The Vows of Silence: A Gripping Psychological Thriller of a Sniper's Reign and a Family's Grief

By Susan Hill

Book Overview

How can you find a killer when silence is the most powerful weapon?

A marksman with a rifle is stalking the cathedral town of Lafferton, targeting young women in what seem to be random, motiveless killings. The seemingly peaceful community is gripped by terror, and the police are baffled. Are they dealing with one killer or two?

Detective Chief Superintendent Simon Serrailler leads the investigation, but he is also struggling to cope with a tragedy at the heart of his own family.

A chilling British psychological mystery for fans of Ruth Rendell and P.D. James.

In the fourth novel in Susan Hill's acclaimed series, the pressure mounts from all sides:

The town under siege: The impending local fair and a high-profile cathedral wedding only increase the pressure on the police to catch the shooter before another life is taken.A detective's private torment: Serrailler's emotional detachment is tested to its limits as he navigates the crisis within his own family while facing down a ruthless killer.The vow of silence: As the investigation drags on, the psychological drama unfolds, exploring the true meaning of silence--both the victims' and the town's--in the face of violence and grief.

A masterful blend of character study and relentless suspense, The Vows of Silence delivers a tense and disturbing mystery that will leave you questioning what truly motivates a killer.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1590204425
• ISBN13: 9781590204429
• Release Date: January 2011
• Publisher: Overlook Press
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.4" x 8.1"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

4th Serrailler Saga focuses on family

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.

Serailler does it again

In the fourth book of the Simon Serrailer series, Susan Hill continues the saga of the detective's turmoil around his family's crises while Simon searches for a serial gunman. The ending to the investigation is somewhat lame. However, the author's depiction of Simon's interrelationships is, as usual, superb. Susan Hill brings a new level of involvement with the psyche of her detective as he moves through his small town working ceaseslessly to find the source of evil...yes, evil...in the town. Can't wait for the next book from her.