Rating: 4.5/5

Allison Brennan returns with Don’t Say a Word, the second installment in her gripping Angelhart Investigations series, and it’s every bit as captivating as fans hoped it would be. With sharp pacing, rich family dynamics, and a heartfelt core, Brennan delivers a crime procedural that feels both authentic and deeply personal.

The story begins with tragedy. Elijah Martinez, a promising high school honor student, is found dead from an apparent overdose. The police are quick to close the case, ruling it accidental, but Elijah’s grieving mother refuses to believe it. Desperate for answers, she turns to Angelhart Investigations a family-run private detective agency led by the strong and intuitive Margo Angelhart.

What seems like a straightforward investigation quickly spirals into something much darker. As Margo retraces Elijah’s final steps, she learns that none of his friends believe he was involved with drugs. Then a teacher critical of the police investigation turns up dead, leading Margo to suspect there’s a cover-up connected to a dangerous drug ring once operating through the school.

Brennan masterfully layers the mystery, pulling readers deeper with each revelation. Every clue Margo uncovers adds new questions, and the tension builds naturally without resorting to cheap shocks. The investigative process feels grounded and realistic, showing Brennan’s signature skill in blending suspense with emotional truth.

What makes Don’t Say a Word stand out isn’t just the plot it’s the people. Margo Angelhart is one of Brennan’s most compelling protagonists to date: strong, determined, but undeniably human. Her relationship with her family, who all work together at Angelhart Investigations, adds warmth and authenticity. Her brother Jack, a former police detective, brings stability and insight, while her sister Tess and mother provide sharp intellect and emotional depth. Despite their differences, the Angelharts’ unity gives the book its beating heart.

The secondary characters, particularly Elijah’s best friend Angie, add dimension to the story. Angie’s grief and anger feel painfully real, and her determination to uncover the truth mirrors Margo’s own sense of justice. When both women find themselves in danger, the story’s emotional weight intensifies, reminding readers what’s truly at stake.

Another element fans will appreciate is the subtle touch of romance woven into the narrative. It never overshadows the main mystery but instead adds a refreshing human layer to the tension-filled atmosphere. Readers of the first book, Out of the Shadows, will enjoy seeing familiar faces return and new relationships develop in meaningful ways.

The pacing is pitch-perfect, balancing emotional beats with edge-of-your-seat moments. By the time the mystery unravels in its thrilling conclusion, it’s clear that Brennan has once again proven her mastery of the genre.

If you enjoy smart, character-driven crime fiction with heart, Don’t Say a Word deserves a spot on your reading list. It’s not just about solving a case it’s about the courage to face painful truths, the strength of family bonds, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Final Verdict: A compelling blend of suspense, emotion, and authenticity. Don’t Say a Word cements Allison Brennan as one of today’s most reliable voices in crime fiction. Highly recommended for fans of intelligent mysteries with strong female leads and just a hint of romance.

👉 Get your copy of Don’t Say a Word on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4hkudX3

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