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Silent Sleuths #2
Fallen Knight
DL Hammons continues the saga of the silent sleuths in FALLEN KNIGHT - the perfect mashup of The Camel Club and The Goonies.
An elusive killer has been recreating and improving crimes from long-forgotten headlines. The FBI finally uncovers the surprising identity of the suspect - a disturbed high school student - but only after he has taken his own life while committing a terrible crime. Unfortunately, the threat doesn't end there. The boy left behind a note announcing his pre-arranged scheme to unleash one final "improvement" - minus the crucial details of where, when, or how.
Eighteen months ago, Lee Hamilton and his five middle-aged companions (nick-named the Knights Who Say Ni), crossed paths with Dianne Williams, a feisty private investigator examining a decades-old murder. Together they would solve the crime and see justice done. That chance encounter would be the beginning of a rather unique collaboration... and friendship.
When Dianne's newest investigator, who is also a Knight, is attacked after returning home from a routine investigation, Lee and the others take matters into their own hands to find the person responsible. The trail leads inexplicably to the doorstep of a dead teenager blamed for a mass shooting and a swarm of FBI agents investigating it. Little do they know they've become part of a race against time to stop the single largest bioterrorism attack in US history.
An elusive killer has been recreating and improving crimes from long-forgotten headlines. The FBI finally uncovers the surprising identity of the suspect - a disturbed high school student - but only after he has taken his own life while committing a terrible crime. Unfortunately, the threat doesn't end there. The boy left behind a note announcing his pre-arranged scheme to unleash one final "improvement" - minus the crucial details of where, when, or how.
Eighteen months ago, Lee Hamilton and his five middle-aged companions (nick-named the Knights Who Say Ni), crossed paths with Dianne Williams, a feisty private investigator examining a decades-old murder. Together they would solve the crime and see justice done. That chance encounter would be the beginning of a rather unique collaboration... and friendship.
When Dianne's newest investigator, who is also a Knight, is attacked after returning home from a routine investigation, Lee and the others take matters into their own hands to find the person responsible. The trail leads inexplicably to the doorstep of a dead teenager blamed for a mass shooting and a swarm of FBI agents investigating it. Little do they know they've become part of a race against time to stop the single largest bioterrorism attack in US history.
384 pages, Paperback
Published July 29, 2022
1 person is currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
D.L. Hammons
6 books210 followersDL Hammons wrote his first piece of fiction decades ago to impress a girl (he was moderately successful) and never looked back.
Growing up as a military brat, DL moved around quite a bit as a kid. After graduating from LSU and raising a family in several southern states, he now makes his home in Central Arkansas, where he has spent the last dozen years perfecting his voice, splitting his writing time between YA and Adult Mystery/Suspense. Besides being an author, DL claims that the most interesting thing about him is that he lacks a sense of smell. Other passions include (but are not limited to) his family (including his two mini-Australian Sheppards), music, movies, video gaming, and cool weather camping.
MOVING FEAR - his YA Supernatural Horror debut is due out early 2026.
Growing up as a military brat, DL moved around quite a bit as a kid. After graduating from LSU and raising a family in several southern states, he now makes his home in Central Arkansas, where he has spent the last dozen years perfecting his voice, splitting his writing time between YA and Adult Mystery/Suspense. Besides being an author, DL claims that the most interesting thing about him is that he lacks a sense of smell. Other passions include (but are not limited to) his family (including his two mini-Australian Sheppards), music, movies, video gaming, and cool weather camping.
MOVING FEAR - his YA Supernatural Horror debut is due out early 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 26, 2022
I'm happy to report that the second book in this series did not disappoint. In fact, I would even say I enjoyed this one slightly more. The story had more of an edge to it and I would agree with another reader who noted that the stakes were definitely loftier this time. Most of the same characters are back and I enjoyed how the author peeled back more of their layers while at the same time laying out a very intriguing and absorbing plot. I was hooked after just a couple of pages, but by the time I was halfway through I was in danger of giving myself paper cuts by turning the pages so fast. :)
DL Hammons is two-for-two in my book and I can't wait for the next installment!
DL Hammons is two-for-two in my book and I can't wait for the next installment!
July 26, 2022
I was thrilled to receive this advance reader copy in trade for an honest review and to support my local independent bookstore and press: Wild Lark Books. wildlarkbooks.com All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
My Review:
You should read this book that boosted the stakes from book one in the Knights series. And I believe you can read this standalone work without reading DL Hammons' first Knight book.
This story opens on a big day in the life of Brady Jones, a typical teenager in high school, living through what he thinks will be a special day which then morphs into the horrific nightmare of a school shooting. After the prologue, we're with Dianne, manager of Silent Sleuth Investigations as she is on her way to meet Ebe, Steven Ebe, who has been on a rare field mission, now aborted. Unfortunately, Dianne and Ebe don't exactly meet.
The writer kicks off this book with two fantastic opening chapters launching two separate POVs and separate plot threads with only loose ties connecting them, but the clues allude to more than just simple crimes. Just a few minutes in, I was hooked and reading quickly to see where these two plots might intersect. Then, in the third chapter the two plot lines came together in a jolt of excitement.
The midpoint of this book elevates the risk level to an almost unthinkable concern that has even our self-sufficient and strong team questioning their own involvement in this unraveling nightmare. But they continue to show leadership and fortitude as they expand their team to include a rogue FBI agent.
This thriller is satisfying from several measures. First, it delivers a plot with dozens of clues that some readers may put together as it unfolds and some may praise in retrospect as a great puzzle. Second, it's a bit different from your average thriller once the antagonist is fully revealed and understood--not unique, but certainly uncommon. The pacing is great, especially in the second half--it speeds up as it goes. For me the playfulness of the adult Knights Who Say "Ni"--a historic nod to Monty Python--worked better in this book than in the first Knights book. With such an obscure and silly reference, I believe it works better the more the writer steers into it.
This bold author tried to (and did) summon sympathy for a school shooter on more than one occasion--that is one difficult task under today's backdrop of nearly constant deadly school events, which we all hope could be prevented.
I only have a few criticisms. One, the speech and colloquialisms of the protagonist and the Knights are aged beyond their years and sometimes seemed out of character, but on the other hand, this writer supports protagonists above the age of thirty, which is a great thing in this art form. Two, there are a few places where the gender roles are amplified and older men ogle or sexualize younger women, which could have used a sensitivity reader for 2022--or perhaps that is the point of these particular manifestations: that even good and well-behaved older men have thoughts about the desirability of significantly younger women--dangerous topic to take on, even tangentially, yet it was done in good taste.
Overall, this was a solid thriller and might even be called a mystery. The plot was well-constructed and ever expansive with characters I cared about. One other mention--in my last thirty ARCs, this was the cleanest edit I've seen--if you find a typo in this one, you're better than me.
You should read about Dianne and these Knights and decide what you think.
FALLEN KNIGHT by DL Hammons
Published by: Wild Lark Books
Publication date: July 29, 2022
Pages: 384
Genres: Mystery / Thriller (classified by publisher); (and from me: Thriller, possibly mystery)
POV: Multi-POV; Third person, past (for Brady's prologue); First person, past (for Dianne's chapters); Third person, past (for Lee's chapters and anyone except Dianne);
Narrator: True and usually authentic, often very close
Opening setting: Virginia road in a 1997 Dodge pickup on the way to school
Other significant locations: Manchester, Virginia; Charlotte, NC
Number of named, identified or described characters: 64+
Publisher's Summary:
The prefect mashup of The Camel Club and The Goonies - An elusive killer has been recreating and improving crimes from long-forgotten headlines. The FBI finally uncovers the surprising identity of the suspect - a disturbed high school student - but only after he has taken his own life while committing a terrible crime. Unfortunately, the threat doesn't end there. The boy left behind a note announcing his pre-arranged scheme to unleash one final "improvement" - minus the crucial details of where, when, or how. Eighteen months ago, Lee Hamilton and his five middle-aged companions (nick-named the Knights Who Say Ni), crossed paths with Dianne Williams, a feisty private investigator examining a decades-old murder. Together they would solve the crime and see justice done. That chance encounter would be the beginning of a rather unique collaboration... and friendship.
When Dianne's newest investigator, who is also a Knight, is attached after returning home from a routine investigation, Lee and the others take matters into their own hands to find the person responsible. The trail leads inexplicably to the doorstep of a dead teenager blamed for a mass shooting and a swarm of FBI agents investigating it. Little do they know they've become part of a race against time to stop the single largest bioterrorist attack in US history.
My Review:
You should read this book that boosted the stakes from book one in the Knights series. And I believe you can read this standalone work without reading DL Hammons' first Knight book.
This story opens on a big day in the life of Brady Jones, a typical teenager in high school, living through what he thinks will be a special day which then morphs into the horrific nightmare of a school shooting. After the prologue, we're with Dianne, manager of Silent Sleuth Investigations as she is on her way to meet Ebe, Steven Ebe, who has been on a rare field mission, now aborted. Unfortunately, Dianne and Ebe don't exactly meet.
The writer kicks off this book with two fantastic opening chapters launching two separate POVs and separate plot threads with only loose ties connecting them, but the clues allude to more than just simple crimes. Just a few minutes in, I was hooked and reading quickly to see where these two plots might intersect. Then, in the third chapter the two plot lines came together in a jolt of excitement.
The midpoint of this book elevates the risk level to an almost unthinkable concern that has even our self-sufficient and strong team questioning their own involvement in this unraveling nightmare. But they continue to show leadership and fortitude as they expand their team to include a rogue FBI agent.
This thriller is satisfying from several measures. First, it delivers a plot with dozens of clues that some readers may put together as it unfolds and some may praise in retrospect as a great puzzle. Second, it's a bit different from your average thriller once the antagonist is fully revealed and understood--not unique, but certainly uncommon. The pacing is great, especially in the second half--it speeds up as it goes. For me the playfulness of the adult Knights Who Say "Ni"--a historic nod to Monty Python--worked better in this book than in the first Knights book. With such an obscure and silly reference, I believe it works better the more the writer steers into it.
This bold author tried to (and did) summon sympathy for a school shooter on more than one occasion--that is one difficult task under today's backdrop of nearly constant deadly school events, which we all hope could be prevented.
I only have a few criticisms. One, the speech and colloquialisms of the protagonist and the Knights are aged beyond their years and sometimes seemed out of character, but on the other hand, this writer supports protagonists above the age of thirty, which is a great thing in this art form. Two, there are a few places where the gender roles are amplified and older men ogle or sexualize younger women, which could have used a sensitivity reader for 2022--or perhaps that is the point of these particular manifestations: that even good and well-behaved older men have thoughts about the desirability of significantly younger women--dangerous topic to take on, even tangentially, yet it was done in good taste.
Overall, this was a solid thriller and might even be called a mystery. The plot was well-constructed and ever expansive with characters I cared about. One other mention--in my last thirty ARCs, this was the cleanest edit I've seen--if you find a typo in this one, you're better than me.
You should read about Dianne and these Knights and decide what you think.
FALLEN KNIGHT by DL Hammons
Published by: Wild Lark Books
Publication date: July 29, 2022
Pages: 384
Genres: Mystery / Thriller (classified by publisher); (and from me: Thriller, possibly mystery)
POV: Multi-POV; Third person, past (for Brady's prologue); First person, past (for Dianne's chapters); Third person, past (for Lee's chapters and anyone except Dianne);
Narrator: True and usually authentic, often very close
Opening setting: Virginia road in a 1997 Dodge pickup on the way to school
Other significant locations: Manchester, Virginia; Charlotte, NC
Number of named, identified or described characters: 64+
Publisher's Summary:
The prefect mashup of The Camel Club and The Goonies - An elusive killer has been recreating and improving crimes from long-forgotten headlines. The FBI finally uncovers the surprising identity of the suspect - a disturbed high school student - but only after he has taken his own life while committing a terrible crime. Unfortunately, the threat doesn't end there. The boy left behind a note announcing his pre-arranged scheme to unleash one final "improvement" - minus the crucial details of where, when, or how. Eighteen months ago, Lee Hamilton and his five middle-aged companions (nick-named the Knights Who Say Ni), crossed paths with Dianne Williams, a feisty private investigator examining a decades-old murder. Together they would solve the crime and see justice done. That chance encounter would be the beginning of a rather unique collaboration... and friendship.
When Dianne's newest investigator, who is also a Knight, is attached after returning home from a routine investigation, Lee and the others take matters into their own hands to find the person responsible. The trail leads inexplicably to the doorstep of a dead teenager blamed for a mass shooting and a swarm of FBI agents investigating it. Little do they know they've become part of a race against time to stop the single largest bioterrorist attack in US history.
July 29, 2022
I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to read this book before its official release. This book was incredibly addicting. I quickly found myself rooting for these characters and being unable to put this book down. There are some serious topics in this book, but don’t let that lead you astray. This book was planned and written wonderfully. I’d recommend this book to anyone looking for a mystery or page turner!
March 7, 2024
Very enjoyable read, kept me turning the page much like the first one. The layers of story that come together in these Knight books is great. It’s an Adult Thriller that will have you enthralled in the story.
All of the Knights who say Ni are back at it and you get to learn more about each of them. There are people out there I know that don’t enjoy multiple characters and perspectives but for me it is like a huge sigh at the end when it all comes together. I live for book moments like those and commend the Authors who can do it so well. It is enjoyable to try to figure out how all of the stories intertwine. That aspect to me adds to the mystery.
That being said, I have one negative thing to say about this book…there are no page numbers! For various reasons that I could list if asked but I won’t go into detail right now, that is a major downside for me with a book. It doesn’t mean I won’t read it, that’s why I didn’t remove a star but I would prefer a book with page numbers. Not sure if it was published that way so it wouldn’t be a distraction, or to hide the page count and make it not seem like the book as long as it it (even though it’s not that bad, it’s my kind of standard book length). That was my only real negative.
The characters were well written as with the first book Knight Rise. The story flowed well. In the first book my favorite character was Dianne but I would have to say it was their driver Phil in this one. I liked the raw and realistic yet sad story of his. Showing the reality of a phobia in a book made it feel more real, adding a depth to the character that I enjoyed. Even though he doesn’t have a main role he is significant to the story.
Although, that is not to take away from Dianne’s story arch either. She has trust issues plain and simple. That is not to say it is a bad thing though. In reality, someone in her line of work investigating cases like that would more than likely have trust issues. To add that aspect was very realistic and needed in my opinion. Someone like Dianne, whose job it is to look for the underlying truths in situations would be unsure of new friends who say they are there for her. I love that she learns to trust in the end. Even though I don’t agree per se with how she held back information from them, if you really think about it, she did what she felt was right in that moment.
The antagonist was a surprise but only up until the first moment I met them. However, it may be just because I’m an Author as well and I look for things like that. The second this character was introduced I was like ‘yup it’s them’ lol. It didn’t stop me from reading though as even though I had the idea, it is always worth it to see that theory confirmed.
So overall I would recommend this read as you won’t be disappointed 😁. In case you are debating on reading these Knight books just so you know, I won this book in a giveaway but I enjoyed the first one so much that I would have purchased this one anyways 😁.
All of the Knights who say Ni are back at it and you get to learn more about each of them. There are people out there I know that don’t enjoy multiple characters and perspectives but for me it is like a huge sigh at the end when it all comes together. I live for book moments like those and commend the Authors who can do it so well. It is enjoyable to try to figure out how all of the stories intertwine. That aspect to me adds to the mystery.
That being said, I have one negative thing to say about this book…there are no page numbers! For various reasons that I could list if asked but I won’t go into detail right now, that is a major downside for me with a book. It doesn’t mean I won’t read it, that’s why I didn’t remove a star but I would prefer a book with page numbers. Not sure if it was published that way so it wouldn’t be a distraction, or to hide the page count and make it not seem like the book as long as it it (even though it’s not that bad, it’s my kind of standard book length). That was my only real negative.
The characters were well written as with the first book Knight Rise. The story flowed well. In the first book my favorite character was Dianne but I would have to say it was their driver Phil in this one. I liked the raw and realistic yet sad story of his. Showing the reality of a phobia in a book made it feel more real, adding a depth to the character that I enjoyed. Even though he doesn’t have a main role he is significant to the story.
Although, that is not to take away from Dianne’s story arch either. She has trust issues plain and simple. That is not to say it is a bad thing though. In reality, someone in her line of work investigating cases like that would more than likely have trust issues. To add that aspect was very realistic and needed in my opinion. Someone like Dianne, whose job it is to look for the underlying truths in situations would be unsure of new friends who say they are there for her. I love that she learns to trust in the end. Even though I don’t agree per se with how she held back information from them, if you really think about it, she did what she felt was right in that moment.
The antagonist was a surprise but only up until the first moment I met them. However, it may be just because I’m an Author as well and I look for things like that. The second this character was introduced I was like ‘yup it’s them’ lol. It didn’t stop me from reading though as even though I had the idea, it is always worth it to see that theory confirmed.
So overall I would recommend this read as you won’t be disappointed 😁. In case you are debating on reading these Knight books just so you know, I won this book in a giveaway but I enjoyed the first one so much that I would have purchased this one anyways 😁.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2022
I had the opportunity to read this before release thanks to Wildlark books and I thoroughly enjoyed it! A nice mystery that keep me in the dark until the last minute!! It was easy to get into and each chapter kept your attention. I also read this without reading the first book and felt like I already knew all the characters really well. I'll have to pick up the other book to enjoy more with this group!
January 24, 2026
This book did not disappoint. When I telling you that ending was wild and so intriguing. So hard to put down. Wooo weee, if you’re looking for an action packed book that you WILL NEVER see the ending coming. Look no further than The knight rise series. This book was amazing. The characters an equal amount of lovable and disposable. Once you meet the culprit your mouth will be on the floor. The callous and absolute disrespect for other. Must read series
January 1, 2023
A page turner! This was my first read of DL Hammons. I loved the characters and their development and the development of their relationships. I didn’t know this was the second book in a series. Even after knowing, I didn’t feel like I missed anything about any of the characters or their stories, but I do want to read the first book and get to know them even more.
February 10, 2026
D.L. Hammons knows exactly how to balance high-stakes suspense with sharp character work in Fallen Knights. The Knights are unconventional, deeply likable, and unexpectedly heroic, bringing both heart and humor to a story that steadily tightens into something chilling. Clever, tense, and relentlessly driven, this sequel raises the bar and makes you root for the most unlikely group of heroes.
May 20, 2023
This book is amazing! So thrilling and twists everywhere! Was not able to put this book down! Highly recommend, especially if you read the first book, Knight Rise! Hope there are more adventures with these characters!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews