Silent as the Grave

Sloane Monroe #.5

by Cheryl Bradshaw

38-year-old Rebecca Barlow drops her four-year-old son off at parents' house, promising to return by five.

Five comes and goes.

Then six.

Then seven.

Worried, Rebecca's parents try calling. She doesn't answer, and her friends haven't heard from her either. It seems no one has.

As concern mounts, Rebecca's father drives to the lake house where she's been staying. Her car is spotted in the driveway, and inside, her purse is found on the kitchen table.

Rebecca is nowhere in sight.

The following morning brings a grisly discovery when Rebecca's body is found floating in the lake. Was her death an unfortunate accident, or is something far more sinister at play?

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Ebooks, Fiction

95 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 29, 2021

About the author

Cheryl Bradshaw is a New York Times and 11-time USA Today bestselling author writing in multiple genres, including mystery, thriller, romantic suspense, supernatural suspense, and poetry. She is a Shamus Award finalist for best private eye novel of the year, an eFestival of Words winner for best thriller, and has published over fifty books since 2011.

Raised in Southern California, she now lives in North Texas. When she's not writing, she loves jet-setting to new countries, exploring the outdoors, and playing with her grandbabies.

For a free eBook, click here: http://cherylbradshaw.com/get-a-free-...

Book series in order by Cheryl Bradshaw:

Georgiana Germaine (Mystery Series)

1. Little Girl Lost - USA Today Bestseller
2. Little Lost Secrets
3. Little Broken Things
4. Little White Lies
5. Little Tangled Webs
6. Little Shattered Dreams
7. Little Last Words
8. Little Buried Secrets
9. Little Stolen Memories
10. Little Empty Promises
11. Little Hidden Fears

Sloane Monroe Mystery/Thriller Series

0. Silent As the Grave (prequel to series)
1. Black Diamond Death
2. Murder in Mind
3. I Have a Secret
4. Stranger in Town - Shamus Award Finalist
5. Bed of Bones - USA Today Bestseller
6. Hush Now Baby - USA Today Bestseller
7. Gone Daddy Gone - USA Today Bestseller
8. Smoke and Mirrors - USA Today Bestseller

Sloane Monroe Stories - Mystery Novella Series
(with characters from the main series)

1. Deadly Sins: Sloth
2. Deadly Sins: Wrath
3. Deadly Sins: Lust
4. Deadly Sins: Greed
5. Deadly Sins: Envy
6. Deadly Sins: Pride

Sloane & Maddie Peril Awaits - Mystery Series
(Spinoff Series with Sloane Monroe & her sidekick Maddie)

1. The Silent Boy
2. The Shadow Children
3. The Broken Soul
4. The Widow Maker
5. The Familiar Stranger

Addison Lockhart Ghost Mystery Series

1. Grayson Manor Haunting
2. Rosecliff Manor Haunting
3. Blackthorn Manor Haunting
4. Belle Manor Haunting
5. Crawley Manor Haunting

Stand Alone Mystery/Thriller Novels

1. Eye for Revenge - USA Today Bestseller
2. The Perfect Lie
3. Hickory Dickory Dead - USA Today Bestseller
4. Roadkill - USA Today Bestseller

Reviews

[Thibault Busschots · Rating 3 out of 5]

A woman drowned. And her family hires private investigator Sloane Monroe to find out what really happened to her, because they’re not convinced that this was an accident. Since the local police are still in the middle of investigating her death and they don’t want Sloane to beat them to the punch, it becomes a race to solve the case.


This is a prequel to a series. It mostly serves as an introduction to the protagonist. I appreciate that this is a standalone story that doesn’t require you to have already read anything of the series. The murder mystery itself is rather straight forward as it’s quite a short story, though the story jumps around enough to keep us guessing. And it’s nonetheless entertaining from start to finish. Overall, a short and solid murder mystery.

[Leah Hines · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read that gives you a look at what set Sloane down the path to investigating murder cases. You get a few introductions to characters that are important to the series. And the mystery is fast paced with a surprising villain.

[Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intro story to a series featuring an inexperienced PI investigating the death of a youn mother.

[Caroline Kohler]

This was a good, quick mystery read.

[Allie Randall · Rating 1 out of 5]

I powered through this book just because it was short. Terribly written, jumps around too much and doesn’t have good transitions. For a prequel it was disappointing and made me not want to read any other work by this author.

[Cindi Russell]

This isn't a review, it's my just my feelings about this. I would love to read this book. It sounds really great and from a great author. But what ever justifies a price of $3.99 for a prequel of only 106 pages?? Prequels are meant to entice you, not rip you off. They should be free, or at least at a reasonable price of say $.99.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book if you are unfamiliar with the series or author. It's more of a novella as far as length goes, and as far as the mystery goes, it's not quite as complex as the full length novels are, but you get a good feel for the writing, and get a glimpse of Sloane (the Protagonist,) and her abilities. If you already know Sloane and the gang, this is a little bonus. Her first case involving a murder. She's a little wet behind the ears and Coop (the local detective) makes sure she knows it, though his mocking only fuels her fires and makes her press harder to get to the truth. The pool of suspects are minimal, but it's still a surprise in the end. Like I said... this is the perfect way to get started on the Sloane Monroe series. There is no sexual content (though there is some mention of it.) There is no physical violence included. As is the case with pretty much all the books in the series, it begins with the crime from the victims POV before switching over to Sloane's POV.

[Derek Wedzinga · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was both my first introduction to Sloane Monroe and the first Cheryl Bradshaw novel I have read. I was not disappointed in any way. Sloane Monroe is a strong, independent lead character and Cheryl does an amazing job of allowing the reader to see things through Sloane’s eyes, as if we’re witnessing the story unfold right before us. The pacing of the story is quick and doesn’t miss a single beat. Cheryl certainly doesn’t mince words and makes every sentence count. Details are described in a matter of fact way and don’t feel as if they drag on. I appreciate that. Overall, if you’re looking for a fast paced, highly entertaining murder-mystery, then you’ll want to read Silent As The Grave. I enjoyed this from start to finish so much that I immediately dove right into Black Diamond Death. Sloane Monroe is an absolute treasure!

[Selena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sloane, a Private Eye, has been hired by the parents of Rebecca, a dead woman who left behind a four year old son and parents with questions. Her parents think she is a murder victim but the police don't think so. It is up to Sloane to ask questions and determine if it really was an accidental drowning or if she was murdered.

I enjoyed the book. I like that Sloan is able to stand up to the "always right" deputy that has no time for her and wants her to stay away from the "solved" case. The police department seem to think she is in the way and takes offence to her finding clues they missed.

I recommend this prequel to anyone looking for a mystery and I am looking forward to reading other books in the series.

[Arianna DeBlois · Rating 2 out of 5]

If I could rate this 1.5 stars, I would. There were many times that the plot leapt, skipped, and jumped over important things - after all, we didn’t even get a scene for her finding the evidence that cracked the case, going to the police, or even agreeing to wear a bug. The writing was ~ okay ~ if not a bit juvenile, and the prologue chapter as the deceased girl seemed entirely unnecessary. Ultimately, I’m glad that this book was free, because I would’ve been pissed otherwise. I finished it because I have a reading goal for the year and it was quick. Also, the whole Bunny and Kitty nickname thing seems to have been directly ripped from an old Courage the Cowardly Dog episode. Perhaps it was a coincidence? Either way, it was fine.

[Robin Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a prequel to the Sloane Monroe series. It will bring you back to when Sloane investigates her first murder. Although she has a career as a private investigator, she has never ventured into this area of that field. hesitant She is hesitant at first, but she finally agrees to take on the case. Sloane has several missteps along the way but has terrific instincts. It also gives the reader a good sense of her relationship with Coop way back in the beginning. For fans of the series, it was nice to know how Sloane got started. If you’re not familiar with the series, this novella will give you an idea of what you’re missing!

[Ferne Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually don't like prequels because since they are so short, they usually seem rushed. This is the exception. The story was strong, the characters well developed , all questions were answered and the solution made sense. Rebecca and her 5 year old son were living in her parents lake house? One day she dropped her son off with her parents so she could run some errands. Rebecca was expected back at 5:00. She never showed. Her father went to the cabin, her car, purse and keys were there, but she was not. He called the police. You can (should) read the rest. It's a quick read, you can do it in a couple of hours. It is worth the time. I'm starting the first book in the series tomorrow.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but sweet

I really like the Sloane Monroe series so any time a new one comes out, I jump at the chance to read it. This one takes place before all the others and is marketed as a prequel. I was hoping for more of Sloane backstory but it was really just her first murder case as a P.I. Good mystery with no real clue to who dunnit but I find shorter novels don’t have the full experience. Not as much character development, not as much background story so it’s hard to really imagine who could have done it. It was good but short!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent prequel to the author's Sloane Monroe series. It is the first case the investigator handled. As an avid fan of the series, I enjoyed a look back to how her work as a private investigator began. As always, the author writes an intriguing story that draws the reader in from the opening scene. This character is a favorite of mine and if you haven't yet read this series, this book is a great place to begin. Sloane Monroe will entice you into the series. Ms. Bradshaw's exceptional writing will keep you there.

[Lillian Cummings · Rating 3 out of 5]

A interesting read

A great read. Sloane Monroe is a PI that has been hired by a family to find out what happened to their daughter. The more she thinks that she knows who wanted to harm Rebecca the more suspects appear. Will she be able to find out what really happened? Was it an accident or murder? Will Sloane be able to help the family find peace for the family? A interesting storyline. Sloane is a complicated woman that gas her own demons. She might clash with certain cops but her heart is in the right place.

[Maryann Hornbaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read but unrealistic

I zipped through this book. The entire story line plays out easily. Sloan, a budding detective, takes on a case of possible murder. The victim’s parents ask Sloan to investigate since the police think it’s a suicide.
Slogans starts her investigating by asking questions of all who knew the victim, and what do you know? Everyone one she talks to gives her all the info she needs, so she just keeps asking questions and solves the case. THE END. Not very exciting. Maybe the first full story is yet to come since this is a prequel.

[Tawnya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this in the anthology "Turning the Tide".

Silent as the Grave: A Sloane Monroe Prequel
Cheryl Bradshaw
3 stars
Sloane Monroe has been hired by the parents of Rebecca Barlow to find out what happened the day she died. The police detective in charge of the case is a hothead who doesn't want Sloane to touch his case. It's too bad for him that even though this is her first case involving a death Sloane is making more progress in a few days than the police have made in weeks.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good one!

Sloane Monroe has her first murder case in this prequel. Having read 2 other Sloane Malone books before this, it was kind of fun to see the beginning. Sloane is smart, good at investigating without assuming she knows it all. I like her character and I like the way Bradshaw writes -- her characters are real, not convenient characters for the story, as so many are.
Enjoy!

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

very short free ebook
start of a series i didnt read yet

she is a pi and the cops dont like her looking into the death of a preg mom
she was drowned at the lake

turns out it was the brother of a woman whos husband cheated on her with, and she was preg with his child. he wanted abortion, she didnt

it was good, just not long enough, i dont like short books, i bet the series would be good

[Marian Greco · Rating 3 out of 5]

automatic star forfeitures...

96 pages... yes, I realize it was a prequel. but, so much gets lost in the rush to create something printable. the last, book length, tale I read contained a ton of character development that rendered the story absolutely believable. yours leaves too many unanswered questions. so why do I keep reading these wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am puddle jumpers? it was free. and I got my money's worth...

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rebecca drops off her son at her parents' house, saying she will be back soon. When she never returns, searchers find her body in the lake, but it seems she has been strangled. Sloane is a PI that is hired to find out what happened, and there are several supects along the way. This is suppose to be the start to a series, but what is not explained is her strong connection to the police chief and the lead detective in the story. Some parts just did not make sense.

[Dorothyb · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with all other Sloane Monroe mysteries you are going to find some twists and turns and surprises This prequel doesn't disappoint. We go back to where it started for her. get a look into her history with Coop. If you haven't yet read any of this series start with this one, but even if you are a fan and have read them all you will still enjoy this story.

[Cathe Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!

Silent as the Grave is the prequel to the Sloane Monroe mystery series and is about Sloane’s first murder case. I love this series and this book is as good as all the others. It grabs you from the first page and keeps you interested to the very end. I’m looking forward to more Sloane Monroe mysteries.

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast moving prequel to the Sloan Monroe series by Cheryl Bradshaw. The book held my interest with insights into how Sloan got her start into being a PI that investigated her first murder case. And after reading the sneak peek of Black Diamond Death, the next in the series, I’m looking forward to reading more from this author. I received an ARC the author and this review is my honest opinion.

[Katherynne Boham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this! I got a copy of this as a free ebook and was pleasantly surprised. The mystery was well thought out and the character of Sloane Monroe was likeable: smart and sassy.
There was no bad language in this which I appreciated. I am definitely going to track down the installments in this series.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Sloane books and I liked this prequel. It was a good way to see how Sloane started investigating homicides. I understand Coop a little better, still not a fan, but I understand. I appreciate the advanced copy from the author.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book introducing the reader to Sloane Monroe, private detective. It is fast paced and avery interesting read. Short story, like a novella, but it explains how Sloane started her work. Very good book.

[Stephanie Herron · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually don't care for prequels but this one was different. It shows how she got in the business of being a detective. The mystery is solved by her being clever, determined and diligent. We get a little background on the main characters that are in the series which is a bonus.

[Janalee Clifford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A prequel to the Sloan series. This is a novella and a quick read. You are introduced to what made Sloane decide to become a private investigator and some of the characters that are in her series. As always you are kept guessing till the end to see who the villain is.

[Jennifer Pellegrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bradshaw is known for her Sloane Monroe series, and there is a reason, they are great quick mystery read. I say a quick read because her books keep you wanting more, so you can't put them down. Great vacation escape during the summer if you need a good read.