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Silent Key
A detective, supernatural mystery with elements of Nick Cutter’s The Deep , Peter Benchley’s Jaws and Stephen King’s Firestarter .
After the loss of her husband under mysterious circumstances, former Detective Cam Ambrose learns how little she truly knew him. Reeling with the grief of her loss and the realization that the man she loved was a stranger, she must learn how to keep her young daughter safe from a world of the supernatural she never knew existed. With the help of her best friend Dimi and reclusive neighbor Eric Morgan, she sets out to solve a decades-old mystery entangling the machinations of an obsessed killer, her husband’s mistress, and a series of deadly hauntings.
FLAME TREE PRESS is the imprint of long-standing Independent Flame Tree Publishing, dedicated to full-length original fiction in the horror and suspense, science fiction & fantasy, and crime / mystery / thriller categories. The list brings together fantastic new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices. Learn more about Flame Tree Press at www.flametreepress.com and connect on social media @FlameTreePress.
After the loss of her husband under mysterious circumstances, former Detective Cam Ambrose learns how little she truly knew him. Reeling with the grief of her loss and the realization that the man she loved was a stranger, she must learn how to keep her young daughter safe from a world of the supernatural she never knew existed. With the help of her best friend Dimi and reclusive neighbor Eric Morgan, she sets out to solve a decades-old mystery entangling the machinations of an obsessed killer, her husband’s mistress, and a series of deadly hauntings.
FLAME TREE PRESS is the imprint of long-standing Independent Flame Tree Publishing, dedicated to full-length original fiction in the horror and suspense, science fiction & fantasy, and crime / mystery / thriller categories. The list brings together fantastic new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices. Learn more about Flame Tree Press at www.flametreepress.com and connect on social media @FlameTreePress.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published October 10, 2023
About the author
Laurel Hightower
36 books627 followersLaurel Hightower is a bourbon loving native of Lexington, Kentucky. She is the Bram Stoker-nominated author of WHISPERS IN THE DARK, CROSSROADS, BELOW, EVERY WOMAN KNOWS THIS, SILENT KEY, SPIRIT COVEN, and THE DAY OF THE DOOR, and has more than a dozen short fiction stories in print.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
January 14, 2024
Cam Ambrose is a former detective who completely loved and lived her job but with a young daughter needing her attention full time since their family was completely destroyed by her husband's extremely senseless, violent death by an attack of unknown assailant. Cam's adopted brother will travel with them acting as their bodyguard since they might also be targets of more attacks and they don't know why or by whom.
They decide to stay at Cam's recently deceased uncle's home knowing it will be a safe haven until Cam soon finds out her uncle and his close friend also died of similar violence with no explanations. Cam uncovers many secrets that her (so called) loving husband had been keeping from her including a mistress and she is just devastated once again. Cam will find out that something supernatural is at play but doesn't know how to handle these answers since she never believed in the paranormal itself.
Soon, Cam will become a believer when she finds her precious little girl talking to her daddy and as unbelievable as it sounds Cam knows it is true but she doesn't want the dead visiting her daughter until she witnesses something so horrifying that she realizes she needs specialized help but who can she turn to and who can she trust to keep her daughter safe and why are all these horrific events plaguing her family!
This was an intriguing and entertaining book that I enjoyed very much. The characters were well developed especially Cam. I had so much empathy for Cam and her horrible situations that she couldn't control and wanted her to be able to figure out how to empower herself without placing her own life in danger since I knew more deaths were inevitable if she didn't find answers quickly.
Cam's Russian brother was a wonderful and colorful character to enjoy throughout the story. I loved reading everything about him plus there is also a possible romantic twist to weave in and at first it seemed a somewhat sketchy but I found myself all for it and wanting more. This would make a great series and I hope maybe there will be another book in the future because these particular characters and the storyline were just so entertaining and intriguing. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author "Laurel Hightower" in the future.
Please remember this is a supernatural horror thriller so there was some graphic violence and gory and disturbing scenes throughout but perfect for horror lovers or dark thriller lovers also!
I Want to thank the publisher "Flame Tree Press" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this digital copy and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
DEFINITELY A FRIGHTENING AND INTRIGUING 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟 STAR READ!!
They decide to stay at Cam's recently deceased uncle's home knowing it will be a safe haven until Cam soon finds out her uncle and his close friend also died of similar violence with no explanations. Cam uncovers many secrets that her (so called) loving husband had been keeping from her including a mistress and she is just devastated once again. Cam will find out that something supernatural is at play but doesn't know how to handle these answers since she never believed in the paranormal itself.
Soon, Cam will become a believer when she finds her precious little girl talking to her daddy and as unbelievable as it sounds Cam knows it is true but she doesn't want the dead visiting her daughter until she witnesses something so horrifying that she realizes she needs specialized help but who can she turn to and who can she trust to keep her daughter safe and why are all these horrific events plaguing her family!
This was an intriguing and entertaining book that I enjoyed very much. The characters were well developed especially Cam. I had so much empathy for Cam and her horrible situations that she couldn't control and wanted her to be able to figure out how to empower herself without placing her own life in danger since I knew more deaths were inevitable if she didn't find answers quickly.
Cam's Russian brother was a wonderful and colorful character to enjoy throughout the story. I loved reading everything about him plus there is also a possible romantic twist to weave in and at first it seemed a somewhat sketchy but I found myself all for it and wanting more. This would make a great series and I hope maybe there will be another book in the future because these particular characters and the storyline were just so entertaining and intriguing. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author "Laurel Hightower" in the future.
Please remember this is a supernatural horror thriller so there was some graphic violence and gory and disturbing scenes throughout but perfect for horror lovers or dark thriller lovers also!
I Want to thank the publisher "Flame Tree Press" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this digital copy and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
DEFINITELY A FRIGHTENING AND INTRIGUING 4 🌟🌟🌟🌟 STAR READ!!
September 19, 2023
2.5 Stars
I have previously read this author before and enjoyed their emotionally packed narrative. Maybe it was me, but I wasn't very emotionally invested in this one. The setup of this grieving widow should have hit me in the feels but the narrative read as matter of fact.
I wanted to love this one, but ultimately found it to be fine but not as memorable as I would have liked it to be.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I have previously read this author before and enjoyed their emotionally packed narrative. Maybe it was me, but I wasn't very emotionally invested in this one. The setup of this grieving widow should have hit me in the feels but the narrative read as matter of fact.
I wanted to love this one, but ultimately found it to be fine but not as memorable as I would have liked it to be.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
September 14, 2023
SILENT KEY is a thoroughly enjoyable book. A first rate piece of popular fiction, that’s unpretentious but intriguing and packed with characters you grow to care about.
Laurel Hightower has crafted a novel that manages to blend genuinely creepy supernatural elements with an old school thriller plot and a pleasing dash of romance. I had a great time with it.
Laurel Hightower has crafted a novel that manages to blend genuinely creepy supernatural elements with an old school thriller plot and a pleasing dash of romance. I had a great time with it.
September 28, 2023
Book Review
Silent Key
Laurel Hightower
reviewed by Lou Jacobs
readersremains.com | Goodreads
A perfect amalgam of detective fiction and supernatural ghost-haunting mystery, this story revolves around Detective Cam Ambrose, who spent nearly eight years infiltrating the NYPD gang task force due to her fluency in Russian. Her mission was to infiltrate the criminal organization of Rudy Petrovich.
During this perilous assignment, she found an unexpected ally in a criminal thug, Dimi Zolnerowich, who ended up saving her life. This twist of fate fostered a friendship so strong that he became like an adopted brother to her, even closer than her three biological sisters.
Cam’s world spiraled into chaos with the violent, inexplicable death of her husband, Tony, whose body was discovered in a gruesome state and mysteriously soaked in salt water. There was no trace of evidence explaining his massive injury. Strangely, she found her daughter, Samantha, conversing with her deceased father. There always existed a unique connection between Samantha and her father, and she insisted she could still see him.
My best friend and partner, Rick Fiero, and I were left bewildered by Tony’s unexplained death. Following this tragedy, my role on the task force concluded, leaving me questioning the safety of my daughter and myself. Homicide investigations revealed Tony’s clandestine long-term affair.
To escape this nightmare, my father suggested a relocation to my Uncle Bert’s deserted ranch in the remote town of Silver City, Texas. Cam, accompanied by Samantha and Dimi, willingly vacated her seemingly haunted apartment and embarked on a journey to start anew. Cam is a short, well-built brunette with a “resting bitch face” and a generous chest.
Upon arrival, they were welcomed by neighbor Eric Morgan, who quickly became a confidante and enlightened Cam about the unusual death of her Uncle Bert. Bert’s mysterious demise bore resemblances to “radiation sickness,” and his symptoms eerily mirrored those of Tony’s. During her stay, Cam encountered spectral visions and haunting echoes of the past, portraying the agony of the trapped spirits.
Laurel Hightower skillfully constructs a tale teeming with layers of intrigue, menace, and suspense that crescendo into a cataclysmic denouement. How will Cam disrupt the haunting loop? Who summoned these spirits bound by extreme stress and emotion? Many unforeseen revelations will unfold in this engrossing read that caters to aficionados of both crime and horror fiction.
Thanks to NetGalley and Flame Tree Press for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review.
September 14, 2023
“My husband died screaming. I didn’t hear it myself, but I could tell when I saw his twisted face, his empty mouth stretched wide. He’d bitten his tongue off on impact with something was the theory, though no one could say what would do that kind of damage. What could have pulverized him from the chest down but left no trace of itself at the scene.”
I’ve only ever heard praise for Laurel Hightower’s work, and now I can see why.
This was my first book by this author, and it certainly won’t be the last. The plot, characters, dialogue were incredibly written, the suspense was palpable from the first page and carried the whole way through.
There are ghosts, Russian mobsters, brutal murders, and a ton of lovely pittie pups that are complete goodbois (looking at you Atticus ♥️). There’s also a sweet romance aspect which I adored, as it didn’t overwhelm the horror of the plot and take over the story.
If you don’t add this to your TBR list you will definitely be missing out. I really hope there’s a second book with these characters as some parts of the ending were left a little ambiguous (please please please let there be a second book 🙏🏼 👻 🐕).
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Flame Tree Press for a copy.
I’ve only ever heard praise for Laurel Hightower’s work, and now I can see why.
This was my first book by this author, and it certainly won’t be the last. The plot, characters, dialogue were incredibly written, the suspense was palpable from the first page and carried the whole way through.
There are ghosts, Russian mobsters, brutal murders, and a ton of lovely pittie pups that are complete goodbois (looking at you Atticus ♥️). There’s also a sweet romance aspect which I adored, as it didn’t overwhelm the horror of the plot and take over the story.
If you don’t add this to your TBR list you will definitely be missing out. I really hope there’s a second book with these characters as some parts of the ending were left a little ambiguous (please please please let there be a second book 🙏🏼 👻 🐕).
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Flame Tree Press for a copy.
September 27, 2023
I would first like to thank NetGalley and Flame Tree Press for allowing me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really hate doing this…but SKIP THIS BOOK!!! Right off the bat when reading the blurb and checking the cover, you see someone in a dive outfit underwater and this book being compared to a few others, most specifically for me Nick Cutter’s The Deep. Let me start by saying NO ONE GOES UNDERWATER UNTIL 92% INTO THE BOOK !!!! 92% !!!! Why would you put someone underwater in the book if the FIRST PERSON going underwater is at the 92% mark?
Alternatively, this book is compared to Nick Cutter’s masterpiece The Deep and this is nowhere NEAR that absolute literary godsend. Nick Cutter’s novel, for example, has people underwater for the majority of the book, not to mention a storyline that actually works.
This book mainly deals with some women’s obsession with her weird older neighbor. And before any romance novel enthusiasts consider reading this for the love story…don’t. I love reading smut novels and this book doesn’t even give you the satisfaction of that.
What this book does give you is a very watered-down story that hints at a lot of other potentially good storylines, and gives you nothing in return. You want a thriller? This will bore you. You want a romance novel? This won’t make your heart patter. You want people underwater? WAIT UNTIL 92% in LOLOLOL.
I am extremely disappointed in this book. I can’t even begin to explain how excited I was to read this and now I feel like the rug has been pulled from under my feet. Do not read this book unless you want to feel sadly unsatisfied.
The main character drove me nuts, she cares more about her shitty ex-husband than she does people actually around her and alive. This is definitely one of those books that if people just acted like responsible adults and TALKED TO EACH OTHER, there would be no story at all. Don’t even get me started on her weird hang ups with her daughter and her ex-husband… CHRIST!
If you’re looking for a book that is like the three described in the blurb to advertise this one (Nick Cutter’s The Deep, Peter Benchley’s Jaws, Stephen King’s Firestarter) I would suggest typing those into Goodreads and looking at the suggested at the bottom of the page. It is infuriating to think ANYONE thought this book was ANYTHING like any of those authors listed above. ICK !
I really hate doing this…but SKIP THIS BOOK!!! Right off the bat when reading the blurb and checking the cover, you see someone in a dive outfit underwater and this book being compared to a few others, most specifically for me Nick Cutter’s The Deep. Let me start by saying NO ONE GOES UNDERWATER UNTIL 92% INTO THE BOOK !!!! 92% !!!! Why would you put someone underwater in the book if the FIRST PERSON going underwater is at the 92% mark?
Alternatively, this book is compared to Nick Cutter’s masterpiece The Deep and this is nowhere NEAR that absolute literary godsend. Nick Cutter’s novel, for example, has people underwater for the majority of the book, not to mention a storyline that actually works.
This book mainly deals with some women’s obsession with her weird older neighbor. And before any romance novel enthusiasts consider reading this for the love story…don’t. I love reading smut novels and this book doesn’t even give you the satisfaction of that.
What this book does give you is a very watered-down story that hints at a lot of other potentially good storylines, and gives you nothing in return. You want a thriller? This will bore you. You want a romance novel? This won’t make your heart patter. You want people underwater? WAIT UNTIL 92% in LOLOLOL.
I am extremely disappointed in this book. I can’t even begin to explain how excited I was to read this and now I feel like the rug has been pulled from under my feet. Do not read this book unless you want to feel sadly unsatisfied.
The main character drove me nuts, she cares more about her shitty ex-husband than she does people actually around her and alive. This is definitely one of those books that if people just acted like responsible adults and TALKED TO EACH OTHER, there would be no story at all. Don’t even get me started on her weird hang ups with her daughter and her ex-husband… CHRIST!
If you’re looking for a book that is like the three described in the blurb to advertise this one (Nick Cutter’s The Deep, Peter Benchley’s Jaws, Stephen King’s Firestarter) I would suggest typing those into Goodreads and looking at the suggested at the bottom of the page. It is infuriating to think ANYONE thought this book was ANYTHING like any of those authors listed above. ICK !
October 1, 2023
2.5 Stars
I have previously read this author before and enjoyed their emotionally packed narrative. Maybe it was me, but I wasn't very emotionally invested in this one. The setup of this grieving widow should have hit me in the feels but the narrative read as matter of fact.
I wanted to love this one, but ultimately found it to be fine but not as memorable as I would have liked it to be.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I have previously read this author before and enjoyed their emotionally packed narrative. Maybe it was me, but I wasn't very emotionally invested in this one. The setup of this grieving widow should have hit me in the feels but the narrative read as matter of fact.
I wanted to love this one, but ultimately found it to be fine but not as memorable as I would have liked it to be.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
September 12, 2023
Huge thanks to Netgalley, Flame Tree Press and Laurel for an advanced digital copy of this one!
Look, I’ll say it right off the hop here – I’m a huge fan of Laurel’s work and I consider her one of the most solid folks in the writing community. I consider her a friend and as such, I love seeing friends succeed. With the acclaim of her debut and her recent novellas, her fan base grew exponentially, and when I saw this one announced I was so over the moon excited for her! Flame Tree Press! Another step up the ladder that is well deserved and well earned.
I couldn’t wait to dive in – pun intended.
What I liked: Much like ‘Whispers in the Dark,’ ‘Silent Key’ follows a single mom trying to navigate her new normal and keeping her child safe. From there, the story morphs into its own beast, but it was great to see Hightower return to that POV character to drive this one, as that’s 100% her bread and butter.
After her husband has died under mysterious circumstances, some things have come to light that have her questioning the depth of their love, while also revealing some truths that have followed her and her daughter. Coupled with her ‘adopted’ Russian brother, they flee to her deceased uncle’s ranch in Texas, where, much to her surprise, the supernatural elements follow and make things that much more difficult when all they want is to just get away.
As the novel progresses, Laurel continues to reveal different elements that add to the narrative (I’m not gonna expand on this to prevent spoilers) and lead us to the deep dark depths where the crux of the story takes place. We’re led to this moment, often unsure of what exactly is going on, but when we get there, it’s an AH-HA! of storylines coming together.
The ending is solid, closing things off really nicely and giving us a glimpse of what life will look like for those who remain topside.
What I didn’t like: I’m not totally sure if I am 100% sold on Dimi’s storyline and how things turn out. I mean, it all makes sense, I just don’t know if I personally liked it haha!
And, I will say, the first quarter does have some repetitive storyline aspects where it feels like we’re spinning our wheels once Cam, her daughter and Dimi arrive. It is needed, especially in the police procedural narrative, but there are moments where it doesn’t feel like you’re progressing forward.
Why you should buy this: Cam may very well be Hightower’s most developed and ‘real’ character she’s created. You want to root for her, you want to see her succeed and be happy and when things go bad you want to step up and be her backup. ‘Silent Key’ features a melding of several genres that Laurel’s wields deftly and confidently, ultimately giving us readers one of the more solid ‘paranormal-mystery-thrillers’ I’ve read in some time.
Look, I’ll say it right off the hop here – I’m a huge fan of Laurel’s work and I consider her one of the most solid folks in the writing community. I consider her a friend and as such, I love seeing friends succeed. With the acclaim of her debut and her recent novellas, her fan base grew exponentially, and when I saw this one announced I was so over the moon excited for her! Flame Tree Press! Another step up the ladder that is well deserved and well earned.
I couldn’t wait to dive in – pun intended.
What I liked: Much like ‘Whispers in the Dark,’ ‘Silent Key’ follows a single mom trying to navigate her new normal and keeping her child safe. From there, the story morphs into its own beast, but it was great to see Hightower return to that POV character to drive this one, as that’s 100% her bread and butter.
After her husband has died under mysterious circumstances, some things have come to light that have her questioning the depth of their love, while also revealing some truths that have followed her and her daughter. Coupled with her ‘adopted’ Russian brother, they flee to her deceased uncle’s ranch in Texas, where, much to her surprise, the supernatural elements follow and make things that much more difficult when all they want is to just get away.
As the novel progresses, Laurel continues to reveal different elements that add to the narrative (I’m not gonna expand on this to prevent spoilers) and lead us to the deep dark depths where the crux of the story takes place. We’re led to this moment, often unsure of what exactly is going on, but when we get there, it’s an AH-HA! of storylines coming together.
The ending is solid, closing things off really nicely and giving us a glimpse of what life will look like for those who remain topside.
What I didn’t like: I’m not totally sure if I am 100% sold on Dimi’s storyline and how things turn out. I mean, it all makes sense, I just don’t know if I personally liked it haha!
And, I will say, the first quarter does have some repetitive storyline aspects where it feels like we’re spinning our wheels once Cam, her daughter and Dimi arrive. It is needed, especially in the police procedural narrative, but there are moments where it doesn’t feel like you’re progressing forward.
Why you should buy this: Cam may very well be Hightower’s most developed and ‘real’ character she’s created. You want to root for her, you want to see her succeed and be happy and when things go bad you want to step up and be her backup. ‘Silent Key’ features a melding of several genres that Laurel’s wields deftly and confidently, ultimately giving us readers one of the more solid ‘paranormal-mystery-thrillers’ I’ve read in some time.
October 11, 2023
Dive into this book and you won't come back up easily, Laurel drags you down into the murky abyss for some underwater shenanigans involving ghosts, a handsome cowboy type man, a little girl who can see dead people, code breaking, criminals/cops and dogs, I mean, what more do you possibly need right?, a supernatural thriller that had amazing characters you really root for and a seriously good plot, I was hooked from the beginning, Laurel pairs an emotional narrative exploring grief with incredibly creepy horror elements that makes a truly unique story, this felt like a mesh of The X Files and Insidious, I have never read a book like this! I am a little bit obsessed and its going into my favourites of this year pile, Laurel darling I'm gonna need you to release another book ASAP thankyou xoxoo thankyou flametreepress for the #gifted copy!
October 9, 2023
This was such a fun read! It was nothing like I expected it to be and that's not even a bad thing. I don't usually go for detective/police stories, but everything else about this novel was so weird and intriguing that I barely noticed it was a cop-book.
What I loved:
-The thrills! The mystery! This was creepy right from the beginning and kept me guessing throughout. An honest page-turner.
-Paranormal Activity. This was some verrrry unique paranormal content compared to anything I've read before. It all felt so bizarre- I loved it.
-Pacing. Not once did I feel bored or that things needed to move along faster or slow down. Perfectly paced.
-Conclusion. What a great open ending.
-Unique plot. How did she piece all of this stuff together? Russians... cops... ghosts... underwater shenanigans... Texa cowboy-type... What is even going on here? But she did the damn thing.
What I didn't:
-Protagonist Pottymouth. I get that it was part of her character and probably meant to humanize her... but at times, it just felt silly. I just didn't dig it.
-Characters. I didn't particularly feel invested in any of the characters (looking at you, Dimi). It was still lots of fun regardless, so I am not sure that mattered!
I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
What I loved:
-The thrills! The mystery! This was creepy right from the beginning and kept me guessing throughout. An honest page-turner.
-Paranormal Activity. This was some verrrry unique paranormal content compared to anything I've read before. It all felt so bizarre- I loved it.
-Pacing. Not once did I feel bored or that things needed to move along faster or slow down. Perfectly paced.
-Conclusion. What a great open ending.
-Unique plot. How did she piece all of this stuff together? Russians... cops... ghosts... underwater shenanigans... Texa cowboy-type... What is even going on here? But she did the damn thing.
What I didn't:
-Protagonist Pottymouth. I get that it was part of her character and probably meant to humanize her... but at times, it just felt silly. I just didn't dig it.
-Characters. I didn't particularly feel invested in any of the characters (looking at you, Dimi). It was still lots of fun regardless, so I am not sure that mattered!
I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2023
“You don’t want to see the insides of someone you love, opened to air and hands and instruments and the thread that pulls him back together before the casket closes for the last time.”
Silent Key has everything you could want in a horror book; tension, mystery, dogs, ghosts, humor, a great platonic friendship, clairvoyants, and a guy that I can only picture as Sam Elliott if Sam had a pack of rescued pit bulls on his mostly isolated ranch and had a library full of horror books.
This story feels like you are sitting around a firepit with the logs crackling, the dogs curled up by your feet, the stars overhead, and a cool glass of something smooth to warm your belly. Your good friend Laurel Hightower is sitting next to you and she starts telling you a story. Its enchanting...you are so into the story...then you hear bursts of static...a foreign language stuttering over a radio...a warning, or a plea for help...you look over at Laurel and she grins an evil little grin..."Welcome to Silver City...Welcome to my little claustrophobic Hell."
I am not telling you much about this story because you need to add this to your book club now. Silent Key is an incredible story and there are so many things to discuss and wonder about. This would be a blast to hear others speculate on where it is heading in real time as you talk about these characters and this tale.
“I couldn’t take the word of a dead man as gospel truth, especially when filtered through a five-year-old.”
Silent Key has everything you could want in a horror book; tension, mystery, dogs, ghosts, humor, a great platonic friendship, clairvoyants, and a guy that I can only picture as Sam Elliott if Sam had a pack of rescued pit bulls on his mostly isolated ranch and had a library full of horror books.
This story feels like you are sitting around a firepit with the logs crackling, the dogs curled up by your feet, the stars overhead, and a cool glass of something smooth to warm your belly. Your good friend Laurel Hightower is sitting next to you and she starts telling you a story. Its enchanting...you are so into the story...then you hear bursts of static...a foreign language stuttering over a radio...a warning, or a plea for help...you look over at Laurel and she grins an evil little grin..."Welcome to Silver City...Welcome to my little claustrophobic Hell."
I am not telling you much about this story because you need to add this to your book club now. Silent Key is an incredible story and there are so many things to discuss and wonder about. This would be a blast to hear others speculate on where it is heading in real time as you talk about these characters and this tale.
“I couldn’t take the word of a dead man as gospel truth, especially when filtered through a five-year-old.”
October 9, 2023
Silent Key is a mystery wrapped up in a ghost story. Ghosts, submarines, code breaking and an adorable little girl who can communicate with the dead.
Sammy was by far my favorite character. A sweet little 5 year old with other worldly powers, grieving the loss of her father, who also spoke to ghosts. Cam, Sammy’s mother, knew none of this until her husband died leaving all kind of secrets, including an affair.
This could easily be a series and I want to know the continued tales of Sammy, as she grows in her powers.
Sammy was by far my favorite character. A sweet little 5 year old with other worldly powers, grieving the loss of her father, who also spoke to ghosts. Cam, Sammy’s mother, knew none of this until her husband died leaving all kind of secrets, including an affair.
This could easily be a series and I want to know the continued tales of Sammy, as she grows in her powers.
September 28, 2023
Book Review
Silent Key
Laurel Hightower
reviewed by Lou Jacobs
readersremains.com | Goodreads
A perfect amalgam of detective fiction and supernatural ghost-haunting mystery, this story revolves around Detective Cam Ambrose, who spent nearly eight years infiltrating the NYPD gang task force due to her fluency in Russian. Her mission was to infiltrate the criminal organization of Rudy Petrovich.
During this perilous assignment, she found an unexpected ally in a criminal thug, Dimi Zolnerowich, who ended up saving her life. This twist of fate fostered a friendship so strong that he became like an adopted brother to her, even closer than her three biological sisters.
Cam’s world spiraled into chaos with the violent, inexplicable death of her husband, Tony, whose body was discovered in a gruesome state and mysteriously soaked in salt water. There was no trace of evidence explaining his massive injury. Strangely, she found her daughter, Samantha, conversing with her deceased father. There always existed a unique connection between Samantha and her father, and she insisted she could still see him.
My best friend and partner, Rick Fiero, and I were left bewildered by Tony’s unexplained death. Following this tragedy, my role on the task force concluded, leaving me questioning the safety of my daughter and myself. Homicide investigations revealed Tony’s clandestine long-term affair.
To escape this nightmare, my father suggested a relocation to my Uncle Bert’s deserted ranch in the remote town of Silver City, Texas. Cam, accompanied by Samantha and Dimi, willingly vacated her seemingly haunted apartment and embarked on a journey to start anew. Cam is a short, well-built brunette with a “resting bitch face” and a generous chest.
Upon arrival, they were welcomed by neighbor Eric Morgan, who quickly became a confidante and enlightened Cam about the unusual death of her Uncle Bert. Bert’s mysterious demise bore resemblances to “radiation sickness,” and his symptoms eerily mirrored those of Tony’s. During her stay, Cam encountered spectral visions and haunting echoes of the past, portraying the agony of the trapped spirits.
Laurel Hightower skillfully constructs a tale teeming with layers of intrigue, menace, and suspense that crescendo into a cataclysmic denouement. How will Cam disrupt the haunting loop? Who summoned these spirits bound by extreme stress and emotion? Many unforeseen revelations will unfold in this engrossing read that caters to aficionados of both crime and horror fiction.
Thanks to NetGalley and Flame Tree Press for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review.
Silent Key
Laurel Hightower
reviewed by Lou Jacobs
readersremains.com | Goodreads
A perfect amalgam of detective fiction and supernatural ghost-haunting mystery, this story revolves around Detective Cam Ambrose, who spent nearly eight years infiltrating the NYPD gang task force due to her fluency in Russian. Her mission was to infiltrate the criminal organization of Rudy Petrovich.
During this perilous assignment, she found an unexpected ally in a criminal thug, Dimi Zolnerowich, who ended up saving her life. This twist of fate fostered a friendship so strong that he became like an adopted brother to her, even closer than her three biological sisters.
Cam’s world spiraled into chaos with the violent, inexplicable death of her husband, Tony, whose body was discovered in a gruesome state and mysteriously soaked in salt water. There was no trace of evidence explaining his massive injury. Strangely, she found her daughter, Samantha, conversing with her deceased father. There always existed a unique connection between Samantha and her father, and she insisted she could still see him.
My best friend and partner, Rick Fiero, and I were left bewildered by Tony’s unexplained death. Following this tragedy, my role on the task force concluded, leaving me questioning the safety of my daughter and myself. Homicide investigations revealed Tony’s clandestine long-term affair.
To escape this nightmare, my father suggested a relocation to my Uncle Bert’s deserted ranch in the remote town of Silver City, Texas. Cam, accompanied by Samantha and Dimi, willingly vacated her seemingly haunted apartment and embarked on a journey to start anew. Cam is a short, well-built brunette with a “resting bitch face” and a generous chest.
Upon arrival, they were welcomed by neighbor Eric Morgan, who quickly became a confidante and enlightened Cam about the unusual death of her Uncle Bert. Bert’s mysterious demise bore resemblances to “radiation sickness,” and his symptoms eerily mirrored those of Tony’s. During her stay, Cam encountered spectral visions and haunting echoes of the past, portraying the agony of the trapped spirits.
Laurel Hightower skillfully constructs a tale teeming with layers of intrigue, menace, and suspense that crescendo into a cataclysmic denouement. How will Cam disrupt the haunting loop? Who summoned these spirits bound by extreme stress and emotion? Many unforeseen revelations will unfold in this engrossing read that caters to aficionados of both crime and horror fiction.
Thanks to NetGalley and Flame Tree Press for providing an Uncorrected Proof in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2024
30 Books in 30 Days, Vol. 4
Book 21/30
>:(
Book 21/30
>:(
September 21, 2023
This is a character driven tale of grief and despair.
The writing is quite lovely and the story, eerie.
I’ll admit that I didn’t love Cam, or any of the characters really, but it didn’t keep me from being anxious to know the resolution of our story.
My first book from the author. I’ll read her again.
• ARC via Publisher
The writing is quite lovely and the story, eerie.
I’ll admit that I didn’t love Cam, or any of the characters really, but it didn’t keep me from being anxious to know the resolution of our story.
My first book from the author. I’ll read her again.
• ARC via Publisher
September 14, 2023
A silent key?
If you're like me, you pictured a lock. Don't do that. It actually has nothing to do with locks.
This book had me dreaming about water. I think because I was thinking about it so much. It's a bit mystery meets ghost story. I didnt know who to trust until the last page. I was questioning everyone.
The storyline is so interesting, the characters are great, I was really worried about who was bad. I got mad with the characters and often agreed with their methods.
It was just an overall good time!! Another reason to stay away from water.
If you're like me, you pictured a lock. Don't do that. It actually has nothing to do with locks.
This book had me dreaming about water. I think because I was thinking about it so much. It's a bit mystery meets ghost story. I didnt know who to trust until the last page. I was questioning everyone.
The storyline is so interesting, the characters are great, I was really worried about who was bad. I got mad with the characters and often agreed with their methods.
It was just an overall good time!! Another reason to stay away from water.
November 11, 2023
Captivating!
Another great read from one of the best. It's hard to pick a favorite, but SILENT KEY is definitely up there. You can't go wrong with anything by Hightower. Highly recommended!
Another great read from one of the best. It's hard to pick a favorite, but SILENT KEY is definitely up there. You can't go wrong with anything by Hightower. Highly recommended!
October 6, 2023
Up until the ending, this was a three-star book for me.
The moment-to-moment writing wasn’t amazing. Not bad, but there was no poetry or lyricism to it. It felt perfunctory, which is something I don’t particularly enjoy.
The character motivations were often baffling. Why did Dimi hide the fact that he knew what the coordinates were? Why did he lie about knowing Maksim? Why did Cam refuse help from both of the people who knew more than her? Why did Cam attack Maksim when she knew she needed him? Why did Ally go to the haunted house by herself? And for that matter, why was Ally okay with Tony marrying another woman?
There were plot threads that went nowhere, and honestly began to look like plot holes. Why could Cam find the submarine when multiple teams of talented divers had failed? Who was the guy on the phone? Why was Burt so determined to find this Russian guy? Why did ghosts not appear around Morgan? Was this meant to imply that he was the child of somebody on that vessel?
The fact that “ghosts won’t appear around Morgan” was set up as a mystery in the first half of the book and then completely dropped was honestly kind of insulting to me. It was half the reason I wanted to keep reading. Was Morgan secretly some kind of medium too? What made him special? We never learned the answer to this, and I found that very frustrating.
I didn’t hate the plot. I do broadly like the idea of a family being haunted by a Russian submarine going into a meltdown. That’s fun and unique, and could have been really interesting had it been better fleshed out. The mystery was fine, and some of the concepts were interesting (I liked the radio transmissions idea) but they felt under-utilised and definitely could have been given to the reader better.
The reason this is a 2 star book for me, though, is the ending. Rushed, confusing and unsatisfying. It felt like the author went “oh shit, I have to wrap everything up in the next 20 pages” and squashed 60 pages of plot down to get it to fit. The fact that so little time was spent on the climax makes the use of time elsewhere even more baffling. If they had just cut Ally out of the picture, the book would have been a lot more cohesive, and it would have had more breathing room to flesh out the characters that sorely needed more time, like Maksim.
Ultimately, this was a book with a pretty good plot that just used its time really unwisely.
(I received a free copy in return for an honest review!)
The moment-to-moment writing wasn’t amazing. Not bad, but there was no poetry or lyricism to it. It felt perfunctory, which is something I don’t particularly enjoy.
The character motivations were often baffling. Why did Dimi hide the fact that he knew what the coordinates were? Why did he lie about knowing Maksim? Why did Cam refuse help from both of the people who knew more than her? Why did Cam attack Maksim when she knew she needed him? Why did Ally go to the haunted house by herself? And for that matter, why was Ally okay with Tony marrying another woman?
There were plot threads that went nowhere, and honestly began to look like plot holes. Why could Cam find the submarine when multiple teams of talented divers had failed? Who was the guy on the phone? Why was Burt so determined to find this Russian guy? Why did ghosts not appear around Morgan? Was this meant to imply that he was the child of somebody on that vessel?
The fact that “ghosts won’t appear around Morgan” was set up as a mystery in the first half of the book and then completely dropped was honestly kind of insulting to me. It was half the reason I wanted to keep reading. Was Morgan secretly some kind of medium too? What made him special? We never learned the answer to this, and I found that very frustrating.
I didn’t hate the plot. I do broadly like the idea of a family being haunted by a Russian submarine going into a meltdown. That’s fun and unique, and could have been really interesting had it been better fleshed out. The mystery was fine, and some of the concepts were interesting (I liked the radio transmissions idea) but they felt under-utilised and definitely could have been given to the reader better.
The reason this is a 2 star book for me, though, is the ending. Rushed, confusing and unsatisfying. It felt like the author went “oh shit, I have to wrap everything up in the next 20 pages” and squashed 60 pages of plot down to get it to fit. The fact that so little time was spent on the climax makes the use of time elsewhere even more baffling. If they had just cut Ally out of the picture, the book would have been a lot more cohesive, and it would have had more breathing room to flesh out the characters that sorely needed more time, like Maksim.
Ultimately, this was a book with a pretty good plot that just used its time really unwisely.
(I received a free copy in return for an honest review!)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2023
The way I get so excited each time I know Laurel Hightower will be releasing a new story, novella, or novel! SILENT KEY is a solid addition to Hightower's impressive collection of writing. She knows how to craft total badass characters, especially women. Her wit and intellect are given life with these characters she creates. Fans of Hightower's previous works might liken Silent Key more to Whispers in the Dark as opposed to Crossroads, Below, etc as they relate to plot and themes. It's real life grief and hauntings and ghosts... and it's blended with police and mystery and paranormal. I loved Whispers in the Dark as it was my introduction to her writing and it was just easy to fall in love with the mystery in Silent Key, too. The relationship of the main character and her daughter was something I became super invested in. I NEEDED EVERYONE TO STAY SAFE!! I am just so impressed with the way she can write characters and have us instantly feel for them and be protective of them, constantly worrying for them and wishing for their success. There are quite a few twists and turns along the way and Hightower does a great job at exposing hidden truths at just the right times and the best ways possible. Hightower is such a powerhouse when it comes to writing and I am already eager for what is next!
October 1, 2023
3/5 stars
"Death is the one thing secret keepers can't plan for, or at least, most of them don't. Maybe like many of us they feel immortal until they're not. Or maybe since they now they won't be there to face the consequences, they don't bother to put the effort in."
A young mother finds herself tangled in a web of grief and supernatural mysteries in this detective-horror-hybrid novel by Laurel Hightower.
Synopsis:
After the loss of her husband under mysterious circumstances, former Detective Cam Ambrose learns how little she truly knew him. Reeling with the grief of her loss and the realization that the man she loved was a stranger, she must learn how to keep her young daughter safe from a world of the supernatural she never knew existed. With the help of her best friend Dimi and reclusive neighbor Eric Morgan, she sets out to solve a decades-old mystery entangling the machinations of an obsessed killer, her husband’s mistress, and a series of deadly hauntings.
Review:
I had admittedly high expectations for this novel based off the author’s previous work. Last year, I read Crossroads by her, a novella that blew me away with its visceral depiction of a mothers grief over her son, and the desperate lengths she would go through to be reunited with him against all costs. It’s one of the best examples of “the true horror of grief” captured on page in a novel, and for me stands toe-to-toe with the likes of Pet Sematary.
I was hoping to find that same level of emotional connection and depth of character in Cam, especially since she gets quite a bit more page-time for development than her novella-counterpart in Crossroads. Unfortunately, I never clicked- or became truly invested in Cam. Where Crossroads felt like a more intimate character-piece, Silent Key focusses more on the plot and mystery, which for me took away from the authors true strength.
The mystery itself was intriguing enough to keep me going, but due to the more detached and distant writing-style, I was never completely immersed or invested.
A minor gripe that bothered me more than I’d like to admit has to do with the books cover. The combination of the cover, title and some of the marketing (comparisons to The Deep!) had me believe this would have a strong element of underwater-horror. Through my reading-experience I kept excitedly waiting for it to show up and was disappointed to see it only happening in the very final chapters. Literally around the 90% mark is when the cover-scene becomes relevant. If, like me, the underwater-horror-element was a big selling point for you: know it only comes into play at the very end.
"Death is the one thing secret keepers can't plan for, or at least, most of them don't. Maybe like many of us they feel immortal until they're not. Or maybe since they now they won't be there to face the consequences, they don't bother to put the effort in."
A young mother finds herself tangled in a web of grief and supernatural mysteries in this detective-horror-hybrid novel by Laurel Hightower.
Synopsis:
After the loss of her husband under mysterious circumstances, former Detective Cam Ambrose learns how little she truly knew him. Reeling with the grief of her loss and the realization that the man she loved was a stranger, she must learn how to keep her young daughter safe from a world of the supernatural she never knew existed. With the help of her best friend Dimi and reclusive neighbor Eric Morgan, she sets out to solve a decades-old mystery entangling the machinations of an obsessed killer, her husband’s mistress, and a series of deadly hauntings.
Review:
I had admittedly high expectations for this novel based off the author’s previous work. Last year, I read Crossroads by her, a novella that blew me away with its visceral depiction of a mothers grief over her son, and the desperate lengths she would go through to be reunited with him against all costs. It’s one of the best examples of “the true horror of grief” captured on page in a novel, and for me stands toe-to-toe with the likes of Pet Sematary.
I was hoping to find that same level of emotional connection and depth of character in Cam, especially since she gets quite a bit more page-time for development than her novella-counterpart in Crossroads. Unfortunately, I never clicked- or became truly invested in Cam. Where Crossroads felt like a more intimate character-piece, Silent Key focusses more on the plot and mystery, which for me took away from the authors true strength.
The mystery itself was intriguing enough to keep me going, but due to the more detached and distant writing-style, I was never completely immersed or invested.
A minor gripe that bothered me more than I’d like to admit has to do with the books cover. The combination of the cover, title and some of the marketing (comparisons to The Deep!) had me believe this would have a strong element of underwater-horror. Through my reading-experience I kept excitedly waiting for it to show up and was disappointed to see it only happening in the very final chapters. Literally around the 90% mark is when the cover-scene becomes relevant. If, like me, the underwater-horror-element was a big selling point for you: know it only comes into play at the very end.
October 11, 2023
Silent Key by Laurel Hightower has a little something for every horror fan, and it's a must-read for October.
Former police officer Cam Ambrose is dealing with the death of her husband, and the death of his memory, as she learns after his passing that her husband had been keeping major secrets. Cam, along with her 5 year old daughter and her Russian gangster "brother", flee New York for rural Texas, hoping to get a fresh start. But something dark has its eyes on Cam's little family, and it will take all her wits and resources to save them.
I really enjoyed this book. I thought the grief was handled well, the premise was very original and the dread was palpable. Silent Key needs to move to the top of your Spooky Reads TBR! Thank you to Netgalley and Flame Tree Press for the chance to review this advance copy.
Former police officer Cam Ambrose is dealing with the death of her husband, and the death of his memory, as she learns after his passing that her husband had been keeping major secrets. Cam, along with her 5 year old daughter and her Russian gangster "brother", flee New York for rural Texas, hoping to get a fresh start. But something dark has its eyes on Cam's little family, and it will take all her wits and resources to save them.
I really enjoyed this book. I thought the grief was handled well, the premise was very original and the dread was palpable. Silent Key needs to move to the top of your Spooky Reads TBR! Thank you to Netgalley and Flame Tree Press for the chance to review this advance copy.
November 1, 2023
Laurel Hightower is one of my faves, Cross Roads will forever be one of my favorite novellas and while this one wasn’t exactly like I was expecting from her, I still thoroughly enjoyed it! Hightower is a master at writing grief stories, and SILENT KEY had grief, a bit of horror and even a smidge of thriller/mystery to it. I loved all of the characters, the romance wasn’t too much (especially for someone who doesn’t like to read romance) and I really found myself invested in the storyline. Many thanks to Flame Tree Press for my eARC. SILENT KEY is available now.
November 17, 2023
This book is a mess. I’m not sure if this is supposed to be the start of a series, or if the author just left plot threads dangling and unexplained everywhere. Things just happen and it doesn’t make sense and there’s no explanation and it ends on somewhat of a cliffhanger.
***Spoilers below***
How or why did the ghosts stay away from Eric Morgan and/or his home? Was there any significance to Morgan being the one to find his mother? And how was he “like her” in a way that wasn’t right? Would ghosts have stayed away from her too?
