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FOREVER SILENCED
Willem Gerhardt is a renowned psychologist with the most prestigious recognitions.
He is also the adopted son of the widely known, Elizabeth Gerhardt — sole heiress of
a billionaire. Up until now, Dr. Gerhardt has lived a "rich life" in every way, or so
it seems.
When a young patient claims she was sexually assaulted, a local farmer is formally
charged. But days after his acquittal, he is found dead.
Dr. Gerhardt's life has come full circle upon returning to the very same place he was born —
East Texas State Penitentiary. Charged with murder, he is forced to face the depths of
a complex past.
Is blood truly thicker than water? What significance do memories really hold? Is a flower
just "a flower"? Are psychics real? Can anyone be trusted?
A complex page-turner with numerous twists, FOREVER SILENCED takes readers
on a thought-provoking and forever memorable, heartwarming journey.
He is also the adopted son of the widely known, Elizabeth Gerhardt — sole heiress of
a billionaire. Up until now, Dr. Gerhardt has lived a "rich life" in every way, or so
it seems.
When a young patient claims she was sexually assaulted, a local farmer is formally
charged. But days after his acquittal, he is found dead.
Dr. Gerhardt's life has come full circle upon returning to the very same place he was born —
East Texas State Penitentiary. Charged with murder, he is forced to face the depths of
a complex past.
Is blood truly thicker than water? What significance do memories really hold? Is a flower
just "a flower"? Are psychics real? Can anyone be trusted?
A complex page-turner with numerous twists, FOREVER SILENCED takes readers
on a thought-provoking and forever memorable, heartwarming journey.
- GenresFiction
238 pages, Paperback
Published July 15, 2021
42 people are currently reading
300 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 18, 2021
FOREVER SILENCED, by Richard S. Cohen, came as highly recommended by a friend. I really enjoyed the novel-- a light mystery and gripping to the end. In a unique style, the book smoothly goes back and forth from the present to the past. There is a lot going on within the book all of which comes together. Typical with cozy mysteries-- it is short, yet sweet. A well balanced book with character depth, intrigue, playful humor and twists.
April 4, 2022
Forever Silenced by Richard S. Cohen is labeled as a cozy mystery but after reading it I have to say it is more of a psychological thriller......
In Forever Silenced Willem is a some what troubled eight year old boy bouncing from foster home to foster home looking for his forever home which he finds with Elizabeth Gerhardt. And ever though Elizabeth knows very little about Willem and his past, she welcomes him into her home and life. Throughout his young life, Willem exhibits some unusual behaviors that doctors cannot explain. The only person to give Willem and his mother any answers is Miss Sophia......
In Forever Silenced readers are first introduced to Willem briefly when he is sitting in a prison cell awaiting trial for a crime he did not commit. Then readers get to know Willem as a child when he gets adopted by Ms. Gerhardt. Throughout the story Cohen takes the readers back in time to when Willem was a child growing up with Ms. Gerhardt as well as what Willem is going through as he stands trial.
Forever Silenced is not a typical cozy but will keep readers on their toes. Luckily you will be so engrossed in Willem's story that you will not even notice. And when you do get to the end of the story I guarantee that you will close the book, sit back and ask yourself what you just read. Cohen takes the readers down a hair raising, white knuckled twisty road and you will love it !!!!
In Forever Silenced Willem is a some what troubled eight year old boy bouncing from foster home to foster home looking for his forever home which he finds with Elizabeth Gerhardt. And ever though Elizabeth knows very little about Willem and his past, she welcomes him into her home and life. Throughout his young life, Willem exhibits some unusual behaviors that doctors cannot explain. The only person to give Willem and his mother any answers is Miss Sophia......
In Forever Silenced readers are first introduced to Willem briefly when he is sitting in a prison cell awaiting trial for a crime he did not commit. Then readers get to know Willem as a child when he gets adopted by Ms. Gerhardt. Throughout the story Cohen takes the readers back in time to when Willem was a child growing up with Ms. Gerhardt as well as what Willem is going through as he stands trial.
Forever Silenced is not a typical cozy but will keep readers on their toes. Luckily you will be so engrossed in Willem's story that you will not even notice. And when you do get to the end of the story I guarantee that you will close the book, sit back and ask yourself what you just read. Cohen takes the readers down a hair raising, white knuckled twisty road and you will love it !!!!
March 9, 2022
This book came at the request of the author. I agreed because I love a good mystery.
Willem Gerhardt is a beloved and renowned psychologist. He was adopted around age 8 by a very wealthy, well know and well-respected family, the Gerhardts. Elizabeth Gerhardt took Willem in and from them on he was forever a Gerhardt. Willems life before Elizabeth was tumultuous. His biological mother bore him in prison and his father was absent as well.
He attends college and gets his doctorate in psychology and goes into practice. One day a young patient reveals she was the victim of sexual assault, and a local man is arrested and put through trial where he is exonerated. Days after his release, he is found dead, Dr. Gerhardt their only suspect. He is arrested and put on trial. He is put into the same prison he was born at and is forced to face his past and come to terms with the possibility he may not be leaving prison.
The story itself is very complex. It goes back and forth between the present and the past. There are a lot of unanswered questions that I found frustrating, and wish were better explored. Much of the book is a courtroom scene with lots of dialogue of what would be said in a courtroom. Overall, I really liked the story, the characters, Willem and Elizabeth seemed real and endearing. I am a mother myself and I could feel the love she had for Willem coming off the pages. The twist at the end through me for a loop and I never saw it coming. A great read, highly recommend and I look forward to more from this author.
The cover says, "cozy mystery", I would not classify this as a cozy mystery. Cozy mysteries tend to follow a formula: small intimate town, a murder and someone who is an amateur sleuth, who owns and/or runs a shop, usually a bakery, bookstore or bed and breakfast.
Willem Gerhardt is a beloved and renowned psychologist. He was adopted around age 8 by a very wealthy, well know and well-respected family, the Gerhardts. Elizabeth Gerhardt took Willem in and from them on he was forever a Gerhardt. Willems life before Elizabeth was tumultuous. His biological mother bore him in prison and his father was absent as well.
He attends college and gets his doctorate in psychology and goes into practice. One day a young patient reveals she was the victim of sexual assault, and a local man is arrested and put through trial where he is exonerated. Days after his release, he is found dead, Dr. Gerhardt their only suspect. He is arrested and put on trial. He is put into the same prison he was born at and is forced to face his past and come to terms with the possibility he may not be leaving prison.
The story itself is very complex. It goes back and forth between the present and the past. There are a lot of unanswered questions that I found frustrating, and wish were better explored. Much of the book is a courtroom scene with lots of dialogue of what would be said in a courtroom. Overall, I really liked the story, the characters, Willem and Elizabeth seemed real and endearing. I am a mother myself and I could feel the love she had for Willem coming off the pages. The twist at the end through me for a loop and I never saw it coming. A great read, highly recommend and I look forward to more from this author.
The cover says, "cozy mystery", I would not classify this as a cozy mystery. Cozy mysteries tend to follow a formula: small intimate town, a murder and someone who is an amateur sleuth, who owns and/or runs a shop, usually a bakery, bookstore or bed and breakfast.
December 12, 2022
Forever Silenced is an easy-to-read novel. There is a mystery kept through out the book that will keep the readers attention. However, there was a lot of me that needed to be edited. For instance, a lot of the court scenes are inaccurate, unbelievable, and just downright baffling. In a criminal trial in the United States (this takes place in Texas), the prosecution has the burden of proof. They present their case, then the defense presents their case, and then there can be a rebuttal if necessary. The author here had the defense calling witnesses, stating that the prosecution team wasn’t doing much cross-examining, and then had the prosecution calling witnesses. There was a lack of discussion at trial of the actual murder itself. The trial focused on Willem’s background and the victim’s statement. However, if you’re going to discuss a murder trial in a book, talk about the actual murder! The time, the place, the how etc.. I don’t want to give anything away, but the end trial scene is just unbelievable, and not how anything would occur in real life. I know as a reader, I’m supposed to suspend some belief. However, as an attorney, when these things are glaringly wrong, it’s hard to suspend belief. That being said, for someone who doesn’t know these things, they would absolutely enjoy the book!
June 22, 2023
Forever Silenced is an intriguing story of a man named Willem who was adopted as a young boy by a sole-heiress billionaire, and later becomes Dr. Gerhardt, a renowned psychologist. Now accused of murder, the story unfolds between Willem's mysterious childhood and the present day trial he faces for the crime.
What I really liked is how the details of this story were presented. The author seamlessly intertwines a multi-layer story into a well structured, thought provoking suspense that will grip mystery fans up until the very end.
