Her Silent Prayer by M.M. Chouinard
Published: April 7, 2022
Bookouture
Pages: 392
Genre: Crime Thriller
KKECReads Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.
M.M. Chouinard writes crime fiction that is beautifully crafted. She sprinkles a little bit of herself in her characters, and you will feel how passionate she is from the first paragraph. A brilliant mind, incredible researcher, and delightful human, M.M. Chouinard was destined to be an extraordinary author. She is a modern-day Agatha Christie.
Searching the house for clues, Jo’s team discovers that the front door was locked from the inside. And with no sign of a break-in, they realise the killer must be someone Melissa knew. But everyone in the frame has an alibi…
As she delves deeper into the case, Jo uncovers a link between Melissa and a recent cold case: another single mother who was tied up and brutally murdered. Someone is on a mission to kill local mothers, and Jo knows they will claim their next victim soon.
But as temperatures continue to rise and the team works around the clock to stop a twisted killer, someone from Jo’s past catches up with her. They’re watching her family’s every move, and they will stop at nothing to get revenge… Can Jo save the people she loves and catch the killer before it’s too late?
“Paranoia was a friend she cuddled around in bed each night and allowed to kiss her awake each morning.”
Jo is back, with her dream team, still hoping to fly under the radar of her boss. Except now, someone is playing judge, jury, and executioner with alleged abusive mothers. Soon, Jo and Bob are racing against the clock to find the killer before it’s too late. But, a blast from the past makes a reappearance, and suddenly Jo is thrust into a battle she might not survive.
MY HEART IS RACING, AND I AM SLIGHTLY SWEATY. But this book was beyond brilliant. The imagery, the characters, the plot, the themes, the symbolism, Lopez- my heart is so content.
There were some very clever goose eggs hidden throughout this novel, so if you’ve read the previous books- be on the lookout! I giggled out loud at a few; M.M. Chouinard is so clever, I cannot handle it.
I love the storyline and growth Jo has taken throughout the series (so far). This book was no different, and our favorite leading lady had a lot to face up to and think about with this novel. Her mind and heart continue to blow my mind.
I love Arnett. He’s so moody and such a devoted partner to Jo. I love the dynamic they have, and the respect and trust between the pair are incredible. Arnett was a beacon of factuality and reason in this novel. And I love that in a moment where Jo needed to be reminded of who she is- it was Arnett who was there.
Lopez. Sigh. She was a shining star in this book. She has always been an incredible character, well-placed comedic relief, sass, wit, charm, and a rockstar-filled work ethic that makes her slightly terrifying, in the best way.
The imagery was so well choreographed. The use of light vs. dark, good vs. evil, right vs. wrong, personal justice vs. legal justice- it is simply astounding how Chouinard can wrap so many details into a scene while also challenging you and making you think.
This book has been the long-awaited return, and I could not be happier with how the return, the showdown, and the continuation happened. I was conflicted because I couldn’t put this book down- but I also wanted to put the book down and take my time.
The symbolism in this novel is outstandingly beautiful. Chouinard truly outdid herself and has painted such vivid glimpses into the various characters. I loved the alternating narrators and how the storylines got more twisted as the plot thickened.
Knowing what I now know, my imagination is running wild with where else this story could go- with such a diverse, strong, capable cast of characters- heaven knows this series could go on forever.
The ending was poetic and iconic- paying homage to the previous books and leaving the door open for book 6. The way everything comes together while falling apart was pure choreographed chaos. Get writing, Michelle!