The Silent Ones cover art

The Silent Ones

The Mary Shea Murders, Book 1

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The Silent Ones

By: Anna McPartlin
Narrated by: Aoife McMahon
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About this listen

The murder of an innocent shakes Ireland to its core.

One cold January morning in 1980, on a beach in Kerry, the body of a newborn baby is found in its most sheltered sand dune. When local police are called to the incident, Garda Mary Shea is first on scene.

The Dublin major crimes team are called to investigate and because Mary is able to get crucial, female witnesses to cooperate, lead detective Matt Foley takes her under his wing in his bid to solve the biggest case of his career. More questions than answers are found when it becomes clear many locals conduct secret lives—but who would do such a thing?

A dark and gripping Irish crime debut from an international bestseller. Perfect for fans of Olivia Kiernan, Tana French, and John Banville.

©2025 Anna McPartlin (P)2025 W.F. Howes Ltd. Crime Thrillers Mystery Police Procedurals Thriller & Suspense Women Sleuths Crime Murder
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This novel has everything. Shock, suspense, depth and brilliant writing. Under the storyline is a passionate interrogation of the double standards in society against women back in the day. Perhaps the best novel I've ever read and a magnificent narrator. I give this book and its narration a solid 5/5

Mary (a cop) is a badass and back before women were welcome in the force

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This book was both powerful and deeply moving. Mary Shea, a Garda in 1980s Ireland, is such a strong and compassionate character, facing incredible challenges as the only female officer in a male-dominated world. The story is heartbreaking and full of twists you don’t see coming. It stayed with me long after I finished listening. I can’t wait for the next in the series — my first Anna McPartlin book, but definitely not my last.

Magnificent and Challenging

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Anna McPartlin has done it again! She tackles a tough subject with her beautiful writing. A book that captured my heart until the very last word

Book of the year

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What a soulful revisit to 1980’s Ireland, told so true to those times and attitudes. A sad reminder of how far we have come. Beautifully written with both dignity and humour- missing Mary Shea already and cannot wait for the next book!!!

The Silent Ones - just beautiful!!!

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