A review by loxeletters
The Silent House by Nell Pattison
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Even though I'm usually not a big fan of crime novels where civilians get involved with the investigation, I quite enjoyed this one. The MC is mature and refuses to get seriously involved for a long time of the book, which I appreciated. When she does involve herself more, there is a solid reason as to her change of mind.
The books features a colourful cast of characters, many of which are eligible suspects. I kind of guessed the murderer, but to be fair I had multiple theories and only one was true haha.
Listening to the audiobook I was pleasantly surprised by the second narrator, who is deaf (I think) and thus gave the narration a very authentic feel. In the beginning (esp. the prologue) I admit I struggled to understand her, probably also because I'm not a native speaker. But I got used to it quickly.
The main narrator I found a bit lacking in the emotional scenes, and I found myself disagreeing with her interpretations of the thoughts/speech sometimes.
Overall this was a solid read which gave a very interesting insight into the deaf community in a small English town. I might pick up the next book in physical form.
The books features a colourful cast of characters, many of which are eligible suspects. I kind of guessed the murderer, but to be fair I had multiple theories and only one was true haha.
Listening to the audiobook I was pleasantly surprised by the second narrator, who is deaf (I think) and thus gave the narration a very authentic feel. In the beginning (esp. the prologue) I admit I struggled to understand her, probably also because I'm not a native speaker. But I got used to it quickly.
The main narrator I found a bit lacking in the emotional scenes, and I found myself disagreeing with her interpretations of the thoughts/speech sometimes.
Overall this was a solid read which gave a very interesting insight into the deaf community in a small English town. I might pick up the next book in physical form.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Violence, Toxic relationship, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Drug abuse, Grief, Alcoholism, Medical content, and Death of parent
Minor: Racial slurs, Abortion, and Cancer