What do you think?
Rate this book
Victor Loshak #3
Silent Night
No one is safe.
A mass-shooter rages through Chicago in the days after Christmas. Brutal. Efficient. He etches a path of destruction through the city.
Shooting up the mall. Opening fire in traffic. Rampaging through a movie theater.
That's just his opening act.
FBI profiler Victor Loshak heads to the windy city to investigate and finds himself swept up in a frenzied manhunt. This killer will strike again -- it's a question of when not if -- so every second becomes critical.
As always, Loshak must enter the shadowy mind of the perpetrator to help catch him -- understanding the shooter's psychology will be the key to predicting his behavior, the key to stopping him.
The city veers toward panic. The killer seems invulnerable, always one step ahead.
And then there's the blizzard moving in.
Endless snow. Wind. Frigid temperatures.
The shooter and the elements will combine to test Loshak like he's never been tested before. But can he find the answers in time?
A mass-shooter rages through Chicago in the days after Christmas. Brutal. Efficient. He etches a path of destruction through the city.
Shooting up the mall. Opening fire in traffic. Rampaging through a movie theater.
That's just his opening act.
FBI profiler Victor Loshak heads to the windy city to investigate and finds himself swept up in a frenzied manhunt. This killer will strike again -- it's a question of when not if -- so every second becomes critical.
As always, Loshak must enter the shadowy mind of the perpetrator to help catch him -- understanding the shooter's psychology will be the key to predicting his behavior, the key to stopping him.
The city veers toward panic. The killer seems invulnerable, always one step ahead.
And then there's the blizzard moving in.
Endless snow. Wind. Frigid temperatures.
The shooter and the elements will combine to test Loshak like he's never been tested before. But can he find the answers in time?
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 5, 2020
1002 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Smith
15 books52 followersE. M. Smith came by his redneck roots honestly, his barbwire tattoo dishonestly, and his sobriety slowly. Recovery isn't a sprint, according to his friends, it's a marathon. That's probably why he turned into such a fitness geek when he quit drinking.
You can call him Mason if you want to. He just uses his initials to seem professional.
You can call him Mason if you want to. He just uses his initials to seem professional.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
April 5, 2022
I was glued to this book and read it in 2 days!! Although the graphic description of the shootings is shocking, you feel like you're there and its fast pace makes it impossible to put down!
April 9, 2021
Holy cow
Oh my gosh what a wild ride. Had me cracking up one minute then sitting on the edge of my seat the next.
The details are so real. I could feel that damn snow storm.
Oh my gosh what a wild ride. Had me cracking up one minute then sitting on the edge of my seat the next.
The details are so real. I could feel that damn snow storm.
June 19, 2020
Great Series!
Loshak and Spinks once again make a great pair in this mass murderer thriller. Loshak ever the pragmatic agent is becoming a bit more mindful of his partner Spinks conspiracy theories. With hundreds of people dying back to back and this mad man on the loose there’s no time to lose, he has to be apprehended one way or another! I love these characters and cannot wait for the next book already.
Loshak and Spinks once again make a great pair in this mass murderer thriller. Loshak ever the pragmatic agent is becoming a bit more mindful of his partner Spinks conspiracy theories. With hundreds of people dying back to back and this mad man on the loose there’s no time to lose, he has to be apprehended one way or another! I love these characters and cannot wait for the next book already.
April 5, 2020
I absolutely love this series. I've been following these authors for a few years now, and I'm always excited when another book comes out. I highly recommend all their books! If you're a fan of horror or true crime type stuff you'll love them. The only bad thing I can say is sometimes they mess my sleep schedule up because I can't stop reading! That's always a measure of a good book, isn't it? When you can't go to sleep without reading just one more chapter. Love them.
April 9, 2020
Another awesome Loshak book. This series and the Violet Darger series are so great to me because the writing just flows. I can get totally engrossed in the stories... and sometimes the stories are gross! This book had a mass shooter terrorizing Chicago. So awesome, but too short! Can’t wait for the next installment.
March 31, 2021
Good read, fast pass, unpredictable
March 20, 2021
Another entertaining read. Fast paced and the authors are great at getting into a character's head. Sometimes a bit gory, but worth the time.
January 11, 2021
good series...i like his reporter partner. nice to get the history on Darger's partner.
December 27, 2020
Great read. Love Agent Loshak and Spinks. Look forward to the next book!
April 8, 2020
Silent Night was anything but! This is the best in the Darger/Loshak series. The authors have recommended that you can read this as a "standalone" book, but I feel that in order to really know Darger and Loshak, you have to start at the beginning. I did post a review on Amazon also. The characters are well defined and I found myself laughing at some of the comments being made from character to character. You felt the bitter cold (Chicago)! Brought memories of the first time I stepped knee deep in snow and how it chilled and burned you to the bone. I couldn't warm up fast enough. :-) And of course, you felt the Florida heat. The authors really let us feel the punch! By the end of the book, I was exhausted but in a "good way."
I am not going to tell you what the whole story was about because you need to read it and prepare yourself. If you haven't read anything by L.T. Vargus, Tim McBain and E.M. Smith, prepare to get hooked. Enjoy!
I am not going to tell you what the whole story was about because you need to read it and prepare yourself. If you haven't read anything by L.T. Vargus, Tim McBain and E.M. Smith, prepare to get hooked. Enjoy!
February 15, 2021
Great read. Very intense.
April 27, 2020
I always look forward to new books from Tim and Lex. I know it's going to keep me up all night reading because the story and the suspense will have my heart racing uncontrollably. This new book was no different. Loshak teamed up again with Spinks, a reporter. Spinks adds a bit of a comic relief for me because he always goes off on conspiracy theories regarding cases. Which frustrates the ever logical Loshak to no end. But as usual they end up working well together.
The killer in this book is fascinating. He has a very dark and twisted mind. That is a very appealing aspect for a killer to have for me. The more dark and twisted and more difficult to figure out the better! Thank goodness Tim and Lex keep finding ways to bring these wonderfully evil characters to us.
The killer in this book is fascinating. He has a very dark and twisted mind. That is a very appealing aspect for a killer to have for me. The more dark and twisted and more difficult to figure out the better! Thank goodness Tim and Lex keep finding ways to bring these wonderfully evil characters to us.
March 31, 2020
Overall I loved this book, but it lost a star because I found the last 15%-20% of the book choppy and didn't flow the way I would have liked. In my opinion L.T., Tim and E. M did an incredible job of bringing into the killer's head and Loshak's head. In my opinion the things that went on in this book were very realistic. I found myself on the edge of my seat turning the pages. I'm hoping the underlying story will come to an end soon. I hope we find out who the Boss is soon. In my opinion if you are a fan, I think these three authors did not disappoint. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance reader's copy.
April 8, 2020
An incredible rip roaring tasty treat. Loshak and Spinks at their finest. A vivid picture unfold with every word read. This recent thrill ride kept my nerves twitching and wondering exactly how this whole thing would play out. A couple of dudes named Frank and Vince introduced fairly early had me guessing what part they would play in this massacre based Snowmageddon. Let’s just say.....they made an impact. This is a keeper and a re-reader for a long time.
April 14, 2020
Be prepared to feel cold, sad, angry, scared, amused... all the feels!
Loshak and Spinks on the case! As always, there's a lot of fun dialog between characters and incredible action. This one has the added bonus of a long blizzard fight for your life that took my breath away at moments. Surprising twists of liking nefarious characters on the edge too. I think this is also the first book that this writing team has done that made me tear up!
I was given an ARC for an honest review.
Loshak and Spinks on the case! As always, there's a lot of fun dialog between characters and incredible action. This one has the added bonus of a long blizzard fight for your life that took my breath away at moments. Surprising twists of liking nefarious characters on the edge too. I think this is also the first book that this writing team has done that made me tear up!
I was given an ARC for an honest review.
