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Griffin Powell #10
Silent Killer
In A Town Full Of Secrets
To most people, men like Mark Cantrell are fine, upstanding pillars of the community, completely beyond reproach. But their killer knows better. They are sinners of the worst kind, and they must burn on
432 pages, ebook
First published August 25, 2009
About the author
Beverly Barton
302 books711 followersBeverly Marie Inman was born on 23 December 1946 in Tuscumbia, Alabama, USA. Daughter of Doris Marie and Walter D. Inman Jr. A born romantic, she fell in love with The Beauty and the Beast epic at an early age, when her grandfather bought her an illustrated copy of the famous fairy tale. Even before she learned to read and write, her vivid imagination created magical words and fabulous characters inside her mind. Movies fascinated her, and by the time she was seven she was rewriting the movies she saw on television and at the local theater to give them all happy endings. By the age of nine she'd penned her first novel. She wrote short stories, TV scripts, poetry, and novels throughout high school and into college.
After her marriage to Billy Ray Beaver, the "love of her life", and the births of her two children, Beverly continued to be a voracious reader and a devoted moviegoer, but she put her writing aspirations on hold until her children were teenagers. At every age of their lives, from infancy to adulthood, the children had been a true joy to her. She devoted herself to her husband and children and considered herself one of the many selfless "supermoms" who put their family's needs first. She believed she had had it all, just not all at the same time.
In her mid-30s, Beverly returned to her former passion — writing — as a hobby, but before 40, she decided that she wanted to make writing a full-time career. And when she rediscovered an old dream — of becoming a published writer — no one was more supportive of her aspirations than her family. Her children were her greatest cheerleaders and her husband was her biggest supporter. After writing over 40 books and receiving numerous awards and nominations, as well as having books on the USA Today list and consistently on the Waldenbooks bestseller list, her career was indeed a dream come true. Having a fantastic family and fabulous friends, as well as making a living doing the one thing she had loved doing since childhood, she considered herself truly blessed. Beverly died suddenly of heart failure on 21 April 2011.
After her marriage to Billy Ray Beaver, the "love of her life", and the births of her two children, Beverly continued to be a voracious reader and a devoted moviegoer, but she put her writing aspirations on hold until her children were teenagers. At every age of their lives, from infancy to adulthood, the children had been a true joy to her. She devoted herself to her husband and children and considered herself one of the many selfless "supermoms" who put their family's needs first. She believed she had had it all, just not all at the same time.
In her mid-30s, Beverly returned to her former passion — writing — as a hobby, but before 40, she decided that she wanted to make writing a full-time career. And when she rediscovered an old dream — of becoming a published writer — no one was more supportive of her aspirations than her family. Her children were her greatest cheerleaders and her husband was her biggest supporter. After writing over 40 books and receiving numerous awards and nominations, as well as having books on the USA Today list and consistently on the Waldenbooks bestseller list, her career was indeed a dream come true. Having a fantastic family and fabulous friends, as well as making a living doing the one thing she had loved doing since childhood, she considered herself truly blessed. Beverly died suddenly of heart failure on 21 April 2011.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
November 24, 2015
This is the 10th novel in Beverly Barton’s fantastic Griffin Powell Series.
Silent Killer is a really a thrilling read. The author has written an engrossing and gripping tale set in a small town in Alabama, where a serial killer is murdering church ministers.
Someone is killing church ministers “men of god” in the most horrifying way….torching them and leaving them to die a most painful death.
Cathy Cantrell, who witnessed her husband, Mark’s death and checked herself into a health facility after having a breakdown, is now back home and wanting to get her life together again. She’s also trying to get custody back of her son from her in-laws, who believe that she’s not well enough to have him back.
Jackson Perdue has returned home after many years. He had been listed as MIA during his stint in the Middle East, where he had been seriously injured during a mission.
Jack and Cathy have a history. They had been in love as teenagers and made promises to wait for each other. But when Cathy heard he was MIA, she had married Mark Cantrell, a church minister, with whom she had a son with.
They still have feeling for each other and
Jack has been asked by the local sheriff, Mark Berkitt, to work on some of the cold cases that have never been resolved.
When another minister is torched, they realize that there’s a serial killer in their town.
Some parts are written through the killer’s POV that gives you a look into their thoughts and the reason why. I must own up and say that after a while I skimmed some of those parts….all that religion and bible quotes got a bit much for me.
There are a load of sub-plots involved in the story that involved characters from previous books. It didn’t bother me too much but it made it a bit difficult at times to keep focused on the main plot.
I liked most of the characters and their development. One of my favorite characters in this series is Griffin Powell’s and we see a bit more about his past life and his connection to Sanders an Yvette Meng (another favorite of mine!)
The ending was done really well……after all the twists and turns and me thinking….oh I know who the villain is…..no, not really! Because I was totally surprised when we learn who the person was and the reason for their actions.
Another solid and well-written story by one of my favorite romance suspense authors.
Silent Killer is a really a thrilling read. The author has written an engrossing and gripping tale set in a small town in Alabama, where a serial killer is murdering church ministers.
Someone is killing church ministers “men of god” in the most horrifying way….torching them and leaving them to die a most painful death.
Cathy Cantrell, who witnessed her husband, Mark’s death and checked herself into a health facility after having a breakdown, is now back home and wanting to get her life together again. She’s also trying to get custody back of her son from her in-laws, who believe that she’s not well enough to have him back.
Jackson Perdue has returned home after many years. He had been listed as MIA during his stint in the Middle East, where he had been seriously injured during a mission.
Jack and Cathy have a history. They had been in love as teenagers and made promises to wait for each other. But when Cathy heard he was MIA, she had married Mark Cantrell, a church minister, with whom she had a son with.
They still have feeling for each other and
Jack has been asked by the local sheriff, Mark Berkitt, to work on some of the cold cases that have never been resolved.
When another minister is torched, they realize that there’s a serial killer in their town.
Some parts are written through the killer’s POV that gives you a look into their thoughts and the reason why. I must own up and say that after a while I skimmed some of those parts….all that religion and bible quotes got a bit much for me.
There are a load of sub-plots involved in the story that involved characters from previous books. It didn’t bother me too much but it made it a bit difficult at times to keep focused on the main plot.
I liked most of the characters and their development. One of my favorite characters in this series is Griffin Powell’s and we see a bit more about his past life and his connection to Sanders an Yvette Meng (another favorite of mine!)
