Listen to the Silence

This distinguished series has been a favorite of mine for many years, but I found this novel to be the most rewarding to me. In other novels, Sharon McCone's character, wit, and action are stronger . . . but the underlying issues are much less fundamental. Here, she has to look squarely at the question of who she is in the broadest sense. To pull that off after so many novels is quite a feat. I heartily commend and thank Marcia Muller for writing this book.I can't tell you very much about the plot without giving away things that will spoil the story for you. So I apologize for not giving you as much detail as I usually do.Let me talk instead about how the plot is organized. Sharon McCone is off on a search for identity where one clue connects to another. So there is the usual mystery-unraveling aspect to the plot. The complications are above average in their extent, and provide satisfying revelations right up to the end. As you may know from other Sharon McCone novels, Marcia Muller likes to work with mental dialogue as well as spoken dialogue. In this case, the internal dialogue is about listening for what people don't say, when they hesitate, or change the subject. From this interesting technique, you will probably become a better listener. Like most of us, Sharon McCone lets most of this information pass her by the first time she hears it. But upon further reflection, she sees missing elements. And then profitably focuses her attention on those. By this method, most of the plot is unraveled.But the development of what a family is makes this a remarkable mystery. In this one novel, Marcia Muller looks at intergenerational relations, the implications of adoption and remarriage, male-female relations with and without marriage, and clan relations as well. Few novels have this scope, and I hope you will look for this element and think about it as you read this rewarding novel. For Sharon McCone fans, this book is going to be very exciting for another reason: The elements in this book create vast potential for developing new and expanded themes in future books in the series. If you have not read any of the books in the series, however, I suggest that you not start with this one. A lot of its appeal comes in the surprises that you will experience as the plot unfolds. I envy you the chance to start in the beginning and read all of these books in order!Overcome your complacency about thinking you know what is about to happen in your own life. Use this book to identify a single assumption you are making about your life which, if changed, would refocus everything you do. Then consider whether your assumption is really a good one. Who knows what you will discover?Enjoy!

When Sharon McCone's father dies, he directs her to sort out his personal papers and effects. While doing this, she discovers her own adoption papers. She never knew she was adopted, and after her rage and confusion subsides a bit, she sets out to discover who she is.I haven't read one of Muller's books in a long time and had forgotten how engrossing they can be. I started this book in the afternoon and didn't put it down until I finished it late the same night. I recommend this book highly.

Readers who have been following Sharon McCone for years, as I have, will no doubt love this chance to find out more about her personal background and history. I stayed up 'til 2 AM reading "Listen to the Silence." Not only is it a splendid mystery, but it's so beautifully written -- Muller describes the landscapes of Montana, Idaho and Northern California so well that I truly felt I'd visited those places! McCone fans won't be disappointed, although the book does end with a cliffhanger that will make us VERY impatient for the next installment...

Marcia Muller's writing has been getting better and better, book by book. This, her latest, however, is a giant leap forward. I couldn't put it down! The dynamic plot moves along quickly, almost seamlessly, through some new and intriguing places. Her fearless Private Investigator, Sharon McCone, is more confident and believable than ever as she leads us to a whole new cast of (very attractive) characters. Fans of McCone will love this book. If you've not read Muller before, start with this one!