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Aileen and Callan Murder Mysteries #3
When Birds Fall Silent
A cold case threatens to shatter Callan’s career.
Blaine Macgregor vanished on a summer’s night fifteen years ago. Now, DI Callan Cameron is investigating his case one last time. But for Callan it means unearthing a bygone summer he’d rather forget.
Amateur sleuth Aileen Mackinnon overhears a guest’s puzzling conversation and can’t stop asking questions. Is she being duped again? With Callan refusing to open up about his case, Aileen needs a distraction. What better than a case of her own?
As Aileen and Callan balance on a thin rope of backstabbing and trust, one question haunts them: Is Blaine still alive?
Blaine Macgregor vanished on a summer’s night fifteen years ago. Now, DI Callan Cameron is investigating his case one last time. But for Callan it means unearthing a bygone summer he’d rather forget.
Amateur sleuth Aileen Mackinnon overhears a guest’s puzzling conversation and can’t stop asking questions. Is she being duped again? With Callan refusing to open up about his case, Aileen needs a distraction. What better than a case of her own?
As Aileen and Callan balance on a thin rope of backstabbing and trust, one question haunts them: Is Blaine still alive?
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2021
724 people are currently reading
387 people want to read
About the author
Shana Frost
16 books30 followersShana Frost writes romantic mysteries as dramatic as the Scottish Highlands that inspire her. In every book, Shana shares the values she truly believes in: hope, justice, and love. Throughout her novels, you’ll encounter a variety of characters—be their gender, ethnicity, disabilities, beliefs—all sharing their unique stories.
Always infused with a wee dram of the Scottish landscape and culture, Shana’s stories take readers from Glasgow’s gritty streets to the enigmatic Highlands. She promises that when reading her stories, you’ll be at the edge of your seat, falling deeper in love with the characters.
To be enveloped in the world of Scottish romantic mysteries, visit Shana’s home on the web at Shanafrost.com
Always infused with a wee dram of the Scottish landscape and culture, Shana’s stories take readers from Glasgow’s gritty streets to the enigmatic Highlands. She promises that when reading her stories, you’ll be at the edge of your seat, falling deeper in love with the characters.
To be enveloped in the world of Scottish romantic mysteries, visit Shana’s home on the web at Shanafrost.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 13, 2025
When Birds Fall Silent is book three in the Aileen and Callan Murder Mysteries series by Shana Frost. Law enforcement officers always have a cold case that lingers a long time after the investigation ends, and DCI Rory Macdonald's cold case involved the disappearance of Blaine Macgregor. On the fifteenth anniversary of the disappearance of Blaine, DCI Rory Macdonald asked DI Callan Cameron to look into the case. However, this case brought up bad memories for Callan, which affected his relationship with his friend Aileen Mackinnon. Will DI Callan Cameron get past his memories to find the killer and save his friendship with Aileen Mackinnon? The readers of When Birds Fall Silent will continue to follow DI Callan Cameron to discover what happens.
When Birds Fall Silent is the first book I have read by Shana Frost, and I am so pleased I did. I engaged with this book from the first page and continued to the end. The readers of When Birds Fall Silent will learn about the danger of being bullied and neglected as a child. I am glad that Shana Frost made one of her prime characters with a handicap and highlighted some of the issues they come across. I love Shana Frost's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. When Birds Fall Silent is well-written and researched by Shana Frost.
I recommend this book.
When Birds Fall Silent is the first book I have read by Shana Frost, and I am so pleased I did. I engaged with this book from the first page and continued to the end. The readers of When Birds Fall Silent will learn about the danger of being bullied and neglected as a child. I am glad that Shana Frost made one of her prime characters with a handicap and highlighted some of the issues they come across. I love Shana Frost's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. When Birds Fall Silent is well-written and researched by Shana Frost.
I recommend this book.