April 23, 2020
Another great Loshak story from these great authors! I love exploring not only Loshak's determination and psychology, but the perspective of the killer as well. As always, Smith, Vargus, and McBain take the reader on a wild ride with multiple surprises from various perspectives. I highly recommend anything from these authors for anyone who enjoys serial killer thrillers--especially if you don't have a weak stomach!
September 5, 2020
Entertaining
Victor Loshak is in Chicago hunting for the killer who perpetrated mass murders with an Uzi in one of the malls and then again on the highway. But Loshak is being stalked by individuals unknown. Interesting storytelling with intriguing plot and shadow plot. A little unfinished business? Looking forward to the new and exciting edition.
A quick shout to authors, What is going on with Violet Darger? I miss her.
Victor Loshak is in Chicago hunting for the killer who perpetrated mass murders with an Uzi in one of the malls and then again on the highway. But Loshak is being stalked by individuals unknown. Interesting storytelling with intriguing plot and shadow plot. A little unfinished business? Looking forward to the new and exciting edition.
A quick shout to authors, What is going on with Violet Darger? I miss her.
December 20, 2020
Another all nighter!!
Couldn’t put it down!! Love this series!
Definitely a good read filled with suspense!
Recommend to all who love crime novels!
Couldn’t put it down!! Love this series!
Definitely a good read filled with suspense!
Recommend to all who love crime novels!
April 5, 2020
I love both the Darger and Loshak series. This is another good one in both series. I took off a star because the subject/story of this one seemed a bit off of the path that all the books have been going but it was still an awesome book. My greatest hope is that Loshak and Darger work together again BUT now only if Spinks can go too!!
April 13, 2020
Loshak and Spinks are sent to Chicago during a white out to find a serial killer. This killer mows everyone down in his vision. Loshak comes up with the idea that the killer is self medicating and might be a pharmacists and almost loses his life in tracking down the killer. Can't wait for the next installment.
April 6, 2020
Loshak and Spinks are back together tracking a serial killer in Chicago. This episode in the Loshak stories takes dark and gritty to a new level. This was one of those stories that was near impossible to put down and now that it is over, the next episode can’t come soon enough.
April 22, 2020
I love the Loshak books with Dargar, but I'm really getting comfortable with Spinks as Vic's partner. Another gripping page turner and living in Florida, I could feel the Chicago winter coming off the pages! Great twists and can't wait to find out who The Boss is!!
September 1, 2020
Outstanding
Great read ....best Loshak todate. Sadly, the plot is undeniably following current societal events but provides good insight into the twisted minds of rampage shooters and their violent nature. Can't wait for the next Loshak adventure.
Great read ....best Loshak todate. Sadly, the plot is undeniably following current societal events but provides good insight into the twisted minds of rampage shooters and their violent nature. Can't wait for the next Loshak adventure.
April 11, 2020
This is a must read! Excellent book. Can't wait for next Victor Loshak book in the series
December 12, 2023
Here continues the story of Victor and his pseudo partner reporter Spinks. As Victor is hanging out in a diner with his ex-wife, for her birthday weekend, when the TV news starts reporting a mass shooting in Chicago. Victor tries to convivence his ex-wife he won't have to go due to him being a profiler. But Victor and Spinks get the call and off to Chicago they go. Oh, did I mention is just after Christmas and the with worst blizzard in the past century is supposed to arrive in 2 days.
This entry into to Violet Darger/Victor Loshak world continues to expand Victor's world. The main characters Victor and Spinks continue to grow as a partnership and individuals. The prose is easy to read but continues to have twists and turns to keep the reader interested.
If you like mystery thrillers, serial killer stories, profiling stories, or conspiracy theories then reading the Violet Darger and Victor Loshak books should be on your TBR (to-be-read) list.
This entry into to Violet Darger/Victor Loshak world continues to expand Victor's world. The main characters Victor and Spinks continue to grow as a partnership and individuals. The prose is easy to read but continues to have twists and turns to keep the reader interested.
If you like mystery thrillers, serial killer stories, profiling stories, or conspiracy theories then reading the Violet Darger and Victor Loshak books should be on your TBR (to-be-read) list.
September 22, 2021
Guess Who is in Chicago During A Blizzard?
Loshak and Spinks find themselves called on to find a mass shooter. The first shooting is in the food court of a mall, the second shooting spree on the highway as the shooter drives away, to be followed by yet another shooting at a theater. This time he leaves a very lucky little girl alive and unharmed. Her account of the tragedy leads Loshak to expand his pool of suspects and a way to winnow that pool down and catch this madman, but not before the shooter works his way thru 2 New Year’s Eve parties. The last few chapters are filled with the Loshak and the killer as they struggle through a huge unprecedented snowmaggaden.
Loshak and Spinks find themselves called on to find a mass shooter. The first shooting is in the food court of a mall, the second shooting spree on the highway as the shooter drives away, to be followed by yet another shooting at a theater. This time he leaves a very lucky little girl alive and unharmed. Her account of the tragedy leads Loshak to expand his pool of suspects and a way to winnow that pool down and catch this madman, but not before the shooter works his way thru 2 New Year’s Eve parties. The last few chapters are filled with the Loshak and the killer as they struggle through a huge unprecedented snowmaggaden.
October 6, 2025
This book of the Victor Loshak series was amazing. Agent Loshak and his Civilian partner Jevon Spinks are in Chicago, called in to catch a mass shooting serial killer. It's the dead of winter in Chicago. Before they can find their suspect hundreds of people are shot down. Fighting to bring down a psychopath in a blizzard in Chicago is definitely not an easy job! When Victor is kidnapped by the shooter, it's a fight for the death in this one, just not from the serial killer but from the Chicgo winter as well. This one is action packed with everything you want in a mystery thriller. A must read. You don't want to miss this one.
Read
July 11, 2021A terrifying mass shooter in Chicago . ..
Loshak and Spinks fly to Chicago after finding the name of a Kansas City millionaire on the list of dead from a mall massacre . Possible link th the human trafficking case from there . Chicago was about to have a blizzard of the century and it would be a nightmare .
These books have a lot of character "insight" from the characters themselves . Interesting . Also several typos in this story .
Loshak and Spinks fly to Chicago after finding the name of a Kansas City millionaire on the list of dead from a mall massacre . Possible link th the human trafficking case from there . Chicago was about to have a blizzard of the century and it would be a nightmare .
These books have a lot of character "insight" from the characters themselves . Interesting . Also several typos in this story .
April 14, 2024
Loshak, the FBI agent seems to be a stand up guy - but he doesn't seem to have the skills needed to do his job.
What cop, or FBI agent goes by themselves to interview someone they *think* might be the killer? There has to be protocols for this kind of thing. I think they even sent a REPORTER to interview one of the guys they thought might be the killer? What FBI agent does that?
I gave it 3 stars because I like the writing style of this author and have read the Darger series too -but I feel like this guy has been taken or duped by the killer at the end of every book so far.
What cop, or FBI agent goes by themselves to interview someone they *think* might be the killer? There has to be protocols for this kind of thing. I think they even sent a REPORTER to interview one of the guys they thought might be the killer? What FBI agent does that?
I gave it 3 stars because I like the writing style of this author and have read the Darger series too -but I feel like this guy has been taken or duped by the killer at the end of every book so far.
June 27, 2021
Can't put Silent Night down
The reader is compelled to keep reading, trying to piece together links, that may not be links at all. Loshak profiles a shooter while looking for connections to a previous human trafficking case. All the while, he is being trailed by a couple of professional hit men. What's up with that? This is a must read series - that shows a very different perspective on Loshak than the Violet Darger books. Interesting.
The reader is compelled to keep reading, trying to piece together links, that may not be links at all. Loshak profiles a shooter while looking for connections to a previous human trafficking case. All the while, he is being trailed by a couple of professional hit men. What's up with that? This is a must read series - that shows a very different perspective on Loshak than the Violet Darger books. Interesting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews