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Hannah Weybridge #2
Death's Silent Judgment
Death's Silent Judgement is the thrilling sequel to Dancers in the Wind, and continues the gripping series starring London-based investigative journalist Hannah Weybridge.
Following the deadly events of Dancers in the Wind, freelance journalist and single mother Hannah Weybridge is thrown into the heart of a horrific murder investigation when a friend, Liz Rayman, is found with her throat slashed at her dental practice.
With few clues to the apparently motiveless crime Hannah throws herself into discovering the reason for her friend's brutal murder, and is determined to unmask the killer. But before long Hannah's investigations place her in mortal danger, her hunt for the truth placing her in the path of a remorseless killer...
The series is very much in the best traditions of British women crime writers such as Lynda La Plante and Martina Cole.
Following the deadly events of Dancers in the Wind, freelance journalist and single mother Hannah Weybridge is thrown into the heart of a horrific murder investigation when a friend, Liz Rayman, is found with her throat slashed at her dental practice.
With few clues to the apparently motiveless crime Hannah throws herself into discovering the reason for her friend's brutal murder, and is determined to unmask the killer. But before long Hannah's investigations place her in mortal danger, her hunt for the truth placing her in the path of a remorseless killer...
The series is very much in the best traditions of British women crime writers such as Lynda La Plante and Martina Cole.
- GenresThriller
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published May 11, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 24, 2018
"Death's Silent Judgement" is the thrilling sequel to "Dancers in the Wind", and continues the gripping series featuring London-based investigative journalist Hannah Weybridge.
Following the deadly events of "Dancers in the Wind", freelance journalist and single mother Hannah Weybridge is thrown into the heart of a horrific murder investigation when a friend, Liz Rayman, is found with her throat slashed at her dental practice. With few clues to the apparently motiveless crime Hannah throws herself into discovering the reason for her friend's brutal murder, and is determined to unmask the killer. But before long, Hannah's investigations place her in mortal danger, her hunt for the truth putting her in the path of a remorseless killer.
I love the author Anne Coates' writing, it's such a pleasure to read, easy to follow with interesting storylines that keep you compelled to keep reading and with modern and very up to date subject matter that evokes emotion and feeling, these books are truly impressive and gripping.
I like the character Hannah, she's so determined to search out the truth, quite often knowingly placing herself in danger though constantly keeping her young daughter in mind and as safe as possible. Her love and respect for the less fortunate is to be commended and I liked how in this story, her dedication in revealing the horrific nature of FGM and the trafficking of young girls was handled. Anne has obviously done a lot of research on these matters and also homelessness and has worked them into a fiction novel that truly gets across to the reader real life atrocities and the plight of less fortunates.
Although I really did enjoy this second book in the exciting series I did feel that it lacked a little of the magic the first one had, especially the chemistry between Hannah and DI Tom Jordan and I would have liked to have seen their relationship develop further, rather than him being mostly absent during this story. His replacement DI Claudia Turner didn't quite do it for me and I do hope that the next in the series, "Songs of Innocence", sees the return of Tom and that he and Hannah both work together solving another horrific crime.
All in all though, another excellent piece of crime fiction from a talented author who I'd happily recommend and I await the next Hannah Weybridge story with baited breath!
4 stars
Following the deadly events of "Dancers in the Wind", freelance journalist and single mother Hannah Weybridge is thrown into the heart of a horrific murder investigation when a friend, Liz Rayman, is found with her throat slashed at her dental practice. With few clues to the apparently motiveless crime Hannah throws herself into discovering the reason for her friend's brutal murder, and is determined to unmask the killer. But before long, Hannah's investigations place her in mortal danger, her hunt for the truth putting her in the path of a remorseless killer.
I love the author Anne Coates' writing, it's such a pleasure to read, easy to follow with interesting storylines that keep you compelled to keep reading and with modern and very up to date subject matter that evokes emotion and feeling, these books are truly impressive and gripping.
I like the character Hannah, she's so determined to search out the truth, quite often knowingly placing herself in danger though constantly keeping her young daughter in mind and as safe as possible. Her love and respect for the less fortunate is to be commended and I liked how in this story, her dedication in revealing the horrific nature of FGM and the trafficking of young girls was handled. Anne has obviously done a lot of research on these matters and also homelessness and has worked them into a fiction novel that truly gets across to the reader real life atrocities and the plight of less fortunates.
Although I really did enjoy this second book in the exciting series I did feel that it lacked a little of the magic the first one had, especially the chemistry between Hannah and DI Tom Jordan and I would have liked to have seen their relationship develop further, rather than him being mostly absent during this story. His replacement DI Claudia Turner didn't quite do it for me and I do hope that the next in the series, "Songs of Innocence", sees the return of Tom and that he and Hannah both work together solving another horrific crime.
All in all though, another excellent piece of crime fiction from a talented author who I'd happily recommend and I await the next Hannah Weybridge story with baited breath!
4 stars
June 27, 2017
Death’s Silent Judgement is the second book in the Hannah Weybridge series. As this follows on from the first book in the series, I would highly recommend reading Dancers In The Wind first before reading this one.
I enjoyed catching up with Hannah again. She has not got over Caroline’s death which happened in the first book and is determined to put her investigative skills to use to help others.
The story line in this book deals with a sensitive subject which is sadly something that shouldn’t happen in todays world. It’s something that horrifies and sickens me. As much as I wanted Hannah to find out who was behind it all and put a stop to it, I did fear for her and her daughters safety as Hannah always seems to manage to put herself in dangers way.
Death’s Silent Judgement is a story very much of mystery and suspense. Thought not some fast paced crime thriller this still makes for a steady read that will keep readers hooked. With the ever complicated relationship between Hannah and Tom, the author makes sure she leaves the reader wanting more.
I enjoyed catching up with Hannah again. She has not got over Caroline’s death which happened in the first book and is determined to put her investigative skills to use to help others.
The story line in this book deals with a sensitive subject which is sadly something that shouldn’t happen in todays world. It’s something that horrifies and sickens me. As much as I wanted Hannah to find out who was behind it all and put a stop to it, I did fear for her and her daughters safety as Hannah always seems to manage to put herself in dangers way.
Death’s Silent Judgement is a story very much of mystery and suspense. Thought not some fast paced crime thriller this still makes for a steady read that will keep readers hooked. With the ever complicated relationship between Hannah and Tom, the author makes sure she leaves the reader wanting more.
June 17, 2020
Back with Hannah and my god what a book! I had my heart in my throat in the part of the book, what a thrill this was!
When we meet back with Hannah, she is looking forward to seeing her friend Liz. Liz is recently back from Somalia and running a dental practice in a part of a church. Hannah goes to see her friend and unfortunately, she discovers her body!
This book is refreshing because while there is a police investigation and bodies are dropping but we see everything from Hannah’s point of view. She is a novice in this world, yes she had a hell of a time in Dancers in the Wind but that was nothing compared to this outing. She has found a semi-happy medium with Janet as her Nannie looking after Elizabeth. Hannah obviously feels parent guilt, she is trying to come to terms with her grief, missing whatever it is she has with Tom, being a mum and working. Also, Liz’s mother Celia has asked Hannah to investigate her death and if that WAS NOT enough, Paul is back, the father to Elizabeth!
To replace Tom, we have a new character in the face of DI Claudia Turner, she is a hard one to figure out but it looks like there could be a budding friendship with her and Hannah. She is, however, one I could trust to have my back.
With these books being set in the 1990s it is such a contrast to where we are these days. Mobiles are hardly a common thing, so all the calls are done via landlines and answer phones, making them not only easier to bug but also more difficult to get hold of someone when trying to save their life!
There is so much going on and with the short chapters and Anne’s writing, I just flew through this book. This book was over before I realised. It had so much going on, that you just whizz through. So much tension, so much thrill, so much energy!
I do find Hannah so endearing, she could be any one of us, yet she always ends up with a raw deal and finds herself embroiled in something that can be quite threatening. The darkness in this book is a complete step up from the previous one. It’s a heartbreaking storyline, one that made me struggle not to sob reading it. It was carefully done, yet I still feel on edge because I really don’t think it will be the last we hear about it.
Death’s Silent Judgment is raw, gritty and hard-hitting. A lot of dark with some light in thrown in with Elizabeth and James. It will keep you guessing as you really don’t foresee some things and I found that something that was mentioned at the beginning, well I forgot until it reared its ugly head at the end! It’s an enthralling read and it is one to keep you reading in the late hours of the night.
When we meet back with Hannah, she is looking forward to seeing her friend Liz. Liz is recently back from Somalia and running a dental practice in a part of a church. Hannah goes to see her friend and unfortunately, she discovers her body!
This book is refreshing because while there is a police investigation and bodies are dropping but we see everything from Hannah’s point of view. She is a novice in this world, yes she had a hell of a time in Dancers in the Wind but that was nothing compared to this outing. She has found a semi-happy medium with Janet as her Nannie looking after Elizabeth. Hannah obviously feels parent guilt, she is trying to come to terms with her grief, missing whatever it is she has with Tom, being a mum and working. Also, Liz’s mother Celia has asked Hannah to investigate her death and if that WAS NOT enough, Paul is back, the father to Elizabeth!
To replace Tom, we have a new character in the face of DI Claudia Turner, she is a hard one to figure out but it looks like there could be a budding friendship with her and Hannah. She is, however, one I could trust to have my back.
With these books being set in the 1990s it is such a contrast to where we are these days. Mobiles are hardly a common thing, so all the calls are done via landlines and answer phones, making them not only easier to bug but also more difficult to get hold of someone when trying to save their life!
There is so much going on and with the short chapters and Anne’s writing, I just flew through this book. This book was over before I realised. It had so much going on, that you just whizz through. So much tension, so much thrill, so much energy!
I do find Hannah so endearing, she could be any one of us, yet she always ends up with a raw deal and finds herself embroiled in something that can be quite threatening. The darkness in this book is a complete step up from the previous one. It’s a heartbreaking storyline, one that made me struggle not to sob reading it. It was carefully done, yet I still feel on edge because I really don’t think it will be the last we hear about it.
Death’s Silent Judgment is raw, gritty and hard-hitting. A lot of dark with some light in thrown in with Elizabeth and James. It will keep you guessing as you really don’t foresee some things and I found that something that was mentioned at the beginning, well I forgot until it reared its ugly head at the end! It’s an enthralling read and it is one to keep you reading in the late hours of the night.
April 12, 2021
Recensione a cura di Aoidos per Feel the Book
A pochi mesi dall’orribile vicenda di sfruttamento violento della prostituzione che l’aveva coinvolta (Donne nel vento), Hannah scopre che la sua migliore amica, Liz Rayman, è stata orrendamente uccisa.
Un omicidio brutale, in una chiesa, una clinica improvvisata in cui Liz prestava la sua opera di dentista pro bono.
Hannah è sconvolta e addolorata e, coinvolta anche dalla famiglia di Liz, decide di fare luce sui segreti dell’amica; segreti che si rivelano sempre più intricati e numerosi.
Perché Liz aveva deciso di abbandonare il lussuoso studio medico in cui lavorava per andare dapprima in Somalia con una ONG e poi, dopo un repentino ritorno, dedicare parte del suo tempo ai senzatetto della città?
Dov’è finito il padre scomparso di Liz?
Chi è il padre del bambino che l’amica aspettava?
Al dolore della perdita, Hannah aggiunge il dolore dello scoprire che la sua migliore amica le nascondeva molte cose. Inoltre è sola. Dopo essersi illusa che con Tom Jordan potesse davvero esserci qualcosa, lui ha deciso di trasferirsi per sei mesi a New York, perché? E perché, dopo averle abbandonate senza rimorso, Paul, il padre di sua figlia, fa una improvvisa ricomparsa nella vita di Hannah?
I segreti si celano ovunque e Hannah, con una determinazione fatta di dolore e qualche rimpianto, è decisa a scoprirli. E va avanti, fino alla fine, fino a mettere a rischio, ancora, la sua stessa vita.
Questo secondo capitolo delle indagini della giornalista e madre single Hannah Weibridge mi ha catturata. Ho divorato le pagine, via via che la faccenda si complicava sempre di più, ho sofferto della sua solitudine, della sua paura. Ho compreso i suoi dubbi, ho compreso la sua determinazione, mi sono posta le sue domande. Hannah, dopo la vicenda narrata nel primo volume, è cresciuta, ha fatto chiarezza, è pienamente responsabile della sua vita e di quella della sua bambina, è indipendente e decisa. Certo, le manca l’uomo a cui ha dato il cuore, non capisce perché lui abbia deciso di andar via. È spaventata e, dopo la precedente indagine, non è davvero ancora al sicuro, ma va avanti. Deve sapere, deve capire.
Il male è sempre in agguato, le donne lo sanno, Hannah lo sa, e per se stessa e per sua figlia decide di non fermarsi.
A pochi mesi dall’orribile vicenda di sfruttamento violento della prostituzione che l’aveva coinvolta (Donne nel vento), Hannah scopre che la sua migliore amica, Liz Rayman, è stata orrendamente uccisa.
Un omicidio brutale, in una chiesa, una clinica improvvisata in cui Liz prestava la sua opera di dentista pro bono.
Hannah è sconvolta e addolorata e, coinvolta anche dalla famiglia di Liz, decide di fare luce sui segreti dell’amica; segreti che si rivelano sempre più intricati e numerosi.
Perché Liz aveva deciso di abbandonare il lussuoso studio medico in cui lavorava per andare dapprima in Somalia con una ONG e poi, dopo un repentino ritorno, dedicare parte del suo tempo ai senzatetto della città?
Dov’è finito il padre scomparso di Liz?
Chi è il padre del bambino che l’amica aspettava?
Al dolore della perdita, Hannah aggiunge il dolore dello scoprire che la sua migliore amica le nascondeva molte cose. Inoltre è sola. Dopo essersi illusa che con Tom Jordan potesse davvero esserci qualcosa, lui ha deciso di trasferirsi per sei mesi a New York, perché? E perché, dopo averle abbandonate senza rimorso, Paul, il padre di sua figlia, fa una improvvisa ricomparsa nella vita di Hannah?
I segreti si celano ovunque e Hannah, con una determinazione fatta di dolore e qualche rimpianto, è decisa a scoprirli. E va avanti, fino alla fine, fino a mettere a rischio, ancora, la sua stessa vita.
Questo secondo capitolo delle indagini della giornalista e madre single Hannah Weibridge mi ha catturata. Ho divorato le pagine, via via che la faccenda si complicava sempre di più, ho sofferto della sua solitudine, della sua paura. Ho compreso i suoi dubbi, ho compreso la sua determinazione, mi sono posta le sue domande. Hannah, dopo la vicenda narrata nel primo volume, è cresciuta, ha fatto chiarezza, è pienamente responsabile della sua vita e di quella della sua bambina, è indipendente e decisa. Certo, le manca l’uomo a cui ha dato il cuore, non capisce perché lui abbia deciso di andar via. È spaventata e, dopo la precedente indagine, non è davvero ancora al sicuro, ma va avanti. Deve sapere, deve capire.
Il male è sempre in agguato, le donne lo sanno, Hannah lo sa, e per se stessa e per sua figlia decide di non fermarsi.
August 9, 2020
Another interesting read - Hannah is a great character and she seems to embroil herself in some amazing predicaments. Having said that she develops over the books ive read so far and the plot lines are interesting and well written 4* from me
September 5, 2022
Excellent book! Really loved everything about it, the riveting plot, wonderful characters…. More by Anne Coates, please!
April 19, 2017
3.5 stars
Earlier this week I shared my thoughts on the first book in this series, Dancers in the Wind. I personally think that this second book is read as part of the series as opposed to a standalone because of the references back to the actions and bonds made in book 1. I feel that the reader would be missing out on key moments in the back history by just starting with Death's Silent Judgement.
Death's Silent Judgement picks up a few months after the events in Dancers in the Wind with Hannah Weybridge finding her friend's murdered body at her charitable dental surgery at the local church. Hannah was supposed to be meeting her friend for a meal however Liz asked Hannah to meet her at the church to tell her something privately - sadly this conversation was never to happen and resulted in Hannah being the first on the scene.
Hannah is obviously distraught by her friend's murder but the paper she is contracted with is more concerned with the personal angle and how it will be good for them. Also, Hannah is asked by Liz's mother to investigate what happened to her only daughter; why she was targeted. What ensues is a web of complications understanding Liz's reasons for volunteering in Somalia and why she came back early - and whether this has any bearing on her murder.
I enjoyed this second instalment with it's complex and well-researched plot. However I felt that, whilst the plot was different and arguably more complex than it's predecessor, the process that Hannah goes through is very similar to Dancers in the Wind (I appreciate that I have possibly noticed this more as I read the books back to back). As such, whilst this was a good read, I did prefer the first book, but don't get me wrong, this is a solid crime read. I look forward to reading book 3 and seeing what else Hannah unwittingly gets herself into!
Earlier this week I shared my thoughts on the first book in this series, Dancers in the Wind. I personally think that this second book is read as part of the series as opposed to a standalone because of the references back to the actions and bonds made in book 1. I feel that the reader would be missing out on key moments in the back history by just starting with Death's Silent Judgement.
Death's Silent Judgement picks up a few months after the events in Dancers in the Wind with Hannah Weybridge finding her friend's murdered body at her charitable dental surgery at the local church. Hannah was supposed to be meeting her friend for a meal however Liz asked Hannah to meet her at the church to tell her something privately - sadly this conversation was never to happen and resulted in Hannah being the first on the scene.
Hannah is obviously distraught by her friend's murder but the paper she is contracted with is more concerned with the personal angle and how it will be good for them. Also, Hannah is asked by Liz's mother to investigate what happened to her only daughter; why she was targeted. What ensues is a web of complications understanding Liz's reasons for volunteering in Somalia and why she came back early - and whether this has any bearing on her murder.
I enjoyed this second instalment with it's complex and well-researched plot. However I felt that, whilst the plot was different and arguably more complex than it's predecessor, the process that Hannah goes through is very similar to Dancers in the Wind (I appreciate that I have possibly noticed this more as I read the books back to back). As such, whilst this was a good read, I did prefer the first book, but don't get me wrong, this is a solid crime read. I look forward to reading book 3 and seeing what else Hannah unwittingly gets herself into!
February 5, 2021
Tre stelline e mezzo.
May 16, 2022
Audiobook
Hard hitting and nail biting
Hard hitting and nail biting
August 17, 2017
Following the traumatic events of her exposé of the exploitation of prostitutes, Hannah Weybridge has now got her life back on track and is on a retainer at The News. But when her friend Liz Rayman, a dentist doing charity work at a local church is horrifically murdered, Hannah finds herself, once again in the middle of an investigation and attracting the attention of a ruthless murderer.
There is nothing fancy about Hannah. She’s an ordinary single mother, who is not trained in self-defence or operating in a world of sophisticated contacts. By setting the story in the 1990s she is also not able to hook up to instant information through a smart phone. This is investigation the old-fashioned way and by someone approaching it through a journalist’s method of research, which leads to Hannah making some interesting contacts.
There is a police presence in the book, which does complement Hanna’s investigations and gives another perspective on what might be going on, as well as the extent of danger Hannah might be landing herself in.
That a single mother of a toddler should embark on such risky investigations might seem a stretch of the imagination, but Hannah is a journalist and, therefore, somewhat addicted to rooting out the truth. As Liz had been a very dear friend the murder is also very close to home. As with the previous Hannah Weybridge book, Dancers in the Wind, the concern for Hannah and her daughter adds a particular tension to the plot. Keeping the chapters short and the writing crisp also pushes the story along.
Hannah’s past and present love life, or potential love life also adds some depth to the plot to round out someone who is a well-developed character.
Death’s Silent Judgement was courtesy of Urbane Publications.
There is nothing fancy about Hannah. She’s an ordinary single mother, who is not trained in self-defence or operating in a world of sophisticated contacts. By setting the story in the 1990s she is also not able to hook up to instant information through a smart phone. This is investigation the old-fashioned way and by someone approaching it through a journalist’s method of research, which leads to Hannah making some interesting contacts.
There is a police presence in the book, which does complement Hanna’s investigations and gives another perspective on what might be going on, as well as the extent of danger Hannah might be landing herself in.
That a single mother of a toddler should embark on such risky investigations might seem a stretch of the imagination, but Hannah is a journalist and, therefore, somewhat addicted to rooting out the truth. As Liz had been a very dear friend the murder is also very close to home. As with the previous Hannah Weybridge book, Dancers in the Wind, the concern for Hannah and her daughter adds a particular tension to the plot. Keeping the chapters short and the writing crisp also pushes the story along.
Hannah’s past and present love life, or potential love life also adds some depth to the plot to round out someone who is a well-developed character.
Death’s Silent Judgement was courtesy of Urbane Publications.
April 24, 2017
“Death's Silent Judgement” by Anne Coates is book two in the Hannah Weybridge series. It is best to read the first in the series “Dancers in the Wind” before starting “Death's Silent Judgement” because they share some of the same characters, and there are multiple references to events in the first book throughout this book.
The book is set in 1994 with flashbacks and begins as Hannah Weybridge, an investigative journalist, stumbles upon the body of her murdered friend. Her journey to find out who killed her friend uncovers other suspicious deaths. The plot is multifaceted and well developed. Hannah finds that seemingly unrelated people including, friends, family, acquaintances, her boyfriend, and even her young child’s father are somehow intertwined in this tragedy.
Hannah knows that life is full of coincidences but there are just too many of them. Secrets abound and blackmail rears its ugly head. Hannah struggles with the complex situation and wonders “When is not telling the truth an outright lie.”
For first-time readers, this book is three stars because it takes several chapters to categorize all the people, places, and events from the first book. For returning readers, it is five stars.
The book is set in 1994 with flashbacks and begins as Hannah Weybridge, an investigative journalist, stumbles upon the body of her murdered friend. Her journey to find out who killed her friend uncovers other suspicious deaths. The plot is multifaceted and well developed. Hannah finds that seemingly unrelated people including, friends, family, acquaintances, her boyfriend, and even her young child’s father are somehow intertwined in this tragedy.
Hannah knows that life is full of coincidences but there are just too many of them. Secrets abound and blackmail rears its ugly head. Hannah struggles with the complex situation and wonders “When is not telling the truth an outright lie.”
For first-time readers, this book is three stars because it takes several chapters to categorize all the people, places, and events from the first book. For returning readers, it is five stars.
May 15, 2017
A great, well written thriller with several sub plots. The characters were all believable and I really liked Hannah.
I intend to add the first book in the series to my to be read pile at some point.
I intend to add the first book in the series to my to be read pile at some point.
September 20, 2017
The paperback edition I read was littered with typos and spelling mistakes...it affected my enjoyment...did anybody else spot the shoddy aspect of this book?
May 5, 2017
Death's Silent Judgement is the second instalment in the Hanmah Weybridge crime series by Anne Coats, the first book being Dancers in the Wind which I read and very much enjoyed. I couldn't wait to read the continuing saga of Hannah's ever complicated life, and this book didn't disappoint. It's a fantastic read.
Death's Silent Judgement is set in 1994, and tackles some serious and disturbing issues. The story begins with the murder of Hannah's long term friend, Liz, a dentist who was providing free dental care for the homeless in the area. Hannah had agreed to meet her at her dental clinic, based at the local church, but instead stumbles upon a bloody murder scene, her friend's throat slashed. It is assumed that a homeless patient is responsible for her murder, but Hannah does not believe this to be true, and once contacted by Liz's mother, Lady Rayman, she begins her own investigation to find out what happened to her friend. As an investigative journalist on retainer with The News, she begins to investigate and it is this investigation that leads Hannah to unearth hidden secrets from Liz's former life, while working as an aid worker in Somalia.
I don't want to give the game away in terms of plot, or the subject matter that is discussed in this book, as it is all interlinked with Liz's death. But I will just say that the author has obviously done much research on the subject and tackles this particular storyline with tact and empathy. The author also does the sane with regards to the homeless community in the novel. It would be very easy to write in a stereotypical manner, but these characters are vividly brought to life, their circumstances realistic and once again their stories are told with great empathy.
This is a story which grabbed my attention from the very beginning. I was thrown into a world of corruption, where those with money have the power. Hannah is a resourceful and strong woman, fighting for justice, with the need to find out who killed her friend. Although much of the subject matter was uncomfortable to read, this was a fascinating and enjoyable book. I had no idea what the outcome would be. The real joy gained by reading this book, is from walking side by side with Hannah as she slowly digs her way to the truth. She is such an interesting character, and because I believe in her, I believe in the story.
I will just mention that although this book can work as a stand alone novel, I do think it is best read after Dancers in the Wind. Many of the characters reappear in this novel and I think you get a richer reading experience when you already know them. I do hope that there are more books to follow in this series, as I believe that there is a lot more for us to discover about Hannah.
Death's Final Judgement is a hugely enjoyable read. Hannah Weybridge is fast becoming one of my favourite literally characters.
With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an Advanced Reader Copy.
Death's Silent Judgement is set in 1994, and tackles some serious and disturbing issues. The story begins with the murder of Hannah's long term friend, Liz, a dentist who was providing free dental care for the homeless in the area. Hannah had agreed to meet her at her dental clinic, based at the local church, but instead stumbles upon a bloody murder scene, her friend's throat slashed. It is assumed that a homeless patient is responsible for her murder, but Hannah does not believe this to be true, and once contacted by Liz's mother, Lady Rayman, she begins her own investigation to find out what happened to her friend. As an investigative journalist on retainer with The News, she begins to investigate and it is this investigation that leads Hannah to unearth hidden secrets from Liz's former life, while working as an aid worker in Somalia.
I don't want to give the game away in terms of plot, or the subject matter that is discussed in this book, as it is all interlinked with Liz's death. But I will just say that the author has obviously done much research on the subject and tackles this particular storyline with tact and empathy. The author also does the sane with regards to the homeless community in the novel. It would be very easy to write in a stereotypical manner, but these characters are vividly brought to life, their circumstances realistic and once again their stories are told with great empathy.
This is a story which grabbed my attention from the very beginning. I was thrown into a world of corruption, where those with money have the power. Hannah is a resourceful and strong woman, fighting for justice, with the need to find out who killed her friend. Although much of the subject matter was uncomfortable to read, this was a fascinating and enjoyable book. I had no idea what the outcome would be. The real joy gained by reading this book, is from walking side by side with Hannah as she slowly digs her way to the truth. She is such an interesting character, and because I believe in her, I believe in the story.
I will just mention that although this book can work as a stand alone novel, I do think it is best read after Dancers in the Wind. Many of the characters reappear in this novel and I think you get a richer reading experience when you already know them. I do hope that there are more books to follow in this series, as I believe that there is a lot more for us to discover about Hannah.
Death's Final Judgement is a hugely enjoyable read. Hannah Weybridge is fast becoming one of my favourite literally characters.
With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an Advanced Reader Copy.
May 7, 2021
La storia continua intrecciando la vita di Hannah con quelle di chi le sta attorno, il suo personaggio è cresciuto, maturato, anche grazie alle esperienze vissute Hannah è più forte e indipendente, usa le sue paure e le sue insicurezze e le trasforma in intuito e coraggio.
