Silent Gavel by Merissa Racine a fabulous four-star read. This is the first in the Crawford Mystery series and I am excited to see what will happen next, the twists in this story are superb and will have you guessing all the way through. The details were very well done and added to the story, I love a good detail-oriented line, so it was good for me, but some may find it a little too much. It was Lauren who kept me hooked, the way she dug and kept going, she added something extra to the story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sara Oxtonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSara Oxton2021-10-02 05:22:042021-10-02 07:59:34Silent Gavel (A Crawford Mystery Book 1) by Merissa Racine – Review by Sara Oxo
Silent Gavel is the first book in A Crawford Mystery series. It can be read as a standalone. This book is listed under thriller and suspense, but I found it to be more of just a mystery – something to figure out, but not anything that would put me on the edge of my seat. I had the culprit figured out fairly quickly. Parts of the story were a little slow with extraneous details and I thought that the reveal scene happened a little abruptly. But overall, it was a good story. I’m going to give book two a shot and see how it goes.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Naomi McDonaldhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngNaomi McDonald2021-10-01 15:18:442021-10-02 07:31:03Silent Gavel (A Crawford Mystery Book 1) by Merissa Racine – Review by Naomi McDonald
Lauren Besoner, court stenographer, starts her day as she would any other, but she runs into a little problem. When she stops by to pick the judge up for a short, case-related road trip she finds the judge dead in her home. Suddenly Lauren moves from court stenographer to number one suspect. She uses her own knowledge of the law, as well as a vibrant cast of human and canine characters to figure out who really killed the judge and proclaim her innocence.
Racine did a great job with this book. I was hooked from page one and found it hard to put down. Her depiction of small-town life and small-town people was vibrant and accurate. She painted a visual that was easy for the reader to pick up and carry through the story. She did a great job of making sure the story line was varied enough to keep the reader questioning who the real killer was, I at least didn’t see any huge red flags that pointed to any one character early on. I am a big animal lover, so I really enjoyed her characterization of the two canine characters in the story.
This was an easy-read, intriguing mystery that kept me coming back for more. “Silent Gavel” wasn’t overly gruesome and carried just enough humor, romance, and mystery to make it a fantastic book for anyone who loves the mystery/suspense genre.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Bartholomaehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Bartholomae2021-10-01 08:43:272021-10-02 06:47:23Silent Gavel: For fans of mystery and suspense (A Crawford Mystery Book 1) by: Merissa Racine – Review by Jennifer Bartholomae
This novel, to say in one word was amazing! I was pulled in deep with the writing and the suspense of this amazing novel that the author had produced. I was stunned and amazed through out my reading, it was one that kept me on the edge of my seat for sure, and I did not want to put the book down!
Lauren was a very well made character. I could relate to her, yes. She wanted a new life with a fresh start. I am very sure in the dream of a fresh start that murder was not her on her agenda. What follows though is where the book truly takes off and rather quick with the suspense. Suspects and hidden motives are the center point to figure out, but who and why. There was so much options to way out it kept me guessing, I had my hunch towards the end, I will say I was right, but the aftermath of the true realization is what really impacted the book and how things went about!
Again the book was amazing and the author was simply amazing as well bringing together this well thought out mystery! I was very impressed to say the least. Everything meshed together well as well as the characters were all different, some you instantly liked, and some I chose to raise an ye brow to! The writing was perfect, and the story was complex and suspenseful! Just the way I like my mysteries!
This was a first time read for this author for me, and I very much am left impressed. look forward to reading the additions to the series. I know it is a series I will not hesitate or blink to read. I was grilled to my seat reading and enjoying. If you love mysteries as I do, this is not one to pass up!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorrene Huismanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorrene Huisman2021-10-01 08:27:582021-10-01 08:31:07Silent Gavel (A Crawford Mystery Book 1) by Merissa Racine – Review by Lorrene Huisman
Mystery, suspense and drama Silent Gavel is the first book I have read by this author. I found the writing had a good flow and the story had enough mystery to keep me guessing. The characters were interesting and the plot well developed. An enjoyable cozy-mystery read for a lazy weekend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rayne Easthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRayne East2021-10-01 01:12:472021-10-01 08:24:57Silent Gavel (A Crawford Mystery Book 1) by Merissa Racine – Review by Rayne East
Wow! Just wow! So normally I pick up mysteries when I don’t want to read too much in one day. They get so boring and slow at parts that you have to set them down or they get so fast paced that you have to stop every paragraph to digest it. But not Silent Gavel by Merissa Racine, I started reading at 7 in the morning and didn’t stop until I was done! (A little after 1 as I had to work)
While the story is pretty cliche when it comes to mysteries, and you know about three-fourths of the way through who did it, it was so well written that you can’t help but wonder what comes next. Following Lauren as she tries to piece together why everyone thinks she is the bad guy. She didn’t love Judge Murphy, but she didn’t have any hate towards her either! Great story! @karenmmarsh
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Karenhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKaren2021-09-30 09:43:262021-10-01 07:21:34Silent Gavel (A Crawford Mystery Book 1) by Merissa Racine – Review by Karen (Melody) Marsh
Loved the character development in this book. When Lauren stumbles upon the murder of her boss, unraveling the layers of Judge Murphy’s life only unfolds new mysteries about the woman Lauren thought she knew. It takes the help of everyone around her to keep Lauren from falling apart as the police close in on Judge Murphy’s killer. Everyone from the bakery shop owner to the old lady neighbor and the slew of characters in between were easy and fun to read about, with a few surprises and twisted along the way. This book kept me guessing until the end.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Wendy Waryhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngWendy Wary2021-09-29 05:45:042021-09-29 08:01:10Silent Gavel (A Crawford Mystery Book 1) by Merissa Racine – Review by Wendy Wary
This book was incredible! This book kept me on the edge on my seat. If you love crime and mysteries, you will not be disappointed with reading this book. This started out as the wrong place at the wrong time right at the beginning which catches you right away and takes hold and doesn’t let go and when your done your wanting more. There were so many twists and turns that leave you guessing ever time about what is going to happen. A crime with a number of suspects kept me guessing, a girl caught in the middle and no way out. Its we’ll written and really put together. The amount of detail to the foreshadowing left me to my own imagination. The way the author understands the courtroom and procedure is very well written. And finally, a great ending that tied everything together that explained it all. A very suspenseful and wonderful read, I highly recommend this one! I really loved this book. I’m anxiously waiting for more from this new author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Reimerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Reimer2021-09-28 17:25:432021-09-29 07:42:50Silent Gavel (A Crawford Mystery Book 1) by Merissa Racine – Review by Jennifer Reimer
Silent Gavel: For Fans of Mystery and Suspense by Merissa Racine is the first book in A Crawford Mystery series. I thought this was a well written book that keeps you engaged from start to finish. The author really has created an interesting mystery but what really made this book for me was the main character, Lauren. I instantly liked her as soon as I started reading this book and I thought she was so easy to connect with. She is so relatable is was easy to imagine everything she was going through. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was developed and intriguing. I am looking forward to book 2!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2021-09-27 14:40:062021-09-28 07:38:13Silent Gavel (A Crawford Mystery Book 1) by Merissa Racine – Review by Kerry Baker
I really enjoyed this crime story. The author does an amazing job with the characters making them all realistic and likeable or someone you could really hate. The twists and turns in this book are great and I didn’t suspect the murderer at all and was shocked when I realised who it was.
Lauren is a court reporter. She likes her job and thinks she’s good at it. However her life gets turned upside down when her Judge is found murdered in her own home. Now there is a hunt to find the killer. Is it a random attack or could someone else be next? When all the clues start pointing to Lauren she decides she needs to try and solve this herself before she is found guilty of a crime she didn’t commit.
With a ex husband to deal with, colleagues she doesn’t know if she can trust and the real killer in her group of contacts can she solve the murder or will she become the next victim.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2021-09-27 13:46:432021-09-27 14:07:51Silent Gavel (A Crawford Mystery Book 1) by Merissa Racine – Review by Kerry Carr
I wasn’t aware this was a series, but I loved this book. Who I thought was the killer was not the killer which made my mouth drop. It’s written in 3rd person but the only feelings we get explanations on are Lauren’s. I enjoyed this writing style because I didn’t feel overwhelmed with information. I would love to read the next book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Daryian Lucashttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDaryian Lucas2021-09-25 21:05:092021-09-26 06:38:49Silent Gavel (A Crawford Mystery Book 1) by Merissa Racine – Review by Daryian Lucas
Mystery and thriller are my favorite stories and this harbors both. I have never read a book by this author until now and it was amazing. So much so that I want to read more by Merissa Racine. Imagine being the top suspect for killing a judge and having to prove your innocence. That’s exactly what Lauren’s life entails. I would love to continue reading the Crawford Mysteries series after enjoying this timeless read.
Being my first book by this author i must say I was HOOKED from beginning to end. I devoured every word of this story. Lauren was so easy to like and I felt like I was reading about a friend the whole time. This one kept me on my toes and I had my suspicions but I was surprised I was wrong, way wrong.
I hope we get more of Lauren and these characters as this was just such a great read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lyndsey Fairleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLyndsey Fairley2021-09-24 21:26:042021-09-24 21:26:04Silent Gavel (A Crawford Mystery Book 1) by Merissa Racine – Review by Lyndsey Fairley
This book was incredible! It’s your classic wrong place wrong time scenario with so many twists and turns that leave you right on the edge of your seat! So we’ll written with a great flow and had me guessing to the end! I highly reccomend this one!!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00April McCoyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngApril McCoy2021-09-22 18:32:442021-09-23 08:38:52Silent Gavel (A Crawford Mystery Book 1) by Merissa Racine – Review by April McCoy
I have a soft spot for murder mystery novels, and this one had everything I adore: a stereotypical crime, a number of possible suspects that keeps the reader guessing, a clueless hero/heroine, a sassy cop, & finally a great tied together ending that explains everything that the reader had been piecing together themselves. It was perfect, from the amount of detail included to the amount of foreshadowing left for the reader to imagine their own conclusions!
The character interactions between Detective Overstreet and Lauren were positively scrumptious. I kept hoping that there would be a romance side to the story and I wasn’t disappointed, it was subtle but it was there and I loved the undertones of the interactions as they unfolded.
This story was made all the better because I have family in Wyoming, where the book is based, and it all felt like I was home. The author’s descriptions were spot on, while also not focusing too overly much on detail. It made it feel all very natural!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Alexis Laidlawhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAlexis Laidlaw2021-09-21 18:26:172021-09-22 08:05:26Silent Gavel (A Crawford Mystery Book 1) by Merissa Racine – Review by Alexis Laidlaw
Silent Gavel is the first instalment in the Crawford Mystery series and debut novel by Merissa Racine. This is an intriguing crime and investigation story- a murder mystery with suspense, danger, action, drama, and interesting characters. Lauren Besoner left her old life behind for a fresh start. She found a job as the local court stenographer and her life seemed to be getting back on track. But then a judge is murdered, and Lauren finds herself under the spotlight as the prime suspect… looks like she’s going to have to figure it all out herself, before she is pinned with the crime. But a few complications spring up- bringing danger into the mix. Will she figure everything out and avoid further complications, or worse? You really will need to read all the intriguing details for yourself. Looking forward to seeing what the next book in the series has in store for us.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2021-09-21 09:26:522021-09-21 09:50:08Silent Gavel (A Crawford Mystery Book 1) by Merissa Racine – Review by Angela Hayes
This is the first book I have read from this author and wow she blew my mind. I have not read a mystery story in a long time and I’m so happy I read this one. This is the first book in the Crawford Mystery series and it was a perfect book to start an addictive series. I started to read this book and I could not put it down. It only took me a little over a day to devour this story.
Lauren Besoner is finally ready to go home and start a new life. Her marriage fell apart and now she wants to start off as a new woman. Lauren gets a job that she is so excited for. She is the new stenographer in her hometown in Wyoming. Lauren doesn’t want any more drama in her life so she concentrates on her job. One morning she goes to pick up a judge that she is starting to like only to find her murdered in the house. Lauren doesn’t know what to do because she has answered all the questions but they keep on blaming her for a murder she did not do. She starts her own investigation but is she going to find the person before they find her?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Basshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Bass2021-09-21 00:34:202021-09-21 08:45:31Silent Gavel (A Crawford Mystery Book 1) by Merissa Racine – Review by Heather Bass
If you are a fan of mystery and suspense, then look no further than this book Silent Gavel which is the first book in the Crawford Mystery duo by Merissa Racine. This quick read is a cross between is a ‘whodunit’ cozy mystery and thriller. The plot is full of suspense and intrigue, and I was so engrossed that before I knew it, I was at the end. I enjoyed the originality of the story and the characters, well most of them. Merissa incorporates her knowledge of being a court reporter and infused it as part of the story.
Lauren is in a fight for her freedom, but can she solve the case without ruffling too many feathers and landing herself with a life sentence?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2021-09-20 05:28:342021-09-20 08:07:42Silent Gavel (A Crawford Mystery Book 1) by Merissa Racine – Review by Jenni Bishop
I enjoyed this suspenseful story. This is my first book by this author which I look forward to seeing what is next for her. I found this book to be well written with characters that not only bring the story to life but also kept it engaging. I enjoyed being pulled into the story by the author’s use of details. The twists and turns kept me guessing and wanting to see what would happen next. The characters are not only relatable but how they contributed to the growth of the plot throughout the story. This is a story about Lauren and how she takes a new courtroom job that turns deadly. She is running from the past and goes home to take on this new job. Problem is now, she is faced with being accused of killing the judge. What happens next you will want to read this book. You don’t want to miss this book, it is a great story full of action and hard to put down. I highly recommend this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bobbi Wagnerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBobbi Wagner2021-09-18 06:52:302021-09-18 09:31:42Silent Gavel (A Crawford Mystery Book 1) by Merissa Racine – Review by Bobbi Wagner
Lauren Besoner figured it was time to stop running from her past. So leaving a broken marriage and a string of bad dates to return to Wyoming and take a steady court stenographer’s job seemed like a good place to start. But her stability shatters when she swings by to pick up the judge one morning… only to find her murdered in her own home. Shaken after calling in the cops and answering routine questions, Lauren is stunned to learn she’s the number-one suspect. And with a suspicious connection between the dead judge and Lauren’s cheating ex-husband, she has no choice but to jump on the case and pronounce herself innocent. Can Lauren track down the killer before she types her last words?
Merissa Racine is originally from Long Island, New York. Life took her to Miami, Florida, and then to Cheyenne, Wyoming, which she now calls home. Merissa is a court stenographer by trade. Working in the court system has enabled her to give the Crawford Mystery Series its unique authenticity. When she’s not reporting a case Merissa can be found outdoors taking photos of the scenery around her – unless it’s snowing. Then she’s either enjoying a cup of coffee while reading a good book or in the kitchen cooking. Being a dog lover, you will always find a four-legged friend in her stories. Her second in the Crawford Mystery Series, Shadows of Doubt, will be out in the fall of 2021.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/book-cover-design-eBook-1.jpg1200750itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2021-09-16 00:03:142021-10-30 04:57:22Silent Gavel (A Crawford Mystery Book 1) by Merissa Racine
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