Published by Celadon Books Genres: Horror, Mystery, thriller
Format: ARC, eBook
Shh can you hear that?
Tom Kennedy is looking to make a new start. His wife died and he and his son, Jack, have moved into a new home in a new town in hopes of doing just that. Tom is not aware that twenty years ago, in their new town, a serial killer nicknamed the “Whisper Man” lured young boys away from the safety of their homes by whispering into their windows at night. He just wants to start over and protect his son, who is a creative child who frequently talks to his imaginary friend. An imaginary friend who knows a riddle, one that serves as a warning about the whisper man.
Prior to their move, a local boy, Neil Spencer, went missing reigniting old fears and rumors as this boy’s case resembled the missing boys’ cases from twenty years ago. Did the Whisper Man work alone all those years ago? Is there a copy cat killer out there? Are the crimes even related? DI Amanda Beck is the lead on the case but must rely on DI Pete Willis to help as he arrested the Whisper Man twenty years ago. His knowledge may prove crucial if these cases are related. Police detective Pete Willis visits the Whisper Man (Frank Carter) in prison in hopes of finding out some information. Frank Carter enjoys his notoriety almost as much as he enjoys taunting DI Willis. The body of one of his victims has never been found and that case has always haunted DI Willis. Is he too close to this or does he have what it takes to solve the case?
I seriously loved this book. It was creepy and captivating at the same time. It sucked me in, and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. Alex North has himself a winner here. This one lures the reader in right away. He has also created interesting and likable characters. Pete is dealing with his own personal issues while trying his best to be a good detective. Tom and Jack are likable characters who recently experienced a loss. This pulls on the readers heartstrings right away and helps create tension when strange things begin to happen. This book evokes emotion! Yes, this book is creepy and eerie, but it is also a book about relationships. Relationships between fathers and sons. The relationship between a Detective and the serial killer he helped put behind bars. There is an incredible human element here. When you have characters you care about, you don’t want anything bad to happen to them, then when it looks as if they may be in danger… your heart begins pounding, and you begin to wonder what is going to happen next!
Phew! Another plus is that this book is not gory or graphic. Losing a child is every parent’s worst fear and we are told it happens, but we are not shown anything graphic. North was able to create chilling tension without having any horrific scenes. This book is told in various POV’s which really worked move the plot along. Another nice addition were the twists and turns along the way. Little reveals leading up to the end. This made the book move at just the right pace for this reader. Nothing felt rushed. The pace along with the plot kept me on the edge of my seat wanting more.
Captivating book that focuses on the people and the crime. Although there is an investigation to find the kidnapper/killer, I would not call this a police procedural book. Again, the focus is on the characters.
This was a thoroughly engrossing and chilling book which was inspired by the author’s own son who told him he was playing with “the boy in the floor”.
Thank you to Celadon Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.