Fatal Silence

Rachel Ryder #6

by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson

“One, two, three, you can’t pin on me.
Seven, eight, nine, I’ll add to my crimes.
Four, five, six, add to the mix.”

The riddle still haunts her. Months after Detective Rachel Ryder exposed the madman who killed six people, she can’t forget his sinister puzzle… and when the body of a young woman is found on an elite golf course with a familiar set of clues, Rachel can’t escape the impossible feeling that an old enemy has risen from the grave. Thrown headlong into an investigation that feels eerily similar yet strangely different, Rachel and her partner Rob Bishop fight to stop the past from repeating itself. But they’re walking straight into a dangerous game of cat and mouse―and when someone from her team goes missing, Rachel begins to realize that she’s playing right into the murderer’s plan. More innocent lives are on the line. If Rachel fails, their blood will be on her hands. Can she unearth the truth behind these seemingly copycat murders? Or is history doomed to repeat itself with devastating consequences?

Genres: Thriller, Mystery

300 pages, Paperback

First published January 31, 2023

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson writes cozy mysteries, thrillers, and paranormal women's fiction featuring strong female leads. Her stories shine through her dialogue, which readers have praised for being realistic and compelling.
A multiple number one bestseller on Amazon, her first novel, Unfinished Business, was a five-star Reader's Favorite, a Rone Award finalist, as well as a number one bestseller on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. In 2021, she introduced readers to detective Rachel Ryder in Damaging Secrets, also a number one bestseller on Amazon. Overkill, the third book in the Rachel Ryder series, was one of Thrillerfix’s best thrillers of 2021.Reviews have praised her work as ‘compelling, and intense,’ and ‘read through the night, edge of your seat thrillers. Carolyn’s most recent Rachel Ryder novel, Deadly Means, has been submitted for an Edgar Award by her publisher, Severn River Publishing.
Prior to publishing, she worked as a journalist in the suburbs of Atlanta where her work appeared in multiple newspapers and magazines. She wrote a monthly featured column in Northside Woman magazine.
Writing is only one of Carolyn's passions. She is an avid dog lover and currently spoils an American Staffordshire terrier boxer mix. She lives in the mountains of North Georgia as an empty nester (who misses her kids terribly but loves having a lower grocery bill) with her husband, a cantankerous cat, and her very spoiled pup.

Connect with Carolyn via carolyn@carolynridderaspenson.com

Reviews

[Kat (Katlovesbooks) Dietrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fatal Silence by Carolyn Ridder is the sixth in the Detective Rachel Ryder series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Severn River Publishing and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


Series Background:    (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
Detective Rachel Ryder left her 15 year career on the Chicago police force, and moved to Hamby Georgia, after the death of her husband. The people responsible are dead.   She still has a friend and father-figure in Chicago, and Lenny remains a true mentor.  She has fought both police corruption and the drug cartel since being in Hamby.  Her boss is Chief Jimmy Abernathy, and her partner is Rob Bishop, a veteran of 30 years.  Her best friend is Savannah, her boss's wife, and Rachel has started dating DEA Agent Kyle Olsen.


My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Rachel and Rob are called to a neighboring jurisdiction  when the body of a young woman is found on a golf course, with their names on vinyl cards placed near the body.  It feels too reminiscent of the Stuart murders for Rachel's liking.  She always thought that case wasn't finished, but it hadn't been their responsibility, and she was not allowed to keep on it.  Everyone else felt that the death of Stuart closed it.  She was not so sure.

Now, she fears the real person behind the murders is back, and he's playing games again.  Or, is it a copycat?  Either way, this has to stop.

When one of their team goes missing, Rachel fears that she is losing the game.


My Opinions:
Another good plot, carried on from the last book.

Again, Rachel annoyed me.  Again, she came across as cocky - she's always right (even when she contradicts herself).  I don't know how many people she was sure was the murderer -- without any evidence.  She is positive it is Johnson, then Baker, then Anderson.....  Her work attitude doesn't agree with me.  However,  she can be very caring, and I like her friendship with Savannah and her relationship with Kyle.

This author really writes dialogue well.  The banter between Rachel and Rob is classic!

Overall, the plot was really good, and the twists interesting, even when we knew the identity  of the culprit.  The ending was great!



For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, author information and a favorite quotation or two from the book), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too many murders, a serial killer, Rachel and Rob with the team have their work cut out for them. They need to find pieces to work and solve this case.
A riddle from a previous case, is it connected to this. The story was intense and caught your attention from the first page, well written and good characters, with a growing romance.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and honest opinion

[Micky Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world of Rachel Ryder is dark and gritty with the bright spots of her friends on the force with her until one of them goes missing then it is a race against a serial killer who thinks they are a true mastermind! Rachel is such a realistic character that she feels like a real person. The author does an outstanding job of bringing the fear, frustration, anger and joy of each character to the forefront of the story which makes the plot all that much more satisfying and engaging! I absolutely can't wait for the next book in the series to come out and I've barely shut the book on this one! If you are looking for a truly good murder mystery series or cop drama, then this series needs to go on your must read list today!

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fatal Silence will keep you guessing and guessing and guessing.
A story full of suspenseful moments and so many twists and turns you will be left wondering what is going to happen next.
Well written and solid characters.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Sue Rae Buck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fatal Silence is the 6th book in the Rachel Ryder series by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson in which the Chip Stuarts words comes back to haunt Rachel. The 4th of July started with evereyone getting together to celebrate and ending with Rachel and Bishop going to a muder scene when the clues seen like Stuart came back from the grave to haunt them! Did they miss something? And when one of their own ends up missing all hands are on deck to find Ashley before she ends up dead! Rachel is such a bad-ass in this story. Nothing would stop her to find the killer!

What a great book! Carolyn Ridder Aspenson is such a great writer making lots of twists and turns with each page!

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an intense story! It was captivating and once I started reading couldn't put it down. Ryder and Bishop are enjoying the 4th of July cookout with friends when they receive a phone call from the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office. They are informed of a female victim at a murder scene that contained a sticker on the body with their names on it. As they work with the Forsyth Police, Rachel starts to wonder if this could be related to the case they just completed. As more murders are committed, Rachel, Rob and the team believe this case involves a serial killer. As they get more involved, the story gets more intense as one of their own is kidnapped. Will they solve this case and who is this person committing the murders? The relationship between Rachel and Kyle is moving forward.

This is a very intense story with a great plot line, wonderful characters and some humorous banter between Rob and Rachel. The investigation is filled with pitfalls, unexpected twists, multiple motives and surprises that keep you glued right to the end. Look forward to the next book in the series.

I received an advanced copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fatal Silence by Carolyn Ridder-Aspenson
Rachel Ryder #6

Great addition to a wonderful series that gets better with each book I read – can’t wait to find out what happens next as Rachel and her colleagues continue to solve one heinous crime after another.

What I liked:
* The writing, plot, pacing, and location in Hamby, Alabama
* Getting to see how Rachel and the team are doing
* Rachel: homicide detective, transplant from Chicago, widow, in a relationship, strong hunches and gut feelings, many cases solved
* Bishop: Rachel’s work partner, seasoned homicide detective, level-headed, good with people, divorced, father, in a growing romantic relationship with Cathy
* Kyle: ex-Marine, DEA agent, in a relationship with Ryder, caring, good cook, supportivel, like him with and for Rachel
* Mechels: detective, in a relationship with Ashley a previous team CSI now working for the DEA, invested in the outcome of the case in this story
* Nikki: CSI for the team, took Ashley’s position, skilled, intelligent, sees things others may not
* Jimmy: police chief, new father, married to Ryder’s BFF, good leader
* The comradery of the team and their interactions with other agencies
* Having read the previous books in the series that allowed me to know Rachel, her backstory, and the team in a way I otherwise would not have
* That this book could be read as a standalone but would recommend reading them in order
* That the thread left hanging at the end of the last book has been tied off
* Wondering what will happen in the next book – in relationships and on the job

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Having to wait to see what will happen in the next book

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Severn Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC through "Severn House" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

The story begins with Riley making a dish for a potluck, but it doesn't go well. A group is coming over to her home and then they would go see the 4th of July fireworks. Things didn't work out as planned since Riley as well as Bishop were called to a scene of a murder. The reason that the Sheriff's department wanted them is because their name was written and left at the scene. Once they arrived at the scene and saw the evidence, it brought back memory of a case that was solved earlier. Riley remembered something that the killer back then said and she and Bishop realized that what they originally considered was wrong. The indication they came to conclude was that there would be two more murders.

They eventually came up with a suspect for this murder, but he was injured and in the hospital. When a second murder happened, then they understood who was responsible. This person went by the name "The Mastermind". As they continued searching other events happened which cause them to push harder. When they finally came to who was responsible, they knew they had to stop this person.

To discover who the Mastermind was, what event impacted them personally and how it all ended, then you need to read this book, you won't be disappointed.

[Mamadukes · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Recommendation
OH MY GOODNESS! Had me hooked from the beginning.
In FATAL SILENCE by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson the suspension is like blowing up a balloon. If you keep putting that pressure in, sooner or later it’s going to blow!
After apprehending serial killer, Chip Stuart, Detective Rachel Ryder just wants her life to ge back to normal. But then she and her partners, Bishop are called to a crime scene where a body has been found and there are links back to Ryder and Bishop, and she begins to wonder if if she got things wrong in the Stuart case.
Then one of their own goes missing and secrets seem to be around every dark corner as they all race against time to find her before it’s too late.
While this is my first by this author I was very excited to see that this is part of a series. I really liked how the characters were so well drawn that I almost found myself riding along with them. Their quick wits and quibbles are part of what makes them human and so easy to invest in. What better compliment for an author! I can’t wait to get to the prior Rachel Ryder books to read all of the back stories. I, personally hope that this series has a VERY long run! BRAVO!

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detective Rachel Ryder and her partner Detective Rob Bishop thought (and hoped) they had seen the end to the “riddle” murders. The taunting riddle left for them, however, makes them wonder. When they are called to the scene of a dead body, it seems another killer is finishing the riddle by killing three more people and they have just found the first one. They have one lead, but that person ends up in the hospital, unable to speak. When a former member of her team goes missing, they must find her before she becomes the next victim. Searching for connections to the previous murders, they learn that the detective who worked the cases committed suicide; but did he or was he eliminated? Rachel has finally made a new life with Kyle Olsen, DEA Agent, after her first husband was murdered, years ago, in Chicago. She avenged his murder. A twisted and fascinating mystery as Rachel, who never gives up, “out masters” the mastermind behind the murders. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 6 in the Rachel Ryder series picks up. not long after Book 5 (Body Count) ends. The Hamby PD team cornered a serial killer, who killed himself, but left a very disturbing riddle on the minds of the crew. So, when the 4th of July rolled around and a neighboring jurisdiction found a body with the names of Ryder and her partner in plastic bags nearby, they knew they weren't quite done with that older case. This latest crime is NOT in Hamby, as their Chief reminds them, but Ryder and Bishop can't stop working to connect the last 3 crimes to this new victim. And then, the unthinkable - a DEA evidence tech, and friend, has disappeared and the only surveillance video seems to link the crimes.

This is a serious police procedural series from Ms. Aspenson and it is fantastic. Read the series in order - you learn so much about Ryder's history, which puts some of her quirks and responses in context.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great addition to the Rachel Ryder series! I was thoroughly engrossed in this fast-paced, action-packed thriller from start to finish. I have read all of the previous books in this series, and have become quite taken with Rachel and her inner circle of friends/co-workers. It is helpful to read from the beginning of the series, because it gives you more perspective to know Rachel’s past and how difficult it is for her to open her heart to a new person after losing the love of her life. The romance, however, takes a backseat as Rachel and her team race to find one of their own who has gone missing, while trying to piece together all the clues of a serial killer’s rampage. Rachel gets knocked around hard, but she keeps fighting. She is one tough cookie! Ms. Aspenson has delivered another intense and complex plot, and I continue to be impressed with her skill as a writer. I received an advanced copy of this book, and have given my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 6 in the Rachel Ryder series picks up. not long after Book 5 (Body Count) ends. The Hamby PD team cornered a serial killer, who killed himself, but left a very disturbing riddle on the minds of the crew. So, when the 4th of July rolled around and a neighboring jurisdiction found a body with the names of Ryder and her partner in plastic bags nearby, they knew they weren't quite done with that older case. This latest crime is NOT in Hamby, as their Chief reminds them, but Ryder and Bishop can't stop working to connect the last 3 crimes to this new victim. And then, the unthinkable - a DEA evidence tech, and friend, has disappeared and the only surveillance video seems to link the crimes.

This is a serious police procedural series from Ms. Aspenson and it is fantastic. Read the series in order - you learn so much about Ryder's history, which puts some of her quirks and responses in context.

[David Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fatal Silence the sixth Rachel Ryder story isn’t just a murder thriller, it finds Rachel and Bishop trying their best to solve a riddle from a previous case. While I have become used to Carolyn Ridder Aspenson’s writing raising my blood pressure and causing my heart to race, this time not only was I glued to my chair for the entirety of this book my anticipation level was off the chart. Each time I thought I knew who the killer was it seemed I went back to square one until suddenly the killer was revealed and puzzle pieces began to fall into place. But wait it wasn’t over yet and Carolyn didn’t let off the accelerator until the final page. This is the best of this series, however based on past performance I’m sure Carolyn has something even better planned for the next episode. I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher and chose to provide this review.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Months after Detective Rachel Ryder exposed the madman who killed six people, she can’t forget the sinister puzzle message he left behind. When the body of a young woman is found on an elite golf course with a familiar set of clues, Rachel can’t escape the impossible feeling that an old enemy has risen from the grave.

I really like the cover of Fatal Silence by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson—a bit eerie and spooky, so you get the sense the story will be the same.

The story had the right amount of intrigue, suspense, and action. I liked the characters, and the storyline did hold my interest. The story had some good twists. I also liked the author's writing style and how she developed the characters and unfolded the plot.

I would recommend this book and this author.

#FatalSilence #NetGalley @SvrnRvrPublish

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fatal Silence is the 6th book in the Rachel Ryder series.

This is another intense read from a great suspense writer.
Rachel Ryder is at a 4th of July party with fellow detectives and police personnel.
She gets a call about a body that may be related to a serial killer case that was recently closed.
The next day a friend and former co-worker disappears.
Rachel and the entire Hamby PD are on this one, and times ticking.
This one's personal!

This is one of the best suspense series available.
Many thanks to Severn River Publishing and author Carolyn Aspenson for the opportunity for reading this Advanced Reader Copy

[Carole Craddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fantastic. Detective Rachel Ryder is still chasing a serial killer, the next victim with similarities of the killer thought dead from the previous book that was never released to the public, yet this time a little different from the past. It becomes personal as a member of her team goes missing, and Rachel and the team suspect the work of the same killer. Did they get it wrong the last time? This same riddle from the past keeps haunting her, and the stakes are even higher now. This is a very suspenseful series, with lots of action, thought provoking plot, and overall a very smart, bold, and fearless female detective leading the way in this page turning 6th book of the series.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel and Bishop are enjoying the 4th of July celebrations when they are called to work on a murder where the victim has their name on a paper. Analyzing the scene they realize there are so many similarities with their last case (considered solved as the killer committed suicide), and later on, one of their team is abducted. Did they really catch the right killer? Were all the cases attributed to him really his? They have to work fast to solve another mystery. Fatal Silence gets your attention from the beginning and keeps you glued to the book till the end. The story is fast-paced, it has a good plot, and is well-written. Another good book from Ms. Aspenson!

[Lessa Gregg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am enjoying the opportunity from @netgalley to read and review ARC books before they release!
8️⃣7️⃣ Fatal Silence by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson
@carolynridderaspenson
🗓️ Thursday 11/24/2022 🦃
⏱️5 hours 2 minutes
📓 kindle
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟

I loved the character development between Detective Ryder and Kyle. I love how genuine Kyle was. I thought the pet gosh aspect was unique.
This was a quick read because I was so curious about what was happening. I picked this up and read as often as I could, and I was a little sad it ended.
A game of cat and mouse, or rather King and Pawn.

[J Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

“One, two, three, you can’t pin on me.”

The case is closed but the serial killer’s riddle has Detective Rachel Ryder questioning whether the police actually solved it. When she and her partner, Detective Rob Bishop, are called to a murder scene they find troubling similarities to the closed case. If the riddle is true the body may be the first of many if they can’t outsmart a mastermind killer.

Carolyn Ridder Aspenson has delivered another excellent crime thriller in this series packed with suspense and action. I received an advance copy but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Ricki · Rating 3 out of 5]

More murders like the ones in book 5. All the victims somehow related to the killer found in book 5 but he is dead-how can it be unless it's the Mastermind also hinted at in book 5.

There are lots of murders, an abuduction (time is not their friend) and Rachel is more frustrated than ever. She and Bishop drive all over the county chasing murders not in their jurisdiction to find out why these new murders are similar to their last case.

It's a bit long and drawn out and I was hoping for a conclusion a bit faster.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fatal Silence (Rachel Ryder Book 6), my twenty-third highly enjoyable read from author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson & the sixth in her new Rachel Ryder Series, the best series she's written so far. Well-written & enjoyable, 352-pages of a more serious mystery than a cozy mystery. “I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more in this series & from this author with Fatal Fortune being my next read. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

*5 Stars*

Copy kindly received via NetGalley for an honest review.

Wow! What a great read. I could understand Ryder and Bishops frustrations with all the lies and manipulations happening. Chasing leads, going on gut feelings, they had a lot of support. The scenes they had to go to would not have been easy. Everything ended the way many hoped for. I really want to read the next book to see how things play out.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Aspenson had delivered another pulse-pounding, un-put-downable tale of big crime in a small town. Woven into the mystery are the ever evolving relationships between the complex characters. This book is absolutely fabulous and highly recommended. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.

[Joanie Hinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detective Rachel Ryder and her partner Detective Rob Bishop are still thinking about a case from six months ago where the suspect committed suicide after telling them a riddle. Was he responsible for all the murders they thought he was? It doesn't seem like it especially when more bodies killed and posed the same way start showing up now. Clues are left naming Ryder and Bishop. Then one of their own is taken. Will the detectives figure out the truth before more bodies are found...

[Doreen Fernandes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A puzzling riddle and a murderous psychopath

Rachel and her team are puzzled when they find a corpse with a number because they had caught the killer. However, he had left them with a strange riddle where he did not take responsibility for the other dead bodies with numbers. So, is this a copy cat? Or was he merely a puppet and the real mastermind is still at large? A brilliantly written serial killer thriller which kept me guessing.

[Ilona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 6 in a great series. I somehow missed book 5 and will have to catch up.
Book 6 continues as some of the same clues are found a murder scene, but they had caught the murderer, are they dealing with a copycat? And why does some of the held back items showing up?
Once a team member goes missing and it links back, Detective Rachel Ryder, Rob Bishop and the rest of the team will leave no stone unturned!
Page turner from the start.

[Barb Foerst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel and her co-workers are celebrating the 4th when she gets the call that she’s been dreading. A new murder tied to the rhyme. She knew in her heart that it wasn’t really over but she didn’t know how bad it could get. When her former evidence person goes missing, everyone is in an uproar. They’re on the search for the Mastermind. This has everything you love about a Rachel Ryder mystery and more. Loved it!

[John A. Sillasen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Top Notch, A Plus Sequel to Previous Novel

This story, book 6, follows closely or builds into a new story, giving us, the readers, the answers left unanswered to all the main characters of book 5. The author could have easily left it there for us and started a new. Current events may have lead her to write this but it certainly helped close the gaps left with the rhyme told by the murderer at the end of book 5. Read the prior book(s) first!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a good police crime mystery.
There were many characters, many suspects and lots of murders. At times it was confusing, but the lead character policewoman was very likeable. There were mentions of past events, that were likely from a previous book, as well as a bit of romance!
All in all, this was a good book, 4 star worthy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Severin River Publishers for the ARC in return for my honest review.