La trama è ingarbugliata al punto giusto, i dubbi e le domande si fanno via via più numerosi man mano la lettura prosegue, per ogni domanda l'autrice regala indizi e ipotesi, accrescendo nel lettore curiosità e interesse.
Anche stavolta l'autrice riesce nell'intento di creare tra i suoi personaggi e il lettore un legame quasi simbiotico, i pensieri, le sensazioni e ogni emozione è sua, è facile sentirsi parte della storia e viverne le vicende tanto intensamente quanto le vivono i suoi protagonisti.
I personaggi sono ben ideati, a volte nonostante le tante informazioni, rimane tanta la curiosità e la voglia di scoprire molto di più su alcuni di loro.
L'autrice è davvero abile nel creare un'atmosfera cupa, con quella sensazione di attesa e trepidazione che accompagna la lettura fino alla fine.
Il punto forte di questa serie credo sia proprio il lato investigativo che riesce a far immedesimare e coinvolgere il lettore dall'inizio alla fine. La sensazione che ci siano tante cose ancora da scoprire e trovare è tanta, così come l'aspettativa per i prossimi capitoli, se ci saranno, restiamo in attesa.
A presto, Emanuela.
La trama è ingarbugliata al punto giusto, i dubbi e le domande si fanno via via più numerosi man mano la lettura prosegue, per ogni domanda l'autrice regala indizi e ipotesi, accrescendo nel lettore curiosità e interesse.
Anche stavolta l'autrice riesce nell'intento di creare tra i suoi personaggi e il lettore un legame quasi simbiotico, i pensieri, le sensazioni e ogni emozione è sua, è facile sentirsi parte della storia e viverne le vicende tanto intensamente quanto le vivono i suoi protagonisti.
I personaggi sono ben ideati, a volte nonostante le tante informazioni, rimane tanta la curiosità e la voglia di scoprire molto di più su alcuni di loro.
L'autrice è davvero abile nel creare un'atmosfera cupa, con quella sensazione di attesa e trepidazione che accompagna la lettura fino alla fine.
Il punto forte di questa serie credo sia proprio il lato investigativo che riesce a far immedesimare e coinvolgere il lettore dall'inizio alla fine. La sensazione che ci siano tante cose ancora da scoprire e trovare è tanta, così come l'aspettativa per i prossimi capitoli, se ci saranno, restiamo in attesa.
A presto, Emanuela.
June 24, 2017
The exciting sequel to Dancers In The Wind.
"Freelance journalist and single mother Hannah Weybridge is thrown into the heart of a horrific murder investigation when a friend, Liz Rayman, is found with her throat slashed...With few clues to the apparently motiveless crime Hannah throws herself into discovering the reason for her friend's brutal murder...But before long Hannah's investigations place her in mortal danger..."
I was looking forward to catching up with Hannah Weybridge and this story didn't disappoint. The pace of the plot left me breathless at times and there was danger lurking at every turn of the page.
Hannah's circle is a small cast of characters but this gives the author the chance to develop them all, hopefully into several more books in this series.
This book could be read as a standalone as there are several references to past events to explain the back story, but personally I would suggest reading Dancers In The Wind first - if you read them the other way round, the references in Death's Silent Judgment will be spoilers. I hope that makes sense!
Highly recommended, especially for crime thriller fans who like their protagonist to be someone other than a police officer.
My copy was bought from Amazon Kindle Store.
"Freelance journalist and single mother Hannah Weybridge is thrown into the heart of a horrific murder investigation when a friend, Liz Rayman, is found with her throat slashed...With few clues to the apparently motiveless crime Hannah throws herself into discovering the reason for her friend's brutal murder...But before long Hannah's investigations place her in mortal danger..."
I was looking forward to catching up with Hannah Weybridge and this story didn't disappoint. The pace of the plot left me breathless at times and there was danger lurking at every turn of the page.
Hannah's circle is a small cast of characters but this gives the author the chance to develop them all, hopefully into several more books in this series.
This book could be read as a standalone as there are several references to past events to explain the back story, but personally I would suggest reading Dancers In The Wind first - if you read them the other way round, the references in Death's Silent Judgment will be spoilers. I hope that makes sense!
Highly recommended, especially for crime thriller fans who like their protagonist to be someone other than a police officer.
My copy was bought from Amazon Kindle Store.
July 18, 2022
Freelance journalist turned private investigator, Hannah Weybridge is horrified when her dentist friend, Liz, having recently returned from Somalia, is found murdered in her practice. As she begins to look into the crime, Hannah realises that she is being followed and soon, she is in grave danger herself.
This was a really enjoyable read. It is a cosy crime but with far darker than usual themes for this kind of book with female genital mutilation and child rape at the centre of the story. There are a lot of references to the previous novel and although I hadn’t read it, I didn’t feel disadvantaged. Hannah is an engaging and strong character and I can see that her profession lends itself to a series. Part of me wishes she didn’t have a young daughter because she inevitably leaves her with the nanny to do any detective work! This is a minor quibble though and I felt in safe hands reading this with the guarantee of a just and happy ending.
This was a really enjoyable read. It is a cosy crime but with far darker than usual themes for this kind of book with female genital mutilation and child rape at the centre of the story. There are a lot of references to the previous novel and although I hadn’t read it, I didn’t feel disadvantaged. Hannah is an engaging and strong character and I can see that her profession lends itself to a series. Part of me wishes she didn’t have a young daughter because she inevitably leaves her with the nanny to do any detective work! This is a minor quibble though and I felt in safe hands reading this with the guarantee of a just and happy ending.
August 10, 2018
This is the second Hannah Weybridge book, and I find I've grown quite fond of the prickly journalist. She's not an easy person to love, being quite introverted and a little stand offish, but now I've finished the 2nd book, I think I can say with confidence we've become friends. Surely that's the art of being a good writer, making the reader feel they have a connection to the main protagonist. The story around Hannah's friend, Liz's murder, is complex and detailed. But it is all explained clearly, each thread being closely examined before being woven into the denouement. This is a great follow up to Dancers in the Wind, and I'm really looking forward to the 3rd book, Songs of Innocence. A series well worth investing in.
June 17, 2017
Thank you Anne Coates and Netgalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was very happy to follow Hannah Weybridge again, I enjoyed "Dancers in the Wind" but I have to say I loved the second installment much more. Read this series in order to get the most out of the second book. Hannah seemed a lot more settled in life and was certainly a more mature character. I was disappointed with a couple of things left unanswered, but I figure that the next book is going to link both mysteries together. Just a hunch. After all........ where is Tom and what is he investigating?? Who was the father of Liz's baby? Can James be as good as he sounds?
Reading Hannah's series is highly recommended,
I was very happy to follow Hannah Weybridge again, I enjoyed "Dancers in the Wind" but I have to say I loved the second installment much more. Read this series in order to get the most out of the second book. Hannah seemed a lot more settled in life and was certainly a more mature character. I was disappointed with a couple of things left unanswered, but I figure that the next book is going to link both mysteries together. Just a hunch. After all........ where is Tom and what is he investigating?? Who was the father of Liz's baby? Can James be as good as he sounds?
Reading Hannah's series is highly recommended,
June 24, 2022
I enjoyed the first book in this series but liked this one even more. It amazing how many people are killed as a result of the sex traffic organization Hannah's friend Caroline was investigating. Such a horrific practice that was discovered. Although this is the 2nd in a series, it could be read as a stand alone story. It's just better to start off with "Dancers In The Wind" first.
Hannah continues to investigate why Caroline was killed and what she had uncovered. Bodies are dropping all around and Hannah needs answers before she is the next victim. However, I wish Hannah wasn't fainting or getting sick every time she runs into something shocking. Good story.
Hannah continues to investigate why Caroline was killed and what she had uncovered. Bodies are dropping all around and Hannah needs answers before she is the next victim. However, I wish Hannah wasn't fainting or getting sick every time she runs into something shocking. Good story.
May 5, 2017
**Three and a half stars out of five**
Being reacquainted with Hannah Weybridge once again was great. Dancers in the Wind has very much stayed with me since I read it last year and I often just stop and think about Hannah. She’s a struggling journalist but also a single mum to one year old Elizabeth. In the first book Hannah just seemed to attract trouble wherever she went so I was keen to see if the same would happen in the second book. And it certainly does! Hannah discovers her friend’s recently murdered body in a church basement. Her friend, Liz Rayman, has recently returned from a stint volunteering at an outpost in Somalia. On her return to London and as a qualified dentist, she was recruited by the local parish priest to offer free dental treatment to those living on the streets. But whilst the priest is absent one evening, Liz is brutally murdered. All of the signs point to one of the homeless people Liz was trying to help but Hannah can’t and won’t believe that theory. Tasked by Liz’s mother to investigate, Hannah sets out to discover exactly why her friend was so brutally killed. But what Hannah doesn’t realise is that she’s getting involved in something much bigger than she expects. This goes way beyond the murder of her friend and into darker territory than she ever imagined.
I found the Dancers in the Wind to be quite a gritty, raw read. Unfortunately between the first and the second book something has been lost. I’m afraid to say that I didn’t get that edginess this time around. Hannah came across as a nice, middle class mother who could easily afford to employ a nanny to look after her child whilst she went undercover in Cardboard City for a few hours, only to return to her comfortable home and sleeping baby. I felt as though she had lost a lot of the ‘struggle’ which I really liked in the first book.
It may of course be something to do with the friction and the chemistry created by love interest DI Tom Jordan being completely absent. Tom was working in the US throughout much of the story and was only available by telephone. I really missed having this character involved in the investigation.
There is a new DI in Tom’s place for Hannah to deal with but I found her quite contrary. DI Claudia Turner blows hot and cold and I couldn’t work her out at all. I hope Tom returns in the next book and DI Turner is only seen in passing. When I think of this series I always tend to think of Hannah AND Tom so was maybe a little disappointed that the hunky DI felt too far away to be properly involved.
Something I haven’t mention in this or my previous review is that these books are set in the early to mid-nineties which I love. There were several points when I thought ‘Oh, why doesn’t Hannah do that?’ only to realise that THAT hadn’t been invented back in 1994! I left school around 1994 and I was just starting to take an interest in the world around me so it does feel a little nostalgic and who doesn’t love a little nostalgia in their reads?
The plot was fast moving and kept my attention from start to finish. Even now, several days after finishing Death’s Silent Judgement I feel there are loose ends which I can’t tie up in my own mind. Now this may to enable a third book in the series but I am left feeling a little confused and wondering.
Death’s Silent Judgement is the second book in the Hannah Weybridge series so I would recommend reading Dancers in the Wind first so you get to know the characters and their backgrounds.
Would I recommend this book? I would. I love Anne Coates’ writing and I would read more of Anne’s work in a heartbeat. Dancers in the Wind is, in my opinion, the superior book but this one is definitely worth a read.
Three and a half out of five stars.
I chose to read and review an eARC of Death’s Silent Judgement. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.
Being reacquainted with Hannah Weybridge once again was great. Dancers in the Wind has very much stayed with me since I read it last year and I often just stop and think about Hannah. She’s a struggling journalist but also a single mum to one year old Elizabeth. In the first book Hannah just seemed to attract trouble wherever she went so I was keen to see if the same would happen in the second book. And it certainly does! Hannah discovers her friend’s recently murdered body in a church basement. Her friend, Liz Rayman, has recently returned from a stint volunteering at an outpost in Somalia. On her return to London and as a qualified dentist, she was recruited by the local parish priest to offer free dental treatment to those living on the streets. But whilst the priest is absent one evening, Liz is brutally murdered. All of the signs point to one of the homeless people Liz was trying to help but Hannah can’t and won’t believe that theory. Tasked by Liz’s mother to investigate, Hannah sets out to discover exactly why her friend was so brutally killed. But what Hannah doesn’t realise is that she’s getting involved in something much bigger than she expects. This goes way beyond the murder of her friend and into darker territory than she ever imagined.
I found the Dancers in the Wind to be quite a gritty, raw read. Unfortunately between the first and the second book something has been lost. I’m afraid to say that I didn’t get that edginess this time around. Hannah came across as a nice, middle class mother who could easily afford to employ a nanny to look after her child whilst she went undercover in Cardboard City for a few hours, only to return to her comfortable home and sleeping baby. I felt as though she had lost a lot of the ‘struggle’ which I really liked in the first book.
It may of course be something to do with the friction and the chemistry created by love interest DI Tom Jordan being completely absent. Tom was working in the US throughout much of the story and was only available by telephone. I really missed having this character involved in the investigation.
There is a new DI in Tom’s place for Hannah to deal with but I found her quite contrary. DI Claudia Turner blows hot and cold and I couldn’t work her out at all. I hope Tom returns in the next book and DI Turner is only seen in passing. When I think of this series I always tend to think of Hannah AND Tom so was maybe a little disappointed that the hunky DI felt too far away to be properly involved.
Something I haven’t mention in this or my previous review is that these books are set in the early to mid-nineties which I love. There were several points when I thought ‘Oh, why doesn’t Hannah do that?’ only to realise that THAT hadn’t been invented back in 1994! I left school around 1994 and I was just starting to take an interest in the world around me so it does feel a little nostalgic and who doesn’t love a little nostalgia in their reads?
The plot was fast moving and kept my attention from start to finish. Even now, several days after finishing Death’s Silent Judgement I feel there are loose ends which I can’t tie up in my own mind. Now this may to enable a third book in the series but I am left feeling a little confused and wondering.
Death’s Silent Judgement is the second book in the Hannah Weybridge series so I would recommend reading Dancers in the Wind first so you get to know the characters and their backgrounds.
Would I recommend this book? I would. I love Anne Coates’ writing and I would read more of Anne’s work in a heartbeat. Dancers in the Wind is, in my opinion, the superior book but this one is definitely worth a read.
Three and a half out of five stars.
I chose to read and review an eARC of Death’s Silent Judgement. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.
November 2, 2017
Horrendous spelling and grammar; very little flow to this "sequel" to the rather badly written first in the trilogy. This was about as thrilling as watching grass grow - very rushed, confusing and jumping all over the place so that very little translates from one scene to another.
I'm a proofreader, and this made my eyes bleed. I don't know how it ever got past a spellchecker, much less into print.
For all I care, Hannah Weybridge could be fictionally murdered next week. I won't be buying the final book in this bland trilogy about a very boring and weak character.
I'm a proofreader, and this made my eyes bleed. I don't know how it ever got past a spellchecker, much less into print.
For all I care, Hannah Weybridge could be fictionally murdered next week. I won't be buying the final book in this bland trilogy about a very boring and weak character.
January 16, 2018
Not bad
Not a bad book but there are a lot of spelling mistakes and poor grammar it looks like they could do with a new proof reader
Not a bad book but there are a lot of spelling mistakes and poor grammar it looks like they could do with a new proof reader
August 16, 2022
Well written. Enjoyable listen.
December 19, 2022
Great second book in the series 10/10
April 28, 2017
Maybe 2.5 stars. Death's Silent Judgement is the second in a series featuring Hannah Weybridge. Although the plot does have a beginning and an end, many of the characters have connections to Dancers in the Wind, Coates' first book in the series which I have not read.
Hannah Weybridge discovers the body of her best friend Liz, a dentist who has volunteered her services to the homeless. There is a strong possibility that one of Liz's unstable patients killed her, but Hannah wants to know why. She asks to cover the story for The News, the tabloid where she works as freelance on a retainer.
What initially appeared to be a motiveless crime by one of Liz's homeless patients begins to seem more sinister as more people connected to the clinic--or to the church that sponsored it--die. Hannah wonders about the secrets Liz kept from her and feeling alone, begins to question her relationship with DI Tom Jordan currently in New York on an assignment.
Things get really messy with secrets that threaten both Hannah and her daughter.
NetGalley/Urbane Publications
Mystery. May 11. Print version: 246 pages.
Hannah Weybridge discovers the body of her best friend Liz, a dentist who has volunteered her services to the homeless. There is a strong possibility that one of Liz's unstable patients killed her, but Hannah wants to know why. She asks to cover the story for The News, the tabloid where she works as freelance on a retainer.
What initially appeared to be a motiveless crime by one of Liz's homeless patients begins to seem more sinister as more people connected to the clinic--or to the church that sponsored it--die. Hannah wonders about the secrets Liz kept from her and feeling alone, begins to question her relationship with DI Tom Jordan currently in New York on an assignment.
Things get really messy with secrets that threaten both Hannah and her daughter.
NetGalley/Urbane Publications
Mystery. May 11. Print version: 246 pages.
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