A dark, occult mystery with an astute private investigator named Tearlach Paterson. I enjoy books where the inciting incident happens early and this one is especially gruesome with a mother discovering her son holding a bloody knife while her husband lies dead on the floor. The suspense builds at a fantastic pace while Tearlach and his team search for a demented, ritualistic killer. Fans of J.D. Barker's 4MK series and Jeff Van Oudenhove's The Alphabet Killer will enjoy this one. I haven't yet read the first book in this series, but I was able to follow this one as a standalone.

I loved reading the first book in this series of Private Investigator Tealach Paterson, and wasnt disappointed at this one. Wow, what an enjoyable ride to read.

A serial killer is loose on the streets and there’s a huge secret that this family isn’t telling anyone. Whose killings these victims and why?

The story and plot was good with likeable characters and lots of twists and turns. Captured me !

Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing

I like this series a lot, this book also did not disappoint. It reads fine as a stand alone, though if you have read the other one you have more insight into the investigators lives, histories and relationships with one another. The crimes here are intricate and kept me guessing . The police perhaps at times ineffectual and Tearach , Dee and Chloe bloody minded with their own way of working.. There is plenty of action and suspense and the mostly short chapters enable a quick read.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC

I did read this pretty quickly. I did skip some of the long self chattering in the book because it bored me. I just couldn't connect with any of the characters. There wasn't a big suspense or any big reveals on who the killer is. The book just didn't feel finished, I guess. It definitely was no thriller.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to read this book. These thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is the second book in this series and although I hadn't read the first, I found it easy to engage with the characters.
The neighbours on Seaview Drive, Glasgow called the police, Lauren Martin's screams alerted them.
Lauren Martin had returned from grocery shopping to find her teenage son, Logan, covered in blood, knife in his hand, looking down on the body of his brutally mutilated father, Keith, his sister Jade,unaware of the horror was up in her bedroom listening to music.
This was an open and shut case, Logan confessed to the murder of his father and was now incarcerated in Barlinnie jail.
Keith's sister Nichole was the only one who believed that her gentle nephew couldn't possibly have killed his father, she wanted answers and to get them she hired PI Tearlach Paterson and his team Dee and Chloe.
At first Tearlach thought that Nichole was wasting her money but the more digging his team did the more his opinion changed and his gut feeling took over.
Jade went missing, a desperate Lauren turned to Tearlach, a pentagon found under the carpet in Jade's room, the ritualistic murder of their next door neighbours, the escalating body count put fear into the citizens of Glasgow, a serial killer was on the loose, a serial killer with a mission.
As this disturbing story unfolds it encompasses the satanism, the Freemasons, ritual sacrifice. What is the significance of the knots used to tie the victims ? what was the significance of the location of the bodies, did they need to look at the pentagon for answers.
This is a well written book, it has disturbing elements, danger and suspense, the author's descriptive powers are great and I look forward to the next book in the series and the growing attraction between Tearlach and Dee.
Thank you Storm Publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is voluntary.

Ritual killings mixed in with drugs and wrongful arrests are all key to this book. Certainly a page turner and a quick read. Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the chance to ARC this book.

I did not read the first book in this series, nevertheless I did not feel like I missed out on much of Private Investigator Tearlach Paterson's story. This story gave me enough information for me to feel like I knew him and his motives. As the title suggests this story was heavy on rituals and their history. It added to the story and the motives behind the killing/kidnappings. The story moved along slowly which added to the tension, but was at times hard to keep my attention. I am hoping there will be a 3rd book in the Tearlach Paterson story.

Silent Ritual - An interesting but wordy book with good story lines and good characters. While an interesting story, the wordiness made it hard to keep my focus reading, too easy to set down. Gruesome crimes but not graphically gory. Source: Netgalley. 3*

A serial killer is loose on the streets and there’s a huge secret that this family isn’t telling anyone about. Who’s killing these victims and why?
Twists and turns took me on an enjoyable ride. This is the second book of the series and can be read as a stand-alone. Well written with likable character and I found it suspenseful.
Thanks Storm Publishing via NetGalley.

A father brutally murdered, a son imprisoned, a family shattered. Lauren Martin and her daughter Jade were shell shocked by what had happened. When Jade's Aunt Nicole approached Teàrlach Paterson, Private Investigator, asking him to discover the real killer of her brother, as she knew her nephew hadn't done it, he and his team of Dee and Chloe were thrust into a confusion of ritualistic events across Glasgow that would test them to their limits.

As first one body was discovered, then another and another, Teàrlach and his team, as well as the local police, knew there was a serial killer roaming Glasgow. But what they didn't - yet - know was that it was a ritual with a pentagram at its centre. And the intricate knots that bound each body had a meaning. Chloe's brother Leo, knew knots and was able to give them some answers - and the race was on. But with Teàrlach getting closer to the killer, so too was danger getting closer to them. Would they find the answers, and the killer, before more murders occurred?

Silent Ritual is the 2nd in the Private Investigator Teàrlach Paterson series by Andrew James Greig and it was gripping, intense and chilling. The main three characters - Teàrlach, Dee and Chloe - are well crafted and I'm looking forward to reading more about them. I very much enjoyed the first in the series - The Girl in the Loch - and Silent Ritual was just as good. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

**Silent Ritual** is the second book in the Private Investigator Teàrlach Paterson series, but you can dive in without having read the first. This gripping murder mystery explores the eerie world of ritualistic killings.

An ear-shattering scream breaks the quiet of a Glasgow street as a mother stands frozen in her doorway, groceries scattered at her feet. Her son clutches a bloodied knife while his father lies dead before him. Logan Martin is quickly imprisoned for the murder, but his aunt believes he's innocent and hires PI Teàrlach Paterson to find the truth.

At the Martin home, Teàrlach discovers a pentagram under the carpet in Logan's sister’s room and a journal with the same symbol in the home of their murdered elderly neighbors. As ritualistic murders spread across the city, with bodies arranged on an occult pentagram, Teàrlach and his team uncover an ancient map linked to the killings.

When two young women go missing, Teàrlach fears the worst. He's closing in on a killer with roots in Glasgow’s pagan past. Can he stop the murderer before another ritual claims a life, perhaps even one of his own team?

This book grabbed me from the start with its unique blend of murder and the occult—something you don’t often see in detective stories. Even with a large cast of characters, the story’s fast pace and clear writing kept everything engaging. It’s a well-written, compelling read, and I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing.

Silent Ritual is the second in the Private Investigator Teàrlach Paterson series. The story begins when Lauren Martin arrives home to see her 17 year old son, Logan, holding a knife and claims to have killed his father. Teàrlach, Dee and Chloe are asked to conduct a private investigation by Nicole Martin, Logan's Aunt, to determine the reason behind the incident. The PI is led down a path of the Freemasons, Paganism and witchcraft before stumbling onto finding out secrets about certain people within the plot.

How is everything linked? All of these questions will be answered by the time you reached the chilling conclusion! This was well written and very descriptive and you can see the research that has gone into writing this book. I love the characters and how they interact with other. I highly recommend this book.

This is the 2nd in Andrew James Greig's Glasgow based crime series featuring PI Tearlach Paterson, a man with a traumatic history of grief and loss, and a dying father he is far from keen to visit. This is my first taste of this series, and it worked fine as there was more than sufficient information and details to become immersed in the disturbing and intense storyline. Lauren Martin returns home to the horrifying sight of her dead husband, Keith, and her teenage son, Logan, with a bloodied knife in his hands, and her daughter, Jade, upstairs with headphones on, apparently missing all the macabre horror downstairs. Logan is now serving a prison sentence at Barlinnie.

Despite it seemingly being an open and shut case, Logan's Aunt Nicole does not believe in his guilt, he is a gentle and considerate boy with no violent or brutal tendencies. Paterson is reluctant to take her on as client, he cannot see what he can do for her, but eventually agrees initially to do a week's work to see if his agency can turn up anything, although Logan refuses to provide any leads that could exonerate him. Paterson is aided by the differing skills and abilities of his staff, Chloe, the office manager, and the hacking skills of Dee Fairlie prove to be invaluable. This is a chilling and frightening narrative that takes in pentagrams, the suspicious deaths of neighbours, freemasons, drugs, the terror of ritualised murders, corrupt police, and dangers that come far too close to home.

The author spins a complex yarn that takes in myths, legends and the delusional, the case is to test the limits of Paterson and his staff, on a personal level there are growing feelings between him and Dee, and Chloe's brother has useful information on the subject of knots. It is the characters that captured my interest in this Glasgow series, primarily the poetry loving Paterson suffering such unbearable losses, yet managing to forge a successful career as a PI, but I was captivated by Dee, Chloe and Jade too. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

This was the second book to feature Private Investigator Teàrlach Paterson and his team Chloe and Dee. Paganism, witchcraft, ancient beliefs and good old fashioned murder mystery make for a good fast paced read. Highly recommend. Thank you to the author, the publisher and netgalley for the opportunity to read 'Silent Ritual'.

This is an absolutely fantastic series! I love the characters and how they work with each other. If I’m being honest, I think this second in the series may even be better than the first! This story was action packed from the very beginning and definitely kept me turning the pages. I can see how the author has been a contender for multiple awards because his writing is phenomenal. Truly, this is a must read. And those last few chapters, I wanted to scream, because they were so good. Really a model on pacing! I can’t wait to read the next one!

Huge thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!

Andrew James Greig’s Silent Ritual is a riveting thriller that plunges readers into a dark and mysterious investigation rooted in Glasgow’s occult history. The story begins with a harrowing scene: a mother witnesses her son, Logan Martin, holding a bloodied knife over his dead father. This shocking moment sets the stage for an intricate and chilling narrative.

Logan is quickly convicted of the murder, but his aunt believes in his innocence and hires private investigator Teàrlach Paterson to uncover the truth. From the moment Teàrlach steps into the Martin family home, it is clear that this is no ordinary case. The discovery of a pentagram etched under the carpet in Logan's sister’s bedroom and a similar symbol in a journal found at the home of their deceased elderly neighbors suggest a connection to sinister ritualistic practices.

Greig masterfully blends elements of crime investigation with the eerie allure of the occult. The plot thickens as Teàrlach uncovers a series of ritualistic murders, with victims arranged on a pentagram and bound in intricate knots. These gruesome details, combined with the historical context of Glasgow’s pagan past, add depth and authenticity to the narrative, keeping readers engrossed.

Teàrlach Paterson is a compelling protagonist. His determination to uncover the truth and protect the innocent drives the story forward. His character is well-rounded, exhibiting both professional acumen and personal stakes that make his journey relatable and engaging. As he delves deeper into the investigation, the tension rises, particularly when two young women go missing and the threat becomes personal.

The supporting characters, including Teàrlach’s investigative team, add richness to the narrative. Their interactions and individual contributions enhance the story, creating a dynamic ensemble cast. The familial aspect, particularly the bond between Logan and his aunt, adds an emotional layer to the investigation, highlighting the personal cost of seeking justice.

One of the novel’s strengths is its atmospheric setting. Greig paints a vivid picture of Glasgow, its streets shrouded in mystery and history. The city’s dark corners and ancient secrets become almost a character in their own right, providing a haunting backdrop to the unfolding drama.

The theme of ritualistic murder, intertwined with ancient pagan practices, is handled with finesse. Greig provides just enough historical detail to ground the story in reality without overwhelming the reader. The use of symbols, maps, and rituals creates a sense of authenticity and intrigue that propels the narrative.

The pacing of Silent Ritual is expertly managed. Each chapter ends with a compelling hook, driving the reader to continue. Greig’s writing style is clear and evocative, capturing the suspense and urgency of the investigation. The plot twists and turns, with each revelation adding to the complexity of the case and the danger faced by Teàrlach and his team.

Silent Ritual is more than just a thriller; it is a deep dive into the human psyche and the lengths to which people will go to uncover the truth. The exploration of good versus evil, innocence versus guilt, and the impact of ancient beliefs on modern lives provides a thought-provoking undercurrent to the suspenseful plot.

Andrew James Greig’s Silent Ritual is a standout thriller that combines a gripping investigation with the dark allure of the occult. The well-crafted plot, rich character development, and atmospheric setting make it a must-read for fans of the genre. Greig’s ability to weave historical elements into a contemporary narrative ensures that readers are both entertained and haunted by the story long after they turn the final page.

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Perverted paganism and witchcraft hallmarked by ritualistic murders draw the PI team into a first, then similar occurrences. Fear is the driving force behind police, politic, and the press, but it's the characters that drive the story. Well done.
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Storm Publishing via NetGalley.

Private Investigator, Teàlach Paterson, and team, Chloe and Dee, are asked to investigate the case of a young man found with his dead father and bloodied knife in hand. Mother and sister hiding in the house. The police are assuming that the son is the murderer. The more the team investigate, the more complex it becomes especially when further deaths follow. Freemasons, drugs and a lot of the occult; all set in a gloomy Glasgow. I don't know how the team came together as I haven't read the first book in the series but they work well, each has their own demons and each has their own, not always legal, skills. Context and place descriptions are good, people descriptions less so. A twisty, well-written story which kept up the pace until the end. 3.5* but classed as a 3* simply because it's a while since I read it and the details have already left home - a good read but done and dusted with no lasting memory. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy

Investigation great, murder motive really a dilly🙄

I think the author has created a great investigative team in Tearlach, Dee and Chloe. Here they make the most of their individual talents in a very eerie Glasgow-set murder case involving human sacrifice, pentagrams and odd knots with pagan significance. It's full of suspense, the climax is action-packed, and I liked that the focus stays on finding the murderer and possibly exonerating a young man in prison for brutally stabbing his own father, with just minor forays into the personal life of the detectives.

The case is plenty complex and unpredictable, but I found the finally-revealed motive for the bulk of the murders was just too out there and unrealistic. I also like to know a bit more about the victims; some of them barely rate a brief appearance.

Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

Silent Ritual
By: Andrew James Greig

3 Stars

When bodies begin popping up around Glasgow, Detective Paterson and his team are on the case. Rituals, bodies, missing people. They come face to face with horrors that all begin to link together as a mass of ritualistic kills. These kills are not lone kills. Together, they have to find a serial killer.

This was the second in the series. I did not have the chance to read the first one, but I really enjoyed the story and the characters. I never felt like I missed anything major, so I read this as a stand-alone.
This story was well written. Tearlach, Dee, and Chloe make an awesome crime fighting team. The storyline was one that I really enjoyed as I, myself, identify as pagan. It was well done and action packed. Around every corner was another clue, or body. It was thrilling right to the end. Usually, I can figure it out. The "who" of who done it, but not this time. I was kept guessing and wanting more till the last page.

*I want to thank Netgalley and the author for this book in return for my honest review*

Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Review