Silent Partner

by Jennifer Chase

The bloody trail from a prolific serial killer leads to unlocking the insidious secrets of one family's history while tearing a police department apart.

Genres: Suspense, Fiction, Crime, Mystery

220 pages, Paperback

First published November 15, 2010

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Jennifer Chase is a multi award-winning and USA Today Best Selling crime fiction author, as well as a consulting criminologist. She has written the popular Detective Katie Scott Series and the Emily Stone Thriller Series.

Jennifer holds a bachelor degree in police forensics and a master's degree in criminology & criminal justice. These academic pursuits developed out of her curiosity about the criminal mind as well as from her own experience with a violent psychopath, providing Jennifer with deep personal investment in every story she tells. In addition, she holds certifications in serial crime and criminal profiling.

She is an affiliate member of the International Association of Forensic Criminologists, and member of the International Thriller Writers. www.authorjenniferchase.com

Reviews

[Kiera simpson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I knew nothing about this book before starting it..the silent partners are dogs so please be ready for that🥲it was such a fast paced book and I think I would’ve enjoyed it even more had been longer, some parts felt rushed and could’ve used more of a back story, but a solid read nonetheless.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic story

I absolutely love the stories that include animals, but especially the Military and Police K-9's. Unfortunately, there's not many stories/series out there, and definitely not in the KU program. I truly appreciate the authors who have included their books in this program. I would also love to see a lot more of the Military and Police K-9 stories!
This was an intense, complex, and intriguing story that will hook you from the beginning, and keep you guessing until the unexpected ending that you'll never see coming. It's certainly not a story that you'll want to miss!
I would definitely recommend this book and outstanding author.

Love the intro to this book by an actual K-9 Police Officer (retired), and his enlightening insights from his own career. Thank you for sharing your experiences, and for your service.

[Vivian Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

As good as it gets!

Gives an insightful look into rarely seen K9 partners. Brings together unforgettable characters who fans will recognize (not giving away anything here). Jennifer Chase has really brought her fans, new and old, a satisfying book that is close to perfect as can be. I recommend this book to dog lovers and police thrillers alike. Enjoy!

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of "Silent Partner" .

Another great read by author Chase. She does her homework and comes up with fantastic stories that leave the reader wanting more.

[Stevan Thorpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent !

Wow! What a great story. I've always enjoyed reading a great K9 story. This one is no exception! Lots of excitement and drama. Twists and turns!

[lynne barwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

entrancing.

an edge of seat story that will keep the reader captivated & surprised, not saying why read it to find out.
Well done to the author
Jennifer Chase.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Silent Partner
Author: Jennifer Chase
ISBN:
Publisher: JEC Publishing

Listen to the silence of the jungle as the soldiers carefully trek through the forest avoiding traps set by snipers. As K9 dog, Max and his leader Alec Weaver, lead the way; they foil what could have been a disaster. Combat can leave lasting impressions on the minds of soldiers as it does on impressionable children who witness a horrific scene at the hand of an adult who is supposed to protect and care for them. Jack Daniels witnessed a scene at the home of his friend’s house as a child and has been haunted by it ever since. Sisters Megan and Teresa O’Connell are escorted from their home and placed in the care of their grandmother. Living in an abusive home all of their lives and witnessing the murder of their mother at the hand of their father leaves twp young girls emotionally scarred. Unable to forget what happened and living the nightmare as a daily part of her life Megan O’Connell suffers from agoraphobia. Agoraphobia is an abnormal and persistent fear of public places and open areas. People with agoraphobia such as Megan, fear open areas, especially those, which have limited or no immediate escape routes. This brings me to my review of an outstanding thriller and murder mystery, Silent Partner by author Jennifer Chase.

Today Alec Weaver and Jack Daniels are friends. Alec is now a sergeant in the K9 Division of the police department and Jack his Deputy Sheriff. As both men search for three dangerous killers who have kidnapped, murdered and mutilated their victims without mercy or fear of being caught lives are put in jeopardy including their silent K9 partners.


