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Irish Garda Squad #4
Silent Strike
Detectives Aidan Connor and Jenna Darcy never had compassion for vigilantes—until now.
A politician’s murder is always big news, but Detective Aidan Connor isn’t sure if landing the high-profile case is a blessing or a curse. The late senator was not as well-liked as everyone claims. As the investigation advances, the problem isn’t that Aidan has no suspects—he has too many.
Pressured to close the case quickly, Aidan partners with Detective Jenna Darcy, the finest cybercrime expert from the Irish Garda. As they dig into the politician’s life, the secrets they uncover go from dirty to shockingly disturbing. Aidan and Jenna start to wonder if the killer is the true villain…
A politician’s murder is always big news, but Detective Aidan Connor isn’t sure if landing the high-profile case is a blessing or a curse. The late senator was not as well-liked as everyone claims. As the investigation advances, the problem isn’t that Aidan has no suspects—he has too many.
Pressured to close the case quickly, Aidan partners with Detective Jenna Darcy, the finest cybercrime expert from the Irish Garda. As they dig into the politician’s life, the secrets they uncover go from dirty to shockingly disturbing. Aidan and Jenna start to wonder if the killer is the true villain…
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 21, 2021
About the author
Melinda Colt
17 books20 followersMelinda Colt is an award-winning and bestselling author of thrillers, suspense, and mystery novels. While she's a law graduate and professional target shooter, she worked as a journalist before she became a full-time author and owns a graphic design business.
Melinda loves detective thrillers, chocolate, and her ideal date is to spend a rainy day cozied up with her husband and a classic movie. She loves to hear from readers, so if you have a question or want to learn more about her books, visit her website: melindacolt.com
In appreciation for her readers she gifts e-books, paperbacks and audiobooks to random subscribers every month. If you want to be included in the VIP list, and be notified about new releases and special offers, join Melinda’s Newsletter.
Melinda loves detective thrillers, chocolate, and her ideal date is to spend a rainy day cozied up with her husband and a classic movie. She loves to hear from readers, so if you have a question or want to learn more about her books, visit her website: melindacolt.com
In appreciation for her readers she gifts e-books, paperbacks and audiobooks to random subscribers every month. If you want to be included in the VIP list, and be notified about new releases and special offers, join Melinda’s Newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 8, 2021
Wow, this was such an unputdownable book! And the dialogue so clever. I loved the interrogations especially. They made me feel really absorbed to the story and the mystery of it all. The detectives asked the exact questions I wanted to ask, LOL. So I felt like I was there in the room, participating. It was such a complex mystery, but so easy to follow, the questions every twist raised filling up my head, deliciously tickling my curiosity, spurring me to keep turning the pages for more.
As for the romance, it was so intriguing, all the way to the final, delicious climax of it, and I really cared for these two characters. Heck, I even cared for some of the bad ones in the story!
Honestly, this was such a compelling read, definitely one to remember. The characters will stay with you long after you've finished reading. I wish there was a sequel to these adorable lovebirds.
I must say, I thought I was blown away by Dare Game, but the author just raised the bar even higher :)
Highly recommended!
As for the romance, it was so intriguing, all the way to the final, delicious climax of it, and I really cared for these two characters. Heck, I even cared for some of the bad ones in the story!
Honestly, this was such a compelling read, definitely one to remember. The characters will stay with you long after you've finished reading. I wish there was a sequel to these adorable lovebirds.
I must say, I thought I was blown away by Dare Game, but the author just raised the bar even higher :)
Highly recommended!
October 8, 2021
When a well-loved politician is found murdered at an abandoned gas station, Garda detective Aidan Connor draws the case assignment and a murder that is anything, but cut and dry. Returning to the gritty and intriguing world of the Irish Garda Squad mysteries with this fourth, standalone installment had me all sorts of excited.
Aidan is a seasoned detective, but the case is too big to work alone and his partner, John, who was the detective hero of the first book, is out on leave for his honeymoon. So, Aidan is given permission to approach cybercrime specialist, Detective Jenna Darcy. Aidan is a fourth generation police officer and has worked hard to earn the respect and experience he has now to tackle the challenge of this high profile case. Jenna transferred in from Scotland Yard where she got her experience and decided to come back home to Dublin where they can use her expertise in the department.
The sizzle of attraction is there and even their co-workers see it and encourage them, but Aidan hesitates because he thinks Jenna is out of his league because she is younger, brilliant, and gorgeous. She feels the same hesitation because she isn’t sure he won’t runaway like past attempts at a relationship because she comes with baggage.
