The Longest Silence (Shades of Death, Book 5)

Hideously gripping! The fifth book in the Shades of Death series and whilst this is set after the first four and briefly refers back to events and characters from these it is a stand alone and can be read without having read the rest of the series, but having said that reading the first four gives you invaluable background on Tony and helps you to understand his mindset and cycle self destruction at the beginning of the book. To be blunt Tony had not come across favourably in the first books, he made numerous questionable decisions, putting Bobbie's and his own lives at risk, and whilst he redeemed himself in the fourth book I was still wary and unsure of him. However we see a very different Tony in this book and as he gradually claws his way out of his destructive cycle and begins to put Tif, Angie and Jo before himself, he slowly wins your trust, respect and your heart. Jo may be a recluse, but when you realise the horrendous, soul destroying acts she was subjected to, you can fully understand why she is living in this way. But when needed she proves she has a spine of steel and is far stronger than even she knew as they get pulled deeper and deeper in to the investigation and she faces more and more of her nightmares each day. Tony and Jo need each other, they need the emotional connection to survive this case and they need each other to have any hope of a future. Packed full of suspense and with numerous twists this book is gripping whilst also being hideously brutal! It was also great to catch up with Bobbie and Nick the stars of the first four books. Great series - can we have more please!