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DI Erika Piper #2
Whispers in the Dark
Who will heed the call when Death comes whispering?
Small time drug dealer, Marcus Stone and DCI Clive Burston had never met until one night in August. By the end of that night, both had been shot dead in a small bedroom in the heart of gang territory.
DI Erika Piper is called to the scene but is at a loss to explain what’s happened. How did these two even meet, let alone end up dead in what appears to be a strange murder-suicide?
As Erika leads the investigation, another two bodies are found, killed in a similar fashion. One murder, one suicide. But who is controlling this macarbre puppet show?
As Erika delves deeper into the lives of the dead, the pieces begin to fit together and a number of nefarious characters crawl out of the woodwork – one of whom is almost certainly pulling the strings.
A catastrophic event and a personal miracle threaten to derail the investigation. Erika must find the strength to continue, before the whispers catch up with her too…
Small time drug dealer, Marcus Stone and DCI Clive Burston had never met until one night in August. By the end of that night, both had been shot dead in a small bedroom in the heart of gang territory.
DI Erika Piper is called to the scene but is at a loss to explain what’s happened. How did these two even meet, let alone end up dead in what appears to be a strange murder-suicide?
As Erika leads the investigation, another two bodies are found, killed in a similar fashion. One murder, one suicide. But who is controlling this macarbre puppet show?
As Erika delves deeper into the lives of the dead, the pieces begin to fit together and a number of nefarious characters crawl out of the woodwork – one of whom is almost certainly pulling the strings.
A catastrophic event and a personal miracle threaten to derail the investigation. Erika must find the strength to continue, before the whispers catch up with her too…
233 pages, Paperback
First published October 24, 2020
27 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
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November 22, 2020
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
DI Erika Piper is back in the second instalment of the police procedural thriller bearing her name. I haven’t read the first book but I can honestly say that this worked as a standalone, though if you are thinking of reading this one and then the first, beware there are a few spoilers.
The book is set in Manchester and opens with the discovery of two dead bodies in a house in a rough part of the city. One of the deceased is a small-time drug dealer, the other DCI Clive Burston. Erika is called in at the DCI killed was the partner of her boss and he wants her on the case.
The investigation is just getting started when there is another double murder this time within a church. The cases seem related even if the method of the kill is not the same. It would seem someone is pulling the strings of these victims and with each double pair, one is murdered the other committed suicide.
Can Erika and her team work out what is going on and why are pairs of people turning up dead in the same district?
Whispers in the Dark is a hard-hitting, thriller following a Detective Inspector who has certainly been through it with her cases and this one is no different. There are some harrowing scenes, especially the opening so if you are triggered by scenes of sexual assault on a minor this might not be the book for you.
Author Chris McDonald certainly has a knack for writing gritty plotlines and the book came across as a little too realistic for my liking, so don’t read it before bed! I did work out the culprit under half-way through the book, though this didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the chase. I could also understand, not agree, but understand why the culprit did what they did.
The book is dark and raw and I like a detective who isn’t afraid to throw herself into her work fully and get her hands dirty and put herself in danger. This is a real cracker of a read and if you love edgy, fast-paced police procedurals then this series is one to pick up.
DI Erika Piper is back in the second instalment of the police procedural thriller bearing her name. I haven’t read the first book but I can honestly say that this worked as a standalone, though if you are thinking of reading this one and then the first, beware there are a few spoilers.
The book is set in Manchester and opens with the discovery of two dead bodies in a house in a rough part of the city. One of the deceased is a small-time drug dealer, the other DCI Clive Burston. Erika is called in at the DCI killed was the partner of her boss and he wants her on the case.
The investigation is just getting started when there is another double murder this time within a church. The cases seem related even if the method of the kill is not the same. It would seem someone is pulling the strings of these victims and with each double pair, one is murdered the other committed suicide.
Can Erika and her team work out what is going on and why are pairs of people turning up dead in the same district?
Whispers in the Dark is a hard-hitting, thriller following a Detective Inspector who has certainly been through it with her cases and this one is no different. There are some harrowing scenes, especially the opening so if you are triggered by scenes of sexual assault on a minor this might not be the book for you.
Author Chris McDonald certainly has a knack for writing gritty plotlines and the book came across as a little too realistic for my liking, so don’t read it before bed! I did work out the culprit under half-way through the book, though this didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the chase. I could also understand, not agree, but understand why the culprit did what they did.
The book is dark and raw and I like a detective who isn’t afraid to throw herself into her work fully and get her hands dirty and put herself in danger. This is a real cracker of a read and if you love edgy, fast-paced police procedurals then this series is one to pick up.
November 15, 2020
If you are looking for a light-hearted read, it’s probably best to find something other than Whispers in The Dark. If you are looking for something outstandingly dark, raw and visceral, then you have most definitely come to the right place. A story that drips with revenge, guilt and a strong female character that isn’t afraid to go for the jugular.
The story instantly pulled me in with its dark prologue. A pulsing beat that threatened to crack and spill its guts for the reader to witness, to experience. It was intoxicating. The scene is set and once again Chris McDonald nails the shocking prologues.
We are reintroduced to the superb cast of characters that we met in A Wash of Black. We have references to the first book and the characterisation is stronger. Whispers in The Dark allows us to find out more about DI Erika Piper, she’s a strong female but McDonald peels back the layers and we see the tough outer shell fall away and we see the soft centre, her vulnerability somehow makes her stronger, more relatable. It’s almost like the reader is finally beginning to really see her, and its magnificent. She’s an exquisitely crafted character.
Whispers in The Dark is a rollercoaster through the dark streets of Manchester. The action was jet propelled and it often felt like a free fall into the guts of hell! I love quick-paced action in my crime novels and the author doesn’t shy back from delivering it tenfold! I was sitting on the edge of my seat, wiping sweat from my brow. It was that intense. The author tackles some hard-hitting themes and the amount of research that the author would have conducted shone through. The sharp prose made these themes palatable, events that we could only imagine.
Chris McDonald has crafted Whispers in The Dark magnificently. If we thought that he couldn’t top A Wash of Black, we were pleasantly surprised. He’s brought it to the table and has earned his place beside some of the greatest in British Crime, Rankin and Brookmyre. He has honed his craft to such an extent that we can imagine these vivid images, like looking into a still lake and see the depths beneath. McDonald has a raw talent for chilling his readers to the bone.
Whispers in The Dark is addictive. Be prepared to share joy in connections, pain at misdirection and anger at the atrocities being committed. I look forward to seeing what else McDonald can pull out of his writing bag of tricks!
The story instantly pulled me in with its dark prologue. A pulsing beat that threatened to crack and spill its guts for the reader to witness, to experience. It was intoxicating. The scene is set and once again Chris McDonald nails the shocking prologues.
We are reintroduced to the superb cast of characters that we met in A Wash of Black. We have references to the first book and the characterisation is stronger. Whispers in The Dark allows us to find out more about DI Erika Piper, she’s a strong female but McDonald peels back the layers and we see the tough outer shell fall away and we see the soft centre, her vulnerability somehow makes her stronger, more relatable. It’s almost like the reader is finally beginning to really see her, and its magnificent. She’s an exquisitely crafted character.
Whispers in The Dark is a rollercoaster through the dark streets of Manchester. The action was jet propelled and it often felt like a free fall into the guts of hell! I love quick-paced action in my crime novels and the author doesn’t shy back from delivering it tenfold! I was sitting on the edge of my seat, wiping sweat from my brow. It was that intense. The author tackles some hard-hitting themes and the amount of research that the author would have conducted shone through. The sharp prose made these themes palatable, events that we could only imagine.
Chris McDonald has crafted Whispers in The Dark magnificently. If we thought that he couldn’t top A Wash of Black, we were pleasantly surprised. He’s brought it to the table and has earned his place beside some of the greatest in British Crime, Rankin and Brookmyre. He has honed his craft to such an extent that we can imagine these vivid images, like looking into a still lake and see the depths beneath. McDonald has a raw talent for chilling his readers to the bone.
Whispers in The Dark is addictive. Be prepared to share joy in connections, pain at misdirection and anger at the atrocities being committed. I look forward to seeing what else McDonald can pull out of his writing bag of tricks!
January 27, 2021
I’m sorry Chris, I just couldn’t get on with this. The plot was excellent but at times the mechanism for moving between scenes seemed forced.
