THE SILENT WIFE by Karin Slaughter
For me to enjoy a book it must have style and substance. For some readers style is enough, while others require an abundance of substance. Karin Slaughter always delivers both and her latest novel THE SILENT WIFE is a perfect example of how the two must merge. To have “style” in your story you have to be in control of the plot and people it with fascinating characters. To have “substance” you have to provide enough interest and detail to hold the reader’s attention. Check and check.
The plot of THE SILENT WIFE is a substantial one in that it concerns a possible serial killer running loose in the state of Georgia. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is called in on a case involving a young woman who has been found dead in the woods near Atlanta. Will Trent and his partner Faith catch the case and immediately begin processing the scene.
A few days later Will is at the Georgia Penitentiary and is contacted by an inmate who claims to have knowledge of a past murder that will implicate law enforcement in Grant County. Grant County is the area from which medical examiner Sara Linton hails. Sara and Will are romantically involved and prior to their relationship Sara was married to Jeffrey Tolliver, the sheriff of Grant County.
As Slaughter’s story unfolds there is a possibility the death in Atlanta in the present may be linked to murders in Grant County in the past. At this point the telling of the story splits with part of the book being dedicated to the Grant County days of Jeffrey and Sara, and the other part being focused on the present investigation being conducted by Will and Sara. To coin a phrase “the roots of the present lie deep in the past.”
Slaughter has written many books about the Grant County days but several books ago she left them and focused on the Atlanta based relationship of Will and Sara. For Slaughterites the use of these characters from the past is an answer to prayer. The Jeffrey/Sara stories were just as fascinating as the current Will/Sara stories. So to have Slaughter go back to Grant County is a reason for rejoicing among her millions of fans.
THE SILENT WIFE is a book that is hard to describe. It is so enjoyable that the only adjective that comes to mind is exquisite.which is defined as extraordinarily fine and admirable. THE SILENT WIFE is full of details about a variety of medical and police procedures but all of the information is delivered in a way that is totally believable and assured. You have to admire an author who can convey that depth of information in readable fashion.
It must also be noted Karin Slaughter reveals in her notes at the end of her novel that the book contains a love story. I have been harping on this fact for years. Karin Slaughter writes some of the most romantic stories ever created. However most people focus on the violence and never recognize the beauty that is also there. But it is there and when it takes form in the story of Will and Sara it is breathtaking.
So read THE SILENT WIFE for the circuitous plot, the inherent violence, the detailed investigation and the tender love story. When they all come together in the adept hands of Karin Slaughter it is exquisite.
THE SILENT WIFE is published by William Morrow. It contains 496 pages and sell for $25.99.
Jackie K Cooper
www.jackiekcooper.com
