What do you think?
Rate this book
Shades of Silence
Julianna Sandoval is living in limbo. Her husband’s plane has vanished over the Atlantic Ocean and although the Coast Guard has suspended the search, she clings to hope that he’ll still be found alive. Three months later, a young woman appears after hours at Julianna’s Ormond Beach restaurant, declaring, “He’s not who you think he is.” Before the stranger can say anything else, a gunshot through the window kills her instantly. Seasoned detective Paul Grant is assigned to investigate the girl’s murder. He senses that the shooting was not random but doesn’t know the connection to his only witness. Was the girl referring to Julianna’s presumed dead husband, her lazy stepson, her shady bar manager, or someone else? The investigation leaves Julianna wondering who she can trust and culminates with an eerie link to the past that no one sees coming.
260 pages, ebook
First published April 27, 2021
402 people are currently reading
1009 people want to read
About the author
Liz Lazarus
4 books256 followersLIZ LAZARUS is an engineer by education, a consultant & business owner from experience and an author given her passion to tell stories.
Her first novel is loosely based on a personal experience and a series of ‘what if’ questions. FREE OF MALICE traces the after effects of a foiled attack; a woman healing, and grappling with the legal system to acknowledge her right to self-defense.
PLEA FOR JUSTICE depicts the journey of a paralegal striving to reveal the truth about her estranged friend’s incarceration, and leading her on a parallel path of self-discovery.
SHADES OF SILENCE showcases the resilience of a woman faced with devastating loss, the unexpected friendship forged from tragedy and the recurring societal themes that confront every generation.
DAWN BEFORE DARKNESS reveals the treachery of a ruthless stalker, the alarming failure of the legal system and the unthinkable battle a daughter must face to protect her family.
Some of Liz's favorites: red wine, dark chocolate, spin class (to compensate for items 1 & 2), great music, a cozy bath robe, cats and Saturday mornings!
Her first novel is loosely based on a personal experience and a series of ‘what if’ questions. FREE OF MALICE traces the after effects of a foiled attack; a woman healing, and grappling with the legal system to acknowledge her right to self-defense.
PLEA FOR JUSTICE depicts the journey of a paralegal striving to reveal the truth about her estranged friend’s incarceration, and leading her on a parallel path of self-discovery.
SHADES OF SILENCE showcases the resilience of a woman faced with devastating loss, the unexpected friendship forged from tragedy and the recurring societal themes that confront every generation.
DAWN BEFORE DARKNESS reveals the treachery of a ruthless stalker, the alarming failure of the legal system and the unthinkable battle a daughter must face to protect her family.
Some of Liz's favorites: red wine, dark chocolate, spin class (to compensate for items 1 & 2), great music, a cozy bath robe, cats and Saturday mornings!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
November 22, 2021
A special sale on Amazon allowed me to get this Kindle copy which is normally $5.95 for $0.00. Sometimes you get what you pay for but I was pleasantly surprised at how good this book was.
Julianna's husband Michael disappeared 3 months ago in his plane while flying to the Bahamas for a pickup. No trace of Michael or the plane was found. Julianna and stepson Jasper are trying to get through this hard time by working at her restaurant called Cafe Lily. While Julianna is finishing up closing the restaurant one night by herself, a woman appears and says, "He's not who you think he is". Before the woman can say anything else, someone shoots her in the back. Detective Paul Grant is sent to investigate.
There are actually 3 mysteries in this story. The husband's disappearance, the shooting, and the disappearance of Julianna's sister many years ago. The chapters are narrated by Julianna and Grant and clearly marked which I always appreciate. The story read easily and felt uncomplicated. I suspected the part about Julianna's husband. It wrapped up smoothly and had interesting characters. The ending was so appropriate.
I love a good police procedural and this was the strongest part of the novel. I always like to see a detective following the clues, interviewing witnesses, friends and family, and wrapping up the case. The story contained good information about sex trafficking.
The copy was free which made it a super bargain!
Julianna's husband Michael disappeared 3 months ago in his plane while flying to the Bahamas for a pickup. No trace of Michael or the plane was found. Julianna and stepson Jasper are trying to get through this hard time by working at her restaurant called Cafe Lily. While Julianna is finishing up closing the restaurant one night by herself, a woman appears and says, "He's not who you think he is". Before the woman can say anything else, someone shoots her in the back. Detective Paul Grant is sent to investigate.
There are actually 3 mysteries in this story. The husband's disappearance, the shooting, and the disappearance of Julianna's sister many years ago. The chapters are narrated by Julianna and Grant and clearly marked which I always appreciate. The story read easily and felt uncomplicated. I suspected the part about Julianna's husband. It wrapped up smoothly and had interesting characters. The ending was so appropriate.
I love a good police procedural and this was the strongest part of the novel. I always like to see a detective following the clues, interviewing witnesses, friends and family, and wrapping up the case. The story contained good information about sex trafficking.
The copy was free which made it a super bargain!
May 1, 2021
Julianna Sandoval, owner/operator of a restaurant has been in mourning for months. Her husband has disappeared ... the plane he was piloting vanished over the Atlantic Ocean. There has been no sighting of him or the plane.
One night while closing up, a woman somehow gets inside the restaurant and makes an astonishing statement. Before the woman can say anything else, a gunshot through the window kills her instantly.
Detective Paul Grant is called to investigate the woman's murder and comes away with the feeling this was not a random killing .. she was targeted.
Who would want her dead? Why?
There are plenty of suspects .. her lazy stepson... her bar manager who has a criminal history ... Julianna thinks it might have something to do with her sister who went missing years ago and never heard from again. What does that have to to with today's killing?
The well written plot is filled with twists and turns leading to an explosive conclusion. The characters are deftly drawn. Grant is not the normal detective ... waiting like a firecracker to shoot off. He's calm, quiet, although his current partner is a rookie and training is a little rocky. The story is told by alternating chapters of first Julianna, and then Grant.
March 22, 2021
From the first page, the story captures your attention and curiosity. Liz Lazarus weaves an intriguing tale that brings you right into the story as if it is all happening in front of you. You'll find yourself reading quickly just to get to the next page. I couldn't put it down!
Shades of Silence
Liz Lazarus
Shades of Silence
Liz Lazarus
July 2, 2021
This suspense novel is told from multiple points of view - Julianna, a restaurant owner, and Grant, a police detective. This works well because you see different sides of the same situation and how each reacts to the various revelations and facts that come out about the woman killed in Julianna's restaurant. There is another subplot, the disappearance of Julianna's husband, Michael. These two different stories are woven together and while you might be able to figure out why this woman was killed, you might not know all of the details. I had my suspicions about several characters and I was right in some cases and wrong in others.
This book also has a tie with trafficking and there are a lot of details provided for the reader to recognize it in their own community. This is a tough topic and very timely considering the larger number of young people that end up in the hands of those selling them for their bodies. I especially liked the chapter at the end where a young woman who escaped the trafficking shares her story and facts about that industry. It is an eye-opener for sure.
Grant is an interesting character because while he is relatively new to this town, he still hasn't settled into his office and unpacked the boxes he brought with him. What does this mean for him? Is he invested in his new town and job? Too busy to unpack? I think there is a multitude of answers to this question. But he is a good detective and is able to uncover things that Julianna didn't know and help solve the case.
Julianna has her own demons including losing a sister before she was even born and then her parents. While she doesn't have a lot, she does have the restaurant her parents owned while they were alive. We also see her guilt and confusion about her missing husband. Could she have done more? She unearths some secrets she never expected and it causes her to question her own judgment. I can't blame her, when everything you think is real is proven otherwise, you tend to doubt yourself.
There are a few twists at the end, one that I suspected, but it goes further than what I could have ever imagined. This was a very enjoyable book and I had a hard time putting it down. We give it 5 paws up.
This book also has a tie with trafficking and there are a lot of details provided for the reader to recognize it in their own community. This is a tough topic and very timely considering the larger number of young people that end up in the hands of those selling them for their bodies. I especially liked the chapter at the end where a young woman who escaped the trafficking shares her story and facts about that industry. It is an eye-opener for sure.
Grant is an interesting character because while he is relatively new to this town, he still hasn't settled into his office and unpacked the boxes he brought with him. What does this mean for him? Is he invested in his new town and job? Too busy to unpack? I think there is a multitude of answers to this question. But he is a good detective and is able to uncover things that Julianna didn't know and help solve the case.
Julianna has her own demons including losing a sister before she was even born and then her parents. While she doesn't have a lot, she does have the restaurant her parents owned while they were alive. We also see her guilt and confusion about her missing husband. Could she have done more? She unearths some secrets she never expected and it causes her to question her own judgment. I can't blame her, when everything you think is real is proven otherwise, you tend to doubt yourself.
There are a few twists at the end, one that I suspected, but it goes further than what I could have ever imagined. This was a very enjoyable book and I had a hard time putting it down. We give it 5 paws up.
June 20, 2021
***One of my 2021 Favorites***
This book was easy to follow. One thing that happened was sorta-kinda predictable but other things threw me for a loop.
I loved this book; I'd recommend it to anyone who loves a great mystery and a fun-to-read thriller. 👍👍
May 1, 2021
I felt an instant connection with Julianna. I was constantly rooting for her happy ending. I felt the same way with Samantha. Then I became frustrated with the less than ideal men in their lives. The murder investigation was interesting, I learned a lot. When the plot began to unravel, I was truly shocked. It didn't end the way I had hoped but the story had me in its grip the whole time!
March 22, 2021
My favorite Liz Lazarus book yet! Loved it from start to finish. They way that the characters and their personal plots mesh together o form this rich mystery had me hooked right from the beginning. Just when you think that you know what's coming - you don't. It's a wild ride right until the very end!
March 20, 2021
Shades of Silence is Liz’s best novel yet. Murder, missing persons, and deception that kept me guessing until the end. One of the most engrossing books I’ve read in a while - kept me awake way past bedtime because I couldn’t put it down.
October 18, 2022
I really enjoyed the multi-viewpoint style of writing of Liz Lazarus. It gave a more nuanced view into the minds of her characters. Excellent seat-of the pants thriller. I would love to see another story featuring Grant and Julianna!
March 31, 2021
So glad to see that Liz is back with another “Must Read” book. It captures you right from the start. Enjoy!
April 5, 2021
Couldn't put it down - Read it in 24 hours. Great read Liz!
Read
March 20, 2021I was captivated and couldn't put the book down! Liz did another amazing job in weaving a suspense filled story with various data points. Shades of Silence will keep readers on the edge of their seats!
Want to read
May 24, 2021Thanks for making me a lucky winner of this book through the First Reads program, and I look forward to reading and reviewing.
December 10, 2021
2 for 1
Two stories within one novel. The one with the most significance is not the main story. However, the main story is fully developed and kept me reading.
Two stories within one novel. The one with the most significance is not the main story. However, the main story is fully developed and kept me reading.
February 6, 2022
This book was well researched and well written. The sex trafficking was only a small part of the story, but it was important to both the plot line and the main protagonist. I liked the writing style and the pace. It was interesting, exciting, informative, and fun to read. I recommend it.
October 28, 2021
I chose this book at random and so glad I did!
As the Founder of a nonprofit that supports children of sexual exploitation, I really appreciate how the author is so accurate in her depiction of sex trafficking and the use of gaslighting. I enjoyed the thrill of the chase and it was a good pace.
The ending is so powerful!
As the Founder of a nonprofit that supports children of sexual exploitation, I really appreciate how the author is so accurate in her depiction of sex trafficking and the use of gaslighting. I enjoyed the thrill of the chase and it was a good pace.
The ending is so powerful!
November 13, 2021
We’ll written. Great character development.
This author Held my interest til the end. Good character development. Very educational regarding trafficking. I highly recommend this book
This author Held my interest til the end. Good character development. Very educational regarding trafficking. I highly recommend this book
November 20, 2021
Good read
Well written..liked the characters..kept you guessing..surprise ending..this is a very good whodunit.. Left you guessing..I would recommend to mystery buffs
Well written..liked the characters..kept you guessing..surprise ending..this is a very good whodunit.. Left you guessing..I would recommend to mystery buffs
December 18, 2021
Very good!
I really liked this book. I enjoyed the characters and the mystery was well developed. I would recommend this author/book.
I really liked this book. I enjoyed the characters and the mystery was well developed. I would recommend this author/book.
October 24, 2021
A great standalone
I read the reviews and really suspected an abrupt ending. Thankfully I was wrong. This was a wonderful mystery with a fitting ending. The tale was actually a standalone novel. I especially liked the way the chapters were person specific. I also like the sex trafficking awareness at the end of the book.
I read the reviews and really suspected an abrupt ending. Thankfully I was wrong. This was a wonderful mystery with a fitting ending. The tale was actually a standalone novel. I especially liked the way the chapters were person specific. I also like the sex trafficking awareness at the end of the book.
Read
February 13, 2022Frightening silence.
The plot thickens as an unexpected shooting occurs of a stranger. This has compassion, frightening situations, and emotional roller coasters. Great plot and twists.
The plot thickens as an unexpected shooting occurs of a stranger. This has compassion, frightening situations, and emotional roller coasters. Great plot and twists.
February 18, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I understand how some readers feel the ending might have felt abrupt but I thought it was a fitting ending. I liked the author’s style of writing and will definitely be looking for other books by her.
March 3, 2022
Public has no idea
Leaving taught criminal justice in college I know from experience that people do not realize what an enormous problem sex trafficking is. This book is a good primer.
Leaving taught criminal justice in college I know from experience that people do not realize what an enormous problem sex trafficking is. This book is a good primer.
May 4, 2022
Complex
Great reading! I liked the complexity of the characters. None were vanilla! There stories of trafficking are popping up all the time and it's got to be stopped.
You sometimes wonder about people you know, but do you really?
Great reading! I liked the complexity of the characters. None were vanilla! There stories of trafficking are popping up all the time and it's got to be stopped.
You sometimes wonder about people you know, but do you really?
March 11, 2022
Compelling thriller! Grabbed me from the beginning! Can’t wait to read her other books.
May 2, 2021
Liz’s books just get better and better! I loved her first two but this one is definitely my favorite. You meet Julianna Sandoval in the midst of her grief after losing her beloved in a mysterious disappearance. The murder of a young woman in front of her launches the fast-paced and gripping novel into an investigation full of lingering riddles and intrigue. I appreciate that Liz seamlessly weaves possibly life-saving details on the world of child prostitution and trafficking. It is the perfect book for the beach! And that ending.... OMG. Brilliant Liz. Brilliant.
April 29, 2021
This book lures you in from the first page. If you’re looking for a murder mystery this is the book…captures your attention from the start. Who, why, where, when and WHAT? So many shocking plot twists throughout the book that I couldn’t put it down! Can you really trust anyone? The characters, storyline, and revelation at the end kept me on the edge of my seat! I also enjoyed how it encouraged self-defense and supported 2A for empowering women! I highly recommend this book…another great one from Liz!
May 6, 2021
Highly Recommend & Eye Opening into a world we all wished didnt exist.
Liz knocked it out of the park yet again. She has a way of connecting you with the characters in such a way that you dont want the book to end. This 3rd book is my new favorite and Im betting a #4 will be the next fav. Its an easy read, which I adore. Difficult books and complex storylines tend not to hold my attention and it sits never finished. With this, I couldn't stop reading it.
Liz knocked it out of the park yet again. She has a way of connecting you with the characters in such a way that you dont want the book to end. This 3rd book is my new favorite and Im betting a #4 will be the next fav. Its an easy read, which I adore. Difficult books and complex storylines tend not to hold my attention and it sits never finished. With this, I couldn't stop reading it.
October 18, 2021
Great Mixture of Hardcore Actions and Heart-Tugging!
Part way through this novel I felt my emotions begin bouncing around as I reminded myself that it's only a book, an extremely entertaining book written for readers' enjoyment of lovable characters having to deal with pure evil ones!
Part way through this novel I felt my emotions begin bouncing around as I reminded myself that it's only a book, an extremely entertaining book written for readers' enjoyment of lovable characters having to deal with pure evil ones!
October 25, 2021
Family silence
Juliana's parents refused to discuss the disappearance of her older sister. That she may have been trafficked was never considered. How did this discovery come about? It took a dedicated detective working through a murder investigation. What events directed him to the answers?
Juliana's parents refused to discuss the disappearance of her older sister. That she may have been trafficked was never considered. How did this discovery come about? It took a dedicated detective working through a murder investigation. What events directed him to the answers?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews