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Tony Valenti #5
Scared Silent
His choices: prison or death. Which scares him more?
When fifteen-year-old Denzel Payton is charged with the murder of a disabled veteran at a homeless camp, he’s trapped in a no-win situation: remain silent and risk almost certain conviction, or name the real killer and face the wrath of a monster who terrifies him.
After Denzel’s attorney is murdered, lawyers Tony Valenti and Penelope Brooks step up to defend him, despite the risk of becoming the killer’s next targets. As the evidence against their client mounts and potential defense witnesses vanish, Tony and Penelope race to unravel a dark secret that may hold the key to the case. They’ll need smarts, guts, and a little luck to save Denzel.
When fifteen-year-old Denzel Payton is charged with the murder of a disabled veteran at a homeless camp, he’s trapped in a no-win situation: remain silent and risk almost certain conviction, or name the real killer and face the wrath of a monster who terrifies him.
After Denzel’s attorney is murdered, lawyers Tony Valenti and Penelope Brooks step up to defend him, despite the risk of becoming the killer’s next targets. As the evidence against their client mounts and potential defense witnesses vanish, Tony and Penelope race to unravel a dark secret that may hold the key to the case. They’ll need smarts, guts, and a little luck to save Denzel.
394 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 27, 2022
487 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Neil Turner
10 books101 followersNeil Turner is the author of the gripping and highly-acclaimed Tony Valenti Thrillers series. If you like underdogs battling for survival—John Lescroart’s Dismas Hardy, Greg Iles’s Penn Cage, Michael Connelly’s Micky Haller, or John Grisham’s Jake Brigance—it’s time to start reading Tony Valenti.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 21, 2023
Scared silent
A different story than the previous books of the series in that it exposed the ridiculous way we run the judicial system, particularly in the Chicago, Cook County world. The fear invoked by the thugs of the different areas was unfortunately real and could be believed.
A different story than the previous books of the series in that it exposed the ridiculous way we run the judicial system, particularly in the Chicago, Cook County world. The fear invoked by the thugs of the different areas was unfortunately real and could be believed.
August 14, 2023
Great!
I really enjoyed this character driven legal thriller. The characters are likeable and relatable and their stories carry through the series. The ending was unexpected as usual.
I really enjoyed this character driven legal thriller. The characters are likeable and relatable and their stories carry through the series. The ending was unexpected as usual.
October 29, 2022
The story begins with Denzel and Spike going to the homeless camp and one of them killing Harry. It seems that Harry came into some money and Spike wants to make sure that he gets his share. Denzel winds up being arrested for Harry's murder and he is only 15. After Denzel's1st lawyer kets murdered, the case winds up with Tony and his partner Penelope. After Tony talks to Denzel and learns that someone else was responsible for the killing. When Tony tried to gert from Denzel who it was, he had no luck. As time went by, Denzel was not willing to budge and the evidence that the police had was quite compelling. When it came time for the trial, Tony still didn't know how he was going to get Denzel free. His only hope was finding Di, who could confirm that Denzel did not do it.
While this was going on, the story showed another side of Tony when he started a fundraising project to bring Independance Park so that it was family oriented like it was when he grew up. The 1st step was to get a new pool in place.
It is definitely a story you need to read to learn how Tony in addition to a hacker that he used and how all the pieces came together in the end. The conclusion of the story explains it all.
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
While this was going on, the story showed another side of Tony when he started a fundraising project to bring Independance Park so that it was family oriented like it was when he grew up. The 1st step was to get a new pool in place.
It is definitely a story you need to read to learn how Tony in addition to a hacker that he used and how all the pieces came together in the end. The conclusion of the story explains it all.
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
May 1, 2022
Scared Silent is the fifth book in The Tony Valenti Thrillers. The characters are well-depicted and realistic and the storyline is gripping. This book has lots of suspense and action. I love this series and would recommend it to anyone who loves thrillers.
I read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book with no obligation.
I read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book with no obligation.
May 11, 2022
B
Only my second Neil Turner book. He is quickly becoming a favorite author. This book centers around a young man accused of murder and facing a corrupt legal system
Only my second Neil Turner book. He is quickly becoming a favorite author. This book centers around a young man accused of murder and facing a corrupt legal system
July 6, 2023
The characterization was fascinating for rural Kansas. Native, an easy-to-follow storyline, and a bit of intensity blend into an enjoyable novel.
July 26, 2023
Great Book
Easily one of the best in the series. Love Tony. Glad to see he and Pat starting to restore their relationship.
Easily one of the best in the series. Love Tony. Glad to see he and Pat starting to restore their relationship.
January 21, 2024
Excellent book
This is a very interesting and well written story. It has several twists in the plot and an unexpected end. I highly recommend this book.
This is a very interesting and well written story. It has several twists in the plot and an unexpected end. I highly recommend this book.