Not for me this one, I loved the first but just couldn’t get on with #2
Not for me this one, I loved the first but just couldn’t get on with #2
February 19, 2021
Better and worse than the first entry. It’s definitely a bit more grounded but I feel like the author was biting off more than he could chew with five deaths in a ~230 page book. The overall plot was good but because so many crimes were crammed into one book it made them all kind of forgettable. Bit of a weird ending too, I see on Amazon that there’s a third book coming out later this year which I’m surprised by but I like the series enough that I’ll probably give it a try (especially if it’s on Kindle Unlimited like this one is).
September 27, 2020
I'm a reader who absolutely loves a prologue, or an essence of a prologue. It's a readers first impression of the story and it sets the feel for the rest of the novel in atmosphere and expectation. Well, from the short, snappy, sinister prologue of Whispers In The Dark, I was mesmerised by Chris' deathly twisted instalment of the Erika Piper series. The shock factor of those first few pages echoed through the upcoming chapters that resulted in me getting kindle claw because I just could not put the damn book down! Many parts of this book felt like a massive punch to the gut, leaving a high dark bar for the rest of the novel (*spoiler* those expectations were exceeded!) Seriously THAT PROLOGUE!
One of the main things I noticed in this novel, was the development of Erika Piper's character. During A Wash of Black we met this kick ass detective inspector who took no crap, during Whispers In The Dark we begin to see the veil of strength slipping from Erika's face, the one that she held up to those around her, the one that hides that vunrability which lies just under the surface. Erika is still haunted by her previous violent case, one that changed her life, not only in the way the world saw her but also how she saw herself. I felt that this character development was one of the aspects of the storyline that kept me hooked. The way that Chris has sewn a softer layer into Erika's persona, not only demonstrates his growth as a writer, but also shows that he has connected with his antagonist in a way that makes her more human and identifiable to his readers. She's not just a kick ass female, but she's also emotional, understanding and fragile.
Whispers In The Dark is a part of a crime fiction series, but I felt that this instalment had been planned and executed to such a level that it evolved into an intoxicating psychological thriller that was sprinkled with that fabulous police and forensic detail that Chris injects into his writing so well. It's at this point that during the planning process, Chris has emerged from his cocoon (designated writing area) as a psychological thriller writing butterfly! This was entwined so well into the plotline with the use of human psychology with a dashing of philosophy, one that shows attention to detail.
I'm not going to go too much in to the individual aspects of the plot itself, because you need to experience the whole thing for yourself. The concept that flows through the book will hit you in so many feels, what you will get is the book palpations, one that will do things to your blood pressure that will have you contemplating getting 'Death by Reading' on your gravestone. I've already mentioned the philosophical aspects of the book (I've mentioned there are aspects, not what they are) these will haunt you because it is so plausible. I really can't flaunt this book, it's the easiest 5 star rating I've given for a whole, one that made me want to throw my kindle at the wall on so many occasions but also made me want to cwtch a pillow for support and comfort. Flawless. I have no other words, but you'll see this book on my top reads of 2020 list!
One of the main things I noticed in this novel, was the development of Erika Piper's character. During A Wash of Black we met this kick ass detective inspector who took no crap, during Whispers In The Dark we begin to see the veil of strength slipping from Erika's face, the one that she held up to those around her, the one that hides that vunrability which lies just under the surface. Erika is still haunted by her previous violent case, one that changed her life, not only in the way the world saw her but also how she saw herself. I felt that this character development was one of the aspects of the storyline that kept me hooked. The way that Chris has sewn a softer layer into Erika's persona, not only demonstrates his growth as a writer, but also shows that he has connected with his antagonist in a way that makes her more human and identifiable to his readers. She's not just a kick ass female, but she's also emotional, understanding and fragile.
Whispers In The Dark is a part of a crime fiction series, but I felt that this instalment had been planned and executed to such a level that it evolved into an intoxicating psychological thriller that was sprinkled with that fabulous police and forensic detail that Chris injects into his writing so well. It's at this point that during the planning process, Chris has emerged from his cocoon (designated writing area) as a psychological thriller writing butterfly! This was entwined so well into the plotline with the use of human psychology with a dashing of philosophy, one that shows attention to detail.
