Book Review: Fraternity of Silence

Reviewed By: Shirley - RAM

Fraternity of Silence     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Katherine Shephard
Class/Genre:   Mystery
Series: Silence # 1

Robert Larken at not quite 39 has just become Lieutenant Governor of Texas, after the previous LG has died of an apparent heart attack.

Christine Pullen has been freelance writing since graduation from Michigan State University. When Larken is in Michigan for a conference the governor throws a birthday party for him. Christine has been a longtime fan of the charismatic Larken, known for his political broadcasting in an earlier life. She wangles an invitation to the party. Soon she is working for Larken and learning just how nasty politics can be.

Chrissy is spunky, teasing, a little too trusting. She falls for Larken who is in a loveless marriage. The story moves between Texas and Michigan with interesting descriptions of both states. It spends much more time on romance and politics than mystery. The twists and turns, especially the agreement signed between principles, require a bit of Œsuspension of disbelief¹. Still, the story holds the readers interest and is often fun. It offers a very cynical view of politics and politicians however. The ending is not exactly unexpected.

This story was fun enough to overlook its flaws and hope Shephard keeps writing. Altogether a good first effort.

Shirley - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Shirley - RAM