June 12, 2021
This is a well written book with strong characters and an entertaining story line. The author does a great job pulling me in and had me glued to the pages with all the twists along the way. She does a fantastic job painting her scenes and moving the story fluidly. Loved and recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
June 13, 2021
My favourite out of the three books so far. Absolutely brilliant.
This is one case that is really going to test Aileen and Callan - not only professionally but also personally. Especially their relationship.
This book is captivating, intriguing, and addictive.
I cannot wait to see what Frost will do next.
This is one case that is really going to test Aileen and Callan - not only professionally but also personally. Especially their relationship.
This book is captivating, intriguing, and addictive.
I cannot wait to see what Frost will do next.
June 17, 2022
Yes, it my third read in as many days
When Birds Fall Silent was a gripping my see novel if friendship, betrayal and love. I'm glad Callan finally found his friend and at least to himself admitted his feelings for Aileen. Where they go from here, I can't wait to find out.
When Birds Fall Silent was a gripping my see novel if friendship, betrayal and love. I'm glad Callan finally found his friend and at least to himself admitted his feelings for Aileen. Where they go from here, I can't wait to find out.
June 15, 2024
I really enjoy the Aileen and Callan mysteries—AGAIN—but have to admit that the slightly-off use of Scottish slang is a bit jarring. “Ken,” for example—correct me if I’m wrong—equates more to Swedish känna (to know, understand) than veta (to know a fact), but the distinction is not made in these novels. Something a native speaker wouldn’t think about, or get wrong.
Still, it doesn’t jar enough to prevent me from reading the series YET AGAIN.
Still, it doesn’t jar enough to prevent me from reading the series YET AGAIN.
April 13, 2025
Aileen has come to Loch Fuar to take over the running of her 90yr old grandma's guest house, and Callan Cameron is the detective for this little town who is obviously going to fall in love with her. A few murders take place and some houses are ransacked and some necklaces are remade with someone else's name engraved and they are up and running. Scant little time is spent on the guest house and until I read this book and discovered the plot was a missing lad from 15yrs previously who by now may be dead, I thought Callan was in his early 60s or at the very least in his late 50s as he has all the airs of a much older man: he can't seem to use a computer, printer or even his phone properly, and he's a police officer just over 30! But his friend Blaine has been missing for 15yrs after they all left high school!
I won't give away the ending but it was a slow moving plot and not centering too much on the disappearing teenager. And none of the characters in the story are really padded out or rounded off, and none of them make me want to know more about them or the place itself, and the language with the "ye" sounds off, my scottish friends tell me that they don't all go round all day saying that word up north, so just read it as "you" if it's bothering you! Which it was, and which I did!".
I won't give away the ending but it was a slow moving plot and not centering too much on the disappearing teenager. And none of the characters in the story are really padded out or rounded off, and none of them make me want to know more about them or the place itself, and the language with the "ye" sounds off, my scottish friends tell me that they don't all go round all day saying that word up north, so just read it as "you" if it's bothering you! Which it was, and which I did!".
June 13, 2021
Callan Cameron and Aileen Mackinnon continue their investigative partnership while growing closer personally. When Callan finds a notebook detailing the missing person’s case of his friend, Blaine Macgregor, the events from 15 years ago come rushing back and lead to a convoluted mystery surrounding Blaine’s disappearance. Was Blaine the only one of the “White Birds” to escape their small town or had he really never left? Driven to discover the truth, Callan opens old wounds and secrets, and danger creeps through the mist-covered town, threatening everyone. The book is flavored with picturesque Scottish atmosphere and expressions. The clues and characters leave a fascinating but confusing trail before Callan and Aileen solve the case and I loved searching for answers with them. The novel can be read as a standalone, but curiosity will certainly prompt a search for the rest of the series. This is an excellent read set in the land of my ancestors and I highly recommend reading all the books. I eagerly await the next story.
August 24, 2024
The killer is closer than you think
Callan & Aileen have grown closer the last couple of months but someone has threatened their bond. A cold case is been reopened and it opens up wounds for Callan from the past. As he is trying to find out the truth about what happened to his friend Blaine he loses sight of Aileen. She is hurt by his actions so she keeps away. But they need each other to solve this case. Can they work together and find their way back to each other? There are plenty of suspects and someone is trying to frame Callan for an attack on a victim. But who wants to hurt him? Will they get justice for Blaine?
A goid read. Great characters. Aileen is a strong independent woman that has opened up Callan but he keeps on shutting her out. Can she break through his walls? Callan knows that he isn't the easiest person to get on with and he hopes that he hasn't lost Aileen.
Callan & Aileen have grown closer the last couple of months but someone has threatened their bond. A cold case is been reopened and it opens up wounds for Callan from the past. As he is trying to find out the truth about what happened to his friend Blaine he loses sight of Aileen. She is hurt by his actions so she keeps away. But they need each other to solve this case. Can they work together and find their way back to each other? There are plenty of suspects and someone is trying to frame Callan for an attack on a victim. But who wants to hurt him? Will they get justice for Blaine?
A goid read. Great characters. Aileen is a strong independent woman that has opened up Callan but he keeps on shutting her out. Can she break through his walls? Callan knows that he isn't the easiest person to get on with and he hopes that he hasn't lost Aileen.
January 17, 2022
When Birds Fall Silent by Shana Frost is the third book in the Aileen and Callen Murder Mysteries series. In this book, Shana really brought the suspense and foreboding feelings to the forefront!
My goodness I am just so in love with this series! I have been having a blast getting to know the characters more as they grow into themselves and let some of their walls down.
The mystery here was certainly a dark and twisted knot, but with Aileen’s help, Callan was able to unravel it just in the nick of time!
I highly recommend checking this series out!
More here: https://www.ericarobynreads.com/book-...
My goodness I am just so in love with this series! I have been having a blast getting to know the characters more as they grow into themselves and let some of their walls down.
The mystery here was certainly a dark and twisted knot, but with Aileen’s help, Callan was able to unravel it just in the nick of time!
I highly recommend checking this series out!
More here: https://www.ericarobynreads.com/book-...
June 5, 2024
Devastating action thriller
From start to 'apparent' finish this novel grips the reader with intently devastating action. A man missing, under extremely mysterious circumstances, is suddenly back from unsolved. Cases to be case reopened when partners, Aileen and Callan, are suddenly made aware that all, some 15 years previously, was not as it seemed. After all this time can they solve this puzzling mystery?
From start to 'apparent' finish this novel grips the reader with intently devastating action. A man missing, under extremely mysterious circumstances, is suddenly back from unsolved. Cases to be case reopened when partners, Aileen and Callan, are suddenly made aware that all, some 15 years previously, was not as it seemed. After all this time can they solve this puzzling mystery?
June 14, 2021
Gosh, what a well written and entertaining book! The plot moves smoothly and keeps the reader engaged throughout. The characters are portrayed in such an engaging manner. I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery. Recommended. I received a copy of this book, thanks to the author. I leave my review voluntarily.
April 2, 2024
What a pleasure to read a book where the main (male) detective actually solves a case, with the assistance of a temporary (female) sleuth!! I thoroughly enjoyed "When birds fall silent" Shana Frost and look forward to reading many more of your books. The suspense and story line were excellent and the interaction between all the characters was 1st class. Well done!
May 28, 2024
Pretty good story about solving a 15-year-old missing persons case. Eighteen-year-old Blaine disappeared one night, either a run-away or worse. Fifteen years later, the head detective on the case still struggles with not having solved it. Blaine’s friend and current detective, Callan, takes on the case for one more try in resolving it. Amateur sleuth and friend, Aileen, helps.
June 6, 2024
Not for me
I didn't enjoy the way it was written . I found the use of local dialect annoying. I do understand the author wanted to create a sense of authenticity. Ensuring the reader understood how a small Scottish community sounded and felt. sadly, it didn't work for me.
I didn't enjoy the way it was written . I found the use of local dialect annoying. I do understand the author wanted to create a sense of authenticity. Ensuring the reader understood how a small Scottish community sounded and felt. sadly, it didn't work for me.
October 7, 2024
I found the writing to be convoluted and often hard to follow. I was not sympathetic to any of the characters, most of whom were not really developed. However, I was determined to finish the book, but found the ending to be unsatisfying in that it didn’t make sense why this hadn’t come to light previously, and left more questions than answers.
June 7, 2021
Great puzzle took me ages to figure it out, worthwhile read for your summer break. Fallen and Aileen do it again.
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.
June 10, 2021
Very entertaining and well written. Highly recommend for anyone that appreciates a well written plot with twists and intelligent and colourful characters. Excellent way to spend a weekend (or a day reading)!!
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.
June 25, 2021
Yet another fun read from Shana Frost! While this can be as a standalone, I've really enjoyed watching the relationship between Callan and Aileen develop (while they work together to solve another mystery). The plot was engaging and kept me on my toes until the very end.
May 10, 2024
DI Callan Cameron is given the task of investigating a disappearance from 15 years ago. It was a friend of Callan's from the time. Naturally Aileen gets involved with her own unofficial investigation.
A great working pair
A great working pair
June 24, 2024
Loved the book
It had my attention from the very
first page until the last page, Usually I guess who the killer is but had no idea until
the end of the book, Thank you to the author for a very good book
It had my attention from the very
first page until the last page, Usually I guess who the killer is but had no idea until
the end of the book, Thank you to the author for a very good book
June 28, 2024
Not too sure why I gave this a 5 star rating
It was ok but it was quite plodding and the main character didn’t fill me with any ‘admiration’. The finale was a bit predictable.
Why is it that the ‘hero’ never needs any sleep or food but survives with vigour on coffee??
It was ok but it was quite plodding and the main character didn’t fill me with any ‘admiration’. The finale was a bit predictable.
Why is it that the ‘hero’ never needs any sleep or food but survives with vigour on coffee??
July 4, 2024
Great read gripped me straight away
I enjoyed reading this book, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series in this gritty crime story. Well done, Shana Frost I look forward to many years of stories.
I enjoyed reading this book, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series in this gritty crime story. Well done, Shana Frost I look forward to many years of stories.
August 12, 2024
alright
The plot and the characters behaviour were puzzling until all was revealed at the end. Quite good. Some cursing type language, clean otherwise.
A tricky mystery with a touch of romance.
The plot and the characters behaviour were puzzling until all was revealed at the end. Quite good. Some cursing type language, clean otherwise.
A tricky mystery with a touch of romance.
June 12, 2021
When Birds Fall Silent offers an imaginative and nerve wracking adventure to discover whodunit. Enjoyable prose paired with detailed and well-planned plot twists, this is a perfect summer read.
May 31, 2023
Still enjoying this light mystery series.
April 2, 2024
I don’t like to be beaten so I did eventually finish reading this book but it was a struggle . Plot was ok but occasional mysteries, such as why was a policeman carrying a gun …
May 27, 2024
Where is Blaine Macgregor and why??? His father thought he was better??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
May 27, 2024
This is a good murder mystery involving two friends, Callan and Aileen. Will they be able to solve Blaine's murder? Time will tell.
May 31, 2024
Enjoyed the fast pace.
The story is intriguing and the characters are easy to picture from the writer's description. I had to keep reading till I finished
The story is intriguing and the characters are easy to picture from the writer's description. I had to keep reading till I finished
June 1, 2024
When Birds Fall Silent
Teen angst and jealousies can be deadly. Callan's best friend disappeared fifteen years ago and with some help from Aileen they solve the puzzle.
Teen angst and jealousies can be deadly. Callan's best friend disappeared fifteen years ago and with some help from Aileen they solve the puzzle.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews