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THE WEIGHT OF SILENCE
by Heather Gudenkauf

Masterfully written and beautifully told, Heather Gudenkauf's debut is a stunning novel of family devotion, honesty and regret that will linger long after the last page is turned.



It happens quietly one August morning. As dawn’s shimmering light drenches the humid Iowa air, two families awaken to find their little girls have gone missing in the night.

Seven-year-old Calli Clark is sweet, gentle, a dreamer who suffers from selective mutism brought on by a tragedy that pulled her deep into silence as a toddler. Petra Gregory is Calli’s best friend, her soul mate and her voice. But neither Petra or Calli has been heard from since their disappearance was discovered.

Now these families are tied by the question of what happened to their children. And the answer is trapped in the silence of unspoken family secrets.


"The Weight of Silence is a tense and profoundly emotional story of a parent's worse nightmare, told with compassion and honesty. Heather Gudenkauf skillfully weaves an explosive tale of suspense and ultimately, the healing power of love. "

— New York Times bestselling author P.C. Cast


"Deeply moving and exquisitely lyrical, this is a powerhouse of a debut novel. Heather Gudenkauf is one of those rare writers who can tell a tale with the skill of a poet while simultaneously cranking up the suspense until it's unbearable."

— Tess Gerritsen, New York Times bestselling author of The Keepsake


"In her debut novel, Heather Gudenkauf masterfully explores the intricate dynamics of families, and the power that silence and secrets hold on them. When you begin this book, be sure you have the time to finish it because, like me, you will have to read straight through to its bittersweet conclusion. "

— Ann Hood, author of the novel The Knitting Circle and the memoir Comfort: A Journey Through Grief


"The Weight of Silence is a thoroughly enjoyable read, and kept me involved throughout. I'd especially like to congratulate Gudenkauf on her police procedures, which are spot on; and the Deputy Sheriff, who was, to me, very believable and true to his character. Absolutely recommended."

— Don Harstad, bestselling author