Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Charli Cross #5

Dark Silence

Rate this book
When a string of shootings takes place throughout the city with alarming speed, Savannah Homicide Detective Charli Cross finds herself on a frantic hunt for clues for what appears to a killer who prefers drive-by shootings.

But with each answer she uncovers she begins to understand that this killer might be one of the most dangerous she’s ever faced—because he may very well have nothing to live for.

As more bodies continue to pile up, Charli finds herself in one of the more fast-paced cases of her career.

262 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 14, 2022

1008 people are currently reading
311 people want to read

About the author

Mary Stone

216 books2,131 followers
To download my FREE BOOK, click here: https://authormarystone.com/free-book...

Nestled in the tranquil Blue Ridge Mountains of East Tennessee, Mary Stone has transformed her peaceful home, once bustling with her sons, into a creative haven. As her family grew, so did her writing career, evolving from childhood fears to a deep understanding of real-life villains. Her stories, centered around strong, unconventional heroines, weave themes of courage and intrigue.

Mary's journey from a solitary writer to establishing her own publishing house marks a significant evolution, showcasing her commitment to the literary world. Through her writing and publishing endeavors, she continues to captivate and inspire, honoring her lifelong fascination with the mysterious and the courageous.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
2,409 (66%)
4 stars
945 (26%)
3 stars
228 (6%)
2 stars
23 (<1%)
1 star
7 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
Profile Image for Bev.
3,271 reviews98 followers
June 11, 2022
Detectives Charli Cross and her partner, Detective Matthew Church go to the crime scene of Victor Layne. There were two witnesses, but they aren't very helpful. Victor Layne was a pastor at a local church, all in all a very kind and caring man. Who would want to kill him? Then there is another murder the next day, same kind of killing. But the body count keeps rising, soon the FBI and GBI are involved. It doesn't help that Charli is having problems concentrating on the case, her thoughts go to Madeline and the letters she has gotten. Can Charli and Matthew find out who the killer is and why? The body count and tensions are rising. It isn't looking good. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Dawn.
376 reviews2 followers
June 13, 2022
Detective Charlie Cross and her partner, Matthew, are at it again in the newest installment in this series. In a small town in Georgia, a longtime and much loved pastor is gunned down while out tending to his parishioners. At first it seems to be random and possibly a gang initiation. When more bodies with the same M.O. show up, the FBI and GBI are brought in to help. Can they solve the case in time? Will the person from the past who is sending Charlie taunting messages be revealed? Is Charlie next to be killed just like her friend Madeline, when she was a teen? Can Charlie concentrate well enough with everything going on to catch a killer? So many questions, so many changes of direction. It all makes you interested in the plot and draws you in. I received an ARC of the novel. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Profile Image for D.L..
182 reviews2 followers
June 16, 2022
Madness Overcomes Grief

Detective Charli Cross and Detective Matthew Church are assigned the case of a murdered pastor. Charli and Matthew question a couple of witnesses; however, they were not able to provide much information. Charli and Matthew wonder why someone would want to kill a pastor. Before they finish with the pastor’s murder another murder happens then another and another. Now they are questioning who would want to kill a pastor, a convenience store owner, a nurse and a therapist. Are the murders related or random?

The FBI and GBI are called to help with the case. Charli has a theory about the murders and one of the FBI guys gives her a hard time. Preston shows up to help with the case and he and Charli have interesting interactions.

Madeline is never far from Charli’s thoughts and she has been receiving notes from someone who may be Madeline’s killer. It appears Charli is being stalked by Madeline’s killer. What does he have planned for her?

I am looking forward to the next book. Highly recommend this book along with the first four books.
588 reviews1 follower
March 27, 2025
So much for my intent to try to read books with substance.....I have G Man, and Siren but once I see a bit of the news, I have to pick up a murder mystery. Obviously the news has made me cranky for some time from my current reads in the last months.

This was what I needed. There were parts that seemed repetitious but what can be expected when it is the 5th in a series. The plot made me think of potential issues regarding killings. Random is not the norm. Humans have anger, frustration, a sense of being wronged, and a lack of control. The "silence" in this story includes the silence felt when a terminal illness is pending and the reality of the end is considered unjustifiable. The old "why me" sort of thoughts.

I appreciated how it was tied together at the end and that Charli actually matured. Seeing growth in characters is appreciated.

And surprise, I started number 6. What can I say except "Signalgate"....
221 reviews1 follower
June 14, 2022
Another great adventure in the Charlie Cross series. Random shootings startng with a pastor begins the hunt for a serial killer. Charlie & her partner, Matthew, race against time to solve the case. Other agencies are called in to help, but Charlie uses her instinct to jump ahead of them all to solve the murders. A roller coaster ride leaving you wondering how the murders are related & how the killer will be captured. All the while, Charlie is still obsessed with finding her friend, Madeline's, murder & the murderer is still obsessed with Charli, the one that got away. Can't wait for the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,161 reviews26 followers
June 15, 2022
This is an ARC and part of my favorite Mary Stone series. Charli and Matthew are called to the seemingly random murder of a beloved Pastor. Then several more murders follow with a similar car and weapon used. Can these murders be related or are the all random. As Charli and Matthew work the case, they are joined by the FBI and the GBI. Then Charli finds a clue that could break the case wide open. Can she find the rest of the answers before someone else dies? Then you add that this case, along with the resent letters she has received, gets her thinking about Madelines death. Sit back and enjoy another great book
Profile Image for Paula.
217 reviews3 followers
June 14, 2022
This is book #5 in the Charli Cross series and it is, as all the others. Charli and her partner, Matthew Church, are called to investigate the killing of a priest. Before they can get a handle of the why of this murder, another innocent is murdered. The plot of this storyline ‘includes many unanswered questions’, a ton of suspense, and a whole lot of “keeping you guessing until the end” finish. I highly recommend any of Mary Stones’s books.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,370 reviews7 followers
October 29, 2022
Great series and writing. Charli and her partner are back and Bette than ever. They case is fascinating as we know it is related, but the detectives and then federal agencies are not finding out how they connect. There is the underlying questions about her teenage friends murder and the fun personal details of the GbI agent and potentially more. Quick story with vivid scenes and emotions. Love the dynamic Charli has with her partner and her overall character for this series! Can’t wait for more.
11 reviews
May 1, 2024
I liked the plot of this book, but was increasingly distracted by errors. At one point, the book said that Charli worked for the Charleston PD instead of Savannah. Janice was called Janine several times. Haley was spelled "Haylee" in some places. I couldn't understand some of the questionig tactics. Mrs. Layne was not even asked if she knew Stanton and the reader didn't know why he was targeted, until it was mentioned in passing, near the very end of the book. The story was good. I love Mary Stone's books, but this one could have been better written (or edited?).
377 reviews
June 13, 2022
Dark Silence was everything I hoped for. Continuing the series of Charli Cross. I am always excited to get the newest book by Mary Stone. These books, pull you in, involve you in their every word, becoming your life while you read it. Long after you will be awaiting the next in the series.
You will enjoy reading the newest book by Mary Stone.

I received this book as an ARC from the Author in exchange for an honest review
154 reviews
June 14, 2022
Really enjoying this series. Mary Stone and Donna Berdel have created wonderful characters and in Dark Silence have scripted a very puzzling case.
The success to closing this case requires dogged determination and that IS Detective Charli Cross. She and her partner, Matthew Church are unrelentless in the pursuit of this killer.
A well written novel which if I did not have work to do I would have read in one sitting!
Profile Image for stephen g. carroll.
49 reviews
June 18, 2022
Dark Silence ( Charli Cross Book 5)

Charli and her partner Matthew are tasked with solving the murders of citizens who appear to have no connection to each other. The murderer is escalating with few clues to help the detectives, FBI and GBI. Ultimately, three of the deaths provide a clue as to why their senseless deaths are connected. It was a great read, and one of the author's most suspenseful, I feel.
Profile Image for Belle Ann  Cline.
75 reviews
October 28, 2022
Awe, Mary Stone

If you haven’t read any of Mary Stone’s books -what are you waiting on? She never disappoints! The ride is fast & furious. You can not read fast enough. I found her through a friend because she saw a Newfoundland on the front cover. I’ve owned them for 26 years. All of her books are excellent. The suspense, the struggle, the clock ticking will keep you on the edge of your seat. Start now!
23 reviews
March 10, 2023
She does itbagain

Another nail biting, edge of the chair, page turner for Mary Stone. She has now developed the character of Charlie Cross into someone we can identify with and care about.

Trying to figure out who killed her best friend has me on pins and needles. Is it someone we have already met or someone new to the story.

I don't know about you, but I am very excited to see if we receive any more clues on the killer's identity.
Profile Image for Becky .
592 reviews15 followers
June 13, 2022
I am a huge fan of this series. Charli Cross and her partner Matthew are engaging characters and do a good job figuring out who the bad guy is.
A seemingly random drive by turns into what looks to be an escalating serial killer. But they're all random, no known or obvious connections so how can Charli figure this out. Well read and find out.
Another hit by Stone and Berdel.
40 reviews
June 13, 2022
Detective Charlie Cross and her partner Detective Matthew Church team up again to find a killer who is turning Savannah into a city frozen in fear. The killings appear random, but to stop him, Charlie follows her instinct even when she is mocked for her theory by an agent from the FBI. How do you stop a killer who has nothing to lose?
Profile Image for Gray.
202 reviews
June 13, 2022
Charli is back or...is she? Yes, Charlie and Matthew have a new case but Charlie isn't a 100% in.

Good characters, as always but the story sometimes trying to add to much just don't work all the time, so I just took one star.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Sue Palmer Crosby.
235 reviews
June 14, 2022
Wonderful book with enough twists and turns to get you dizzy. Who’s killing random people in Savannah? How are they tied together. Charli & her partner Matthew are racing against the clock to find out who the madman is before his next kill. Add to that is the letters Charli is getting from Madeline’s killer teasing her. Can’t wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs'.
2,769 reviews43 followers
June 14, 2022
I always enjoy a Mary Stone book and look forward with anticipation. This was good, but not great, if that makes sense. I enjoyed reading and devoured it, in an afternoon. This one could probably be read as a standalone.

I was given an advance copy by the author but the review is entirely my own.
Profile Image for VICTORIA RILEY.
27 reviews
July 11, 2022
Outstanding

This was a fantastic read! Charli Cross action from beginning to end!! I feel like she's getting closer to Madeline's Killer.... I love books with very strong female leads, Mary and her team have outdone themselves once again. Just when you think it can't get any better...Wham....it just keeps getting better!! I can hardly wait for the next book!
1,627 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2023
This does not disappoint. Charli has her demons but she is an effective detective along with Michael they make the dream team. It is interesting to see how she handles her obsession with the vanishing of her best friend Madeline when they were teens. This like the other installments is a page turner and ends with a lead in to the next in the series. These are best read in order.
137 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2022
ANOTHER GREAT BOOK IN THE SERIES. THEY JUST KEEP GETTING BETTER. GREAT PLOT WITH PLENTY OF TWISTS AND TURNS TO KEEP YOU ENGROSSED AND TURNING. WELL-WRITTEN AND LIKABLE CHARACTERS YOU FEEL LIKE YOU KNOW. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND OTHERS IN THE SERIES.
275 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2022
This book was very good. When the other forces are called in to help Charlie feels undermind by other agents.
When the clues are put together it works out she was onto something.
The ending is terrifying.
133 reviews2 followers
June 14, 2022
Another excellent thrilling story. I enjoyed Charlie’s moves, intuition and not giving up. This is the book where you will question if the victims deserved the death. Of course this is another page turner with the fireworks finale. Oh Charli!!!!
Don’t miss it
179 reviews
June 14, 2022
Detectives Charli Cross and her partner, Detective Matthew Church are involved in another hard to solve case. Can they solve this before any more lives are taken? I cannot wait until the next book especially after reading the cliffhanger.
I am an arc member and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Charlene.
74 reviews
June 14, 2022
This is a great series. I really enjoy the detectives Charli and Matthew and their interaction. And of course, their ability to investigate and solve murders. This series is developing into one that I’ll be looking forward to reading more of.
77 reviews2 followers
June 15, 2022
Entertaining

Love Charli and Matthew and set in one of my favorite cities. Big error in that snipers do not kill people with a Glock 19 but rather use a sniper rifle and shoot from a distance, not drive by. Other than that, enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Mary Rowe.
2,618 reviews8 followers
June 15, 2022
devastatingly sad on many levels

Almost a treatise on poisonous positivity, and its deadly consequences, this grabs at the emotions.

No one can know what goes through the mind of someone bent on revenge; this story proffers one possibility.
Profile Image for MsRoman.
1,129 reviews4 followers
June 18, 2022
Dark Silence (Charli Cross Mystery Series Book 5) By Mary Stone.. Charli and Mathew are on the hunt for a serial killer. This story again another page turner , I could not put it down … Unfortunately, Charli still has a stalker watching all her move … I recommend this series…..
3 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2022
Perfect denouement!

I've read all books in this series, and this particular conclusion was particularly satisfying. By showing the more vulnerable side of Charli, and the team, I didn't feel like I was left hanging, as I had with some of the previous books
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.