The Silenced

By: Diana Rodriguez Wallach

Narrated by: Brenda Arteaga-Walsh

A 2026 International Thriller Writers Awards Nominee!

A thoughtful and gripping exposé of the troubled teen industry, this supernatural thriller explores how a haunted past collides with a traumatized presentto reveal truths that were meant to stay hidden.

Welcome to The Farm.

Hazel Perez thinks her school project on the abandoned Oakwell Farms School for Girls—the Farm, as it’s known to locals—will be just another assignment. But after a late-night research trip ends with her falling unconscious, she awakens with a desire for revenge that isn’t her own.

Desperate to free herself from these sudden violent urges—and the haunting visions of an unknown girl she sees in the mirror—Hazel decides to investigate.

As she delves deeper into Oakwell Farms’ past, Hazel discovers theharrowing experiences of the girls who were once forced to live under thewatch of sinister men and encounters the spirits who still linger there. With the help of some unlikely allies, Hazel must navigate a treacherous path of corruption, history, and the supernatural to bring peace to the restless spirits and learn the truth about her family’s involvement.

Critic reviews

Praise for The Silenced:

A 2026 International Thriller Writers Awards Nominee!
A Bram Stoker Award Nominee!

"Devastating and hopeful...Wallach amplifies a familiar ghost story into something painfully haunting."—The Bulletin

"Blending supernatural suspense with harrowing historical fact, Wallach shines a scathing spotlight on the deeply disturbing troubled-teen industry...the true terror lies not in the ghosts but in the atrocities that created them."—Booklist

"Wallach explores the gritty, abhorrent reality of the “troubled teen” industry...The compelling storytelling will keep fans of reality-based horror turning the pages."—Kirkus

“Rodriguez Wallach conjured a mesmerizing and atmospheric tale filled with unease, heartbreak, and retribution that will cling to my back for the rest of my life.”—Natasha Preston, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lake

"The Silenced is a fantastically eerie ghost story that unflinchingly reveals the sharp teeth of history and how it can draw blood. Dread-inducing at its core, you'll tear through the pages even while wanting to look away. A must read for any horror fan with an appetite for restless ghosts."—Vincent Tirado, award-winning author of Burn Down, Rise Up

"The Silenced isn’t just a gripping story—it’s a raw, unflinching look at the horrors hidden behind the walls of so-called 'Troubled Teen Industry (TTI)' programs. Wallach doesn’t shy away from the truth, making this book a powerful and necessary reminder of the voices that institutions tried to silence."—Meg Applegate, CEO of Unsilenced and author of Becoming UNSILENCED: Surviving and Fighting the Troubled Teen Industry

Loved it!

I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. The story was intriguing. Characters were great. Author did incredible research.

Gripping and Enlightening Read!

Gripping listen - story is a perfect blend of suspense, empowerment, and commitment to discovery. Overall flow of the entire novel is smooth. Highly recommend! Thank you for writing this book!

Couldn’t Stop Listening — Haunting, Powerful, and Perfectly Performed

I listened to The Silenced on a road trip to NOLA, and I was completely hooked from start to finish. The pacing was incredible—fast enough to keep me on edge, but never rushed—and the descriptions were so vivid I felt like I was right there with Hazel, uncovering the dark secrets of Oakwell Farms.

The narrator was absolutely amazing. Every emotion, every eerie whisper, every moment of heartbreak was delivered with such depth that it pulled me in even deeper. It’s one of those performances that makes the story come alive and stay with you long after it ends.

Beyond the supernatural thrills, this book also sheds light on a little-known and disturbing reality—the abuse that occurred in “troubled teen” camps. It’s both a chilling ghost story and a moving exposé of pain, justice, and redemption.

I’ll admit it—I cried at the end. The Silenced is the best audiobook I’ve listened to this year: gripping, emotional, and utterly unforgettable.