Out of the Silence

 

Out of the Silence is a standalone murder mystery and examination of misogyny in Pakistan by prolific crime thriller writer Owen Mullen. First published in 2019, this reformat and re-release 23rd March 2021 is 286 pages and is available in audio and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

The word which keeps coming up in my mind after finishing this book is unflinching. It's quite painful to read in many places; tragic and brutal. I found it difficult to continue several times in the narrative and had to take a break. Although a departure from Mullen's other work in terms of subject and setting, it is quite well written and up to his intelligent and erudite standards. The setup, Pakistan, her culture, and contrasts are respectfully and believably conjured. The book is set in three distinct parts, past, more recent past, and current day. Despite having a modern setting and modern characters, the plot and denouement could have graced an ancient Greek tragedy by Sophocles. 

There is a strong murder mystery subplot with a number of grisly and macabre murders, and the eventual solution is well done (if not entirely surprising). There are graphic representations of violence, misogyny, assault (and sexual assault), corruption, and strong language which are potentially triggering for some readers. 

I tend to concentrate mostly on procedurals and cozies, but picked up this book because of my enjoyment of the author's other work. This one was too difficult for me to really enjoy. I would strongly recommend it for fans who don't mind lurid and explicit violence. 

Four stars. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.