The ending was done really well……after all the twists and turns and me thinking….oh I know who the villain is…..no, not really! Because I was totally surprised when we learn who the person was and the reason for their actions.
Another solid and well-written story by one of my favorite romance suspense authors.
November 9, 2017
Very good little crime thriller with lovable characters. I'm thrilled that some of them have their own books that I will definitely be checking out.
August 30, 2009
This was a pretty good book. It's closer to a Karen Rose type of romantic suspense than say a Nora Roberts romantic suspense. I enjoyed the characters a lot, and the storyline was fairly good. With a few tweaks, I would have probably loved this book.
Series Note: this book is part of the Powell Agency/Griffin Powell universe. There are sections of this book that relate directly to past storylines and if you haven't read those, you're going to be confused.
Eighteen months ago, Cathy Cantrell's preacher husband went to answer the doorbell and died because of it when gasoline was thrown on him and he was set on fire. Cathy watched her husband burn to death. After six months of trying to hold it together, she suffers a nervous breakdown when another religious figure is murdered. A year after that she is finally returning home to restart her life. But she's not the same person she once was.
Jackson Perdue has just returned to his hometown after a devastating war injury. He's taken a job with the sheriff's department and is given the task of looking into cold cases - which includes Mark Cantrell and another man's death. Jack planned to stay away from Cathy; they'd had a youthful romance nearly 17 years ago that broke both their hearts. But the chemistry is still there and the two can't stay away from each other. Then another religious man is killed and Cathy must find the strength to keep herself together. And Jack must help figure out who is murdered men who seemed above reproach.
My favorite thing about this book were the two lead characters, Cathy and Jack. I thought Cathy was a fantastic heroine. She'd been a bit meek and subservient for most of her life, but the tragedy she went through helped her find her true self. It was great to read about her taking charge of her life and not letting people walk all over her anymore. She made a great heroine. And I enjoyed Jack as well. He's a little bit dark and broody in some ways, but mostly just a nice guy.
The romance between them was great. There was instant chemistry between them the moment they saw each other again for the first time in seventeen years. And even though both told themselves they couldn't go back, they just couldn't stay apart. Their romance had a nice sweet edge to it.
So those two things were my favorite part of the book. There were a couple things I didn't quite like, or like as much. One was that there were a freakin' ton of characters in this book. Normally that doesn't bother me too much in other books, but in this one, the author gave POV sections to more than a few characters...the hero, the heroine, the heroine's son, the antagonist, potential victims, supporting characters (Maleah, Nic, Griffin, etc). The POV's kept jumping around and it got annoying. Plus it also took away time from the H/H.
There were also some POV scenes that I just thought were unnecessary or ill-fitting. For one thing, the POV scenes with Nic and Griff (an H/H from previous books) seemed completely extraneous to the story. I understand that the author was trying to convey that all is not well with them and that more of Griffin's secret past is coming to haunt him, but those part of this book just did not fit. At least in my opinion. I mean, you're reading the book...about the H/H and the plot then suddenly you jump to a different setting and different characters and read randomly about Nic being upset with Griffin. It was so out of place because that issue had nothing at all to do with this specific book. It was kind of obvious the author just plopped it in to further the Nic/Griffin storyline and set up upcoming turmoil. Which I get the need to do, but there had to be a better way to fit it in.
Also - and I've had this issue with Barton before - I hate it that she gives POV's for a secondary characters, letting us know all about them, how good they are, how much they've overcome, etc...and then they get whacked. It's such a total downer to think 'oh, what a nice guy!...damn, now he's dead'. What's the need for doing that?
Aside from that, the plot was fairly good. Might not have been the most original I've read. It's a theme I've read more than once before. I thought the suspense aspect could have been a bit stronger if the police procedural part was stronger (Karen Rose's books are much better in this aspect). Considering the hero was a cop, I didn't think the police aspect was played up enough.
I can't really comment on the whodunnit part because I cheated and peeked at the end of the book to see who it was. So sue me ;) I wanted to know. Even so, I did think that at a certain part of the book it because obvious who the antagonist was. I did wish Barton had included a scene at the end where the antagonist reveals to his/her hostages why each person was killed. I don't think Cathy ever got to know why Mark was murdered.
Anyway, this was still a good book even though some things bugged me. They mostly just kept the book from being really great but didn't make me dislike it in any way. It was still a pretty engaging read and I definitely look forward to the next book from Barton which will continue some storyline's from this book (Maleah, Jack's sister; Lorie, Cathy's best friend; and Nic and Griffin).
Series Note: this book is part of the Powell Agency/Griffin Powell universe. There are sections of this book that relate directly to past storylines and if you haven't read those, you're going to be confused.
Eighteen months ago, Cathy Cantrell's preacher husband went to answer the doorbell and died because of it when gasoline was thrown on him and he was set on fire. Cathy watched her husband burn to death. After six months of trying to hold it together, she suffers a nervous breakdown when another religious figure is murdered. A year after that she is finally returning home to restart her life. But she's not the same person she once was.
Jackson Perdue has just returned to his hometown after a devastating war injury. He's taken a job with the sheriff's department and is given the task of looking into cold cases - which includes Mark Cantrell and another man's death. Jack planned to stay away from Cathy; they'd had a youthful romance nearly 17 years ago that broke both their hearts. But the chemistry is still there and the two can't stay away from each other. Then another religious man is killed and Cathy must find the strength to keep herself together. And Jack must help figure out who is murdered men who seemed above reproach.
My favorite thing about this book were the two lead characters, Cathy and Jack. I thought Cathy was a fantastic heroine. She'd been a bit meek and subservient for most of her life, but the tragedy she went through helped her find her true self. It was great to read about her taking charge of her life and not letting people walk all over her anymore. She made a great heroine. And I enjoyed Jack as well. He's a little bit dark and broody in some ways, but mostly just a nice guy.
The romance between them was great. There was instant chemistry between them the moment they saw each other again for the first time in seventeen years. And even though both told themselves they couldn't go back, they just couldn't stay apart. Their romance had a nice sweet edge to it.
So those two things were my favorite part of the book. There were a couple things I didn't quite like, or like as much. One was that there were a freakin' ton of characters in this book. Normally that doesn't bother me too much in other books, but in this one, the author gave POV sections to more than a few characters...the hero, the heroine, the heroine's son, the antagonist, potential victims, supporting characters (Maleah, Nic, Griffin, etc). The POV's kept jumping around and it got annoying. Plus it also took away time from the H/H.
There were also some POV scenes that I just thought were unnecessary or ill-fitting. For one thing, the POV scenes with Nic and Griff (an H/H from previous books) seemed completely extraneous to the story. I understand that the author was trying to convey that all is not well with them and that more of Griffin's secret past is coming to haunt him, but those part of this book just did not fit. At least in my opinion. I mean, you're reading the book...about the H/H and the plot then suddenly you jump to a different setting and different characters and read randomly about Nic being upset with Griffin. It was so out of place because that issue had nothing at all to do with this specific book. It was kind of obvious the author just plopped it in to further the Nic/Griffin storyline and set up upcoming turmoil. Which I get the need to do, but there had to be a better way to fit it in.
Also - and I've had this issue with Barton before - I hate it that she gives POV's for a secondary characters, letting us know all about them, how good they are, how much they've overcome, etc...and then they get whacked. It's such a total downer to think 'oh, what a nice guy!...damn, now he's dead'. What's the need for doing that?
Aside from that, the plot was fairly good. Might not have been the most original I've read. It's a theme I've read more than once before. I thought the suspense aspect could have been a bit stronger if the police procedural part was stronger (Karen Rose's books are much better in this aspect). Considering the hero was a cop, I didn't think the police aspect was played up enough.
I can't really comment on the whodunnit part because I cheated and peeked at the end of the book to see who it was. So sue me ;) I wanted to know. Even so, I did think that at a certain part of the book it because obvious who the antagonist was. I did wish Barton had included a scene at the end where the antagonist reveals to his/her hostages why each person was killed. I don't think Cathy ever got to know why Mark was murdered.
Anyway, this was still a good book even though some things bugged me. They mostly just kept the book from being really great but didn't make me dislike it in any way. It was still a pretty engaging read and I definitely look forward to the next book from Barton which will continue some storyline's from this book (Maleah, Jack's sister; Lorie, Cathy's best friend; and Nic and Griffin).
August 23, 2020
This was an average book.
The characters, Cathy and Jack, were likeable and I really liked the rebuilding relationship between Cathy and her son, Seth. However, I felt that there were too many secondary characters to follow their stories. There were times when I couldn't recognise for a second or two who is who.
The suspense part was interesting, arsonist killing priests is not a popular trope in romantic suspense, so it was somehow fresh. But the police procedural was not only minor but unrealistic. They know they have a serial killer and there is still no one in the team who knows the cases like these. Also, they make presumptions based only on their intuition (even the ex-FBI profiler), not on the police work.
I hadn't read the series in order and I feel like I should have. There are many parts in Silent Killer that related to the previous books.
The characters, Cathy and Jack, were likeable and I really liked the rebuilding relationship between Cathy and her son, Seth. However, I felt that there were too many secondary characters to follow their stories. There were times when I couldn't recognise for a second or two who is who.
The suspense part was interesting, arsonist killing priests is not a popular trope in romantic suspense, so it was somehow fresh. But the police procedural was not only minor but unrealistic. They know they have a serial killer and there is still no one in the team who knows the cases like these. Also, they make presumptions based only on their intuition (even the ex-FBI profiler), not on the police work.
I hadn't read the series in order and I feel like I should have. There are many parts in Silent Killer that related to the previous books.
June 8, 2011
I hate the world today
You're so good to me, I know
But I can change
Tried to tell you
But you look at me like maybe I'm an angel underneath
In a sentence sweet
Yesterday I cried
Most have been to see the softer side
I can understand how you'd bee so confused
I don't envy you
I'm a little bit of everything
All rolled into one
I'm a bitch I'm a lover
I'm a child I'm a mother
I'm a sinner I'm a saint
I do not feel ashamed
I'm your hell I'm your dream
I'm nothin' in between
You know, you wouldn't want it any other way
sontreknya pas nih :p *sambil mendesah lega karena akhirnya selese juga... hahaha... dan tebakan gw bener! ini buku keduanya BB yang heroine-nya udah punya anak remaja. sebal, karena sampe akhir tetep gak ketauan alasan pembunuhannya Mark. Serem ngebayangin sexual abuse dlm keluarga, pendeta pula. but, who am i to talk?
You're so good to me, I know
But I can change
Tried to tell you
But you look at me like maybe I'm an angel underneath
In a sentence sweet
Yesterday I cried
Most have been to see the softer side
I can understand how you'd bee so confused
I don't envy you
I'm a little bit of everything
All rolled into one
I'm a bitch I'm a lover
I'm a child I'm a mother
I'm a sinner I'm a saint
I do not feel ashamed
I'm your hell I'm your dream
I'm nothin' in between
You know, you wouldn't want it any other way
sontreknya pas nih :p *sambil mendesah lega karena akhirnya selese juga... hahaha... dan tebakan gw bener! ini buku keduanya BB yang heroine-nya udah punya anak remaja. sebal, karena sampe akhir tetep gak ketauan alasan pembunuhannya Mark. Serem ngebayangin sexual abuse dlm keluarga, pendeta pula. but, who am i to talk?
August 1, 2010
Its probably not exactly fair to give Ms Barton 3 stars when I haven't read this series through from the beginning in order. In fact I haven't read several books in this series. Nevertheless, I got distracted from the story with all the different characters and story lines. Plus I never could understand how she had a 15 yr old boy born 17 years ago. Okay, it did say he was almost 16 but add 9 months to 16 yrs and its still doesn't quite add up. Oh well, maybe I missed something :)
April 9, 2011
Silent Killer is one exhilarating read. Barton has penned quite a mind-blowing tale.
Cathy & Jackson are intoxicating. I loved them.
Cathy suffered a breakdown after she witnessed her husband, Mark, burn to death. Cathy checked herself into a mental health facility to deal w/ the heinous savagery of her husband's murder.
Cathy also relinquished custody of her son.
Not too long after Cathy returns to town to reunite w/ her son.
Also returning is, Jackson Perdue, a man who once owned Cathy's heart. Jack returns to town, despite vowing never to set foot in Dunmore, Alabama again.
Jack is smart enough to know better than to say never. Jack accepts a position as a deputy.
He is assigned Mark's "cold case". While investigating Mark's barbaric murder, the killer attacks repeatedly. The target? Clergymen.
Barton's narration through the killer's eyes was vividly creepy. I was more than a bit squeamish.
In Silent Killer, Barton deftly shines a light on why she is a force in this genre ~ she just ratchets up the creep factor & delivers skin crawling, menacing, dastardly psycho villains effortlessly.
Brava, Ms. Barton, Brava & thank you!
What I love most about Jack & Cathy is the fact that they are so darn fiery, sensual & oh, so wounded. Their affection, respect, raw emotion & lust singe the pages. This is why I love romantic suspense so much. Not just any romantic suspense, romantic suspense that is well crafted, engaging, wickedly savory & keeps you reading late into the night wee into the morn.
Silent Killer is a spine-tingling novel teeming w/ thrills, peril & gruesome nuggets.
Silent Killer is rife w/ suspicion. The danger intensifies. So, is anyone safe in the town of Dunmore? Barton has you hooked from the beginning, wondering who to trust & wondering if so & so was innocent. Definitely the indelible mark of a phenomenal scribe.
Silent Killer is a terrifying, sinister ride.
Cathy & Jackson are intoxicating. I loved them.
Cathy suffered a breakdown after she witnessed her husband, Mark, burn to death. Cathy checked herself into a mental health facility to deal w/ the heinous savagery of her husband's murder.
Cathy also relinquished custody of her son.
Not too long after Cathy returns to town to reunite w/ her son.
Also returning is, Jackson Perdue, a man who once owned Cathy's heart. Jack returns to town, despite vowing never to set foot in Dunmore, Alabama again.
Jack is smart enough to know better than to say never. Jack accepts a position as a deputy.
He is assigned Mark's "cold case". While investigating Mark's barbaric murder, the killer attacks repeatedly. The target? Clergymen.
Barton's narration through the killer's eyes was vividly creepy. I was more than a bit squeamish.
In Silent Killer, Barton deftly shines a light on why she is a force in this genre ~ she just ratchets up the creep factor & delivers skin crawling, menacing, dastardly psycho villains effortlessly.
Brava, Ms. Barton, Brava & thank you!
What I love most about Jack & Cathy is the fact that they are so darn fiery, sensual & oh, so wounded. Their affection, respect, raw emotion & lust singe the pages. This is why I love romantic suspense so much. Not just any romantic suspense, romantic suspense that is well crafted, engaging, wickedly savory & keeps you reading late into the night wee into the morn.
Silent Killer is a spine-tingling novel teeming w/ thrills, peril & gruesome nuggets.
Silent Killer is rife w/ suspicion. The danger intensifies. So, is anyone safe in the town of Dunmore? Barton has you hooked from the beginning, wondering who to trust & wondering if so & so was innocent. Definitely the indelible mark of a phenomenal scribe.
Silent Killer is a terrifying, sinister ride.
August 9, 2016
I found this book a bit slow to begin with, as there were so many characters to get my head round and the fact the story keeps switching back and forth between them all can be a bit mind boggling. Having said that I kept on going and was not disappointed, Barton has penned quite a mind-blowing and exhilarating read. Cathy’s husband a clergyman was murdered by a killer who set him on fire, then left him to burn. It took her a year to overcome his death which she spent in a mental institution. She comes out of the institute a year later, a changed stronger women who is going to get her life back on track and regain what she had. Which includes getting to know her son again, who was taken in by her husband’s in-laws while she was getting help. She is also reacquainted with her first love Jackson (Jack) Perdue. Just as things are getting back on track for her, another clergyman is murdered in the exact same way that her husband was. At this point the police realise they are dealing with a serial killer, who they dub the Fire and Brimstone killer. One by one more clergymen are murdered. Each one covered in gasoline and set alight, causing Cathy to relive her past whilst continuing to rebuild her life with her son and Jack. I found the relationship between Cathy & Jack to be captivating and yet intoxicating at the same time, but yet fitted seamlessly into the book. Suspicion is rampant throughout the book, which made for in my opinion one heck of a true thriller that honestly got me hooked. I had my suspicions as to who the murder was, but it still left me guessing right until the end as to who the killer was. Unfortunately my suspicion was wrong, and was shocked to find out who actually was the Fire and Brimstone killer. A real page turner, and highly recommendable to anyone who enjoys a good thriller.
August 31, 2009
Beverly Barton is one of my faves as far as romantic suspense authors go, so she is an automatic read whenever a new book comes out. I have read all of her books regarding Griffin Powell so I knew the background story. I highly recommend that you read her previous books regarding GP before you read this one, otherwise, you will be lost as to the parts that reference Griffin and Nic.
As to the main characters, Cathy & Jack, no background reading necessary. Great chemistry between these two characters. Cathy did hold something back from Jack that annoyed me and I'm not sure I would be so easy to forgive, but who knows. That was the only aspect of Cathy I didn't like, otherwise, she was a strong female lead.
As to the killer, typically I can guess who it is, but I think I guessed everyone in this book but the person it ended up being. I would have liked to have gained an explanation as to why this person felt the need to kill these people - you never really got one. Especially Cathy's husband Mark. Someone of the victims were a given as to why they got picked.
Also, there are a TON of POV's in this book. I could not believe how often the book jumped from one character to another (I had to go back a few times to make sure I was keeping everyone straight). You knew what everyone was thinking and some people's POV's were not needed whatsoever.
There is also a point in the book where I thought I would vomit reading about a child being raped - so be forewarned, there are some seriously sick parts in this book.
Other than that, I enjoyed Barton's latest installment in her Griffin series. I'm looking forward to her next book, Dead By Midnight, which seems to pick up right where this one left out (and ties up some seriously loose ends).
As to the main characters, Cathy & Jack, no background reading necessary. Great chemistry between these two characters. Cathy did hold something back from Jack that annoyed me and I'm not sure I would be so easy to forgive, but who knows. That was the only aspect of Cathy I didn't like, otherwise, she was a strong female lead.
As to the killer, typically I can guess who it is, but I think I guessed everyone in this book but the person it ended up being. I would have liked to have gained an explanation as to why this person felt the need to kill these people - you never really got one. Especially Cathy's husband Mark. Someone of the victims were a given as to why they got picked.
Also, there are a TON of POV's in this book. I could not believe how often the book jumped from one character to another (I had to go back a few times to make sure I was keeping everyone straight). You knew what everyone was thinking and some people's POV's were not needed whatsoever.
There is also a point in the book where I thought I would vomit reading about a child being raped - so be forewarned, there are some seriously sick parts in this book.
Other than that, I enjoyed Barton's latest installment in her Griffin series. I'm looking forward to her next book, Dead By Midnight, which seems to pick up right where this one left out (and ties up some seriously loose ends).
July 19, 2009
Eighteen months ago, something terrible happened in the town of Dunmore. Catherine Cantrell and her pastor husband Mark were relaxing at home, when the doorbell rings. Mark heads to the door to answer it. Suddenly Cathy hears Mark screaming bloody murder. When Cathy arrives at the door, she finds Mark in the front yard engulfed in flames from head to toe.
Cathy has returned to Dunmore. she wants to put the past behind her and get on with her life with her son, Sean. There are two reasons why Cathy shouldn't have returned...one is named Jackson Perdue and the other is that there is a serial killer on the loose.
Jackson has also returned home to Dunmore. He has been offered a job working for the police department. His first case is stopping a serial killer. One that newspaper reporters have dubbed "Fire and Brimstone Killer", because the killer has taken it upon themselves to dish out God's punishment on clergymen who are anything but innocent.
It has been a little while since I have read a Beverly Barton novel. After reading her latest release Silent Killer, I am a 100% convinced that Mrs. Barton can not write a bad book. What I liked about this book is that even though there was clues given bit by bit of the identity of the killer, I still was comeplety surprised when the killer's identity was finally revealed. I love when this happens. This is hard to do as I am a big thriller fan.
There were some loose ends that involved some of the characters in the story. Luckily Mrs. Barton explained that this is because she has already been working on a new novel that will tie up all these loose ends. I can't wait. The killer may be silent but you don't have to by picking up a copy of this book to read for yourself.
Cathy has returned to Dunmore. she wants to put the past behind her and get on with her life with her son, Sean. There are two reasons why Cathy shouldn't have returned...one is named Jackson Perdue and the other is that there is a serial killer on the loose.
Jackson has also returned home to Dunmore. He has been offered a job working for the police department. His first case is stopping a serial killer. One that newspaper reporters have dubbed "Fire and Brimstone Killer", because the killer has taken it upon themselves to dish out God's punishment on clergymen who are anything but innocent.
It has been a little while since I have read a Beverly Barton novel. After reading her latest release Silent Killer, I am a 100% convinced that Mrs. Barton can not write a bad book. What I liked about this book is that even though there was clues given bit by bit of the identity of the killer, I still was comeplety surprised when the killer's identity was finally revealed. I love when this happens. This is hard to do as I am a big thriller fan.
There were some loose ends that involved some of the characters in the story. Luckily Mrs. Barton explained that this is because she has already been working on a new novel that will tie up all these loose ends. I can't wait. The killer may be silent but you don't have to by picking up a copy of this book to read for yourself.
December 20, 2012
Alur ceritanya menarik, pembunuhan berantai beberapa pendeta di Dunmore. Dari pertengahan cerita hingga bab terakhir, ternyata saya salah menebak siapa pelaku pembunuhan berantai tersebut. Penulis secara mengejutkan mengungkapkan pelaku pembunuhan hanya di dua bab terakhir. Well, saya sangat menyukai kisah yang mengejutkan di akhir ceritanya. Maka saya merating novel ini cukup bagus dengan bahasa dan gaya bercerita yang mudah dipahami.
Namun, beberapa hal yang tidak terungkap dari novel ini adalah alasan terbunuhnya Mark, yang merupakan kisah kematian utama yang diangkat dalam novel ini. Di bab terakhir penulis menguraikan secara singkat kehidupan-kehidupan selanjutnya yang terjadi dengan masing-masing tokoh yang berperan cukup besar membangun kisah ini. Namun, sepertinya penulis melupakan Mike dan Lorrie, karena tidak lagi disebutkan di bab penutup.
*****
Hikmah yang bisa saya petik dari novel ini adalah:
Sebagai manusia, pendeta sekalipun adalah mahluk yang tidak lepas dari khilaf/dosa. Namun demikian, kita tidak bisa menghakimi mereka dengan cara kita sendiri. Di atas bumi, sudah ada pengadilan. Di akhirat sudah ada neraka.
Pengalaman hidup tidak harus kita yang melakukannya sendiri, tetapi kita juga dapat belajar dari pengalaman hidup orang lain. Setiap makhluk yang diciptakan Tuhan dimuka bumi, pasti membawa manfaat bagi makhluk lain, dari mereka yang berdosa sekalipun. Terima ajarannya jika hal itu baik untuk kita, dan jangan meniru kesalahannya jika itu buruk untuk kita.
Namun, beberapa hal yang tidak terungkap dari novel ini adalah alasan terbunuhnya Mark, yang merupakan kisah kematian utama yang diangkat dalam novel ini. Di bab terakhir penulis menguraikan secara singkat kehidupan-kehidupan selanjutnya yang terjadi dengan masing-masing tokoh yang berperan cukup besar membangun kisah ini. Namun, sepertinya penulis melupakan Mike dan Lorrie, karena tidak lagi disebutkan di bab penutup.
*****
Hikmah yang bisa saya petik dari novel ini adalah:
Sebagai manusia, pendeta sekalipun adalah mahluk yang tidak lepas dari khilaf/dosa. Namun demikian, kita tidak bisa menghakimi mereka dengan cara kita sendiri. Di atas bumi, sudah ada pengadilan. Di akhirat sudah ada neraka.
Pengalaman hidup tidak harus kita yang melakukannya sendiri, tetapi kita juga dapat belajar dari pengalaman hidup orang lain. Setiap makhluk yang diciptakan Tuhan dimuka bumi, pasti membawa manfaat bagi makhluk lain, dari mereka yang berdosa sekalipun. Terima ajarannya jika hal itu baik untuk kita, dan jangan meniru kesalahannya jika itu buruk untuk kita.
May 28, 2016
I can't believe I read this to the end. For me, it's only saving grace was the plot. It had the potential to be a really good story, but the writing was so clichéd, almost amateur (which seems a ridiculous thing to say about an author with such a prodigious output). The best I can say about it is that it wasn't the worst book I've ever read, but I certainly won't be reading other one by this author.
June 29, 2012
This is a good, not great. murder mystery. It was good enough to finish but did not rank up in the 4 or 5 star levels. The story ended with many loose ends that are supposedly picked up in the book that follows this one.
July 7, 2018
Silent Killer was my first Beverly Barton novel and it certainly won't be my last. I was gripped from beginning to end . The Fire and Brimstone killer murdering priests in the cruellest way … drenching them in petrol and setting them alight … a killer on a mission to rid the world of evil hiding behind God and the church. However the killer makes mistakes in choosing those who " deserve " to die such as Bruce Kelley - I found myself wanting him to survive. The same can't be said for the despicable Donnie Hovater who had been raping his own daughter for years and after one harrowing rape scene I more than wanted him to get his comeuppance !!
Cathy Cantrell the widow of the first victim Mark is extremely likeable along with her old lover Jack and son Seth - I so wanted everything to work out between them but with brutal murders , an over bearing ex father in law and a rather unpleasant mother things are stacked against them.
The Griff , Nicole and Yvette side of the story is something I probably need to catch up on in previous books as I didn't really get it but am intrigued to find out more.
Cathy Cantrell the widow of the first victim Mark is extremely likeable along with her old lover Jack and son Seth - I so wanted everything to work out between them but with brutal murders , an over bearing ex father in law and a rather unpleasant mother things are stacked against them.
The Griff , Nicole and Yvette side of the story is something I probably need to catch up on in previous books as I didn't really get it but am intrigued to find out more.
December 19, 2019
I’ll give it a solid 4. The murder mystery part of the novel I thought was very well constructed, as well as the blossoming relationship and unraveling secrets between Cathy and her family. However, I’m dropping a star because there were TOO MANY characters. At times I couldn’t keep up with who was who, and a lot of them I felt didn’t benefit the overall plot at all
Also, what was all that about Nic/Griff/Yvettte/Maleah? I was hoping that something juicy would come out of that in the last 10 pages of the novel, but I finished feeling slightly deflated when that wasn’t resolved at all. Wasn’t needed at all.
Also, what was all that about Nic/Griff/Yvettte/Maleah? I was hoping that something juicy would come out of that in the last 10 pages of the novel, but I finished feeling slightly deflated when that wasn’t resolved at all. Wasn’t needed at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2021
Rohaniwan dibunuh.
Entah apa motifnya.
Pelakunya sih udh pasti sakit jiwa ya.
Entah apa motifnya.
Pelakunya sih udh pasti sakit jiwa ya.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2019
I figured out who it was half way through.
September 1, 2009
As a rule I try to steer clear of books that involve religion. I am weary that the contents will not be "romance" as I enjoy reading it. So this book took me by surprise and after a couple pages I was invested in it. There's a serial killer on the loose -- the victims are "men of God." This is a top notch thriller, not for the faint at heart or prudish (there is a scene involving a father raping his daughter). To cap it off, she drops hints for future books -- I love the Friday Evening cliff-hangers!
While Bev Barton's The Murder Game is IMO the best thing she's ever written, Silent Killer is close to one-uping it both are part of the Griffin Powell series). An added bonus is that my fav Barton couple Nic and Griff make appearances throughout. But back to why I LOVE Silent Killer.
Other than being so well written and the fact it moves quickly ... the hero and heroine are just great. Silent Killer is a contradiction for me because so many of the things in the book - like the religious element - are the very things I dislike and avoid in books. BUT Bev Barton worked it in such a way, I didn't care.
Two elements in particular that usually bothers me - but where handled wonderfully was 1) there are a host of secondary characters (I was able to keep up with the multitude), and 2) that often worn plot of the secret baby he didn't know anything about (girl had hero's baby 15 years ago, married a creep, hero returns and finds out about baby and erases creep from heroine's mind).
All of those "little things" were made worth while (and fun to read) because Barton can write a good thriller suspense who-done-it. This is one of her better ones. I loved that there is so many suspects, the good people are not so good, and the build up to the hero & heroine FINALLY getting back together is slow but not boring. Cathy (heroine) was a pleasure to read. No wishy washy feeble minded chick here. She knows what she wants and it is Jack! I love a good hero and judge a book worthy usually because of the hero (and dead-on dialougue), so when I read something with a damn good heroine too, I feel like it's xmas morning and I am ten years old again. So...this book was like a brand new Barbie Doll and a pair of roller skates!
While Bev Barton's The Murder Game is IMO the best thing she's ever written, Silent Killer is close to one-uping it both are part of the Griffin Powell series). An added bonus is that my fav Barton couple Nic and Griff make appearances throughout. But back to why I LOVE Silent Killer.
Other than being so well written and the fact it moves quickly ... the hero and heroine are just great. Silent Killer is a contradiction for me because so many of the things in the book - like the religious element - are the very things I dislike and avoid in books. BUT Bev Barton worked it in such a way, I didn't care.
Two elements in particular that usually bothers me - but where handled wonderfully was 1) there are a host of secondary characters (I was able to keep up with the multitude), and 2) that often worn plot of the secret baby he didn't know anything about (girl had hero's baby 15 years ago, married a creep, hero returns and finds out about baby and erases creep from heroine's mind).
All of those "little things" were made worth while (and fun to read) because Barton can write a good thriller suspense who-done-it. This is one of her better ones. I loved that there is so many suspects, the good people are not so good, and the build up to the hero & heroine FINALLY getting back together is slow but not boring. Cathy (heroine) was a pleasure to read. No wishy washy feeble minded chick here. She knows what she wants and it is Jack! I love a good hero and judge a book worthy usually because of the hero (and dead-on dialougue), so when I read something with a damn good heroine too, I feel like it's xmas morning and I am ten years old again. So...this book was like a brand new Barbie Doll and a pair of roller skates!
February 5, 2017
Although this is book 10 is the series, it's the book I started with and though I missed some stuff, overall, it didn't change the basics of the story. Someone is killing clergy and not just killing them, but burning them to death after dousing them with gasoline. There are a lot of red herrings but what got in the way was poor transitions from paragraph to paragraph because the point of view kept changing and that wasn't clear. But the characters were interesting. The main love interests were Jack Purdue and Cathy Cantrell. Cathy's husband was murdered by the clergy killer 18 months ago and she subsequently had a nervous break down but she has come back from that stronger than she ever was and ready to take back her life and her son. Jack is back in his hometown, a wounded warrior, ready to face the horrors of his childhood. Cathy is part of his past as well, the best part, until she betrayed him as well. But sometimes we don't always see the past clearly until we start talking to each other. Unfortunately, someone else has reasons to want the past kept secret. I enjoyed the story and would read others by this author.
August 1, 2014
I've now read a number of Beverly Barton ' books and, despite not having read them in any particular order, I'm completely intrigued with her characters and their environment. One thing I particularly enjoy is the characters that make "regular appearances" throughout the books; either in a central or periferal role. Having said that, I did feel that Griff minor plot was a slight distraction to the main plot and I did get the sense that it was "plot building" for a future novel - which is quite exciting.
Anyway, back to the Silent Killer - as one reviewer has said, this is not for the faint hearted. None of Ms Barton's books are. She tackles hard issues - in this instance child abuse - and difficult relationships. Her protagonists are not saints, they make and have made mistakes; they have character flaws ... Her descriptions of the murders and the fall-out for the victim' loved ones' suffering are graphic.
This was a rewarding read: the characters are well rounded; the plot gripping and I didn't quite work out who the killer was - close but no cigar.
Anyway, back to the Silent Killer - as one reviewer has said, this is not for the faint hearted. None of Ms Barton's books are. She tackles hard issues - in this instance child abuse - and difficult relationships. Her protagonists are not saints, they make and have made mistakes; they have character flaws ... Her descriptions of the murders and the fall-out for the victim' loved ones' suffering are graphic.
This was a rewarding read: the characters are well rounded; the plot gripping and I didn't quite work out who the killer was - close but no cigar.
April 12, 2023
Silent Killer is the first of Beverly Barton's Griffin Powell series that I've read. While entertaining the novel was not the mystery thriller I expected. The novel's interesting premise centered on the targeting of the so-called pillars of the community by a serial killer.
Cathy Cantrell, the widow of a local minister has returned to her Alabama home, more than a year after his brutal murder and her subsequent breakdown. Ready to build a new life for herself and her son, Cathy is thrown by the reappearance of her first love, Deputy Sheriff Jackson Perdue, and a new spate of murders similar to her husband's. Members of the clergy are being burned to death and the killer is escalating quickly. What or who is driving the killer's actions? The answer to that question is supposed to power the story but for much of the novel it feels secondary.
I haven't read other Barton books featuring Griffin Powell so this story was a standalone that I'm reviewing just on its own merit. Perhaps reading others in the series would make the chapters featuring Powell more compelling but without the connection, his presence in this book just slows the narrative. There are a number of red herrings as to the identity of the killer which creates some mystery but the focus on Cathy and Jack's relationship diluted the suspense.
If you're a fan of the Griffin Powell series, this book will probably have some appeal. Otherwise, it's a pleasant but not compelling read.
Cathy Cantrell, the widow of a local minister has returned to her Alabama home, more than a year after his brutal murder and her subsequent breakdown. Ready to build a new life for herself and her son, Cathy is thrown by the reappearance of her first love, Deputy Sheriff Jackson Perdue, and a new spate of murders similar to her husband's. Members of the clergy are being burned to death and the killer is escalating quickly. What or who is driving the killer's actions? The answer to that question is supposed to power the story but for much of the novel it feels secondary.
I haven't read other Barton books featuring Griffin Powell so this story was a standalone that I'm reviewing just on its own merit. Perhaps reading others in the series would make the chapters featuring Powell more compelling but without the connection, his presence in this book just slows the narrative. There are a number of red herrings as to the identity of the killer which creates some mystery but the focus on Cathy and Jack's relationship diluted the suspense.
If you're a fan of the Griffin Powell series, this book will probably have some appeal. Otherwise, it's a pleasant but not compelling read.
July 12, 2017
Despite the 2 stars I will read another book by her soon. The reason for my rating is that an author should not have Karin Slaughter's name on any of their books unless they can match or surpass the bar she has set. Just seeing Slaughter's name raises expectations and in my case they were not met. I figured out who the killer was pretty early on. Barton had a great tale to tell but she did not do justice to it in words. The characters and story lacked some... depth, that one finds in Slaughter's and Reichs' books. It was amateurish at best and considering it's not her first book... Well, if the promise for Slaughter's fans wasn't on the back cover I would have rated this book differently; but it was and I was promised to be shocked - which didn't happen. If you find Karin's books too heavy, shocking, thrilling... and are looking for a light thriller with kinda explicit sex scenes (not found in Slaughter's works - another reason I love her books) then this is the book for you. If you are a fan of hers and think my rating & review undeserved, please let me know and if the next book of hers changes my mind - I will be happy to recant parts of this review but still keep it honest.
July 18, 2023
This book was unsettling, to say the least. A decent amount of suspense but a little too focused on the romance rather than the serial killer who was killing self-righteous and in the killer's head, hypocritical ministers by setting fire to them.
This book is less about Griffin and more about Cathy, the widow of the first murder victim, and Jack, her former boyfriend and lead investigator of these murders.
Then there was Cathy's ultra-religious in-laws and a son she hadn't seen in a year after being committed to a psychiatric unit
There are many scenarios that can evolve from this situation, and they do right on schedule.
I think the plot entered into some unnatural territory after we found out who the killer was. I actually had my suspicions about halfway through the book but kept thinking to myself; will Barton go there.
That may be why I gave it three stars. I was not a fan of the ending at all. And many of the characters were just plain unlikable. Good suspense throughout but too much on the romance.
This book is less about Griffin and more about Cathy, the widow of the first murder victim, and Jack, her former boyfriend and lead investigator of these murders.
Then there was Cathy's ultra-religious in-laws and a son she hadn't seen in a year after being committed to a psychiatric unit
There are many scenarios that can evolve from this situation, and they do right on schedule.
I think the plot entered into some unnatural territory after we found out who the killer was. I actually had my suspicions about halfway through the book but kept thinking to myself; will Barton go there.
That may be why I gave it three stars. I was not a fan of the ending at all. And many of the characters were just plain unlikable. Good suspense throughout but too much on the romance.
April 25, 2025
Nothing good to say about this one really.
For starters it’s number 10 in a series (Griffin Powell) and feel there are certain bits of information it would have been good to know beforehand as it feels so random at some parts. There was no backstory and there were also bits left unresolved in the end.
There were also so many characters which made it challenging to initially understand who’s who. I find it particularly difficult when there’s a large cast in a book because the narrative shifts from one person to another or from one scene to another. This makes it easy to lose track of who is speaking and other similar details.
The rape scenes between Brother Hovater and his daughter Missy are so so unsettling and uncomfortable! I get that’s the idea but some of the sexual language is so explicit, I find it hard to continue
And finally, the killer is referred to as ‘The Fire and Brimstone Killer’ throughout the book but the title is ‘Silent Killer’… whyyyy doesn’t it match?! Annoying, which sums up the experience I had with this book
For starters it’s number 10 in a series (Griffin Powell) and feel there are certain bits of information it would have been good to know beforehand as it feels so random at some parts. There was no backstory and there were also bits left unresolved in the end.
There were also so many characters which made it challenging to initially understand who’s who. I find it particularly difficult when there’s a large cast in a book because the narrative shifts from one person to another or from one scene to another. This makes it easy to lose track of who is speaking and other similar details.
The rape scenes between Brother Hovater and his daughter Missy are so so unsettling and uncomfortable! I get that’s the idea but some of the sexual language is so explicit, I find it hard to continue
And finally, the killer is referred to as ‘The Fire and Brimstone Killer’ throughout the book but the title is ‘Silent Killer’… whyyyy doesn’t it match?! Annoying, which sums up the experience I had with this book
April 6, 2022
This is a pretty good crime thriller that follows the brutal murders of priests and preachers by fire in the small Alabama town of Dunmore. Against this backdrop Cathy is piecing her life back together after witnessing the murder of her husband, one of the first victims, getting her son back from her in-laws and generally getting back on her feet. Enter Jackson, her long past love for whom she still has feelings and who still has feelings for her. I'm not one for romances and I didn't really enjoy this aspect of the book, particularly as there were so many somewhat cringey moments that actually had me checking when the book was written as they seemed so out dated. That aside, I did like Seth's character (for the most part) and his developing persona through the book and the backstories of the secondary characters were far more interesting to me than what Cathy and Jackson got up to, especially in the finale where those seemingly innocuous moments came crashing in.
September 12, 2018
Four stars because it kept me on the edge wanting to find out the answers.
Not five stars because when the answers were revealed, I already knew whodunnit. What I don't know know was whether or not all of the murder victims were guilty of what the killer said they were. That's not clear - for a few of them it is, but others, we only learn of what the murderer suspects or believes as truth.
The story is about preachers, pastors, reverends and their murders. As we're dealing with that group, there's a lot of, "Lord, I pray ...." statements and "Merciful Lord..." Given the subject matter it can't be avoided, but it's a bit much for me. (sorry if that's offensive to anyone, it's just not my preferred reading).
Not five stars because when the answers were revealed, I already knew whodunnit. What I don't know know was whether or not all of the murder victims were guilty of what the killer said they were. That's not clear - for a few of them it is, but others, we only learn of what the murderer suspects or believes as truth.
The story is about preachers, pastors, reverends and their murders. As we're dealing with that group, there's a lot of, "Lord, I pray ...." statements and "Merciful Lord..." Given the subject matter it can't be avoided, but it's a bit much for me. (sorry if that's offensive to anyone, it's just not my preferred reading).
May 26, 2021
A serial killer is targeting clergymen, throwing gasoline on them and igniting them on fire with a lighter. 18 months after her husband’s gruesome death, Cathy Cantrell returns to her small home town in Alabama hoping to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. In a narrow-minded religious community, with rigid rules of acceptable behaviour, Cathy struggles with the past and also the return of her teenage age love, Jack Purdue.
Beverly Barton does weave a good who-dun-it. The reader suspects various characters as being the possible killer. However, it is not until the very end when the killer is actually revealed. The clues are there!
Beverly Barton does weave a good who-dun-it. The reader suspects various characters as being the possible killer. However, it is not until the very end when the killer is actually revealed. The clues are there!
October 9, 2021
1. Beverly; si pudiera darte 10⭐️ pues te las daría, sin dudar, siempre sorprendiéndome!
2. Para no Spoilear, sólo diré una de mis frases preferidas de la vida: “Las mejores Personas NO son en absoluto las que van a “misa” todos los domingos”, es más, lejos están de serlo. En otras palabras, No hay necesidad alguna de ir a la Iglesia para Ser una Buena Persona y Hacer obras de bien para ayudar y servir a los demás.
3. Cuando algo/alguien será para ti; pues así Será, PORQUE SI. Inclusive si quisieras impedirlo.
4. El Amor siempre triunfa así como las mentiras siempre salen a la luz.
BRILLANTE OBRA, Dear Barton ✨
2. Para no Spoilear, sólo diré una de mis frases preferidas de la vida: “Las mejores Personas NO son en absoluto las que van a “misa” todos los domingos”, es más, lejos están de serlo. En otras palabras, No hay necesidad alguna de ir a la Iglesia para Ser una Buena Persona y Hacer obras de bien para ayudar y servir a los demás.
3. Cuando algo/alguien será para ti; pues así Será, PORQUE SI. Inclusive si quisieras impedirlo.
4. El Amor siempre triunfa así como las mentiras siempre salen a la luz.
BRILLANTE OBRA, Dear Barton ✨
December 28, 2024
I really wanted to give this one 5 stars, but there was way too much going on in this book with the subplots. The whole subplot involving Nic and Griff could have been eliminated and saved for another book. I also felt we were bombarded with too many characters all at once. The basic storyline was a really good one. There has to have been an editing failure, as once again there was not enough separation between segments in the book. Everything just ran together, one minute we're talking about apples, then after a few sentences you realize they have switched to oranges. I really wanted to give 5 stars but I just can't.
April 17, 2020
The mystery/thriller aspect of the novel took a backseat to the romance plot. That’s fine if that’s your thing, but I went in expecting it to focus more on the murder aspect of the story and came out pretty disappointed.
There’s also a side plot in the book that doesn’t tie in at all to the main plot of the book. I know it’s part of a bigger series, but all it really achieved was to slow down the pace of the book.
In saying that, I did enjoy the characters. Might give another one of Barton’s books a go, but not overly optimistic
There’s also a side plot in the book that doesn’t tie in at all to the main plot of the book. I know it’s part of a bigger series, but all it really achieved was to slow down the pace of the book.
In saying that, I did enjoy the characters. Might give another one of Barton’s books a go, but not overly optimistic
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