The Silent Places
- Author Sarah Mellor
- Narrator Laura Morgan
- Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
- Publish Date 26 March 2026
- Run Time 8 hours and 32 minutes
- Format Audio
- Genre Crime and mystery: police procedural, Crime and mystery: women sleuths, Historical crime and mysteries.
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What to expect
In a city haunted by the past, two families collide in a desperate search for the truth.
LIVERPOOL, 1981: DS Leigh Borrowdale has a problem with justice. Or rather the lack of it. Not only has she just watched a man she’s convinced is a killer walk free from court, but she must also try to keep going despite the lack of leads into the fate of her own missing brother.
But Leigh’s life is about to change forever. Former partner – at work and outside it – DI Des Chung, is trying to help, but some things Leigh must face alone. It’s a man’s world and she’s used to fighting her corner – but now she’s got more to lose than ever before.
As temperatures rise in the city, a bad man dies and Leigh knows that even the wicked deserve answers. While over in Toxteth, the streets are burning, Leigh and Des must find a way to work together to speak for the voiceless, face their own past and find out the truth before more people die.
Critics Review
n PRAISE FOR SARAH MELLOR'S THE DEPARTEDn
n‘A terrific debut. The Departed is right up my street with brilliant female lead. It’s all a police procedural should be. I’ll be looking over my shoulder.’ Mari Hannah
n‘When a book draws you in from page one and continues to keep you turning the pages, you know you’re onto a winner. I was glued to this from beginning to end and have already added this author on my list of Must Read Authors.’ Liz Mistry
nn READERS LOVE THE DEPARTEDn
n'The cultural references are just perfect – anyone who's lived through the '70s will recognise every one of them. The plot is very cleverly constructed with plenty of satisfying twists and turns, right up to the end.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
n‘I loved the twists and turns of the plot which kept me totally engaged right through to the end. Well researched and brilliantly written.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
n'Anyone who lived through the so-called Winter of Discontent will immediately recognise the Britain that Sarah Mellor depicts in this gritty, assured debut novel.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
n‘A clever crime thriller with a historical slant with well developed characters and set in the best city in the world. Would 100% recommend.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
n'I loved it, kept me hooked from the first page.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
n'Really well written, gripping book that fans of Ian Rankin and the Cormoran Strike books will enjoy. Clearly been well researched. Would definitely recommend!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
n'I loved this book from the off … a gripping thriller … infused with a mordant Scouse wit, I cannot wait for the next instalment.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
n'Being from Liverpool I appreciated knowing the locations and the authenticity of the dialogue. Small pieces of history being weaved through the story were interesting and never seemed out of place.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
n‘The plot has a freshness rarely seen in current books of the genre’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
n'Absolutely loved this brilliantly written and compelling debut novel … with relatable characters the twists and turns keep you guessing right till the end. I would 100% recommend.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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