THE WHISPER MAN By Alex North | Blog Tour Review | #TheWhisperMan

Published by Penguin/Michael Joseph
Available in Ebook & Hardback (13 June 2019) | Paperback (20 August 2019)
400 pages
Source: Copy received for review from publisher

ABOUT THE BOOK

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 much-needed 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 THOUGHTS

If you leave a door half-open, soon you’ll hear the whispers spoken…

Following the sudden death of his wife, writer Tom Kennedy and his young son Jake, move to a cottage in the village of Featherbank for a new start.  Tom is completely unaware of its past history and connections to a serial killer, Frank Carter – known as The Whisper Man, if he had even an inkling he would have thought twice.

Oh my goodness, this book was creepy and then some.  Frank Carter is in prison for the abduction and murder of several children but one of his victims has never been found and DI Pete Willis is haunted by the fact that as the investigating officer, he has never been able to close this one.   When many years later another child goes missing in similar circumstances, it appears that ‘The Whisper Man’ can never be forgotten.

As a single father Tom is struggling to connect with Jake who prefers to talk to his imaginary friend rather than his father.  At times my heart broke for Jake who spent his time at school alone and friendless. Tom’s awkwardness and inability to talk openly with his son was superbly demonstrated, both were grieving but neither could share their grief.

This is not just a crime story about a missing child. There is so much more to this. The past links with the present to form a dark and chilling multi layered plot with that will make the reader be sure to check their door is double locked at night!

I really enjoyed this.  Aside from the crime and psychological thriller element, the father and son focus has an emotional side to the story, to bring an unexpected lump to the throat. 

The Whisper Man is a tense and perfectly paced read. It’s an excellent thriller, and definitely one to recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alex North was born in Leeds, where he now lives with his wife and son. He studied Philosophy at Leeds University, and prior to becoming a writer he worked there in their sociology department.

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