A Sudden Silence deals with important social teen-age issues. It is strongly supportive of established values and gives a thought-provoking portrayal of alcohol abuse. Although Bunting does not create memorable characters, her characters are believable, and they react in a realistic manner. The plot is tightly crafted and moves briskly toward resolution while maintaining an aura of suspense. The novel provides entertaining reading, and is excellent in its portrayal of a contemporary teenage world detailed with stonewashed Levi's, spray-painted graffiti, Colonel Sanders chicken bones, Surfer magazine, and a Razzle Dazzle Video Arcade.