The suspense heightens and the plot continues, as there are more murders and many more victims as by this unknown and sadistic serial killer. As Jack and Alec go after the brutal killers murdering people in a restaurant, two of the suspects are caught and the most dangerous is still at large. Darrell Brooks is a sick and demented man who takes pleasure in killing others. So, why is Teresa O’Connell caught up in his life and part of his world? What is her secret and what is she hiding from her younger sister that will take her life and turn Megan’s world into something short of living in the Twilight Zone. Who murdered Teresa in her bed? Why is Megan covered in blood when the police find her and who is the intruder she claims to have seen? Added into the mix is a serial killer who is killing prostitutes and young girls. Just how all of this links together will startle, surprise and astound the reader as I continue my review of this first rate novel.


Reunited after many years in the vet’s office Jack is having his K9 dog, Keno’s wounds tended to as Megan enters with Eddie who has been poisoned. Childhood memories come to light at both Jack and Megan form a bond that will take them on a journey you will never forget.

Megan is riddled with fear, uses her medication to hide behind herself and what is really motivating her anger. Her relationship with Jack takes off but the end result will shock the reader as two brothers collide, greed wins out and one girl’s life will never be the same. The final conflict will tie things into a tightly fit knot, endear you to our K9 friends, and bring tears to your eyes. Some fall in the line of action and others help you understand the meaning of loyalty, trust and friendship. Jack and Keno with the help Emily Stone and Rick Lopez, investigators, uncover who is behind the murders of the young girls, why the diabolical plot was put into place to destroy Megan. Who can be trusted and who is the really the mastermind? You need to read this outstanding thriller/murder mystery to find out. But let’s not forget to give credit to the Silent Partner’s of the K9 unit, the dogs. Without these brave and courageous animals many criminals would not be brought to justice.


Action packed, fast paced this novel is so engaging once you pick it up you won’t be able to put it down until you read the last sentence on the last page. An ending that will not only surprise but shock the reader, author Jennifer Chase should definitely bring back Jack, his fellow officers, Emily and Rick again in a sequel that will include what does happen next. No lose ends but one that remains to be seen. This is definitely a must read and an outstanding novel right up there with both Clancy and Baldacci.





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[Kathleen Urie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Keeps you in your toes to see what happens next.

[books are love · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Love Keno and Jack. It was interesting to see the role of the K9 in solving this case. I was surprised by the ending Jennifer Chase really fools you to the end. You suspect but say nah can’t be but truly she did a great job of reeling you in, keeping you hooked and wondering and than adding that twist for sure.

Jack I felt for. He is such a great guy and how he gets treated by some of his colleagues and the two woman so so sad. Megan was someone he grew up with and cared for. He risked alot for her and in the end what happens to her is sad and heartbreaking but more heartbreaking for Jack. He is put through alot in this book. His skills are tested, his K9 partner is questioned and to me he was the best k9 there in the story, his personal life scrutinized and his love life was not great. He felt Megan would change that poor guy.

We watch this group of K9 officers help catch killers and solve crime in this book and it was a delight to see. While we got the mystery of who was killing who but also the secret helpers of Jack and Keno we see alot of action and danger occur. We are kept wondering who is killing who and what is going on and the twist of the ex-husband wow that is one evil man. More than his brother Darrell who is a true sociopath. Darrell kills to get pleasure. He loves the thrill but his brother is worse because he hides his desire for it so he seems to be a functioning adult but he is really worse than Darrell.

This book has a few plots. The mystery of the helpers who are trying to find the missing girl, Jack and his life as a K9 officer and him helping to solve a murder or murders, Jack’s romantic life and the stories of Megan and Darrell. They all intertwine and affect the other’s life in one form or another.

When first meeting Megan you feel for her and are glad she has the friend of her dads and Jack. She seems sweet and kind. As things unfold and Jack is defending her you wonder about her but dismiss it. Darrell you know is killing so watching him get caught is great. Jack is the one to feel for for he is so kind, caring and honest. Also loyal to a tee. He is a great character and the charisma of him and Keno keep you in the moment while you watch him help solve murders and live. It is sad to see what happens in the end and I hope in another book we see him have a happier ending with love and happiness.

A fun, fast paced keep you on your toes as you try to solve who is killing who and why things are happening. Where the characters aren’t all as they seem and some you root for and wish a happy ending like Jack where others you are glad to see them get caught. The writing is one that draws you into the story and keeps you involved like trying to solve clue and you learn so much about k9 units as well. A great entertaining and wonderful story of Jack and his K9 partner-how they help solve murders and try to find love with some twists that have your jaw drop

[Cathy Cole · Rating 3 out of 5]

First Line: The rain stopped abruptly on the thirty-sixth consecutive day of torrential downpours.

A prolific serial killer is leaving a bloody trail that will unlock one family's secrets while it tears a police department apart. Jack Davis, a K9 cop, finds himself falling in love with a suspect. Megan O'Connell, an agoraphobic, is the prime suspect in her sister's murder. Psychopath Darrell Brooks is on a mission to drive Megan insane. Everyone is a suspect. Everyone has a secret. If the truth is going to remain buried, someone is going to have to die.

Silent Partner is a fast-paced roller coaster ride with a surprising climax. I really enjoyed reading about crime fighting from the point of view of the police K9 units. It's something that I hope Chase continues in future books.

Chase also shows a talent for characterization. The bad guy, Darrell Brooks, aroused so much disgust in me that I wanted Keno and all his other four-legged buddies on the force to tackle him and chew on him for a long time. Even one of the victims who lasts for only a page or two is drawn with poignancy: "She eyed the stash. Her friend Tiffany was going to be so jealous. Maybe this guy was going to be her Richard Gere from Pretty Woman, she thought hopefully to herself."

As much as I enjoyed the characters and the story, I feel that the book needed more proof-reading and more editing. It's a rare book these days that isn't published with at least one glitch, but Silent Partner had more than its fair share. The tendency towards sentence fragments repeatedly threw me out of the story and interrupted the pace of the narrative. Like this one:

"Darrell emerged from the other end of the alley kicking an empty whiskey bottle as he rounded the corner. Feeling better, relaxed, and wanted to get back to the anonymity of his car."

Or this example:

"Detective Preston sat annoyed at her desk, cluttered with a mountain of paperwork. Eyes sunken, weary from the lack of sleep. Stuck with endless paperwork, glued to her desk without a break in seven hours."


I like the occasional sentence fragment; I use them myself. However, too many can break the flow of reading-- almost like a case of the hiccups.

Regardless of whether these things bother you, too, as a reader, Silent Partner is a fast, action-packed read with a K9 cop, Jack Davis, and his four-legged partner, Keno, at the heart of an engaging story. I will be keeping an eye on author Jennifer Chase.

[Gwen Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard driving, fast-paced drama—and that’s just the dogs!

SILENT PARTNER by Jennifer Chase is an adrenalin rush of a story! For those into police action and high-speed thrills, this one’s for you.

The book opens with a series of vignettes. These disparate stories gradually converge until a connection between the past and present emerges. I very much appreciated this unusual approach, and the effective way it was handled. A strong backstory wends its way throughout, enhancing the mystery of a prolific serial killer and a lot more.

The story centers around Jack Davis, a top K9 cop, and his adorable, dependable, cutest-partner-ever dog named Keno. I gotta say I have a soft spot in my heart for dogs, and, evidently, so does Ms. Chase. It’s very apparent from the descriptions that she “gets” that bond between handlers and their dogs. Because she does, the scenes centered around the K9 unit are exceedingly well done and engaging. There’s one in particular (where they’re searching an abandoned warehouse—yikes!) that had me holding my breath.

The plot was also very good. Complex and inventive, it definitely held my interest and went in unexpected directions right up until the end. I’d like to add that the bad guys are really, really, REALLY bad! Like scum-sucking bad! It makes the doggies sinking their teeth into them and taking them down very enjoyable! Take that and that and that! Good doggie!

Stylistically, Ms. Chase also delivered. I thought the taut, no nonsense, driving kind of writing suited the story and advanced it nicely. The elimination of a lot of white noise established a mood and atmosphere that put you in the midst of the action. However, it was in the arena of writing where I felt the story fell short. There were a number of awkward sentences and instances where words like “with” were substituted for “by”. This grammatical shortcoming could easily be cleaned up and didn’t hamper my enjoyment, but it is a shame since it did affect the overall rating. While a good book, it could be a great one.

I’m giving SILENT PARTNER a final rating of 4.0. Ms. Chase possesses a unique perspective and offers the reader something new. I love that she’s chosen the K-9 unit to write about and look forward to more books from her. In closing, I have one more very important thing to say, and that is, “Go team doggie, go!!!”

For the purposes of full disclosure, I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the book flap- California's elite Police K9 Units arrive at an apbandoned warehouse after a high-speed chase and apprehend 2 killers after they have fled a grisly crime scene. This barely scratches the surface of a bloody trail from a prolific serial killer that leads to unlocking the insidious secrets of one family's history, while tearing a police department apart.

Deputy Jack Davis, a top K9 cop with an unprecedented integrity, finds himself falling for a beatiful murder suspect and struggling with departmental codes.

Megan O'Connell, suffering from agoraphobia, is the prime murder suspect in her sister's brutal murder.

Darrell Brooks, a psychopath who loves to kill, is on a quest to drive Megan insane for profit.

Everyone is a suspect. Everyone has a secret. Someone must die to keep the truth buried forever. Silent Partner is a suspense ride a;ong that will keep you guessing until the bitter end.

This book definitely has potential. It was a very quick read and I liked the use of K9 units in the plotline. The characters are pretty flat. I felt like the author just wrote as basic of a story as possible. There were so many areas of the book that could have been explored or gone into more detail for a better understanding of the events. I'm not sure if this is a sequel, but it left we wondering the motive behind many of the characters actions. It would have been a much better book if the author took the time to explain many of the subplots involved in the shooting. Definitely not up to the standards of many other detective novels out there.

[Debbie Oxier · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a jumbled mess from start to finish. Parts were just too difficult to believe. Sentences in some cases were short and choppy. New characters appeared from out of nowhere without sufficient explanation as to how they fit into the story. And the end was so confusing and hard to understand. Jack was a K-9 officer. When he was a little boy he was friends with Megan and her sister, Theresa. He was there when Megan's father killed her mother, looked into Megan's eyes right before they took her away to live with relatives. They made contact again in college and were a couple for a time, then lost touch. Now Megan is back. She's suspected of murdering her sister. Jack knows she didn't do it. He's aware of her issues. She suffers from agoraphobia. Here's another thing that doesn't make sense. Megan is supposed to be terrified of leaving her house but all of a sudden, when Jack asks her out to dinner, she's remarkably able to go with very little consequences. In addition, Emily Stone and her partner, Rick, show up. They are characters from the author's Emily Stone series. It isn't really clear why they suddenly take an interest in Megan and Jack and start following them. They were searching for a missing girl and find she's been murdered but their insertion into the story feels contrived, like it was simply a way of including them for some strange reason only the author knows.

This was so disappointing because I really liked and enjoyed the previous books I've read by this author. I'm hoping the next will be better.

[Craig Rettig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: This book was received for free through Goodreads First Reads.

Written partially as a crime drama and also as a love letter to the author's recently-deceased dog, 'Silent Partner' tells the tale of K-9 detective Jack Davis as he tries to work his way through a series of murders with his near-perfect police dog, a Lab named Keno.

While this book had its good moments, mostly in the characters' dialog, it suffered too much from trying to emulate modern movies. Some of the personal interactions and plot points were very clichéd, and the dogs behaved entirely too perfect for animals. I realize police dogs get a lot of training, but they're still animals with basic animal instincts. In addition, the final scene in the warehouse was absolutely ludicrous and practically undermined everything the book accomplished up until that point.

There are also some severe editing mistakes that occur at two or three different points in the book, which make me wonder if last-minute edits were done, but no proofer was available to clean these up.

Overall, the book is an enjoyable, quick read. If you're just looking for something light that you don't want to have to think about too much, go for it. If you're one of those people who like more realistic stories, it probably isn't up your alley.

[Anna del C. Dye · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like crime and the different faces of a killer you will enjoy Jennifer Chase’s Silent Partner. This is one book that portrays four different killers and the life of Police Officer Jack Davis and his canine companion, Keno.
One never knows what life will bring to them, but for a few people life is most unkind. Jack sees how his friends, Teresa and her younger sister Maggie, are taken from their home after their father finally manages to kill his wife in front of them. A long time abusive relationship had been going on and the young girls’ lives are changed forever by his last act.
The two girls are raised by their grandparent who later also dies in a horrible incident.
Jack grows up to become a police officer. After a few years on the force, he becomes a K9 officer and is assigned a companion dog, Keno.
This book has great stories of the police dogs and their human companions. It is an awesome tribute to K9 units anywhere in the world.
The crimes in this book are realistic and well handled by the author. The suspense is great; you won’t discover the truth until the last few pages of the book. In fact after you think the story is complete there is the last final twist to it. Good job. I recommend this book for adults.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off I’ll totally admit I am a huge dog lover and love reading about them. Saying that, I don’t think there is enough stuff out there about the K9 units that help keep us safe considering they play such a vital role in many police, military, customs, border patrol etc activities so I was very glad to see that finally someone had taken it on.
The story is about a psychopath leaving a trail of bodies and the police force left in some disarray as he always seems to be one step ahead. As with any mystery/ criminal investigation thriller type stories, everything lives and dies on the plot and characterization and I can wholeheartedly say that Chase has hit the mark on both counts. The story is fast paced and continually keeps you guessing (and page turning) which is exactly what you want in this type of novel. The characters are beautifully crafted as well; you will come to truly hate Brooks throughout the story whilst loving Davis and his very special bond with his dog.
As I said earlier, I wish there were more stories/books about the K9 units and this one really hits the mark, great read.

[Candy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author sent me this book for review a couple of years ago. I was browsing through my kindle looking for a crime drama and came across this one recently and decided to give it a read. I really needed something easy and it looked to be just the ticket.

It's not a bad book, but it's a bit awkwardly written in places with some grammar errors - definitely needs a really good edit. The story itself, however, is actually pretty good. I guess I never really thought too much about the K9 units and their place on the police force - much less the relationship that develops between the dog and his partner.

That part of it was really good... as was the killer. It was a pretty well thought out story and it was conveyed well. Just the editing and awkward structure was a bit of a turn off at times.

Overall, this was a good book for me to read when I needed some brain candy to get me through a stressful time of the year.

Recommended for crime drama lovers.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Megan was a young child, she witnessed her father killing her mother. Megan as an adult has agoraphobia. When her sister is killed, she is considered a suspect. Deputy Jack Davis and his canine partner Keno are on a case involving a serial killer which is how Jack and Megan meet. They become close, but can Jack discover the murderer in time?

This mystery thriller is fast paced. In the beginning, the book seems a little disjointed as so many stories are started. The reader gets snapshots of characters or events, and then the author moves on. The story jumps around quite a bit. Eventually some of the snapshots are brought together so the reader can see the bigger picture and how things connect. The strongest part of the story is Jack's relationship with his Canine partner Keno. There is a strong bond, and I enjoyed reading about them on the job together.

[Wonderkell · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did try to enjoy this book, but only got part way through. I find it amazing (perhaps its because I'm reading the Kindle version?) that no-one has mentioned the incredibly simple grammatical & tense errors, let alone the spelling errors. Obviously someone has run a spell check through the manuscript & then have gone no further with the novel's much needed editing. Add to these the number of times that the author states something twice but in a different manner, & all within the one sentence - well, no matter how good the story, I get tired of these mistakes very quickly. Sorry!!

A complimentary copy of this novel was received in return for review. In no way did these circumstances affect the reviewer's opinion.

[Nancy Silk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is a remarkable thriller seldom written by a woman. Jennifer Chase has crafted a unique writing style to hurry the reader right along in a chase by Jack Davis and his K-9 partner, Keno. He is brought into a case involving a woman, Megan O'Connell, who had been a childhood friend. Megan's sister, whom she lives with, is killed and now Jack becomes her only friend and protector. The case continues for a serial killer, or killers, who has also got Megan in the crosshairs. There is tension, twists, and turns that will surprise you right to the very end. This is a must read novel that you won't put down. And you'll want more from this creative author.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was seriously concerned when I signed up to read this book that it would be overwritten and boring. Nothing could be further from the truth. This book was excellent, flowed freely and kept my interest! One thing that I liked about the book which might irritate others is that the author has a very concise way of writing (I am sure it is her criminal justice background). I don't like alot of fluff in my writing and she was able to keep the story interesting without it becoming dry due to her conciseness.

[R.K. Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a novel with quite a bit going on. There are a lot of moving parts and while in the beginning it can be a bit difficult to wade through everything, Jennifer Chase does a great job of pulling everything together for the reader.

I found the Suspense aspect to be very well executed. I was surprised and kept on the edge of my seat while reading.

I loved the theme of this novel and how Jennifer Chase has managed to bring in the K9 unit into a Suspense story. Who doesn't see images of the K9 dogs and fall in love with them?

[Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

When author Jennifer Chase contacted me about reading her latest book Silent Partner I was delighted. I'm a fan of this genre and always enjoy sinking my teeth into a good crime thriller.

With plot twists and turns, interesting characters and a surprise ending, Silent Partner made for a great read. The ending gave me chills.

I read this fast-paced thriller in one sitting. I really had to know what was going to happen next.
Special thanks to author Jennifer Chase.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would give this 2 1/2 stars but not a 3 for my liking. I'm not sure if it was because this book didn't format well for kindle or what but there seemed to be quite a few puncuation errors that made this hard to read. i never really felt grabbed by this story or the characters but the ending sure surprised me!

[C. Gonzales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this novel really blew me away. From the characterization, to the suspense, to the setting. I think that every moving part to this novel really came together and made it unforgettable. Emotional and real, there was a lot that this novel evoked in me feeling wise while keeping me on the edge of my seat the whole way through.

[Samantha Turley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is crime fiction at its best. The addition of a non-human character who is such an intricate part of the story, really blew me away. I loved the fact that Jennifer Chase was able to give Keno a personality and feelings that came through the words of the novel.


Equal parts drama and emotional as well as thriller and suspense. Jennifer Chase has hit this one out of the park.

[Jennifer Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been a big project for me. It was originally a screenplay that I adapted into to a novel. I know it's usually the other way around, but I loved this story. I spent quite a bit of time researching the area of police K9, along with psychopaths. I hope you enjoy!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book! It was a police drama with a serial killer mystery. It was intense right from the beginning. Sucked you in and didn't let go to the end. So many twist and turns! I read it so fast I wish now it wasn't over!! Very good edge of your seat supsense/thriller!

[Pamela · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not care for this book. I had a hard time rating this between 2 or 3 stars. I opted for 2. Between the fragmented sentences, and the different story lines that did, and did not correlate, I ended up skimming through the rest of the book just to get finished.

[lynda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story had potential...

But it needed a better editor. I was distracted by the grammatical errors and choppy narrative. The twist at the end was a surprise but I couldn't reconcile it with other story elements.