The Silent Dolls

A frightened little girl huddles in a cramped, dark hiding place, clutching a wooden doll carved by the man who brought her there. She has been warned not to make a sound, but all she wants is to be back home with her parents.

Seven-year-old Penny Matthews has vanished in the Appalachian Mountains. With her blonde curls and unmistakable gap-toothed smile, Penny should be enjoying her childhood, not fighting to survive somewhere in the vast wilderness. Detective Ellie Reeves arrives to investigate, but the only clue left behind is a pink friendship bracelet bearing the missing girl’s name.

Ellie understands better than most how dangerous these mountains can be. Troubled memories from her own childhood continue to haunt her, and she knows the isolated forests and winding waterways offer countless places for someone to disappear. With a fierce winter storm approaching, every passing hour makes finding Penny alive more urgent.

The investigation takes a disturbing turn when Ellie discovers the skeletal remains of a child concealed beneath fallen leaves and wildflowers. Beside the bones lies a small, hand-carved wooden doll. The remains have been there for years, raising the terrifying possibility that Penny’s disappearance is part of something much older. Ellie begins to suspect a predator has been targeting children in the mountains for decades.

Then she notices a set of tiny footprints near the burial site. Convinced they belong to Penny, Ellie follows the emerging clues toward a truth she never expected to confront. The person responsible may be connected to the darkest chapter of her own childhood. Finding Penny will mean facing memories and fears Ellie has spent years trying to escape.

As the storm draws closer and the danger grows, Ellie must uncover the killer’s identity before another young life is lost. But can she overcome her past in time to save Penny?

A suspense-filled crime thriller launching a new series, Silent Tears will appeal to readers who enjoy the gripping mysteries of Lisa Regan, Kendra Elliot, and Melinda Leigh.

Rita Herron is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author with more than 90 published books spanning crime fiction, romantic suspense, romantic comedy, and young adult literature.

Her love of mysteries began at age eight when she discovered the Trixie Belden series. Initially believing that becoming a professional writer was an unrealistic career path, she pursued teaching before eventually turning her passion for storytelling into a successful writing career.

Herron particularly enjoys creating dark romantic suspense and crime fiction set in small Southern towns, settings that have become a distinctive part of her work.

Readers can explore her books and learn more about the author at www.ritaherron.com.