Silent Night

 

By Nell Pattison

Review

Paige Northwood is a freelance British Sign Language interpreter who occasionally assists the police with their investigations. This time her skills are needed when a child goes missing on an overnight trip for pupils from a school for the deaf. The situation worsens when a teacher's body is discovered in the snow. Who murdered him and why?

Silent Night is set in winter with snow blanketing the ground and freezing temperatures adding to the claustrophobic atmosphere. Paige is making a fresh start after leaving a troubled relationship, However, the police investigation brings her into contact with her ex and all the bad memories come flooding back. Has he changed, as he claims, or is he mixed up in the murder and disappearance?

This is the second book in the Paige Northwood series but it works equally well as a standalone. All the necessary information is given without any spoilers from book one. I really enjoyed it and thought the plot was intriguing and original. I haven't read the first book (yet) but I have read one of the author's other books, Hide.

I thought the plot was well constructed, with relatable characters and some hair-raising situations. Paige seemed very real and I empathised with her. The balance between her personal life and the ongoing police investigation hit the mark in my opinion. Overall, a great read with some formidable characters and a good storyline.

★★★★☆

• Print Length: 400 pages
• Publisher: Avon
• Publication Year: 2020
• Author: Nell Pattison
• Genre: Crime, Psychological Thriller

Synopsis

What happened while they were sleeping?

A school for the deaf takes an overnight trip to the snowy woods. Five teenagers go to sleep, but only four wake up. Leon is missing, and a teacher’s body is found in the forest…

Sign language interpreter Paige Northwood is brought in to help with interrogations. Everyone at the school has a motive for murder – but they all have an alibi.

As Paige becomes increasingly involved, she suspects there’s something sinister going on. With the clock ticking to find Leon, only one thing is certain: the killer is among them, and ready to strike again…