A Strangled Cry

Silence Jones Action Thrillers Series, Book 9

By: Erik Carter

Narrated by: Gary Bennett

Length: 5 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

The next stand-alone action thriller in the pulse-pounding series. Enter the world of Silence Jones. Hold on tight....

If you like action heroes with the steely resolve of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher, the calculating will of Gregg Hurwitz’s Orphan X, and the raw power of Mark Greaney’s Gray Man, then you’ll love Silence Jones.

Unlock A Strangled Cry, and start your Silence Jones mission today!

©2023 Erik Carter (P)2023 Erik Carter

Silence is Deadly

Silence Jones has another assignment – eliminate a serial killer who is lurking behind the scenes of an upcoming and trending country singer. Each murder is brutal and has one thing in common - they are all dedicated fans of the singer. Silence must act quickly before the final killing happens!

Erik Carter, the author is a masterful writer! His creation of Silence Jones has been methodical and precise, allowing the audience to discover who he is slowly and grow a fondness and respect for him. Each storyline is carefully planned and executed involving intense, well-developed characters and plot twists. Erik Carter provides an intense, action-filled storyline with humane qualities to be explored and experienced by his characters and witnessed by his listeners.

The narrator, Gary Bennett, has skillfully captured the essence of Silence Jones personalizing him through his gifted and talented voice. He embodies Silence Jones effortlessly and completely. Bennett adeptly switches characters expertly and proficiently. He consistently maintains their voice and personality. Even when doling out punishment/justice, he projects the mannerisms one would expect of this character.

Individually, these two are talented but together … they are amazing! They are both very skilled at keeping their fans entertained and engaged!

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.

Good Luck Suppressor

I can only say the Mr. Carter and Mr. Bennett are writing and narrating thought the Silence Jones Action Thriller series in record time. It seems like you just get one finished and the next one is right around the corner. Thank you both for the great tales and voicing that has gone into each of nine audiobooks in the series thus far. The newest edition to hit Audible is called “A Strangled Cry” and I can say, if you are into action or thrillers, these two who bring us Silence Jones do not miss a beat. As I have said in a previous review, it feels very much like the TV series “24” blended with the movie “Speed”. There is always plenty to keep one’s mind occupied, and the thrill of the ride starts from the beginning and goes until the end. Almost always at full throttle, and for me, that is not a bad thing. Even with every release escalating the events, things have not yet reached its zenith and it feels like the author has much still to tell us about Silence Jones. This story does up the ante and the involvement of children does seem to present a more emotional element that we have not seen previously. I have quite enjoyed the tales and narration, and I think if action and thrills are your cup of tea, you will find this audiobook, and the series, a welcomed additional to your audiobook library.

The story opens with some nostalgia when two younger people are talking around a campfire about someone called Body Man. It reminded me of the old “Bloody Mary” tales used to scare people. However, tension builds very rapidly as the story progress and a few people are found viciously murdered in a rather horrific way. Silence, because of the events occurring to his previous family, does all he can in his power to catch this individual, and with the power of the watchers behind him, he will proceed to deliver a quick judgement for those who have been wronged. With all the buildup of tension, I do enjoy that the author also tosses in some rather fun and memorable quips. It is good to have a laugh every now and then to release some of the pressure. I did like the many tie-ins with the previous plotlines along with having back Mrs. Enfield along with CeCe to help guide Silence when needed. A cat who drools called Baxter was also a nice addition. Throw in a load of tech, some vintage tech as we know it today, such a pagers and CDs. Boy, do I feel old now. When betrayal is the core tenant of this story, one must wonder when the Watchers can only respond by saying, “Good luck suppressor”.

The audiobook edition of the story was again wonderfully narrated by Gary Bennett and the audio quality was of the highest level of professionalism. I have enjoyed so many of his works, that it is difficult to say how good his voicing and narration is without reusing words to describe him in my other reviews. His voice is smooth and well-paced, the audio volume is consistent, and the characters are lively. In this story, I really like the voicing of the character Osgood. Keep up the great work!

For parents or younger listeners, this series of stories is not intended for younger audiences. It contains profanity, adult themes along with some rather graphic violence. I will also say that with this specific story involving harm of children in parts, I would not think it to be appropriate for younger listeners. Even with this, the stories are compelling and enjoyable, but only for more mature persons.

In summary, this story continues to elevate the lore of Silence Jones. The tasks are harder, the people he fights are tougher, and the stakes of losing are greater. With non-stop actions and thrills, this made for a great and entertaining story. Add to this the great narration and professional audio, and you have a winning audiobook here. Not to mention the bombshell dropped at the end of this story. Yes, I will not spoil it here for you, go and give the audiobook a listen.

Strangled Melodies

A Strangled Cry, the ninth, and latest installment in the gripping Silence Jones series takes readers on a heart-pounding journey into the depths of the country music industry’s dark secrets and a relentless hunt for a cold-blooded killer who is seemingly tied to a rising star.

I keep forgetting that these books are set in the late ’80s or early ’90s, and when I remember it’s because the novel offers a refreshing blast from the past, a time when the technology we take for granted today was still in its infancy. The nostalgia of this era is woven seamlessly into the narrative, providing a unique backdrop for the unfolding drama. The mention of “new technology not yet available to the world” serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come since then. I always smile when they talk about the Internet or a tablet – all things we take for granted today.

This one stands out from its predecessors as it delves deeper into the life of the vigilante assassin. It feels as though Silence has a more personal stake in this case, a sentiment that resonates throughout the story. While there’s no concrete reason for this feeling, it adds depth to the character and enhances the reader’s engagement with the plot. I’m always surprised when a book can do that this many into a series.

What truly sets A Strangled Cry apart is its ability to keep readers on their toes. The intricate plot takes unexpected twists and turns, leaving you guessing the identity of the killer. Not just the identity but also why these seemingly out-of-nowhere killings are even happening. Just when you believe you’ve figured it out, the story takes an unpredictable path, keeping the suspense at its peak. This element of surprise is a testament to Erik Carter’s storytelling prowess and will keep you eagerly turning the pages.

The audiobook, narrated by Gary Bennett, adds an extra layer of depth to the experience. Bennett’s compelling voice and expert delivery (I still imagine voicing Silence is such a challenge – I’m sure he needs lots of water and frequent breaks, much like Silence himself) bring the characters and the narrative to life, making the story all the more engrossing.

A Strangled Cry is a must-read for fans of the Silence Jones series and for anyone who loves action-packed thrillers with a touch of nostalgia. If you appreciate action heroes with the determination of Jack Reacher, the resourcefulness of Orphan X, and the power of the Gray Man, then Silence Jones is a character you won’t want to miss. This novel, with its expertly crafted plot and memorable characters, is a symphony of thrills that will keep you hooked until the final note.