Riley Spartz's career thrives on facts. As an investigative TV reporter, it is imperative to report the truth, so she has little patience for Sam Pierce, the local gossip columnist, who likes to spread vicious lies. When Sam casually drops hints about her new colleague, Clay Burrell, she figures that she should give Clay fair warning about appearing in Sam's column. However, top news stories send them in different directions, with Clay getting a lead on a murder and she getting stuck reporting on the mysterious bombing of a wind turbine. Unfortunately, Riley soon finds her name in the gossip column. Could her day get any worse?

Riley plans to steal the murder story from Clay, but she did not foresee herself being featured in another murder case. Someone has killed Sam Pierce, and Riley has become the prime suspect especially since her public disagreements with him in and out of a courtroom. Now she not only has to fight for her job, but she also has to fight to clear her name. She knows the true killer lurks in the shadows and she will not stop until she uncovers the truth. Who would want to frame her for murder? In all the hustle and bustle, will she manage to stay afloat?

Julie Kramer engrosses readers with an action packed thriller that will keep them on the edge of their seats. She brilliantly layers multiple story lines that converge in an ultimate no holds barred confrontation. Riley Spartz makes an intriguing do or die heroine who does not know the meaning of surrender. With a tenacious spirit and a never give up attitude, Riley will exhaust all resources to get to the bottom of her story. My interest was captured at the beginning with a slightly veiled threat, remained attuned during escalating news stories, and peaked with an astonishing ending. Ms. Kramer certainly writes an amazing thriller. SILENCING SAM will keep you wondering who really silenced Sam for good. I immensely enjoyed this mystery and wonder where Riley Spartz's investigations will lead her next time.