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And Then I Heard the Quiet
Haunted by nightmares of her troubled past, Valerie Russo is determined to turn a new page in the seemingly innocent village of Fort Langley, British Columbia, where she takes up a house sitting position. With the 2010 Olympics approaching, Valerie settles into her new role, finding solace in her peaceful surroundings and the companionship of Hank, a canine friend she grows to appreciate. However, her tranquility is shattered when a chance encounter sets off unforeseen consequences, unwittingly entangling her in a dangerous drug trafficking scheme that has infiltrated the once-serene town.
Not long after, a long-hidden murder resurfaces, pulling her into the unravelling of events within the home she’s entrusted to care for. As Valerie grapples with the ghosts of her past, the true motives behind her actions remain elusive. Amid escalating tension, a surprising romance catches Valerie off guard and helps to ease her through the turbulence of the unfolding mysteries.
Struggling to move on, Valerie can’t seem to let go of finding the answers she hopes will serve as her atonement. What concealed truths lie beneath the surface, and will Valerie’s pursuit lead her to the answers she seeks or deeper into the shadows of what she was running from?
Not long after, a long-hidden murder resurfaces, pulling her into the unravelling of events within the home she’s entrusted to care for. As Valerie grapples with the ghosts of her past, the true motives behind her actions remain elusive. Amid escalating tension, a surprising romance catches Valerie off guard and helps to ease her through the turbulence of the unfolding mysteries.
Struggling to move on, Valerie can’t seem to let go of finding the answers she hopes will serve as her atonement. What concealed truths lie beneath the surface, and will Valerie’s pursuit lead her to the answers she seeks or deeper into the shadows of what she was running from?
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 22, 2024
1 person is currently reading
3,713 people want to read
About the author
Alyssa Hall
5Ìýbooks204ÌýfollowersAlyssa was born in Newmarket Ontario. She grew up in a muti-generational household which included her four siblings and her Russian parents and grandparents, who were WWII refugees. Following her schooling she spent two years travelling and working in Europe, after which she returned to Newmarket to start a family. She currently resides in Langley, BC with her husband David. The couple divide their time between Langley and Oro Valley Arizona where they enjoy their winters while road cycling, hiking and the art of preparing southwestern cuisine. On the urging of a dear friend, Alyssa started her Covid-induced writing in April 2020, needing a project. Trusting Claire was her first novel, parts of which were drawn from her early life experiences. Alyssa's second novel, a British detective murder mystery is entitled Wanting Aidan. Her third is a mystery set in Tucson Arizona and is a follow-up to Trusting Claire. Her fourth is a return to her British PI character and is titled Hero of Blackpool.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 10, 2025
Alyssa Hall’s And Then I Heard The Quiet is a deeply introspective journey through pain, healing, and self-discovery. The book follows the author’s personal experiences as she navigates the aftermath of trauma, learning to listen to the quiet moments within herself.
Our central character, Valerie Russo, is haunted by bad memories from her past and wants a fresh start. She moves to the quiet village of Fort Langley, British Columbia, with an opportunity to give life a new start. r. She was settling with Hank and her new surroundings, embracing the calmness.
One of the most poignant descriptions in the book is when Hall describes the deafening cry out of previous suffering, memories that refuse to be silent, until she reaches a tipping point—learning to love stillness instead of dreading it. As she walks away from the lunacy of the outer world, she realizes that healing comes not from drowning out the suffering, but from sitting with it, accepting it, and allowing it to shape her. Overall, it was a good read; the author used significant storytelling to grab the attention and detail of the characters, giving more edge to it. It was a fascinating thriller.
Our central character, Valerie Russo, is haunted by bad memories from her past and wants a fresh start. She moves to the quiet village of Fort Langley, British Columbia, with an opportunity to give life a new start. r. She was settling with Hank and her new surroundings, embracing the calmness.
One of the most poignant descriptions in the book is when Hall describes the deafening cry out of previous suffering, memories that refuse to be silent, until she reaches a tipping point—learning to love stillness instead of dreading it. As she walks away from the lunacy of the outer world, she realizes that healing comes not from drowning out the suffering, but from sitting with it, accepting it, and allowing it to shape her. Overall, it was a good read; the author used significant storytelling to grab the attention and detail of the characters, giving more edge to it. It was a fascinating thriller.
May 28, 2024
WOW! WOW! WOW! A thousand times WOW!!
Alyssa Hall has definitely outdone herself with this one!!
«ÌýAnd Then I Heard The QuietÌý» is by far my favourite book of Alyssa’s!! It grabs you as soon as you start to read. Yes, it took me 26 days to read but only because I’ve had an extremely busy month. When I wasn’t reading because I was at work or whatever, all I kept saying in my head was, I can’t wait to get home to read!!
Alyssa’s books just keep getting better with each one, I cannot wait to read her next one!
I hope some day they will make her novels into movies, especially, «ÌýAnd Then I Heard The QuietÌý».
JOB WELL DONE ALY!💕
Alyssa Hall has definitely outdone herself with this one!!
«ÌýAnd Then I Heard The QuietÌý» is by far my favourite book of Alyssa’s!! It grabs you as soon as you start to read. Yes, it took me 26 days to read but only because I’ve had an extremely busy month. When I wasn’t reading because I was at work or whatever, all I kept saying in my head was, I can’t wait to get home to read!!
Alyssa’s books just keep getting better with each one, I cannot wait to read her next one!
I hope some day they will make her novels into movies, especially, «ÌýAnd Then I Heard The QuietÌý».
JOB WELL DONE ALY!💕
April 17, 2024
Thank you to the author, Alyssa Hall, for an ARC of her newest book And Then I Heard the Quiet which publishes May 22, 2024 and is being published by Friesen Press.
Valerie has gotten a job housesitting in Fort Langley, BC and also has care of Hank, a lovely dog who ends up capturing both her heart and that of the reader. Unfortunately this seemingly idyllic existence won’t last for long and both the past and the presence will haunt her.
I really enjoyed the characters that Hall has written here including Hank the dog who adds a certain level of charm. I was kept turning the pages curious about Valerie’s past that she often hints at and where the current situation was leading. The sense of place was very strong and I even got to enjoy references to my own city.
There were a few things that niggled my brain including the addition of one of the characters (Gordon) and his purpose to the overall story as well as how unlucky Valerie seems to be since she moved to the Greater Vancouver area. Marketed as a thriller, I would say there is a level of suspense but nothing heart pounding. The addition of a love interest will broaden the range of readers for this selection.
Overall, a very enjoyable book that I finished in a few days. I would read more of what this author has in her backlist and in the future. If you are a local to Vancouver you will recognize many of the spots in the book.
Valerie has gotten a job housesitting in Fort Langley, BC and also has care of Hank, a lovely dog who ends up capturing both her heart and that of the reader. Unfortunately this seemingly idyllic existence won’t last for long and both the past and the presence will haunt her.
I really enjoyed the characters that Hall has written here including Hank the dog who adds a certain level of charm. I was kept turning the pages curious about Valerie’s past that she often hints at and where the current situation was leading. The sense of place was very strong and I even got to enjoy references to my own city.
There were a few things that niggled my brain including the addition of one of the characters (Gordon) and his purpose to the overall story as well as how unlucky Valerie seems to be since she moved to the Greater Vancouver area. Marketed as a thriller, I would say there is a level of suspense but nothing heart pounding. The addition of a love interest will broaden the range of readers for this selection.
Overall, a very enjoyable book that I finished in a few days. I would read more of what this author has in her backlist and in the future. If you are a local to Vancouver you will recognize many of the spots in the book.
June 1, 2024
Thank you, Eva and Alyssa, for providing me the opportunity to read this book. I always enjoy reading books by indie authors, especially those that write stories set in Canada.
Veronica has a dark past that she is running away from, and the reader doesn’t know what it is. But as you read the book, you want to know more and more. Veronica left her family in Montreal and moved to Calgary, and has moved yet again to BC. She left Calgary with the intent of not going back. We know she hasn’t really spoken to her family, and she is getting over some trauma involving Alice and Julian. The book has an eerie and dark feel as it takes place not far from where a serial killer lived. I was on the edge of my chair wondering if there was going to be a connection with the Pickton farm murders. If you don’t know about it, read up on it, as it is a dark part of Canada’s story.
The moody eeriness captured my attention. I wanted to put it down because I felt anxious, but at the same time, I felt compelled to keep reading. At one point, it felt like everything was calming down and the darkness was about to disperse, but that wasn’t the case; it was just a reprieve, and it got darker. I would rate this book a 4.25 out of 5.
Veronica has a dark past that she is running away from, and the reader doesn’t know what it is. But as you read the book, you want to know more and more. Veronica left her family in Montreal and moved to Calgary, and has moved yet again to BC. She left Calgary with the intent of not going back. We know she hasn’t really spoken to her family, and she is getting over some trauma involving Alice and Julian. The book has an eerie and dark feel as it takes place not far from where a serial killer lived. I was on the edge of my chair wondering if there was going to be a connection with the Pickton farm murders. If you don’t know about it, read up on it, as it is a dark part of Canada’s story.
The moody eeriness captured my attention. I wanted to put it down because I felt anxious, but at the same time, I felt compelled to keep reading. At one point, it felt like everything was calming down and the darkness was about to disperse, but that wasn’t the case; it was just a reprieve, and it got darker. I would rate this book a 4.25 out of 5.
April 17, 2024
Book name - "And Then I Heard the Quiet"
Author name - Alyssa Hall
Good reads #readingchallange2024 book no 18/60
My thoughts -
"And Then I Heard the Quiet" by Alyssa Hall is a captivating read that took me by surprise right from the start. I was initially drawn to the book by its intriguing cover and the compelling blurb, and it certainly did not disappoint.
The storyline is both fresh and refreshing, offering a unique narrative that I haven't come across in any other book. Alyssa Hall masterfully weaves a tale of suspense, romance, and self-discovery, making it hard to put the book down once you've started.
The characters are fantastically written, with Valerie Russo standing out as a strong, independent character who is determined to help those around her. Valerie's ability to hear the quiet ( sense the dead ) adds an intriguing supernatural element to the story, making her journey even more compelling.
The True story of pig farm murders described in the book gave me shivers; they are horrifying and add to the suspense of the story. The scene where Valerie finds herself sleepwalking in the backyard in the middle of the night got me spooked; it's a testament to Alyssa Hall's skillful storytelling.I also loved how Alyssa Hall intricately weaves in the beautiful beaches and the history of the places, making them come alive in the story.
The development of the detective character is commendable, and I really enjoyed the evolving the enemies to lover's relationship between Valerie and Detective Tobin.(He's hott 🥹💖)
In the end Will Valerie's pursuit lead her to the answers she seeks, or will it drag her deeper into the shadows of what she was running from?
Overall, " Alyssa Hall's storytelling is engaging, and her characters are memorable, making this book a standout read that will linger in your mind long after you've turned the last page. I loved every character, every place; they are picture-perfect, and I particularly missed Hank.
This highly anticipated book will be launching on May 22nd, and it's a must-read for fans of mystery thrillers and cozy detective stories and those who enjoy a story with depth and heart.
Don't miss out on this captivating tale filled with suspense, romance, and intriguing characters. Secure your copy now.
I want to express my gratitude to the author for the ARC copy. I am truly thankful for the opportunity to read this book and look forward to exploring more of her works in the future.
Author name - Alyssa Hall
Good reads #readingchallange2024 book no 18/60
My thoughts -
"And Then I Heard the Quiet" by Alyssa Hall is a captivating read that took me by surprise right from the start. I was initially drawn to the book by its intriguing cover and the compelling blurb, and it certainly did not disappoint.
The storyline is both fresh and refreshing, offering a unique narrative that I haven't come across in any other book. Alyssa Hall masterfully weaves a tale of suspense, romance, and self-discovery, making it hard to put the book down once you've started.
The characters are fantastically written, with Valerie Russo standing out as a strong, independent character who is determined to help those around her. Valerie's ability to hear the quiet ( sense the dead ) adds an intriguing supernatural element to the story, making her journey even more compelling.
The True story of pig farm murders described in the book gave me shivers; they are horrifying and add to the suspense of the story. The scene where Valerie finds herself sleepwalking in the backyard in the middle of the night got me spooked; it's a testament to Alyssa Hall's skillful storytelling.I also loved how Alyssa Hall intricately weaves in the beautiful beaches and the history of the places, making them come alive in the story.
The development of the detective character is commendable, and I really enjoyed the evolving the enemies to lover's relationship between Valerie and Detective Tobin.(He's hott 🥹💖)
In the end Will Valerie's pursuit lead her to the answers she seeks, or will it drag her deeper into the shadows of what she was running from?
Overall, " Alyssa Hall's storytelling is engaging, and her characters are memorable, making this book a standout read that will linger in your mind long after you've turned the last page. I loved every character, every place; they are picture-perfect, and I particularly missed Hank.
This highly anticipated book will be launching on May 22nd, and it's a must-read for fans of mystery thrillers and cozy detective stories and those who enjoy a story with depth and heart.
Don't miss out on this captivating tale filled with suspense, romance, and intriguing characters. Secure your copy now.
I want to express my gratitude to the author for the ARC copy. I am truly thankful for the opportunity to read this book and look forward to exploring more of her works in the future.
December 18, 2024
Over her childhood and young adult years, Valerie has moved from Sicily to Montreal, Calgary, and most recently, the south coast of British Columbia. She is taking a five-month job as a house sitter, dog sitter, and gardener in Fort Langley while she awaits the time to begin her new job with the 2010 Winter Olympic games.
It appears that Valerie has a secret from her past that she has not shared with anyone. This causes her to feel the need to frequently look over her shoulder, fearful of what might be there. Plus, she has an uncanny ability to occasionally 'hear the quiet.� These moments seem to be the harbinger of frightening possibilities.
After settling into her house-sitting job, she does a good deed for a neighbour and becomes embroiled in a case that brings a police detective to her door. I won’t spoil the story, but as we follow Valerie’s involvement in suspect activities, her secretive past and both unsavoury and interesting characters, the plot reveals an entertaining and spine-tingling tale.
I particularly enjoyed Valerie’s relationship with Hank, the dog she cares for during her house-sitting job. I also relished the locale of the story, with which I am very familiar. This allowed me to drive a highway, travel on a ferry, walk on a street or enjoy the scenery along with the characters.
This book is a perfect read for a rainy autumn or snowy winter day, curled up with a blanket in your favourite chair while sipping on hot chocolate (with marshmallows!).
It appears that Valerie has a secret from her past that she has not shared with anyone. This causes her to feel the need to frequently look over her shoulder, fearful of what might be there. Plus, she has an uncanny ability to occasionally 'hear the quiet.� These moments seem to be the harbinger of frightening possibilities.
After settling into her house-sitting job, she does a good deed for a neighbour and becomes embroiled in a case that brings a police detective to her door. I won’t spoil the story, but as we follow Valerie’s involvement in suspect activities, her secretive past and both unsavoury and interesting characters, the plot reveals an entertaining and spine-tingling tale.
I particularly enjoyed Valerie’s relationship with Hank, the dog she cares for during her house-sitting job. I also relished the locale of the story, with which I am very familiar. This allowed me to drive a highway, travel on a ferry, walk on a street or enjoy the scenery along with the characters.
This book is a perfect read for a rainy autumn or snowy winter day, curled up with a blanket in your favourite chair while sipping on hot chocolate (with marshmallows!).
April 24, 2024
Hall’s latest novel is a fascinating mystery adorned with well-developed characters and atmospheric settings.
Haunted by the nightmares of her tumultuous past, Valerie Russo flees to the seemingly idyllic village of Fort Langley in British Columbia taking up a job as a house sitter. But as the town prepares for the 2010 Olympics, she gets caught up in a dangerous drug trafficking scheme and uncovers dark secrets and a murder. Valerie must confront her own mistakes and fight against the shadows of her past if she wants to move ahead.
Hall’s writing style captivates with its engaging and descriptive prose, immersing readers in both the atmospheric setting and the intricate plot. The characterization is top-notch: Valerie’s struggle with isolation and a quest for truth, Detective Tobin’s ethical dilemmas, and Garret’s complex motivations all add layers to the story. Hank serves as a source of comfort, routine, and companionship for Valerie as she navigates the challenges and mysteries that unfold around her.
The vivid descriptions of the small Canadian town make it feel like a character in its own right, enriching the narrative with depth and complexity. Hall’s strategic use of plot twists and red herrings keeps the tension palpable, while the narrative unfolds with masterful pacing towards a satisfying finale. Amidst the mystery and suspense, a subtle thread of romance adds emotional depth to the characters� relationships without overshadowing the central plot.
Throughout, the narrative delves into themes of trust, betrayal, and the consequences of past actions. With its deep dive into characters� psyches and immersive setting, the novel makes for an atmospheric and engaging read.
Haunted by the nightmares of her tumultuous past, Valerie Russo flees to the seemingly idyllic village of Fort Langley in British Columbia taking up a job as a house sitter. But as the town prepares for the 2010 Olympics, she gets caught up in a dangerous drug trafficking scheme and uncovers dark secrets and a murder. Valerie must confront her own mistakes and fight against the shadows of her past if she wants to move ahead.
Hall’s writing style captivates with its engaging and descriptive prose, immersing readers in both the atmospheric setting and the intricate plot. The characterization is top-notch: Valerie’s struggle with isolation and a quest for truth, Detective Tobin’s ethical dilemmas, and Garret’s complex motivations all add layers to the story. Hank serves as a source of comfort, routine, and companionship for Valerie as she navigates the challenges and mysteries that unfold around her.
The vivid descriptions of the small Canadian town make it feel like a character in its own right, enriching the narrative with depth and complexity. Hall’s strategic use of plot twists and red herrings keeps the tension palpable, while the narrative unfolds with masterful pacing towards a satisfying finale. Amidst the mystery and suspense, a subtle thread of romance adds emotional depth to the characters� relationships without overshadowing the central plot.
Throughout, the narrative delves into themes of trust, betrayal, and the consequences of past actions. With its deep dive into characters� psyches and immersive setting, the novel makes for an atmospheric and engaging read.
February 24, 2025
And Then I Heard the Quiet � Alyssa Hall
This story starts out with Valerie and she's relocated to British Columbia, housesitting for a couple while they head to Hawaii for five weeks.
She meets their married daughter and family who live within an hours drive. Valerie senses s
something wrong and follows the clues she is able to collect. She does not talk much about her past life to others.
A friend who acquired the job for her she is not really close to but then the cops find her and she hopes it's not something else, she knows at some point in her life the others will find her ...
She's gotten tangled up in a mess with some local people. They question her often and she becomes an acquaintance of the detective. She also meets his brother at the bike shop.
After the investigation she leaves to do another housesitting and she senses something wrong in the back yard.
She collects the clues again and takes them to the friend who is a detective. He helps her and opens that investigation.
To me it's a scary book and chilling to the bone for me at times. The book is well written and very descriptive. Love the travel.
Enjoyed this as I mostly read romance books. There is so much to it, and just when you think the book si done it is not at all.
would love to read more from this author. Love the ending, never saw it coming.
This story starts out with Valerie and she's relocated to British Columbia, housesitting for a couple while they head to Hawaii for five weeks.
She meets their married daughter and family who live within an hours drive. Valerie senses s
something wrong and follows the clues she is able to collect. She does not talk much about her past life to others.
A friend who acquired the job for her she is not really close to but then the cops find her and she hopes it's not something else, she knows at some point in her life the others will find her ...
She's gotten tangled up in a mess with some local people. They question her often and she becomes an acquaintance of the detective. She also meets his brother at the bike shop.
After the investigation she leaves to do another housesitting and she senses something wrong in the back yard.
She collects the clues again and takes them to the friend who is a detective. He helps her and opens that investigation.
To me it's a scary book and chilling to the bone for me at times. The book is well written and very descriptive. Love the travel.
Enjoyed this as I mostly read romance books. There is so much to it, and just when you think the book si done it is not at all.
would love to read more from this author. Love the ending, never saw it coming.
March 15, 2025
Alyssa Hall has drafted a compelling blend of mystery, suspense, and subtle romance in " And Then I Heard The Quiet". The story is set against the picturesque backdrop of Fort Langley, British Columbia and centres on Valerie Russo, a woman haunted by her dreadful past and looking for solace after relocating to the tranquil village. Her pet accompanies her and starts a fresh take on life. As she thinks she will start, she gets estrangled into the town's deep secrets and the house she has chosen. She gets trapped in the dangerous world of "UNKNOWNS" and cannot stop herself from recalling her past.
The author has done a commendable job of creating an engaging and descriptive world with well-developed characters capable of immersing readers until the end. The story building is strategic and gradually grabs the attention; the twists and turns are very well arranged to keep the engagement high. The author gives enough chances to anticipate "What would happen next?" which is good for the readers. The adequate blend of suspense and romance adds emotional depth without overshadowing the central mystery.
It is ideal for readers who love to explore enthralling and engaging tales
The author has done a commendable job of creating an engaging and descriptive world with well-developed characters capable of immersing readers until the end. The story building is strategic and gradually grabs the attention; the twists and turns are very well arranged to keep the engagement high. The author gives enough chances to anticipate "What would happen next?" which is good for the readers. The adequate blend of suspense and romance adds emotional depth without overshadowing the central mystery.
It is ideal for readers who love to explore enthralling and engaging tales
February 9, 2025
Alyssa Hall’s And Then I Heard the Quiet
is the kind of mystery that pulls you in and doesn’t let go.
It follows Valerie, a woman who can’t shake the eerie feeling that something is seriously wrong. There’s a strange silence surrounding her, one that feels heavier than words. As she starts digging into her past and the people around her, she finds herself caught in a chilling mystery that refuses to stay buried.
Hall does an amazing job of making you feel every bit of tension and uncertainty right alongside Valerie. The story isn’t just about solving a mystery, it’s about intuition, trauma, and the secrets that hide in plain sight.
Valerie’s dynamic with Detective Tobin and her unsettling connection to a missing woman add even more depth and emotion to the story, making it impossible to put down.
You might like to check out more similar books
It follows Valerie, a woman who can’t shake the eerie feeling that something is seriously wrong. There’s a strange silence surrounding her, one that feels heavier than words. As she starts digging into her past and the people around her, she finds herself caught in a chilling mystery that refuses to stay buried.
Hall does an amazing job of making you feel every bit of tension and uncertainty right alongside Valerie. The story isn’t just about solving a mystery, it’s about intuition, trauma, and the secrets that hide in plain sight.
Valerie’s dynamic with Detective Tobin and her unsettling connection to a missing woman add even more depth and emotion to the story, making it impossible to put down.
You might like to check out more similar books
February 3, 2025
Alyssa Hall’s book, And Then I Heard the Quiet is a solid blend of mystery, suspense, and romance. Valerie Russo, haunted by her past, flees to Fort Langley in Canada, but soon uncovers a deadly drug scheme and murder. The setting is well-described and charming. Now, with Detective Tobin, she navigates secrets, danger, and unexpected love. Hall’s strong and clear prose, detailed characters, and adeptly described settings make this an unforgettable read. Twists, red herrings, and emotional depth keep readers hooked until the very end. A must-read mystery and one you won't forget. Highly recommended.
February 28, 2025
"And Then I Heard The Quiet" is a novel by Alyssa Hall that follows Valerie Russo as she seeks a fresh start in Fort Langley, British Columbia. Her peaceful new life is disrupted when she becomes entangled in a dangerous drug trafficking scheme and the resurfacing of a long-hidden murder. As Valerie confronts her past and navigates these challenges, an unexpected romance offers solace amid the unfolding mysteries. Alyssa Hall, an author of five novels, resides in Langley Township, BC, and draws from her own experiences of overcoming hardship and starting anew.
December 12, 2024
I dunno. Kept waiting for something to clique with this book. Nada.
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