This book was too predictable. I knew very early how the plot was going to develop and, from the first time the character appeared, who the "bad one" was. I can't say more without including spoilers, but hey, it's a spoiler in itself. ( )

Over the years, writer Martha Powers has entertained readers with books bursting with her own unique creativity, wit, and style. Yet despite her years of experience and number of works she continues to compose with fresh excitement, keeping her loyal fans happy as well as winning over new ones. With the release of “Conspiracy of Silence” Powers just may have outdone even herself.

“Conspiracy of Silence” chronicles the harrowing journey of reporter Clare Prentice from the moment she learns that she’d been adopted to arriving in the little town of Grand Rapids, Minnesota where she hopes to find out about her biological parents. With her life on hold, Clare is bound and determined to find anything at all that could shed some light on her elusive past. Soon, what started as a harmless quest for information turns into a dangerous life-or-death struggle and Clare must decide how far she’s willing to go for the truth. Can she risk her future just to learn about her past?

“Conspiracy of Silence” is an adrenaline-packed page turner that will have you immediately hooked. Powers’ breathes vibrant life into her characters so you really get to know them; you feel their fears, their pain, their helplessness, and their determination. Her plot is more of an experience and you are exhausted by the last page, having ridden the same emotional roller-coaster ride her characters have all experienced. By the time I finished, I realized I’d been holding the book with a white-knuckled grip. And the ending – completely and utterly unexpected and will have your mind reeling long after the last page.

“Conspiracy of Silence” is absolutely perfect for adult readers of thriller, conspiracy, and mystery novels. Powers writes with a strength and intensity that will lure John Grisham and Robert Ludlum fans all while maintaining an overall feminine flavor that her readers have come to appreciate. If you’ve never read a Martha Powers novel, now’s the time to start.

Author Martha Powers new thriller, “Conspiracy of Silence” is sure to make plenty of noise upon its release. Jam-packed with vibrant details and non-stop action, it will keep you up reading; even keep you up pondering what will happen next if you manage to tear yourself away from its pages. Hands down and by far, “Conspiracy of Silence” the best novel I’ve read all year. Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant!

--Vicki Landes, author of "Europe for the Senses: A Photographic Journal"

Clare Prentice is about to be married. She undergoes some thorough check-ups and is relieved when the doctor declares her perfectly fit. However, the doctor also drops some shocking information. Clare is adopted.

After breaking off her engagement, Clare begins digging into the her adopted mother's past. The trail stops before she hardly begins. However, a class ring soon leads her upon a new path, one taking her to Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

Although she is on assignment to interview the town's reclusive author, Nate Hanssen, Clare's main agenda is to find out who she is. According to all of her research, there is no record that either she or her adopted mother exist. Since her adopted mother, Rose, had recently passed away, Clare is determined to find some answers in Grand Rapids.

Renting a quaint cottage from the town's librarian, Ruth, Clare soon settles in and begins her research. After perusing old year books, she finds a picture of her adopted mother, Rose. The last name has changed, and with this new piece of the puzzle in place, Clare is able to delve deeper.

She soon learns who her parents are. Unfortunately, her mother was murdered ; her father being blamed for the crime. Her father, however, runs from the situation and is later claimed dead from jumping in front of a train.

Someone, though, doesn't want Clare digging too deep into the past. As bits of her forgotton childhood memories come back, danger begins to close in around her. Leaning on Nate and a neighborhood dog named Waldo gives Clare some strength to find the elusive answers of what really happened that long ago night.

A town full of secrets but quaint charm sets the scene for this suspenseful novel. Full of interesting characters , Conspiracy of Silence is a rollercoaster ride with twists and turns that will leave you breathless. I absolutely enjoyed it !