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Arthur Nakai Mysteries #3
When Silence Screams (The Arthur Nakai Mysteries Book 3)
Navajo PI Arthur Nakai is asked to locate a missing teenage girl by her mother. When he discovers she has been lured away from her family by a fake online profile and forced into a world of prostitution, his is already one step behind, Arthur learns, however, she has already been sold to a man known to everyone in the sex trafficking trade as the Cuban. But after she daringly escapes from him, the tables get turned as Arthur if forced into retrieving the girl for the Cuban in order to save the life of his own wife.
277 pages, Paperback
First published August 31, 2021
8 people are currently reading
1088 people want to read
About the author
Mark Edward Langley
4 books98 followersMARK EDWARD LANGLEY is the award-winning author of the Arthur Nakai Mystery Series. HIs series has won the PSWA Award, the Firebird Award and the Feathered Quill Award for Fiction and has been praised by Publisher's Weekly, Writer's Digest, and Midwest Book Review. He has also appeared in The Albuquerque Journal, the Farmington Daily Times and other newspapers around the country.
Mark's debut Arthur Nakai novel, "Path of the Dead," took Arthur from his quiet home in Northwestern New Mexico to the bone-chilling mountains of Montana in a race against time that was praised by bestselling author Craig Johnson of Longmire fame as being "one heck of a debut novel!"
HIs second novel, "Death Waits in the Dark," a book William Kent Kreuger praised by saying "I recommend this book with a full heart," and Anne Hillerman wrote, "The tightly written noir plot moves from scene to scene like a thriller, building suspense in every page." finds his protagonist dealing with the lingering effects of PTSD, a case involving drilling and fracking on Native land, and coming to grips with the loss of people close to him.
Mark's third book, "When Silence Screams," finds Arthur wading through the dark world of teenage prostitution where he discovers that missing teenager April Manygoats has already been sold to a man known to everyone in the trade as The Cuban. Running underage girls is his business, and the revolving door of the flesh trade is always rotating. Praised by Spur Award Winner James Wade who said, "There's not a better detective writer in the American West." and Publisher's Weekly who stated, "Detective fans will enjoy this thriller that powerfully depicts the crisis of abducted indigenous women." It is now a finalist for the Silver Falchion award for Best Mystery 2022!
Mark also is an active member in the Western Writers of America, Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers and the Public Safety Writers Association. Mark has also contributed to three anthologies and is currently writing his fourth Arthur Nakai Novel, "The Source" and the first novel of his new Skye Roanhorse series, "Bloodlines."
Mark and his wife, Barbara, divide their time between their home base in Indiana and Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Mark's debut Arthur Nakai novel, "Path of the Dead," took Arthur from his quiet home in Northwestern New Mexico to the bone-chilling mountains of Montana in a race against time that was praised by bestselling author Craig Johnson of Longmire fame as being "one heck of a debut novel!"
HIs second novel, "Death Waits in the Dark," a book William Kent Kreuger praised by saying "I recommend this book with a full heart," and Anne Hillerman wrote, "The tightly written noir plot moves from scene to scene like a thriller, building suspense in every page." finds his protagonist dealing with the lingering effects of PTSD, a case involving drilling and fracking on Native land, and coming to grips with the loss of people close to him.
Mark's third book, "When Silence Screams," finds Arthur wading through the dark world of teenage prostitution where he discovers that missing teenager April Manygoats has already been sold to a man known to everyone in the trade as The Cuban. Running underage girls is his business, and the revolving door of the flesh trade is always rotating. Praised by Spur Award Winner James Wade who said, "There's not a better detective writer in the American West." and Publisher's Weekly who stated, "Detective fans will enjoy this thriller that powerfully depicts the crisis of abducted indigenous women." It is now a finalist for the Silver Falchion award for Best Mystery 2022!
Mark also is an active member in the Western Writers of America, Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers and the Public Safety Writers Association. Mark has also contributed to three anthologies and is currently writing his fourth Arthur Nakai Novel, "The Source" and the first novel of his new Skye Roanhorse series, "Bloodlines."
Mark and his wife, Barbara, divide their time between their home base in Indiana and Santa Fe, New Mexico.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 28, 2021
“When Silence Screams” is the third book in the Arthur Nakai Mystery Series by Mark Edward Langley.
The case in this story stems from a visit Nakai receives from Melanie Manygoats, who seeks his help in finding her missing daughter, April. The case leads Nakai through the dark underworld of human trafficking and teenage prostitution, where he finds April has already been sold. When another girl goes missing, Nakai must determine whether the cases are related, or part of something even bigger.
“When Silence Screams” is a very relevant and timely story as a whole given the lack of coverage of missing Indigenous women and people of color by the networks and media. It is a clever story. It is an interesting story. It is a contemporary story. The story is a little edgy and may trigger some with its violence against women. The seedier side of the Southwestern world is on display here.
One thing I really enjoyed was that the detective brought his wolf dog with him to help him find the girl. Impractical? Perhaps, but the detective’s desire to have his trusted companion with him as he searched for Manygoats adds a nice personal touch.
Being the third book in the series, I was happy to learn more about Nakai and his colorful history. He is a former Marine. He is known by the Reservation police and very resourceful. When he hits a roadblock, he is undeterred. Nakai knows who to talk to in times of trouble.
The kidnapped girl is at the heart of the story, but the Indigenous detective’s journey to find the girl is peppered with his exploration of the thrown away girls and the predators that prey on them. There are two stories here. The second story is a minor story of a predator called: The Cuban and an abuser named: Johnzell.
In conclusion, I found “When Silence Screams” a good read. I am not sure if the conclusion of the book is essential. It seems there is a missed opportunity to show more of the healing of the damaged girls, which is glossed over, suggested, but not explored. I personally wished for a little more of the process needed to repair these broken women. Overall, a good story sure to will be enjoyed by fans of the mystery/thriller genre.
The case in this story stems from a visit Nakai receives from Melanie Manygoats, who seeks his help in finding her missing daughter, April. The case leads Nakai through the dark underworld of human trafficking and teenage prostitution, where he finds April has already been sold. When another girl goes missing, Nakai must determine whether the cases are related, or part of something even bigger.
“When Silence Screams” is a very relevant and timely story as a whole given the lack of coverage of missing Indigenous women and people of color by the networks and media. It is a clever story. It is an interesting story. It is a contemporary story. The story is a little edgy and may trigger some with its violence against women. The seedier side of the Southwestern world is on display here.
One thing I really enjoyed was that the detective brought his wolf dog with him to help him find the girl. Impractical? Perhaps, but the detective’s desire to have his trusted companion with him as he searched for Manygoats adds a nice personal touch.
Being the third book in the series, I was happy to learn more about Nakai and his colorful history. He is a former Marine. He is known by the Reservation police and very resourceful. When he hits a roadblock, he is undeterred. Nakai knows who to talk to in times of trouble.
The kidnapped girl is at the heart of the story, but the Indigenous detective’s journey to find the girl is peppered with his exploration of the thrown away girls and the predators that prey on them. There are two stories here. The second story is a minor story of a predator called: The Cuban and an abuser named: Johnzell.
In conclusion, I found “When Silence Screams” a good read. I am not sure if the conclusion of the book is essential. It seems there is a missed opportunity to show more of the healing of the damaged girls, which is glossed over, suggested, but not explored. I personally wished for a little more of the process needed to repair these broken women. Overall, a good story sure to will be enjoyed by fans of the mystery/thriller genre.
November 5, 2021
Gabby Petito’s disappearance reminded many people that missing young women are more than just an unfortunate phenomenon. But while Petito’s case received much media attention — what some call “missing white woman syndrome — there are so many others, including native girls, that go missing with less intense scrutiny.
Mark Edward Langley’s new Southwest thriller WHEN SILENCE SCREAMS comes at a time when the country is examining the discrepancies between cases like Petito’s and missing and murdered indigenous women and girls, who are too often forced into prostitution and drug smuggling.
Langley excels in telling this story that is lesser told while still grabbing readers with a white knuckle tale of danger, deceit, and near-death that has earnestness and authenticity.
Graphic — but not gratuitously — WHEN SILENCE SCREAMS follows private investigator Arthur Nakai as he takes on the case of missing teenager April Manygoats. But other young native girls are also disappearing mysteriously, and it is unclear whether the cases are coincidental or part of a larger human trafficking and drug smuggling operation. And since native police and U.S. Government forces don’t share jurisdiction on reservations, Nakai has to nudge his own contacts to get them to work together.
It’s an unfortunately all-too-real and all-too-true fictional depiction of the flesh trade, with an indigenous victim finally getting the attention she’s due.
Furthermore, a portion of this novel's sales is dedicated to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women USA organization. Just another reason that WHEN SILENCE SCREAMS deserves *five stars.*
Mark Edward Langley’s new Southwest thriller WHEN SILENCE SCREAMS comes at a time when the country is examining the discrepancies between cases like Petito’s and missing and murdered indigenous women and girls, who are too often forced into prostitution and drug smuggling.
Langley excels in telling this story that is lesser told while still grabbing readers with a white knuckle tale of danger, deceit, and near-death that has earnestness and authenticity.
Graphic — but not gratuitously — WHEN SILENCE SCREAMS follows private investigator Arthur Nakai as he takes on the case of missing teenager April Manygoats. But other young native girls are also disappearing mysteriously, and it is unclear whether the cases are coincidental or part of a larger human trafficking and drug smuggling operation. And since native police and U.S. Government forces don’t share jurisdiction on reservations, Nakai has to nudge his own contacts to get them to work together.
It’s an unfortunately all-too-real and all-too-true fictional depiction of the flesh trade, with an indigenous victim finally getting the attention she’s due.
Furthermore, a portion of this novel's sales is dedicated to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women USA organization. Just another reason that WHEN SILENCE SCREAMS deserves *five stars.*
September 19, 2021
When silence screams (The Arthur Nakai Mysteries Book 3) was my first book by Mark Edward Langley and I plan to go back and read the first two. It took about 18-20% of the story to really get into, but it was worth sticking with it. Private Investigator Arthur Nakai sets out to find a missing girl named April, but what he uncovers is so much more than he expected. He is brought into an underground world of terror. The authors writing style for the most part flows very well. A couple of things that hurt with the flow were his odd use of using the first and last name of some characters some times and other times not ie. He often says Glenda James or April Manygoats and it became slightly repetitive. I also noticed he did this mainly with just the female character.
One of the things that I enjoyed most were the small history lessons the author gave involving Native American history. He did a brilliant job of incorporating them into the story in a smooth way that enhanced the story instead of taking away from the story. I found myself very enthralled with each aspect. This story does have some graphic scenes involving being held captive so could be a trigger for some. Overall, this is a story I enjoyed and an author I will add to my must read list. If you like suspense/mystery books with a strong male lead who at the root is a good guy you will love this book.
One of the things that I enjoyed most were the small history lessons the author gave involving Native American history. He did a brilliant job of incorporating them into the story in a smooth way that enhanced the story instead of taking away from the story. I found myself very enthralled with each aspect. This story does have some graphic scenes involving being held captive so could be a trigger for some. Overall, this is a story I enjoyed and an author I will add to my must read list. If you like suspense/mystery books with a strong male lead who at the root is a good guy you will love this book.
October 28, 2021
This is a very good thriller that takes place in the Southwest. This will have you Crying for these lost girls and wondering how we can let sex trafficking exist. I wish that I had read at least one of the other books in this series because I am not sure what happened to Arthur’s wife. Arthur is the type of PI that anyone would want to hire. He will keep working until he figures something out. I received a copy of this book from Smith Publicity for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
December 26, 2021
This was a hard book to read knowing that sex trafficking is a real thing and describing what happens to them, it breaks my heart. I did like the way the words flowed on the page and it was a face paced read.
August 29, 2021
Great book. Loved it. Very interesting
April 9, 2024
Navajo PI Arthur Nakai is asked to locate a missing teenage girl by her mother. When he discovers she has been lured away from her family by a fake online profile and forced into a world of prostitution, his is already one step behind, Arthur learns, however, she has already been sold to a man known to everyone in the sex trafficking trade as the Cuban. But after she daringly escapes from him, the tables get turned as Arthur if forced into retrieving the girl for the Cuban in order to save the life of his own wife.
The FBI’s National Crime Information Center reported 5,203 missing Indigenous girls and women in 2021 — disappearing at a rate equal to more than two and a half times their estimated share of the U.S. population. Indigenous women are also two times more likely to be victims of rape compared to white women.
The FBI’s National Crime Information Center reported 5,203 missing Indigenous girls and women in 2021 — disappearing at a rate equal to more than two and a half times their estimated share of the U.S. population. Indigenous women are also two times more likely to be victims of rape compared to white women.
August 7, 2025
This was my first time reading one of Mark Edward Langley's Arthur Nakai novels and it definitely won’t be my last! With richly drawn characters and vivid storytelling, Langley pulls readers deep into a chilling tale of kidnapping, prostitution, and human trafficking.
When private investigator Arthur Nakai is hired to track down a missing Native American girl, the search leads him and his loyal dog into a dark and dangerous web. As more girls go missing, abused, and ultimately killed, it becomes clear that no one is stepping in to stop the horror. Determined to uncover the truth, Arthur dives headfirst into a complex and emotional case that won’t let go.
Make sure you’ve got time to read before picking this up you won’t want to stop until the final page. If you’re a fan of Tony or Anne Hillerman, Mark Edward Langley is an author you won’t want to miss.
When private investigator Arthur Nakai is hired to track down a missing Native American girl, the search leads him and his loyal dog into a dark and dangerous web. As more girls go missing, abused, and ultimately killed, it becomes clear that no one is stepping in to stop the horror. Determined to uncover the truth, Arthur dives headfirst into a complex and emotional case that won’t let go.
Make sure you’ve got time to read before picking this up you won’t want to stop until the final page. If you’re a fan of Tony or Anne Hillerman, Mark Edward Langley is an author you won’t want to miss.
December 7, 2021
Arthur Nakai, a Navajo Private Investigator, has been asked to find a missing Indian girl. As he delves into the case he enters the world of teenage prostitution, human trafficking and drug smuggling. He discovers that the legal system has been overlooking the cases of Indian girls that have been reported missing. A respected realtor in the community is actually a sociopath and has been kidnapping, sexually abusing, torturing and disposing of young teenage girls for years. This novel is well written though sometimes difficult to read because of the subject matter.
April 3, 2024
This is a book that at times was hard to read because of the subject, but it was so well done that I enjoyed every bit of it. Now that Arthur has his P.I. license he is asked to help find two separate missing young women. There doesn't appear to be anything that is similar in the two cases until Arthur finds his two cases converging. I love the way the author pulls true crime stories to develop his own mysteries. Well done.
March 20, 2025
When Silence Screams is a powerful, intense, and thought-provoking thriller. Arthur Nakai’s mission to rescue a missing teenage girl leads him into the dark world of human trafficking, and the tension never lets up. Langley’s writing is sharp, fast-paced, and filled with emotional depth, making every twist and turn hit hard. Arthur’s unwavering determination and moral struggle make him a hero worth rooting for, and the stakes feel incredibly real. This book is not just a gripping mystery—it’s a deeply moving story that shines a light on an important issue. Highly recommended!
October 8, 2023
Excellent mystery and a bit different from other mysteries in that Nakai is Navajo and brings in some of the traditions of the native Americans. The descriptions of the landscape put you in the picture and you can almost smell the sage. This was a hard book to put down, read it through with only one pause. I have read the other two books in this series and they all were excellent.
February 4, 2026
The writer brings awareness to the exploitation and victimization of Native American women. Although common in real life, it doesn't get the attention it should. This is a story of an investigator who dedicates himself to finding the answers and saving the victims.
January 24, 2023
Arthur has acquired his PI certification, and a new case. Human trafficking, children missing from all cities. This book is very intense, and heartfelt,
September 12, 2021
When Silence Screams...This story will grip your soul and your emotions and not let go till the end
WHEN SILENCE SCREAMS. . . Once again, Mark Langley does an outstanding job of bringing to light the issues of today. The thousands and thousands of Native Women and Girls that go missing or killed all over this Nation. This story will grip your soul and your emotions and not let go till the end. I can only imagine what what horror that they really go through!! The story of April Manygoats is a powerful one. An amazing illustration of faith, strongwill, smart thinking and determination to find a way out of this nightmare. She was encouraging and helpful to many of the girls like herself in the same situation. She gave them strength and hope to survive.
Arthur Nakai continues to amaze me with his dedication in helping his fellow Navajo people and listening to their needs when no one else seems to care or notice. Arthur's relationship with his Wife Sharon is a very deep devoted love and filled with respect. I just love their relationship with each other!
MARK LANGLEY is very descriptive in his writings. He paints with words as colorful as the Painted Desert. I really enjoyed this book, just as much if not even more as Mark's other 2 books, Path Of The Dead and Death Waits In The Dark!! Highly recommend all of his books!! Besides reading, I also listened to the AUDIBLE version with Bronson Pinchot. Bronson does an excellent job as Arthur when he narrates this very suspenseful story! Barbara Langley you were correct, this was a very important and powerful story!!! I can't wait for more of Arthur Nakai's adventures in book FOUR! Continued success Sir!! Rick
#AdventuresOfArthurNakai #WhenSilenceSreams
Below are a couple of my favorite paragraphs from WHEN SILENCE SCREAMS. . .
While her back was to him, he let his eyes roam over the wall to his right. It was plastered with fliers of missing Native girls and women. Arthur felt his jaw tighten at the sheer number of them, and the emotional reality of his task became much more of a weight on his shoulders. It had never really hit him until he saw the rows and rows of faces that made up the columns that were pinned to her office wall. Among them was a flyer of April Manygoats: Age: 19, Hair: Brown, Eyes: Brown, Height 5′ 2″, Weight: 150 pounds. Last seen where and when and wearing what, followed by a phone number to call and a case number... “That wall is filled with the alerts of our sisters that have gone missing just this year. Did you know that at least twenty- five percent are under eighteen? I had a woman in here last year that was brought into the sex trade at nineteen, and she was still doing it at forty- two.” Shirley sighed. “The only time I take a flier down is when they’re found safe… or otherwise. And I am constantly updating it.” She exhaled heavily. “What really upsets me most is the fact that the media doesn’t give a damn.” “That’s because the media thrives on controversy,”
One of April's thoughts and an illustration of her determination. . .
No matter what happened, she knew she had to free herself and get out. This wasn’t a movie. There wasn’t going to be any action star or comic book hero showing up to save her. Freedom was going to rely on her alone. And she had to start right now figuring out how that was going to happen.
Thank you Mark Langley for bringing this subject to light!
WHEN SILENCE SCREAMS. . . Once again, Mark Langley does an outstanding job of bringing to light the issues of today. The thousands and thousands of Native Women and Girls that go missing or killed all over this Nation. This story will grip your soul and your emotions and not let go till the end. I can only imagine what what horror that they really go through!! The story of April Manygoats is a powerful one. An amazing illustration of faith, strongwill, smart thinking and determination to find a way out of this nightmare. She was encouraging and helpful to many of the girls like herself in the same situation. She gave them strength and hope to survive.
Arthur Nakai continues to amaze me with his dedication in helping his fellow Navajo people and listening to their needs when no one else seems to care or notice. Arthur's relationship with his Wife Sharon is a very deep devoted love and filled with respect. I just love their relationship with each other!
MARK LANGLEY is very descriptive in his writings. He paints with words as colorful as the Painted Desert. I really enjoyed this book, just as much if not even more as Mark's other 2 books, Path Of The Dead and Death Waits In The Dark!! Highly recommend all of his books!! Besides reading, I also listened to the AUDIBLE version with Bronson Pinchot. Bronson does an excellent job as Arthur when he narrates this very suspenseful story! Barbara Langley you were correct, this was a very important and powerful story!!! I can't wait for more of Arthur Nakai's adventures in book FOUR! Continued success Sir!! Rick
#AdventuresOfArthurNakai #WhenSilenceSreams
Below are a couple of my favorite paragraphs from WHEN SILENCE SCREAMS. . .
While her back was to him, he let his eyes roam over the wall to his right. It was plastered with fliers of missing Native girls and women. Arthur felt his jaw tighten at the sheer number of them, and the emotional reality of his task became much more of a weight on his shoulders. It had never really hit him until he saw the rows and rows of faces that made up the columns that were pinned to her office wall. Among them was a flyer of April Manygoats: Age: 19, Hair: Brown, Eyes: Brown, Height 5′ 2″, Weight: 150 pounds. Last seen where and when and wearing what, followed by a phone number to call and a case number... “That wall is filled with the alerts of our sisters that have gone missing just this year. Did you know that at least twenty- five percent are under eighteen? I had a woman in here last year that was brought into the sex trade at nineteen, and she was still doing it at forty- two.” Shirley sighed. “The only time I take a flier down is when they’re found safe… or otherwise. And I am constantly updating it.” She exhaled heavily. “What really upsets me most is the fact that the media doesn’t give a damn.” “That’s because the media thrives on controversy,”
One of April's thoughts and an illustration of her determination. . .
No matter what happened, she knew she had to free herself and get out. This wasn’t a movie. There wasn’t going to be any action star or comic book hero showing up to save her. Freedom was going to rely on her alone. And she had to start right now figuring out how that was going to happen.
Thank you Mark Langley for bringing this subject to light!
June 18, 2022
Buckle up, because this one will take you for quite the ride!
Mr. Langley and Arthur Nakai have done it again and together, they've given us a riveting story.
Rough and raw, this story is not for the faint of heart. It looks closely at the subject of human traficking, specifically as it impacts the Native American women who go missing annually, many disappearing without a trace. Arthur's investigation takes him to some incredibly dark places, and Mr. Langley's storytelling gives you a chilling vision of what horrors some of these girls (in some cases, very young girls) face. Be prepared to feel the desire to go out and do something about this very serious problem by the time you're done.
A brilliant addition to the Arthur Nakai stories, this also includes a return of some favored characters, including Sharon, Jake Biligody, and Akis.
Mr. Langley and Arthur Nakai have done it again and together, they've given us a riveting story.
Rough and raw, this story is not for the faint of heart. It looks closely at the subject of human traficking, specifically as it impacts the Native American women who go missing annually, many disappearing without a trace. Arthur's investigation takes him to some incredibly dark places, and Mr. Langley's storytelling gives you a chilling vision of what horrors some of these girls (in some cases, very young girls) face. Be prepared to feel the desire to go out and do something about this very serious problem by the time you're done.
A brilliant addition to the Arthur Nakai stories, this also includes a return of some favored characters, including Sharon, Jake Biligody, and Akis.
March 17, 2023
When Private Investigator Arthur Nakai starts to look for a missing girl, he finds much more than he expected. He finds himself in the world of teenage prostitution and human trafficking. Will Nakai be able to find the girl and others that are missing? Will he be able to find the ones responsible for the torture these girls are put through?
Mark Edward Langley does an amazing job of writing this sometimes hard to read (because of the context) story and the reality that many indigenous people live. It was interesting to read about the culture of the Native Americans and their way of life. I enjoyed this story and gave it a strong 5 stars.
Mark Edward Langley does an amazing job of writing this sometimes hard to read (because of the context) story and the reality that many indigenous people live. It was interesting to read about the culture of the Native Americans and their way of life. I enjoyed this story and gave it a strong 5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews