Format: 401 pages, Hardcover
Release Date: September 16, 2025
Publisher: MIRA
Source: Library
Genre: Thriller, Suspense
Publisher: MIRA
Source: Library
Genre: Thriller, Suspense
In the second Angelhart Investigations thriller from New York Times bestselling author Allison Brennan, when a teenager is killed and his mother doesn't believe it was an accidental overdose, the Angelharts have to solve the case before someone else ends up hurt.
The police ruled Elijah Martinez’s death an accidental drug overdose, but the teen’s grieving mother isn’t convinced. With the case officially closed, Angelhart Investigations is the only one who can help her find the truth. Margo Angelhart’s sure this will be an easy solve—she’ll talk to Elijah’s friends and employer, retrace his steps, and figure out what happened in his final hours.
Except none of his friends believe he did drugs, and the teacher who’s been vocal about the police mishandling the case turns up dead. Every thread Margo pulls leads back to a dangerous drug ring that once ran through the school.
When Margo’s brother Jack, a former cop, can’t get straight answers out of the police, they don’t know if it’s because of an active case…or a cover-up. Margo’s only sure of one thing—she has to find out what really happened to Elijah before more teens become pawns in a twisted scheme.
Except none of his friends believe he did drugs, and the teacher who’s been vocal about the police mishandling the case turns up dead. Every thread Margo pulls leads back to a dangerous drug ring that once ran through the school.
When Margo’s brother Jack, a former cop, can’t get straight answers out of the police, they don’t know if it’s because of an active case…or a cover-up. Margo’s only sure of one thing—she has to find out what really happened to Elijah before more teens become pawns in a twisted scheme.
Don't Say a Word is the second installment in author Allison Brennan's Angelheart Investigations series. The story opens with the death of Elijah Martinez, a promising high school honor student found dead from what police quickly rule an accidental fentanyl overdose. His grieving mother refuses to accept the official conclusion—Elijah had no history of drug use, excelled academically, and had a bright future ahead. With the case closed, she turns to Angelhart Investigations in Phoenix, Arizona, for answers.
Margo Angelhart, now fully committed to the family PI firm after a 3-year absence due to her own father's curious choice, takes the lead. She expects a straightforward investigation: interview friends, talk to his employer, retrace his final hours. But Elijah’s friends and acquaintances insist he never touched drugs. As Margo digs deeper, she uncovers links to a prior drug ring that operated through the school. A vocal teacher who questioned the police handling of the case turns up dead, raising the stakes dramatically.
Margo’s brother Jack (a former cop) hits a wall when seeking information from his old department, sparking questions about whether it’s an active investigation or a cover-up. The Angelhart family—including sister Tess (a research whiz), their mother (a former prosecutor), and extended law-enforcement connections—pools their skills. The case touches on timely issues like the opioid/fentanyl crisis, teen vulnerability, institutional failures, and buried community secrets.
Personal stakes rise as the investigation endangers witnesses and forces Margo to confront family dynamics and her own past. Margo is a tenacious, relatable protagonist—sharp, driven, but still working through family rifts (especially with her mother) and the shadow of her father’s imprisonment for a murder many doubt he committed. Supporting characters, including Elijah’s best friend Angie and potential romantic interests, add layers. The Angelharts feel like a real, messy family with history, banter, and loyalty.
Brennan excels at blending detailed investigative work with emotional depth. The procedural aspects feel authentic—interviews, dead ends, evidence gathering, inter-agency tensions—without getting bogged down. Family collaboration shines: each member’s expertise contributes meaningfully, making the team dynamic a highlight. If you enjoy smart, family-oriented crime procedurals with emotional undercurrents (think authors like Kendra Elliot, Melinda Leigh, or Brennan’s own backlist), this is a must-read. It works well as a standalone but rewards readers familiar with the Angelharts. The overarching family mystery (around the father) adds intrigue for future books.
Angelhart Investigations
Novella 0.5: Into the Fire
Book 1: You'll Never Find Me
Novella 1.5: Out of the Shadows
Book 2: Don't Say a Word
Novella 0.5: Into the Fire
Book 1: You'll Never Find Me
Novella 1.5: Out of the Shadows
Book 2: Don't Say a Word
No comments:
Post a Comment