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Walk in Silence
Keira Lynch may be a lawyer, but that doesn't mean she plays by the rules.
She has been summoned to give evidence against an Albanian hit man. She was there the night he murdered the mother of a five-year-old boy. She remembers it well - it was the same night he put three bullets in her chest and left her for dead.
But there are powerful people who want the hit man back on the streets. When they kidnap the boy, she is given a commit perjury, blow the trial and allow the killer to walk or give evidence, convict him and watch the child die. Keira must make a decision. This time, does she have to cross a line to win?
She has been summoned to give evidence against an Albanian hit man. She was there the night he murdered the mother of a five-year-old boy. She remembers it well - it was the same night he put three bullets in her chest and left her for dead.
But there are powerful people who want the hit man back on the streets. When they kidnap the boy, she is given a commit perjury, blow the trial and allow the killer to walk or give evidence, convict him and watch the child die. Keira must make a decision. This time, does she have to cross a line to win?
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First published July 4, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 21, 2017
Review to follow for blog tour.
June 9, 2017
Walk in Silence – Not An Ordinary Lawyer
Keria Lynch has come a long way in such a short time, surviving an Albanian gangster shooting her, set up her own legal practice, and now aiming to find a young boy. The problem for Keria is that the boy, is in Albania and hopefully being protected from the Albanian mafia, which could bring yet more problems to her door. While at the same time she needs to give evidence against the Albanian mafia’s Glasgow kingpin, what possibly could go wrong?
Before the trial begins Keria is out in Albania staying in a hotel awaiting a contact to help her find a boy who would later seem to be arousing the interest of the Clan (Albanian Mafia). She has hired a couple of locals to help her in the search who drive her from her hotel to the mountain side house that the boy used to live in with his grandparents. But they seem to be making fun of her and just interested in the money.
She knows she needs to find a woman called Lule who might have the boy and protecting him from the clutches of the Clan and anyone else that might have an interest. As her search continues she takes more than one beating from criminal elements that want to send the message of go home and forget about the boy.
Even back in Scotland Keria realises she is not safe, and under pressure on all sides, but she does not trust the prosecutor, and needs the help of the Holy Man. There is something that she needs to do, which might hold up the trial and get her a contempt of court charge but if it works out then there will be a successful conclusion to the court case.
John Gordon Sinclair has written a brilliant follow-up to Blood Whispers and has created a character in Keria Lynch that should be an establishment figure as a leading defence lawyer, but she is the complete antithesis to that. He has created a lawyer who does not take the easy path, but is a complicated and dedicated person who is easy to like, she has more balls than the average bloke.
Keria Lynch has come a long way in such a short time, surviving an Albanian gangster shooting her, set up her own legal practice, and now aiming to find a young boy. The problem for Keria is that the boy, is in Albania and hopefully being protected from the Albanian mafia, which could bring yet more problems to her door. While at the same time she needs to give evidence against the Albanian mafia’s Glasgow kingpin, what possibly could go wrong?
Before the trial begins Keria is out in Albania staying in a hotel awaiting a contact to help her find a boy who would later seem to be arousing the interest of the Clan (Albanian Mafia). She has hired a couple of locals to help her in the search who drive her from her hotel to the mountain side house that the boy used to live in with his grandparents. But they seem to be making fun of her and just interested in the money.
She knows she needs to find a woman called Lule who might have the boy and protecting him from the clutches of the Clan and anyone else that might have an interest. As her search continues she takes more than one beating from criminal elements that want to send the message of go home and forget about the boy.
Even back in Scotland Keria realises she is not safe, and under pressure on all sides, but she does not trust the prosecutor, and needs the help of the Holy Man. There is something that she needs to do, which might hold up the trial and get her a contempt of court charge but if it works out then there will be a successful conclusion to the court case.
John Gordon Sinclair has written a brilliant follow-up to Blood Whispers and has created a character in Keria Lynch that should be an establishment figure as a leading defence lawyer, but she is the complete antithesis to that. He has created a lawyer who does not take the easy path, but is a complicated and dedicated person who is easy to like, she has more balls than the average bloke.
December 31, 2020
I won this from the author on Twitter - well, when I say won, I responded to a tweet.
I'll admit I probably wouldn't have chosen to spend my Christmas holiday reading this book because of my current stress level and it did take a bit to get into the story. I enjoy reading thrillers but generally when I'm feeling pretty good, not when I'm looking for a light-hearted take-me-away-from-it-all read.
But now for the positives: there are loads of adjectives I can use to describe this novel - atmospheric, dramatic, violent, gritty, compelling and with an absolutely left-field ending that I would never have forecast.
As a novelist myself, I have an idea how much sheer hard work has gone into creating a work such as this - I'd love to write something similar but I know my knowledge of police procedures etc would make it unrealistic, this one is so, so realistic and believable.
I also feel it would make an amazing film - in fact, I'm surprised that hasn't been done already.
So well done, John Gordon Sinclair on an absolutely 'smash it out of the park' read.
I'll admit I probably wouldn't have chosen to spend my Christmas holiday reading this book because of my current stress level and it did take a bit to get into the story. I enjoy reading thrillers but generally when I'm feeling pretty good, not when I'm looking for a light-hearted take-me-away-from-it-all read.
But now for the positives: there are loads of adjectives I can use to describe this novel - atmospheric, dramatic, violent, gritty, compelling and with an absolutely left-field ending that I would never have forecast.
As a novelist myself, I have an idea how much sheer hard work has gone into creating a work such as this - I'd love to write something similar but I know my knowledge of police procedures etc would make it unrealistic, this one is so, so realistic and believable.
I also feel it would make an amazing film - in fact, I'm surprised that hasn't been done already.
So well done, John Gordon Sinclair on an absolutely 'smash it out of the park' read.
July 6, 2017
Following Seventy Times Seven and Blood Whispers, this is the third of J. G. Sinclair’s crime thrillers featuring the character of forthright and feisty Irish lawyer Keira Lynch. Lynch is juggling the dual concerns of an explosive court case back in her adopted city of Glasgow, but also tracking down the whereabouts of an orphaned boy in Albania to provide a better future for him after the violent death of his mother. Still recovering from the violent events recounted in the previous book, once again Lynch is in a killer’s sights, and must call on all her mental and physical strength to outwit the bad guys…
Quite honestly I could just say that I absolutely blooming loved this, and leave it at that, but as this is not an Amazon review, although I did receive the book well-packaged, I will share a little more with you. J. G. Sinclair was speaking at a recent crime festival, and said that his writing was incredibly influenced by the visual nature of the scenes and how this committed itself to the page, and I was incredibly struck throughout by the very strong sense of scene setting that Sinclair ingrains in his book. Be it the austere surrounds of a Glasgow courtroom, the terrace of a hotel in Albania, or a small village in which one particularly beautifully described building houses a horrific discovery. A sense of location and atmosphere suffuses the book consistently throughout, giving added depth and colour behind the central action as a backdrop to the increasingly precarious and dangerous situation that Lynch finds herself involved in.
The plot is utterly compelling, bolstered to some degree by the strength of Lynch’s character, but more simply that Sinclair has a knack for pure thrilling storytelling. There are bad guys, good guys, good guys that could be bad and vice versa, and the relentless pressure of Lynch’s mission to rescue this small child, and seek justice for his murdered mother driving the plot on at a furious pace. The violence is swift and uncompromising, but unlike many thrillers I have read where the degree of violence visited on one woman seems somewhat incredulous, Lynch is very much physically capable to meet violence with violence. Aside from her physical prowess, and her amazing knife skills, she is strong, mentally resilient and quick witted, continually assessing, planning, premeditating and changing tactics to overcome the peril she finds herself in. She’s also a pretty good lawyer. And justifiably killed a man when she was a small girl. She’s great.
I read Walk In Silence at a frenetic pace, as the speed and energy of Sinclair’s writing, just pushes you on mercilessly, and avoiding spoilers I think the ending could be an interesting set-up for a new fork in Lynch’s life. Action, spills, thrills and some emotional depth it has to be said, amongst the maelstrom of violence and duplicity. Great thriller. Highly recommended.
Quite honestly I could just say that I absolutely blooming loved this, and leave it at that, but as this is not an Amazon review, although I did receive the book well-packaged, I will share a little more with you. J. G. Sinclair was speaking at a recent crime festival, and said that his writing was incredibly influenced by the visual nature of the scenes and how this committed itself to the page, and I was incredibly struck throughout by the very strong sense of scene setting that Sinclair ingrains in his book. Be it the austere surrounds of a Glasgow courtroom, the terrace of a hotel in Albania, or a small village in which one particularly beautifully described building houses a horrific discovery. A sense of location and atmosphere suffuses the book consistently throughout, giving added depth and colour behind the central action as a backdrop to the increasingly precarious and dangerous situation that Lynch finds herself involved in.
The plot is utterly compelling, bolstered to some degree by the strength of Lynch’s character, but more simply that Sinclair has a knack for pure thrilling storytelling. There are bad guys, good guys, good guys that could be bad and vice versa, and the relentless pressure of Lynch’s mission to rescue this small child, and seek justice for his murdered mother driving the plot on at a furious pace. The violence is swift and uncompromising, but unlike many thrillers I have read where the degree of violence visited on one woman seems somewhat incredulous, Lynch is very much physically capable to meet violence with violence. Aside from her physical prowess, and her amazing knife skills, she is strong, mentally resilient and quick witted, continually assessing, planning, premeditating and changing tactics to overcome the peril she finds herself in. She’s also a pretty good lawyer. And justifiably killed a man when she was a small girl. She’s great.
I read Walk In Silence at a frenetic pace, as the speed and energy of Sinclair’s writing, just pushes you on mercilessly, and avoiding spoilers I think the ending could be an interesting set-up for a new fork in Lynch’s life. Action, spills, thrills and some emotional depth it has to be said, amongst the maelstrom of violence and duplicity. Great thriller. Highly recommended.
August 24, 2021
I really enjoyed this easy but engaging thriller with a feisty ( smoking,drinking,kick ass) female lead.Funny in places but also a shocking glimpse into the absolute underbelly of gangs,trafficked vulnerable people and the hateful criminals responsible.I will definitely read more by John Gordon Sinclair…what a funny actor he was back in the day.
July 1, 2023
Another good holiday read, I like a page turner, nothing serious & heavy
August 18, 2021
(3.5) Punchy dialogue, a feisty female protagonist, an explosive storyline which doesn’t let up till the very end all make for an exciting read. I’ve taken Albania off my ‘countries to visit’ list though
November 24, 2021
country # 41 : Albania
November 30, 2021
Meh, wasn’t really impressed. Kind of had to make myself read it.
July 3, 2017
I haven't read the first book in this series, and was initially unaware that this was a sequel, however the writing is so good, and the story is excellently paced, I soon felt quite at home with our lead character Keira Lynch.
The story starts in a small cottage in Albania, two women are huddled inside, frightened and worried. There had been gunshots, and now there is a small boy, with a bloodied face, at their window. That short, sharp introduction pulls the reader in so quickly and sets the pace for what really is a compelling and thrilling story, with a fantastic lead character.
Keira Lynch is a lawyer, based in Scotland. The reader soon realises that Keira is not your usual, everyday solicitor. She's tough and unusual and obviously has quite a back story. J G Sinclair informs the reader of snippets of her previous history, whilst keeping to the current plotline - something that is not always easily managed in a sequel, but he makes it appear so easy.
So, why is a Scottish lawyer in Albania? Why is she giving money to some decidedly dodgy characters, and why is she searching for a boy? Previously, Keira has had dealings with Albanian gangsters, and The Clan, and has the battle wounds to prove it. Her attacker is awaiting trial back in Glasgow, but she is on the trail of a missing boy ... but so are The Clan.
Walk In Silence is an enjoyable and masterly thriller, with twists and turns in each chapter. J G Sinclair really can weave a dark and exciting story and Keira is a fabulous character - I was behind her every step of the way. This is NOT cosy crime. It is gritty, often violent and hard hitting!
Great stuff, I loved this and look forward to reading more from this author.
https://randomthingsthroughmyletterbo...
The story starts in a small cottage in Albania, two women are huddled inside, frightened and worried. There had been gunshots, and now there is a small boy, with a bloodied face, at their window. That short, sharp introduction pulls the reader in so quickly and sets the pace for what really is a compelling and thrilling story, with a fantastic lead character.
Keira Lynch is a lawyer, based in Scotland. The reader soon realises that Keira is not your usual, everyday solicitor. She's tough and unusual and obviously has quite a back story. J G Sinclair informs the reader of snippets of her previous history, whilst keeping to the current plotline - something that is not always easily managed in a sequel, but he makes it appear so easy.
So, why is a Scottish lawyer in Albania? Why is she giving money to some decidedly dodgy characters, and why is she searching for a boy? Previously, Keira has had dealings with Albanian gangsters, and The Clan, and has the battle wounds to prove it. Her attacker is awaiting trial back in Glasgow, but she is on the trail of a missing boy ... but so are The Clan.
Walk In Silence is an enjoyable and masterly thriller, with twists and turns in each chapter. J G Sinclair really can weave a dark and exciting story and Keira is a fabulous character - I was behind her every step of the way. This is NOT cosy crime. It is gritty, often violent and hard hitting!
Great stuff, I loved this and look forward to reading more from this author.
https://randomthingsthroughmyletterbo...
January 16, 2023
This was a middle book in a series, which I hadn't realised - however, it does act as a stand-alone novel, so don't let that put you off. A lawyer wants to help a friend in need, and ends up involved with the Albanian mafia. As you can imagine, it's a good bit of escapism.
Blurb:
Keira Lynch is a lawyer who's no stranger to trouble, but having only just landed in Albania on the trail of a kidnapped boy, she's already up to her neck in it. She thought money would help her, but in a brutal underworld where anything can be bartered - trust, loyalty, even lives - his kidnappers have other ideas. They want the freedom of one of their gang members, a man who Keira is about to help bring to trial back in the UK; a man who once put three bullets in her chest.
Can she walk away in silence, and save the boy? Or will she have to play the game, fight, and risk losing everything?
This was an OK read, but it did feel like a film you might put on as it sounds ok, and then you wonder what on earth is going on! It would be a good holiday read - pick it up, let it wash over you, and then get on with your life. Not completely plausible as a plot, but, hey, that's not what you want from a holiday read, is it?
Thanks to A Box of Stories #ABoS for including this, but I won't be reading the rest in the series. Off to the charity shop it will go!
Blurb:
Keira Lynch is a lawyer who's no stranger to trouble, but having only just landed in Albania on the trail of a kidnapped boy, she's already up to her neck in it. She thought money would help her, but in a brutal underworld where anything can be bartered - trust, loyalty, even lives - his kidnappers have other ideas. They want the freedom of one of their gang members, a man who Keira is about to help bring to trial back in the UK; a man who once put three bullets in her chest.
Can she walk away in silence, and save the boy? Or will she have to play the game, fight, and risk losing everything?
This was an OK read, but it did feel like a film you might put on as it sounds ok, and then you wonder what on earth is going on! It would be a good holiday read - pick it up, let it wash over you, and then get on with your life. Not completely plausible as a plot, but, hey, that's not what you want from a holiday read, is it?
Thanks to A Box of Stories #ABoS for including this, but I won't be reading the rest in the series. Off to the charity shop it will go!
January 21, 2023
There is nothing 'silent' about Walk in Silence. This is a story that fairly shouts at you almost from the beginning.
Set mainly in Albania we meet Keira Lynch a lawyer from Glasgow on the trail of a missing boy. Keira isn't your average lawyer and she has a very colourful history that is hinted at throughout the book. Just as well, as her inquires into the missing boy land her up to her neck in trouble of all kinds, with gang members, organised crime and law enforcement .
This is a fast paced roller coaster of a read. Just when you think you have a 'handle' on what is happening it all turns upside down - like Keira it is hard to know who to trust. make no mistake this is a violent, expletive filled novel, very dark and aggressive - I lost count of the number of dead bodies by the end.
A darker and more violent read than my usual choice but it was none-the-less compelling. Keira is a fascinating character with some very smart and snappy dialogue.
Walk in Silence is not the first book featuring Ms Lynch - and I feel certain I will be venturing into her world again
Set mainly in Albania we meet Keira Lynch a lawyer from Glasgow on the trail of a missing boy. Keira isn't your average lawyer and she has a very colourful history that is hinted at throughout the book. Just as well, as her inquires into the missing boy land her up to her neck in trouble of all kinds, with gang members, organised crime and law enforcement .
This is a fast paced roller coaster of a read. Just when you think you have a 'handle' on what is happening it all turns upside down - like Keira it is hard to know who to trust. make no mistake this is a violent, expletive filled novel, very dark and aggressive - I lost count of the number of dead bodies by the end.
A darker and more violent read than my usual choice but it was none-the-less compelling. Keira is a fascinating character with some very smart and snappy dialogue.
Walk in Silence is not the first book featuring Ms Lynch - and I feel certain I will be venturing into her world again
January 20, 2021
Sleazy, bloody and violent. But a rip roaring thrilling read. When I ordered it from the library I didn't know there was previous book which sets the scene for this one. You can read it independently, but there are a lot of references back to previous events and people. That book is Blood Whispers I think.
January 19, 2018
The kind of brilliant pithy prose I really enjoy, and a fascinating female lead. A great read. I was lucky enough to be on a panel with J. G. Sinclair at a writers' festival, Bloody Scotland, and he talked about how he keeps his prose lean. Less is more.
June 1, 2021
This book was OK. I sometimes felt slightly annoyed at some of the characters reactions to certain events in the book. I didn't find the book particularly exciting. However, it was an easy read and my no means the worst thing I've ever read.
September 26, 2022
I don't recall reading a novel set in Albania before, but this is a gripping and gritty story, set largely in that country and featuring a Glasgow solicitor. There is murder, child abuse and corruption aplenty. Sinclair tells a good story with quite a few twists and turns on the way.
August 8, 2017
Excellent follow up
September 21, 2017
Racy thriller from an author with a great ear for dialogue and a brilliant female protagonist. Absorbing.
November 1, 2017
Great book.
Another great book from J G Sinclair. Keira Lynch is a brilliant character. I will certainly look forward to many more of her adventures.
Another great book from J G Sinclair. Keira Lynch is a brilliant character. I will certainly look forward to many more of her adventures.
January 7, 2018
Compelling reading from the very start. Mr Sinclair tells a gritty tale. I couldn't put it down.
June 5, 2021
What a great read. Very much above average thriller. Will be reading more from this author
August 24, 2021
This was quite good. Quite an exciting story line set in Albania and Scotland.
May 18, 2022
Brilliant.
August 29, 2022
Excellent read
January 20, 2023
Excellent book
May 3, 2024
What a brilliant book. Loved Keira and Lule. Fantastic women - nothing was going to get in their way.
October 15, 2025
A very good crime thriller. Well-written and well-crafted.
September 6, 2017
Immediately after finishing this book, I had three thoughts: 1 – this is a very good book. 2 – why did I leave it on my shelf for so long before reading it? 3 – how did I not know there were two books that came before it!?
When the blurbs states “a man who once put three bullets in her chest”, I didn’t realise that happened in a previous book – maybe I should look at the ‘other books by this author’ before I start a book, instead of after. So as someone who always favours reading books in order, how did I fair with starting at book 3. I faired wonderfully – this book can definitely be read as a standalone! I was so engrossed in the story that I didn’t realise certain things weren’t explained because they had been explained in the previous book; I thought that was the author’s intention to keep the reader in the dark as the lack of information fits so well with the nature of the main protagonist, Keira Lynch.
In Keira Lynch, Sinclair has created a likeable and strong character, who is a pleasure to read about. Whilst possessing the ability to be friendly and caring, she also has the ability to put a bullet in your chest – now that’s my kind of leading lady! As Keira finds herself in several dangerous situations, her determination and motivation for survival is second to none. The action in this novel wasn’t over the top, the violence was never exaggerated, it was a believable and exciting story. Keira’s blunt humour was a genius touch and fit so well with her nature.
As mentioned there wasn’t a huge backstory to why and how Keira found herself in Albania searching for the boy because it was explained in the previous book – I was so absorbed in this plot, I only noticed this when I finished the book. If you’re interested, you can read the previous book, which I will be doing, but you can jump straight into this one without feeling lost in the events that are occurring. This lack of information matches Keira’s character, she doesn’t wear her heart on her sleeve and doesn’t easily offer up information so I didn’t even consider the possibility of previous books!
Along with the action thrills this book delivers, it is also emotionally charged.
“Find the boy. Bring him home. Keep him safe.”
It was this emotion element that really pulled me into the heart of the story and the character of Keira. This emotional element isn’t written about but it’s there in Keira’s actions and her attitude.
Set part in Scotland, mainly in Albania, Walk in Silence is a gripping crime thriller. I don’t think I’ve read a book set in Albania before and I loved Sinclair’s ability to put you in that location through the characters and customs. The plot was cleverly crafted, entertaining and contains lots of blood. The Albian Mafia are involved, as far as I’m concerned, mafia is mafia, so wherever in the world they are, brutal violence and murder are not far behind.
If you’re a fan of strong female characters, and action packed, cleverly written thrillers, you should definitely read Walk in Silence.
*My thanks to Faber & Faber for providing me with a copy of this book*
When the blurbs states “a man who once put three bullets in her chest”, I didn’t realise that happened in a previous book – maybe I should look at the ‘other books by this author’ before I start a book, instead of after. So as someone who always favours reading books in order, how did I fair with starting at book 3. I faired wonderfully – this book can definitely be read as a standalone! I was so engrossed in the story that I didn’t realise certain things weren’t explained because they had been explained in the previous book; I thought that was the author’s intention to keep the reader in the dark as the lack of information fits so well with the nature of the main protagonist, Keira Lynch.
In Keira Lynch, Sinclair has created a likeable and strong character, who is a pleasure to read about. Whilst possessing the ability to be friendly and caring, she also has the ability to put a bullet in your chest – now that’s my kind of leading lady! As Keira finds herself in several dangerous situations, her determination and motivation for survival is second to none. The action in this novel wasn’t over the top, the violence was never exaggerated, it was a believable and exciting story. Keira’s blunt humour was a genius touch and fit so well with her nature.
As mentioned there wasn’t a huge backstory to why and how Keira found herself in Albania searching for the boy because it was explained in the previous book – I was so absorbed in this plot, I only noticed this when I finished the book. If you’re interested, you can read the previous book, which I will be doing, but you can jump straight into this one without feeling lost in the events that are occurring. This lack of information matches Keira’s character, she doesn’t wear her heart on her sleeve and doesn’t easily offer up information so I didn’t even consider the possibility of previous books!
Along with the action thrills this book delivers, it is also emotionally charged.
“Find the boy. Bring him home. Keep him safe.”
It was this emotion element that really pulled me into the heart of the story and the character of Keira. This emotional element isn’t written about but it’s there in Keira’s actions and her attitude.
Set part in Scotland, mainly in Albania, Walk in Silence is a gripping crime thriller. I don’t think I’ve read a book set in Albania before and I loved Sinclair’s ability to put you in that location through the characters and customs. The plot was cleverly crafted, entertaining and contains lots of blood. The Albian Mafia are involved, as far as I’m concerned, mafia is mafia, so wherever in the world they are, brutal violence and murder are not far behind.
If you’re a fan of strong female characters, and action packed, cleverly written thrillers, you should definitely read Walk in Silence.
*My thanks to Faber & Faber for providing me with a copy of this book*
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