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The Silent Woman
(Cat Carlisle #1)
by
Would you sell your secrets?
Catherine Carlisle is trapped in a loveless marriage and the threat of World War Two is looming. She sees no way out… that is until a trusted friend asks her to switch her husband’s papers in a desperate bid to confuse the Germans.
Soon Catherine finds herself caught up in a deadly mixture of espionage and murder. Someone is selling secrets to th ...more
Catherine Carlisle is trapped in a loveless marriage and the threat of World War Two is looming. She sees no way out… that is until a trusted friend asks her to switch her husband’s papers in a desperate bid to confuse the Germans.
Soon Catherine finds herself caught up in a deadly mixture of espionage and murder. Someone is selling secrets to th ...more
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Print Length: 384 pages
Kindle Edition, 384 pages
Kindle Edition, 384 pages
Community Reviews
Showing 1-30
I throughly enjoyed this pre-WWII novel. It was a character driven spy thriller/historical fiction/mystery. You would think that would be confusing or jumbled but it wasn't at all. It was riveting. I read the entire book in one sitting in the morning. I loved the main character, Catherine. She started off somewhat lost and resigned to her life, but as the novel precedes she really comes into her own. The supporting characters of Anne and Thomas are both interesting and tell their own captivating
...more
Set in a fascinating historical period, where Nazi Germany's nationalistic aims created unspeakable dark times for many. In stark contrast, the British establishment turned a blind eye to the interwar years' atrocities, until powerful, forward-thinking people forced them to act. The Carlisle family is wealthy and influential, but the glossy exterior hides emotional cruelty, festering anger and secrets that would rock the society they live in.
Easy to read this is an absorbing novel, the historica ...more
Oh My where to start, The Silent Woman by Terry Lynn Thomas, wow. I did not want to put it down and when I did I felt so guilty and desperately wanted to get back to it. Do not try to adult while reading this book. I promise you are going to want to sit and read this in one sitting. You are going to want to shut the world off while you devour this spy mystery. Set in England, just before the second world war there is so much historial intrigue and mystery in this one, that it reads like a more s
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3.5 stars
I enjoyed this book and I’m hoping this will become a new series. This first book was more about situational and character developments.
This story occurs right before the beginning of WWII, in England. It involves espionage, secrets and a “Who done it” mystery. Catherine Carlisle is caught in a loveless marriage and feels trapped until a friend asks her to switch some of her husband’s business papers in order to confuse the Germans. A murder, accusations, spies... Catherine finds hersel ...more
I enjoyed this book and I’m hoping this will become a new series. This first book was more about situational and character developments.
This story occurs right before the beginning of WWII, in England. It involves espionage, secrets and a “Who done it” mystery. Catherine Carlisle is caught in a loveless marriage and feels trapped until a friend asks her to switch some of her husband’s business papers in order to confuse the Germans. A murder, accusations, spies... Catherine finds hersel ...more
I really enjoyed this fascinating historical thriller. I Iove historical fiction especially when it is set around WW2 and features spies or the resistance. It always helps add to the tension and atmosphere as you realise that some people might have actually done the things described in the book. I always wonder if I would have had the courage to stand up to Hitler and try and make a difference.
This story drew me in from the very intriguing prologue regarding a tense situation. I immediately w ...more
This story drew me in from the very intriguing prologue regarding a tense situation. I immediately w ...more
An Entertaining Read
The Second World War is about to begin. The first fugitives arrive from Germany, among them, there may be spies. All this seems unreal to Catherine (Cat), who has her own problems to deal with in a childless marriage. Her husband maybe never loved her, and she suffers the pangs of unreciprocated love. Her sister in law, Isobel, despises her and shows it. It’s the old class pattern: Cat comes from a less privileged family, and Isobel grabs every opportunity to show Cat that sh ...more
The Second World War is about to begin. The first fugitives arrive from Germany, among them, there may be spies. All this seems unreal to Catherine (Cat), who has her own problems to deal with in a childless marriage. Her husband maybe never loved her, and she suffers the pangs of unreciprocated love. Her sister in law, Isobel, despises her and shows it. It’s the old class pattern: Cat comes from a less privileged family, and Isobel grabs every opportunity to show Cat that sh ...more
Note: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The year is 1937. Catherine Carlisle, desperate to leave her husband and loveless marriage, not to mention hostile relationship with her sister in law, takes on work as a courier. She doesn’t deliver just any messages, though — Catherine has become affiliated with the British spy network. It’s money, after all, and Catherine does want her freedom; however, when a woman attempts to steal the documents Catherine is ...more
The year is 1937. Catherine Carlisle, desperate to leave her husband and loveless marriage, not to mention hostile relationship with her sister in law, takes on work as a courier. She doesn’t deliver just any messages, though — Catherine has become affiliated with the British spy network. It’s money, after all, and Catherine does want her freedom; however, when a woman attempts to steal the documents Catherine is ...more
I enjoyed the historical aspects of this novel. It captures the essence of life in the UK during the years leading towards the Second World War.
From the apparently abstract opening in Germany, there are hints of an espionage story.
Only much later in the book does the significance of these early events become clear.
I liked the way the characters are developed. I feel sure that the central character, Catherine Carlisle may have more to offer in future books. I hope this is the case, because I woul ...more
From the apparently abstract opening in Germany, there are hints of an espionage story.
Only much later in the book does the significance of these early events become clear.
I liked the way the characters are developed. I feel sure that the central character, Catherine Carlisle may have more to offer in future books. I hope this is the case, because I woul ...more
This book had the potential to be interesting. It takes place in 1937 before WWII. Most of the world doesnt believe Hitler is building an army to take over. We meet a group of characters in England who are handling secret papers and plans but we never know why. There are several plots going on around the secrecy including bad marriages, drunks, secret passions. There just isnt much depth to the story or the characters in it.
I'm deep into reading "Fear" by Woodward and needed to take a mystery/thriller break from the political noise.
I chose this book from my Nook library simply because it was short, I knew nothing about it, and I wanted to get back to the absurdity that is our nation's government right now.
I recommend Terry Lynn Thomas' The Silent Woman for anybody who wants a short, easy, intriguing novella with a mash up of genres: murder mystery/thriller/spy/historical novel. I was most pleased to realize about h ...more
I chose this book from my Nook library simply because it was short, I knew nothing about it, and I wanted to get back to the absurdity that is our nation's government right now.
I recommend Terry Lynn Thomas' The Silent Woman for anybody who wants a short, easy, intriguing novella with a mash up of genres: murder mystery/thriller/spy/historical novel. I was most pleased to realize about h ...more
As a big fan of historical fiction, I knew right away that I will love this book. However, I was very surprised by Catherine's courage and fearfulness.
After fifteen years and loveless and childless marriage, Catherine decided to leave her husband and moved out of Carlisle's mansion that she is sharing with her husband, his sister Isobel and her secretary Marie. But in order to move out, Cat needs to save money first, and that's when her late father's friend comes in. Reginald asks her to delive ...more
After fifteen years and loveless and childless marriage, Catherine decided to leave her husband and moved out of Carlisle's mansion that she is sharing with her husband, his sister Isobel and her secretary Marie. But in order to move out, Cat needs to save money first, and that's when her late father's friend comes in. Reginald asks her to delive ...more
The Silent Woman by Terry Lynn Thomas is a marvellous historical suspense that had me engrossed from the start.
Opening in 1930's Nazi Germany with Hitler in power, ordinary lives are beginning to be affected. Anti Semitism is rising. Opposition is squashed. "If he could carry on as usual, he could convince himself that things were just as they used to be." No one should have ignored the actions of Hitler.
Action moves to London. The reader is treated to espionage, murder, spies and double dealing ...more
Opening in 1930's Nazi Germany with Hitler in power, ordinary lives are beginning to be affected. Anti Semitism is rising. Opposition is squashed. "If he could carry on as usual, he could convince himself that things were just as they used to be." No one should have ignored the actions of Hitler.
Action moves to London. The reader is treated to espionage, murder, spies and double dealing ...more
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The Silent Woman by Terry Lynn Thomas I love a good WWII genre book and this is one I truly enjoyed. The author made me feel the pressure of living in London right before WWII and not knowing what was coming next. The mystery of 'who done it" was an extra bonus in a well told story.
Well developed characters that you will love and some you will hate. I would recommend this book to friends and give it a 5 star rating.
Well developed characters that you will love and some you will hate. I would recommend this book to friends and give it a 5 star rating.
Quick read. Captivating and entertaining mystery.
Author Terry Lynn Thomas on Blog Tour for THE SILENT WOMAN, April 29-May 15
http://hfvirtualbooktours.com/thesile...
http://hfvirtualbooktours.com/thesile...
I couldn't stop reading this book! Set against the gripping backdrop of a WWII espionage spy ring, Thomas weaves an intricate tale of both political and personal drama, peopling it with character's whose actions and motives will keep you constantly guessing. With a well developed cast of characters, and a mood subtly reminiscent of du Maurier's Manderly, The Silent Woman will keep you turning pages long into the night, and eagerly awaiting the next installment of Catherine Carlisle's story.
3-1/2 stars
Not a bad story. I was a bit confused at first with the onslaught of names introduced, but then figured it out quick enough. There were some points in the book that were semi-exciting, but missed the mark. It's not a bad read at all, but it doesn't have a ton of depth. I would probably read other books by this author.
Not a bad story. I was a bit confused at first with the onslaught of names introduced, but then figured it out quick enough. There were some points in the book that were semi-exciting, but missed the mark. It's not a bad read at all, but it doesn't have a ton of depth. I would probably read other books by this author.
Unrealized potential best describes this book. I found the plot and the characters devoid of any emotion, color, history. The only characters who had any history or development were Cat and Annie. You found out who the rest of the characters were by what they did, not what they said or thought. This could have been a really good book with a little effort.
I enjoyed this book a lot. It is set before the beginning of WWII and involves a murder mystery, blackmail and spies. No explicit sex or foul language.
I thoroughly enjoyed this well-crafted historical thriller. Set against the backdrop of WWII, this first book in the Catherine Carlisle series draws the reader in from the onset.
Thomas skillfully unfolds this mysterious drama with a vivid cast of characters, captivating pace, while weaving a number of surprising twists until the final crescendo.
I cannot wait to read the second book of this series!!!
Thomas skillfully unfolds this mysterious drama with a vivid cast of characters, captivating pace, while weaving a number of surprising twists until the final crescendo.
I cannot wait to read the second book of this series!!!
I really enjoyed being transported back to the era leading up to World War 2. I especially liked the writing style of the author and hope that there will be further episodes to come.
Pure drivel
I’m amazed that the heroine didn’t faint during this book. I had to finish it to see of it got any better - it didn’t.
I’m amazed that the heroine didn’t faint during this book. I had to finish it to see of it got any better - it didn’t.
This novel was set in 1937 and followed the perspective of three characters in order to portray all angles of the story. I enjoyed the historical aspects of society and the patriarchal views and the immense class divide was felt prominently throughout the book.
I found it interesting to read a book set in the year before WWII broke out. It also gave some context as to what was happening in Germany at the same time and how contrasting the circumstances were in England. I think this aspect could ha ...more
I found it interesting to read a book set in the year before WWII broke out. It also gave some context as to what was happening in Germany at the same time and how contrasting the circumstances were in England. I think this aspect could ha ...more
When we meet Cat Carlisle in 1937, she’s in her fine Kensington home, wondering when love had snuck out of her marriage to Benton. It may have been after the miscarriages, or after he took a mistress, but either way, it was gone. She had tried to fit into Benton’s high society world, but his sister has always despised her and the rules of their life was stifling. But it was nothing like what was happing in Germany, where Benton’s distant cousin Michael had just escaped from, having to leave his
...more
The setting for this book was a little different from the usual darkness of wartime, and refreshingly so – 1937, life going on much as usual, the threat of war barely visible but steadily escalating in the background. The prologue is an absolute cracker, so well done, setting the context and scene for one of the characters – with clues aplenty around later twists and turns of the story for those who choose to look for them. But red herrings abound in this book, and when the publishers called it
...more
Three and a half stars really. Should knock it down the other half point for the grammar error in the tagline. Sorry, I'm old fashioned and I expect authors to know more about grammar than me, a lowly reader.
Some of the reviews did not seem to enjoy this book, but I have to say I flew through this, because the story was interesting. I get any critiques about the characters--they're all a bit too pat--the only really taut scene was Cat talking to Benton on that last night. The rest of the time, ...more
Some of the reviews did not seem to enjoy this book, but I have to say I flew through this, because the story was interesting. I get any critiques about the characters--they're all a bit too pat--the only really taut scene was Cat talking to Benton on that last night. The rest of the time, ...more
The Silent Woman by Terry Lynn Thomas is a seamless mix of historical fiction and mystery. It opens in pre WW2 Berlin as Hitler’s power is rising and suspicion is part of everyday life, before switching to London where we meet Catherine Carlisle, desperate to escape the constrictions of a withered marriage. Part espionage thriller, part domestic noir, the two story lines thread together with themes of mistrust and threat. World events are inevitably propelling Britain and Germany towards war, wh
...more
Set in 1937 when Hitler was busy building his armies, air forces. and camps, the historical portion of this novel focuses on the rush between Germany and Britain to develop technology that would revolutionise the early detection of planes and ships for wartime use. The family dramas are equally as sensitive and immediate.
Thomas is an excellent author and a true wordsmith. By the end of the first chapter, she has introduced the majority of her main characters in the novel, as well as giving the ...more
Thomas is an excellent author and a true wordsmith. By the end of the first chapter, she has introduced the majority of her main characters in the novel, as well as giving the ...more
I want to thank the author and publisher for sharing a digital copy of this book with me via netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
I have never read anything by Terry Lynn Thomas before, but was drawn in by the striking cover and interesting description. I am quite grateful I had the opportunity to read this title. I thought it was a well written historical non-fiction. Set during World War II with historical background and setting, but that wasn't the main plot of the story. I liked the e ...more
I have never read anything by Terry Lynn Thomas before, but was drawn in by the striking cover and interesting description. I am quite grateful I had the opportunity to read this title. I thought it was a well written historical non-fiction. Set during World War II with historical background and setting, but that wasn't the main plot of the story. I liked the e ...more
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Terry Lynn Thomas grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, which explains her love of foggy beaches, windy dunes, and Gothic mysteries. When her husband promised to buy Terry a horse and the time to write if she moved to Mississippi with him, she jumped at the chance. Although she had written several novels and screenplays prior to 2006, after she relocated to the South she set out to write in earne
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