They make a good team along with the forensics and pathology experts in uncovering the evidence and investigating witnesses and suspects. Aidan is even-keeled and very observant. He stays open-minded and lets the evidence guide him. Jenna is a whiz with any tech and computer evidence and digging out details from people’s online presence. She is also an intuitive interviewer and draws out the witnesses. I enjoy this author’s characters and particularly those on the investigation team because they are smart and display their skills. No pulling stupids or causing unnecessary distracting drama. Aidan and Jenna were emotional over their case, as was I when it got down to the bottom of things, and a little distracted by each other, but they were fab to track along with and solve this latest case.
As to the mystery, it starts out as a basic murder that could have a motive from his political work or from his personal life. But, wow, there were some surprising twists that kept me pushing through and wanting to see what would come next. From the ice cold wife to the prodigal daughter and even potential others set on revenge, I wasn’t sure who was the actual culprit until right close to the end.
All in all, this was a quick, riveting read and another strong mystery from a fab series. Those who want an engrossing mystery with a side of romance and a wonderful cast of law enforcement team characters should give this book/series a go.
I rec'd an eARC from the author to read in exchange for an honest review.
Aidan is a seasoned detective, but the case is too big to work alone and his partner, John, who was the detective hero of the first book, is out on leave for his honeymoon. So, Aidan is given permission to approach cybercrime specialist, Detective Jenna Darcy. Aidan is a fourth generation police officer and has worked hard to earn the respect and experience he has now to tackle the challenge of this high profile case. Jenna transferred in from Scotland Yard where she got her experience and decided to come back home to Dublin where they can use her expertise in the department.
The sizzle of attraction is there and even their co-workers see it and encourage them, but Aidan hesitates because he thinks Jenna is out of his league because she is younger, brilliant, and gorgeous. She feels the same hesitation because she isn’t sure he won’t runaway like past attempts at a relationship because she comes with baggage.
They make a good team along with the forensics and pathology experts in uncovering the evidence and investigating witnesses and suspects. Aidan is even-keeled and very observant. He stays open-minded and lets the evidence guide him. Jenna is a whiz with any tech and computer evidence and digging out details from people’s online presence. She is also an intuitive interviewer and draws out the witnesses. I enjoy this author’s characters and particularly those on the investigation team because they are smart and display their skills. No pulling stupids or causing unnecessary distracting drama. Aidan and Jenna were emotional over their case, as was I when it got down to the bottom of things, and a little distracted by each other, but they were fab to track along with and solve this latest case.
As to the mystery, it starts out as a basic murder that could have a motive from his political work or from his personal life. But, wow, there were some surprising twists that kept me pushing through and wanting to see what would come next. From the ice cold wife to the prodigal daughter and even potential others set on revenge, I wasn’t sure who was the actual culprit until right close to the end.
All in all, this was a quick, riveting read and another strong mystery from a fab series. Those who want an engrossing mystery with a side of romance and a wonderful cast of law enforcement team characters should give this book/series a go.
I rec'd an eARC from the author to read in exchange for an honest review.
September 21, 2021
I have been impatiently waiting for Silent Strike and wasn’t disappointed. In the fourth book of the Irish Garda Squad series, Detective Aidan Connor investigates a high-profile murder. I have discovered that not only do I enjoy a good murder mystery, but I find it fascinating to have the setting in Ireland. The book has everything I want in a great read: a good mystery, interesting characters, and romance. I was hooked from the moment Detective Connor informed Senator Munroe’s wife, Caitriona, of his death. Twist and turns carry this book to the end. I also have to mention that I especially loved Jenna. I would highly recommend this read for any mystery suspense lover like me!
September 7, 2021
Oh my, Melinda has a sure hit on her hands. All the Irish Garda books are great but Silent Strike is by far the best. Lot of mystery with some romance and unexpected emotion to keep you on a roller coaster of a ride. Well done!
September 20, 2021
Awesome Stand-Alone Mystery!
I’ve read all the books in this series, and while each one deserved five stars, I now want to give “Silent Strike” TEN STARS! Melinda outdid herself, which is a great accomplishment.
Mainly, I enjoyed a REAL mystery, one that I had to look at all the suspects and figure out whodunit along with the detectives. Too often when I read/watch mysteries, the writer either throws in the killer from left-field or inadvertently tells me immediately. I had to work for this one. I thought I had it a couple of times, but I was pleasantly surprised when I finally figured it out and all the clues made PERFECT sense.
Great job! Now, I’m looking for the next one!
I received an advance copy without expectation of a review, but I absolutely loved this well-written crime fiction/mystery/romantic suspense!
I’ve read all the books in this series, and while each one deserved five stars, I now want to give “Silent Strike” TEN STARS! Melinda outdid herself, which is a great accomplishment.
Mainly, I enjoyed a REAL mystery, one that I had to look at all the suspects and figure out whodunit along with the detectives. Too often when I read/watch mysteries, the writer either throws in the killer from left-field or inadvertently tells me immediately. I had to work for this one. I thought I had it a couple of times, but I was pleasantly surprised when I finally figured it out and all the clues made PERFECT sense.
Great job! Now, I’m looking for the next one!
I received an advance copy without expectation of a review, but I absolutely loved this well-written crime fiction/mystery/romantic suspense!
October 8, 2021
Gripping and page-turningly fantastic from the very beginning, “Silent Strike” is not to be missed!
Read full review in the 2021 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2021 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.
September 13, 2021
I'm loving this series!
April 12, 2026
Como me gusta el suspense romántico, siempre estoy dispuesta a descubrir nuevas autoras. Encuentro que es un género romántico más confiable, en el que no te puedes permitir el lujo de ciertas distracciones o veleidades que abundan actualmente en histórica o en contemporánea.
Los protagonistas son los detectives Aidan Connor y Jenna Darcy, de la Garda irlandesa. Investigan el asesinato de un político, algo bastante incómodo. Las cosas que van descubriendo de la víctima, ¿tienen que ver, o no, con el crimen?
La novela se dedica, principalmente, a la investigación policial, más que al romance entre Aidan y Jenna. Estos dos se gustan, pero cada uno tiene sus razones para no haber «caído» en la tentación hasta que se ven obligados a investigar juntos.
A mí me suele gustar más que se entrelace lo romántico con el suspense. Pero si tiene que pesar más un elemento, prefiero que sea la parte de investigación policial, y eso aquí lo hacen de manera estupenda. Es una novela bastante gustosa de leer, aunque trata temas bastante sombríos. Para mí, un sólido tres estrellas. Le añado una más por esa ambientación tan peculiar, en Dublín, en una sociedad diferente. No se la ve mucho en romántica desde esta perspectiva tan actual y realista.
Los protagonistas son los detectives Aidan Connor y Jenna Darcy, de la Garda irlandesa. Investigan el asesinato de un político, algo bastante incómodo. Las cosas que van descubriendo de la víctima, ¿tienen que ver, o no, con el crimen?
La novela se dedica, principalmente, a la investigación policial, más que al romance entre Aidan y Jenna. Estos dos se gustan, pero cada uno tiene sus razones para no haber «caído» en la tentación hasta que se ven obligados a investigar juntos.
A mí me suele gustar más que se entrelace lo romántico con el suspense. Pero si tiene que pesar más un elemento, prefiero que sea la parte de investigación policial, y eso aquí lo hacen de manera estupenda. Es una novela bastante gustosa de leer, aunque trata temas bastante sombríos. Para mí, un sólido tres estrellas. Le añado una más por esa ambientación tan peculiar, en Dublín, en una sociedad diferente. No se la ve mucho en romántica desde esta perspectiva tan actual y realista.
October 3, 2021
***** Wow. . .
What a great book! This story, with its well-formed characters and delightfully flowing prose, held my rapt attention page after page. Being into murder mysteries, I particularly loved her including such an abundance of suspects––oooh. That makes for great pickings and side stories to throw you off. Besides that, she managed to make several side references to past characters so, even though this book is a stand alone, I felt I had a fine glimpse into the world of Detective Aidan Connor’s ‘family.’ And then, with the added romance, she definitely produced a winner! Highly recommended.
What a great book! This story, with its well-formed characters and delightfully flowing prose, held my rapt attention page after page. Being into murder mysteries, I particularly loved her including such an abundance of suspects––oooh. That makes for great pickings and side stories to throw you off. Besides that, she managed to make several side references to past characters so, even though this book is a stand alone, I felt I had a fine glimpse into the world of Detective Aidan Connor’s ‘family.’ And then, with the added romance, she definitely produced a winner! Highly recommended.
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May 8, 2024Low and slow
Was fun reading a book without too much violence. And a sizzling side story,,,
Sad at times but resolution came in the ending. Like this author's style.
Was fun reading a book without too much violence. And a sizzling side story,,,
Sad at times but resolution came in the ending. Like this author's style.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews