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Tallman's Valley Detectives #3
The Silent Town
Book 3 of the Tallman's Valley Detectives series
Senior Detective Kate Wakeland senses dark undercurrents in her beloved small town, Tallman's Valley.
She's glimpsed a silent town lying beneath the valley - a place where the streets and landcapes are the same but where daylight never reaches. But as Kate begins to investigate the silent town, a shocking multiple shooting occurs on the mountain that bookends the valley - Witness Mountain.
Kate is forced to suspend all else and focus on the case at hand. How did a frail, elderly man manage to shoot his family? Did he have the help of his grandson - a teenage boy who can't account for his whereabouts that morning?
The height of a devastating fire season hinders Kate at every turn. Through the smoky veil hanging in the valley, Kate begins to suspect a connection between the Witness Mountain shootings and the silent town.
But the dangers are far greater than Kate ever imagined. There are people who will kill to conceal what they know and what they've done.
Book 1: ONE LAST CHILD
Book 2: THE LULLABY MAN
Book 3: THE SILENT TOWN
Questions and answers on the TALLMAN'S VALLEY DETECTIVES
Is each book a standalone?: Each book has a complete ending and can be read as a standalone. But if you intend reading the series, it's best to read them in sequence. There will be spoilers if the books are read out of order. The first two books have a small cliffhanger at the end that is not a part of the main story. There is an overarching background storyline running through the series.
Will the detective be the same each time?: The current series will all feature Senior Detective Kate Wakeland as the main character, right to the end of Books 1, 2 & 3.
Is Book 3 the final in the series?
Book 3 is the final of this series with Kate Wakeland.
Senior Detective Kate Wakeland senses dark undercurrents in her beloved small town, Tallman's Valley.
She's glimpsed a silent town lying beneath the valley - a place where the streets and landcapes are the same but where daylight never reaches. But as Kate begins to investigate the silent town, a shocking multiple shooting occurs on the mountain that bookends the valley - Witness Mountain.
Kate is forced to suspend all else and focus on the case at hand. How did a frail, elderly man manage to shoot his family? Did he have the help of his grandson - a teenage boy who can't account for his whereabouts that morning?
The height of a devastating fire season hinders Kate at every turn. Through the smoky veil hanging in the valley, Kate begins to suspect a connection between the Witness Mountain shootings and the silent town.
But the dangers are far greater than Kate ever imagined. There are people who will kill to conceal what they know and what they've done.
Book 1: ONE LAST CHILD
Book 2: THE LULLABY MAN
Book 3: THE SILENT TOWN
Questions and answers on the TALLMAN'S VALLEY DETECTIVES
Is each book a standalone?: Each book has a complete ending and can be read as a standalone. But if you intend reading the series, it's best to read them in sequence. There will be spoilers if the books are read out of order. The first two books have a small cliffhanger at the end that is not a part of the main story. There is an overarching background storyline running through the series.
Will the detective be the same each time?: The current series will all feature Senior Detective Kate Wakeland as the main character, right to the end of Books 1, 2 & 3.
Is Book 3 the final in the series?
Book 3 is the final of this series with Kate Wakeland.
450 pages, Paperback
First published October 14, 2021
803 people are currently reading
1359 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
November 25, 2021
Senior Detective Kate Wakefield has always felt that there was something rotten festering at the core of her home town of Tallman’s Valley in the beautiful Blue Mountains. She’s caught glimpses of it before but never been able to put her finger on what it is that feels so wrong to her. But now she’s about to come face to face with the evil that lurks in the silent town below the surface.
This is the third book in Anni Taylor’s terrific Tallman Valley series featuring Kate Wakefield and her partner Detective Jace Franco. In the midst of the devastating fire season that swept the Blue Mountains and regions of Australia’s East coast in the summer of 2019/2020, Kate and Franco are called out to a multiple shooting. An elderly couple are dead, their daughter greviously injured and two of her children found hiding on the property. While some members of the investigating team believe it to be a murder suicide, Kate is disturbed that not all the facts make sense and continues to search for other explanations. Discoveries on the property will also have far reaching consequences for Kate and Tallman’s Valley.
In one way or another, all three novels I this series are connected to the old funfair that closed thirty years ago, and the shady family that owned it. With the old buildings finally demolished and new housing being built in its place, Kate is hopeful that that era of her town’s history is finally closed. I love the way Anni Taylor has connected threads and characters from the previous books to the events in this novel and pulled them all together to resolve all Kate’s concerns. The plot is well paced with plenty of twists, people with dark secrets and some very dramatic scenes, some involving very real dangers of rapidly moving bushfires. Those familiar with nearby bushfires will be able to relate to the dense smokiness and the strange light this cause.
One thing I’ve really enjoyed about this series, is that as well as being an exceptionally good detective, Kate is such a normal person. In her sixties and planning to retire soon, she has the same concerns as the rest of us, in her family and private life. It’s also refreshing to have a detective who doesn’t have any addictions, remembers to eat and sleep and look after her health – such a rarity in crime fiction. I’m sorry to say goodbye to Kate and wish her well in her retirement!
With thanks to Anni Taylor and Netgalley for a copy to read
This is the third book in Anni Taylor’s terrific Tallman Valley series featuring Kate Wakefield and her partner Detective Jace Franco. In the midst of the devastating fire season that swept the Blue Mountains and regions of Australia’s East coast in the summer of 2019/2020, Kate and Franco are called out to a multiple shooting. An elderly couple are dead, their daughter greviously injured and two of her children found hiding on the property. While some members of the investigating team believe it to be a murder suicide, Kate is disturbed that not all the facts make sense and continues to search for other explanations. Discoveries on the property will also have far reaching consequences for Kate and Tallman’s Valley.
In one way or another, all three novels I this series are connected to the old funfair that closed thirty years ago, and the shady family that owned it. With the old buildings finally demolished and new housing being built in its place, Kate is hopeful that that era of her town’s history is finally closed. I love the way Anni Taylor has connected threads and characters from the previous books to the events in this novel and pulled them all together to resolve all Kate’s concerns. The plot is well paced with plenty of twists, people with dark secrets and some very dramatic scenes, some involving very real dangers of rapidly moving bushfires. Those familiar with nearby bushfires will be able to relate to the dense smokiness and the strange light this cause.
One thing I’ve really enjoyed about this series, is that as well as being an exceptionally good detective, Kate is such a normal person. In her sixties and planning to retire soon, she has the same concerns as the rest of us, in her family and private life. It’s also refreshing to have a detective who doesn’t have any addictions, remembers to eat and sleep and look after her health – such a rarity in crime fiction. I’m sorry to say goodbye to Kate and wish her well in her retirement!
With thanks to Anni Taylor and Netgalley for a copy to read
October 30, 2021
The third and I believe the last book in the Tallman's Valley Detective series. Kate and Franco are working together again although the introduction of a new detective and the fact that Kate spends a lot of time following her own agenda, does affect the status quo.
Kate is 60 and is approaching the end of her career. The book opens with the demolition of the old funfair and this stirs up demons for Kate, as her family has suffered greatly over the years from the actions of the funfair's owners. She is happy to see the old buildings pulled down but cannot dispel a feeling that there is more to do in order to remove a cloud over Tallman's valley.
As in all her books Anni Taylor builds up the Australian atmosphere beautifully. This time there is a major bushfire occurring in the Blue Mountains and it seems to be coming closer. Those of us who live in Aussie can relate to her descriptions of the pinky/orange sky and the choking smell of the smoke. In one scary scene Kate and Franco have to shelter in place in their car as the fire front rolls over them. It is all very realistic.
Kate's police work is intriguing and very thorough. She refuses to accept easy answers and pushes on on her own when the others believe they have finished. There is a traitor in the camp too and it is fun to guess who it might be, or even if it is more than one. The final scenes are very exciting and leave you knowing you have just read a good book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Kate is 60 and is approaching the end of her career. The book opens with the demolition of the old funfair and this stirs up demons for Kate, as her family has suffered greatly over the years from the actions of the funfair's owners. She is happy to see the old buildings pulled down but cannot dispel a feeling that there is more to do in order to remove a cloud over Tallman's valley.
As in all her books Anni Taylor builds up the Australian atmosphere beautifully. This time there is a major bushfire occurring in the Blue Mountains and it seems to be coming closer. Those of us who live in Aussie can relate to her descriptions of the pinky/orange sky and the choking smell of the smoke. In one scary scene Kate and Franco have to shelter in place in their car as the fire front rolls over them. It is all very realistic.
Kate's police work is intriguing and very thorough. She refuses to accept easy answers and pushes on on her own when the others believe they have finished. There is a traitor in the camp too and it is fun to guess who it might be, or even if it is more than one. The final scenes are very exciting and leave you knowing you have just read a good book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
September 6, 2024
4.5 rating
This day could not get any more surreal or more dangerous. It's as if we had entered an entirely different world, the silent town.
This is the 3rd installment in the Tallman's Valley Detective's series. The second book ends with Detective Kate Wakeland telling her husband (Pete) that she has a gut feeling about something going on in her town. She is determined to get to the bottom of what that "something" is.
This book picks up with that quest.
The Silent Town begins with a mass shooting on Witness Mountain. At first glance, it seems that a man shot his entire family and then himself, but upon further investigating, something doesn't add up. Kate begins to suspect that there is something bigger going on and will leave no stone unturned to uncover the truth.
What she discovers will shake this town to its core.
**I love this series! This story, in particular, was a lot to digest, but I did feel that it wrapped everything up in the end.**
This day could not get any more surreal or more dangerous. It's as if we had entered an entirely different world, the silent town.
This is the 3rd installment in the Tallman's Valley Detective's series. The second book ends with Detective Kate Wakeland telling her husband (Pete) that she has a gut feeling about something going on in her town. She is determined to get to the bottom of what that "something" is.
This book picks up with that quest.
The Silent Town begins with a mass shooting on Witness Mountain. At first glance, it seems that a man shot his entire family and then himself, but upon further investigating, something doesn't add up. Kate begins to suspect that there is something bigger going on and will leave no stone unturned to uncover the truth.
What she discovers will shake this town to its core.
**I love this series! This story, in particular, was a lot to digest, but I did feel that it wrapped everything up in the end.**
November 27, 2021
When Senior Detective Kate Wakeland came across a vehicle which had almost struck a young boy on his bicycle, she wasn’t to know that what would follow would change her life, and the lives of those around her. Running Jordan home that morning because his bike was wrecked, the horror of first one body, then two more saw Kate calling for immediate backup and ambulances on scene. Her partner Franco arrived and once the first body – with a faint pulse – had been rushed away, they searched the rest of the property. The farm was at the base of Witness Mountain where nearby a carnival had run in the 90s. Kate had had much to do with the carnival people and still didn’t feel at ease with her thoughts…
It was 2019 and Tallman’s Valley was in the Blue Mountains, a couple of hours from Sydney. The area and much of the state, was surrounded by bushfire, fierce and unyielding. Kate’s husband Pete was in the RFS (Rural Fire Service) and was out daily, fighting the fires. Gosper Mountain, nearby, was in trouble – but the investigation into the multiple killings continued. As Kate dug deeply into the past and current day, her suspicions grew around several people. But she couldn’t put her finger on what bothered her most. Would she find the answers before it was too late?
The Silent Town is the 3rd and final episode in the Tallman’s Valley Detectives by Aussie author Anni Taylor, and it was a spectacularly thrilling conclusion which I thoroughly enjoyed. With heartbreak and tears, evil and depravity, hope and love, all finding a place in The Silent Town, it was well written, incorporating the devastating bushfires of 2019/2020 and the author’s usual style of gripping, gritty suspense into an excellent finale! Highly recommended.
With thanks to Anni Taylor via NetGalley for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
It was 2019 and Tallman’s Valley was in the Blue Mountains, a couple of hours from Sydney. The area and much of the state, was surrounded by bushfire, fierce and unyielding. Kate’s husband Pete was in the RFS (Rural Fire Service) and was out daily, fighting the fires. Gosper Mountain, nearby, was in trouble – but the investigation into the multiple killings continued. As Kate dug deeply into the past and current day, her suspicions grew around several people. But she couldn’t put her finger on what bothered her most. Would she find the answers before it was too late?
The Silent Town is the 3rd and final episode in the Tallman’s Valley Detectives by Aussie author Anni Taylor, and it was a spectacularly thrilling conclusion which I thoroughly enjoyed. With heartbreak and tears, evil and depravity, hope and love, all finding a place in The Silent Town, it was well written, incorporating the devastating bushfires of 2019/2020 and the author’s usual style of gripping, gritty suspense into an excellent finale! Highly recommended.
With thanks to Anni Taylor via NetGalley for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
February 19, 2024
Too many stories going on. Should have just stuck to the one story.
And does this writer get paid by the word??? So many useless sentences that gave nothing to the story. It was like she was trying to make seem like “normal” life, but it just came off cringey.
And does this writer get paid by the word??? So many useless sentences that gave nothing to the story. It was like she was trying to make seem like “normal” life, but it just came off cringey.
September 28, 2021
I am so glad to be a beta reader for Anni Taylor. I love reading thrillers that keep you guessing and this one had me scrambling right until the very end. The different threads woven through this story could seem haphazard, frayed or loose as a whole ... but as you get closer to the end Anni starts pulling them all, yanking them tightly together to deliver you a neatly boxed-up story with a pretty bow. And that bow has sparkles on it, just saying.
This story is set in the Blue Mountains of Australia. The timeframe for this book was set during the 2019/2020 bushfires that ravaged parts of Australia. Some scenes had a hazy red sky backdrop and having those images of a nation on fire from the media in my mind made some of those scenes all the more harrowing and spectacular.
This book is the third in series but can be read as a standalone. The books are addictive, so I would recommend reading them in order if you can. I have read Lullaby Man (book two) and thoroughly recommend it. I have not read One Last Child (book one).
From the author (via Amazon):
Book 1: ONE LAST CHILD
Book 2: THE LULLABY MAN
Book 3: THE SILENT TOWN
Questions and answers on the TALLMAN'S VALLEY DETECTIVES series:
Is each book a standalone?: Each book has a complete ending and can be read as a standalone. But if you intend reading the series, it's best to read them in sequence. There will be spoilers if the books are read out of order. Each book has a small cliffhanger at the end that is not a part of the main story. There is an overarching background storyline running through all the books.
Will the detective be the same each time?: The current series will all feature Senior Detective Kate Wakeland as the main character, right to the end of Books 1, 2 & 3.
This story is set in the Blue Mountains of Australia. The timeframe for this book was set during the 2019/2020 bushfires that ravaged parts of Australia. Some scenes had a hazy red sky backdrop and having those images of a nation on fire from the media in my mind made some of those scenes all the more harrowing and spectacular.
This book is the third in series but can be read as a standalone. The books are addictive, so I would recommend reading them in order if you can. I have read Lullaby Man (book two) and thoroughly recommend it. I have not read One Last Child (book one).
From the author (via Amazon):
Book 1: ONE LAST CHILD
Book 2: THE LULLABY MAN
Book 3: THE SILENT TOWN
Questions and answers on the TALLMAN'S VALLEY DETECTIVES series:
Is each book a standalone?: Each book has a complete ending and can be read as a standalone. But if you intend reading the series, it's best to read them in sequence. There will be spoilers if the books are read out of order. Each book has a small cliffhanger at the end that is not a part of the main story. There is an overarching background storyline running through all the books.
Will the detective be the same each time?: The current series will all feature Senior Detective Kate Wakeland as the main character, right to the end of Books 1, 2 & 3.
February 15, 2023
It's not the best of the 3 books in the series, but it has a well thought out plot, and the narration on Sudible was good (we won't mention the Irish accent!). However, it's more of a slow burner than a gripping thriller.
I love the characters in this series, especially the lead detective, as she is an older police woman nearing retirement, and you don't get many of them as your lead characters these days! I'm also a suckered for a book set in Australia, so I lapped up the Auzzie accent of the reader and the typical Auzzie settings and lingo! 👌
I love the characters in this series, especially the lead detective, as she is an older police woman nearing retirement, and you don't get many of them as your lead characters these days! I'm also a suckered for a book set in Australia, so I lapped up the Auzzie accent of the reader and the typical Auzzie settings and lingo! 👌
October 20, 2021
Tallman’s Valley Detective series follows Detective Sergeant Kate Wakeland. Kate grew up in Tallman’s Valley. Tallman Valley is nestled at the foothills of the majestic Blue Mountains in Sydney. It was only this year she caught glimpses of terrible things that had ties to the past in Tallman’s Valley. As Kate digs deeper into the Witness Mountain case her life and those of Tallman’s Valley becomes dangerous.
In Silent Town Kate explores the silent town of Witness Mountain that sits beneath the valley. The town celebrates the fall of the old Funfair being torn down after decades of being abandoned. New develop is taking place in the center. This ten year project brings in workers from many countries. As this all takes place gunshots are heard nearby. Kate and her team also contend with fires near within Tallman Valley.
In the prior two books Kate brought five missing children back, solved the murders of two beloved citizens, and raced headlong into dangerous situations in the pursuit of criminals. Now she’s faced with her impending retirement and handing over the baton to someone else.
As Kates team investigates the gunshots she finds herself faced with secrets, betrayal, and truth about the sleepy little town that at one time was considered safe. The detectives work against several fires and smoke burning in the Blue Mountain area. Residents are waiting on standby for orders of evacuations.
Everytime I suspected something questionable about a character Anni was right there answering my concerns making it challenging as a reader to be an armchair detective which is great considering I rather read what Anni has to say. Anni wrote a steady pace story. The activities within Tallman’s Valley kept the story buzzing with activity between the new development, the demolition of the carnival, and the fires. I was intrigued by the detective work of Kate and her team. Her investigative skills and methods kept the story flowing with constant activity.
As Anni puts the puzzle pieces in place a very interesting past gets revealed. The picture Anni creates once those pieces are completed is shocking. This was a wild ride of twists and turns.
The story contains eight parts with Kate the primary character and an array of supporting characters help carry the story regarding this case in Tallman’s Valley.
In Silent Town Kate explores the silent town of Witness Mountain that sits beneath the valley. The town celebrates the fall of the old Funfair being torn down after decades of being abandoned. New develop is taking place in the center. This ten year project brings in workers from many countries. As this all takes place gunshots are heard nearby. Kate and her team also contend with fires near within Tallman Valley.
In the prior two books Kate brought five missing children back, solved the murders of two beloved citizens, and raced headlong into dangerous situations in the pursuit of criminals. Now she’s faced with her impending retirement and handing over the baton to someone else.
As Kates team investigates the gunshots she finds herself faced with secrets, betrayal, and truth about the sleepy little town that at one time was considered safe. The detectives work against several fires and smoke burning in the Blue Mountain area. Residents are waiting on standby for orders of evacuations.
Everytime I suspected something questionable about a character Anni was right there answering my concerns making it challenging as a reader to be an armchair detective which is great considering I rather read what Anni has to say. Anni wrote a steady pace story. The activities within Tallman’s Valley kept the story buzzing with activity between the new development, the demolition of the carnival, and the fires. I was intrigued by the detective work of Kate and her team. Her investigative skills and methods kept the story flowing with constant activity.
As Anni puts the puzzle pieces in place a very interesting past gets revealed. The picture Anni creates once those pieces are completed is shocking. This was a wild ride of twists and turns.
The story contains eight parts with Kate the primary character and an array of supporting characters help carry the story regarding this case in Tallman’s Valley.
September 6, 2025
Setting: 'Tallman's Valley', near Sydney, NSW, Australia; 2019 & 1989.
This is the third book featuring Senior Detective Kate Wakeland, as she polices her beloved home town of Tallman's Valley. But she is aware of dark undercurrents beneath the apparent pleasant small-town existence - part of which is related to the old Funfair which is in the process of being demolished but left dark scars on the community thanks to the activities of the family who ran the funfair for decades.
But the demolition doesn't bring the legacy to an end - rather it raises again all the bad things that happened at that time as a mysterious triple shooting, in an apparent murder/suicide, at a property at the top edge of the valley reveals secrets that several parties will do anything to keep hidden. And all this takes place against a background of raging bushfires that repeatedly threaten the Valley community itself and the outlying properties....
This was another great instalment in this series as the central character gets closer to the retirement that has seemed imminent since the first book! But even Kate was not aware of the links to past events that will be revealed as her investigation into the shooting continues, linking back to the crimes featured in earlier books. Happily, I believe there is another book in the series so I can once more relish the atmosphere of this rural community nestled in the foothills of the Blue Mountains. Great descriptions of the effects of the horrendous bushfires that plagued Sydney and its environs at the time - 9/10.
This is the third book featuring Senior Detective Kate Wakeland, as she polices her beloved home town of Tallman's Valley. But she is aware of dark undercurrents beneath the apparent pleasant small-town existence - part of which is related to the old Funfair which is in the process of being demolished but left dark scars on the community thanks to the activities of the family who ran the funfair for decades.
But the demolition doesn't bring the legacy to an end - rather it raises again all the bad things that happened at that time as a mysterious triple shooting, in an apparent murder/suicide, at a property at the top edge of the valley reveals secrets that several parties will do anything to keep hidden. And all this takes place against a background of raging bushfires that repeatedly threaten the Valley community itself and the outlying properties....
This was another great instalment in this series as the central character gets closer to the retirement that has seemed imminent since the first book! But even Kate was not aware of the links to past events that will be revealed as her investigation into the shooting continues, linking back to the crimes featured in earlier books. Happily, I believe there is another book in the series so I can once more relish the atmosphere of this rural community nestled in the foothills of the Blue Mountains. Great descriptions of the effects of the horrendous bushfires that plagued Sydney and its environs at the time - 9/10.
November 25, 2021
I loved this series! Very "twisty-turny" and hard to put down. I will be reading more of Anni Taylor's books.
June 17, 2023
This one started out a little slower than the other 2 that I read, but the build up was great. Loved this series!!!
April 2, 2023
Yes I'm giving this book 5 stars, but that's based on my having just read all 3 books in the "Tallman's Valley Detectives" series, over the past few weeks. Each book as a standalone was a brilliant, well-paced read, but the series in its entirety spans many decades, features a coterie of criminal characters who all play their part in making this part of the world a whole lot darker. It works so well, despite featuring the interconnectedness of various characters that might - in a lesser writer's hands - have come across as thoroughly unbelievable. But Anni Taylor had me suspending all my disbelief right from the get-go, all the way to very end of book 3.
I just recommend this book (and all the books in the series) to anyone who really enjoys dark, psychological, police procedurals. I think they're all still currently available on the Amazon Unlimited program, so if you have AU, download all 3 immediately; you won't be disappointed.
I'm just kinda sad that the series has come to an end because I've really enjoyed following Kate & Franco. But the series definitely ended at the right time and on the right note.
I just recommend this book (and all the books in the series) to anyone who really enjoys dark, psychological, police procedurals. I think they're all still currently available on the Amazon Unlimited program, so if you have AU, download all 3 immediately; you won't be disappointed.
I'm just kinda sad that the series has come to an end because I've really enjoyed following Kate & Franco. But the series definitely ended at the right time and on the right note.
February 14, 2022
It was ok. Kind of dragged out. I wish she would get back to writing thrillers like her other books because they are great and she is a fabulous author.
February 8, 2024
Enjoyed this series! This last book kind of dragged on and took me a little longer- so many dates, people and events to remember throughout all 3 books. Was interesting to see how everything tied together. I enjoyed the main character and this last book ended well and at a good spot! Would recommend!
October 24, 2021
In the third book in the series, Kate begins investigating a shocking multiple shooting on Witness Mountain while dealing with the hindrances caused by the devastating fire season. She begins to realise that the shooting and silent town may be linked. Could Kate be in danger as she investigates to find the truth? Another good entry to the Tallman's Valley Detectives series, with a thrilling plot that keeps you guessing. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of the book in return for my honest feedback.
March 11, 2022
I just loved this series! It was brilliant 👏 I was on the edge of my seat with this last one. Exciting read! I'm sad that the series is finished!
October 22, 2021
Another fantastic instalment!
This is the third instalment in Tallman's Valley Detectives series and once again it's a corker!!!!. Full of action, there is a new case of shootings involving three members of the same family....
Kate and Franco work together to find out what happened that morning, high on the mountain and find once they start to unravel a layer, there is much more to it!.
This is the third instalment in Tallman's Valley Detectives series and once again it's a corker!!!!. Full of action, there is a new case of shootings involving three members of the same family....
Kate and Franco work together to find out what happened that morning, high on the mountain and find once they start to unravel a layer, there is much more to it!.
October 23, 2021
This was an amazing series - easy to follow with believable characters. What a nice change to
have a female detective who is in her 60's..has a normal family and is fit!
Anni Taylor is such an engaging writer...I am looking forward to her next release!
have a female detective who is in her 60's..has a normal family and is fit!
Anni Taylor is such an engaging writer...I am looking forward to her next release!
March 12, 2023
Another Great Mystery
Yes, I had read one other book from this author and I knew this would be a good one. I didn't want to put it down but had to sleep sometimes!
Yes, I had read one other book from this author and I knew this would be a good one. I didn't want to put it down but had to sleep sometimes!
September 27, 2023
Audiobook narrated by Caroline Lee.
Caroline Lee was fantastic as a voice for Kate, she also did well on the little children of One Last Child, however with The Silent Town, her voice of Abby was infantilized, a great deal. Accents, other than Australian, were poor to horrible. The more voices in the story, the more the narration became confusing with even Kate's strong voice dipping into a younger almost childlike voice at times, likely in an attempt to differentiate the voices of more than one woman. It seemed that Caroline may have sometimes been confused on which voice she was doing, not that her bag was very deep, but the struggling on Kate's voice in the final book really hurt the narration. I think she would do fine narrating a single voice or even a couple that are very distinctly different characters by age and gender.
While Caroline's voice continued to be clear, crisp and understandable with a high quality recording with no background noises, I would not seek her out. I would, however, not shy away from picking up a book I was interested in that she is narrating, I would be disappointed, but hopeful.
As for the author, after reading the full 3 book series, I will be seeking more by Anni Taylor. I really like her faced paced style paired with a strong character building. Kate is such a strong character. Kate is flawed, in a lot of ways that when writing a strong character one may be tempted to polish up a bit to make her more palatable. It's difficult when a character that is clearly liked by the author, is forced to see and admit shortcomings, to have regrets, to not be the everything that we would probably all like to fool ourselves that we can be. The realism in several scenarios, especially in some things that Kate had to deal with in this, the final book of the series, showed that even those who work hard, hold to a high standard for themselves and their morals, sometimes just isn't sure and may do, say or think something that could be hurtful to those who have most supported her for years of her life. We all sometimes do things that seem small but hurt big, and that is why Anni Taylor is being added to my list of authors to look forward too. She writes real people.
Thank you Anni Taylor!
Thank you Kate, and all of the characters of Tallman's Valley. I will be back to visit.
Recommend.
Caroline Lee was fantastic as a voice for Kate, she also did well on the little children of One Last Child, however with The Silent Town, her voice of Abby was infantilized, a great deal. Accents, other than Australian, were poor to horrible. The more voices in the story, the more the narration became confusing with even Kate's strong voice dipping into a younger almost childlike voice at times, likely in an attempt to differentiate the voices of more than one woman. It seemed that Caroline may have sometimes been confused on which voice she was doing, not that her bag was very deep, but the struggling on Kate's voice in the final book really hurt the narration. I think she would do fine narrating a single voice or even a couple that are very distinctly different characters by age and gender.
While Caroline's voice continued to be clear, crisp and understandable with a high quality recording with no background noises, I would not seek her out. I would, however, not shy away from picking up a book I was interested in that she is narrating, I would be disappointed, but hopeful.
As for the author, after reading the full 3 book series, I will be seeking more by Anni Taylor. I really like her faced paced style paired with a strong character building. Kate is such a strong character. Kate is flawed, in a lot of ways that when writing a strong character one may be tempted to polish up a bit to make her more palatable. It's difficult when a character that is clearly liked by the author, is forced to see and admit shortcomings, to have regrets, to not be the everything that we would probably all like to fool ourselves that we can be. The realism in several scenarios, especially in some things that Kate had to deal with in this, the final book of the series, showed that even those who work hard, hold to a high standard for themselves and their morals, sometimes just isn't sure and may do, say or think something that could be hurtful to those who have most supported her for years of her life. We all sometimes do things that seem small but hurt big, and that is why Anni Taylor is being added to my list of authors to look forward too. She writes real people.
Thank you Anni Taylor!
Thank you Kate, and all of the characters of Tallman's Valley. I will be back to visit.
Recommend.
February 20, 2024
Based on the number of ratings, I’m not sure how widely known Anni Taylor is as an author in the US. I was drawn to her books because they are read by my favorite narrator, Caroline Lee, but they held my I retest because the story is deep and complex as are the characters.
Perhaps most delightful is the fact that the protagonist is lead detective Kate Wakeland, a 64 year old experienced homicide cop.
I never read series of books and when I read the first in the series, I never intended to continue on. Well worth the time investment for the trilogy of Tallmans Valley Detective series.
Perhaps most delightful is the fact that the protagonist is lead detective Kate Wakeland, a 64 year old experienced homicide cop.
I never read series of books and when I read the first in the series, I never intended to continue on. Well worth the time investment for the trilogy of Tallmans Valley Detective series.
July 20, 2024
This one wasn’t as good as the first two books of the series. I did enjoy the story and the mystery of what happened at the fair in the 80s finally coming to light. But the way the whole things unraveled was disappointing. I’m not big on gunpoint confessions. If someone is going to kill a detective trying to put them away, why would they tell them an elaborate history of their lives and crimes before doing so? I really think this dropped the ball and strayed from making Kate the focus as the smart, intuitive detective she is. Hope the last book goes back to what I loved about the first two.
July 21, 2023
The kitten’s name was enough for me. Have a kid accidentally name a kitten after the person who held her hostage for 3 years, as though she’s forgotten. Throughout the three books the cheesy dial just kept getting cranked higher and higher. For a seasoned detective Kate sure is shocked by some pretty predictable and mundane things. I also don’t need to know anything else about Maremmas.
November 26, 2024
Der dritte Teil der Tallman's Valley-Reihe hat mir sehr gut gefallen, nachdem ich die ersten beiden eher mittelmäßig fand, aber vielleicht muss ich ihnen doch nochmal eine Chance geben.
Kate Wakeland, die Protagonistin und Ermittlerin, hat es diesmal mit einer Schießerei zu tun, bei der drei Familienmitglieder zu Schaden kommen. Erschwerend hinzu kommen einige gefährliche Buschbrände, wie sie in Australien leider keine Seltenheit sind.
Das Setting Australien hat für mich den Krimi sehr besonders gemacht. Die Bedrohung durch die Feuer und wie die Bevölkerung damit umgeht, war für mich ein Aspekt, den ich so noch nicht kannte. Da Kates Ehemann und Schwiegersohn als Feuerwehrmänner arbeiten erlebt man die Brandkatastrophe durch ihre Augen direkt mit.
Überhaupt ist Kate Wakeland eine sehr sympathische Protagonistin, die zur Abwechslung einmal schön normal und ohne größere Probleme behaftet ist, anders als man das von anderen Ermittlern kennt. Gut gefallen hat mir auch, dass sie schon etwas älter ist, wenngleich das eigentlich keine große Rolle spielt, außer dass ihre Enkelkinder hin und wieder eine Rolle spielen.
Die Krimihandlung selber ist originell und clever aufgebaut. Es gibt mehrere überraschende Wendungen und Verdächtige. Freuen darf man sich auch auf den Besuch einer tropischen Insel in einer anderen Gegend von Australien.
Ein, wie ich finde, sehr gelungener Krimi, der es verdient hätte, ins Deutsche übersetzt zu werden.
Kate Wakeland, die Protagonistin und Ermittlerin, hat es diesmal mit einer Schießerei zu tun, bei der drei Familienmitglieder zu Schaden kommen. Erschwerend hinzu kommen einige gefährliche Buschbrände, wie sie in Australien leider keine Seltenheit sind.
Das Setting Australien hat für mich den Krimi sehr besonders gemacht. Die Bedrohung durch die Feuer und wie die Bevölkerung damit umgeht, war für mich ein Aspekt, den ich so noch nicht kannte. Da Kates Ehemann und Schwiegersohn als Feuerwehrmänner arbeiten erlebt man die Brandkatastrophe durch ihre Augen direkt mit.
Überhaupt ist Kate Wakeland eine sehr sympathische Protagonistin, die zur Abwechslung einmal schön normal und ohne größere Probleme behaftet ist, anders als man das von anderen Ermittlern kennt. Gut gefallen hat mir auch, dass sie schon etwas älter ist, wenngleich das eigentlich keine große Rolle spielt, außer dass ihre Enkelkinder hin und wieder eine Rolle spielen.
Die Krimihandlung selber ist originell und clever aufgebaut. Es gibt mehrere überraschende Wendungen und Verdächtige. Freuen darf man sich auch auf den Besuch einer tropischen Insel in einer anderen Gegend von Australien.
Ein, wie ich finde, sehr gelungener Krimi, der es verdient hätte, ins Deutsche übersetzt zu werden.
April 7, 2023
A great read, that right from the start made me want to get stuck into it. The characters were believable & thexstoryline good. The only gripe I have, which is why it didn't get 5 stars is : It would have been good to get a bit more info into the kidnapping of the children previously, (unless that was told as a different book) & almost at the end when Decective Wakeland was tied up with tape on her hands & mouth, as was her partners mouth, why, (when the heat caused her tape to fall off her mouth!!??!! ) didn't it also fall off her hands & off her partners mouth??? One minute she's unable to talk or use her hands, then miraculously because the fires had caused it to be so hot along with the heat of Summer, the tape became unstuck! Ridiculous!!!! I found that toally unbelievable & had to re read that paragraph to make sure I'd read it correctly. Spoilt the book for me. Having said that, I really enjoyed it up to that point.
June 18, 2023
A Thrilling Conclusion
I like this book, The Silent Town, the most out of the series. The first two books seem like Kate is digging and digging, trying to find that Silent Town, that evil that lurks beneath. Now, Kate is on a never-ending mission where just as many questions arise than those that are answered. But it is a thrilling read.
It is so easy to remember watching Australia burn. Growing up in California I have seen my share of raging fires and the devastation left in their wake. What we witnessed Australia live through was horrendous. Loss of human lives, animals, homes and the beauty of Australia.
This has been a thrilling series. I'm going to look up more books by Anni Taylor. I enjoy her writing style. I really enjoyed the way she incorporated the beauty of Australia, I googled so many plants, flowers and destinations that she mentioned. It was such an eye opener.
I like this book, The Silent Town, the most out of the series. The first two books seem like Kate is digging and digging, trying to find that Silent Town, that evil that lurks beneath. Now, Kate is on a never-ending mission where just as many questions arise than those that are answered. But it is a thrilling read.
It is so easy to remember watching Australia burn. Growing up in California I have seen my share of raging fires and the devastation left in their wake. What we witnessed Australia live through was horrendous. Loss of human lives, animals, homes and the beauty of Australia.
This has been a thrilling series. I'm going to look up more books by Anni Taylor. I enjoy her writing style. I really enjoyed the way she incorporated the beauty of Australia, I googled so many plants, flowers and destinations that she mentioned. It was such an eye opener.
June 26, 2025
Audiobook
The third and final book for Tallman’s Valley.
Book 1: One Last Child
Book 2: the Lullaby Man
Each could be a standalone as there are clear endings but only if you plan on reading one. If you’re going to read the series, read them in order as book number 3 wraps up the series up nicely with a pretty bow.
Detective Kate Wakeland is back for one last ride. She is called in when a woman is shot and left for dead. The initial report? Her elderly father shot her and then shot his wife before finally turning the gun on himself. Kate isn’t so sure. As she begins to dig deeper into the secrets that hide in Tallman’s Valley, lives will be put in danger and some won’t see tomorrow. Can she figure out who is killing people? And can she piece together the clues before it’s too late for her?
The voiceover for the narrator leaves a little to be desired but the storyline itself is decent and wraps things up nicely.
The third and final book for Tallman’s Valley.
Book 1: One Last Child
Book 2: the Lullaby Man
Each could be a standalone as there are clear endings but only if you plan on reading one. If you’re going to read the series, read them in order as book number 3 wraps up the series up nicely with a pretty bow.
Detective Kate Wakeland is back for one last ride. She is called in when a woman is shot and left for dead. The initial report? Her elderly father shot her and then shot his wife before finally turning the gun on himself. Kate isn’t so sure. As she begins to dig deeper into the secrets that hide in Tallman’s Valley, lives will be put in danger and some won’t see tomorrow. Can she figure out who is killing people? And can she piece together the clues before it’s too late for her?
The voiceover for the narrator leaves a little to be desired but the storyline itself is decent and wraps things up nicely.
November 17, 2021
I have read this entire series and this book ties things up nicely. My only complaint is I found that it sometimes dragged a bit more than the others in the series but still so good.
Ms. Taylor’s writing style is very engaging. I enjoyed following Kate through the journey she took with many characters from the previous novels making an appearance again.
Kate is called to a shooting scene. Two people are dead, one hanging on to life and two children missing. She must deal with wildfires and small town secrets to find out the truth of the case.
Thank you to Netgalley, Ms. Taylor and her publisher for letting me have an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions. Please keep them coming! This is an author to follow.
Ms. Taylor’s writing style is very engaging. I enjoyed following Kate through the journey she took with many characters from the previous novels making an appearance again.
Kate is called to a shooting scene. Two people are dead, one hanging on to life and two children missing. She must deal with wildfires and small town secrets to find out the truth of the case.
Thank you to Netgalley, Ms. Taylor and her publisher for letting me have an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions. Please keep them coming! This is an author to follow.
April 25, 2022
This series was awesome. The great thing was that all three books stood on their own two feet, whilst link by some common characters and themes they were all really detailed and enthralling on their own.
I'm satisfied with the conclusion to the series the level of detail and thought that went into loose ends. I hate when you get to the need of a boom and feel like there are characters or story lines that aren't fully wrapped up.
Detective Wakeland is awesome. Franco - I was worried about throughout this book but his story made sense in the end. Did not expect a few of the twists so that was nice. It wasn't completely predicable which is a nice chance to some other crime series.
I'm satisfied with the conclusion to the series the level of detail and thought that went into loose ends. I hate when you get to the need of a boom and feel like there are characters or story lines that aren't fully wrapped up.
Detective Wakeland is awesome. Franco - I was worried about throughout this book but his story made sense in the end. Did not expect a few of the twists so that was nice. It wasn't completely predicable which is a nice chance to some other crime series.
April 4, 2023
Anni Taylor's writing style intertwines powerful character development with a fast paced story set during the 2019 Australian bushfires. As a reader I could sense the urgency, intensity, noise and fear of the fire. Taylor skillfully weaves events from 30 years ago with the present. I enjoyed Kate Wakeland, a 65 year old grandmother and detective. She has a strong relationship with her husband and her partner Franco.
I jumped into the series with this 3rd book. It is a good stand alone story. It has piqued my interest for obtaining the previous stories.
I jumped into the series with this 3rd book. It is a good stand alone story. It has piqued my interest for obtaining the previous stories.
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