Relative Silence

A powerful family with lots of secrets. A forensic artist with his own tragedies. And a hurricane drawing bearing down on their private island.

Fifteen years ago Piper Boone’s only child died in a boating accident, and Piper’s almost perfect life came to an end too. After living through a divorce and losing her job, she retreats to Curlew Island and her childhood home—a secluded mansion for the politically powerful Boone family, who are practically American royalty.

But Piper’s desire to become a recluse is shattered when a mass shooter opens fire and kills three women at a café where Piper is having lunch. The crisis puts her family in the spotlight by dredging up rumors of the so-called Curlew Island Curse, which whispers say has taken the lives of several members of the Boone family, including Piper’s father and sister.

Forensic artist Tucker Landry also survives the shooting and is tasked with the job of sketching a portrait of the shooter with Piper. They forge a bond over their shared love of movies and tragic pasts. But when police discover a connection between the shooting and two more murders on Curlew Island, they face a more terrible lineup of suspects than they could have imagined: Piper’s family.

Unraveling the family’s true history will be the key to Piper’s survival—or her certain death.

Praise for Relative Silence:

“Danger and drama abide in this tale that takes a walk on the perilous side. With a flare for the macabre, the story will linger in your head long after the last page.” —Steve Berry, New York Times bestselling author

“Relative Silence by Carrie Stuart Parks was one of the most engrossing suspense novels I’ve read in a long time. Pitch perfect pacing and characterization along with Parks’ knowledgeable hand with forensics kept me on the edge of my seat. If you enjoy suspense with a light touch of romance, you must read this one!” —Colleen Coble, author of One Little Lie and the Lavender Tide series

“The perfect beach read! Relative Silence is an expert mix of family drama and slow-burning thriller, leavened with Parks’ trademark humor. You'll be pulling for Piper and Tucker as the story builds toward a hurricane-force climax.” —Rick Acker, bestselling author

“With skill and her ever-present wit, Carrie Parks has arranged puzzle pieces and woven story threads into an engaging and quick-moving read with tantalizing questions, quirky characters, and . . . oh yes, some well-placed fictional curve balls along the way. Enjoy!” —Frank Peretti, bestselling author

“What a great book! Carrie Stuart Parks has done it again. Relative Silence offers us characters we care about, a convoluted and clever plot, and hours of reading pleasure. Highly recommended.” —Gayle Roper, Lost and Found, Hide and Seek

“What a compelling story! I rarely read a book all in one sitting, but Parks’ combination of intriguing plot, vivid setting, and characters you can’t help but root for kept me turning the pages right through the very-satisfying ending. I highly recommend this excellent read!” —Marlo Schalesky, award-winning author of Women of the Bible Speak Out

“Carrie Stuart Parks’ Relative Silence has all the bells and whistles. A relatable character in Piper Boone, a plot that keeps moving forward, and a surprising finish. It was hard to put down. A completely satisfying read.” —Nancy Mehl, bestselling, award winning author of the Kaely Quinn Profiler series

“Carrie Parks has it all in this book—mystery, romance, and a subtle message about God.” —Richard Mabry, author of Critical Decision

• Full-length suspense with a thread of romance
• Award-winning, bestselling author
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs