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Sylver and Gold

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Boston Homicide Detective Reid Sylver closes every case that comes her way. Her secret? She can talk to the dead.

Reid’s perfect record has earned her the freedom to work with the only partner she can tolerate: a scarred one-eyed mastiff called Mugshot. Then the new boss saddles her with rookie London Gold. How will she keep her gift a secret with this ambitious rookie underfoot?

London Gold has dreamed of being a homicide detective since long before she became a cop. Now she has a chance to learn from the woman she’s idolized for years. Breaking through the detective’s tough shell won’t be easy, but she’s determined to learn the secret behind Reid's success.

Both women are surprised by their chemistry as they work feverishly to find a tech-savvy killer who stalks his victims from afar. Just one problem: the killer's now stalking them.

Cover Artist: Tammy Sedick
Genres: Crime & Mystery / Paranormal & Urban Fantasy / Romance

235 pages, Paperback

First published August 11, 2020

90 people are currently reading
690 people want to read

About the author

Michelle Larkin

9books137followers
Michelle’s an author of lesbian romantic thrillers, a long-distance runner with no sense of direction, and a nunchuck-wielding sidekick to a pair of superhero sons.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
Profile Image for Lex Kent.
1,683 reviews9,703 followers
July 18, 2020
4.50 Stars. This was super entertaining! When I read Larkin’s debut , two years ago, I knew she was an author to watch. had some bumps but it was a solid 4 stars just on entertainment value alone. With Sylver and Gold, she somehow managed to write a book even more entertaining than . Not only is this my favorite book by Larkin, but I believe this is easily her best book so far.

When I saw Larkin’s name on the cover, I thought mystery and maybe thriller so I knew I absolutely wanted to read this. What I didn’t realize is that she tossed in a little paranormal too. I mean a mystery-romance with a light paranormal twist, is basically saying “here Alexis this book is for you�(okay let’s just pretend that I did not refer to myself in third person:). I could not have been happier with these genre choices and I’m so glad this was everything I was hoping for and even more. I do want to mention for the non-paranormal fans out there� this is a crime/mystery about catching a serial killer, with a sub plot of an opposites attract romance. The paranormal part is just a little twist to make this book even more entertaining. If you like crime/mystery-romances read this, you won’t be disappointed.

I was really happy with both main characters. As I mentioned before they are pretty opposite, Miss Ivy League versus Ms. Blue Blood. These two don’t get off to a good start but you can feel the chemistry right away. Their interactions are wonderful together and it put a big smile on my face half the time. The sex scenes are fade-to-black but I didn’t mind it one bit. You believe that their connection is growing stronger, as the book goes on, so I didn’t actually miss those scenes.

There is a serial killer so there are some gory depictions. There is also talk about child abuse and sexual assault. Both of these happened in the past so while it breaks your heart to hear about, you are not witnessing it firsthand. And while these are some tough triggering subjects, I never felt depressed or weighed down by the story. During a lot of the book I even had a smile on my face and other times I was hopeful for the characters. So yes tough subjects but this is not a really dark book.

As I mentioned in the beginning that after reading Larkin’s debut, I knew she had some really good stories ahead of her. This was the book I was waiting for and I was thoroughly and completely entertained. I’m also interested to see if Larkin might turn this into a series. I feel like their story is just beginning and I can see such potential for more. But no matter what Larkin writes next, I will be reading it.

An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
Profile Image for Diane Wallace.
1,373 reviews145 followers
August 29, 2022
**'Good stories surprise us the interested readers sometimes while those average ones shocks us, only because of who wrote them..'

3.5stars!
Interesting and witty in certain parts while a bit dull when it focused on their romance but all in all it's still a readable story.
Profile Image for Leah.
494 reviews247 followers
October 18, 2021
This was a great book for a paranormal mystery romance. It was funny and interesting but also had some dark moments. The only reason it didn't get 5 stars from me was because the romance was so quick. It was so hard for me to believe that Sylver would open herself up so quickly.
Profile Image for JulesGP.
614 reviews193 followers
December 20, 2020
Loved every bit of Sylver and Gold no matter how preposterous and cheesy it got.

Reid Sylver is one of Boston’s Finest, a detective in the Homicide Division who’s got an exemplary record in catching killers. No one knows her secret for unprecedented success but London Gold is determined to learn from the best so she works her way into being Sylver’s trainee. I’m sure it could happen but what are the real chances of an actual partnership named Sylver and Gold? Not many, I bet, but it’s those kind of details that endeared me to the story.

The author ventures in unapologetically and shamelessly checks off cliches. There are eye-rolling coincidences, a chatty villain, a lovable mutt, a paranormal twist, and instalove involving a gorgeous, soft butch detective with a stone heart who suddenly finds it hard not to fall for a brilliant, hot younger woman who is determined to dismantle her in a good way.

The diabolical murderer is hacking up bodies around the city and must be caught but he’s latched onto Reid and they play a nice psychological dance that keeps us going until the end. He’s not the brightest bulb but it keeps the book from being too heavy and he’s very evil.

That’s what I like best about S&G, this book isn’t hard. I equate it to one of those TV serial detective shows that you turn on in the background while you work around your house, thinking you’ll just glance at it now and again but 15 minutes later, you’ve planted yourself right in front, unable to walk away until the finish, shaking your head and commenting all the way through. 4.5 stars rounded up.
Profile Image for Jo reece.
551 reviews59 followers
July 15, 2020
This is the first book I've read by this author and I'm really happy to be given the opportunity to be able to read Sylver and Gold.

As soon as I read 'I can talk to the dead, Cap' that was it.... I knew this book was for me and would grab my attention from the start. There as been many books that have centered around one of the main characters being able to see or communicate with the dead, may books have failed as a story but Sylver and Gold as kept me gripped from start to end.
You have number of characters in the story line... The main characters are Detective Reid Sylver, who comes across as a smart alec and at times a little bit bitchy, but it just makes her character more likable and interesting. London Gold dreamed to be a homicide detective long before she became a cop. At first I didn't like Gold, she came across stand-offish, a bit of a snob, but as the story unwinds you find out the reasons behind her behavior. You will read about some serous, heavy topics which could leave it hard for some reader to digest. But 'hats' off to the author for her writing style. Even with these sensitivity topics the book is full of 'banter' which cushions those hard to read issues. Like most stories as the book progress's, sparks fly and romance starts to happen. In all, the story is very good, its unique and well worth the read. Anyone who is into there 'cops', 'i see dead people' or thriller books, this one should be on your list.

Hopefully there is a sequel?!?

I give this a book a 4 out of 5.

I was provided a copy of this book for honest review.
Profile Image for Gaby LezReviewBooks.
735 reviews520 followers
November 8, 2020
Review of ‘Sylver and Gold� by Michelle Larkin, audiobook narrated by Keira Grace
This was the last of my lesbian Halloween audiobooks challenge I did in October 2020. I hadn’t read anything by this author before and it was about time.

Reid Sylver is a Boston Police Department homicide detective with an incredible record of solving every single case she’d ever come across. Her secret is that she can talk to the dead. Literally. London Gold has always dreamed of becoming a police detective and now she has the chance to work alongside her longtime idol, the secretive and distant detective Reid Sylver. As they start working together, their mutual attraction is palpable but there’s no time to act on it as a serial killer is on the loose and stalking them.

‘Sylver and Gold� is more a crime novel than a paranormal book. Even though Sylver can talk to dead people, that’s the end of the paranormal elements of this novel, so once the reader accepts this premise the rest is presented as a normal crime story with a side of romance.

Even though there is a very well constructed plot, this is mostly a character-driven story, with a few skilfully written characters, main and secondary, alive or dead. Both leads are complex and multifaceted, with a past that haunts them but with a human side that makes them believable and likable. But Mug the dog steals the show with his unconditional love and devotion.

Even though the author finds a good balance of crime, love, vice, and humor, there are some dark parts to this novel that might not be suitable for the faint of heart. There are triggers for extreme violence, animal cruelty, and sexual abuse, mostly as descriptions of the past. I’m quite squeamish myself but I felt that it was necessary for the plot and made sense in the universe created by the author.

Even though this is a crime/paranormal book, romance has an important role in it and Sylver and Gold have a strong chemistry together. Despite that their dialogues and banter are very enjoyable, I felt that their rapport didn’t pervade completely to the intimate scenes. In my opinion, they just needed a little bit more prominence in the book to make their chemistry sizzling, it’s a pity because it didn’t need much more to make it super hot. However, I get that this is not a romance so it’s not that essential to the story.

The audiobook was narrated by Keira Grace who did a very good job. The book is very demanding with a range of different types of scenes from action-packed, suspense-filled, emotional, poignant, and intense. Ms. Grace nailed them all, along with avery good interpretation of the different characters. It was a pleasure to listen to. 4.5 stars.

Length 8 hours, 23 minutes

See all my reviews at
Profile Image for Tere.
260 reviews56 followers
August 7, 2020
So no doubt I’ve been missing from around here for a while. I don’t know if you have noticed, but the past few months have been rough...or is it just me? Hmm. I have been so disconnected from reading, that even my absolute favorite author couldn’t get me out of the slump. Thankfully, another favorite of mine accomplished it...thank you Ms Larkin!

Homicide Detective Reid Sylver has a perfect record when it comes to solving cases. The secret to her success is simple, she can talk to the dead. Bring in smart and enthusiastic rookie London Gold. London has idolized Reid and is determined to be trained by the most successful Boston homicide detective in history. Now Reid must find a way to keep her secret safe while London scrutinizes her every step during a serial killer investigation. Things get even more complicated as Reid is obviously part of the killer’s obsession.

I have read and enjoyed all of Ms Larkin’s books and this one was no exception. This story is right about what I expected from this author, a blend of law enforcement with a dash of paranormal and a pinch of animals for good measure. I found all elements to be very good, although the serial killer was a bit on the gruesome side for those that like to avoid those. Also beware, the topic of child abuse is woven throughout the story, although no real time abuse is described.

The main characters are all likable, including the third partner, a dog named Mugshot. There is definitely chemistry between the mains and the banter is great. However, the romance is the weakest part of the story. By the time that became an issue, I was engrossed in the rest of the story and I simply rolled my eyes and kept reading. Yes, yes, I know I seldom roll my eyes, but really it was no big deal ;) A pure romance reader is not Ms Larkin’s target audience anyway. All other mortals will enjoy.

Overall an entertaining thriller with paranormal elements. The rating is a bit complicated for me because pure story-wise, it is probably closer to a 4. However, the story as a whole kept me reading at a time I truly thought I had quit. So I guess for me, this is overall closer to a 5. Happy reading!
Profile Image for Agirlcandream.
745 reviews3 followers
August 9, 2020
Reid Sylver has the best success rate in the BPD homicide division. She also has a secret known only to her Captain. She can speak with the dead. When her new boss saddles Sylver with rookie detective London Gold, she tries to rebel and ditch Gold knowing her solve rate has more to do with her psychic gift than her intuition and experience. London has wanted to be a detective her whole life and training with Reid Sylver is a dream come true. Sylver’s curmudgeon behaviour is not going to stop her from learning from the best.

I loved Larkin’s first two books, Mercy and Unexpected Partners. Mercy was a paranormal thriller and Unexpected Partners was more of a police procedural thriller with two women on the run from a psychopath. Sylver and Gold is a police procedural with a paranormal twist and it’s a lot of fun trying to solve the crime along with the detectives and Sylver’s trusty sidekick Mugshot the dog.

I enjoyed watching the interactions between Reid and London. Sylver is rude, arrogant and can’t be bothered with this rookie. When it becomes clear the killer knows more about Reid than she wants to admit, she comes to rely on London’s help to solve the case. Gold is a talented detective and more than a match for Reid. She is bright and a natural problem solver. She relies on logic and planning, like a good detective should and soon becomes Sylver’s equal rather than an annoying trainee. Gold is attracted to Sylver from the beginning and as the two gel as partners the feelings become mutual.

My overall take from this book? Fun, romantic, crime without too much violence for squeamish romance readers, paranormal lite for those of us who get annoyed with the woowoo. A pleasure to read.

ARC received with thanks from publisher via NetGalley for review.
Profile Image for Carolyn McBride.
Author5 books106 followers
July 9, 2020
This is an exceptional book that I blew through in almost one sitting. I say almost because I only put it down to try and sleep. But when I couldn't sleep over worry about Mug, I gave up on sleep and finished the book.

My heart broke so many times reading this. For Mug, for Cap, for London, for Reid. But then there were so many funny moments too that I woke my partner up a couple of times laughing.
The author has a wonderful way with both dialogue and setting, and you're never in any doubt when it comes to knowing what her characters want. And she's got such a great sense of humour! I know that by the end of the book, I was sad to see it end. I really, really hope there will be a sequel. It was so easy to connect with and root for the characters in this novel. The editing was great, the cover eye-catching and all-around this was a wonderful book that I know I'll be reading again and again.

Is there more yet, Ms. Larkin?

Many thanks to Michelle Larkin for sharing her gift with us and Bold Strokes Books for allowing me to read a fantastic novel in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for MZ.
432 reviews137 followers
August 3, 2020
4,25 stars. This is such a good book, I couldn’t put it down! The book is super intense, dark, and full of emotions, but it also has a good amount of banter and romance to make the story lighter and not give it a depressing feeling.

Reid Sylver is a detective with an excellent reputation for solving cases, in thirteen years she has a 100% score. Her secret? She can talk with the dead. However, she has a less excellent reputation for her social skills, she is a loner and the only partner she works well with is Mug, her dog. One day she is forced to train the new rookie detective London Gold and the two could not be more opposite. London has a warm personality, loves to chat and has an Ivy league upbringing. Despite their differences and an age age-gap (40-28) the chemistry between the two is obvious and slowly they have to give in to each other.
However, the heart of the story lies in the mystery. Reid and London are going after a serial killer that feels connected to Reid. There were some twists although not huge, but it is the suspense that drives this story. The constant feeling that the killer is stalking them and outsmarting them. During the investigation both Reid and London are also confronted with their past that they had buried so well.

There are some heavy topics in this book, but all happens off screen or in the past with the exception of the description of the murder scenes, which is pretty gory at times, but this can be expected. I really enjoyed that there are so many layers to this story and even though some parts are dark, to me the book didn’t feel very angsty or heavy, because of the right amount of romance and banter between Reid and London. I also loved the paranormal touch to the story.

The only remark I have is that there were a couple of unfinished storylines. Will some of them be continued in a next book? I hope so! I’ll be reading it.
Profile Image for Bárbara Sousa.
376 reviews48 followers
October 9, 2020
Wow!! This was my first book by Michelle Larkin and I gotta say that I LOVED IT!! I usually read more romance/erotic books, but I like to mix it up sometimes and this romantic thriller was everything I didn’t know I needed. So so good! I mean, I legit loved everything, from the characters� names to the talking-to-ghosts gift, to the side characters, alive and dead, and to the happy ending Reid and London got 😍
This book had me on the edge of my seat when talking about the serial killer and also had me smiling so hard when both MCs would start bickering 🥰 It was just what I call perfect. 100% recommend
Profile Image for Hsinju Chen.
Author2 books256 followers
July 19, 2020
CW: off-screen child abuse, sexual assault, and physical torture.

I finished this book in two sittings and would have in one if not for a scheduled dinner. Since I tend to get sucked into a book and forget about reality, I am happy to say that me being hyper-alert of my surroundings in-between sittings is an indication that the suspense had really got to me. Sylver and Gold is that enthralling.

The book follows a series of calculated murders where the serial killer attempts to bond with Reid in hopes of being truly understood. Over the last thirteen years, Reid has solved every single murder case, thanks to her gift of communicating with the dead. Adding her new partner and trainee London into the mix, both with a lot of childhood trauma, things escalate fast. And so do the duo’s dynamics.

Since I cannot resist gorgeous, smart women who know what they are doing, I love Reid Sylver and London Gold. Judging by their last names, these two homicide detectives are predestined to be together. This age-gap pairing between the perfect-record homicide detective Reid and her new trainee London is wonderful, and I am so glad these two with troubled pasts can pour their hearts out to each other. I love their eventual honesty. The pair also quip, banter, and get under each other’s skins a lot. These are the happier parts of the otherwise darker story. Though their relationship arc near the end kind of left me confused and slightly frustrated, the actual ending was great.

I particularly love London because she is incredibly strong-willed and loving and amazing. She has a big heart that leaves me in awe. I also enjoy that the crimes involve technology breaching. With consumer electronics everywhere in life, these aspects of the crimes almost read like horror and made the book really thrilling.

Sylver and Gold is a rather heavy book. The story deals with a serial killer and the crime scenes are repulsive. There were so much darkness lurking in Reid’s and London’s personal histories that I still feel a little down after finishing, despite it ending on a light note.

There are a few random things that were left unaddressed, including Sunday mass and softball. I am still a little curious about those. Also, I do have to acknowledge that perfect-cop stories aren’t time appropriate, if they ever were. Every reader should keep that in mind while reading.

Sylver and Gold is a paranormal crime/mystery/thriller that kept me on edge throughout the entire reading. It is intense with great leading characters and somewhat sympathizable motives of the murderer. While I don’t think romance is the main storyline, the connection Reid and London has is crucial to the plot. If you’re looking for a riveting suspense, this is your choice.

I received an e-ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for MaxDisaster.
669 reviews84 followers
April 16, 2021
I really liked it. Good MCs with great chemistry, interesting storyline, paranormal elements. All in all a very solid book. I give it 4,5 stars.
The only think that would be even better would be if we knew more about Matthew. Like for example how the hell did he track/listen to them all the time. It may be just the nerd in me, but the technical answer would be awesome.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for AnnMaree Of Oz.
1,509 reviews125 followers
August 20, 2020
Cops with attitude and banter, damaged pasts, lesbian romance, police procedural, catching the bad-guys, a bit of paranormal, and a dog - sign me up!

I really loved the connection between Reid Sylver and London Gold. I thought Reid was a bit prickly at first, but it was understandable given where she is, at the start with her Captains passing, her gift and also her past issues. I loved that London was able to shimmy down those walls and also prove herself as a capable detective in her own right, with great instincts, tenacity and care. But also her own past of burdens to bear.

I adored the dog, Mug aka Mugshot, the sweet Mastiff with a tennis ball addiction and many burns and scars causing him to be seen as 'ugly'.

The mystery was intriguing as was Reid's gift in being able to talk with the dead, victims and perpetrators alike, as well as friends.

My only complaint was the bad guys seemed to go down a little too easily at the end, I kept waiting for something more to happen. I also still feel a little confused as to how and why Reid was targeted by the perp, but I could have easily missed something.

I would love it if this became a series, but I also think it works as it stands, since it all wraps up so conclusively. I would highly recommend this read! I would like to check out the authors other works, too.

Profile Image for Kexx.
2,218 reviews92 followers
October 11, 2020
OK, OK, not my thing at all: paranormal, talking to the dead... but it was treated so well, no messing, It's normal, all good. And because of that it was acceptable and, am I really writing this? Believable. Loved the scarky humour. Excellent. PS: her biog cracked me up!!
Profile Image for KarenC.
334 reviews
August 15, 2020
I have a question ... why isn't everyone talking about Michelle Larkin? I'd read good reviews about her other three books but don't think of myself as a "mystery" fan. No matter what you think you're a fan of or not, this book is fantastic.

Sylver and Gold (I love everything about this title and the character names) is on the shorter side and only took me about 4 hours to read. In fact, I was sucked in so fast that before I checked the percentage in the first time I was already 25% done. The case was really well thought out, and even at the slightly shorter length, the characters were extremely well developed.

Don't let the "paranormal" aspect worry you, to me it just felt like another aspect to the story. The writing was smooth and readable and I didn't find one single editing/grammar issue. I'm definitely making time to read her back catalog and I can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Wendy.
809 reviews9 followers
July 15, 2020
4.5* Reid Sylver is a homicide detective with a secret. She can speak to the dead. They help her solve cases. But, because of this, she prefers to work with just her dog, Mug, as companion. Then, she's tasked to train a newly-minted detective, London Gold. Hence, the name of the book, Sylver and Gold.
This is a police procedural with a supernatural twist, but it's not creepy at all. The serial killer Sylver and Gold is confronted with, has an unhealthy fixation on Reid. The crimes are quite gruesome. But, I like how the reluctant partners had to work together to find the culprit. The banter and chemistry is enjoyable. I've always been a sap for characters with a tough exterior but a wounded, soft interior.
I read this book very quickly. It was hard to put it down. I love the writing, the plot, and the characters, Definitely a recommended read.
**Thank you to Bold Strokes Books for providing an ARC in exchange for honest review!**
Profile Image for MJSam.
477 reviews40 followers
August 28, 2020
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I usually avoid crime novels but I’d read another of Larkin’s books and enjoyed it, so wanted to give this a go. Having said that, it did remind me why I usually avoid crime novels, the killer in this book is really sick and I had to skim some of the stuff about him and what he was doing, cause it was just gross.

On the flip side, the two MCs here are awesome. First up is Reid Sylver, Boston’s top homicide cop, who has solved every case she’s had. She has an ace up her sleeve though, since she can talk to dead people. She’s partnered with homicide rookie London Gold on what turns out to be a serial killer case.

Both London and Reid are awesome in their own ways, and what I really liked was that London didn’t take any crap from Reid and more than shouldered her weight in the partnership. I did think their relationship unfolded too fast though, from what I could tell the whole case takes maybe two weeks to solve, and they get together very quickly. This is an insta-attraction turns to insta-love sort of thing.

There’s also some really good secondary characters, some of whom appear in a different fashion. I also adored Mugshot, Reid’s dog, but I’m a sucker for dogs.

The main flaw I felt this had was that the bad guy was too ‘omnipotent� and the stuff he did and the way he did it was just too over the top. I didn’t believe some of the feats he managed to pull off. As mentioned before, I also didn’t like what he was doing, there was a high ick factor here. I also felt the ending was a bit too Hallmark cheesy.

I did enjoy this though, and would like to catch up with these characters again. 4 stars.
Profile Image for Della B.
646 reviews167 followers
August 2, 2021
This is a Golden Crown winning novel.

If you are looking for a serial killer detective story with romance ,humour and talking dead, Sylver and Gold checks all these boxes.
Twenty year veteran Detective Reid Sylver has a case closure rate her coworkers could only wish for. She is a snarly, tough as nails loner at work and in life. This is until she is paired with a rookie detective. London Gold’s dream was to learn from the best but Sylver is not interested in sharing her detecting secrets.

Michelle Larkin is a master of character development. The heart of her main characters is developed so effectively that you are fully immersed into the story by the second page. Though some are greatly flawed, you cannot help liking each and every character.

I am a huge fan of Ms Larkin’s writing because it grabs onto my interest instantly. None of her books remind me of anyone else’s. Her stories are truly unique. What I also enjoy is her humour wether in dialogue or as part of a character she always has me chuckling at some point of the story. Sylver and Gold is the wonderful result of all of the above. It is a well crafted character driven mystery that you will not be able to put down until the end.
5⭐️
Profile Image for Kara.
720 reviews1,268 followers
December 31, 2020
Sylver and Gold is a terrific story, and the narrator was perfect for the characters.

There’s lots of hilarious banter and snark between our likable MCs, and also with the most insightful and quirky nuns I can remember. I loved it when MC Reid Sylver realized the nun had better gaydar than her own!

MC London Gold is the quintessential go-getter, and her ability to avoid being ditched by her new partner time and again is laugh out loud funny.

The blurb and other reviews pretty much say it all, so I’m going to wrap up my 2020 goodreads challenge with a short and sweet review of this 5* audiobook!
Profile Image for XR.
1,932 reviews105 followers
August 22, 2020
This was so bloody good... I loved it!

London Gold makes me swoon, and I thought Reid was quite funny. I'm sad the book ended 'cause I'd love to read more about the two and Mug. Plus watching Sylver and Gold work only the one case is a travesty... so I hope there's more of them to come. *fingers and toes crossed*
Profile Image for S.
201 reviews17 followers
August 6, 2020
This was my first Michelle Larkin book and I wasn't disappointed. I'd read a number of positive reviews for this book before I started and I have to say I agree with them all wholeheartedly - I loved reading this. I'm not normally one for anything to do with the paranormal in the books I read, but I found this to be a really good way of adding this element to a cop story in order to make it different.

I probably shouldn't have made the decision to read this in the dark late at night - it is a bit creepy at times, but the thing that pleasantly surprised me was that although the book has lots of murder and other dark moments shared between the main characters, I was always left with a positive light feeling whilst reading.

I loved the interactions between Sylver and Gold, Mug the dog had real personality and I enjoyed the secondary characters. I thought the spirits were well written and meaningful and were used really effectively to continue the story moving forwards. I thought Sylver's interactions with the spirits might get boring and repetitive but this wasn't the case.

This one is definitely heading to my read again pile.

I received an e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Betty.
649 reviews90 followers
July 18, 2020
I was looking forward to reading Sylver and Gold by Michelle Larkin. This tale has everything. You have a tech-savvy serial killer beginning a murder spree and eventually targeting the two detectives who are trying to catch him. The two detectives (Reid Sylver and London Gold) are both kick-ass at their jobs, even though London is actually a rookie that Reid is supposed to be training. The murder mystery is exceptionally well-written with a little bit of a paranormal element (Reid can talk to the dead) that adds that extra bit of creepiness to the tale.

The characters really make this an amazing story. Mug, Reid’s bull mastiff, made me want to reach through the pages of the book and give him lots of hugs and pats. The secondary characters, including the ones who have died add depth to the story. But it is Reid and London who really make this an outstanding novel. They are a flawless example of how to write opposites attract. They push each other’s buttons from the moment they meet, but the chemistry and sparks they create together is enough to light up all of Boston. Both have to figure out how to overcome their differences and work together to solve the case.

I’m truly impressed at how Ms. Larkin managed to take a pretty dark and sometimes creepy tale and still add moments of joy and even slapstick comedy into the story. Those moments turn an otherwise suspenseful tale into a book filled with mystery, intrigue, romance and drama.
I fell in love with this novel on the first page, and I hated when the story ended because I didn’t want to leave these characters and this world. I really hope Ms. Larkin is planning to turn this into a series. I will be first in line to buy the books if she does. This book is definitely one of my favorites, and I think it will be one of yours as well. It has my highest recommendation.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for giving me the chance to read this book for an honest review.
Profile Image for Victoria.
491 reviews76 followers
September 15, 2021
This is an entertaining read. You'd expect explicit detail from the crime scenes and some unpleasant pasts from both MCs. I found the crime plot is too weak, and some random stuff had been mentioned multiple times, such as the softball match but never shown at the end, which bothers me a lot... But still, the romance part is delightful. Sylver and Gold made a perfect duo, the romance is a bit cheesy, but I like it. I felt like watching a crime tv series, something like Bones or Psych? Anyway, I really enjoy this book

There will be Book 2 of the Sylver and Gold series: The Value of Sylver and Gold; the release date is August 1, 2022
Profile Image for Linda.
823 reviews122 followers
January 22, 2024
3.5 �

2 officers of the law, one who is a ghost whisperer and been around for more than a decade, and another an Ivy league rookie. A serial killer on the loose, a crime to solve, and a romance blooming amidst it all. Though I might add that the romance between Sylver and Gold was a bit too fast/insta for me.
Profile Image for Bib.
311 reviews
August 26, 2020
Unexpectedly good read! I did not expect the witty and humorous dialogue throughout the book. The suspense and the spookiness spiced up the story. An author which I will definitely follow.
558 reviews14 followers
July 23, 2020
Great Read. Ms Larkin has again given us a book that is full of suspense and two leading ladies who know how to keep closing in on a killer regardless of the dangers he keeps bringing into their homes.
London Gold wanted to become a police detective, so after cutting her teeth on the streets of Boston, she finally got her call to begin her training in the homicide department. Learning how to solve and capture killers and to make the job even sweeter for her, her trainer is none other than the most successful homicide detective in all of Boston, Reid Sylver.
The last thing Reid wants or needs is someone following her around, getting underfoot while she tries to do her job. The reason she has been so successful is really quite simple, she can and does talk with the dead. Who other than the victim would be better able to lead her to the person responsible for murdering them.
Reid and London led very different lives, or so they think until they open up and start talking about their past history. London grew up in a house that had loads of money while Reid grew up in a home that had considerably less. Each in their own way has survived less then wholesome childhoods. How will London react to the ‘talent� Reid has and will she still be able to work alongside her. It doesn’t help or perhaps it does when she reveals her crush on Detective Reid.
As I said earlier Ms Larkin’s book is simply a great read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books


Profile Image for Aleana.
693 reviews20 followers
July 12, 2020
I really enjoy reading this book I love books that has supernatural elements in a mystery thriller.

Detective Reid has a successful rate of closing cases it’s means she can work alone beside having her dog Mug by her side and that’s because she has secret that only two people know she can talk to the dead. She didn’t had great childhood growing up her parents died and she lived with her grandmother who had abused her she got away from her when she was teenager by getting emancipation.

When her Captain dies who knew her secret and colleague of hers Boyle gets promoted he assigned her a rookie for her to train she not that happy about it because it means she has to do her work differently so secret won’t be expose.

London always wanted to be detective and she excited to work with Reid a woman she idolized she wants to learn what made her success in solving cases. As Reid is reluctant to train her and London having a hard time breaking through the walls Reid has up they both caught by the attraction they have for each other.

While working a case of a killer who tech savvy by stalking their victims first before killing them taunts Reid about knowing her secret. As they race to find the killer Reid fears her secret will be expose she soon realize she must trust the people she work with to have her back.


I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review. PS. London parents are trip to not believe their daughter after what happen to her and I really wish London could have confront them when they learn she was telling the truth.
Profile Image for Sam.
817 reviews113 followers
August 7, 2020
I was a bit hesitant because of the talking to the dead thing, but luckily it didn't bother me. It's a big part of the story, but certainly not the main point.

Detective Reid Sylver has always been a loner, she has her dog and that's all she needs. She has the best track record of solving murder cases in the Boston PD, every case that lands on her desk gets solved. Her secret? She talks to the dead. Now she gets a rookie assigned to her, detective London Gold, she is young, eager, and smart. London is remarkably resilient, Reid tries to dump her on multiple occasions but she doesn't really fall for her tricks. On their first run out together, Read sees a ghost who points her to her body. It's an older woman and she didn't see her killer. With London on her heels, Reid can't solve this case the same way she usually does. This case turns out to be personal, the killer is after Reid, not to kill necessarily, maybe for kinship. When visiting one of the neighbours of the murdered lady this person isn't nice to Reid because London told her Reid tried to ditch her (again). The killer overhears and murders this lady and drops her on Reid's porch. When the killer abducts Reid's dog Mug the story is accelerated as are the murders in gruesome detail. London and Reid really connect after the dognapping. Both women are aware of their attraction towards the other, but when there is this mich tension something needs to be said (and done), this I what London does. Now all they need is to get Mug back and apprehend the killer.

The murders/ bodies are described in some gruesome detail, which suits the story perfectly. And yes, it is detailed (and nasty) to read, but it adds a certain depth to the story. Both London and Reid carry big secrets from their past, I think that is why they connect so well. I like that this is more of a thriller than a romance, the romance is there, but the most important is the police work. The story is well written and the built up to the final case is well done. The ending is a bit over the top for me, but I won't mention it in detail because I don't want to spoil it. I think it's too unrealistic. Also the title, I get it, it's sorta funny. But when they work at the BPD you'd think they'd be on the receiving end of more puns.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Char Dafoe.
Author23 books188 followers
October 23, 2021
Would you like a side of paranormal with your sociopath's?

I knew I was going to love this story the first page in. The writing flowed effortlessly from one problem to the next without any lulls. Being introduced to Reid's ability was as if we were being introduced to a good buddy of the MC's. Every new character who arrived on the scene (story) merged flawlessly as if they were merging into traffic and melding with the story. London was a breath of fresh air. Aesthetically, she came off as femme, but her no non-sense attitude gave her a great depth to her character. Nothing phased the young rookie, and she was an amazing sounding board for the gruff and broody Reid. It's true what they say that opposites attract. Following both MC's around trying to solve the serial killer case had me flying through the pages, eagerly bouncing in anticipation as to what they or the killer was going to do next. The romance between Reid and London formed naturally and in a mature way. Both women expressed their desires and limits to each other without any game playing or hesitancy. Like I said earlier, things formed organically and melded together as if they were meant to be in this book. The older I get, the more I learn how little patience I have for immaturity, and Sylver and Gold delivered an abundance of maturity. And I won't mention the few times I teared up ;)

Can't recommend this enough. Solid 5 stars!
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