The Unspoken

Ashe Cayne, Book 1

By: Ian K. Smith

Narrated by: Amir Abdullah

In this new series from number one New York Times best-selling author Ian K. Smith, an ex-cop turned private investigator seeks justice on the vibrant, dangerous streets of Chicago.

Former Chicago detective Ashe Cayne is desperate for redemption. After refusing to participate in a police department cover-up involving the death of a young black man, Cayne is pushed out of the force. But he won’t sit quietly on the sidelines: he’s compelled to fight for justice as a private investigator...even if it means putting himself in jeopardy.

When a young woman, Tinsley Gerrigan, goes missing, her wealthy parents from the North Shore hire Cayne to find her. As Cayne looks into her life and past, he uncovers secrets Tinsley’s been hiding from her family. Cayne fears he may never find Tinsley alive.

His worries spike when Tinsley’s boyfriend is found dead - another black man murdered on the tough Chicago streets. Cayne must navigate his complicated relationships within the Chicago PD, leveraging his contacts and police skills to find the missing young woman, see justice done, and earn his redemption.

©2020 Ian K. Smith. (P)2020 Brilliance Publishing, Inc.

Critic reviews

Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award

“Narrator Amir Abdullah depicts Chicago's wealthy enclaves, struggling neighborhoods, and mouthwatering foods while introducing former-cop-turned-PI Ashe Cayne.… Abdullah excels with Cayne's cultured quotes, and his best creation is Commander Rory Burke - -an old-school cop. Conversations with him are informative and hilarious. Most impressive is Abdullah's portrayal of Cayne's versatility: He ebulliently banters with gang members and chats up social elites. Audio enhances the fine writing and diverse characters.” —AudioFile Magazine

“With its huge, entertaining cast and smooth sleuth, this series kickoff recalls vintage Chandler or Hammett.” —Kirkus Reviews

“This fine series launch from bestseller Smith (The Ancient Nine) introduces PI Ashe Cayne, a former Chicago PD detective…Ashe is just one of many well-drawn, multilayered characters. Readers will eagerly await his return.” —Publishers Weekly

The sidebar let it down

This was a great mystery/procedural, a ripping yarn. It was let down by the subplot that showed a sadistic side to the main character that was at odds with his supposedly altruistic nature. It didn’t jive and detracted from a story that didn’t need embellishing. If it was an editorial decision to add that or retain it, it was a bad one. I’m unlikely to read another if I have to deal with another sadistic subplot.

one story at a time please

in the middle of everything the author diverts to a completely new, independent story. felt disjointed, took awhile to get . the picture.

The “B” Story

The “A” Story was great but the latter story was out of sink. We knew he was a helper, the main character but I didn’t want to read or hear the b story. I am going to listen to the next book. … but if it has a “b” story. I will not finish

I liked it but...

I liked it. It kept me coming back. I didn’t feel the need to skip ahead just to find out who did it. I wasn’t sorry I’d bought it. Good story. Good characters. My only angst was the narrator didn’t have any range. Every character sounded like a young black man; the old Irish cop, the white socialite mother, well, everyone. I got used to it and he did improve toward the end. Decent read. I’ve had so few lately.

Easy Flow Between The Rich & Poor

Loved It 😍 Suspenseful 🕵
Gruesome😱 Romantic💘
Intriguing 🤓 Dialogue & Language EntertainIng 🗣

Ya boy knows how to tell a story

He is an exceptional story teller. If you like this book you will love love love his other book The Ancient Nine

Excellent

Loved this book. Amir was a great choice to read it. Made characters come to life. Highly recommend!

Ickiness was unnecessary

I enjoyed the main story-the Romeo/Juliet nature of the relationship; I could have done without the detour to torture and murder the defrocked priest. He did something similar in Lost Hills. It was even more unnecessary to this story. Likely won’t buy a book by Ian k smith again

Unconventional

A new take. This book won't settle well with some & I understand. To be the judge, jury, & prosecution is a frightening thing. Where do you know if you have found the correct balance? Even if your intentions may be in the right place,... checks and balances do help to weigh out possible oversights. However, I did find this author, the story, its twists, the conflicts it brought up on a multitude of topics, and much more to be very current/real and enjoyable to read. I do recommend this book. 👍

very interesting

liked the book and general theme of the book. did not like vigilante mentality. claimed to be the type of person that rights wrongs but yet take justice in his own hands. over all the book is well written and has a good pace. glad I read it.