Remain Silent

The first book I read by this author was The Matchmaker and I loved it. So I decided to try another mystery/suspense book by her. Remain Silent did not disappoint. My only disappointment with the book was that I felt the ending was rushed a bit. I don't feel like I got a thorough explanation of the whole "Institute" plot. It is discussed in the end of the book, but I personally felt like after all of the build up about it, the explanation was not suitable (I wanted more). I still feel the book is worth 5 stars since it was wonderfully written and as a reader you really got to know the characters - including the killer. The romance between Damon and Laurel was believable and the sacrifice she made for him years ago was understandable. I've read the excerpts for her next book Dead Stop and I can't wait for it to come out. Jamie Denton really has found her niche with mystery/suspense/romance novels.

In Los Angeles the police arrest art restorer Laurel Jennings and charge her with the murder of her business partner Jonathan Linton. The evidence against Laurel is overwhelming as she had the motive, means and opportunity and her fingerprints are on the murder weapon. Ex Los Angeles County District Attorney Damon Metcalf returns home to represent his former lover at the bail hearing and subsequently at the trial when no defense lawyer would agree to handle the case. Damon realizes that the powerful Linton family is pushing for her conviction and made it clear to the legal profession to stay out or face the consequences. When someone breaks into Laurel's business facility, Damon fears for her life especially as they begin to uncover an apparent deal Jonathan had arranged that appears nebulous especially with the amount of money exchanged. Soon more homicides follow with Laurel as the prime suspect although she has an alibi, Jonathan and the danger to both of them mounting. Jamie Denton provides readers with a terrific romantic legal thriller filled with plenty of suspense. The lead couple is a nice pairing as they still love one another and though both agreed to professional and platonic, can't help but jump each other's bones. The whodunit is cleverly devised so that the audience will wonder who and why. Sub-genre fans will not REMAIN SILENT as to how entertaining this tale is. Harriet Klausner