This was casted BRILLIANTLY. I loved the interwoven dialogue throughout, while most of the narration alternates between Nan McNamara as Maggie and Aaron Landon as Levi. Nan just sounds like a mom, there’s this natural warmth to her voice that fit Maggie perfectly. Aaron has a younger sounding voice that made him such a good choice for a teenage character without ever sounding like an adult trying too hard to play a kid lol Steve Hendrickson as John that older, gruff voice was PERFECT for such a morally dark grey character. All three added so much emotion to this, and I’d absolutely recommend listening to this!!

We get three POVs(mom, dad and son) as Maggie moves her family back to her hometown and childhood home. Levi has already dealt with bullies when he immediately finds himself targeted by the monster bully of his new town, eventually turning into the friend he desperately needed...or so he thought... Having so much of the domestic abuse seen and processed through the eyes of a teenage son was really difficult to process and added another layer to both the suspense and Levi’s story.

This is DARK domestic suspense with some seriously morally dark gray characters, but they’re so fleshed out and layered that nobody feels reduced to just being “good” or “bad.” I did guess the final reveal, but the book doesn’t depend on one giant GOTCHA twist anyway. There are smaller reveals throughout that essentially guide you toward the ending, and I really liked that style tbh!!

🎧 Audio Review: Enjoyed the narration!

📝 Story Review: Definitely check your TW’s before diving into this one, it contains very sensitive content.

I thought this story was very well written. It had plenty of twisty mysterious themes, keeping you guessing along the way. It was very tragic, but also an enjoyable thriller amidst the domestic issues. Some was relatively easy to piece together and some not so easy. It’s centered around one family with an alcoholic parent who gets abusive and violent (and I never condone spouses abusing each other or their children) but it was interesting to see what circumstances drove him to that point in his life. This was a story involving secrets being unearthed, teenagers having to grow up too fast and feeling forced to make decisions that should never have to be in their hands, and thinking you understand a situation when there is actually a lot more behind the scenes. A woman’s disappearance also played a part in the telling of this story, so there were multiple aspects at play.

I believe this was the author’s debut novel and he really did a great job with it! I’d be happy to read more from him in the future!

My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5

TW’s 👇

- Domestic Abuse
- Alcoholism
- Teen Bullying/Physical Assaults
- Mention of past miscarriages
- Mention of death from car accident
- Extramarital Affairs
- Mention of coercing a minor for sexual favors/pictures

Audio Release Date: October 13, 2026
Audio Run Time: 10 hrs, 17 mins
Genre: Domestic Drama/Thriller
POV: Third Person; Multi

Thank you to NetGalley and Channel Street Books for this ALC in return for my honest review.

Thank you M. R. Madonna and NetGalley for the advanced audiobook of this novel.

4.5 Stars

That was a wild ride, and definitely not what I was expecting. In the best way.

There is a lot of suspicious characters but they really helped redirect attention from the "worst" character, though about half way I was starting to figure things out.

Well written, great narration.

A solid read.

This was a hard listen. While I did enjoy the book, the content is definitely not for everyone. If you have a history with or are triggered by topics such as domestic violence or miscarriages, this book is not for you. However, I will say, the author handled these topics with care and made for an emotional view into the reality of a family dealing with these challenges. Every Silent Thing also shows the bravery that it takes to stand up for oneself in less than ideal situations even if the result isn’t what one feels they truly want, but most likely needs. This book, with all of its painful elements, still manages to draw the reader in, making it nearly impossible not to read in one sitting.

I have just listened to this audiobook as an ALC from NetGalley and it was really excellent.

This is a debut novel and I cannot wait to read more from this fantastic author.

I found the writing style similar to the amazing Chris Whittaker. Very atmospheric and alluring. The story grips you from the first page and keeps you immersed in the drama right to the very end. I would say that the twist at the end was obvious from half way through the book however it was still such a gripping, emotional read.

Definitely a very strong 5⭐️

📖🎧

𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗞
Thirteen year old Levi is desperate to protect his mother from his abusive father. After forming an unlikely friendship with troubled loner Doley, Levi finds himself caught up in a dangerous situation that threatens to expose family secrets and change everything he thought he knew about his family.

𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
I always appreciate an imaginative audiobook production. The book is dual POV between Levi and Maggie, with the POV changing by chapter. But there’s an important flashback where both narrators speak their own lines, and it adds such an extra dimension to the scene and makes it even more powerful.

𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
This is a dark, character driven coming-of-age suspense about choices, secrets and consequences.

It’s definitely a gritty slow burn, with spousal abuse and childhood trauma playing a big part in the story. I’d have found this off putting but the writing itself is really accessible, and it doesn’t feel overly literary or like you have to work to get into it.

I did get a little impatient with the pace halfway in, but things picked up and it was so worth it. The layers started coming together, the twists kept coming, and it all built to a powerful ending - talk about bittersweet!

𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
This is such a strong debut and a great choice for anyone who enjoys slow burn, layered, twisty, emotional reads. Just check out the TWs first, as the spousal abuse is prominent.

Thank you Channel Street Books and NetGalley for these gifted ARCs.

🎧 Narrated by Aaron Landon, Nan McNamara, Steve Hendrickson
📖 Release 10•13•26 | 380 pages | 10h 46m

A fantastic novel! I was so emotionally invested in the story, and the characters are all so complex and flawed. It has a psychological thriller storyline rooted in an emotional small town setting.

The narrators are perfect for the roles of Levi, Maggie, and John. The contrast between Maggie’s relationship with religion and the abuse she experiences from her husband is unsettling, but it’s written so well.

I like to try and guess the twist in thrillers, and whilst I was close in some parts, I was so wrapped up in the story that the reveal still completely caught me off guard. For any thriller or contemporary fiction fans, you need to add this to your reading list!

This novel starts out very dark, with a man struggling for his life, followed by chapters of this same man abusing his wife and scaring their son. It’s hard to take. The son, Levi, is going into high school when they move back to the wife’s home town. Levi creates an alliance with a juvenile delinquent and his mother is worried about the boy’s influence on her son. Meanwhile, we’re treated to more scenes of abuse and several long-buried secrets are hinted at until rising to the surface.
It’s a complex story with multiple plot lines. The multiple narrators of the audiobook make for an excellent listening experience. 3.75 rounded up.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @ChannelStreetBooks, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook #everysilentthing for review purposes. Publication date: 13 October 2026.

Thank you to Channel Street Books for providing me with a digital copy of this book as well as the audiobook via Netgalley. I’m sharing my thoughts voluntarily.

This audiobook was excellent. I also read along with the digital book as well. There are multiple narrators as the book chapters alternate between Maggie and her son Levi. I would absolutely recommend the audiobook!

This book really kept my attention. There are so many twists and revelations that come about as the story progresses. All of the characters in this book have secrets. There is also a bit of a mystery involving a woman who was attacked in the woods. I thought the writing was great. This book does have a domestic violence situation so that is something to be aware of before diving in. I believe this is a debut novel. I would definitely read future books from this author!

If you enjoy small town psychological thrillers, this is a good one!

Thanks to NetGalley for an ALC of this book.

Having had a childhood where my father was abusive, I always struggle with stories like this that have domestic violence. That said, this story was engaging and wonderfully told. I didn't really see the secret that was revealed near coming although I probably should have -- had to be something really, really bad for the FMC to continue to stay in such a bad situation! Strange that I ended up having more sympathy for the abuser than the abused;. What a piece of work.

I would have liked a little more "feel good" ending but I guess it was realistic given everything that occurred.

Definitely recommend this one!

An atmospheric and gripping thriller

I was intrigued by the premise of Every Silent Thing and it proved to be a dark, tense and captivating listen that held my attention from start to finish.

Please note that the story touches on some heavier, darker themes—including trauma and abuse—which might be triggering for some readers, so it's definitely worth keeping in mind before diving in.

M.R. Madonna crafts a chilling atmosphere that builds gradually as the story unfolds. The narrative is full of subtle suspense, secrets and quiet dread, making it very easy to get completely absorbed in the mystery. The plot moves along at a steady pace with plenty of twists to keep you guessing as the truth comes to light.

The narration was good and really enhanced the overall listening experience. The narrator delivered a well-balanced performance, capturing the moody tone of the story and giving distinct voices to the characters without ever feeling overdone. Listening to the story play out added an extra layer of tension that worked brilliantly for a thriller like this.

While there were a few minor moments where the pacing slowed down a touch in the middle, the overall mystery made it an enjoyable listen.

Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to an advanced audio copy and share my honest thoughts.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Every Silent Thing was a gripping thriller that pulled me in with its mystery and complicated characters. The story centers around secrets that have been kept quiet for years, and as those secrets begin coming to light, the characters find themselves dealing with consequences they never expected. I enjoyed the slow unraveling of the mystery and the way the story kept adding new pieces to the puzzle. There were definitely moments when I thought I had figured things out, only to have the story take me in another direction. I also really enjoyed the full cast narration, with Aaron Landon, Nan McNamara, and Steve Hendrickson bringing the different perspectives and characters to life. The multiple voices worked especially well for this story and made it easy to stay invested. Overall, this was a suspenseful and entertaining audiobook that kept me listening. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Levi is stuck in the middle of his parent’s abusive marriage. We have high stakes here early on in the story. As the violence escalates, the resentment and tension builds. His mother keeps promising him a fresh start but when they move to her hometown memories from the past resurface.

What a deeply moving story about the long-lasting, generational effects of trauma, grief, and guilt.

Levi and Maggie are living through hell with an abusive alcoholic. Maggie holds onto a long-ago romance and, for a long time, lies to herself about what’s really happening. Levi hates his dad and loves his mother, and watching all of this unfold through his eyes is heartbreaking.

But there is SO. MUCH. MORE to this story than that.

The layers of secrets, trauma, grief, and guilt kept pulling me deeper, and there were so many moments where I thought I understood what was happening… only to realize I absolutely did not. 😂

I can’t say much more without ruining some of the best parts, and this is definitely a book where the less you know going in, the better.

Just. Read. It.

I finished this one and immediately wanted to talk about it with someone—but I can’t, because SPOILERS.

Absolutely beautiful, heartbreaking, and unforgettable.

I loved this book. A brilliant debut novel with array of well portrayed and interesting characters. The story has depth and hooks you from the very start - I didn’t want it to finish but the conclusion was excellently revealed and written.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the well produced ALC and to the author for this wonderful piece of work, which was definitely worth your effort over the years.

What a unique cover! The first time I saw this book, I was immediately drawn to it, so I decided to grab a copy. I was fortunate enough to receive the audiobook version, and it was nothing short of emotional, suspenseful, and hard to put down. This story will definitely tug at your heartstrings!

The narrative moves through dual timelines and various points of view, primarily from Levi and his mother, Maggie Tallon. At its core, the story revolves around their desperate attempts to save each other from a life filled with violence and despair. Levi, only 13 years old, already recognizes that he must carve out a place for himself and his mother. His father is abusive, and Maggie, a woman of faith, often makes excuses for his behavior. Levi eventually meets Doley, a troubled teenager, and together they plan to take drastic action against Levi's father. Meanwhile, Maggie also believes her husband needs to go, but she harbors a significant secret from her past.

What a twisted domestic situation this is! The author does an excellent job of keeping me hooked from the very beginning. The vivid descriptions of the small-town settings, along with the dynamic bond between mother and son and the disintegration of their marriage, are captivating. I found myself torn, unsure of whose side to take. Once I discovered the secret, which was somewhat predictable, I wanted Levi to reconsider his plan. As the story unfolds, we witness Levi’s transformation as he begins to challenge his father and embraces his teenage rebelliousness.

There’s so much to unpack in this book, making it an ideal choice for a book club or a buddy read. I’ve seen this title all over Instagram, and its mix of domestic drama and psychological thriller was too compelling to resist.

The audiobook was narrated by Aaron Landon, Nan McNamara, and Steve Hendrickson. What a fantastic team to bring this story to life! The emotion, suspense, and urgency were palpable, and I must admit, I had a hard time pressing pause when I needed to. Their narration brought the characters to life with distinct personalities. Bravo!

This book offers plenty for readers, diving deep into the complexities of the mother-son relationship. This slow burn is filled with morally grey characters, twists, and the ending, while surprising, feels inevitable. The themes of domestic abuse, devoted motherhood, and buried family secrets are intricately woven throughout. You also have the dynamic of a new kid in town befriending the biggest troublemaker. The book explores heavy themes like pregnancy loss, grief, and addiction, ultimately prompting thought-provoking questions. How far would you go to protect your child? And how much abuse would one endure before realizing enough is enough? What an amazing literary crossover in crime!

Thank you, Channel Street Books and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Okay… this audiobook had me HOOKED. 👀

Every Silent Thing was dark, suspenseful, and seriously hard to put down. The story pulled me in right away, and before I knew it, I was flying through it. I finished the entire audiobook in TWO DAYS—which pretty much tells you everything you need to know. 😂

The story follows 13-year-old Levi as he tries to survive an incredibly messed-up home life, and things only get darker when he teams up with Doley. There are secrets, family drama, violence, twists, and plenty of moments where I was sitting there thinking, “Ohhh… so THAT’S what’s really going on.” 😳

I really liked how suspenseful it stayed without feeling like the story was dragging. The characters were complicated, the plot kept me guessing, and the emotional side of Levi’s story added another layer to everything happening.

Overall, this was a really good, suspenseful audiobook that kept me listening way longer than I probably should have. Two days later, and I’m still thinking about it. Definitely one of those books where you say, “Just one more chapter…” and suddenly it’s 2 a.m. 😂🎧

PLOT💫
Every Silent Thing follows 13yr old Levi, who’s grown up scared of his violent, alcoholic father & frustrated by his mother’s inability to escape. When Levi befriends Doley, a troubled local boy, the two form an unlikely bond built on loneliness, anger, & the need to protect the people they love. Together, they begin plotting a way to save Levi’s mother, but neither understands the secrets shes been hiding for years. As those secrets slowly come to light, everything Levi thought he knew about his family, his mother, & himself begins to unravel. What follows is a dark & emotional story about abuse, friendship, loyalty, faith, & the choices we make when there doesn’t seem to be a good choice left.
Review 💫
I loved loved loved this book . I went into this expecting a dark domestic thriller, but what I got was also a deeply emotional coming of age story about a boy trying to survive a home life no child should have to endure. Levi ♥️he’s such a young, vulnerable character, but you can feel him slowly hardening as he tries to make sense of his father’s violence & his mother’s choices. His friendship with Doley was complicated, unexpected, & felt like two lonely kids finding comfort . There are so many secrets & little clues & when I thought I understood what was happening, another piece would fall into place & make me question everything again.
And the twist, I did not see that coming 😳. The domestic violence is difficult to read at times. By the end, I was completely invested & i had that feeling of needing to sit quietly for a few minutes after finishing. It’s dark, heartbreaking & tense, but underneath all of that is a really powerful story about love, loyalty & secrets

Whoa. 🤯 I had the privilege of reading an ALC of this book and I’m so grateful I did. Very impressive debut novel, in my opinion. Written in multiple POVs and time periods, we meet many interesting characters from questionable motives and pasts. It is important for the reader to be aware of potential triggers as the story contains several heavy topics, including but not limited to addictions, pregnancy/infant loss, death of a parent, physical abuse, and infidelity to name a few. Dark, twisted, and emotionally charged, Every Silent Thing will tug at your heartstrings and fill you with a sense of foreboding that you just can’t shake. A must read. (4.5 stars rounded up to 5 for review purposes.)