April 12, 2025
This book didn’t disappoint, riveting, highly recommend
I can’t lie, this book was so delicious. It was like eating my favorite food all at once. The storyline was so captivating. Denzel captured my heart. He was so desolate and misunderstood. He was like he was trapped inside a lion cage alone feeling hopelessly. But it takes special people to come into your life and care enough about you to fight for your life. That takes hearts. I’m glad his case was designated to Brooks and Valenti. I just love Tony community and the project they took on to beautify the community. The special dedication to Trish for Tony was heartfelt. I just wish they would’ve put a remembrance for Bobby Harland there as well for Britts. Wow, we need real lawyers like Brooks and Valenti, esp Valenti. But I did share the same theory as Valenti as the relationship between Wix and Spike. I believed it from the beginning. This book was well written, entertaining, and hard to put down. I neglected a few chores trying to find out what was happening. Tony still my guy. He’s so hilarious inside his thoughts. I wish people could actually hear his inner thoughts, it’s so comical. I think author should’ve allowed one more chapter to explain bc it seems shortcoming or like a cliffhanger on some things left unanswered.
I can’t lie, this book was so delicious. It was like eating my favorite food all at once. The storyline was so captivating. Denzel captured my heart. He was so desolate and misunderstood. He was like he was trapped inside a lion cage alone feeling hopelessly. But it takes special people to come into your life and care enough about you to fight for your life. That takes hearts. I’m glad his case was designated to Brooks and Valenti. I just love Tony community and the project they took on to beautify the community. The special dedication to Trish for Tony was heartfelt. I just wish they would’ve put a remembrance for Bobby Harland there as well for Britts. Wow, we need real lawyers like Brooks and Valenti, esp Valenti. But I did share the same theory as Valenti as the relationship between Wix and Spike. I believed it from the beginning. This book was well written, entertaining, and hard to put down. I neglected a few chores trying to find out what was happening. Tony still my guy. He’s so hilarious inside his thoughts. I wish people could actually hear his inner thoughts, it’s so comical. I think author should’ve allowed one more chapter to explain bc it seems shortcoming or like a cliffhanger on some things left unanswered.
June 21, 2025
Tony Valenti takes on a case involving a 15 year old accused of murdering a good guy vet. The back story involves the world of homelessness and a criminal element. There are blurred lines of justice being served.
The prejudicial challenges that unhoused people face are interspersed throughout the book including from law enforcement & community interactions.
One of TV ‘s insights is when family is threatened our primitive nature increases.
The ending plays out to have another unexpected twist.
This book highlights to me that despite our diversity everyone belongs & if given a chance have the potential to contribute to our collective betterment.
The prejudicial challenges that unhoused people face are interspersed throughout the book including from law enforcement & community interactions.
One of TV ‘s insights is when family is threatened our primitive nature increases.
The ending plays out to have another unexpected twist.
This book highlights to me that despite our diversity everyone belongs & if given a chance have the potential to contribute to our collective betterment.
April 4, 2025
Tony and Penelope are defending a 15 year old boy, Denzel, against murder charges. He was arrested and accused of beating a homeless man to death. Denzel says he was set up, but the police say he is a cold murderer. Denzel is caught up in something bad and will not give up who he knows is the real killer.
January 1, 2024
I have enjoyed the previous books but felt that this one was rushed. There were too many issues with the prosecution and judge which were not followed up on and the ending was too convenient with a lot of holes. I'll still read the next one though
June 2, 2024
Totally addicted
Now on book 5. Love the combination of thriller, crime and courtroom drama. Also likeing the development of the characters, their relationships and involvement in the local community. Can't wait to dive into the next book 📙
Now on book 5. Love the combination of thriller, crime and courtroom drama. Also likeing the development of the characters, their relationships and involvement in the local community. Can't wait to dive into the next book 📙
May 30, 2024
A really good story.
June 16, 2024
Silent
Good story! Interesting to read. The story leaves some unanswered question of the other people involved but with a good ending.
Good story! Interesting to read. The story leaves some unanswered question of the other people involved but with a good ending.
April 13, 2025
Love the Tony Valenti series. Good story, conversations, and characters.
July 11, 2025
Really enjoyed reading this book. It was my first time picking a book of this genre. I should look into more.
September 12, 2025
Another great read by Neil Turner…I can’t put his books down…..wonderful reads!
November 7, 2024
Scared Silent was my fifth read of the Tony Valenti series. And like the prior four, I enjoyed this book just as much. Neil Turner affirmed once again that he can tell a suspenseful, page-turning story. I’m now very much drawn to the characters. For this book, I changed it up a bit. Instead of reading, I listened to it on audiobook. The story kept me just as riveted with my ears as my eyes. In my opinion, Gary Bennett served as the perfect narrator for the storyline. I continue to recommend this exciting series, and I stand ready to plunge into No. 6.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews