Silence of the Dead

Detective Jackson Mystery #16

by L.J. Sellers

After a young girl, Zena, turns up dead, Detective Jackson discovers she recently fled from a mysterious cult in fear for her life. But the physical and psychological walls around the anti-technology group derail his investigation.

Meanwhile, pressure builds as a ruthless criminal takes aim at police officers, and the whole department frantically searches for the cop killer.

Needing more help with his case, Jackson recruits Agent Dallas to go undercover. She infiltrates the secluded cult and soon discovers a bizarre form of abuse. To bring down the egomaniacal leader, Dallas takes a risk that puts her life in danger.

Jackson’s concern for the cult members also reaches the point of alarm. Determined to find out what really happened to Zena, he pushes the boundaries to break through the gate. But is he in time to save everyone?

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 4, 2022

About the author

I write the bestselling Detective Jackson mystery/thriller series—a four-time Readers Favorite award winner—as well as the Agent Dallas series, the Extractor thrillers, and provocative standalone thrillers. My 30 novels have been highly praised and have sold more than a million copies.

I reside in Eugene, Oregon where my many of my novels are set, and I'm also an award-winning journalist who earned the Grand Neal. When not plotting murders, I enjoy standup comedy, cycling, social networking, and attending mystery conferences. I've also been known to jump out of airplanes.

Reviews

[Denise Zendel · Rating 4 out of 5]

While investigating the death of a young woman, Detective Wade Jackson discovers she recently fled from a mysterious anti-technology cult in fear for her life. The walls (literal and figurative) around the group derail his investigation and he recruits a friend, FBI Agent Eve Dallas to go undercover in the group. He thinks she’ll be able to get more out of the cult members by finesse than he could going in locked and loaded. His focus is split between the cult case and trying to figure out who’s trying to assassinate his fellow officers. And his home front is equally complicated – he’s had a long-term, unrequited crush on Dallas, and he’s about to sign a lease on a rental with his partner, Kera. They have two young boys together, both of whom have already experienced abandonment, and he worries about what would happen if he leaves Kera.

I like some of the author’s other work, and this new cross-over between two of her established series did not disappoint. The plot is realistic, as are the multi-dimensional characters. Dallas and Jackson are both strong, but human. Jackson is trying to balance The Job with his personal life, including his teenage daughter and that three-year-old boy in his care. Dallas can throw (and take) a punch with the best of them, and is whip smart. She’s got the same total commitment to her work as Jackson, and they have a solid friendship.

This story whet my appetite for reading more in both the Detective Jackson series and the Agent Dallas series. I hope there will be more in this series as well.

[Christine Whitlatch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silence of the Dead

Another one of L J Sellers hits. Her books are riveting and hard to put down once started. I have read each of her books and still anxiously await the next one. Being from Eugene, I always find her stories a delight to read.

[Te'Shica Caldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Quick Read

I've read every book in the series, so I've gotten to know and grow with the characters. The story.... not expecting the twists. Good quick read....Finally Jackson and Evans...😂

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing series

This was a complex, twisted, and intriguing story with many surprising twists that will keep you guessing until the end. A great read.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.

[David Highton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the best in the series but the suspicious death of a girl who recently left a local cult community clashes with the investigation of a shooting of a police officer. Unexpected twist at the end.