And speaking of ending..... I did not see it coming; and that says something for those who frequently read the genre. Without giving anything away (no spoilers here, I promise!) this book literally had me thinking about it days after I finished.
With strong character development, complex backgrounds and intrigue, this isn't your typical cozy mystery story. Forever Silenced is a quick read that has a lot going for it and would recommend it to readers looking for something unique and different.
Official rating: 4.5 stars/5 rounded up.
*I sincerely thank the author for a complimentary copy of the book. My review is written voluntary and the opinions expressed are entirely my own and is in no way affiliated with the author or publisher.
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What I really liked is how the details of this story were presented. The author seamlessly intertwines a multi-layer story into a well structured, thought provoking suspense that will grip mystery fans up until the very end.
And speaking of ending..... I did not see it coming; and that says something for those who frequently read the genre. Without giving anything away (no spoilers here, I promise!) this book literally had me thinking about it days after I finished.
With strong character development, complex backgrounds and intrigue, this isn't your typical cozy mystery story. Forever Silenced is a quick read that has a lot going for it and would recommend it to readers looking for something unique and different.
Official rating: 4.5 stars/5 rounded up.
*I sincerely thank the author for a complimentary copy of the book. My review is written voluntary and the opinions expressed are entirely my own and is in no way affiliated with the author or publisher.
BookeryBliss Blog - Instagram - Facebook
May 2, 2022
Excellent novel! Well written and filled with suspense. It had me anticipating my next visit into the world of Willem Gerhardt, who I felt I knew intimately. Shocker...I was completely mistaken and amazed by the unexpected turn at the end.
July 3, 2022
Plot-twist filled, hair-raising and uniquely mysterious. A thought-provoking page turner combining various genres into one sitting; a cozy, psychological thriller and legal fiction. Very enjoyable with several surprise elements. Highly recommended!
December 21, 2022
An easy to read and fast-moving psychological mystery page turner. Reads like a mystery within a mystery with various layered plot twists. Far different from a "cookie-cutter" type thriller, characters are likable and well-developed with a unique plot and an extremely delightful writing style. Suspenseful, though equally entertaining. Quite enjoyable.
May 10, 2025
I'll admit it. I didn't get the ending.
January 25, 2023
Well developed story with unique characters and clever plot twists that leaves the readers in the position of jury in the end. An excellent quick read.
January 26, 2023
This was just not my style. I prefer fiction with a lot of factual information. It seemed poorly written, leaving out a lot of details that just left me wondering why I bothered to read it.
August 30, 2023
Weird and disjointed. DNF.
April 19, 2022
I received a free copy of Forever Silenced by the author, Richard Cohen and it looked really interesting. I love mysteries and this is described as a cosy mystery so here we are.
The plot is interesting. The first part we deal with Willem being adopted and it feels a little strange and unrealistic. It seems odd that Willem has settled into a brand-new home so very quickly and calls her mom so willingly and acts quite lovingly towards a complete stranger. My initial thought was that maybe she’s not a stranger. Also, why would they call her at 4am for her to collect him? I thought perhaps something had suddenly happened and she was his next of kin but this was completely incorrect.
Willem is psychic and I think this has helped him to settle in so quickly and easily, with his belief that he already knows things and that he knows how things are going to turn out. It adds an interesting element to the plot but makes him a stranger character in some ways.
Over a third of the way through it doesn’t feel like a mystery at all more of something else, not sure what. Initially thought of family drama but there isn’t much drama either. There is a lot of character development so far though. However, this does improve and the plot twists and turns its way through to its conclusion.
It’s a quick read and hasn’t taken me long to read and is a nice story but not a lot of substance in terms of a cosy mystery, but I also can’t really say where it fits quite despite having finished reading.
I enjoyed the interesting characters, the courtroom scenes and the plot. It leaves you wondering whom you can trust and whether both the systems of our legal and social service work quite as they should. Overall, a strong novel.
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The plot is interesting. The first part we deal with Willem being adopted and it feels a little strange and unrealistic. It seems odd that Willem has settled into a brand-new home so very quickly and calls her mom so willingly and acts quite lovingly towards a complete stranger. My initial thought was that maybe she’s not a stranger. Also, why would they call her at 4am for her to collect him? I thought perhaps something had suddenly happened and she was his next of kin but this was completely incorrect.
Willem is psychic and I think this has helped him to settle in so quickly and easily, with his belief that he already knows things and that he knows how things are going to turn out. It adds an interesting element to the plot but makes him a stranger character in some ways.
Over a third of the way through it doesn’t feel like a mystery at all more of something else, not sure what. Initially thought of family drama but there isn’t much drama either. There is a lot of character development so far though. However, this does improve and the plot twists and turns its way through to its conclusion.
It’s a quick read and hasn’t taken me long to read and is a nice story but not a lot of substance in terms of a cosy mystery, but I also can’t really say where it fits quite despite having finished reading.
I enjoyed the interesting characters, the courtroom scenes and the plot. It leaves you wondering whom you can trust and whether both the systems of our legal and social service work quite as they should. Overall, a strong novel.
More reviews on my blog follow me on Instagram follow me on twitter
March 24, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5
I enjoy a good cozy mystery from time to time, almost like a book palette cleanser. Even though Forever Silenced has been classed as a cozy mystery, in my view, it is not. It is much, much more!
I’m not sure if there is any genre that could satisfactorily cover this novel, besides ‘Mystery’. Told in the third person, we follow 45-year-old Dr. Willem Gerhardt over the period of his trial. Forever Silenced begins with Willem in jail and I got the feeling like I was beginning the story near the end. In fact, this book kept me in the dark about the details of his supposed crime for almost half the book. While frustrating – I am a very curious individual – this definitely added to the build-up of the story.
Whilst in jail, Willem has flashbacks, giving little clues of who he is and what happened. There’s a cloud of mystery surrounding his younger life and so few details about what happened to him before the age of eight. He has a quirky sense of humour and is regularly described as uncanny in his youth.
With the flashbacks and all the jumping back and forth, I will admit to getting a little lost at times. One thing that I found helped a lot was to try and draw a timeline of events so that I could put things in perspective.
Forever Silenced is a quick read with lots of twists! I was never quite sure if I was rooting for a good or bad guy 😲! This tale is so twisty, I got my knickers in a knot 😂, especially with the final chapter.
Triggers: Death
Thank you to the author for providing me with this free eBook. This is my honest review! For my full book review, please head over to my blog, www.chocolatebookscats.com.
I enjoy a good cozy mystery from time to time, almost like a book palette cleanser. Even though Forever Silenced has been classed as a cozy mystery, in my view, it is not. It is much, much more!
I’m not sure if there is any genre that could satisfactorily cover this novel, besides ‘Mystery’. Told in the third person, we follow 45-year-old Dr. Willem Gerhardt over the period of his trial. Forever Silenced begins with Willem in jail and I got the feeling like I was beginning the story near the end. In fact, this book kept me in the dark about the details of his supposed crime for almost half the book. While frustrating – I am a very curious individual – this definitely added to the build-up of the story.
Whilst in jail, Willem has flashbacks, giving little clues of who he is and what happened. There’s a cloud of mystery surrounding his younger life and so few details about what happened to him before the age of eight. He has a quirky sense of humour and is regularly described as uncanny in his youth.
With the flashbacks and all the jumping back and forth, I will admit to getting a little lost at times. One thing that I found helped a lot was to try and draw a timeline of events so that I could put things in perspective.
Forever Silenced is a quick read with lots of twists! I was never quite sure if I was rooting for a good or bad guy 😲! This tale is so twisty, I got my knickers in a knot 😂, especially with the final chapter.
Triggers: Death
Thank you to the author for providing me with this free eBook. This is my honest review! For my full book review, please head over to my blog, www.chocolatebookscats.com.
May 5, 2022
Forever Silenced is an enjoyable read starting at the end of the story and switching present to past effortlessly, which grips you from the first pages and gets you thinking.
Willem is adopted by a kind and well-respected billionairess, Elizabeth Gerhadt. Willem’s adoption happens quickly and is shrouded in mystery. Elizabeth soon discovers Willem has a unique gift. One that seems to have got him into trouble in the past. With the love and nurturing from his devoted mother, Willem is able to grow into a well-accomplished and respected member of society. Skipping forward to when Willem is charged with murder, is his gift out of control and landed him in trouble again?
Richard Cohen provokes the reader with the unknown powers of the mind in this cosy mystery. It left me with questions about the characters, which I expect it was meant to. His writing is smooth and easy to process.
A quick read that gets you thinking – we never really know the people we think we can trust.
I received ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Willem is adopted by a kind and well-respected billionairess, Elizabeth Gerhadt. Willem’s adoption happens quickly and is shrouded in mystery. Elizabeth soon discovers Willem has a unique gift. One that seems to have got him into trouble in the past. With the love and nurturing from his devoted mother, Willem is able to grow into a well-accomplished and respected member of society. Skipping forward to when Willem is charged with murder, is his gift out of control and landed him in trouble again?
