Pas un souffle

Detectives Kane and Alton #7

by D.K. Hood, Laurent Bury (Translator)

Sa tête tourne tandis qu’elle monte les escaliers en trébuchant. La musique qui pulse dans les murs et le bruit des fêtards tambourinent sur son crâne alors qu’elle entre dans l’une des chambres sombres et vides. Alors qu’elle s’assoit sur le lit, elle entend le bruit inimitable de la porte qui se ferme derrière elle. Elle n’est pas seule.

Suite à la découverte du corps de Chrissie Lowe, étudiante, qui gît en boule, de longues coupures rouges le long de ses bras, l’inspecteur Jenna Alton est appelée pour enquêter.

Des ecchymoses violacées sur les bras et les cuisses de Chrissie amènent Jenna à penser que la mort de Chrissie a eu lieu dans des circonstances plus troubles que ce que les autres imaginaient, et elle se retrouve bientôt à suivre les traces des derniers instants de l’étudiante, ce qui la conduit à la scène d’une fête qui s’est terminée quelques heures plus tôt.

Lorsque Jenna apprend que Chrissie a été vue dans la chambre d’une star du football universitaire, elle sait que la découverte de ce qui s’est passé derrière cette porte fermée pourrait être la clé pour comprendre comment la jeune fille a trouvé la mort. Mais quelques heures plus tard, un autre fêtard meurt dans ce qui semble être un accident au gymnase du campus. Jenna est convaincue que les deux décès sont liés.

Face au mur de silence des étudiants, Jenna doit agir vite pour trouver le tueur. C’est alors qu’elle décide d’infiltrer un de ses adjoints. Pourra-t-elle trouver le tueur avant qu’il sévisse de nouveau ?

Les fans de Lisa Gardner, de Maxime Chattam et de Franck Thilliez vont adorer ce page-turner totalement captivant de D.K. Hood, l’auteur de romans policiers le plus vendu de l’USA Today. Vous ne pourrez pas le lâcher !

Les ouvrages de la série peuvent se lire de manière indépendante.

Ce que les lecteurs disent de Pas un souffle :

« Wow wow wow ! D.K. Hood a encore réussi son coup… Je ne peux pas me lasser de cette série. » Critique de Goodreads, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

« Oh mon Dieu, quelle lecture passionnante ! L’intrigue principale est excellente, avec de nombreux rebondissements, et je n’ai pas vu un seul instant qui commettait les meurtres. » Critique de Goodreads, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

« D.K. Hood l’a encore fait. Absolument génial ! » Critique de Goodreads, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

« Une fois que j’ai commencé ce livre, je n’ai pas pu le lâcher – un 5 étoiles pour moi ! J’adore cette série. » Critique de NetGalley, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

« C’est si bien écrit que je n’avais aucune idée de qui il s’agissait et j’ai été choquée par la révélation.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Fiction, Suspense, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller

350 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2019

Reviews

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"What is it with Black Rock Falls? It's as if someone is advertising it as a serial killer's playground" This quote from Break the Silence really did make me laugh. Not that serial killers are funny but this small town has more than its fair share of murder. Thank goodness for David Kane and Jenna Alton. This is book 7 is a fantastic series that I cannot get enough of. Kane and Alton as a great crime fighting duo, although they are as stubborn as each other at times. This book is no different with them getting themselves into trouble left, right and centre - and we love it. bring on book 8!

Kane and Alton have just returned to Black rock Falls after a well earned holiday together - just as friends. And what do you know., they are welcomed back with a dead body. When called to the scene they find college student Chrissie Lowe dead in her shower. Was it suicide as it first appears or did somebody kill her? As they investigate more it appears that the girl had been raped at a party held by the college football team. These boys are tight knot and have each others back so nobody is talking. But then one of them is killed in what looks to be an accident - but was it? Soon after a third victim is found. Is there a serial killer in town or are these really accidents? I really loved the ending of this one - it was perfect.

If you have not visited Black Rock Falls yet then I suggest you start with book one and go from there. There is a lot of back story with all the main characters that you need to know to fully enjoy these books.

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kane & Alton #7

Chrissie Lowe had been at a party held by some of the colleges football team. But the worst thing imaginable happened to Chrissie and in the morning her roommate finds her body. But was it murder or suicide? Shane Wolde will have to work that out when he does her post mortem. Then another ody turns up off a party goer. Will Jenna and her team be able to crack the case before any other bodies are found? At the same time the Rodeo and Fall Festival are taking place in Black Rock Falls. Jenna also has to deal with a robbery and a car chase.

I love this police procedural series that's set in Black Rock Falls. The relationship between Jenna Alton and David Kane from friends to something more romantic is always on the back burner. The pace is fast. There is quite a lot packed into this book. With unreported gang crimes, bullying, murder and attempted murder, Jenna and her team have to act fast to try and solve these crimes. As usual, the team works well together. This is a roller coaster read you will not want to put down until you are finished. This book could be read as a standalone, but it's much better, if you can, to read this fantastic series from the beginning. I promise you, you wont e disappointed.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author D.K. Hood for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Break the Silence, the seventh police procedural in this superb series, we are reacquainted with Black Rock Falls Sheriff Jenna Alton and Deputy David Kane who yet again join forces to attempt to solve a brutal set of murders and catch a ruthless, cold-hearted killer(s) before they have the time to strike once again. Kane and Alton are called in to investigate when college student Chrissie Lowe is found dead in the shower as no-one really knows whether this is murder or a tragic suicide. Through their investigation, they soon discover that she had been sexually assaulted following a date with talented college quarterback, Seth Lyons. Then, suddenly, more suspicious deaths occur in the area and the team begin to realise that they have a killer, or killers, in their midst.

This is an addictive and wholly gripping thriller with a complex and interesting plot, and twists and turns aplenty. It isn't necessary to have read the preceding books to enjoy and engage with this one so feel free to jump right on in. The story is narrated from various perspectives, which sometimes can lead to confusion and lack of clarity, but the switching was carried out with such fluidity that it was a pleasure to read and gaining different points of view only served to strengthen and deepen the tale for me. The cast of characters are sufficiently developed and Ms Hood does a fantastic job of keeping the culprit(s) under wraps until the conclusion. This is a thriller that begins with a bang and ends in just as explosive and spectacular a fashion. Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

D.K. Hood grabs the reader’s attention from the outset and refuses to let go. The story takes on some interesting perspectives and builds from there, adding murder and mystery along the way. Detective Jenna Alton is in the middle of it all, trying to piece together the apparent suicide of a young woman, while whispers of a sports team and sexual assault adds to the mess. When members of the team are subsequently found dead, the line between accidental and pre-meditated death begin to blur, as Alton calls on her deputy, Dave Kane, to use some of his skills to make sense of it all. While they delve deeply into this college and the secrets it entails, there are moment of doubt about their investigation that come to the surface. A great addition to the series by D.K. Hood that has me eager to forge on.

Chrissie Lowe knew something was wrong when the loud music and blurred vision at the party overtook her, leaving her in a panicked state. Had she made a poor choice to attend? What would happen to her if she could not get out? When a door closes and locks behind her, Chrissie can only imagine what awaits her, as she is far from able to scream for help.

Chrissie’s body is found the next day, curled in a ball. Long cuts along her arms makes this appear to be some suicidal release, though not everyone can believe that. Sheriff Jenna Alton is called to investigate what might have happened to Chrissie at this college party, as well as who might have pushed her to the brink.

The marks on the body and the state in which Chrissie was found lead Sheriff Alton to feel as though someone is holding back. As the investigation begins, news of a potential sexual assault the night of the party help add fuel to Chrissie’s need for finality, but there are still some large questions that do not preclude murder. When more bodies, this time of college athletes who attended the party, emerge, Alton is sure there is something going on that merits more attention to the investigation.

As answers are not forthcoming and Alton needs them to solve this case, she calls on her second-in-command, Deputy Dave Kane, to help. He has a knack for getting intel when people feel at ease, as well as in the most covert manner. They decide to use one of the team’s newest deputies as an undercover agent, sending him in posing as a college athlete, in hopes that this will help open up the communication and get answers that are desperately needed. What emerges is a long and horrid list of secrets that could have everything to do with the deaths, but might also show that college life is much more troubling than a simple underage kegger. A killer must be out there, but how to coax the truth out of those who prefer a wall of silence? Hood does well to engage the reader in some mind games within these pages.

D.K. Hood keeps things moving in this series, telling her stories in a simple manner. Narrative flow is both simple and complex, as the reader is taken down many a rabbit hole to discover the truth. The story moves swiftly, forcing the reader to keep up or be lost in the pages of wonderful description. There is. New depth and flavouring to this small Montana community with the pen of D.K. Hood, who never ceases to amaze with her storytelling.

Ongoing character development provides series fans with keen ways to see how the protagonist have grown, as well as what is to come in this series. Both Alton and Kane have some moments of reflection to their younger days, though it is the astute way in which Hood develops the one-off characters that makes the story. College life comes to the surface here, though few are able to pinpoint the exact moment Hood turns this from a simple murder mystery into a commentary on college life and the troubles found therein. I have quite enjoyed how she uses characters to advance the plot and narrative, but am keen to see what is to come with those who appear repeatedly in the series.

Developing a strong plot is the only way this book will survive amongst the many in the genre. Hood does so effectively with keen moments of description and the twists she adds in to keep things sharp and moving forward. The unpredictable nature of some moments keeps the reader on their toes and provides superior writing that all can enjoy. I can only hope that there will be more stories that have just as much impact as this piece, which kept me guessing until the final pages of the book. Hood has a great series on her hands and I can only hope that there will be more novels of equal calibre as I move forward with the series.

Kudos, Madam Hood, for your endless ideas that captivate the reader.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Linda Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chrissie Lowe, a freshman at college, is beyond excited when a senior, the captain of the football team, invites her to his house for a party he's throwing.

Hours later she is found in her bathtub, arms sliced, and very dead. Bruising all over her body and examination by the Medical Examiner reveal assualt by multiple men and her system filled with an assortment of drugs. At first look, her death is looked at as a suicide.

But then ... various members of the football team are found dead. One looks like suicide ...one looks like an accident. But is that what they are .. or is it homicide?

Detectives Kane and Alton, along with their other team members, face a wall of silence from most of the student population.

And then a third student is found dead.

This is a well written crime fiction with solid, unique characters. Although this is 7th in the series, this one is easily read as a stand alone. I highly recommend starting at the beginning.... how the main characters got to where they are is remarkable reading. The ending was spine chilling.

Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Namita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Break the Silence, is the seventh police procedural book in Black Rock Falls Sheriff Jenna Alton and Deputy David Kane series. Jenna and Kane back after well earned vacation are welcomed to a rape and murder case in the college campus followed by another death . Are these deaths accidents or is there another serial killer in town?

Break the Silence is another well written with skillfully drawn characters , a tightly woven plot by D.K.Hood and a great addition to the series. Looking forward to reading the next one!

I would like to thank Bookouture & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.

This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/

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

Break the Silence by D.K. Hood is the 7th in the Detectives Kane and Alton series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, 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)
Jenna Alton is the Sheriff in Black Rock Falls, Montana. She is new to being Jenna Alton. She has a new name, and a new ID, because her past is still out there. She’s former DEA. Deputy David Kane also has a new name and new ID. Similar reasons. He’s a former Special Forces sharpshooter with exceptional profiling skills. He lost his wife in a bombing, that left him with a plate in his head, and bad headaches. Forensic Scientist Shane Wolfe is not only a Medical Examiner with amazing computer skills, he used to be Kane’s handler. So, with a few other deputies, Jenna has a good team to handle crime in the small Black Rock Falls town, which seems to have more murders than a small town should.


My Synopsis:   (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)

The sheriff and her deputy are barely back from vacation, and already the ME is at their door.  The fully-clothed body of a Chrissie Lowe was found in the shower of her dorm room, wrists slashed, apparent suicide.  Wolfe isn't so sure.  It looks like she'd been gang-raped.

As the investigation continues, the prime suspects in Chrissie's rape become the college football team...except they are starting to die as well.

The sheriff and her team are sure that Seth Lyons, star quarterback with an attitude to match, is responsible for Chrissie's death, but proving it is going to be hard.  They can't even prove he raped her.  Evidence cannot even determine that it was really a suicide, and that is not the only problem.  Even the deaths of the team-mates look like they could be accidents.  Without solid evidence, the true cause of these deaths will never be solved.
 

My Opinions:  

I think you should really read these books in order, as the core characters share a lot of background.  Although I have some problems with these books, overall it is a good series.

My main problems are 1) the relationship between Alton and Kane -- a little too close for any sort of true professionalism, and 2) the fact that Alton, although sheriff, defers to Kane entirely too much.  She comes across as weak.  If you are going to put a woman in the main role, she has to be strong, and she is much too wishy-washy.  She's great until Kane opens his mouth.

