Don't Say a Word

Don't Say a Word by Allison Brennan
9/16/25; 416 pages
MIRA Books 
Angelhart Investigations #2 

Don't Say a Word by Allison Brennan is a very highly recommended investigative procedural. In this second book in the Angelhart Investigations series they are looking into the death of a teen to determine if it was an accident or murder. Even though this is the second book in the series following You'll Never Find Me (2024), it can be read as a stand-alone novel.

Elijah Martinez’s death was officially ruled an accidental drug overdose, but his mother doesn't believe it. Elijah was an honor student and had no history of drug use. She thinks the investigation was perfunctory, and asks Angelhart Investigations to look into it. Private Investigator Margo Angelhart agrees to do so. After talking to his friends, a school counselor, and his employer, Margo also thinks something more was behind the death. When another murder happens during her initial investigation, Margo begins to suspect a connection to the drug ring that previously ran through the school.

Don't Say a Word presents a well-written, compelling, complicated, and intricate investigation in a fast paced plot. It's always enjoyable to read an investigative procedural that logically follows clues along the way while uncovering more areas of inquiry to explore. There are plenty of clues to follow and Margo realizes quickly that the danger to herself and those she is questioning is also increasing. Elijah's death is clearly connected to something sinister.  

All the characters are realistically portrayed as complicated individuals with strengths and some flaws. As a family business, Angelhart Investigations consists of Margo, an experienced P.I., her brother Jack, a former police detective, her sister Tess, who excels at research, and her mother, Ava, a former county attorney and prosecutor. Margo is tenacious, intelligent, and very intuitive. She has plenty of discernment and can really read people when talking to them. Elijah's best friend, Angie, is a well portrayed teen. 

Don't Say a Word would be an excellent choice for everyone who enjoys intricate investigations featuring a tenacious P.I. Thanks to MIRA Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.