Book Review: Speak No Evil by Liana Gardner

Speak No Evil is the compelling story of Melody Fisher who began life in the Appalachian Mountains, the daughter of snake handlers. Her father and mother instilled in her a love and respect for all aspects of nature, even those that will prove deadly.

Melody is also blessed with gifts – the gift of song and the gift of second sight. Unfortunately, her charmed existence is shattered when, at age nine, her mother is taken abruptly from her after being bitten by a rattlesnake. Despondent over the death of his wife, her father disappears and Melody is left to face the world alone.

At the beginning of this story, Melody is sixteen and her life is told in flashbacks. When we first meet her, she has been mute for two years and has been charged with stabbing another student. Her journey from the death of her mother to present day is revealed slowly in song under the tutelage of a gifted therapist. 

Speak No Evil is a haunting and inspirational read. The abuse Melody suffers is horrific, yet her spirit continues to soar. This was a wonderful novel and is highly recommended.