The Whisper Man by Alex North

Synopsis

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 . . .

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 is left unlatched you’ll hear him tapping at the glass.
If you’re lonely sad and blue The Whisper Man will come for you!

Is there anything creepier than a creepy rhyme that you hear in your head being said mournfully by a group of children! Think Nightmare On Elm Street! I cannot express how much I enjoyed this book! While I admittedly didn’t seem to find it as creepy as others, not sure what that says about me, I still deeply enjoyed it. I do love a good serial killer thriller and this one did not disappoint. While yes the copycat killer while the original is in prison is not a new concept by any means this book still manages to make it different enough to be captivating and pulls you in from the start.

The thing I like most is the everyday creepiness. Almost everyone had a house where they lived where it was “The Creepy House”. For me it was a house at the top of the close across the road from me where noone seemed to live, ever! The ridiculous rumours about that house meant we were terrified of it. Also kids have imaginary friends. Whose to say when your kids talk to them it’s not something more. Thankfully my kids are older now or after reading this I would’ve been freaked hearing them talk to theirs!

As well as all the creepy parts I did enjoy the story that shows a man trying to be a good father and learning to cope after his wife dies. I felt for Tom and Jake and how hard everything for them must be.

Obviously I liked the actual mystery thriller part and while I did guess some things I did manage to be surprised by others. I’m looking forward to see what Alex North comes out with next!