Title: The Whisper Man
Author: Alex North
Number of Pages: 368 pages
Publisher: Celadon Books
Publication Date: August 20, 2019
Purchase: Thriftbooks//Amazon//Book Depository
My Rating: 3/5 stars
Synopsis from Goodreads:
In this dark, suspenseful thriller, Alex North weaves a multi-generational tale of a father and son caught in the crosshairs of an investigation to catch a serial killer preying on a small town.
After the sudden death of his wife, Tom Kennedy believes a fresh start will help him and his young son Jake heal. A new beginning, a new house, a new town. Featherbank.
But the town has a dark past. Twenty years ago, a serial killer abducted and murdered five residents. Until Frank Carter was finally caught, he was nicknamed “The Whisper Man,” for he would lure his victims out by whispering at their windows at night.
Just as Tom and Jake settle into their new home, a young boy vanishes. His disappearance bears an unnerving resemblance to Frank Carter’s crimes, reigniting old rumors that he preyed with an accomplice. Now, detectives Amanda Beck and Pete Willis must find the boy before it is too late, even if that means Pete has to revisit his great foe in prison: The Whisper Man.
And then Jake begins acting strangely. He hears a whispering at his window…
My Thoughts:
Despite the hype, I actually enjoyed the story. The beginning was a little too slow for my tastes but it picked up very quickly.
Where it lost its star is that the book felt riddled with clichés and not just the ones usually found in thrillers. The ‘whisper man’ was full of clichés and some were painful to read through. Eyerolling is also very likely, I can’t tell you how many times it happened.
It also had elements from The Chalk Man. It wasn’t too noticeable but because I had read it recently it was fresh in my mind.
I really enjoyed the aspect of Jake’s imaginary friends. How his father was confused about the little girl that he couldn’t see and the message she gave Jake. The whole idea in general is depending on what you believe, it is said that imaginary friends are actually ghosts. I loved that he played slightly with that.
Also, I don’t agree with the claim of this being the scariest book of the year, at least for me it wasn’t. I didn’t find it scary like everyone else.
I would recommend this. Maybe wait until the hype has died down because you might be a little bit disappointed.
Have you read this? If so, what are your thoughts?
What books are you trying to read this month? Any recommendations?
Life in Books 