Celia tries to discover the reason behind his silence, unleashing a plethora of hateful incidents and violence that eventually lands back on her. The second voice in the story is the most disturbing. Davy lives with his step-father, Chet Boyce, the most despicable type of criminal, the sexual abuser. The opening chapter of Hush demonstrates the nature of Cliff's violence by his treatment of Davy's mother and the reason for their hasty move.

As the story evolves, more of the horrifying details about Chet become clear. He is a sexual abuser, a murderer, and worst of all believes that he is God, and what he does is destiny and right. This is made all the more terrifying because the reader sees his warped thinking through his own thoughts, words, and actions.

There is a plethora of graphic violence in Hush. There is a scene where a deer is killed and completely "dressed," with all the gruesome details. The writing is very realistic and believable.

Chet's final stalking of Celia is extremely terrifying and very, VERY real. This is not a "happy-ever-after" kind of thriller, but it is certainly action-packed and thrilling.

Along with the plot line of Chet and his horrific deeds is the story of Celia's cheating husband, the politics of the clinic, and Celia herself trying to come to grips with her deteriorating life. The characters are well-drawn and quite believable. The setting is integral to the plot. Celia and her husband live out in the wilderness on a deserted ridge. This remote house is Chet's final destination in his demented plan to eliminate Celia and, therefore, all his troubles.

The reader will be with Celia all the way, hoping for Davy's recovery, and not at all surprised or horrified at the final ironic incident. This is a very satisfying thriller that will keep the reader glued to the final page.

--Kay Black