Theresa Talbot

The Quiet Ones by Theresa Talbot is the third book in The Oonagh O’Neil series. Oonagh O’Neil is a television journalist in Glasgow, Scotland who is being shoved off the anchor desk for the latest new young thing. While Oonagh resents it, it does give her the opportunity to do more in depth pieces since she does enjoy research and production. Oonagh has a troubled past that continues to haunt her and has her overindulging in alcoholic beverages. To make matters worse, a certain gentleman with the Glasgow police seems to be ignoring her. When Oonagh learns that Harry Nugent’s death is the result of foul play, not a suicide, she sees the possibility of a series. Despite not having official permission to do her story, Oonagh begins digging into Harry’s life. While Harry’s life appeared squeaky clean on the surface, Oonagh soon discovers that the man had a nasty predilection and she wonders if this is what got him killed. The more Oonagh digs, the more dirt she uncovers. The Quiet Ones deals with a sensitive subject and I am glad that the story did not go into detail. Oonagh is an older protagonist which I appreciated (I can relate more since she is closer to my age). Oonagh has established connections and is a good researcher. People seem to open up when she talks to them which helps her get juicy tidbits. The mystery was complex with new details emerging as the story progresses. I like how murder is multifaceted and we get information from various sources including flashbacks. The tension built the further I got into the book and as Oonagh finds out more about Harry’s personal and business dealings. My favorite phrase from The Quiet Ones deals with Harry and is “up to his eyes in something brown and smelly.” I do want to let readers know that, unfortunately, there is extensive foul language. I found The Quiet Ones to be a slow starter and the pacing varied depending upon the scene. Oonagh O’Neil is a character that I could not like. I wish the author had made the protagonist more relatable and friendly. The author’s detailed descriptions allowed me to visualize the characters and the scenes. I recommend reading The Oonagh O’Neil books in order so you can get the background on Oonagh. The ending will have your jaw dropping in shock.… (mehr)

I enjoyed the story. The whole tainted blood aspect was down right scary. There were so many names, I found myself getting confused and not really sure who was all involved.

How are the tainted blood cases, Raphael killings and a woman accused of killing her husband and drowning her son related? That's question Oonagh O'Neil is trying to find out.

This is the second book in the Oonagh O'Neil series and now I definitely need to read the first book. There were many twists and turns and was definitely a mystery. The book jumped between the past and present. The present being 2002. At times I was lost and wasn't sure where we were on the timeline. I found the book to be very jumpy. I loved the story, characters and writing style. I enjoyed the work relationship Davies and McVeigh had together. I found it humorous when McVeigh got stuck in the blood pressure cuff and no one knew how to get it off until Davies showed up and simply unplugged the machine. I foresee a possible romance with Oonagh and Davies and hopefully she doesn't hit him over the head with a statue. Poor Cat, despite the fact that he may have tried to eat Oonagh's face she loved him. The book turned out to be more than just about an old case involving a woman killing her husband and son. That story line was just a small part of the whole picture.

Definitely recommend the book and can't wait to read more by the author.

Thanks to NetGalley, Aria and the author, Theresa Talbot, for a free electronic ARC of this novel.… (mehr)

Keep Her Silent by Theresa Talbot
Oonagh O’Neil #2

Flipping back and forth between 1975 and 2002 this book presents a type of evil that I hate to think was perpetrated by men against men. That said, men always are most inhumane to their fellow species. This book is based on fact and deals with evil that I have heard a bit about but not in the depth that it is presented in this book. If you have not heard of the tainted blood scandal then it may be time to google it…or to read this book…then google it. It seems there is a LOT of money to made from blood by pharmaceutical companies…

Horrific Murder
Wife & mother accused then put away
Whistle blowers – often dying
Plots within plots
Evil men keeping secrets and making money
What will some do to further scientific studies?
What will men do to keep others from knowing what they have done?
Reporter following a lead
Inspector searching for clues to an old murder - a cold case
Reporter and inspector are friends – their cases overlap
Can old wrongs be righted?

This was a well-researched and excellently written story of corruption, greed and cover-ups. I remember the AIDS fears of the 80s and the fact that a neighbor’s mother was given a transfusion that transferred death through AIDS. Reading this book made it come home again. I had trouble putting this one down as in addition to the tainted blood scandal there was an issue with drugs and another that mentioned postpartum depression. All the strings of the story were gathered together one by one and wrapped up in a tidy ball but I do wonder what Oonagh will be up to next and whether or not she will find a partner that will give her peace and support as she moves forward in this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Aria for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars… (mehr)