What triggered the loop (since it seemed so random)? How/why did it occasionally pop up elsewhere despite mostly being confined to Bert’s? Why did it seem to be following Cam or her daughter (ex: the hotel room being coated in saltwater)?
What closed the loop and why? How did Sergei/Maksim even figure it out? How did he even know it was happening if the ghosts wouldn’t appear to him? And why did they finally appear to him at the end? Because he was in the original location? Why did he think he needed Cam with him if his presence near Cam caused them to disappear before?
WAS Dimi his brother? What would the chances be he would randomly come across this woman who would be the key to his father’s past if so? It doesn’t sound like he deliberately targeted her, them meeting while she was undercover seemed entirely coincidental, and it was 8 years before he even knew her uncle was linked to the russian sub in any way. But why would he hide any of it once they came across his family name?
What was even the deal with the mistress? So much unexplored backstory there.. Why did Tony leave her for Cam only to end up cheating on Cam with her? Why did the mistress go to Bert’s alone? Who is the unnamed mystery man Ally had Cam call and why? What did Ally do to make him hate her? And if he hates her so much, why did she think he’d help someone she’d referred? Why did he even keep a number only Ally knew? Why didn’t Ally leave the number to Tony’s family - who were allegedly also seers, and wealthy ones at that? And who seemingly trained Tony himself from a young age!
On that point, why did Tony lie about his family? Why didn’t his family take over his daughter’s ghost training in any way, especially with the suspicious circumstances of his death? How did Cam never question his income from his rich family if they lived in a home above their means?
What did Tony do to stay linked to his daughter and how is he “different?” Why would that mystery man even call Cam to warn her if he was going to give her zero info on what to do about it? There wasn’t anyone else he could refer her to for help if he didn’t want involved? It was serious enough to call her but not offer her ANY guidance?
And most importantly… WHAT WAS TONY WRONG ABOUT!? This was some huge clue that her uncle took care to put into a secret code and we never learned anything about it. For that matter, what changed between Tony and uncle Bert to make Bert hide everything from Tony? If he was enlisting Tony’s help, why wouldn’t he want him to have the sub coordinates?
Honestly, am I missing something? Make it make sense!
***Spoilers below***
How or why did the ghosts stay away from Eric Morgan and/or his home? Was there any significance to Morgan being the one to find his mother? And how was he “like her” in a way that wasn’t right? Would ghosts have stayed away from her too?
What triggered the loop (since it seemed so random)? How/why did it occasionally pop up elsewhere despite mostly being confined to Bert’s? Why did it seem to be following Cam or her daughter (ex: the hotel room being coated in saltwater)?
What closed the loop and why? How did Sergei/Maksim even figure it out? How did he even know it was happening if the ghosts wouldn’t appear to him? And why did they finally appear to him at the end? Because he was in the original location? Why did he think he needed Cam with him if his presence near Cam caused them to disappear before?
WAS Dimi his brother? What would the chances be he would randomly come across this woman who would be the key to his father’s past if so? It doesn’t sound like he deliberately targeted her, them meeting while she was undercover seemed entirely coincidental, and it was 8 years before he even knew her uncle was linked to the russian sub in any way. But why would he hide any of it once they came across his family name?
What was even the deal with the mistress? So much unexplored backstory there.. Why did Tony leave her for Cam only to end up cheating on Cam with her? Why did the mistress go to Bert’s alone? Who is the unnamed mystery man Ally had Cam call and why? What did Ally do to make him hate her? And if he hates her so much, why did she think he’d help someone she’d referred? Why did he even keep a number only Ally knew? Why didn’t Ally leave the number to Tony’s family - who were allegedly also seers, and wealthy ones at that? And who seemingly trained Tony himself from a young age!
On that point, why did Tony lie about his family? Why didn’t his family take over his daughter’s ghost training in any way, especially with the suspicious circumstances of his death? How did Cam never question his income from his rich family if they lived in a home above their means?
What did Tony do to stay linked to his daughter and how is he “different?” Why would that mystery man even call Cam to warn her if he was going to give her zero info on what to do about it? There wasn’t anyone else he could refer her to for help if he didn’t want involved? It was serious enough to call her but not offer her ANY guidance?
And most importantly… WHAT WAS TONY WRONG ABOUT!? This was some huge clue that her uncle took care to put into a secret code and we never learned anything about it. For that matter, what changed between Tony and uncle Bert to make Bert hide everything from Tony? If he was enlisting Tony’s help, why wouldn’t he want him to have the sub coordinates?
Honestly, am I missing something? Make it make sense!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2023
Beyond excited that my very first NetGalley book was Silent Key by Laurel Hightower. I was a fan moment I jumped into her book Below and I knew this would be just as amazing! This story has a little bit of everything, it’s a creepy ghost story with suspense and just a sprinkle of romance. I love how Laurel gives the perfect amount of details for you to be able to imagine being in a situation with the characters. I completely connected with Cam, the main character, who lost her husband long before he died… She has trouble understanding the connection between her daughter and her late husband, who were both seers. Dimi, and ex Russian mobster who she calls her brother and who is never far away, always watching over them. And then there’s Eric… sweet countryfied Eric. He’s a veterinarian and their neighbor who quickly falls for Cam. They seem like an unlikely couple… but they work. I adored the loving and protective relationships between all of them. Once the creepy stuff starts it doesn’t end. Voices, visions, nightmares, shadows and let’s not forget the creepy humans that pop up here and there. Cam struggles to solve this mystery, protect her daughter from the living and the dead and figure out her feelings for Eric. This story definitely kept me on the edge of my seat thanks to Laurels amazing writing! I’m beyond grateful to @laurelhightower @netgalley and @flametreepress for the opportunity to read Silent Key!
September 7, 2023
I liked this one. Couldn’t put it down. But after I finished reading it, I realized that this book seemed more like a synopsis of a story rather than an actual story itself. I enjoyed the characters of Cam and Dimi and their dynamic, but I felt like there was a lot of backstory that wasn’t adequately explored, just mentioned in a matter-of-fact way. I felt the same way about the ending of the book. I looked forward to exploring this author's backlist! Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
September 1, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up.
Silent Key tells the story of a woman trying to protect her daughter from a supernatural world that she doesn't understand. It's a detective story, an unsolved mystery, a story about the bonds between family & friends, and a ghost story. 👻
There was plenty of creepy imagery within the book that left me feeling spooked and unsettled at times. I thought the writing was fantastic and the author does a great job of bringing the atmosphere to life as well. My favorite part of this book by far is the characters and the bonds they all shared with each other. From a shy, broken country boy veterinarian, to a funny five year old, and a softened Russian best friend - I loved them all. The relationships the characters had with each other really made the story great and I enjoyed seeing the way they all deeply cared for one another.
The ghost story itself however was not my favorite. Some aspects were a little confusing to me and I didn't really feel too invested in the plotline, but I do think it was developed well and came together nicely in the end.
Overall, Silent Key was a fun read that I found myself fully immersed in and I would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of a ghost story detective mystery!
Thank you to NetGalley & Flame Tree Press for providing me with an electronic ARC of this book to review.
Silent Key tells the story of a woman trying to protect her daughter from a supernatural world that she doesn't understand. It's a detective story, an unsolved mystery, a story about the bonds between family & friends, and a ghost story. 👻
There was plenty of creepy imagery within the book that left me feeling spooked and unsettled at times. I thought the writing was fantastic and the author does a great job of bringing the atmosphere to life as well. My favorite part of this book by far is the characters and the bonds they all shared with each other. From a shy, broken country boy veterinarian, to a funny five year old, and a softened Russian best friend - I loved them all. The relationships the characters had with each other really made the story great and I enjoyed seeing the way they all deeply cared for one another.
The ghost story itself however was not my favorite. Some aspects were a little confusing to me and I didn't really feel too invested in the plotline, but I do think it was developed well and came together nicely in the end.
Overall, Silent Key was a fun read that I found myself fully immersed in and I would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of a ghost story detective mystery!
Thank you to NetGalley & Flame Tree Press for providing me with an electronic ARC of this book to review.
July 26, 2023
A curious blend of Genres can be found in this novel by Laurel Hightower: part Police detective, part supernatural horror and part mystery/thriller. They blend together seamlessly, and with the addition of exceptionally written characters with some gripping found family moments, this novel is something special.
After losing her husband under suspicious circumstances, Cam Ambrose moves her family to her uncle’s farm in a small town. Without giving away too much of the plot, ghost-stuff starts happening and thus begins their quest to find out the truth about her husband’s death, and how that has an effect on their current situation.
I’ll be honest, I didn’t actually care too much for the plot of this, and particularly did not like the direction the ghosts took us throughout the novel. However, I loved the characters and how they interacted with each other, as well as the little romance that is included. My personal favorite character was Dimi, the sassy Russian best friend.
If you like character driven horror, this novel is right up your alley. I’d recommend reading this book purely for the characters alone.
Thanks to Netgalley, Flame Tree Press, and the author Laurel Hightower for allowing me to read an E-arc of this novel.
After losing her husband under suspicious circumstances, Cam Ambrose moves her family to her uncle’s farm in a small town. Without giving away too much of the plot, ghost-stuff starts happening and thus begins their quest to find out the truth about her husband’s death, and how that has an effect on their current situation.
I’ll be honest, I didn’t actually care too much for the plot of this, and particularly did not like the direction the ghosts took us throughout the novel. However, I loved the characters and how they interacted with each other, as well as the little romance that is included. My personal favorite character was Dimi, the sassy Russian best friend.
If you like character driven horror, this novel is right up your alley. I’d recommend reading this book purely for the characters alone.
Thanks to Netgalley, Flame Tree Press, and the author Laurel Hightower for allowing me to read an E-arc of this novel.
September 7, 2023
Wow! Laurel Hightower sure knows how to tell a complex story! 'Silent Key' combines elements of mystery fiction, spy thrillers, ocean horror, paranormal thrillers, ghost stories, haunted houses tales, detective fiction, supernatural thrillers, and last but not least, romance fiction - and manages to come up with an intricate, original tale, full of twists, adventure and suspense. Although the characters are well-drawn and interesting, this is not really a character-driven story; the character relationships come second to the plot, which is not easy to summarize. In very general terms, it follows the attempts of a mother, who's a cop and recently widowed, to save her five-year-old daughter from the sad fate of her husband. The only drawback of the book, in my opinion, is that it feels like the second volume of a series, as the story begins right after mother and daughter, hunted by supernatural forces, have already gone through an adventure, with people and places already set in place. More people are introduced, new places are visited, and the whole tale unfolds in small doses, blending romance with ghosts and horror. By the time one can see the big picture, plotlines have multiplied significantly, though never confusingly. Hightower keeps absolute control of her story, and does not hesitate to make space for even more complexity, as the last pages of the book show!
Overall, this is an impressive book with many different conflicted personalities, with intriguing backstories, all playing their role in a bigger story, a story starting back in the Cold War and reaching right into the affairs of a very special family today. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read an ARC!
Overall, this is an impressive book with many different conflicted personalities, with intriguing backstories, all playing their role in a bigger story, a story starting back in the Cold War and reaching right into the affairs of a very special family today. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read an ARC!
October 2, 2023
2 stars it was okay but mostly fell flat.
I was really excited for this one, but now after reading I feel like I would have enjoyed it more if the cover and the blurb wasn't so misleading.
The writing itself was great, I really enjoyed her writing style. I definitely want to read more from her very soon.
The blurb compares this to Nick Cutters The Deep and Peter Benchleys Jaws, which is one of the main reasons I requested this book but Silent Key is so far away from having any elements of those two. Comparing them is such a stretch, and whoever made it actually did a disservice to the book because of that my expectations were set somewhere completely different than what the book delivered.
This had multiple sub plots that were going in many directions and it just didn't end up making sense to me, maybe if they were fleshed out more. Once finished I didn't have that "oh wow" feeling when things were revealed. To me it didn't feel connected because the story pieces all came together but only because the author said it was. This definitely falls more into police procedural/ domestic drama with hints of supernatural and horror. There's also a lot more romance than horror in this book.
Finally, the cover leads you to believe the book takes place or involves water... the ocean... etc. along with the comparisons to The Deep and Jaws... nope. 90%plus of the story takes place on dry land, when water finally becomes involved its rushed and unfulfilling.
Thanks to netgalley and Flame Tree Press for sharing a digital copy for me to read and review, as always, opinions are my own 🤘🏻💀🤘🏻
I was really excited for this one, but now after reading I feel like I would have enjoyed it more if the cover and the blurb wasn't so misleading.
The writing itself was great, I really enjoyed her writing style. I definitely want to read more from her very soon.
The blurb compares this to Nick Cutters The Deep and Peter Benchleys Jaws, which is one of the main reasons I requested this book but Silent Key is so far away from having any elements of those two. Comparing them is such a stretch, and whoever made it actually did a disservice to the book because of that my expectations were set somewhere completely different than what the book delivered.
This had multiple sub plots that were going in many directions and it just didn't end up making sense to me, maybe if they were fleshed out more. Once finished I didn't have that "oh wow" feeling when things were revealed. To me it didn't feel connected because the story pieces all came together but only because the author said it was. This definitely falls more into police procedural/ domestic drama with hints of supernatural and horror. There's also a lot more romance than horror in this book.
Finally, the cover leads you to believe the book takes place or involves water... the ocean... etc. along with the comparisons to The Deep and Jaws... nope. 90%plus of the story takes place on dry land, when water finally becomes involved its rushed and unfulfilling.
Thanks to netgalley and Flame Tree Press for sharing a digital copy for me to read and review, as always, opinions are my own 🤘🏻💀🤘🏻
August 9, 2023
Thank you to Flame Tree Press for allowing me the digital ARC of Silent Key to review. The story revolves around former Detective Cam Ambrose, her daughter Sammy, and her best friend who she considers her brother Dimi. She leaves her home in New York hoping to escape the grief of her recently deceased husband, the news of his infidelity, and the ghosts who seem to be haunting her daughter. As she learns more details about her husband's death she realizes he kept many secrets from her and she never truly knew him. Moving to Texas to her uncle's home, who recently died, it's up to Cam to decipher the cryptic messages he's left her, unravel the mystery of her husband's demise, and stop the hauntings happening to her daughter. This was an amazing book from start to finish! The pacing of the story was perfect and kept me intrigued the entire time. It was a great horror novel that kept me on my toes, and I found myself trying to figure everything out along with the characters. I was invested in the characters, the plot, and the story. I can't wait for it to be published so I can buy a physical copy. 5/5 stars.
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