However, the plots are always good, as was this one.  There was a lot of action, and a few twists.  I liked the ending, because it wasn't all wrapped up in a bow.  There were a number of suspects, and at one point the actual perpetrator did cross my mind, but I quickly dismissed him.  Go figure!

Overall, a good fast read.

For a more complete review of this book and others, please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black Rock Falls is a busy place in August. Sheriff Jenna Alton and Deputy David Kane have just returned to town after a relaxing holiday when they are called out to attend the discovery of a body in a shower. The victim is college freshman Chrissie Lowe and she was found by her roommate in conditions that suggest she was a suicide. It becomes apparent on the postmortem examination, however, that Chrissie had been viciously raped, by more than one person, and that she had been given several drugs that most probably induced unconsciousness. The medical examine also wonders if this was really suicide -- indeed, it could be murder. The entire team at the Black Rock Falls Sheriff's Office moves into high gear beginning an investigation into the gang rape when it is revealed that Chrissie had been to a party at the private house of the elite senior members of the college football team and that she had been invited there by the star quarterback. Before the case really gets going, a member of that household is found dead in the gym. Was this an accident or murder? Then two other members of the football team also experience freakish deaths and Kane and Alton know these victims must somehow be related but they can't get the proof they need to advance to an arrest or prosecution. They have got to get some intel from inside the football players' secluded house. NO SPOILERS.

What an excellent police procedural with lots of action and a complicated case that focuses on the topic of rape. I just love the characters in this series and have gotten to know them all quite well since I've read all the previous books. The relationship between "just friends" Kane and Alton is obviously gearing up to be much more, but geez, it is taking forever and I'm grateful their romance isn't a large part of the book as it is much more focused on their working partnership. The description of Black Rock Falls gets me every time. Though not a fan of heights and cold weather, it does sound beautiful and I can almost visualize it in my mind. If you like a fast-paced series that deals with serial killers and fits the genre of crime fiction very well, then you'd really enjoy this one. And, of course, I had to read this in one sitting because I was desperately trying to figure out who was doing this and why. I loved the conclusion and it was quite well-done. I can't wait for the next installment!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read, review and recommend.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing gives a thrill and chill like a Detective Kane and Alton Book. As the series has progressed the setting and atmosphere of each of the books gets crazy thrilling, at least for me! Break the Silence is a thrilling, captivating and an absolutely brilliant read. Detectives Jenna, Kane and even Wolfe and family are proving to be a formidable force against the psychos making their way to Black Rock Falls. This book, in particular, has brutally horrific crimes committed against its residents and we see Alton and Kane race against time to save the day.

When the body of Chrissie Lowe is discovered by her roommate, in her bathroom, it appears as if Chrissie ended her life by slitting her wrists. Except that Chrissie was never suicidal. All Chrisie did was attend a party thrown by a popular quarterback on campus, the previous night. Jenna and Kane are immediately on the scene to find out what went wrong. Soon another party-goer is found dead under mysterious circumstances. Sheriff Alton is convinced the two murders are related and digs deeper to find a connection between Chrissie and the murdered boy. Soon the body count increases and Jenna must find the killer before any more people are killed.

I loved all the characters in this book. Jenna and Kane really shone through the entire book. Earlier I was skeptical about the possible romance blossoming between the two - given that Alton and Kane work beside each other day in and out, it's natural that they might start to develop strong feelings towards each other. However, for now they still decide to keep things professional and I kind of like that about them. The two main characters falling in love with each other is kind of cliched, in my book, I would have liked to see the two share a deep friendship with playful banter and not necessarily end up with each other. But there's still time for this part of the storyline to develop and I cant wait to see what D. K. Hood has in store for both of them. The plot of the book is excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. While it might not have been as twisty as I generally come to expect, it had a lot of action which I absolutely enjoyed! I found the book to be absolutely unputdownable in the last 25%.

Thank you, NetGalley, Bookouture and D. K. Hood for an arc!

[Nila (digitalcreativepages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite D. K. Hood book. I couldn't believe how fast paced the entire police investigation was or maybe I enjoyed the book so much that I devoured it in one sitting.

A rape and murder in the college campus followed by another death and another caused the Black Rock Falls Sheriff department to work around the clock to get to the murderer. Sheriff Jenna and Deputy Kane and Medical Examiner Wolfe were back.

Having read all the books in this series, this is book 7, I am a fan of author D. K. Hood. The team worked like an engine with all its gears sliding smoothly, nary a friction seen. Sheriff Jenna was a great boss, she led her colleagues with a firm yet friendly hand. This time the stakes were high as they had to send one of them undercover into the campus to get to the killer.

This book had that extra something, it felt that the author had raised the prose a notch as the entire setting caused a slow burn in my veins. I could feel the adrenaline seeping into my blood as I kept reading. By the time I was nearing the end, I was a bundle of nerves, I could no longer sit on the edge of my seat. I had to walk, my vengeant heart screaming blue murder.

And author D. K. Hood gave me the justice that I so vocally demanded from my kindle. Wow!! She nailed it!!

My breakfast read was quite a rollercoaster, I was drained by the end of it. But all I could say was - More please!!

[Bella Crooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably my FAVORITE DK hood Kane and Alton book!

[Elaine Tomasso · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of Break the Silence, the seventh novel to feature Black Rock Falls Sheriff Jenna Alton and Deputy David Kane.

When student Chrissie Lowe is found dead in the shower Genna and the team are unsure if it is suicide or murder. As they investigate they discover that Chrissie had been sexually assaulted after a date with the star quarterback. As more deaths occur, possibly accidental, they don’t know what to think.

I thoroughly enjoyed Break the Silence which is a gripping thriller albeit with a distressing theme. The novel is told from various points of view but rather than being distracting they give the reader additional information that Jenna doesn’t have and add a certain frisson to the read in a “I know something you don’t” way. I do think, however, that it makes the novel slightly flabby in the middle as the team struggle to make sense of the little information they have and seem to endlessly discuss various options without any firm conclusions. The beginning, which grips the reader and strongly invites them to read on, and ending, which has a heart stopping action scene and a great twist, more than make up for this.

Every time I read this series I always wonder at the serendipity of three former, highly skilled government agents, (Alton, Kane and Medical Examiner Wolfe) turning up in one small town and said small town becoming serial killer central. I live in hope of an explanation (I love a good conspiracy theory) at some point but sadly it’s not in this novel. In the meantime I just accept their skills in the fight for justice.

Break the Silence is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

[Melissa Suslowicz Bartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, wow, wow D.K. Hood nailed it again in her fabulous Detectives Kane and Alton series. I just can’t get enough this series and keep craving more and more. Even though this book is part of a series it can be read out of order or even as a stand alone.

This book is about a detective that won’t give up on finding a woman’s rapist or even worse rapists. While this detective investigates the rape all her suspects keep dying. Were they killed for revenge or were they so remorseful that they took their own life? The truth does come out in the end.

This book is not for the faint of heart. It does talk about a serious issue that goes on in colleges all the time that no one wants to talk about. With that said, I absolutely loved this book. I loved the fact that all the characters meshed so well together. The police department in this town is really small and they are like family to each other which I loved. They all have each other’s back and work really well together. Also, I loved the storyline. This kind of story is not talked about enough and we need more books like this one. Oh boy did I love the end as well. Justice was definitely served on a platter. I couldn’t have asked for a better end to a wonderful story. Kudos to DK Hood.

Between the plot, characters and all the twists in this book it made it an easy and fast read. I would definitely recommend it and happily give it 5 Hearts❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this brilliant book

book 7 in this series of kane and alton but its only my 2nd book but i love these guys...the chemistry between then and their shared history of work and hidden identities makes these stories a must read...


a young girl wakes up on the lawn and staggers into her shared university house, she will be found dead later with evidence of foul play...

a football team with their star quarterback...arrogant and ruthless...is he behind all the rumours that kane and alton are just hearing about, all the wild parties and possible assaults on young girls...but with no evidence, they are running around in circles

and then the murders begin..who is the murderer and is he a college student...and with evidence all hearsay piling up against some of the football players kane and alton have their work cut out for them...

brilliant read another brilliant book by d.k hood, gotta keep this author in your sights

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Break the Silence by D.K. Hood.
Her head throbbed as she stumbles up the stairs. Music vibrating and the sound of partygoers fill her head as she walks into one of the dark, empty rooms. As she sits on the bed, she hears the unmistakable sound of the door locking behind her. She is not alone.
Another fantastic read from this author. Love this series. Jenna and David are still my favourite characters. I had no ideas who it was until until dk wanted me to. Brilliant. Do hope there is more to come. 5*.Highly recommended.

[Mags · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐

Book seven in the Detectives Kane and Alton series returns readers to Black Rock Falls and a gripping case involving gang rape, and the death of one of the victims, which sets off a chain reaction and has the team scrambling for answers especially when more bodies begin to appear.

And with twists you won't see coming, edge of your seat moments Break the Silence was a cracking and hard to put down story, and I can't wait to dive into book eight.

Would happily recommend.

[Patrizia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Questa serie mi piace davvero tanto. In questo caso avevo capito chi fosse il colpevole, sebbene l'autrice mi abbia fatto dubitare che potesse essere davvero lui. Devo dire che il finale, che in altre occasioni ho trovato snervante, qui mi ha soddisfatto pienamente. Non dico di più per non fare spoiler.

[Jazz Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best so far! I love this series

[Herb Evans · Rating 1 out of 5]

Could not finish this garbage. Too many victims. Too many suspects. Too many autopsies. Too many white boards. Too many donuts. Too many coffees. Too many ruminations Too many conversations

Too much. It reminds me of something I heard on the steps of a church years ago after the sermon “Clouds and wind without rain.”

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot believe that 'Break The Silence' is the seventh, yes the seventh, book in the series featuring Detectives Alton and Kane. I have read, reviewed and absolutely LOVED the previous six books in the series and I just knew that I would absolutely love 'Break The Silence' even before I started to read it. I must be psychic or psychopathic because I was so right. D. K. Hood has done it again and she has written a corker of a story, which I thoroughly enjoyed but more about that in a bit.
What can I say about Detective Jenna Alton? Well for a starter she is a dedicated detective with many years experience. Jenna was involved in a rather nasty case and situation, which left her with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). She left her old identity behind and created a new one. She moved to the area in which she now lives, to build a new life for herself. She is in charge of a small team, who in their own way have each suffered tragedy or illness. They are a pretty tight team and each has their others backs. When the story opens we learn that Jenna has returned from a holiday with her very good friend and deputy David Kane. She insists that they are just good friends but I did wonder if perhaps that friendship could turn over into something more. Jenna is tough, tenacious, stubborn, compassionate, sensitive, determined and kind. I took to Jenna from the start again and I really did feel as though I had reunited with old friends in Alton, Kane and the rest of the team.
I was hooked on this story from the moment I discovered the title, never mind the synopsis or the book itself. Reading 'Break The Silence' soon became an addiction. The book had developed a hold over me and it was a hold that I was not willing to break. I binge read the book over the course of a day because I became so wrapped up in the story that I couldn't bear to be parted from the book. I didn't put the book down at all whilst I was reading it. Everywhere I went, the book went. I did not wish to miss a single second of the story or a single clue or nugget of gossip. The more I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages were turning. I reached the end of the story quicker than I anticipated or wanted. I enjoyed the author's writing style, the characters and the storylines so much that I just wanted the book to continue.
D. K. Hood has done it again and she has written one hell of a cracking read. I didn't think that it was possible for her to write a book that was better than her last book but I couldn't have been more wrong. The series featuring Detectives Alton and Kane just goes from strength and strength and each book of the series is better than the previous book. The author has a writing style that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. She certainly knows how to grab your attention from the start and without you realising it, you are drawn into the story. She reels you in much as a fisherman reels in a catch. The author writes so realistically and she uses such vivid descriptions that I really did feel as thought I was part of the story myself and I was a new member of Alton's team. For me, 'Break The Silence' hits the ground running and maintains the pace throughout. I was totally gripped by the story and on the edge of my seat throughout.
Reading 'Break The Silence' was like being on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns to it than you would find on a 'Snakes & Ladders' board. Just when you thought that you could reclaim your stomach, gather your thoughts and allow your heart rate to rest then off the action would go again.
In short, 'Break The Silence' is another corker from D. K. Hood and it is sure to soar to the top of the best sellers list, which is nothing less than she deserves. The series featuring Detectives Alton and Kane just keeps getting better and better. I would definitely recommend this author and this series to other readers. I will definitely be reading more of her work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Steph Sheppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Break The Silence (Detectives Kane and Alton #7) – D. K. Hood

What a cracking book this is, my advice to you before starting this is make sure you’ve got time to read in peace. This is #7 in the American Police Procedural set in Black Rock Falls yet another stonking read by Ms Hood. Its one of those places that the serial killers are attracted to and I have to say you couldn’t pay me enough to move or even visit for a holiday.

If your chosen genre is an action packed police procedural then this is a perfect series for you. This could be read as a standalone but my personal preference is to read a series in order, you could treat yourself and begin at the beginning with Don’t Tell A Soul.

Be mentally prepared for this as the author doesn’t flinch from talking about more sensitive issues, bullying, rape as well as abhorrent crimes that are committed to anyone man, woman or child this book is no different. It’s obvious to the reader that research into chosen topics has been done and done well.

Having been on a vacation strictly as friends coming home to one of the towns busiest times of year a case certainly brings them back to reality with a bump. It’s a case of having to hit the ground running on this one and run they do (well Rowley does). This case is dependent on getting a definitive result from resident M.E. Shane Webber whether all is as straightforward as it initially seems, is it murder or suicide? It doesn’t stop there, three fit and healthy young men die under suspicious circumstance.

With a plethora of suspects due to the annual rodeo and fair in town we’ve plenty to chose from, happily I didn’t guess who the perpetrator was always a bonus isn’t it? The author drip fed us information in just the right amount to keep us turning the pages faster and faster till suddenly we are at the end.

I’m so impatient to see if Alton and Kane finally start a relationship they are turning into Ross and Rachel from Friends but please don’t let them get together only to kill one off. Although I don’t see how they could have the time with all the fruit loops that turn up there.


Read for an honest review. Thank you Ms Hood, Bookouture and Netgalley.

[Jacqueline Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back to what is my favourite fictional place, Black Rock Falls, idyllic but for the fact serial killers seem to lurk in the shadows…..

Sheriff Alton & Kane are only back from holidays when they get a call to an apparent suicide of a young girl in the local college, as they dig deeper, it appears there are suspicious circumstances surrounding her death following the autopsy where Wolfe confirms that the girl, Chrissie, was gang raped shortly before her untimely death.

As Alton & Kane investigate, all roads lead back to the college football team and in particular to the leader of the pack, quarter back Seth Lyons. With no proof, trace or dna evidence, Alton sends Webber in undercover to infiltrate and buddy up to Lyons, she knows Lyons is guilty of rape but being from a wealthy privileged back ground and having daddy pay anyone and everyone off to keep his record clean, she has her work cut out. Two fatal accidents of two of the players on the team adds more mud to the water, where they accidents or murders, and another overdosing…..Wolfe has his work cut out to lead to the right conclusion but leaves them as open verdicts until he is 100% sure.

As if Alton & Kane don’t have enough to deal with, there is a rodeo and county fair going on and with that plenty of ruckus to boot!

This was a harrowing read, unreported gang rapes, bullying to the highest order, murder, attempted murder, I think this book may have had a bit of everything…. My head was spinning, so many things going on, more suspects than clues, you will not want to put this book down, it will grab you from the turn of the first page and won’t release you until the very last, strap in and get ready for the ride, it’ll be one rollercoaster you will not want to get off!!!

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

This is the seventh book in the Detectives Kane and Alton series by D.K. Hood.

This book starts out with a bang in a bad way. A young college student is raped at a party and they make it out to be like a hazing event so that the impact of what they all had done made it seem okay in some way. The girl texts her brother who is MIA in the military just so she has someone to talk to as the horror of her experience hits her. She is found the next morning dead from an apparent suicide.

David Kane and Jenna Alton investigate this horrific happening and soon realize that this may not be a suicide at all. Then other people start turning up dead connected to the case. This book really takes you on a ride and you have to do a lot of mental gymnastics to wrap your mind around what is really going on. You gets hints as to the killer’s identity here and there but it isn’t until the bitter end when the entire scope of what has happened is revealed.

I just loved this story. You spend the entire book wanting vengenance for what happened to this poor girl and wonder the entire time if the detectives can even make that happen.

This is another five star read for me. I gave book six WHISPER IN THE NIGHT four stars only taking off a star due to the weird dynamic between Kane and Jenna. In this book that relationship felt so much more balanced and believable to me.

If you love detective fiction/police procedurals set in the UK/Great Britain, definitely check this book out. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

[Tracy Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black Rock Falls is not a place for the faint hearted! Possibly the serial killer capital of the world it seems one murder is never enough! It's reputation appears to precede it once again when the body of student Chrissie Lowe is found in her dorm room and it becomes clear she had suffered a terrible ordeal.

Sheriff Jenna Alton and right hand man, Deputy Dave Kane, know they have their work cut out to charge anyone in this case as the prime suspects are all entitled young members of the college football team. As the bodies begin to stack up, medical examiner Shane Wolfe finds nothing is as it seems and they all become increasingly frustrated with their lack of progress.

Once again D K Hood keeps the clues coming without actually giving anything away.  I thought I'd found a few hints as to the identity of the killer but no, not even close! The reveal was surprising but satisfyingly right and there was nothing I would have changed except that I had finished it.

There were a few details mentioned about the past lives of Alton, Kane and Wolfe which was a welcome reminder of how they got to work together in the dangerously macabre town of Black Rock Falls. There are no spoilers however and so even though this is the seventh book in the series it can be read as a stand alone novel.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to anyone familiar with this series or who enjoys curling up with a very good crime story.

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story keeps you going from the beginning to the very end. When Jenna and David return from vacation they are thrown into crime almost immediately. Jenna the sheriff becomes more frustrated with the case as she begins to find out about serial rapists happening at the college and the quarterback who is the ringleader and because of his cockiness it is difficult to pin the crimes on him. As that is going on some of the football players who were also involved are now happening to die or be killed it is difficult for the coroner to determine the cause of death, accident or murder. All of this keeps the story moving along and there are really no slow parts, if you think there are it is only describing a crime scene or at the office. Overall, I really enjoyed the book the characters and really would have wished to have found this author earlier to have read the books before this one. Will keep you turning the pages until the very end. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being able to take part in blog tours is a godsend, but it’s also a bit of a curse. You get to know so many wonderful authors that you become greedy. You love their works so much that you just have to devour their next book. Nothing is able to stop you. It’s beyond your control, but the satisfaction you receive at the end of each and everyone of those stories is pure heaven.

This is what happened with this book as well. I love this series so much because I know the author is a born storyteller. It’s like Christmas and your birthday fell on the same day. It’s utter bliss.

Unwrapping a gift is nice but ‘unwrapping’ a story like this is even more so.

You might think you have everything covered and nobody will be able to touch you, but the truth will always come out. Well, … Always…??

Sherrif Alton and her team have a lot to deal with.

I just loved this book! 5 stars.

Thank you, D.K. Hood and Bookouture

https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com

[L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely one of my favorite current series and I always look forward to reading the next adventure. Again, couldn't put it down, didn't want to put it down, and only did so when necessary.

The dynamic between the team, the idyllic setting (which is presented well enough that you can put yourself there, but not dragged out and beat to death for the sake of word count), and the twists and hints made for an awesome read. I genuinely wasn't even close to guessing the ending, and D.K. Hood did a wonderful job of teasing enough details and hints and twists to keep you guessing, always on your toes but never getting a solid foothold.

I look forward to reading more adventures of Kane, Alton, and their team in the future.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and author for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Julie Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and really enjoyed this one.
This is a fast paced crime thriller with my two favourites, Kane and Alton.
The body of a student is found and whilst it looks like suicide, Wolfe wants to investigate further.
Soon one of the football team is found dead and Kane and Alton start to worry.
It seems the girl who was found dead went to a party hosted by the football team, and it looks like she was drugged and raped.
There’s quite a few suspects for the team to work through, and along with another body being discovered, they really have their hands full this time.
I love the relationship between all the characters in this series and whilst this is tested to the limit in this book, I’m sure all will be ok.
This is a fantastic series that I can highly recommend.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

[Nerys Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

A College student is found dead in her dorm - it looks like suicide. Evidence at the autopsy leads Sheriff Jenna Alton and her team to believe that she was raped in the hours before her death. Her friend knew she was going to a party where some of the football team live but there is no evidence that she ever got there. Then three members of the football team die in mysterious circumstances and the medical examiner can’t rule out accidental death. The Sheriff and Deputy Kane are convinced that the star player on the team is keeping the others involved in line.

Once I started this book I couldn’t put it down - 5 stars from me! Absolutely love this series.

Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and D K Hood for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC of the latest in the Black Rock Falls series featuring Kane and Alton and OMG this is by far the best book of the series so far (even though the rest are fab). I literally devoured this book and it had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. It totally gripped from the outset. DK Hood certainly knows how to set a scene and the descriptions make you feel as if you are there. You can feel the chill on your skin, smell the scents coming from the place and feel as if you are right in the thick of the action. I can whole heartedly recommend this fantastic series.