Richard Cohen provokes the reader with the unknown powers of the mind in this cosy mystery. It left me with questions about the characters, which I expect it was meant to. His writing is smooth and easy to process.
A quick read that gets you thinking – we never really know the people we think we can trust.
I received ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 3, 2022
I just finished reading Forever Silenced, part cozy mystery and part psychological thriller. This was a quick read and the story had various plot twists with many surprises. The characters were well developed, especially Elizabeth Gerhardt, who you can’t help but to fall in love with. Willem Gerhardt is a prestigious psychologist who grew up amid many challenging circumstances. The story captures his life while transitioning well from the past up to the present where he is charged with murder. The unexpected ending was a big surprise. It would be great to see this become a movie.
November 10, 2022
This book is superbly written, with vivid descriptions that completely engage the reader's attention and put them right in the centre of it, making your heart race and leaving you puzzled. The build-up of tension and suspense creates a whirlwind of emotions for the reader. Attention to detail, accurate analysis, and psychological aspects presented in an enticing manner. The tricky situations with flawless character development make the plot more interesting. In between the stressful scenes, the author's sense of humour keeps you pleasant.
January 29, 2023
The book started out really great to me. I figured from the beginning there was going to be a twist at the end and I couldnt wait to find out what happened. I loved that the author gave the main character psychic abilities and really hoped to see it used more in the story. When the twist finally came at the end I was a bit confused. I actually went back and reread the last couple of chapters trying to figured how everyone fit into the twist. I’m still not completely sure. Maybe it’s just me….
May 14, 2022
I'm a lover of a good cozy book. Especially when I want something light to read and need an escape from the real world.
The themes in this book are not what I would say are traditionally "cozy". After reading it though I would have to say it does fit the genre. A great read and especially good if you are looking for something a little different than the usual "fluff" out there.
The themes in this book are not what I would say are traditionally "cozy". After reading it though I would have to say it does fit the genre. A great read and especially good if you are looking for something a little different than the usual "fluff" out there.
July 14, 2023
Many surprises!
Could not put this down until finished. The writer had you deeply connected to the characters and the story line was complex and held your interest. Having worked in the field of child abuse, I connected with all of the emotional aspects of the characters. Very intelligently written and I would recommend.
Could not put this down until finished. The writer had you deeply connected to the characters and the story line was complex and held your interest. Having worked in the field of child abuse, I connected with all of the emotional aspects of the characters. Very intelligently written and I would recommend.
January 19, 2023
Beyond any particular twists, this novel is refreshing! Characters are well developed, story uniquely mysterious and the writing easy to read with a page turner flow. An unusual, yet entertaining story style--overall, an interesting quick read and rather enjoyable.
January 19, 2024
This was a fast read, but it jumped all over the place. It was trying to tell too many different stories and it never really came together. The writing was repetitive and the courtroom scenes dragged on. Overall, it just didn't work.
August 4, 2024
Quite twisty, twisted and just extremely unique. An entertaining and grasping cozy/suspense. Incredibly thought-provoking. I highly recommend for those interested in something so very different than "the usual".
September 19, 2024
Extremely unique in its presentation and very entertaining. I enjoyed the character development, various twists and also the ever so close bond between a child and mother. A quick read page turner and again, extremely unique and far different from the "usual fluff" out there. Enjoyable!
April 23, 2025
Quite an intriguing read. A true embrace from the very first through the very last page. A great combination of character development, plot, twists and meaning. Certainly quite enjoyable and memorable. Highly recommended for those who enjoy fast moving psychological thrillers.
April 24, 2025
A combination into one of an endearing story and thriller. Such a perfect novel for our book club. Thought provoking, emotional and eliciting conversations of all sorts after. Enjoyable! Unique! So different from the "usual".
May 8, 2022
This didn't work for me, and it didn't come across as a cozy mystery.
February 11, 2024
A good physiological thriller. Very interesting courtroom proceedings and a good depiction of therapy theory. However the ending was disappointing and left you hanging.
September 20, 2024
A fantastic, thought provoking mystery for our ladies book club. Quite twisty and Alfred Hitchcock-like.
December 18, 2024
Quite unique. If you are looking for something just extremely different, outside the box and memorable- look no further.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews