows in the book. But the story redeemed itself with the last chapter which had me chortling wickedly. Ah the evil mind of the author!! Naughty, naughty!!
Having read a couple of Maggie James book, I was expecting a good mystery. But what I got just blew my mind away. The author's descriptions of what Drew went through in that cage gave me the shivers as I read each chapter. The author had nailed it. The complete spiraling of mind and body was perfect.
The story kept me at the edge of the seat. My mind veered between wanting to take a break and reading the complete story at one go. I had to read it without break as I needed to know where this brilliant author would lead the book. Words written captured my emotions, my mind kept gasping at the twists shown. The author did take some sharp turns which had me clinging to my kindle.
Then came my niggle, the story moved away from the edge of the darkness in a few chapters. I wanted complete commitment to the shadows in the book. But the story redeemed itself with the last chapter which had me chortling wickedly. Ah the evil mind of the author!! Naughty, naughty!!
November 15, 2019
Holly is angry with her husband Drew for not coming home after finishing work. Little does she know that Drew is tied up elsewhere.
This story deals with solitary confinement and it's consequences. Drew's coping mechanisms, and then his worsening mental state, are both explored. I enjoyed these parts of the story the most. It was obvious that a lot of research was carried out to portray Drew's horrors effectively.
This isn't a thrill a minute type of read, but rather a tense, atmospheric read. Maggie has created an interesting piece of psychological suspense that made me hope that I never have to go through anything like Drew did.
This story deals with solitary confinement and it's consequences. Drew's coping mechanisms, and then his worsening mental state, are both explored. I enjoyed these parts of the story the most. It was obvious that a lot of research was carried out to portray Drew's horrors effectively.
This isn't a thrill a minute type of read, but rather a tense, atmospheric read. Maggie has created an interesting piece of psychological suspense that made me hope that I never have to go through anything like Drew did.
December 5, 2019
Drew and Holly have a relatively happy marriage but a difference of opinion on when or if to start a family. Holly is a bit peeved at Drew and as he set off to work that fateful morning it was after harsh words were said. Little did anyone know that life would never be the same again.
Drew and Todd are brothers and have a very good relationship. However, Todd is carrying a torch for Holly. She was dating Todd when she met and fell in love with his brother. Todd is now happily married to Nessa with twin boys to confirm their love and Drew is married to Holly. It is a complicated relationship as the four people are very close so the lines between are very blurred.
The characters are very complicated but build well throughout the story. Secrets are about to be revealed and connections made that go way back into the past and the entanglement between the characters gradually unwinds over the course of the story.
A fast paced story with many twists and turns as the truth is slowly revealed and not just one truth there are many shocks and a very unexpected ending.
A great read that will appeal to all who love Crime Fiction.
Thank you to the author, Maggie James for the advance digital copy of this book. This is my unbiased review.
Drew and Todd are brothers and have a very good relationship. However, Todd is carrying a torch for Holly. She was dating Todd when she met and fell in love with his brother. Todd is now happily married to Nessa with twin boys to confirm their love and Drew is married to Holly. It is a complicated relationship as the four people are very close so the lines between are very blurred.
The characters are very complicated but build well throughout the story. Secrets are about to be revealed and connections made that go way back into the past and the entanglement between the characters gradually unwinds over the course of the story.
A fast paced story with many twists and turns as the truth is slowly revealed and not just one truth there are many shocks and a very unexpected ending.
A great read that will appeal to all who love Crime Fiction.
Thank you to the author, Maggie James for the advance digital copy of this book. This is my unbiased review.
December 9, 2019
4.5 stars rounded up!
As a thriller addict this is not my first read with a captivity plot but Silent Winter is pretty different from the rest of ’em. This is an author you need to add to your list! The first part of the story is dominated by Drew’s captivity and survival, his total isolation and the consequences on his mind and body kept me on tenterhooks. Would he be found in time or not? I read about his wife Holly’s distress following his absence and there were events involving Holly and his brother Todd that made me suspicious and alert, but Drew was always in the back of my mind. Sensatory deprivation is total torture and reading about his detoriating state, which was getting worse by the minute, was described in perfect detail and pretty hard hitting. I didn’t want to know what was going to happen next but my eyes were glued to the pages just the same. Drew’s life was on the line here and even as a reader I didn’t have more answers than he had and I was in the dark as much as he was about who took him and why.
