Having been a big fan of the previous two novels featuring DS Manon I was thrilled to see that a third was on the way. Remain Silent however has its focus on immigration, not my favourite subject for a crime thriller in part because of the very nature of the limited shades of grey that the bigots that inhabit the pages are made up of. But, here is an author that used this as a backdrop and had me absolutely transfixed. If anything this is my favourite of all three of Susie Steiner's books.

The house of multi occupancy with a brutal gang master in charge of the Lithuanians who have been tricked into believing they were heading for a better life, only to end up catching chickens from 4 am in the morning, is enlivened by the author's piercing eye for detail on life, love and loss. With such a clever turn of phrase and populated by characters that everyone will have met, this book (and series) delivers on a level that is so very satisfying.

In an unusual turn the acknowledgements are unlikely to undo every reader who like me marvels at the talent of Susie Steiner, with the sad news that shortly after submitting this draft to her publishers that she was diagnosed with an agressive brain tumour - thankfully she is still tweeting away but I for one feel such compassion and yet all I can do is to thank her for adding something special to my life with the stories of DS Manon.

This is the third novel in the DI Manon Bradshaw series but could also be read as a standalone.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it is bang up to date and is a very well written compelling read.

Highly recommended!

I’ve really enjoyed Susie Steiner’s books in the past but I just couldn’t get into this one. It carries on the background stories of Manon and Davy that we have seen previously, but they are explained in so much detail you don’t need to have read the previous books.
Yet I felt that there was too much back story and not enough investigating the body found hanging in the tree. I got about 40% of the way through and still nothing had really happened.
The body was that of a Latvian man and there was also a lot of detail about how he came to be in the uk and his life when he got here. I’m sure this had some relevance but I just felt that the story lacked pace and nothing was really compelling me to read on.

I read and really enjoyed the first two books in the series, so I was really looking forward to read this third novel, but I didn't like it as much as the other two. There is a lot of suspense and there are many twists that I didn't see coming. Also, it addresses thought-provoking themes like immigrant labour and racism. Despite all of this, I didn't get into the story as much as the previous novels. I didn't like Manon Bradshaw as much as in the past. Now she juggles a part-time job as detective and her family of two children and a partner and, while I admired how she managed to do it all while trying to stand up to her new boss, I couldn't really warm up to her.

All in all, it's a good and intriguing story, but it didn't really meet my expectations.

“The dead cannot speak”.

When a man is found hanging from a tree not far from the police HQ in Cambridgeshire, a note attached to his trouser leg implies this could be more than the run of the mill suicide.

DI Manon Bradshaw is pulled from cold cases to head the investigation, but juggling the unpredictable hours of a murder case with family life soon sees Manon’s home life struggling.

With pressure from the top to close the case, the poverty endured by migrant workers and the anti-immigrant sentiment in the area growing heated, can Manon untangle the case and solve more than one crime?

I have said before that although this is a police procedural series, the emphasis on the character development is monumental. Therefore, I never find the criminal storyline ever quite packs the punch that others in this genre do. But that is ok, because, how can you not love Manon?

Manon is a female protagonist quite unlike any other, she tears down the barriers imposed by womanhood. This say it how it is, rough around the edges copper, facing and fearing middle-age pangs of normalcy. She is highly relatable, making decisions and following her gut sometimes without thinking, which often finds her in hot water amongst her peers and superiors.

If there is one thing I love in a book, it is high quality banter, which this series has in droves. Particularly between Manon and Davy, and their quirky relationship really shines through in this instalment. Both are experiencing personal issues this time around; the commitment to the job taking a toll on their families. The author often conveys this to the reader ‘soundlessly’ through inner monologues and rambling thoughts, another method that lends a feeling of reality and personal engagement.

As far as the murder plot goes, it’s a fairly fundamental ‘whodunnit’. The clues are unravelled and followed to a just, if somewhat tidy, conclusion. I found this case was much grittier and essentially darker than those of it’s predecessors, but it was the neatness with which it was tied up that left me feeling a tad disappointed. Especially as, after a little online research I believe this to be the last of the series, I was hoping for a more resolute rather than rushed ending. Perhaps the author is leaving the door open for possibility. I hope so, as I would like to continue Manon’s journey.

I have seen many reviews claim this is perfectly readable as a stand alone novel, I would highly recommend starting at the beginning, as this is a series that very much favours following character growth over suspenseful crime.

This is probably my favourite DS Manon Bradshaw novel. After working cold cases and concentrating on her children Manon is ready for her next case. On a walk with her two-year-old son in a peaceful suburban neighbourhood she discovers the body of a Lithuanian immigrant hanging from a tree with a mysterious note attached, she knows her life is about to change. Suddenly, she is back on the job, full-force, trying to solve the suicide--or is it a murder--in what may be the most dangerous and demanding case of her life.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this book.

A third outing for Manon Bradshaw and her chaotic family life: this is definitely for readers who enjoy the soap opera of characters' personal lives, not just a police investigation. There have been a lot of crime novels featuring migrant workers and racism: it might be horribly contemporary but it's just a little tired as a plot. Still, Steiner's dry humour, wit and empathy raise the bar on much of the genre, and Manon's observations and one-liners are to die for!

This is the third book featuring D.S. Manon Bradshaw, following on from “Missing, Presumed,” and “Person Unknown.” I enjoyed both of those novels and this is, I am pleased to say, just as good.

One of the things I love most about this series are the characters, who are both realistic, and sympathetic, and you really care about their difficulties and problems. Manon is now happily settled with Mark, adopted son, Fly and her young toddler, Teddy. Life has had its ups and downs, but, like so many women, Manon is pulled between home and work. Fly is having issues at school, Teddy demands her attention and Mark is unwell. Meanwhile, she becomes involved in a new case when she stumbles across the body of a young, Lithuanian man, hanging in a tree, when she takes Teddy to the park.

This is a book dealing with some very difficult issues – the terrible conditions faced by many migrant workers, nationalism, populist politics, the threat of illness and more. However, Steiner has a deft touch and dark humour, which meant that I enjoyed every page of this book. Having read the author’s note at the end of this book, I can only say that I am sure all her readers send their best wishes. Steiner is only a very talented author, but a strong and resourceful woman – much like her central character, who I look forward to meeting again. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.

I am always waiting impatiently for the next book from Susie Steiner. I loved her two previous books featuring police detective Manon . Her writing is so good and I just think her characters are so realistic and true to life. As we follow Manon and her side kick Davy investigating murders of East European workers, we also delve into their daily lives with all their ups and downs. This book moves at a good pace and you cannot help but engage with the lives of the characters. I think these books are so enjoyable because they show true to life characters which we can sympathise with. I am now waiting impatiently for the next book! Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and enjoy this book.

This was my first encounter with Officer Manon Bradshaw and what an electric encounter it was! Tough, doesn’t suffer fools gladly and tells it like it is.
The story was pacy and a real page turner. A storyline that, in the times in which we live, is potentially all too possible. There was a real feeling of desperation for our characters in search of a new life that all too often, doesn’t live up to the reality.
I thought the thread running through the story of Manon’s and her colleagues personal lives, just made it all that more real. Life as it is.
Powerful and a compelling read.

The book has a good story but I found it very hard to follow as I hadn't read the two previous books.

I never repeat the blurb. I'd enjoyed the previous excursions with Manon et al. but this was not as enjoyable. Bang up to date in terms of topic, but very 'bitty' and jumped around too much with way too many meandering thoughts which added nothing to the plot development. Seemed more like padding...

A young migrant is found hanging from a tree with a note pinned to him saying: ‘The dead cannot speak.’ It’s up to DI Manon Bradshaw (honestly one of the best female detectives I have read) and her team to crack the case. But they’re living in a place where all around there are plenty wanting their say and those unwilling to speak out. Manon must negotiate family dramas, friend woes plus discover what’s really going on with the case. She dry sense of humour and wit carries her through, and you have to smile at some of the things she comes out with. A skilful handling of another case and I only wish there were more Manon Bradshaw books to read.

Having read the previous books in the series and the blurb for this one I was looking forward to Susie Steiner’s Remain Silent however I felt that it failed to deliver on its promise.

The multiple viewpoints and timelines resulted in the book not flowing and what should have been a great conclusion felt very rushed.

Other readers may well enjoy this book but sorry it wasn’t for me

This is the third of Susie Steiner's books to feature Manon Bradshaw and it is an excellent read. Set in and around Wisbech, it is well written, the sense of place is strong and the main characters are memorable. It has a very contemporary feel to it, dealing as it does with modern day slavery and the exploitation of immigrant labour from Eastern Europe. The story is fascinating although at times I felt there was a lack of tension in the development of the story.

Susie's books aren't written from first person view which I'm rather used to. Otherwise a good one to read. Don't forget that this book is number 3 in the Detective Inspector Manon Bradshaw series. You can of course read stand alone but you may miss vital background information on some main characters.

This one seems to be wandering around their own family circumstances with a bit of policing but good policing all the same. Quite enjoyable to see it coming together with a few gory bits thrown in for good measure.

Wishing all the best and positive thinking to Susie Steiner.

I really enjoyed this story - I have not read either of the previous novels with Manon in but that wasn't a problem and it worked as a standalone novel. I loved the character of Manon - a real human police officer for once with many familiar faults - and I thoroughly enjoyed the story which was well written and an interesting angle of migrant workers. I will be searching out the previous Manon novels and hope that there will be more? Highly recommended.

Having read and enjoyed the previous books in the DI Manon Bradshaw series, I was looking forward to this new one. It certainly didn't disappoint! This time Manon and her team are investigating the death of a young Lithuanian immigrant who has been found hanging in a tree with a note saying 'the dead cannot speak'. This is a story of modern day slavery and anti immigration protests and is a very dark tale. It's very well written and will keep you guessing to the end. Thanks to NetGalley for a preview copy.
Copied to Goodreads.

DI Manon Bradshaw has worked on cold cases since her little boy, Teddy, was born. That is until the two of them go to the park and to her horror she finds the body of a young Lithuanian male hanging from a tree. Assigned, with partner DC Davy Walker, to investigate what happened and why it soon becomes clear that secrets are being kept and fear is preventing those who knew the victim from coming forward.

While trying to solve her latest case Manon is also dealing with problems at home. Son, Fly, is studying for his GCSE's while partner, Mark, has difficulties of his own and she is concerned about them both. Add to that Teddy being Teddy and her life is full to overflowing.

This is a good book, extremely, well written with realistic characterisation and procedure. Although the storyline covers tragically relevant situations there are also laugh out loud moments which I don't usually find in mystery novels. I liked Manon, she is so not your atypical fictional detective but is passionate, hard-nosed and absolutely determined to get to the bottom of any case put in front of her.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to anyone who has read the previous books in this series or enjoys this genre but wants something a little different.

When we first meet Matis and Dimitri, Matis is in a bad way, vomiting and obviously traumatised. When he's able to speak he tells Dimitri that Lukas is dead. Lukas was in his late teens and he and Matis had come to Cambridgeshire from Klaipeda in Lithuania. They'd answered an advert offering good money and accommodation in return for their labour: they could have a decent life and send money home to their families. Sadly, it doesn't work out like that. When they arrive in the UK - on an old, uncomfortable bus, - they're dropped at a filthy house where several men have to share rooms and sleep on dirty mattresses on the floor. It's modern slavery, which isn't uncommon amongst agricultural workers.

DI Manon Bradshaw is 46, worried about her weight, frustrated by the state of her house and concerned about the state of health of her partner, Mark Talbot. Her toddler son, Teddy, calls her 'Defective Mummy' and she can't make up her mind whether he knows what he's saying or not. Probably the best thing about the family at the moment is her adopted son, Fly, who's about to do his GCSEs. He's marvellous with Teddy and a real treasure to have around.

Work should be simple: she's on cold cases and working part-time. She wanted Tuesday to Thursday but got Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Then the Lukas Balsys murder is dropped on her toes by Detective Chief Superintendent Glenda McBain, who talks a good tale but doesn't always know what she's doing. Manon's working with DS Davy Walker: they get on well and make a good team. Davy's about to get married to Juliet, who doesn't really seem to understand the demands of his job: she'd like him to have regular hours. Somehow they both have to find out what happened to Lukas.

If you look at your chicken dinner and assume that the chicken had a good life, you might be upset by this story, but it's not just chickens. Slavery is rife in some areas of the agricultural industry and there's even a Fenland Exploitation Team (in real life - and not just in this story) and it's called Operation Pheasant. The people who work on the team are there to track down slavery. Susie Steiner does an excellent job of bringing across the horrors these people (it's not just men) have to endure.

I've met some of the Major Crimes Unit before, but Steiner handles a substantial cast of characters nimbly. I was particularly impressed by the people whose lives were impacted by the presence of the immigrants and those who campaigned against their presence. It's neatly done and you catch a glimpse of all shades of opinion.

The plot is good, if not excellent. I had an inkling about what had happened, mainly because I couldn't see what happened having happened any other way, but it didn't spoil my enjoyment of the book. This is the third book in the series and it does seem to be getting better with each book. I'll definitely want to read the next in the series. I'd like to thank the publishers for sending a copy to the Bookbag.