Scan barcode
A review by ottercorg
Dead Silence by S.A. Barnes
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was...spectacular.
I initially went to the library to pick up a different book on my list by Barnes, but it was unavailable. This one caught my eye, though, and I wanted some spooky books for October. I am so glad I did, and now I can't wait to read more from her.
From start to finish, I was engrossed, trying to figure out what was going on. I clung to what little romance was available. I devoured all the horrors, forcing myself to slow down so as to not miss anything. I wanted to savor every moment.
For such dark material, Barnes writes in a way that is still so light and consumable. I really appreciate that the story took no time to take off. I didn't mind the initial back and forth between past and present because I was just as interested in the interrogation as I was in what really happened. I loved the sprinkling of Claire's past throughout the story as we piece together what happened to her before this.
It's not a full 5 star read - I wanted a liiiiiittle more from the ending - but it's damn close.
I initially went to the library to pick up a different book on my list by Barnes, but it was unavailable. This one caught my eye, though, and I wanted some spooky books for October. I am so glad I did, and now I can't wait to read more from her.
From start to finish, I was engrossed, trying to figure out what was going on. I clung to what little romance was available. I devoured all the horrors, forcing myself to slow down so as to not miss anything. I wanted to savor every moment.
For such dark material, Barnes writes in a way that is still so light and consumable. I really appreciate that the story took no time to take off. I didn't mind the initial back and forth between past and present because I was just as interested in the interrogation as I was in what really happened. I loved the sprinkling of Claire's past throughout the story as we piece together what happened to her before this.
It's not a full 5 star read - I wanted a liiiiiittle more from the ending - but it's damn close.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Gore, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Grief, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail