Book review: The Whisper Man by Alex North
Title: The Whisper Man
Author: Alex North
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Publisher: Penguin
Publication date: 13th June 2019
My rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Summary:
” If you leave a door half-open, soon you’ll hear the whispers spoken…
Still devastated after the loss of his wife, Tom Kennedy and his young son Jake move to the sleepy village of Featherbank, looking for a fresh start.
But Featherbank has a dark past. Fifteen years ago a twisted serial killer abducted and murdered five young boys. Until he was finally caught, the killer was known as ‘The Whisper Man’.
Of course, an old crime need not trouble Tom and Jake as they try to settle in to their new home. Except that now another boy has gone missing. And then Jake begins acting strangely.
He says he hears a whispering at his window…“
My review:
“If you leave a door half open, soon you’ll hear the whispers spoken.
If you play outside alone, soon you won’t be going home.
If your window’s left unlatched, you’ll hear him tapping at the glass.
If you’re lonely, sad, and blue, the Whisper Man will come for you.”
After suffering the tragic loss of his wife, Tom Kennedy decides to start a new life with his son and soon finds the perfect place for their future: Featherbank. Years ago the Whisper Man haunted the lives of its inhabitants and some still remember the pain he caused. Others doubt he ever existed. However, when Jake starts hearing whispers and Tom is certain that there is no one else in the house, reality hits close to home and Tom begins to doubt if he and his son are really safe in their new environment.
The premise of The Whisper Man is intriguing and boasts potential of an electrifying thriller. It comprises the perfect blend of character growth, plot and setting. There were many red herrings and tense moments, creating an eerie feeling that lingered throughout the book. Questions were raised on whether the whole scenario was a hoax or if the Whisper Man had returned and I enjoyed the hints dropped which helped the reader discover the truth.
An important aspect in The Whisper Man, not to be forgotten, is the relationship between father and son which was extremely well portrayed. Mixed emotions such as grief, distress and love are explored as Tom and Jake adjust to their new life. I warmed to both characters and enjoyed following their journey to acceptance and content.
The plot is incredibly well developed with many unexpected twists thrown in at the most tense moments. I ultimately guessed the big reveal correctly but this didn’t hinder the ending as the execution was slick and tied in well with the remaining part of the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed every twist and turn in The Whisper Man. Few thrillers manage to grab my attention from the first chapter but the solid writing, tense atmosphere and likeable characters made this book an exception. I advise all fans of thrillers to consider reading this debut and am certain that they will not be left disappointed.
20 Comments
acourtofbooksandbrews
I also enjoyed The Whisper Man. I thought it was a really well written thriller! Glad you enjoyed it, great review!
Darina
Glad to hear that you also enjoyed it! Thank you!
Inge | The Belgian Reviewer
I liked this novel too and the relationship between father and son was also great to read about! Wonderful review Darina!
Darina
Yes, I also really enjoyed the father and son relationship as it’s not an area that is usually explored in thrillers. Thank you, Inge!
Emer @alittlehazebookblog
Oh this sounds like a wonderfully thrilling read. Fab review Darina :)))
Darina
It was definitely thrilling! Thanks, Emer!
Mani
Fab review Darina!! I have a copy waiting to be read along with the many other books 🤣
Darina
Thank you, Mani! Ah yes, the neverending TBR list! I hope you enjoy it once you get round to it!
Stephen Writes
I have wanted to read this for some time and your review makes me want to read it more! Great review Darina, and I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Darina
It’s a really great thriller and I think you’ll enjoy it. Thanks, Stephen!
Yvo
Wonderful review! I’m happy to hear you enjoyed this story too. xx
Darina
Thank you, Yvo! It was a pretty great read! xx
jennifertarheelreader
This is a terrific review, Darina. I loved this book, too. Do you have The Chestnut Man on your radar, or have you read it? It’s one that came out around the same time that I also enjoyed, maybe even a smidge more. I can’t wait for the new one by this author.
Darina
Thanks, Jennifer <3 I'm also really intrigued by this author and am looking forward to the next book. Yes, I read The Chestnut Man last year and absolutely loved it! I would say that it was probably my favourite book of 2019. Here is my review on it: https://facingthestory.com/2019/11/13/the-chestnut-man/ I agree that both books have something really special about them and can't wait to read anything else these authors publish!
ericarobyn
I can’t wait to dive into this one soon! Awesome review!
Darina
Thank you! It’s a great book, I hope you enjoy it!
Kal @ Reader Voracious
This is a fantastic review, Darina, and sounds like a really captivating mystery!
Darina
Thanks, Kal! It really was very mysterious and atmospheric!
Lashaan Balasingam @ Bookidote
I’ve seen this book around in the blogosphere around release but never really got around to it. I do love the inclusion of that father and son dynamic within this story. Great review as always, Darina! 😀
Darina
Thanks, Lashaan! The father and son relationship was something I found quite interesting and I’m glad the author included it. I hope you enjoy the book if you decide to read it!