The theme of the "The Silence of Murder" was once something has been done you can never take it back. Over the development of the text the theme got stronger in every scenario leading up to the reveal of the mystery. When Chase gives TJ and Hope a rlift back to Grain he shows them a shamrock tattoo on his shoulder blade. It turns out his ex-girlfriend has the same one on her ankle. Chase explains how in one split second a stupid everlasting mistake can be made.
Hope Long the main protagonist in the book started as a weak shy girl with little motive to finish things through. The shock of her brother put on trial, the loss of a friend, and the betrayal of someone she thought she loved hardened and polished her. By the end of the book Hope is a strong girl able to get through anything with just a little bit of motivation.
Chase Wells, a major character in "The Silence of Murder" as well as the pro/antagonist in the story undergoes a major change after meeting Hope. *MAJOR SPOILER* At the beginning of the book Chase doesn't care much about anything besides making his dad proud of him. The truth is, he killed the coach. When TJ asked him to drive Hope home he wasn't too thrilled. Mid-way through, Chase starts developing feelings for Hope as well as Hope vice versa. At the end, Chase is an honest character, though his actions would be seen as inhuman. I felt bad that they took him away at the end, he was a lovable character. When the truth came out he didn't deny it and made it seem like he got something heavy off his chest.
TJ, Hope's long time best friend is always there for her. In matter of fact he has a crush on her. TJ's infatuation will Hope last mid-way through the book until Hope's dense personality finally catches up with his feelings. The second half of the book TJ is hurt and has a hostile, aggressive attitude towards Hope and Chase.
The thrill, twist and turns of "The Silence of Murder" can only be experienced firsthand by reading the novel! Receiving the Edgar award this novel is a must read.
