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Detective Jo Fournier #5

Her Silent Prayer

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“Help!” she screams, kicking as hard as she can against the closet door. But it’s nailed shut, and nobody can hear her. She drops to her knees and curls into a ball like she did as a little girl, praying someone will find her before it is too late…

When the body of single mother Melissa Rollins is found trapped inside a bedroom closet in her immaculate suburban home, Detective Jo Fournier races to the scene. The small town of Greenfern is sweltering in a heatwave, and Jo is horrified to find that Melissa’s heating was turned up to the max whilst she died of thirst. Who would kill a devoted mother in such a cruel way?

Searching the house for clues, Jo’s team discovers that the front door was locked from the inside. And with no sign of a break-in, they realise the killer must be someone Melissa knew. But everyone in the frame has an alibi…

As she delves deeper into the case, Jo uncovers a link between Melissa and a recent cold case: another single mother who was tied up and brutally murdered. Someone is on a mission to kill local mothers, and Jo knows they will claim their next victim soon.

But as temperatures continue to rise and the team works around the clock to stop a twisted killer, someone from Jo’s past catches up with her. They’re watching her family’s every move, and they will stop at nothing to get revenge… Can Jo save the people she loves and catch the killer before it’s too late?

392 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 7, 2022

370 people are currently reading
750 people want to read

About the author

M.M. Chouinard

13 books447 followers
M.M. Chouinard is the USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Amazon Charts bestselling author behind The Vacation, a standalone psychological thriller, and the Detective Jo Fournier series, featuring The Dancing Girls, Taken to the Grave, Her Daughter's Cry, and The Other Mothers. She loves animals, coffee, amateur genealogy, and anything to do with Halloween or the zombie apocalypse.

M.M. Chouinard's first fiction story was published in her local paper when she was eight, and she fell in love with Agatha Christie novels not long after. While pursuing a Ph.D in psychology and helping to found the first U.S. research university of the new millenium, the stories kept rattling around inside her skull, demanding to come out. For sanity's sake, she released them.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
Profile Image for Shirley Chapel.
724 reviews177 followers
March 4, 2022
This book is at times a gripping and edge of the seat story. In the beginning I was drawn in but then midway I seemed to lose interest. I wanted to finish the book because I wanted to see how it all ended. The lead character and her partner are Detectives who were investigating so many different crimes at the same time that I became confused . In reality I’m guessing that detectives probably work different crime cases daily. The pace of the book seemed to drag from time to time. Towards the ending the pace picked up as clues started popping up and the chase began. Definitely some tense and scary moments. The ending was action packed and made up for the slower pace in the earlier part of the book.

Detectives Josette Fournier and Bob Arnett are the lead characters in this suspense thriller. They have been assigned to investigate and solve a wave of unusual and bazaar murder cases. Its believed that the cases all are tied together and a serial killer is behind them all. In each case a mother who has had abuse charges bought against her and has regained shared custody of the child, has been killed by the same type of abuse the mother had been accused of using on her child.
Josette and Bob are also looking into deaths thought to be suicide where men had jumped off the Golden Bridge in San Francisco. Markings on the bodies shows that some of the victims have been injected with a drug before they died. Could these deaths be the work of yet another serial killer? There are little to no clues or DNA left behind at the murder scenes. These serial killers are smart but at some point they will get get careless and Josette and Bob are waiting for them to slip up.
I recommend this book to readers of suspense thrillers. This is the fifth book of the Detective Josette Fournier series. The book can be read as a stand alone. This book contains some bad language.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of Her Silent Prayer. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are my own.
#hersilentprayer#netgalley
Profile Image for J.A. Schneider.
Author 17 books572 followers
April 7, 2022
What a fabulous thriller! Her Silent Prayer by M.M. Chouinard is the 5th in the Detective Jo Fournier series, and so good I plan to read the other four to catch up. It also reads well as a standalone as Jo tracks two serial killers: one an almost sympathetic, delusional psycho obsessed with protecting children from abuse.

