Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
Celadon Books (2020), 400 pages
Description
"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."--… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Twink
Oh, what a great, creepy premise. Is the house haunted? Is Jake seeing things that are only in his head? Or are they real? Is there a killer about? The listener is never quite sure. North does a great job of keeping us guessing as the book progresses. North introduces events into the narrative that
And here's a fun fact: "The Whisper Man was inspired by North's own little boy, who mentioned one day that he was playing with "the boy in the floor."
Christopher Eccleston does a fantastic job or narrating. He has such a rich, sonorous, expressive voice - it's wonderful to listen to. He does a great job catching the tone of the book with his voice. And his reading of The Whisper Man rhyme gave me goosebumps.
Show More
changed my thinking as it built momentum. The whodunit was one I didn't seen coming - and I always appreciate that. But for this listener, it was all about the journey and the uncertainty. Great listen!And here's a fun fact: "The Whisper Man was inspired by North's own little boy, who mentioned one day that he was playing with "the boy in the floor."
Christopher Eccleston does a fantastic job or narrating. He has such a rich, sonorous, expressive voice - it's wonderful to listen to. He does a great job catching the tone of the book with his voice. And his reading of The Whisper Man rhyme gave me goosebumps.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Beamis12
I was sent this book by the publisher and it came with a card. When the card was opened a little girls voice 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
If you’re lonely, sad, and blue, the Whisper Man will come for you.” —
So let's say I was creeped out before I even started reading the book. It was a very good read for Halloween, horror only because it was a real life killer who preyed on little boys. Luckily it wasn't very graphic, just scary because it could happen and has. The suspense is rather up incrementally, as one clue follows another.
So many ekemrnts, a police investigation, s cop who for twenty years has been haunted by his inability to find the body of the last missing boy. The killer in jail, why has another gone missing? A rather and son, whose mother and wife has recently died and is looking for a new start, and a new detective who will soon find herself haunted by a case that seems unlikely to be solved. Creepy and haunting, a good Halloween read. Shivers and chills, throughout the book.
ARC by Celadon.
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
Show More
tapping at the glass.If you’re lonely, sad, and blue, the Whisper Man will come for you.” —
So let's say I was creeped out before I even started reading the book. It was a very good read for Halloween, horror only because it was a real life killer who preyed on little boys. Luckily it wasn't very graphic, just scary because it could happen and has. The suspense is rather up incrementally, as one clue follows another.
So many ekemrnts, a police investigation, s cop who for twenty years has been haunted by his inability to find the body of the last missing boy. The killer in jail, why has another gone missing? A rather and son, whose mother and wife has recently died and is looking for a new start, and a new detective who will soon find herself haunted by a case that seems unlikely to be solved. Creepy and haunting, a good Halloween read. Shivers and chills, throughout the book.
ARC by Celadon.
Show Less
LibraryThing member nicx27
The Whisper Man is one of the big hitters of 2019 and rightly so. It's a cracking good crime thriller.
Tom Kennedy is a recent widower. He's struggling with his 7 year old son, Jake. His wife always said they were too alike and maybe that's why Tom can't get through to Jake. He decides a fresh start
This is a village where 15 years ago a serial killer stalked young boys. He was known as The Whisper Man. All well and good except it's happening again and now Jake is hearing whispers himself.
Ooh-er! I think I was expecting something a bit more supernatural with this book and whilst there is a little of that, it's much more of a crime thriller. We hear from Tom and Jake, but also from a police officer, DI Pete Willis, who was involved with the original case and who is now called upon to help with what is happening currently. This enables us to see matters unfold from different directions: from the viewpoint of a father who is already struggling and who is now fearing for his son's safety; and from the viewpoint of a man who thought the nightmare was over, although he's never been able to put it completely behind him, and who now realises the threat is back.
The whole Whisper Man thing is very creepy and the idea of a predator like that being at large is pretty scary. I have to say that I didn't find the story as scary as I expected, but I did find it compelling reading. There's a theme of fathers and sons running through it and how the relationships between them can affect them. I thought this was really cleverly executed.
I really liked Tom. He's written in a very sympathetic way and his grief is palpable. I loved Jake too, with his very grown up way of speaking and quiet manner. All the characters are very well drawn in fact.
The Whisper Man is a gripping story. I was very impressed by the way various strands of the story that I didn't even realise existed were then brought together. There were quite a few 'ohhhh' moments for me, ones I didn't see coming. It's a brilliant read.
Tom Kennedy is a recent widower. He's struggling with his 7 year old son, Jake. His wife always said they were too alike and maybe that's why Tom can't get through to Jake. He decides a fresh start
Show More
in a new house and a new village is what's needed and they move to a house known locally as 'the scary house'. Hmmm, perhaps warning bells ought to have sounded!This is a village where 15 years ago a serial killer stalked young boys. He was known as The Whisper Man. All well and good except it's happening again and now Jake is hearing whispers himself.
Ooh-er! I think I was expecting something a bit more supernatural with this book and whilst there is a little of that, it's much more of a crime thriller. We hear from Tom and Jake, but also from a police officer, DI Pete Willis, who was involved with the original case and who is now called upon to help with what is happening currently. This enables us to see matters unfold from different directions: from the viewpoint of a father who is already struggling and who is now fearing for his son's safety; and from the viewpoint of a man who thought the nightmare was over, although he's never been able to put it completely behind him, and who now realises the threat is back.
The whole Whisper Man thing is very creepy and the idea of a predator like that being at large is pretty scary. I have to say that I didn't find the story as scary as I expected, but I did find it compelling reading. There's a theme of fathers and sons running through it and how the relationships between them can affect them. I thought this was really cleverly executed.
I really liked Tom. He's written in a very sympathetic way and his grief is palpable. I loved Jake too, with his very grown up way of speaking and quiet manner. All the characters are very well drawn in fact.
The Whisper Man is a gripping story. I was very impressed by the way various strands of the story that I didn't even realise existed were then brought together. There were quite a few 'ohhhh' moments for me, ones I didn't see coming. It's a brilliant read.
Show Less
LibraryThing member lowelibrary
The ending of this book was unexpected and gut wrenching. I read an advance copy please don't change it.
This was a well written smooth read. The interactions between characters grew and became both more sensible and more intriguing as they went along in the story.
Loved it.
This was a well written smooth read. The interactions between characters grew and became both more sensible and more intriguing as they went along in the story.
Loved it.
LibraryThing member marykuhl
Wow! The last 120 pages I couldn't / wouldn't put down. That's not to say the rest of the book wasn't just as good, but I was intent on finishing this. A serial child abductor/killer, caught and put behind bars for 20 years. The cop that put him away still haunted by the child that is still
Show More
missing. A father and son, who in the wake of the loss of the wife/mother, try to start over. A new disappearance of a child. How do all of storylines connect? That is what had me on the edge of my seat. Although I am not sure how I feel about the last chapter, mixed emotions for sure, this was a great read. I am only rating this as 4-stars because of that last chapter. Not that there was anything wrong with it. The ending can be interpreted a couple ways and that is where I am hung up. Show Less
LibraryThing member Darcia
Sometimes pre-publication hype sets expectations too high, and that's the case for me with this book. I did like it, but it wasn't the 'creepy, intense thriller' that I anticipated.
The pace is a slow burn. We have quite a bit of emotional drama, though it's often repetitious and so I didn't feel a
For me, this book feels more like a police procedural than a thriller. I figured out the whodunit early on. I kept hoping for something unexpected and chilling to happen, but for the most part it doesn't stray from the formulaic serial killer novel. Terrifying, yes, in the sense that any killer who preys on children is terrifying.
The supernatural aspect isn't fully developed or resolved, though I think this is an intentional tactic to shroud the story in mystery.
Maybe I'm jaded by too many thrillers and too much true crime. The writing is definitely engaging. It's a good story. It's just not the chilling thriller I expected.
*I received a review copy from the publisher, via NetGalley.*
The pace is a slow burn. We have quite a bit of emotional drama, though it's often repetitious and so I didn't feel a
Show More
building of intensity. The characters felt stagnant and, consequently, so did I.For me, this book feels more like a police procedural than a thriller. I figured out the whodunit early on. I kept hoping for something unexpected and chilling to happen, but for the most part it doesn't stray from the formulaic serial killer novel. Terrifying, yes, in the sense that any killer who preys on children is terrifying.
The supernatural aspect isn't fully developed or resolved, though I think this is an intentional tactic to shroud the story in mystery.
Maybe I'm jaded by too many thrillers and too much true crime. The writing is definitely engaging. It's a good story. It's just not the chilling thriller I expected.
*I received a review copy from the publisher, via NetGalley.*
Show Less
LibraryThing member pdebolt
Alex North has written a suspenseful novel that centers around missing and murdered children. Tom Kennedy and his son, 7-year old Jake, are grieving the loss of their wife and mother in a new town in a house that seems to hold many secrets. I found the premise intriguing, but faltered at the
Show More
supernatural elements. There is also a lot of police procedural in the book for those who like that element, which I don't. The ending isn't particularly surprising, but brings resolution to a father and son. Show Less
LibraryThing member Susan.Macura
This was one of the scariest books I have read so far this year. After the death of his wife, Tom Kennedy and his young son Jake move to a new house in a new town for a fresh start. However, there are ghosts, both literal and figurative, that make this impossible. Without saying more, there are
Show More
murders, kidnappings, violence, family drama and lots of action that builds to a complex ending that takes your breath away. I loved it! Show Less
LibraryThing member maggiewurzer
The Whisper Man is a serial killer from twenty years ago who murdered five young boys in a small town.. But he's in prison now right? So then who is responsible for this new murder?
You will burn through this book! You can't put it down and it's over before you're ready. All the characters are well
You will burn through this book! You can't put it down and it's over before you're ready. All the characters are well
Show More
developed and fully fleshed out. The plot maintains a creepy suspense throughout that will have you double checking your doors and closing your blinds. Alex North's writing is good, the atmosphere is creepy, and the pacing doesn't slow. A few twists I wasn't expecting were even thrown in. The Whisper Man echoes some of the greats, but is fresh and creative enough to deserve its own spot in the genre. Show Less
LibraryThing member carole888fort
The Whisper Man by Alex North is one of those books that captures your attention instantly and stays in your mind long after the last page is turned. Tom Kennedy and his seven-year-old son Jake move to the English small town of Featherbank to start a new life after the sudden death of Tom's wife.
Show More
It was in Featherbank that, twenty years before, a psychopath had abducted and killed five young boys. Detective Pete Willis did not rest until Frank Carter was arrested and jailed forever for these horrible crimes. Carter was called the Whisper Man because the parents of the victims reported that their children had said that a man was whispering outside their bedroom window before the abductions. Now, after all this time, another boy disappears and his mother mentions that her son had said he heard a man whispering outside the window. Detectives Pete Willis and Amanda Beck believe that the perpetrator must be an accomplice of the Whisper Man. And then, little Jake Kennedy hears whispers in the night! This book is more than creepy: what makes it shine is the sensitive way the author develops the relationships. This is not your average scary tale. So turn up the lights and close your curtains and sink into something you will not soon forget. Thank you to Celadon Books and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. Show Less
LibraryThing member gpangel
The Whisper Man by Alex North is a 2019 Celadon Books publication.
Unsettling, spine-tingling, and emotionally charged thriller!
After the untimely death of his wife, Tom Kennedy feels like a fresh start in a new location, might help him and his young son, Jake, move forward from their grief and
Meanwhile, detectives Amanda Beck and Pete Willis are working overtime to find this missing boy before another child disappears…
I’ve been avoiding hyped up thrillers, books that everyone is reading, and mostly gushing over, because my experience with these situations has taught me a few hard lessons- mainly, don’t buy into the hype, because I’m only setting myself up for a big disappointment. But, earlier this year, another book by this same publisher became a huge sleeper hit, and although I was highly skeptical, I caved and checked the book out the library. Well, much to my surprise, the book was very good. So, when ‘The Whisper Man’ started to generate a little buzz, I decided to jump on board the already crowded train, just see if lightning might strike twice… And lo and behold, it did!!
But, to be honest, when one gets right down to the nitty and the gritty, this book is basically another thriller with a serial killer trope. However, what sets it apart from so many other cookie-cutter novels in this category, is the characterizations, and the author’s ability to explore the real psychology behind the character’s actions, without compromising the intensity of the real terror one feels while reading this book. The story is packed with strange, creepy, atmospheric vibes, promising Tom and Jake are being threatened by true evil.
While the mystery is compelling, and the atmosphere is thick and heavy, the author takes a story of horror and dread, and adds in a deeper, more complex angle- a topic that isn’t explored often enough in general fiction, much less in a thriller- the dynamics of the father-son relationship.
The story is very masculine, with the few female characters being suspect, bland, or not very nice-like Jake’s teacher, for example. I never bristled though, because the male leads are portrayed as flawed, burdened, troubled, and vulnerable, and the book never once veered off into an alpha male, testosterone driven story.
From start to finish this is a well written, intense, highly suspenseful thriller- but it is also smart and profound, ending not only with extreme, exhilarating relief, as I released a breath I didn't realize I was holding- 😉, but also on a note of redemptive satisfaction.
Overall, this is another winner for Celadon Books, but as a reader, I’m super excited about Alex North! If this is his debut novel, I wonder how much his talent will develop over time.
5 stars
Unsettling, spine-tingling, and emotionally charged thriller!
After the untimely death of his wife, Tom Kennedy feels like a fresh start in a new location, might help him and his young son, Jake, move forward from their grief and
Show More
begin the healing process. But almost immediately after moving to Featherbank, a new set of problems presents themselves. Jake has trouble adjusting to his new school, just as another boy Jake’s age goes missing. The child’s disappearance prompts concerns that another serial killer is on the loose in Featherbank- one with the same MO as the dreaded ‘Whisper Man’ who murdered five people twenty years ago. The case becomes personal for Tom and Jake when Jake begins having nightmares, claiming he can hear someone whispering to him at his window….Meanwhile, detectives Amanda Beck and Pete Willis are working overtime to find this missing boy before another child disappears…
I’ve been avoiding hyped up thrillers, books that everyone is reading, and mostly gushing over, because my experience with these situations has taught me a few hard lessons- mainly, don’t buy into the hype, because I’m only setting myself up for a big disappointment. But, earlier this year, another book by this same publisher became a huge sleeper hit, and although I was highly skeptical, I caved and checked the book out the library. Well, much to my surprise, the book was very good. So, when ‘The Whisper Man’ started to generate a little buzz, I decided to jump on board the already crowded train, just see if lightning might strike twice… And lo and behold, it did!!
But, to be honest, when one gets right down to the nitty and the gritty, this book is basically another thriller with a serial killer trope. However, what sets it apart from so many other cookie-cutter novels in this category, is the characterizations, and the author’s ability to explore the real psychology behind the character’s actions, without compromising the intensity of the real terror one feels while reading this book. The story is packed with strange, creepy, atmospheric vibes, promising Tom and Jake are being threatened by true evil.
While the mystery is compelling, and the atmosphere is thick and heavy, the author takes a story of horror and dread, and adds in a deeper, more complex angle- a topic that isn’t explored often enough in general fiction, much less in a thriller- the dynamics of the father-son relationship.
The story is very masculine, with the few female characters being suspect, bland, or not very nice-like Jake’s teacher, for example. I never bristled though, because the male leads are portrayed as flawed, burdened, troubled, and vulnerable, and the book never once veered off into an alpha male, testosterone driven story.
From start to finish this is a well written, intense, highly suspenseful thriller- but it is also smart and profound, ending not only with extreme, exhilarating relief, as I released a breath I didn't realize I was holding- 😉, but also on a note of redemptive satisfaction.
Overall, this is another winner for Celadon Books, but as a reader, I’m super excited about Alex North! If this is his debut novel, I wonder how much his talent will develop over time.
5 stars
Show Less
LibraryThing member Carolesrandomlife
This was very well done. This book got my attention after reading a few really favorable reviews. Once I looked a little further, I decided that this was my kind of book and decided that I needed to read it. This was a book that hooked me rather quickly and was rather hard to put down at times. I
Tom is trying to move on with his life after the loss of his wife. It is now just him and his son, Jake, and Jake is not dealing with the loss very well. Tom decides that moving into a new house is the step they need. Meanwhile, a boy in town disappears and the details are incredibly similar to the events twenty years earlier when "The Whisper Man" terrorized the community.
I really enjoyed the mystery in this book. I thought that the mystery was rather complex and I couldn't wait to see how all of the pieces would end up coming together. I was never exactly sure how things would work out and I found myself working along with the characters to try to piece things together. There were plenty of surprises and I enjoyed the fact that the book kept me guessing until the end.
I thought that the characters were well done. Tom and Jake were hurting from their loss at the start of the story. Most of the book is told from Tom's point of view and I really liked that we got to see his doubts and concerns. In addition, we also get to know some of the detectives working on the case. I didn't agree with everything that these characters did in the story but they seemed very real to me. They were flawed but trying to make their life better.
I thought that Christopher Eccleston did a great job with the narration of this book. I think that I enjoyed the book just a bit more because of his performance. He did a great job with the character voices and I thought that he was able to add a lot of emotion into his reading. He had a very pleasant voice that was easy to listen to for hours at a time.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. This was a very well done and rather complex mystery that grabbed my attention and didn't let go. I wouldn't hesitate to read more of Alex North's work in the future.
I received an advanced review copy of this book from Celadon Books via Bookish First and I borrowed a copy of the audiobook from my local library.
Show More
had a really good time with this story and am really glad that I decided to give it a try.Tom is trying to move on with his life after the loss of his wife. It is now just him and his son, Jake, and Jake is not dealing with the loss very well. Tom decides that moving into a new house is the step they need. Meanwhile, a boy in town disappears and the details are incredibly similar to the events twenty years earlier when "The Whisper Man" terrorized the community.
I really enjoyed the mystery in this book. I thought that the mystery was rather complex and I couldn't wait to see how all of the pieces would end up coming together. I was never exactly sure how things would work out and I found myself working along with the characters to try to piece things together. There were plenty of surprises and I enjoyed the fact that the book kept me guessing until the end.
I thought that the characters were well done. Tom and Jake were hurting from their loss at the start of the story. Most of the book is told from Tom's point of view and I really liked that we got to see his doubts and concerns. In addition, we also get to know some of the detectives working on the case. I didn't agree with everything that these characters did in the story but they seemed very real to me. They were flawed but trying to make their life better.
I thought that Christopher Eccleston did a great job with the narration of this book. I think that I enjoyed the book just a bit more because of his performance. He did a great job with the character voices and I thought that he was able to add a lot of emotion into his reading. He had a very pleasant voice that was easy to listen to for hours at a time.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. This was a very well done and rather complex mystery that grabbed my attention and didn't let go. I wouldn't hesitate to read more of Alex North's work in the future.
I received an advanced review copy of this book from Celadon Books via Bookish First and I borrowed a copy of the audiobook from my local library.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Kathl33n
Fabulous debut! This book really covered the gamut of all the really good stuff: creepy vibe, grief, loss, heartbreak, family dynamics, police procedure, prison life, sick and disgusting "hobbies", murder, kidnapping - did I mention the creepy vibe?? Seriously. it's really, really creepy. And it
Show More
was a page turner, not just because of the great story line, but also the quick chapters and changing narrators (which normally really bother me) kept the pace up and the different perspectives kept me on my toes. And while there is child harming the author never goes into details, which I really appreciated. So glad to have read this. Thanks go to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy to read in exchange for my honest opinion. Show Less
LibraryThing member dano35ie
Top Class Thriller and some brilliant characters in this fantastic book
Would Definitely recommend this book to anyone.
I look forward to reading more from Alex North.
Would Definitely recommend this book to anyone.
I look forward to reading more from Alex North.
LibraryThing member Carol420
There are chills and goose bumps aplenty in this one. It is just begging to be made into a movie or a TV series. The plot is unique, brilliantly written and made to grab and hold on to the reader until the very end. The ghost story junkie in me looks for the paranormal and supernatural element so
Show More
I’m happy to say that there are some of those in this story. A little girl that may or may not be real… but she knows and sees things and then relays them to Jake, The house adds to the ghostly effect with its very name. The townspeople call it “The Scary House”. Aside from the supernatural, it is also a story of fathers and sons and all the complexities that make up the fabric of life. If I am reading the bio correctly...this is the first novel that this author has written as Alex North but not the first novel that he has written. I can't find any other info on him other than he has written before under a different name. I certainly hope he writes more like this one. Show Less
LibraryThing member Emily_Wai_Catan
Ever since the death of Rebecca, Tom Kennedy’s wife, there has been endless and tiring stuff that he has to deal with as far as his son Jake is concerned.
It frustrates him furthermore when Jake seems to have some imaginary friends whom he talks with them so often!
In order to make things better
The recent missing boy case brings back the mystery of “The Whisper Man”.
Meanwhile, Jake starts to act very strangely: he hears some whisperings, draws some spooky unexplainable pictures, talks about “the boy in the floor”…..
The suspense intensifies as one turns the pages till the end.
This is a very well-plotted thriller, interlaced with dark mysteries and harrowing entities.
Alex North is the master of writing such gripping and spine-chilling
suspenseful thriller! I am so looking forward to reading his future novels.
Thank you, Goodreads (for the win), Celadon Books and Alex North for giving me this unnerving and spooky yet enjoyable ride! #TheWhisperMan
It frustrates him furthermore when Jake seems to have some imaginary friends whom he talks with them so often!
In order to make things better
Show More
and to have a fresh start, Tom and Jake decide to move to a new town, Featherbank, which unfortunately has its own dark past. It is said that a serial killer would whisper at his victims’ windows at night before abducting and killing them eventually.The recent missing boy case brings back the mystery of “The Whisper Man”.
Meanwhile, Jake starts to act very strangely: he hears some whisperings, draws some spooky unexplainable pictures, talks about “the boy in the floor”…..
The suspense intensifies as one turns the pages till the end.
This is a very well-plotted thriller, interlaced with dark mysteries and harrowing entities.
Alex North is the master of writing such gripping and spine-chilling
suspenseful thriller! I am so looking forward to reading his future novels.
Thank you, Goodreads (for the win), Celadon Books and Alex North for giving me this unnerving and spooky yet enjoyable ride! #TheWhisperMan
Show Less
LibraryThing member jusbeachin
I absolutely loved this book!
LibraryThing member muddyboy
Widower Tom Kennedy moves into a "new" old home in a small town called Featherbank. His house has an unsavory reputation in the area that he is unaware of. It so happens that Tom's father Pete who he has been estranged from is on the local police department. The novel centers around local kids who
Show More
either turned up missing of were killed in the past and the locals call the killer the Whisper Man as he contacts kids by whispering to them One man is already in jail for the crimes but now a new wave is starting up. This is a well written tense novel that I would highly recommend. Show Less
LibraryThing member Jthierer
There were definitely some creepy/suspenseful moments here, but The Whisper Man is hampered by a seeming inability to decide if it wants to be a suspense thriller or a more introspective novel about the damage fathers do to their sons. While its certainly not impossible for a book to do both, the
Show More
author needs to really commit in a way that North seemed unwilling to do. Show Less
LibraryThing member PardaMustang
'If you leave a door half open, you'll hear the whisper spoken.
If you play outside alone soon you won 't be going home.
If your Windows left unlatched, you'll hear him tapping at the glass.
If your lonely, sad, and blue, the whisper man will come for you.”
The Whisper Man by Alex North is a
This book switches between first and third person, depending on who the focus is. It made for an interesting difference. Tom is the only one in first person and it makes for a great dynamic with the other characters. Tom is a writer, though he's been stuck since his wife's unexpected death. And he feels inadequate to raising his son alone. Sadly, Jake feels he's a burden to his father. They just don't know how to communicate with one another, and each is still grieving.
Jake is an unusual boy. He talks to an 'imaginary friend', a young girl who often shows when he is stressed. Tom is concerned for his son. Jake tends to be withdrawn and shy. He likes to draw, but his drawings are often bizarre. Then he begins hearing a man's voice…
The initial 'Whisper Man' serial killer case was fascinating to read about. The reason behind the copycat murders of present day threw me for a loop. North has great insight into mechanisms of abnormal psychology. Everything made sense in the end, but the lead up to it was just 'wow'! Same applies with the girl Jake sees, and the revelation of her identity. That was touching, and it also left it open to the possibility of the truly supernatural. Not gonna lie, I thought she was a murder victim.
The family closure Tom found with his own father was touching, as was the redemption his father found for the transgressions of Tom's childhood. I also really loved Pete, the detective who caught the first Whisper Man, and is now assisting on the copycat case. He seems so sad, especially with his ritual with the alcohol. He tests himself, and passes those tests, no matter how hard it is. There was an unexpected death too, that left me asea. Not gonna spoil it, but it was my favourite character. I seem good at picking faves that end up dying… Whyyyyyyy??
***Many thanks to the Netgalley & Celadon Books for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. Reviewed for the Manhattan Book Review.
If you play outside alone soon you won 't be going home.
If your Windows left unlatched, you'll hear him tapping at the glass.
If your lonely, sad, and blue, the whisper man will come for you.”
The Whisper Man by Alex North is a
Show More
creepy serial killer/ psychological thriller. Tom Kennedy is a widower with a young son. They move to the small town of Featherbank, hoping for a fresh start. But Featherbank is full of secrets, as Tom is about to find out.This book switches between first and third person, depending on who the focus is. It made for an interesting difference. Tom is the only one in first person and it makes for a great dynamic with the other characters. Tom is a writer, though he's been stuck since his wife's unexpected death. And he feels inadequate to raising his son alone. Sadly, Jake feels he's a burden to his father. They just don't know how to communicate with one another, and each is still grieving.
Jake is an unusual boy. He talks to an 'imaginary friend', a young girl who often shows when he is stressed. Tom is concerned for his son. Jake tends to be withdrawn and shy. He likes to draw, but his drawings are often bizarre. Then he begins hearing a man's voice…
The initial 'Whisper Man' serial killer case was fascinating to read about. The reason behind the copycat murders of present day threw me for a loop. North has great insight into mechanisms of abnormal psychology. Everything made sense in the end, but the lead up to it was just 'wow'! Same applies with the girl Jake sees, and the revelation of her identity. That was touching, and it also left it open to the possibility of the truly supernatural. Not gonna lie, I thought she was a murder victim.
The family closure Tom found with his own father was touching, as was the redemption his father found for the transgressions of Tom's childhood. I also really loved Pete, the detective who caught the first Whisper Man, and is now assisting on the copycat case. He seems so sad, especially with his ritual with the alcohol. He tests himself, and passes those tests, no matter how hard it is. There was an unexpected death too, that left me asea. Not gonna spoil it, but it was my favourite character. I seem good at picking faves that end up dying… Whyyyyyyy??
***Many thanks to the Netgalley & Celadon Books for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. Reviewed for the Manhattan Book Review.
Show Less
LibraryThing member ecataldi
Suspenseful and chilling; The Whisper Man will leave readers unsettled and cautious in their own homes. I listened to the audiobook version which was narrated brilliantly by British actor, Christopher Eccleston (Doctor Who) and I would definitely recommend that to anyone who enjoys listening to
Show More
audio. Tom and his young son Jake move to a new house after the unexpected death of his wife. They're hoping for a fresh start but, soon the whispers start coming. A little boy Jake's age has disappeared and it bears a strong resemblance to the Whisper Man serial killer that murdered young boys two decades prior. Was there an accomplice? Is Jake in danger? The suspense builds quickly and things only become darker. Creepy and wonderful! Show Less
LibraryThing member jnmegan
The disappearance of young Neil Spencer seems a little too familiar to DI Pete Willis, who remains tortured by the missing body of a child from one of his cases decades prior. The Whisper Man, by Alex North (the author's name is an alias), is a new thriller that combines elements of the classic
Thanks to the author, NetGalley and MacMillan Publishing for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Show More
copycat serial killer storyline with an added hint of the paranormal. Even though he managed to capture the murderous "Whisper Man," Willis can't escape the guilt he feels for being unable to get closure. His attempts to get the convicted killer to reveal the location of his last victim only allows the murderer to torment him and reinforces Willis' sense of failure. His internal struggles and continuous battle against the addictions that cost him everything make Willis a layered and realistic character. In a parallel story arc, Jake is a contemplative and creative boy whose imaginary friends seem to be more ghostly and tragic than typical playmates. Tom, his novelist father, moves them to Featherbank after the accidental death of Jake's mother. This ineffective attempt is meant to help them both heal by removing themselves from the site of their painful memories. Their new house is deeply connected to the old Whisper Man case, however, and they soon become the target of a new killer whose MO is a mirror of the original. With a crafty imprisoned psychopath with inside knowledge and a misunderstood child/medium, the uncanny coincidences in this thrilling book may be a bit too reminiscent of plotlines from the Silence of the Lambs and "The Sixth Sense." Still, North's novel contains twists and reveals that remain surprisingly fresh, shocking and effective. The interior glimpse of the murderer's mind is cleverly portrayed, and the characters are well-written and genuine. With weighty themes including the "sins of the father", the destructive effects of addiction and abandonment, and redemption through forgiveness and selflessness, The Whisper Man manages to be an above average offering in an otherwise overcrowded genre.Thanks to the author, NetGalley and MacMillan Publishing for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Show Less
LibraryThing member maggie1961
Tom and his son, Jake are making a new start after the death of Tom’s wife. With no family, they only have each other. A new start with a new school and new friends and a new house should be exactly what they need to ease the pain of the past they are both haunted by. But this isn’t the start
And then there are strange occurrences that prevent Tom from the new start he was picturing. Things that go bump and creak in the night. Strangers lurking the property. The nightmares. And who is Jake speaking to when no one is there?
There is stories in the town about “the whisper man”. Was he real or just an urban legend from some child murders years ago. Until another boy disappears. And it starts again. The sounds and the fear that the Whisper Man is real. And he’s back.
This book is the debut of Alex North. And what a debut! This book is gripping. And creepy. And so good! I dare anyone to read it at night. Every sound gives you a jolt as you dig further and further into the story you can’t and don’t want to put down.
The main characters are endearing and you can’t help but feeling like they are people you know and being invested in what happens to them. There’s a couple of surprise reveals in store as the story continues to spook us. I love a spooky story that can scare me a little without graphic horror and this story managed to have me listening for creaks in my own house while not painting a bloody picture of the whole story.
I would love to see this book made into a movie.
I will be waiting anxiously for another book from this gifted author.
Thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for the opportunity to read and review this book by receiving a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Show More
Tom had wanted. It’s a rough go for Jake at his new school. And it’s an ugly house. A strange house. The scary house all the kids in the town fear is haunted. And then there are strange occurrences that prevent Tom from the new start he was picturing. Things that go bump and creak in the night. Strangers lurking the property. The nightmares. And who is Jake speaking to when no one is there?
There is stories in the town about “the whisper man”. Was he real or just an urban legend from some child murders years ago. Until another boy disappears. And it starts again. The sounds and the fear that the Whisper Man is real. And he’s back.
This book is the debut of Alex North. And what a debut! This book is gripping. And creepy. And so good! I dare anyone to read it at night. Every sound gives you a jolt as you dig further and further into the story you can’t and don’t want to put down.
The main characters are endearing and you can’t help but feeling like they are people you know and being invested in what happens to them. There’s a couple of surprise reveals in store as the story continues to spook us. I love a spooky story that can scare me a little without graphic horror and this story managed to have me listening for creaks in my own house while not painting a bloody picture of the whole story.
I would love to see this book made into a movie.
I will be waiting anxiously for another book from this gifted author.
Thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for the opportunity to read and review this book by receiving a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Show Less
LibraryThing member over.the.edge
The Whisper Man
by Alex North
2019
Caledon / MacMillan
4.0 / 5.0
After Rebecca dies, her son, Jake and her husband, Tom, move to a new home. A new home..a new start, was their plan. The house they move into is strange. Jake becomes disruptive in his school classes and exhibits odd behavior he never
by Alex North
2019
Caledon / MacMillan
4.0 / 5.0
After Rebecca dies, her son, Jake and her husband, Tom, move to a new home. A new home..a new start, was their plan. The house they move into is strange. Jake becomes disruptive in his school classes and exhibits odd behavior he never
Show More
has had before, like imaginary friends and drawing corpse butterflies. Whats really creepy about the house is it is in the area that children have been disappearing, by a man, it is found, that whispers at their window. This book has such creepy parts, flows so well, its horror is immersive and imaginative. I really enjoyed this Show Less
LibraryThing member vickimarie2002
The Whisper Man is about Tom Kennedy and his son Jake. They have recently lost their wife/mom and are trying to heal. They move to Featherbank. A nice, quiet town even if their house may seem a little creepy. Unbeknownst to them, Featherbank used to be the home of serial killer Frank Carter, who
This book is action packed, suspenseful and kept me guessing the whole time!
Show More
was nicknamed, The Whisper Man. As soon as Tom & Jake move in, they find out about a little boy vanishing even though Frank Carter is locked up. Frank Carter reminds me of Hannibal Lector. He will only see Dective Pete Willis and always leaves him with cryptic clues. Pete must use clues from Frank to help solve the case with lead Detective Amanda Beck. There are several concerning and creepy things that happen to Jake and he even begins whispering. This book is action packed, suspenseful and kept me guessing the whole time!
Show Less
Awards
Crime Writers' Association Awards (Shortlist — 2020)
Theakstons Old Peculier Prize (Longlist — 2020)
Lariat Adult Fiction Reading List (Selection — 2020)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2018
Physical description
400 p.; 8.25 inches
ISBN
1250318009 / 9781250318008