If Connor’s life has not become exciting enough, her ex-boyfriend Josh shows up and his wife becomes a murder victim. An obvious suspect, Josh is arrested and looks to Connor to find evidence of his innocence. Connor’s gut tells her Josh is innocent and that this murder is somehow connected to Sluice’s find, so she turns to her boyfriend, investigator Dan Smith. Dan is not entirely thrilled to help Connor clear an old boyfriend’s name, but realizes that with or without him, his strong-willed girlfriend is looking into this murder.

The two dive in, not realizing what they are getting themselves into and what kind of danger they are putting themselves at risk for as gold fever takes over this small town.

Silence is Golden has an unusual heroine. Connor is deaf and must rely on non-auditory forms of communication. Because of this, Connor is very adept at reading lips and body language. She also has become acute at picking up non-verbal cues, skills that serve her well once again. Connor is a very stubborn, self-reliant woman and does not feel entitled due to her lack of hearing. She treats others as if she was a hearing person and expects them to do the same. While Dan is very protective of Connor, he is learning how to deal with her need for a sense of independence.

The atmosphere created in Silence is Golden is similar to what one might have seen at Sutter’s Mill over one hundred years ago and is sprinkled with much Gold Rush lore adding to the authenticity. The mystery is a little forced with many seemingly unconnected parts, though all loose ends are neatly tied up in the end. Once again, Connor and Dan prove to be an intrepid team. Paired with an interesting setting and lots of tidbits, Silence is Golden is another dependable entry into this long standing series.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry