The Silence of Murder / Dandi Daley Mackall / 327 pages / 7 Swans-a-Swimming December Challenge

"In one single moment, things can change forever - like Rita's hand smacking Jeremy's cheek...like the bat picked up and swung, and Coach Johnson's life leaving his body forever."  Now Jeremy - 18 - is on trial for murdering the coach.  He is silent in his own defense as he hasn't spoken a word since that day his mother slapped him ten years ago.  Sixteen year old Hope Long is the only person who believes her brother is innocent and is determined to prove it.  Hope's list of suspects grows and she is horrified when she discovers a piece of evidence confirming the guilty party.  Read this one in one sitting.  It won't allow you any other choice.