The Vows of Silence: Discover book 4 in the bestselling Simon Serrailler series Paperback – 3 September 2009

So much better than the previous book. Much better overall balance and a fully believable plot. Some heavy-duty social issues to deal with, but this tends to distinguish Susan Hill from other writers in the genre. It is good to see that Simon is finally beginning to realize that serious changes are needed in his life. He may never get wherever it is he is going, but you get the feeling that his journey is now about to begin. Very much worth reading.

In diesem Buch geht es nicht nur um Gewalt, die um ihrer selbst Willen ausgeübt wird, auch um das Sterben eines Menschen, den man liebt. Das zeichnet die Reihe aus: Es sind auch grundsätzliche Fragen nach dem Umgang mit Krankheit, mit Menschen, die einem nahe kommen, von Verlust und Gewinn im Spiel, und sie sind genau so wichtig wie der "Fall". Auch hier, wie schon in drei anderen Büchern, traute ich meinem Verdacht, wer der Schuldige ist, erst einmal nicht. Das spricht für die Fähigkeit der Autorin, Spannung aufzubauen.

To read

The fourth mystery focuses on a shooter who seems at first like he/she is killing women randomly. a pattern emerges quickly. The first victim is a newlywed, the second a bride to be, but the Lafferton Police, led by newly promoted Simon Serrailler are baffled. The shooter is extremely good at covering his tracks. Serrailler knows the shooter won't stop before they're caught.The mystery plot is serviceable but seems almost an afterthought tagged on the saga of the Serraillers, particularly Simon and his sister Cat Deerbon. I'm not one to recognize the culprit early but this one was evident to me nearly from the first time they walk on stage.This book is dark in tone, like most of the series. This time, Dr. Cat has to deal with a grave illness within her own home forcing her to examine medicine intimately from the patient's standpoint.Though the mystery is solved at the end of this book, there are many open stories left, particularly with Simon and Rev. Jane Fitzroy. Perhaps Simon may be finally softening his solitary ways. Obviously, there is another book in the works.Hill is a superb writer, with a deep understanding of human nature and a tolerant, non-judgmental eye. It is always a pleasure to nestle in with the world she creates.

I love these stories, they are a good mixture of detection, and human interest. I like the fact that the same characters develop, and run through all the books. I find the titles strangely urn memorable however, and was mortified when I received thos book, as I found I had already read it.! I am waiting with great excitement for book no 7 to come out in paperback.