A single mother named Melissa Rollins is found murdered in her bedroom closet with its door nailed shut. Detective Jo and her partner, Bob Arnett, are called to investigate and are stymied. The murder was bizarre, brutal and involved torture. What was the motive? A pattern emerges when other women are murdered, each of whom had abuse charges bought against them, and then regained shared custody of their child. Each is killed by the same type of abuse that she had been accused of.

The second serial killer case involves men who have been drugged before they supposedly jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. The two investigations are separate, but Jo finds herself and those close to her followed and threatened. This adds to the excitement of her ability to investigate the main case.

The author’s writing is gripping, with nonstop surprises and twists. Also special are the characters: Arnett thoughtful, moody and devoted to Jo. They make a dynamic pair with a lot of depth. Other characters add humor, wit and charm. This book is a must read you’ll keep thinking about. Highly recommended - five stars!
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
987 reviews111 followers
March 6, 2022
Wow , what a ride , I loved how the killer or killers came up with the ways to kill their victims, never anything like it. At first I was confused, but when I got to the second chapter I had a better understanding and was hooked . fast paced with numerous pf threads that will keep you guessing and re checking on what you thought you knew. It will have asking questions about who and why would someone want these women dead.And I loved the incter action between the two main characters.
Profile Image for Bookworm86 .
1,973 reviews137 followers
April 10, 2022
BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'Her Silent Prayer' by M.M Chouinard.

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for M. M Chouinard, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous

Publication date 7th April 2022.

This is the second book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'The Vacation' which I highly recommend. It is also the fifth book in the 'Detective Jo Fournier' series but can be read as a standalone.

I was originally drawn to this book by its stunning eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that this book is 'Perfect for fans of Lisa Regan, Melinda Leigh and Gregg Olsen.' I am a huge fan of all three of these amazing authors so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of M.M Chouinard and if this is half as good as 'The Vacation' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).

This novel consists a prologue and 83 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!

This book is based in California, USA 🇺🇸

This book is written in third person perspective with the main protagonists being Detective Josette Fournier and Diana Montauk and an unsub. The benefits of third person perspective with are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.

'Her Silent Prayer' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book M.M Chouinard discusses/includes child abuse.

WHAT did I just read!!!! WOW!!! I mean seriously Wow!! I am shocked that this is the only book I have read in what is promising to be an amazing series!! This has GOT to start with a MASSIVE WELL DONE MM Chouinard!!!!

Firstly let's start off with the writing style, etc!! This is an extremely well written book which had me hook line and sinker!!! It is so smoothly and beautifully written with vivid descriptions I completely forgot I was even reading a book a few times. The blurb, title and cover really fit the storyline.

As you can tell I LOVED the storyline. I found it to be realistic, very fast paced and I read it in a day. I loved the setting and atmosphere and just well... Everything!!! ThE plot throughout is rammed with suspense, mystery, lies, surprises, tension, romance and morals!!! What I loved about this book is that we get to see from not just one but two Killer's perspectives!!! It is unusual to have 2 killers on the go in one book let alone two serial Killer's!!! It is so multilayered it just keeps on giving and giving. The other thing that I love is that it really does make you think about what you would do if you were Jo, especially at the end. We all know that justice is not always served and the devastation that can cause. Anyway, I won't say anymore as I don't want to spoil it for future readers. I was intrigued to read at the end that this is not the first book where we meet Diana but her story begins in 'The Dancing Girls' so I am most definitely looking forward to reading that along with all of Michelle's previous and future books. I was shocked when the second killer was revealed as they hadn't even come into my thought process so a HUGE WELL done there as its getting harder and harder to shock me but you managed to do it!!!


Although this is the fifth book in the series I had would have had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.

It is always worrying when starting a new series as you have no idea who the characters are. It is very important for me to bond with not only the lead protagonists but I find it important that I like the rest of the team involved too and I am pleased to say that I had nothing to worry about!!

I loved getting to know every single one of the characters and thought they were portrayed perfectly with great character development. They were all realistic with their own little quirks and I liked each one for different reasons, even Diana!! I was completely invested in them and am looking forward to meeting them all again. Well maybe not so much Lieutenant Hayes who I thought was a female dog 😂 but we can't love all characters or it would be a pretty boring read! I love how Jo isn't just a strong kick butt female lead but she also has a vulnerable side too. I absolutely loved Christine Lopez and her energy drink addiction 😂. Arnett also has a strong personality and I loved the sarcasm between himself, Christine and Jo. They make an absolutely perfect team and I cannot wait to meet them all again. I would also love to meet Diana again as the "relationship" between herself and Jo absolutely intrigues me and I'd love to see what else they can learn from each other (hint hunt 😉)


Congratulations Michelle on yet another explosive success!!! I cannot wait to read more of what promises to be an explosive series. Here's to many more successes 🥂!!!

Clear your schedules before picking this up as you will not be able to put it down!!! "

Overall an absolutely page turning, thought provoking must read that will leave you wanting more!!!

Genres covered in this novel include Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Psychological Fiction, Crime Fiction, Police Procedural and Mystery amongst others.

I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Sheryl Browne, Shalini Boland, Lisa Jewell, Ruth Ware, Gillian Flynn, Lisa Regan, Melinda Leigh and Gregg Olsen and anyone looking for an explosive page turner!!!


394 pages.

This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon (at time of review) which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!

Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.

Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews

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Profile Image for Nicola “Shortbookthyme”.
2,364 reviews135 followers
April 19, 2022
Oh my gosh!
What a very intense read!
It had me reading late into the night!
The main characters were well developed and engaging. The story line was fast paced.
All in all, a well written police procedural with a very suspenseful plot.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Julie Lacey.
2,025 reviews131 followers
March 28, 2022
This is a great read.
A woman’s body is found inside her closet after being nailed in from the outside.
Her friend raises the alarm and is shocked to find out Melissa is dead.
It seems Melissa was fighting for custody of her daughter as her ex husband had accused her of abuse.
Another woman is found dead and it seems she has also been accused of abusing her child so Jo and Arnett need to find the link.
Jo is also working on a case from her past but needs to keep it quiet as Hayes has it in for her.
The two investigations are separate but this makes the story more exciting especially as one of the killers has been following Jo and has threatened those close to her.
This is a gripping crime thriller.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Profile Image for Lisa Towles.
Author 12 books165 followers
June 16, 2022
This is the second Jo Fournier book I've read, and though I realize it works best if you read a series in order, Her Silent Prayer is a riveting crime thriller with all the elements I look for in this genre - great writing, rich character development...and complex puzzles to solve. I think this was a fantastic read and I enjoyed it even more than the first in the series. I'm hooked!
Profile Image for Robin Loves Reading.
2,888 reviews451 followers
April 21, 2022
Detective Jo Fournier really has her hands full with her current case. A mother is killed under brutal circumstances and one of the clues that Jo discovers is that by the way the house was found locked that the victim might have known the killer. Furthermore, the deeper investigation goes, Jo is able to make a connection to a previous cold case with a murder of another mother. Meanwhile, Joe is dealing with a personal situation involving her sister Sophie and their strained relationship.

In fact, as things start to evolve, it appears that the very killer that they are looking for may have a revenge plot against her family and Jo is trying to tie everything together before another victim is found or anyone in her family is hurt. While all of this is going on, readers are given privy to the killer‘s perspective. In fact, the killer’s identity is made clear early on. Will Jo and her team be able to assess all of the clues in front of them to find this killer swiftly?

One thing this book reminded me of was the television series Dexter. That criminal mastermind had a reason behind his killings and that similarity is something that slowly becomes evident in this exciting book. In fact, what we have is an ingenious murderer who will stop at nothing while trying to meet their objectives.

Her Silent Prayer is an excellent installment in a thrilling series. Jo is a fabulous detective and a relatable protagonist. I have loved the previous four books in this series and I am very much looking forward to continuing with the next book.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.


Please enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/Wm6DbErqUnQ
Profile Image for Emma Star Crossed Reviews .
1,019 reviews295 followers
April 10, 2022
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Bookouture for letting me take part in this tour and for my copy of this book via Netgalley. This is the 5th book in the Detective Jo Fournier series. the previous book was published in January 2021 so my mind was a bit fuzzy on the details. If you haven't read this series before I think there is enough detail for you and if like me you have but it was a while ago then there's enough there to remind you of what happened in previous books. I think quite a but of time has passed since the previous book too.

Detective Jo Fournier is extremely smart and in this book is hunting down not one but two serial killers. This story makes you question the legal system, its flaws and vigilantism. Most people know that the legal system is flawed. Not every criminal is caught and if they are not all are punished but does that mean we should take the law into our own hands? These two killers certainly thought so!

This book effortlessly weaves in morality and justice while staying true to the law. I thought it was a fascinating insight into the differing perspectives. Chouinard kept me hooked from the beginning with different POVs and the two different cases. When one case dipped the other picked up keeping both us and the detectives very busy.

If you are looking to get your teeth into a gripping crime thriller that will keep you guessing then definitely pick this one up.
Profile Image for Christine.
1,953 reviews60 followers
March 30, 2022
Her Silent Prayer is the fifth in a series, but only the second one I’ve read. I had no problems catching up with the characters in the prior book when I read it. This book does have a partial spoiler about something that happens in that prior book. This one also has the return of a character from an earlier book that I didn’t read, so it didn’t have the same impact as it would for readers who have followed the series from the beginning.

In this book, Detective Jo Fournier and her partner Detective Bob Arnett are working on two different cases. One involves the death of a single mom found murdered in her own closet. The other is a cold case that Jo just can’t let go of. Jo is a great detective who works well with Bob, but is having issues with the lieutenant who is brought in as her new boss. I enjoy the procedural details of the story and watching the detectives search for suspects and motives, confirm alibis, and follow up on leads. When Jo and Bob meet with their technical expert, the discussions about cell phone towers and tracing potential suspects is a little too detailed and confusing. However, I was amazed when similar technology was used on a true crime television show I just saw so the author knows what she’s talking about!

I love how strong Jo stays when one of the cases gets personal and puts her family and her relationships in danger. I like how things turn out in the end and am interested in reading more by this author.

I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Bookouture. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
Profile Image for Ana Manwaring.
Author 16 books17 followers
October 11, 2022
What can I say? MM Chouinard's Jo Fornier series is top of my favorites list. This is another suspenseful, twisting, dark plot with a tough, smart protagonist and thought-provoking themes. The antagonist in this fifth book is especially twisted, evil, and somehow empathetic. I can't get enough of this series. But if you haven't already, start with book 1, The Dancing Girls. You'll know why when you get to Her Silent Prayer!
Profile Image for KKEC Reads.
1,062 reviews70 followers
January 28, 2022
Published: April 7, 2022
Bookouture
Pages: 392
Genre: Crime Thriller
KKECReads Rating:
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.

M.M. Chouinard writes crime fiction that is beautifully crafted. She sprinkles a little bit of herself in her characters, and you will feel how passionate she is from the first paragraph. A brilliant mind, incredible researcher, and delightful human, M.M. Chouinard was destined to be an extraordinary author. She is a modern-day Agatha Christie.

“Paranoia was a friend she cuddled around in bed each night and allowed to kiss her awake each morning.”

Jo is back, with her dream team, still hoping to fly under the radar of her boss. Except now, someone is playing judge, jury, and executioner with alleged abusive mothers. Soon, Jo and Bob are racing against the clock to find the killer before it’s too late. But, a blast from the past makes a reappearance, and suddenly Jo is thrust into a battle she might not survive.

MY HEART IS RACING, AND I AM SLIGHTLY SWEATY. But this book was beyond brilliant. The imagery, the characters, the plot, the themes, the symbolism, Lopez- my heart is so content.

There were some very clever goose eggs hidden throughout this novel, so if you’ve read the previous books- be on the lookout! I giggled out loud at a few; M.M. Chouinard is so clever, I cannot handle it.

I love the storyline and growth Jo has taken throughout the series (so far). This book was no different, and our favorite leading lady had a lot to face up to and think about with this novel. Her mind and heart continue to blow my mind.

I love Arnett. He’s so moody and such a devoted partner to Jo. I love the dynamic they have, and the respect and trust between the pair are incredible. Arnett was a beacon of factuality and reason in this novel. And I love that in a moment where Jo needed to be reminded of who she is- it was Arnett who was there.

Lopez. Sigh. She was a shining star in this book. She has always been an incredible character, well-placed comedic relief, sass, wit, charm, and a rockstar-filled work ethic that makes her slightly terrifying, in the best way.

The imagery was so well choreographed. The use of light vs. dark, good vs. evil, right vs. wrong, personal justice vs. legal justice- it is simply astounding how Chouinard can wrap so many details into a scene while also challenging you and making you think.

This book has been the long-awaited return, and I could not be happier with how the return, the showdown, and the continuation happened. I was conflicted because I couldn’t put this book down- but I also wanted to put the book down and take my time.

The symbolism in this novel is outstandingly beautiful. Chouinard truly outdid herself and has painted such vivid glimpses into the various characters. I loved the alternating narrators and how the storylines got more twisted as the plot thickened.

Knowing what I now know, my imagination is running wild with where else this story could go- with such a diverse, strong, capable cast of characters- heaven knows this series could go on forever.

The ending was poetic and iconic- paying homage to the previous books and leaving the door open for book 6. The way everything comes together while falling apart was pure choreographed chaos. Get writing, Michelle!
Profile Image for Renita D'Silva.
Author 20 books410 followers
April 21, 2022
Thrilling. Tense. Wonderfully addictive. This author is just wow and this series is amazing. Do read this book and this series. You will not be disappointed. Just wow
Profile Image for RK_reads.
198 reviews17 followers
February 8, 2022
It is not often that I empathise with the antagonist of a book, even less, when he/she is a serial killer and yet that's exactly the kind of dilemma that M.M.Chouinard has put me in, with her latest book in the Jo Fournier series.

When single mom, Melinda Rollins is found tortured to death, Fournier and her partner Arnett are quick to narrow down their suspects from among Melissa's known contacts. But upon noticing the similarities with the murder of another single mom, a few months earlier, the detectives realize that they are dealing with a serial killer. Meanwhile, Fournier and Arnett are also trying to track another serial killer related to a past case, but with no murder proven, no suspects, witnesses or even evidence, they have their work cut out for them.

With Fournier and Arnett chasing leads on two separate murders, both involving serial killers, readers are loaded with double the thrill. While the two cases vye for prominence in the plot, the ingenious investigation techniques, the snarky banter between the characters, the killers' POV and the final chase scenes, all help to keep one's attention riveted.

The serial killers in the plot are psycopaths, sure, but they are also shown to be victims themselves, who have taken on the role of a vigilante, thereby blurring the lines between crime and justice.

Overall, a gripping read. Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for providing a digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Bridget.
2,789 reviews131 followers
April 8, 2022
An impressive read following on from the other books in M.M. Chouinard's Detective Jo Fournier series.

In this one, Her Silent Prayer, Melissa Rollins, a single mother to her daughter, Avery is found trapped inside a hall cupboard in her suburban home; she had been drugged and left for dead. Detective Josette Fournier and her partner-in-crime, Detective Bob Arnett are called to the scene in the town of Greenfern and are shocked by the horrendous crime scene they find there.

I believe Her Silent Prayer would work as a self-contained read although you most likely will want to read the other instalments of the series. For me, Jo makes for a near-perfect main character with her inner strengths and vulnerability. Although not without flaws, she shows empathy and the camaraderie and bond she shares with Bob are delightfully pleasing. They make the perfect duo along with the rest of the team and Jo's relentlessness and motivation are admirable. Michelle M. Chouinard’s overall style wowed me once again as did the wonderfully thrilling plot. I really appreciate the author's ability to not only draw me into the sordid, dark story immediately but also keep me enthralled until the very last page. For me, this tale has it all - a plot brimming with mystery, suspense with many twists, characters that are real and believable and a super ending. Michelle M. Chouinard has become one of my favourite authors and I can’t wait to see what's next in this magnificent series.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel, at my request, from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Anna  J.
1,400 reviews35 followers
February 10, 2022
Detective Jo Fournier and Bob Arnett (dynamic duo) are back trying to figure out who is killing moms. Something strange is going on as moms are being murdered while their child is safe with dad? All of these woman have been fighting to get back custody of their child after abuse allegations. Jo tries to stay off Upstate Ursula's radar.

The killer is one delusional psycho who sees themselves as a guardian angel protecting the children from abuse. The killer gathers ideas on how to kill them based on what they did to their own child. The killer stalks his victims and finds the perfect opportunity to eliminate them and leave no trace behind.

Meanwhile someone is also stalking Jo and trying to get her to stop her investigation. Jo is determined to protect her family and stop a killer.

Absolutely loved this book and authors sense of humor. Thank you Net Galley for my ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Cynthia .
98 reviews6 followers
April 14, 2022
I have loved every word, of every book written by MM Chouinard! I stumbled across The Dancing Girls and half way through ordered every other book she has published, and will continue to do so! Excellent, thoughtful, and hard to put down!!!
Profile Image for Susan.
3,560 reviews
April 4, 2022
While Jo is tracking down someone who is murdering alleged child abusers, someone is tracking her down. This made for a great dual storyline that the author melds together nicely. I will admit that I wished part of the story would have continued on to the next book in the series as I was really enjoying the tension and the hunt. (That is not normal for me and is a testament to how much I liked how that story line was developing.) This installment also did a wonderful job of continuing to develop other characters in Jo's world, continuing to form a solid foundation for a great series! When do we get the next one?

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
Profile Image for Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy.
2,022 reviews66 followers
March 23, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily. Wow! This one was difficult to put down! This is #5 in the Detective Jo Fournier series, and I will now have to go back and read the first four! Detectives Fournier and Arnett are apparently super heroes of the detectives in their division which often gets them in trouble with the brass! Someone is killing young mothers, which sounds atrocious. However, if you look beneath the surface of these killings, you realize there is more to the story than meets the eye. Don't get me wrong... it is still spine chilling to think that someone's mind can fall into that kind of deep, dark hole, but there is a moral dilemma involved here as well. Detective Fournier is a force to be reckoned with, and when she gets started investigating, you will not be able to hold her back! This killer is brilliant with their planning of the crimes, so much so that it will give you tingles up your spine. They are playing games with the police, and so far they are winning. There are several plot twists that I did not see coming. The author provides plenty of suspects to choose from. This is a great mystery and police procedural, but it is also a dark psychological thriller because she takes you into the mind of a killer. This book almost reads like an episode of Criminal Minds. You have a diabolical killer on the loose who thinks they are saving the world! You will race through the pages because you will HAVE to know who the killer will be! If I had to sum it up in a few words, I would say intense intrigue, haunting and disturbing and a good solid mystery! I have another new author to check out her other books now!
1,453 reviews34 followers
February 5, 2022
This is a good police procedural showcasing the moral dilemma of both the characters. The police team work is appreciable and each one of them get their due. The cat and mouse chase to the conclusion is nail biting.
48 reviews
February 1, 2022
Phenomenal! So addictive I could not put it down. This is the first book in the series I've read and I have to go back and read them all now. I loved Jo, she is such a brilliant, well written character, and I also loved Diana as well. The storyline was so well developed, and I loved how I was completely surprised when the killer was revealed. Thank you to netgalley and the author for the free advanced copy of this book for my honest review.
Profile Image for CJ Eve.
563 reviews8 followers
March 27, 2022
So this is the first time I have picked up a book in this series (more fool me) and it will not be last and although it can be enjoyed as a standalone I defiantly felt I was missing some of the pieces to complete the full picture.

The partnership/relationship between Jo and Bob is another .plus of the book they are the dynamic duo the respect they have for each other is admirable.

In this story they are tasked with catching a serial killer who is targeting mothers and Jo remains hung up over a case that she can't just put to bed so continues to investigate that on the side.

A gripping read that kept me intrigued and engaged throughout.
33 reviews
January 29, 2022
Absolutely amazing! M.M. Chouinard has done it once again. She has written a book that is gripping from start to finish. I loved that she brought back a character from "The Dancing Girls". I didn't want to put the book down. The way she was able to have Jo investigating two murder cases throughout the book with great detail made it all the more interesting. This is a must read for sure!
Profile Image for Joanne Dunn.
199 reviews1 follower
February 14, 2022
My introduction to M.M Chouinard and I've jumped in at book 5 in the Detective Jo Fournier series with an ARC and have now bought the first 4 books as I loved the main character and now want to go back and get to know the characters more as there is a certain additional richness a story has when the back stories are connected in.

In this book Jo is chasing down two serial killers and I found myself split on my view of them, while they both are dealing their own brand of vigilantly justice, one is beyond cruel in their punishment and not always thorough in their research, the other you almost want to have the ability to carry on their crusade.
Profile Image for Lori L (She Treads Softly) .
2,949 reviews117 followers
April 4, 2022
Her Silent Prayer by M.M. Chouinard is a very highly recommended procedural/thriller.

Detective Jo Fournier and her partner Bob Arnett are called to the case of a single mother, Melissa Rollins, found dead trapped inside a closet with the doors nailed shut. The heat in the house was turned up to 95 degrees during a heat wave in Greenfern, CA, and Melissa died of thirst. With no sign of a break in, it appeared that Melissa knew her killer and let her in. Melissa was in a custody battle with her ex who had accused Melissa of child abuse. Then Jo uncovers a recent case where another single mother was killed and the two cases have unsettling similarities.

At the same time Jo is privately working a cold case from the past where a serial killer appeared to have committed suicide by jumping off the Golden gate bridge, but may have actually been killed. Jo needs to keep her interest in this case quiet as Lieutenant Hayes has it in for her, but so far thirteen out-of-state tourists have been killed with similarities that make it clear it could not be a coincidence.

Soon these two separate investigations are heading on a collision course and a killer is savvy to Jo's interest and is now following her.

This is my first novel by Chouinard and won't be the last. I haven't read the previous novels featuring Jo Fournier, but I felt this one worked as a stand alone novel too, although if you like a writer it's always a good idea to check out the whole series, which I will do. The writing is excellent as is the character development, especially considering this is part of a series. I liked the details provided about following the clues and uncovering more information to solve the intricate cases. Providing superior information regarding the police work in a procedural is always appreciated.

This novel veers into psychological thriller territory as the investigation evolves. You will find yourself saying, "Just one more chapter." Luckily the chapters are short and the pace quick. Her Silent Prayer is a good choice for anyone who likes procedurals and especially procedurals that are fast paced, well-written, complicated, and become personal.

Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Bookouture via NetGalley.
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Profile Image for Vivienne.
Author 2 books112 followers
April 12, 2022
My thanks to Bookouture for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Her Silent Prayer’ by M.M. Chouinard in exchange for an honest review. I did purchase the Kindle/Audible combination on publication.

This is Book 5 in her Detective Jo Fournier series set in New England. While I have read the first two of the earlier books I had no difficulty slipping back into Josette Fournier’s world, though background is also provided for readers new to the series.

In terms of plot just brief details in order to avoid spoilers. When the body of a young mother is found inside a closet that had been nailed shut during a heatwave, a murder investigation is opened.

Detective Jo Fournier realises that there are some aspects of the case that are reminiscent of a recent cold case involving the murder of another young mother. Yet all possible suspects have alibis. Jo wonders if this could be a ‘Strangers on a Train’ scenario. In addition, Jo cannot stop thinking about a case from eight years ago.

Throughout the series police procedural and psychological thriller elements are expertly blended by Chouinard. The chapters move between the viewpoints of the investigators, victims, and killers.

I have been reading so many British, Irish, and Scandinavian police procedurals recently that it did take me a short while to acclimatise to the American police titles and command structure.

Overall, this was another fast paced solidly plotted crime thriller with relatable characters and some great twists.




Profile Image for Els .
2,263 reviews52 followers
April 7, 2022
Is it possible to understand why a killers do what they do? Is it possible to feel for them and maybe even applaud them? Is it possible to see through the acts of violence and see the other side? Is it possible they save lives by taking some?

Well, I would say yes to all these questions.

You might think I have lost my mind, but I have not. 😊 If you have read this book, you might feel the same way I do. If you have not read it, it might feel weird, but you might change your mind when you do read it.

Killing is wrong I hear you say. I could not agree more, but some feel like it’s they only way to go to stop someone from doing what they do. We have a legal system to take care of those criminals, I hear you say. I have to agree there too, but I would like to add there are too many things that allow culprits that are allowed to slither away due to mistakes. They are set free to continue what they do best and like most: killing again.

How would you feel when a loved one is killed and the police’ s hands are tight because of certain rules they have to follow while killers don’t have any scruples…

One extract of this amazing book made me think hard and I could empathise. It seems like I am not they only one it had an effect on…

Jo and Bob are the perfect duo once again, but they could not do it without their fantastic other team members.

I loved, loved, loved it. 5 stars

Thank you, M.M. Chouinard and Bookouture
610 reviews
April 20, 2022
Once again M.M. Chouinard intertwines the plots to keep the pages turning quickly. Jo is doing well, she is still in her relationship with Matt. With both of them working intense jobs they have to make time to see each other. Again murder has occurred in her area, this time a mother of a young girl. But it is a very strange murder and stranger still it might not be the only time the murderer has killed. Meanwhile Jo is on a new track to solve her cold case from 8 years ago. Her new boss does not approve of her looking in to it. Will Jo be able to work on both cases?
Profile Image for Elaine - Splashes Into Books.
3,883 reviews136 followers
April 7, 2022
What a brilliant crime thriller this proved to be
With more than one serial killer mystery.
With Detective Jo Fournier and her team
Discovering things aren't as obvious as first they seem.

It starts with the murder of a Mum
But there are more murders yet to come.
How do they relate, why were they killed
And how can the murderer be caught and stilled?

Meanwhile her first case is on Jo's mind,
She's still looking for any clues that she can find.
But her search is placing her and her family in danger
She's being watched by someone who's a stranger.

Filled with suspense, clues and mystery -
And revenge filled killers, as you'll soon see.
Great characters, plot twists and clues to unravel
Keeping you turning the pages as to the end you travel.

An enthralling read, I recommend most highly so
I really hope you'll also give it a go.
For my complementary copy of this book, I say thank you,
A page turning read and this is my honest review.
414 reviews3 followers
April 7, 2022
Detective Jo Fournier book 5 – where have the others been in my life, I need to catch up.
Warning, as this book deals with child abuse.
Detective Jo Fournier and her partner Bob Arnett are called to the scene where a body is found locked, door nailed shut, in a closet. Who would do this and why, this sends the team on a hunt. They connect it to another unsolved murder, in both cases the victims’ children were under investigations for child abuse. Are there more? Woven into the story is back flashes to the killer’s own childhood.
While they are searching for the killer, Jo picks up new clues on a case that has been haunting her 8 years, and somehow those 2 cases totally complement each other.
The book had me on edge of my seat, or I should say no sleep as I couldn’t put it down.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an early read
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