Plano Reads: Not a Sound

Read our review of Not a Sound by Heather Gudenkauf, a Mystery Book Club pick for May.

You can join us to virtually discuss Not a Sound on May 21 at 7 p.m. via Zoom! Register online here.

Not a Sound by Heather Gudenkauf is currently available as an eBook and audiobook on OverDrive or through the Libby app.

Description from OverDrive: When a tragic accident leaves nurse Amelia Winn deaf, she ends up losing everything that matters—her job, her husband, David, and her stepdaughter, Nora. Now, two years later and with the help of her hearing dog, Stitch, she is finally getting back on her feet. But when she discovers the body of a fellow nurse in the dense bush near her cabin, she is plunged into a mystery that could shatter the carefully reconstructed pieces of her life all over again.

As clues begin to surface, Amelia finds herself swept into an investigation that hits all too close to home. But how much is she willing to risk in order to uncover the truth and bring a killer to justice? New York Times bestselling author Heather Gudenkauf has been described as “masterful” and “intelligent” and compared to Lisa Scottoline and Jodi Picoult. In this taut and emotional thriller, she proves yet again that she’s at the top of her class.

Not a Sound follows a down-on-her-luck former nurse, Amelia, who tragically lost her hearing. In a shocking twist, she finds herself at the center of a murder mystery involving a dead nurse (and former colleague). While Amelia begins to put the pieces of her life back together, she attempts to track down her friend’s murderer.

As an unknown presence manipulates her, taking advantage of her deafness and alcohol-fueled past, the reader is left wondering how reliable Amelia truly is. Gudenkauf creates a compelling character with a strong voice in the form of Amelia. As well, the author solidifies a beautiful relationship between Amelia and her service dog, Stitch.

The main character’s loss of hearing adds an intense element to the already suspenseful story. While Not a Sound presents itself as a mystery with a slow burn, it quickly becomes a page-turner as Gudenkauf expertly guides us through this twisted story of psychological suspense that you will not be able to put down. – Librarian Emery