Meet New Books
Book Cover

The Whisper Man

Save:
Find on Amazon

Who Would Like This Book:

If you're in the mood for a chilling, spine-tingling thriller that combines elements of crime, the supernatural, and an exploration of father-son relationships, The Whisper Man checks all the boxes. This one will appeal to fans of psychological thrillers, police procedurals, and anyone who enjoys a creepy, atmospheric mystery with emotional depth. The small-town setting is packed with eerie vibes, and the interplay between grief, parenthood, and real human fear is tangible. If you loved Silence of the Lambs or enjoy stories that linger hauntingly even after you’ve finished them, this is for you - especially during spooky season!

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers might find the pacing a bit uneven, especially in the middle, where the story lingers on emotional details and slow-burn suspense. Those looking for non-stop action or who prefer thrillers without any hint of the supernatural may not click with this one. If child endangerment or exploring trauma around loss is a trigger, this book may not be a comfortable read. A few readers felt some of the supporting characters could have been more developed, and there are a couple of loose ends that aren’t fully explained by the finish.

Atmospheric, creepy, and surprisingly heartfelt, The Whisper Man is a standout debut that's both terrifying and touching - perfect for thriller lovers who don’t mind a shiver or two before bed!

About:

The Whisper Man by Alex North is a gripping thriller that follows Tom Kennedy and his son Jake, who are trying to heal from the loss of their wife and mother. They move to Featherbank, a quiet town with a dark past involving a serial killer known as The Whisper Man. As they settle in, a new child disappearance occurs, mirroring the Whisper Man's past crimes. The story weaves together multiple perspectives, creating a suspenseful and chilling atmosphere that keeps readers on edge. With twists and turns, the mystery unravels, revealing a complex web of interconnected storylines that culminate in a satisfying ending.

Characters:

The characters are deeply developed, showcasing complex emotional struggles and relationships, notably between fathers and sons.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is atmospheric and immersive, skillfully balancing character emotions with suspenseful plot twists.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot combines a father's grief with a resurfacing child abductor case, creating a terrifying connection between the past and present.

Setting:

The setting in Featherbank adds a chilling backdrop to the narrative, infused with history and foreboding.

Pacing:

The pacing blends suspenseful moments with introspective character development, though some felt it lagged in parts.
The abduction of a child by a stranger is every parent’s worst nightmare. But statistically it is a highly unusual event. Children are actually most at risk of harm and abuse from a family member behi...

Notes:

The Whisper Man is Alex North's debut novel, published in 2019.
The story explores themes of grief, particularly focusing on a father-son relationship after the loss of a wife and mother.
The book features a fictional town called Featherbank, which has a dark history involving child murders.
The Whisper Man is a nickname given to a serial killer who lured victims by whispering at their windows.
The story alternates between multiple points of view: Tom Kennedy, his son Jake, and Detective Pete Willis, among others.
Jake, the son, has an imaginary friend, which creates tension and mystery throughout the narrative.
Alex North's writing style incorporates elements of supernatural horror, mixing psychological thriller aspects with real-life crime.
The title comes from a chilling children's rhyme that plays a significant role in the plot.
Readers have found the book to be atmospheric and suspenseful, often described as unsettling and emotionally charged.
The narrative includes a blend of police procedural elements alongside personal and familial struggles.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of child abduction, child murder, grief, trauma, and psychological distress.

From The Publisher:

**THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER**

"WORKS BEAUTIFULLY... If you like being terrified, The Whisper Man has your name on it."

-The New York Times, Editor's Pick

"SUPERB"

-Publisher's Weekly, Starred Review

"BRILLIANT... will satisfy readers of Thomas Harris and Stephen King."

-Booklist, Starred Review

"POIGNANT AND TERRIFYING"

-Entertainment Weekly

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...

August 2019
423 pages

Ratings (82)

Incredible (8)
Loved It (30)
Liked It (22)
It Was OK (15)
Did Not Like (6)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (203):

Read It (91)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (89)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (21)

6 comment(s)

Liked It
1 week

I devoured this! Ultimately, I think it was a good book though the climax and ending didn’t reach the height that I was hoping for.

 
Loved It
3 weeks

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were very fleshed out and relatable, and the mystery at the core of the story was fun and kept me turning the pages late into the night. The plot was thrilling, surprising, and interesting with a few spooky elements thrown in, such as the whispers and Jake talking to "himself", etc. The story really came together in surprising ways!

 
Loved It
1 year

3.75 rounded up.

I found this book good and creepy but just a bit too slow. I don't kind a slow read but it felt a little too....fluffy. that being said I still enjoyed the story and enjoyed listening to the audiobook.

 
Loved It
1 year

Amazing.

 
Loved It
1 year

4.5*

RTC

 
Did Not Like
1 year

This had potential but it wasn't my cup of tea. i did enjoy the relationship between the characters but the thriller part was weak for me. it was basic and i wasn't curious or thrilled.

 

About the Author:

Alex North was born in Leeds, England, where he now lives with his wife and son. 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." Alex North is a British crime writer who has previously published under another name.

 
Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.