The chapters were divided between Drew, Holly and then there were snippets of someone called The Watchman, without any doubt the bad guy in the story and I assumed his abducter. The Watchman’s identity stays very well hidden througout the story as well as his motive. There are also references to the past, when a little 7-year old boy living in dire circumstances at home was one night left behind at home all alone. This definitely scarred him for life but how is this tied to Drew? I felt it niggling in the back of my head and sensed the direction to look for answers but I still couldn’t figure it all out. It was delightful to finally see all the puzzle pieces fall into place and having that aha-moment. Very twisted and unexpected indeed.
Overall, a great read, very gripping and it left me reeling several times. Recommended!
As a thriller addict this is not my first read with a captivity plot but Silent Winter is pretty different from the rest of ’em. This is an author you need to add to your list! The first part of the story is dominated by Drew’s captivity and survival, his total isolation and the consequences on his mind and body kept me on tenterhooks. Would he be found in time or not? I read about his wife Holly’s distress following his absence and there were events involving Holly and his brother Todd that made me suspicious and alert, but Drew was always in the back of my mind. Sensatory deprivation is total torture and reading about his detoriating state, which was getting worse by the minute, was described in perfect detail and pretty hard hitting. I didn’t want to know what was going to happen next but my eyes were glued to the pages just the same. Drew’s life was on the line here and even as a reader I didn’t have more answers than he had and I was in the dark as much as he was about who took him and why.
The chapters were divided between Drew, Holly and then there were snippets of someone called The Watchman, without any doubt the bad guy in the story and I assumed his abducter. The Watchman’s identity stays very well hidden througout the story as well as his motive. There are also references to the past, when a little 7-year old boy living in dire circumstances at home was one night left behind at home all alone. This definitely scarred him for life but how is this tied to Drew? I felt it niggling in the back of my head and sensed the direction to look for answers but I still couldn’t figure it all out. It was delightful to finally see all the puzzle pieces fall into place and having that aha-moment. Very twisted and unexpected indeed.
Overall, a great read, very gripping and it left me reeling several times. Recommended!
December 9, 2019
When Holly Blackmore's husband Drew fails to return home from work one icy November night, she is not really surprised because it's not a unusual occurrence. But as time passes and there is still no sign of him,her feelings of anger and frustration soon give way to feelings of fear and doubt over the stability of their marriage. Why has he not text her? Is he with another woman? Drew's brother Todd is convinced that he is stressed because of money worries,has run away or had some sort of mental breakdown but he will eventually return home. But then Drew's rings are hand delivered to Holly and Todd's homes.
In reality,Drew has been abducted and finds himself locked in a pitch dark, soundproofed room. He is naked,has thick chains encircling his wrists, is lying on a bare mattress and has a bucket for a toilet. Drew has no idea who his captor is or why he has been abducted but his captor obviously wants to keep him alive because they keep feeding him stale sandwiches. But as time passes,the darkness,solitude and lack of food begins to cause his reality to fade and he starts experiencing hallucinations.
Can Drew escape before madness claims him? Who is his captor? Could his disappearance be connected with that of a prostitute years before?
Most of the chapters of this enthralling thriller are voiced by Holly and Drew,swapping back and forth between the thoughts of each character. The book is divided into three sections, Hell,Hospital and Home. We witness Holly's conflicting emotions about her marriage,Drew's disappearance,the conflict between Holly and her sister in law due to her close relationship with Todd, who just happens to be Holly's ex boyfriend. And Holly's life isn't destined to improve once Drew is rescued and returns home. Drew has understandably been affected both physically and mentally by the shocking and dehumanizing treatment that he received throughout his captivity. I loved the chilling chapters that chronicled his imprisonment,his captor silently standing outside his cell,listening too and enjoying his suffering. Drew's mental deterioration,his struggles to keep his brain active by doing mathematics in his head. Drew's deterioration was terrifyingly swift,believable and chillingly realistic.
There was chapters that were headed Before that chronicled the horrifying upbringing of a young boy named Rick,his mother was a prostitute who was constantly being abused by one of her clients,someone that young Nick had named Mr Nasty. There was also chapters that were narrated from the point of view of The Watchman,a sinister character who lurked in the shadows,scheming and plotting but who was he and how did he and Rick fit into the story. You will definitely not see the answer to that question coming,actually there was a couple of twists involving those characters that I definitely didn't see coming. I can't say that I liked Todd or his wife Nessa very much. I thought Holly was very naive and felt so much sympathy for Drew during his captivity but was I right feeling sorry for him or did he deserve his imprisonment and mistreatment?
Silent Winter is a apt and very clever title for this chilling story referencing Drew's solitary confinement and how silent the world becomes after a heavy snowfall. I love Maggie James books,they are always extremely well written and Silent Winter is no exception. The fast paced story had me hooked in from the first page,kept me guessing and frantically turning the pages. Worth far more than five stars and very highly recommended.
In reality,Drew has been abducted and finds himself locked in a pitch dark, soundproofed room. He is naked,has thick chains encircling his wrists, is lying on a bare mattress and has a bucket for a toilet. Drew has no idea who his captor is or why he has been abducted but his captor obviously wants to keep him alive because they keep feeding him stale sandwiches. But as time passes,the darkness,solitude and lack of food begins to cause his reality to fade and he starts experiencing hallucinations.
Can Drew escape before madness claims him? Who is his captor? Could his disappearance be connected with that of a prostitute years before?
Most of the chapters of this enthralling thriller are voiced by Holly and Drew,swapping back and forth between the thoughts of each character. The book is divided into three sections, Hell,Hospital and Home. We witness Holly's conflicting emotions about her marriage,Drew's disappearance,the conflict between Holly and her sister in law due to her close relationship with Todd, who just happens to be Holly's ex boyfriend. And Holly's life isn't destined to improve once Drew is rescued and returns home. Drew has understandably been affected both physically and mentally by the shocking and dehumanizing treatment that he received throughout his captivity. I loved the chilling chapters that chronicled his imprisonment,his captor silently standing outside his cell,listening too and enjoying his suffering. Drew's mental deterioration,his struggles to keep his brain active by doing mathematics in his head. Drew's deterioration was terrifyingly swift,believable and chillingly realistic.
There was chapters that were headed Before that chronicled the horrifying upbringing of a young boy named Rick,his mother was a prostitute who was constantly being abused by one of her clients,someone that young Nick had named Mr Nasty. There was also chapters that were narrated from the point of view of The Watchman,a sinister character who lurked in the shadows,scheming and plotting but who was he and how did he and Rick fit into the story. You will definitely not see the answer to that question coming,actually there was a couple of twists involving those characters that I definitely didn't see coming. I can't say that I liked Todd or his wife Nessa very much. I thought Holly was very naive and felt so much sympathy for Drew during his captivity but was I right feeling sorry for him or did he deserve his imprisonment and mistreatment?
Silent Winter is a apt and very clever title for this chilling story referencing Drew's solitary confinement and how silent the world becomes after a heavy snowfall. I love Maggie James books,they are always extremely well written and Silent Winter is no exception. The fast paced story had me hooked in from the first page,kept me guessing and frantically turning the pages. Worth far more than five stars and very highly recommended.
December 5, 2019
I love Maggie James books which are always dark and very disturbing in the most delicious way and this was no exception.
When Drew Blackmore is abducted he opens his eyes to a world of complete darkness and total isolation with no idea who his abductor could be or why he has been taken. Chained and naked his body weakens and his mind seems to evaporate into his pitch-black world as the weeks take their toll.
His wife Holly is emotionally shredded not knowing why her husband has vanished. She and her brother in law understand each other's loss but sit on a fine line that could so easily be crossed.
Maggie James takes you into the mind of these main players in the story where you find out more of what makes them behave as they do. Sometimes it isn't the choices that we make that make us who we are, it is the choices of people caring for us because if you know no better then this is a normal life, the only way you know.
This is such a brilliantly crafted and layered story of so many damaged people on a never-ending treadmill. Oh wow, when I thought things couldn't get darker I was whisked into another damaged mind. The story cleverly unfolds tieing up loose ends of peoples lives leading to a pretty mind-blowing conclusion! This is Maggie James on top form.
I wish to thank the author for an e-copy of this book for the Blog Tour, which I have reviewed honestly.
When Drew Blackmore is abducted he opens his eyes to a world of complete darkness and total isolation with no idea who his abductor could be or why he has been taken. Chained and naked his body weakens and his mind seems to evaporate into his pitch-black world as the weeks take their toll.
His wife Holly is emotionally shredded not knowing why her husband has vanished. She and her brother in law understand each other's loss but sit on a fine line that could so easily be crossed.
Maggie James takes you into the mind of these main players in the story where you find out more of what makes them behave as they do. Sometimes it isn't the choices that we make that make us who we are, it is the choices of people caring for us because if you know no better then this is a normal life, the only way you know.
This is such a brilliantly crafted and layered story of so many damaged people on a never-ending treadmill. Oh wow, when I thought things couldn't get darker I was whisked into another damaged mind. The story cleverly unfolds tieing up loose ends of peoples lives leading to a pretty mind-blowing conclusion! This is Maggie James on top form.
I wish to thank the author for an e-copy of this book for the Blog Tour, which I have reviewed honestly.
December 6, 2019
Firstly I have to say that in my opinion that Silent Winter is the best book to date by Maggie James. I have read and thoroughly enjoyed this authors previous books but this book moved up to a different level. This is a dark read which centres around the abduction and incarceration of of Drew Blackmore. He is held captive in isolation and darkness until his mental and physical health is practically diminished. This also affects his worried and frantic family. Neither Drew nor his family have any idea who would do such an horrendous act. Secrets from the past emerge which could help in the search for the abductor. The description of Drew's suffering, sensory loss and his mental state was so well written.
A tense gripping read that continues to keep you on the edge of your seat up to the very end .
A tense gripping read that continues to keep you on the edge of your seat up to the very end .
December 5, 2019
Loved it! Review to follow
December 11, 2019
What did I think?
This was a rather harrowing experience for me as Silent Winter was incredibly uncomfortable to read at times! When Drew Blackmore is abducted, he is kept barely alive by his captor. His wife is at a loss to explain his disappearance as she thought they were happy, little knowing that Drew had no choice in the matter having been beaten unconscious by whoever has taken him. As Holly struggles to understand why Drew went missing, she discovers that there are things from her husbands past that may lead her to the answers she seeks.
The scenes where Drew is locked away and those where he interacts with his captor were absolutely chilling. His attempts to work out why he has been targeted, whilst trying to remain strong enough mentally to fight back, were heartbreaking! And as he descended into the depths of his tortured soul there seemed to be no escape for him. There are intervals of respite where we see how Holly is coping alone and confused plus we also have flashbacks to the abduction and subsequent disappearance of a prostitute who leaves behind her 7 year old son. But how is this connected to Drew's abduction? And will the answers come to light before it's too late for Drew?
This is definitely not one for the faint of heart as it can be tough to read at times. It's dark and disturbing storyline almost destroys the characters that are connected to Drew as they all have to face their own inner demons and make choices that may not be as informed as they would like them to be. Maggie James does like to explore the darker side of human nature and here she really does plumb the depths of human depravity. The vile perpetrator of this heinous crime made my flesh crawl as I entered the world that he inhabited and I actually felt like I needed to shower him off me once I finished the book.
This is one of Maggie James best books so far. It's disturbing, gripping storyline kept me glued to me seat and the last few pages really made my jaw drop and perfectly concluded this journey into one mans decent into hell.
December 6, 2019
I have a teensy, weeny, little (well ok a large) confession to make. Although I have a couple of Maggie's books on my mahoosive and ever expanding 'to be read' mountain, I haven't actually read one of them yet...…….until now that is. Having enjoyed reading 'Silent Winter' as much as I did, I am now rather cross that I left it this long to discover how flipping fantastic an author Maggie is and how fabulous her books are. I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Silent Winter' but more about that in a bit.
I can't say that I took to the characters of Holly or Drew much at all but that's not to say that I didn't feel for the pair of them. Drew disappears and his wife Holly is beside herself. Initially she thinks that he has been on a bender or that he is having an affair but as time goes on she becomes increasingly worried about what has happened to him. Holly delves into Drew's past and she actually uncovers some pretty tragic information, which she had no idea about. Drew has been abducted and is being held captive by some unknown person for some unknown reason, which isn't immediately apparent. Drew has been tied up although he is able to move, he isn't able to go far. As time goes on, we gradually find out more and more about Drew's past and the reasons as to why the kidnapper has kidnapped Drew. Will Drew survive his incarceration? Who is the kidnapper? Well for the answers to those questions and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
Oh my flipping word, 'Silent Winter' is an amazing read and certainly one of my favourite reads of 2019 so far. I was hooked on this book from the moment I got to the end of the first page. From then on, reading 'Silent Winter' became a serious addiction. I would pick the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters but I would still sat there over half a dozen chapters later. I had become so absorbed by the story that I couldn't have put the book down even if I had wanted to (I didn't). The book wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn't bear to part with the book as I didn't want to miss a single word of the story. I reached the end of the book far quicker than I had anticipated or wanted. I was gutted to finish the book as it meant that this fabulous read was at an end. I soon cheered up when I realised that I had the rest of Maggie's books to catch up on.
