Review: Not a Sound

Title: Not a Sound

Author: Heather Gudenkauf

Publisher: 1 June 2017 Harlequin (Australia), TEEN / MIRA

Pages: 320 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: contemporary, fiction, mystery, suspense

My Rating: 4.5 cups

Synopsis:

A shocking discovery and chilling secrets converge in this latest novel from New York Times bestselling author HEATHER GUDENKAUF

When a tragic accident leaves nurse Amelia Winn deaf, she spirals into a depression that ultimately causes her to lose everything that matters — her job, her husband, David, and her stepdaughter, Nora. Now, two years later and with the help of her hearing dog, Stitch, she is finally getting back on her feet. But when she discovers the body of a fellow nurse in the dense bush by the river, deep in the woods near her cabin, she is plunged into a disturbing mystery that could shatter the carefully reconstructed pieces of her life all over again.

As clues begin to surface, Amelia finds herself swept into an investigation that hits all too close to home. But how much is she willing to risk in order to uncover the truth and bring a killer to justice?

My Thoughts

‘Not a Sound’ was a superb read with loads of action and a suspenseful ending that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The positives of this book are the many facets it contains. To name a few: suspense, personal growth, relationships, hearing impaired, an investigation into the health industry. The characters are unique and captivating and here, one must include the relationship between Amelia & her service dog, Stitch, who just about stole the show! I later learned that the attention to detail regarding the hearing impaired is because Heather Gudenkauf is deaf herself. She obviously uses this as a platform to relate her own personal experiences and does it so well.

‘It wasn’t just losing my hearing, it was the loneliness that came with it, the sense of always being separate, apart from everyone I loved.’

Throughout most of this book, it felt like a movie playing out in my mind - Heather’s writing was so vivid - it’s a classic mystery.  A fast paced suspenseful read that that will most definitely keep you engaged throughout. The wintry setting is atmospheric and you will develop a great sympathy for the leads, Amelia and Stitch. The hurdles she has to overcome are indeed high, however, her determination to not only rise to the challenge but also learn and grow from it is inspiring.

‘Once in awhile, I’ll sit in my car, turn up the radio as loud as it will go and lay my hands on the dash and feel the throbbing pulse of music against my skin.’

My withdrawal of half at star is only because, at times, Amelia’s thoughts become a bit repetitive. You also feel that she takes on a little too much of the detective work but that was due to her loss of reputation I guess. I also loved the fact that romantic relationships was not a front and centre fact, but just played out in the background so as not to detract from Amelia’s personal journey.

‘I need to focus on the here, the now. I can’t rejoin the living when I’m spending so much time thinking about the dead.’

The climax towards the end, I found riveting You can just see it playing out before your eyes, and as events unfold, you will have to read through to the end! It would be enough on its own, but remember Amelia has no hearing and Heather brings in so many other senses that you can only shake your head in disbelief! Add that to the mix and you can see why it’s captivating.

‘Never have I missed my hearing more than now.’

An easy book to read with so many added dimensions that make it a noteworthy suspenseful tale. I highly recommend this entertaining read for all mystery lovers.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release