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The Silence of the Stones
Librarian note: alternate cover edition for ASIN - B00M9CUD1I
Mystery, murder, suspense, with psychological depths, heartbreaking undertones and romantic overtones. Twists and turns will keep you guessing to the end. Alana is a struggling artist and sculptor, scarred by her parents' relationship and a lost love but determined to grab life by the throat, whatever the cost. Opportunity beckons when she is left a cottage in a West Wales’ village by an aunt she didn’t know existed, but strange runes painted on her door and carved onto ancient stones in a stone circle, hint at a dark undercurrent of tragedy and intrigue and she is caught up in the village’s conspiracy of silence over a thirty-year-old crime.
An eccentric old woman, a young female investigative journalist, a two-year-old girl, a good-looking male busker and an ex-lover make unlikely bedfellows but combine to send Alana on a voyage of self-discovery that changes her world forever.
Mystery, murder, suspense, with psychological depths, heartbreaking undertones and romantic overtones. Twists and turns will keep you guessing to the end. Alana is a struggling artist and sculptor, scarred by her parents' relationship and a lost love but determined to grab life by the throat, whatever the cost. Opportunity beckons when she is left a cottage in a West Wales’ village by an aunt she didn’t know existed, but strange runes painted on her door and carved onto ancient stones in a stone circle, hint at a dark undercurrent of tragedy and intrigue and she is caught up in the village’s conspiracy of silence over a thirty-year-old crime.
An eccentric old woman, a young female investigative journalist, a two-year-old girl, a good-looking male busker and an ex-lover make unlikely bedfellows but combine to send Alana on a voyage of self-discovery that changes her world forever.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2014
43 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Bryn
32 books83 followersRebecca lives in West Wales with her husband and dog, where she paints the fabulous coastal scenery and writes historical, mystery, and post-apocalyptic tales with a twist. Her historical novel Touching the Wire won a Gold Medal in the Readers' Favorite 2019 Book Awards and the IAN Book of the Year prize in the same year. The Chainmakers Daughter was a finalist in 2020.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 18, 2014
I didn’t really know what to expect when I started reading The Silence of the Stones. The story starts off by showing three different characters lives. I was a little intrigued to see how these three characters would encounter each other and why, so although I found it a little confusing keeping track of these three characters’ lives, I found myself getting sucked into the story and didn’t put the book down until I had finished.
I won’t say too much on the story line as I don’t want to give anything away, but I will say that The Silence of the Stone is an original story. I can say that I haven’t read anything like it before. I was pleasantly surprised by The way that Rebecca Bryn entwines the three characters’ lives. The twist in the story and the mystery that keeps you guessing until the end, Had me turning the pages.
If you enjoy a good story that has a good mystery, a little romance, a few twist that keeps you guessing. Then I would suggest you read The silence of the stones.
I won’t say too much on the story line as I don’t want to give anything away, but I will say that The Silence of the Stone is an original story. I can say that I haven’t read anything like it before. I was pleasantly surprised by The way that Rebecca Bryn entwines the three characters’ lives. The twist in the story and the mystery that keeps you guessing until the end, Had me turning the pages.
If you enjoy a good story that has a good mystery, a little romance, a few twist that keeps you guessing. Then I would suggest you read The silence of the stones.
January 10, 2015
A disturbing tale of lies piled on top of lies, of unsolved murders and untapped talents. Without telling any spoilers, it is difficult for the reader to believe that the main character Alana reached adulthood without losing her mind. The feeling of impending doom hangs over her head from the first chapter and the reader prays that everything will work out for her until the very end.
The author makes her characters jump off the page and to her credit they are very believable and so tragic. Rebecca Bryn must be a talented artist herself by her descriptions of the art pieces and paintings in the book.
The novel's descriptive scenes also indicate to me that she has an artistic eye for detail.
There were so many twists & turns that you didn't see the ending coming until the last few pages.
Well Done!!
I really enjoyed Rebecca's style of writing and I plan to read her next book soon. Cheers.
The author makes her characters jump off the page and to her credit they are very believable and so tragic. Rebecca Bryn must be a talented artist herself by her descriptions of the art pieces and paintings in the book.
The novel's descriptive scenes also indicate to me that she has an artistic eye for detail.
There were so many twists & turns that you didn't see the ending coming until the last few pages.
Well Done!!
I really enjoyed Rebecca's style of writing and I plan to read her next book soon. Cheers.
September 28, 2014
One of the best books I've read since I joined Goodreads to find new authors. I feel like Alana is my best friend. I really cared what happened to her, and a lot did! i defy anybody to guess the end. It was truly amazing.
January 29, 2016
I was up pretty late last night finishing this. It was one of those books. It kept me guessing right up until the end.
There's something going on in this village in Wales. People are turning up dead and everyone is scared. It's been thirty years since two children were kidnapped and one of their mothers went to jail. Thirty years isn't long enough to forget, apparently.
Alana is a young artist who struggles to make ends meet and struggles even more to move past events that happened two years ago. When an aunt she had never even heard of wills her a cottage in a quant little village, it seems like the perfect opportunity. She doesn't know the snake pit she is walking in to. The mysteries of the last thirty years start to come unraveled. Along with Greg, who is just a much an unknown part of it as she is, and Maddy, a young reporter, they start to figure out the truth.
This was a gripping mystery and I didn't expect that ending at all. I will say that it dragged quite a bit in places, especially in the first half. Once I hit the halfway point, though, I couldn't stop reading. The secrets and the lies and the uncovered truths were not what I thought they'd be and that's a good thing. I never knew exactly what was going on, because every time I thought I did, it would end up being another lie. Just great storytelling. Rebecca Bryn has this way of describing things that it makes you feel like you are there in Wales, right alongside Alana. Very well done.
There's something going on in this village in Wales. People are turning up dead and everyone is scared. It's been thirty years since two children were kidnapped and one of their mothers went to jail. Thirty years isn't long enough to forget, apparently.
Alana is a young artist who struggles to make ends meet and struggles even more to move past events that happened two years ago. When an aunt she had never even heard of wills her a cottage in a quant little village, it seems like the perfect opportunity. She doesn't know the snake pit she is walking in to. The mysteries of the last thirty years start to come unraveled. Along with Greg, who is just a much an unknown part of it as she is, and Maddy, a young reporter, they start to figure out the truth.
This was a gripping mystery and I didn't expect that ending at all. I will say that it dragged quite a bit in places, especially in the first half. Once I hit the halfway point, though, I couldn't stop reading. The secrets and the lies and the uncovered truths were not what I thought they'd be and that's a good thing. I never knew exactly what was going on, because every time I thought I did, it would end up being another lie. Just great storytelling. Rebecca Bryn has this way of describing things that it makes you feel like you are there in Wales, right alongside Alana. Very well done.
December 22, 2014
5.0 out of 5 stars I'm off to read everything this author has written!, December 21, 2014
By morgan -
This review is from: THE SILENCE OF THE STONES: Will the secrets in the stones destroy a young woman's world? (Kindle Edition)
I love a book set in distant places. I don't often get to travel, unless it's lost in the pages of a good book, and this was definitely that. Once i began reading, i wasn't able to put it down. I love a mystery with a kiss of romance, and can't help but be drawn to them.
This book was the same.
The characters pulled me in, and despite seeing the plot unfold before me, I was still compelled to finish the story out of love for the tale. It was beautifully written, craftily woven, and a great book to read when you long to be entertained.
Rebecca Bryn has given us a great read, and you should pick it up!
You won't be disappointed!
By morgan -
This review is from: THE SILENCE OF THE STONES: Will the secrets in the stones destroy a young woman's world? (Kindle Edition)
I love a book set in distant places. I don't often get to travel, unless it's lost in the pages of a good book, and this was definitely that. Once i began reading, i wasn't able to put it down. I love a mystery with a kiss of romance, and can't help but be drawn to them.
This book was the same.
The characters pulled me in, and despite seeing the plot unfold before me, I was still compelled to finish the story out of love for the tale. It was beautifully written, craftily woven, and a great book to read when you long to be entertained.
Rebecca Bryn has given us a great read, and you should pick it up!
You won't be disappointed!
January 4, 2015
Wow. That's all I can say. Wow. Lately I've not wasted my time or money on the big name authors because I don't feel they deliver a good read for the huge amount of money I spend. So, I've been searching out new talent. Was I EVER happy to find The Silence of the Stones! To say this is a mystery that keeps you guessing is an understatement. A page-turner, I was gripped by the strength and reality of the main character and her supporting staff! Well crafted, this book, using an artist’s eye, took me to a place I’d never been before. It allowed me to see the countryside and enjoy the language. If you love a great mystery/love story, this is a must read. You’ll keep guessing until the end and you will love that this author leaves you satisfied yet wanting more!
April 17, 2015
Sometimes when a death occurs, skeletons force themselves out of the closet to help mourn, and after, most refuse to go back in. This very well-written book about hidden family secrets involving crime and deceit will surprise, shock and even leave a tear in the eye. This is Mrs. Bryn’s first book and the second I’ve read of hers, and I’ve become a fan. The small cast of characters in the novel makes it easy to follow while giving just enough information to pull and keep me in. Throughout the book, I was constantly making guesses regarding the circumstances of the crime/s, and just when I thought I understood what had happened, I was surprised to learn I didn’t. I can’t wait for Rebecca Bryn's third novel, Where Hope dares.
July 27, 2015
WOW! Brilliantly told story which was like a breath of fresh air. Kept me interested, so much so I just had to finish it over the weekend as it was driving me mad! I guessed the story halfway through but it did not take away any intrigue. Well written regardless of a few errors and missing words, this is a beautifully written piece and well worth a read. Recommending it to my friends.
March 16, 2019
“The Silence of the Stones” is a gripping tale full of mysteries, lies, and revenge. Imagine how it would feel to discover that you have a long lost aunt you knew nothing about. Even worse, a private investigator tracks you down after she passes away, and you learn that she has left you her cottage and all the rest of her worldly goods.
That’s what happens to Alana, a twenty-something artist whose hidden family secrets unravel before her eyes. Her parents are unhappy, and Alana is forced to come to grips with her past, even though she fights it every step of the way. Just remember, nothing is as it seems. If you think you have it figured out, read on because the truth will surprise you.
Her aunt’s cottage in Wales seems as good a place as any to start over. Once there, Alana feels a connection to the aunt she never knew. Many years ago, Alana’s cousin disappeared along with another child from the village. Their disappearance is still unsolved. But here in her aunt’s home, the answers begin to take shape.
Alana finds a series of unusual Runes carved into the rocks up on the hillside. If only they could whisper their secrets to her. When similar strange markings show up on the doors of the villager’s homes, the puzzle pieces begin to fall into place. Add in the deaths of a few of the neighbors, and the story explodes with tension and suspense.
This novel drew me in from the first page until the very last. I literally could not put this book down. The characters were engaging and believable, and so were the different mysteries that swirled around Alana. There are plenty of twists and turns, and I couldn’t foresee any of them. That’s what I call excellent writing.
I also loved the paranormal elements and symbolism in this story. The Runes are an ancient alphabet used by Germanic countries in antiquity which is still used in divination today. The novel was liberally sprinkled with their wisdom which became the catalyst to move the story forward. Brilliant!
Rebecca Bryn is a new author for me. I will definitely read more of her novels. Now, if I can only figure out how to raise funds to visit Wales!
MY RATING:
Character Believability: 5
Flow and Pace: 5
Reader Engagement: 5
Reader Enrichment: 5
Reader Enjoyment: 5
Overall Rate: 5 out of 5 Stars
That’s what happens to Alana, a twenty-something artist whose hidden family secrets unravel before her eyes. Her parents are unhappy, and Alana is forced to come to grips with her past, even though she fights it every step of the way. Just remember, nothing is as it seems. If you think you have it figured out, read on because the truth will surprise you.
Her aunt’s cottage in Wales seems as good a place as any to start over. Once there, Alana feels a connection to the aunt she never knew. Many years ago, Alana’s cousin disappeared along with another child from the village. Their disappearance is still unsolved. But here in her aunt’s home, the answers begin to take shape.
Alana finds a series of unusual Runes carved into the rocks up on the hillside. If only they could whisper their secrets to her. When similar strange markings show up on the doors of the villager’s homes, the puzzle pieces begin to fall into place. Add in the deaths of a few of the neighbors, and the story explodes with tension and suspense.
This novel drew me in from the first page until the very last. I literally could not put this book down. The characters were engaging and believable, and so were the different mysteries that swirled around Alana. There are plenty of twists and turns, and I couldn’t foresee any of them. That’s what I call excellent writing.
I also loved the paranormal elements and symbolism in this story. The Runes are an ancient alphabet used by Germanic countries in antiquity which is still used in divination today. The novel was liberally sprinkled with their wisdom which became the catalyst to move the story forward. Brilliant!
Rebecca Bryn is a new author for me. I will definitely read more of her novels. Now, if I can only figure out how to raise funds to visit Wales!
MY RATING:
Character Believability: 5
Flow and Pace: 5
Reader Engagement: 5
Reader Enrichment: 5
Reader Enjoyment: 5
Overall Rate: 5 out of 5 Stars
November 1, 2021
“The Silence of the Stones” is a truly unique tale full of mysteries, lies, secrets, a touch of mysticism, and I don’t want to forget revenge. Rebecca Bryn has crafted an intriguing story like nothing I’ve ever read. This is one of the best books I’ve read all year. So good, I just sent a gift copy to a friend.
March 20, 2019
Plenty of intrigue!
Mystery, lies, revenge, arson, betrayal which all take place within the beautiful and atmospheric moors setting and revolve around a link to powerful and ancient stones.
Twists and turns you will never see coming...
Mystery, lies, revenge, arson, betrayal which all take place within the beautiful and atmospheric moors setting and revolve around a link to powerful and ancient stones.
Twists and turns you will never see coming...
November 16, 2015
I read Rebecca Bryn’s ‘Touching the Wire’ earlier this year and was deeply moved by it. I knew then that I’d enjoy anything by this author, and haven’t been disappointed. ‘The Silence of the Stones’ is a very different story, yet has the same qualities of superb writing, cleverly crafted narrative and absolutely believable characters and dialogue. What’s more, Rebecca Bryn has the skill to get right under your skin as a reader, so that eventually you forget you are reading a novel and just become a fly on the wall, breathless with anticipation as the story rolls on towards its climax. The descriptions of the cottage so aptly named The Haggard and the surrounding Welsh countryside are so wonderfully evocative that I can still visualise the scenes there as vividly as if I’d visited them in person. Once again, as it was with ‘Touching the Wire’, I was moved to tears throughout the final chapters, a sure sign that a book has indelibly left its mark on me. As a psychotherapist I found several of the themes and the emotional and psychological dilemmas portrayed by the characters disturbingly familiar. I was especially fascinated with Nerys, whose real story and personality remains a well-protected enigma until the very end, and whose complex character is expertly and sensitively depicted by the author. This is an impressive novel, and I recommend you read it for yourself. You will learn a great deal about ancient and modern societal myth, rune lore, and the intricate and often catastrophic workings of human psychology. A very well deserved 5 stars.
March 31, 2015
After reading Touching the Wire earlier this year, my expectations were high when I started to read this book. Often a dangerous thing, but my high expectations were met.
Bryn carefully builds up her characters, a sense of intrigue and atmosphere until the story explodes in a thrilling conclusion. A cliché, I know, but I did stay up late to finish reading this last night.
The basic plot is simple, to move forwards in her life Alana has to go against her parents wishes to discover the secrets of her past. She discovers there is someone else who is prepared to kill to keep those secrets hidden. Through her choice of secret, characters and the wonderful setting Bryn turns this quest into something extraordinary.
There are two particular reasons why I have enjoyed both of Bryn's books so much.
1. Bryn's main characters are flawed in such a way that initially I don't particularly like them. By the end of the book I have some understanding of the way their minds work and why they've made particular decisions, leading me to question whether I've become too quick to judge.
2. Bryn chooses such interesting and thought provoking catalysts for her stories. In this book, the shocking ignorance and attitudes towards sudden infant death (cot death)only a few decades ago leading to grieving mothers being accused of murder.
Great read.
Bryn carefully builds up her characters, a sense of intrigue and atmosphere until the story explodes in a thrilling conclusion. A cliché, I know, but I did stay up late to finish reading this last night.
The basic plot is simple, to move forwards in her life Alana has to go against her parents wishes to discover the secrets of her past. She discovers there is someone else who is prepared to kill to keep those secrets hidden. Through her choice of secret, characters and the wonderful setting Bryn turns this quest into something extraordinary.
There are two particular reasons why I have enjoyed both of Bryn's books so much.
1. Bryn's main characters are flawed in such a way that initially I don't particularly like them. By the end of the book I have some understanding of the way their minds work and why they've made particular decisions, leading me to question whether I've become too quick to judge.
2. Bryn chooses such interesting and thought provoking catalysts for her stories. In this book, the shocking ignorance and attitudes towards sudden infant death (cot death)only a few decades ago leading to grieving mothers being accused of murder.
Great read.
August 13, 2015
I love finding new Indie Authors who can weave a tale that keeps you turning the pages. That is exactly what Rebecca Bryn has done with this novel, Silence of the Stones.
The main character, Alana, is plagued by the feeling of not being wanted and the target of many arguments between her parents. But, she is an extremely talented artist and when she unexpectedly inherits a cottage in a remote area, she sees it as the opportunity she needs to make a name for herself. But, the symbols she finds on the stones standing at Coed-y-cwm lead not only to a sculpting project, but are clues to unraveling the mysteries, murders, lies and deceit.
However, nothing could have prepared her for the layers of lies that unfold and the secrets that everyone seems to carry in the small community. Not only does she discover the family she thought she had wasn't, she discovered a whole other family she didn't know existed.
Rebecca takes us into the mind of a character with multiple personalities and does a brilliant job portraying her. I don't want to give the plot away, so let me just say that just when I thought I had things figured out, there would be another unpredictable twist right up to the end of the story. I love the way the characters jumped off the pages. There was never a place in the book that lagged. I never lost interest all the way to the last page.
The main character, Alana, is plagued by the feeling of not being wanted and the target of many arguments between her parents. But, she is an extremely talented artist and when she unexpectedly inherits a cottage in a remote area, she sees it as the opportunity she needs to make a name for herself. But, the symbols she finds on the stones standing at Coed-y-cwm lead not only to a sculpting project, but are clues to unraveling the mysteries, murders, lies and deceit.
However, nothing could have prepared her for the layers of lies that unfold and the secrets that everyone seems to carry in the small community. Not only does she discover the family she thought she had wasn't, she discovered a whole other family she didn't know existed.
Rebecca takes us into the mind of a character with multiple personalities and does a brilliant job portraying her. I don't want to give the plot away, so let me just say that just when I thought I had things figured out, there would be another unpredictable twist right up to the end of the story. I love the way the characters jumped off the pages. There was never a place in the book that lagged. I never lost interest all the way to the last page.
August 16, 2015
This book has all the ingredients for a good read; a plucky heroine that is far from perfect. A mystery that has you guessing to the very end and a nail biting ending. Alana is a struggling artist that inherits a cottage on the Welsh Moors. Despite her families warning she decides to keep the cottage and risks everything by not selling it but creating a monumental art work. The easy way would have been to sell the cottage and carry on as before, but Alana is inspired by the place and makes a bold move. Knowing many struggling artist I found her character ballsy and entirely believable. Alana soon uncovers the unhappy past of this village and finds that things are still not right. Mysterious Runes appear on doors followed by a death. They seem like natural deaths, but is someone out for revenge? The story is complex but Rebecca has written it in an easy to read style. I couldn’t put this book down as there were just so many mysteries to uncover.
Set against the very atmospheric backdrop of the Welsh moors and its ancient monuments, this is a book well worth reading. I hope to discover more of this talented writer.
Set against the very atmospheric backdrop of the Welsh moors and its ancient monuments, this is a book well worth reading. I hope to discover more of this talented writer.
April 26, 2015
The first book I read by Rebecca Bryn was Touching the Wire, which is one of the best books I have read. The Silence of the Stones is equally well written, without the intensity - a very enjoyable read. The main character, Alana, is so real and believable that she quickly pulls you into her life, which jumps between Alana's complicated but grounded life and the mysteries and powers of the runes. Rebecca's descriptions make you feel that you are there with Alana in the Welsh countryside, helping her to work out the meaning of the stones. This book has it all - mystery, romance, a touch of the supernatural and an understanding of a damaged mind.
September 12, 2016
This is the first book I have read by this award-winning author.
It was a refreshing read with many twists and turns.
Alana’s life was a mystery which she uncovered when her deceased aunt left her a cottage in a quaint village in Wales.
She discovered that all her life she was fed many lies and secrets.
However, the whole truth was finally revealed to her.
This story is filled with suspense, intrigue, and romance.
It contains a mixture of all evils…….abduction, rape, murder, arson, and betrayal, but has a wonderful ending.
Rebecca Byrn is a great story- teller and I expect to read more of her work.
It was a refreshing read with many twists and turns.
Alana’s life was a mystery which she uncovered when her deceased aunt left her a cottage in a quaint village in Wales.
She discovered that all her life she was fed many lies and secrets.
However, the whole truth was finally revealed to her.
This story is filled with suspense, intrigue, and romance.
It contains a mixture of all evils…….abduction, rape, murder, arson, and betrayal, but has a wonderful ending.
Rebecca Byrn is a great story- teller and I expect to read more of her work.
March 30, 2015
The crime is hidden deep in the past..many secrets..many deceits.. more heart breaking than an old lover...a thriller that is painted more than written from page to page...look into the minds of people on the brink, overshadowed by their tragedies who still trudge forward with a resilience that is both heart warming and heart breaking. Good read. The descriptions make me want to visit Wales. The story is devine, imaginative.well conveived...a true mystery without a lot of glitz. The ending is supurb - fooled me.
July 22, 2016
Rebecca Bryn has woven a complex tale of lies, deceit, and mystery. Just when I thought I had things figured out, she took me in a different direction. The Silence of the Stones is a compelling story that is hard to put down once begun. In fact, I had several sleepless nights when I could not get Alana and Rhiannon and the other characters, along with the astonishing events, out of my head. Too sleepy to keep reading, but too caught up in the tale to turn it off.
Bryn's storytelling and her writing are superb. I highly recommend this book and look forward to Bryn's next story.
Bryn's storytelling and her writing are superb. I highly recommend this book and look forward to Bryn's next story.
December 7, 2015
Gripping family saga set against the backdrop of a rural and very insular community. When Alana Harper inherits a cottage from an aunt she never knew, family secrets slowly begin to unravel, but only lies and half-truths emerge. Crimes from the past, including child abduction lead to present day acts of revenge. This is a book you will not want to put down until you know the truth of what went on all those years ago. Alana must face a past of which she was totally unaware and people she should be able to trust who want her to stay ignorant. Excellent storytelling.
January 13, 2015
A clever, intriguing plot set in a beautiful location. I was gripped from the first page. When Alana finds she has inherited a cottage, it sets off a chain of events that sees her pursue the truth about her identity and an unsolved crime of missing children. The plot is thoroughly engaging and well-researched, leading the reader through many smart twists and turns until the very last page. I would highly recommend this book.
May 7, 2015
This story gripped me. It got me involved in the people, and the setting, and the plot. It is well crafted and manages to hold up a rather complex plot for which the author's skill should be recognized.
It's stayed with me since I read it and I can't always say that about things I've read. It certainly makes me curious to read more from this author.
It's stayed with me since I read it and I can't always say that about things I've read. It certainly makes me curious to read more from this author.
January 7, 2016
This book was one that pulled me in from the start. The characters were interesting and the author made you really care about Alana, Greg and Maddy. The narrative kept the pages turning as I really wanted to know what was going on as there had been so many conflicting possibilities. I have not read anything by Rebecca Bryn but I will have to look out for more.
January 11, 2016
not got to the end yet but so far very intriguing. Reading all the time as impossible to put down. About 65% through..
October 5, 2021
Book Review
Basic Details:
Book Title: The Silence of the Stones
Subtitle:
Author: Rebecca Bryn
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Part of a series?
Order in series:
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
Alana is left a house in her aunt’s will. An aunt she wasn’t aware of. When the struggling artist, sculptor and single mother decides to live in the house a past is revealed. Murder, mystery and intrigue are thrown in the mix.
What I liked about the book:
The book is a real page-turner and I can highly recommend it. One of the best books I’ve read in recent years.
What I didn’t like about the book:
I loved the entire book.
My favourite bits in the book:
The many twists and turns and how Alana never gave up.
My least favourite bits in the book:
I loved the entire book.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. She has written several more and I’m keen to check those out too.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This is a tricky question to answer. I’ve not read any like this previously.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Perhaps
Adult Yes
If you like mysteries and intrigue, this book may be the book for you.
I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.
Book Description by Author:
Mystery, murder, suspense, with psychological depths, heartbreaking undertones and romantic overtones. Twists and turns will keep you guessing to the end. Alana is a struggling artist and sculptor, scarred by her parents' relationship and a lost love but determined to grab life by the throat, whatever the cost. Opportunity beckons when she is left a cottage in a West Wales’ village by an aunt she didn’t know existed, but strange runes painted on her door and carved onto ancient stones in a stone circle, hint at a dark undercurrent of tragedy and intrigue and she is caught up in the village’s conspiracy of silence over a thirty-year-old crime.
An eccentric old woman, a young female investigative journalist, a two-year-old girl, a good-looking male busker and an ex-lover make unlikely bedfellows but combine to send Alana on a voyage of self-discovery that changes her world forever.
About the Author:
Rebecca lives in West Wales with her husband and dog, where she paints the fabulous coastal scenery and writes historical, mystery, and post-apocalyptic tales with a twist. Her historical novel Touching the Wire won a Gold Medal in the Readers' Favorite 2019 Book Awards.
Basic Details:
Book Title: The Silence of the Stones
Subtitle:
Author: Rebecca Bryn
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Part of a series?
Order in series:
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
Alana is left a house in her aunt’s will. An aunt she wasn’t aware of. When the struggling artist, sculptor and single mother decides to live in the house a past is revealed. Murder, mystery and intrigue are thrown in the mix.
What I liked about the book:
The book is a real page-turner and I can highly recommend it. One of the best books I’ve read in recent years.
What I didn’t like about the book:
I loved the entire book.
My favourite bits in the book:
The many twists and turns and how Alana never gave up.
My least favourite bits in the book:
I loved the entire book.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. She has written several more and I’m keen to check those out too.
What books could this be compared to and why?
This is a tricky question to answer. I’ve not read any like this previously.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Perhaps
Adult Yes
If you like mysteries and intrigue, this book may be the book for you.
I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.
Book Description by Author:
Mystery, murder, suspense, with psychological depths, heartbreaking undertones and romantic overtones. Twists and turns will keep you guessing to the end. Alana is a struggling artist and sculptor, scarred by her parents' relationship and a lost love but determined to grab life by the throat, whatever the cost. Opportunity beckons when she is left a cottage in a West Wales’ village by an aunt she didn’t know existed, but strange runes painted on her door and carved onto ancient stones in a stone circle, hint at a dark undercurrent of tragedy and intrigue and she is caught up in the village’s conspiracy of silence over a thirty-year-old crime.
An eccentric old woman, a young female investigative journalist, a two-year-old girl, a good-looking male busker and an ex-lover make unlikely bedfellows but combine to send Alana on a voyage of self-discovery that changes her world forever.
About the Author:
Rebecca lives in West Wales with her husband and dog, where she paints the fabulous coastal scenery and writes historical, mystery, and post-apocalyptic tales with a twist. Her historical novel Touching the Wire won a Gold Medal in the Readers' Favorite 2019 Book Awards.
July 8, 2019
Small communities are renowned for their secrets and often used in books and films for that very reason. In this tale, there are more twists than a length of rope, but the author has opted for more than one person who is confused about their past which creates several extra strands.
The ‘outsider’ arriving in a remote village invariably carries baggage other than their suitcases, and in that respect, this tale is no different, but the amount of excess baggage rapidly increases as the young woman is welcomed by some, feared by others, and observed by those behind twitching curtains.
You might think that the older a secret is then the easier it would be to keep, but not necessarily. As the cover stories start to unravel, some of the players realise the game is up—unless action is taken.
I like detail, but thought it was overdone regarding the runes and their associations. This is the only area which for me caused a slowing of the pace, but the story was strong enough to hold my interest.
The characters are well-drawn and the plot contains enough romance, acrimony, terror, and intrigue to compel you to keep reading.
I’ve read all of the author’s other work and she doesn’t shy away from the tough subject matter. Highly recommended.
The ‘outsider’ arriving in a remote village invariably carries baggage other than their suitcases, and in that respect, this tale is no different, but the amount of excess baggage rapidly increases as the young woman is welcomed by some, feared by others, and observed by those behind twitching curtains.
You might think that the older a secret is then the easier it would be to keep, but not necessarily. As the cover stories start to unravel, some of the players realise the game is up—unless action is taken.
I like detail, but thought it was overdone regarding the runes and their associations. This is the only area which for me caused a slowing of the pace, but the story was strong enough to hold my interest.
The characters are well-drawn and the plot contains enough romance, acrimony, terror, and intrigue to compel you to keep reading.
I’ve read all of the author’s other work and she doesn’t shy away from the tough subject matter. Highly recommended.
July 1, 2019
Another intriguing read of author Rebecca Brynn, who provides a mystery revolving around the birth namesake of a young woman who inherits a property from an unknown relative in Wales. This well-researched story involves numerous sub-plots when surrounding neighbors mysteriously dies and how the mythology of the stones may provide the answers. Interwoven is a blend of the past with the present and the many underlying secrets needing to be solved to provide answers. Highly recommended to the reader who enjoys a novel with many unanticipated twists and turns in it, resulting in a surprising conclusion.
February 14, 2023
This is without doubt the most convoluted plot I have ever encountered. It seemed to contain every device known to thriller writers; murder - more than one, kidnapping - 1 historical and 1 in the present day, dissociative identity disorder - brownie points for including that one, disability - Molly’s brother. Miscarriage of Justice - 30 years in a secure unit. Child sex abuse - again historic, only introduced towards the end of the book. Rape - of the bride to be by the groom’s brother. Really!!! And so it goes on.
And don’t forget the bloody runes, no on second thoughts do forget them. Too much irrelevant information.
And don’t forget the bloody runes, no on second thoughts do forget them. Too much irrelevant information.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2021
Alana's mother clearly isn't telling the truth about why she and her sister fell out many years ago, and her daughter only finds out about her aunt's existence after her death. The aunt's cottage is in a Welsh village which has a terrible past of abductions, deaths of children, and supernatural elements. If you love a Welsh setting, mythical runes, and swirling mystery, this is the book for you.
September 10, 2022
Enjoyed this book
This book started slow with too much detail about runes hence the 4 stars, but I’m so glad I persevered. Once you got into the story there were so many twists and turns which kept you wanting to read, I couldn’t put it down in the end.
This book started slow with too much detail about runes hence the 4 stars, but I’m so glad I persevered. Once you got into the story there were so many twists and turns which kept you wanting to read, I couldn’t put it down in the end.
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