'Silent Winter' is brilliantly written. The author certainly knows how to grab your attention from the start and then she keeps that attention throughout the story. In a way, it's as if she hypnotises you through the words on the page. Maggie uses such powerful and vivid descriptions that I really did feel as though I was part of the story myself. Every emotion that Holly felt, I felt. I also shared Drew's feelings of claustrophobia, hopelessness and being scared.
Reading 'Silent Winter' was much like being on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride without any idea of which direction the story is going to take you in next. There were several twists and turns to the story which I weren't expecting and when they emerged, I felt as though I had taken a punch to the gut and had the stuffing knocked out of me. There were times when I almost had to read through my fingers as I feared what was going to happen next.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Silent Winter' even if it did occasionally give me the heebie jeebies. I would definitely recommend this author and this book to other readers. I will definitely be reading more of her work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
I can't say that I took to the characters of Holly or Drew much at all but that's not to say that I didn't feel for the pair of them. Drew disappears and his wife Holly is beside herself. Initially she thinks that he has been on a bender or that he is having an affair but as time goes on she becomes increasingly worried about what has happened to him. Holly delves into Drew's past and she actually uncovers some pretty tragic information, which she had no idea about. Drew has been abducted and is being held captive by some unknown person for some unknown reason, which isn't immediately apparent. Drew has been tied up although he is able to move, he isn't able to go far. As time goes on, we gradually find out more and more about Drew's past and the reasons as to why the kidnapper has kidnapped Drew. Will Drew survive his incarceration? Who is the kidnapper? Well for the answers to those questions and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
Oh my flipping word, 'Silent Winter' is an amazing read and certainly one of my favourite reads of 2019 so far. I was hooked on this book from the moment I got to the end of the first page. From then on, reading 'Silent Winter' became a serious addiction. I would pick the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters but I would still sat there over half a dozen chapters later. I had become so absorbed by the story that I couldn't have put the book down even if I had wanted to (I didn't). The book wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn't bear to part with the book as I didn't want to miss a single word of the story. I reached the end of the book far quicker than I had anticipated or wanted. I was gutted to finish the book as it meant that this fabulous read was at an end. I soon cheered up when I realised that I had the rest of Maggie's books to catch up on.
'Silent Winter' is brilliantly written. The author certainly knows how to grab your attention from the start and then she keeps that attention throughout the story. In a way, it's as if she hypnotises you through the words on the page. Maggie uses such powerful and vivid descriptions that I really did feel as though I was part of the story myself. Every emotion that Holly felt, I felt. I also shared Drew's feelings of claustrophobia, hopelessness and being scared.
Reading 'Silent Winter' was much like being on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride without any idea of which direction the story is going to take you in next. There were several twists and turns to the story which I weren't expecting and when they emerged, I felt as though I had taken a punch to the gut and had the stuffing knocked out of me. There were times when I almost had to read through my fingers as I feared what was going to happen next.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Silent Winter' even if it did occasionally give me the heebie jeebies. I would definitely recommend this author and this book to other readers. I will definitely be reading more of her work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
December 21, 2019
Who knew Maggie James had such a dark and twisted imagination? Maggie James' new novel, Silent Winter, is so very dark, especially in contrast to the crisp white snow on the cover. It's a book that doesn't so much get under your skin as worm its way into your brain due to the fascinating subject matter of solitary confinement.
When Holly's husband, Drew, doesn't return home from work one night she knows something is seriously wrong and calls Drew's brother, Todd. Todd thinks Drew has just gone for a few drinks to blow off steam and will return home full of remorse the following day. When Drew doesn't return and the days turn to weeks they wonder whether Drew has walked away from his marriage voluntarily.
Meanwhile, the reader is party to the secret of Drew's abduction. As if it isn't bad enough to be kept in a makeshift prison, Drew is deprived of sights and sounds; he is kept in the dark and his captor doesn't utter a word to him. Drew has no idea why he has been targeted and there are several threads to untangle before the reader can even find that out.
There are so many layers to this story that kept my eyes glued to the page: Holly and Drew's marriage, Holly and Todd's history, Todd and Drew's dark family secret and the captor's motivation. Most of all, I was fascinated by the sensory deprivation that Drew suffered in captivity. It was interesting to see how the brain reacts to such things and I wondered how long I would last without stimulation; probably not long at all if I had no books!
Silent Winter is an outstanding book that reminds me of a boxing match; it packs a big punch at the beginning, keeps the reader on their toes throughout until the final knockout blow at the end. Maggie James has really raised the bar in the psychological thriller genre with this exceptional and unforgettable book.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
When Holly's husband, Drew, doesn't return home from work one night she knows something is seriously wrong and calls Drew's brother, Todd. Todd thinks Drew has just gone for a few drinks to blow off steam and will return home full of remorse the following day. When Drew doesn't return and the days turn to weeks they wonder whether Drew has walked away from his marriage voluntarily.
Meanwhile, the reader is party to the secret of Drew's abduction. As if it isn't bad enough to be kept in a makeshift prison, Drew is deprived of sights and sounds; he is kept in the dark and his captor doesn't utter a word to him. Drew has no idea why he has been targeted and there are several threads to untangle before the reader can even find that out.
There are so many layers to this story that kept my eyes glued to the page: Holly and Drew's marriage, Holly and Todd's history, Todd and Drew's dark family secret and the captor's motivation. Most of all, I was fascinated by the sensory deprivation that Drew suffered in captivity. It was interesting to see how the brain reacts to such things and I wondered how long I would last without stimulation; probably not long at all if I had no books!
Silent Winter is an outstanding book that reminds me of a boxing match; it packs a big punch at the beginning, keeps the reader on their toes throughout until the final knockout blow at the end. Maggie James has really raised the bar in the psychological thriller genre with this exceptional and unforgettable book.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
November 25, 2019
What I loved about Silent Winter, was that it mixed the twist and turns of a British psychological thriller, with the no-holds-barred of an American police procedural.
We are with Drew when he is kidnapped, and we live each desperate detail, as he struggles to get a grip on what is happening. And then we're experiencing it from the view of his wife Holly. From there the plot thickens as Maggie is able to draw us in, feeding us details to quench our thirst for more. With each turn of a page, or swipe of a finger we question the characters, not knowing who to trust and who might be behind it all. A back story slithers ever closer to the forefront, pulling it all together.
I'm tempted to suggest that this is Maggie's best book, but then I struggle to think of one that was less than great. This is how a dark psychological thriller should be. This is why we read books, and enjoy every single page!
We are with Drew when he is kidnapped, and we live each desperate detail, as he struggles to get a grip on what is happening. And then we're experiencing it from the view of his wife Holly. From there the plot thickens as Maggie is able to draw us in, feeding us details to quench our thirst for more. With each turn of a page, or swipe of a finger we question the characters, not knowing who to trust and who might be behind it all. A back story slithers ever closer to the forefront, pulling it all together.
I'm tempted to suggest that this is Maggie's best book, but then I struggle to think of one that was less than great. This is how a dark psychological thriller should be. This is why we read books, and enjoy every single page!
January 17, 2020
As soon as I started reading Silent Winter I literally could not put it down. Maggie James did an absolute phenomenal job with her latest novel.
The elements of suspense throughout the book kept me on my toes and made me want more. I couldn’t wait to find out what happened to Drew after he was captured and tortured. Will he survive? If so, who would do such an awful act against him?
All of the characters were so realistic. I loved Drew and his perseverance to stay alive. I loved his wife, Holly, as she tries with all her might to find strength every day. As much as I wanted to hate him at times, I even loved Todd (Drew’s brother).
The story is compelling, realistic, and at times just downright terrifying. Maggie Jones has become one of my go to authors as I have loved every one of her books. Silent Winter takes the lead as my favorite. Superb job!!
The elements of suspense throughout the book kept me on my toes and made me want more. I couldn’t wait to find out what happened to Drew after he was captured and tortured. Will he survive? If so, who would do such an awful act against him?
All of the characters were so realistic. I loved Drew and his perseverance to stay alive. I loved his wife, Holly, as she tries with all her might to find strength every day. As much as I wanted to hate him at times, I even loved Todd (Drew’s brother).
The story is compelling, realistic, and at times just downright terrifying. Maggie Jones has become one of my go to authors as I have loved every one of her books. Silent Winter takes the lead as my favorite. Superb job!!
November 26, 2019
This reliably excellent author’s writing style is ideal for this type of book, which to me is part domestic noir, part psychological thriller, and wholly claustrophobic. When Del disappears, his wife, Holly, is initially angry at his failure to come home, but then descends into misery when she realises something is terribly wrong. As readers we start to question her relationship with Del’s brother, we suffer along with Del, and we wonder who abducted him and why. Solitary confinement at its most psychologically damaging, and the intricacies of personality and relationships, are explored here with great skill and maturity. This book should go well.
December 4, 2019
Wow! I was hooked from the beggining, and couldn't stop reading, I wanted to see what the twist was, and what a twist! I loved the writing and the unfolding of events, I had such a great time reading it! Maggie did a wonderful job again in this gripping thriller! Highly recommended!
December 21, 2019
My 4.5* review of 'Silent Winter" by Maggie James..What a rollercoaster for the emotions, intriguing and compelling from page one to the very last page. For me the authors best work to date. I do wonder what research is needed to write a story like this.
June 3, 2020
Intense, gripping and full of suspense
Silent Winter is the first Maggie James novel I’ve read, and it certainly won’t be the last. This is a fantastic psychological thriller with the ability to pull you right in and hold you, fascinated and repelled at the cruelty humans can inflict on each other.
At times the descriptions are so deep and visceral that it actually feels as if you’re there watching Drew. The switch to Holly and Todd is done skilfully and the complex back story is woven in so tightly that the suspense builds and keeps you guessing.
Brilliant writing and a gripping, intense read that I’m sure will linger in my mind for a long time. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
Silent Winter is the first Maggie James novel I’ve read, and it certainly won’t be the last. This is a fantastic psychological thriller with the ability to pull you right in and hold you, fascinated and repelled at the cruelty humans can inflict on each other.
At times the descriptions are so deep and visceral that it actually feels as if you’re there watching Drew. The switch to Holly and Todd is done skilfully and the complex back story is woven in so tightly that the suspense builds and keeps you guessing.
Brilliant writing and a gripping, intense read that I’m sure will linger in my mind for a long time. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
March 25, 2020
Just Okay
The story itself was good, but the surprises were not. The identity /ies of the abductor/s was unbelievable. The identity of the killer was very predictable. For a book that began so good , the ending was a total disappointment.
The story itself was good, but the surprises were not. The identity /ies of the abductor/s was unbelievable. The identity of the killer was very predictable. For a book that began so good , the ending was a total disappointment.
October 6, 2020
Good Read
I liked the book, it kept me interested, I stayed up all night and read it, I enjoyed the brothers story, didn't care much for the two wives though, maybe that's just me, I would still recommend the book.
I liked the book, it kept me interested, I stayed up all night and read it, I enjoyed the brothers story, didn't care much for the two wives though, maybe that's just me, I would still recommend the book.
January 25, 2023
Gripping
I enjoyed this. The book is well written and cleverly plotted. This was a gripping read even though I figured out the plot twists ahead of the big reveal. Well done, Maggie James!
I enjoyed this. The book is well written and cleverly plotted. This was a gripping read even though I figured out the plot twists ahead of the big reveal. Well done, Maggie James!
January 25, 2021
This book had a clear four stars until the last few chapters. I thought the ending contrived and perfunctory.
August 26, 2021
Brilliant
Excellent read, would have read in a day if I could, housework permitting ! up there with Stuart Mc Bride ,
Excellent read, would have read in a day if I could, housework permitting ! up there with Stuart Mc Bride ,
July 16, 2022
Hard to put down. 4.5 stars!
September 25, 2025
A solid 4 stars for this amazing book. And the last two pages were thrilling.
February 26, 2020
I have never read anything by this author, the cover and then the blurb caught my attention. I was blown away with just how fantastic this book is. The plot is amazing and has a lot going on with the different characters who are all very well written with nice depth to them. There are so many emotions and mysteries to be revealed in this book. I was sitting on the edge of my seat at times whilst reading this. I am looking forward to reading more from this author in the future as I found this book to be absolutely brilliant.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 20, 2020
Recommend reading
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The story unfolds very well with lots of twists right to the end. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The story unfolds very well with lots of twists right to the end. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
December 6, 2019
Thank you to Sarah @ Book On The Brightside book tours for my spot on the blog tour.
Usually reviewers find it extremely hard to review a book that they truly love…This is especially true for Silent Winter. This book in essence is summed up by the phrase the sins of the father. Silence is dangerous, silence is deadly, and silence can be a weapon.
The first chapter ensured that I kept reading. As far as a bookworm is concerned it was crack. I was addicted, I was focussed, and I knew I was in for the long haul. Maggie James kept me searching for that next hit. I was weak, and I wanted more. My head was buzzing with all the possibilities. The storyline was threatening, dangerous with more than a subtle hint evil running at its epicentre. The author had weaved a compulsive tale of survival in a bleak world…who can we trust? The images that Maggie James left her poor reader to conjure in their head was hell. My imagination was red hot, overused and turned to scrambled eggs. This is the type of novel that has you looking over your shoulder twice, three times in the dark to ensure you aren’t in danger. I loved the POV of the perpetrator. Seeing the ruined and disturbed mind of a psychopath was a threatening shadow just in the corner of your mind. Maggie James blindfolded you and threw you into the boot of her car…don’t expect to escape unscathed!
The strongest protagonist in this story was for sure Drew’s wife, Holly. What a woman she is! She initially fears her husband has been unfaithful. Soon that anger turns to panic when her husband fails to turn up for work the next day. Is he lying in a ditch somewhere inebriated? Has he had a car accident? The worst thought of all doesn’t fail to creep into her mind…he couldn’t be dead, could he? I warmed to her immediately. Regret at their last words thrown in anger. His reluctance to start a family and her deep-seated need to become a mother. She seeks reassurance in Todd, Drew’s older brother. Both agree to go to police and report him missing and pray in the mean time he might just turn up with a good story to tell. They swim troubled waters together, taking comfort in each other’s misery. Maggie James has the correct balance in her narrative. Holly becomes lost in her fear not quite knowing which way to move forward, money troubles without Drew , blasts from the past and the fear and loathing emitting from Drew’s captivity. Holly kept it all relatively together whilst also harbouring a secret of her own.
I read this book in two sittings (it would have been one but parenting and life prevented me from inhaling it) from the first page to the last I could feel myself being sucked into the story, like a fly on the wall watching it in real time. It was fast paced, a real page turner. I would love to see this as a film – listen up Netflix! Can you imagine being kept in pure darkness for an unsurmountable amount of time? Can you only imagine being dehumanised for someone’s amusement? Can you imagine the mental toll that would have on the brain? Maggie James examines one man’s struggle to survive, walking on the tight rope of sanity and she does it with such raw intensity. It was compulsive.
Silent Winter just drips with superior prose. This is a heartbreakingly perfect thriller. Addictively compulsive. Add this to your TBR immediately.
Usually reviewers find it extremely hard to review a book that they truly love…This is especially true for Silent Winter. This book in essence is summed up by the phrase the sins of the father. Silence is dangerous, silence is deadly, and silence can be a weapon.
The first chapter ensured that I kept reading. As far as a bookworm is concerned it was crack. I was addicted, I was focussed, and I knew I was in for the long haul. Maggie James kept me searching for that next hit. I was weak, and I wanted more. My head was buzzing with all the possibilities. The storyline was threatening, dangerous with more than a subtle hint evil running at its epicentre. The author had weaved a compulsive tale of survival in a bleak world…who can we trust? The images that Maggie James left her poor reader to conjure in their head was hell. My imagination was red hot, overused and turned to scrambled eggs. This is the type of novel that has you looking over your shoulder twice, three times in the dark to ensure you aren’t in danger. I loved the POV of the perpetrator. Seeing the ruined and disturbed mind of a psychopath was a threatening shadow just in the corner of your mind. Maggie James blindfolded you and threw you into the boot of her car…don’t expect to escape unscathed!
The strongest protagonist in this story was for sure Drew’s wife, Holly. What a woman she is! She initially fears her husband has been unfaithful. Soon that anger turns to panic when her husband fails to turn up for work the next day. Is he lying in a ditch somewhere inebriated? Has he had a car accident? The worst thought of all doesn’t fail to creep into her mind…he couldn’t be dead, could he? I warmed to her immediately. Regret at their last words thrown in anger. His reluctance to start a family and her deep-seated need to become a mother. She seeks reassurance in Todd, Drew’s older brother. Both agree to go to police and report him missing and pray in the mean time he might just turn up with a good story to tell. They swim troubled waters together, taking comfort in each other’s misery. Maggie James has the correct balance in her narrative. Holly becomes lost in her fear not quite knowing which way to move forward, money troubles without Drew , blasts from the past and the fear and loathing emitting from Drew’s captivity. Holly kept it all relatively together whilst also harbouring a secret of her own.
I read this book in two sittings (it would have been one but parenting and life prevented me from inhaling it) from the first page to the last I could feel myself being sucked into the story, like a fly on the wall watching it in real time. It was fast paced, a real page turner. I would love to see this as a film – listen up Netflix! Can you imagine being kept in pure darkness for an unsurmountable amount of time? Can you only imagine being dehumanised for someone’s amusement? Can you imagine the mental toll that would have on the brain? Maggie James examines one man’s struggle to survive, walking on the tight rope of sanity and she does it with such raw intensity. It was compulsive.
Silent Winter just drips with superior prose. This is a heartbreakingly perfect thriller. Addictively compulsive. Add this to your TBR immediately.
February 13, 2020
Great book, very psychological and very dark.
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