Silent Evidence

There is fun, frolic, suspense, politics, racism, forensics and oh, by the way, a fantastic story Silent Evidence is the 8th book in the Evidence series but don’t let that stop you from reading it if you haven’t read the other books. Part way into the beginning of this book, I realized I must have missed the previous book in the series, because I didn’t remember some of the names of the characters or the situations they had faced. I must admit, I thought for a heartbeat would I be missing some of the back story because of that, but then I figured not everyone will have read all of the series, so no going back, just continue reading. I am so glad I did. Rachel laid out the characters so well, that not having read the previous book, which was about Hazel’s sister Ivy, I didn’t feel as if I was missing out. In fact, it allowed me to focus on Hazel and Sean’s story exclusively and what a fascinating story it was. I loved learning about how forensic anthropologist Hazel MacLeod worked, what it was she was able to learn about the bones she was brought in to examine in a mass grave near the home she is staying in, and how she was able to pretend to be in a relationship with her bodyguard Sean, a man she had in the past felt something for. In fact, her feelings towards Sean, and his feelings, that he tries to deny towards Hazel, put a very interesting dynamic into play in this book. There is fun, frolic (think scavenger hunt with a bit of a twist since most of the couples hunting are brilliant strategists) and romance since there is a wedding that Sean is the Best Man for. There is also suspense, politics and racism, but as always, Rachel lays it all out in an amazingly readable and exciting book. I had a hard time putting this book down and not all of it was a feel good storyline, in fact the trauma some of the characters had to go through, being former military, or having been held hostage and tortured, adds just the right balance to make this a true romantic suspense story, heavier in the suspense, just the way I like them. I always like to read a series in order, but based on my experience with this book, you don’t have to, to enjoy and get lost in the story. Rachel Grant is an automatic read author for me and after you read this book, I think she will be the same for you. Enjoy, I know I did.

Hazel MacLeod, forensic anthropologist , must find the answers to a mass gravesite while having Sean Logan to protect her. These two have definite history that adds to the suspense and story line that is very well written. Part of the Evidence series with each book intertwined however can be read alone. Ebook from netgalley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.

The latest installment of the Evidence Series does not disappoint! This is Sean and Hazel's story and there was quite a bit to unpack in this book. I love - love - friends to lovers stories. And I love them even more when they love each other already but are too caught up in their own head to admit it to each other, coming up with excuses as to why the relationship won't work. Hazel's cousin, Alec, received a threat that could be pointed at either Hazel or Alec's wife Isabel. Not knowing who the real target is, Alec assigned Sean to be Hazel's bodyguard and they must pretend to be lovers to hide the fact that he's her bodyguard. Why might Hazel be a target? Well her cousin Alec is a US Senator but Hazel is a forensic anthropologist which requires her to analyze bones of victims. She's called in to examine a mass grave, thus placing a target on her back by the person who hoped those bones would never be found. I could delve into the fact that Hazel suffers from panic attacks due to a job she had overseas and needs to see a therapist to give her coping techniques - or how Sean helps ground her. I could also get into the fact that Silent Evidence delves into the racism that Sean deals with that Hazel is only beginning to get a taste of now that she's in an interracial relationship. Also the fact that those bones that Hazel is called in to investigate turned out to be *MINOR SPOILER* those of missing illegal immigrants who were not often reported missing out of deportation fear. I won't give away spoilers to those future readers but I will say this: the "bad guy" is more than one person and one of them I never would have expected. Bravo to Ms. Grant for the final twist because I'm usually pretty good and figuring these things out. Now for my critique - not enough to downgrade a star though. Silent Evidence requires readers to be able to recall plot points from a previous Evidence book. Pretty specific plot points too. Now this would not be an issue if the Evidence Series were the only books I read. But they are not. And they are not the only romantic suspense books I read either. So there were a few moments in which I found myself trying to remember what when down in the previous book. However, I can't take a star away from the rating because it never really pulled me out of the story. Now to end on a great note: the romance portion of this book was hot. Sean and Hazel coming together by pretending to be lovers only to turn in to real lovers once they pushed past themselves was fun to read. And I'll say it again: the sexy times was hot. And - TMI - the descriptions of the gift bag they won caused me to make a new purchase of my own... If you're a fan of the Evidence Series, read this book and love it like I did. And if you're a fan of Rachel Grant but have not yet read this series, pick up book one and start binging. Enjoy!