- Title: The Whisper Man
- Author: Alex North
- Publisher: Celadon Books
- Publish Date: August 20, 2019
- Book Form: E-ARC/Physical
- Pages: 368
- Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Adult
- Rating: ★★★★
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…
– Goodreads
Yall. I couldn’t read this book at night. It was scary. And I almost stopped reading it cause it was so terrifying.
What I liked:
I love a good thriller, and this novel has moved up to the top of the list! I was lucky enough to receive this arc on Netgalley, then also got one in my mailbox! So when I opened it, it came with all the usual arc stuff, then this CREEPY card. It sang:
“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.”
Yall. I couldn’t listen to the whole card! It was so scary. The book was scary. But it was so good.
The Whisper Man had stories told from multiple POVs – all of which were interesting. I especially liked Jake, the little boy. He was so sweet and I just wanted to hug him. The creepiest, by far, were the three chapters told from the killer’s POV. I still get chills thinking about them.
The Whisper Man was definitely a page turner. I didn’t want to put it down, but also didn’t want nightmares. It left me in quite the conundrum. The chapters were really short. It makes it easier to stop reading at the end of a chapter, but also say, ‘Oh, one more chapter and I’ll do this or that’. Then you end up reading five more.
There was a crazy dynamic between Jake, his dad Tom, and the police officer Pete. It blew. my. mind. I loved it!
Then Chapter 37 blew my mind. Yes, I made a note about this specific chapter because I was so surprised!
What I didn’t like:
Honestly, not much. There was one part where Pete says profiling is bullshit. I mean, to each their own, but I believe I missed my call as a criminal profiler. I took personal offense to this. Ha!
I really liked The Whisper Man. It flowed nicely, I loved the development. Also – I ALMOST caught the killer! I was on the right track! I was v proud of myself.
Would I recommend?
I already have! I told my friend Erin, who is a mystery addict, that she HAS to get this novel when it comes out August 20! I need someone to talk about it with! Also I told my mom she’d have to read it.
If you like mysteries and thrillers please read this! It’s a fun, twisty ride with a great ending! Great debut novel from Alex North! I can’t wait to see what he does next.
Thank you to Netgalley and Celadon Books for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Find The Whisper Man Here:
| Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble|
Until next time…
Mithah Reads 