I'm not going to go too much in to the individual aspects of the plot itself, because you need to experience the whole thing for yourself. The concept that flows through the book will hit you in so many feels, what you will get is the book palpations, one that will do things to your blood pressure that will have you contemplating getting 'Death by Reading' on your gravestone. I've already mentioned the philosophical aspects of the book (I've mentioned there are aspects, not what they are) these will haunt you because it is so plausible. I really can't flaunt this book, it's the easiest 5 star rating I've given for a whole, one that made me want to throw my kindle at the wall on so many occasions but also made me want to cwtch a pillow for support and comfort. Flawless. I have no other words, but you'll see this book on my top reads of 2020 list!
November 10, 2020
Thank you to Meggy at Red Dog Press for having me along on the book tour for 𝗪𝗛𝗜𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗦 ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ 𝗗𝗔𝗥𝗞 by Chris McDonald.
-
Firstly, I loved the opening to the novel and the prologue. It set up the background for the thriller well and gave good insight into some of the reasons why the events transpire as they do.
There were several unsavoury characters throughout the novel, but the opening was intriguing enough that I kept trying to guess who it related to throughout the novel.
-
𝗛𝗲 𝘃𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗱, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻, 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘄 𝘂𝗽, 𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲.
-
The story itself was very accessible and easy to read. I actually read this in one day!
I think the pacing is good and most readers would find it engaging.
It was a really modern story as well with links to the dark web and online exploitation, which is increasingly prevalent in our technologically-dependant world.
-
I liked the main character DI Erika Piper, and I found the plot relating to her personal life and experiences intriguing as it ran alongside the main thriller plot.
There were references to the previous book in the DI Erika Piper series (A Wash of Black), but these were subtley woven into the story, meaning the book could definitely be read and enjoyed as a standalone as well as part of the series.
-
𝗜 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗲𝗹𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝘁, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗜 𝗮𝗺 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗺𝗮 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱.
-
If you like fast-paced thrillers and strong female characters, I think you'll enjoy this novel.
-
Firstly, I loved the opening to the novel and the prologue. It set up the background for the thriller well and gave good insight into some of the reasons why the events transpire as they do.
There were several unsavoury characters throughout the novel, but the opening was intriguing enough that I kept trying to guess who it related to throughout the novel.
-
𝗛𝗲 𝘃𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗱, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻, 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘄 𝘂𝗽, 𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲.
-
The story itself was very accessible and easy to read. I actually read this in one day!
I think the pacing is good and most readers would find it engaging.
It was a really modern story as well with links to the dark web and online exploitation, which is increasingly prevalent in our technologically-dependant world.
-
I liked the main character DI Erika Piper, and I found the plot relating to her personal life and experiences intriguing as it ran alongside the main thriller plot.
There were references to the previous book in the DI Erika Piper series (A Wash of Black), but these were subtley woven into the story, meaning the book could definitely be read and enjoyed as a standalone as well as part of the series.
-
𝗜 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗲𝗹𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝘁, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗜 𝗮𝗺 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗺𝗮 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱.
-
If you like fast-paced thrillers and strong female characters, I think you'll enjoy this novel.
October 31, 2020
Review to follow
July 23, 2022
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
WHAT'S WHISPERS IN THE DARK ABOUT?
DI Piper is pulled away from her partner Liam's wedding reception to take over at the scene of a murder. A good friend of her DCI is one of the victims. DCI Clive Burston and a drug dealer have been shot and killed. The way it looks, if a gun had been recovered at the scene, she'd have concluded that Burston shot the dealer and then himself. But clearly, that can't be the case.
Then another pair of bodies shows up—it also consists of a member of the same gang as the dealer and someone who has no connection to him—or crime at all.
Just what is going on? And how is she supposed to stop it?
DI ERIKA PIPER
Piper's still dealing with the trauma—physically and psychologically—from the events prior to A Wash of Black—and she's picked up a little more on the psychological side. But she's clearly in a better place than she was when we met her. There's a confidence to her that wasn't there in the last book—you can see it in both her interactions with her colleagues and the way she goes about the investigation. She's not trying to prove that she's ready to work anymore.
She still has work to do—no doubt about that—but she's on the right path, and it's nice to see McDonald showing that. It's some subtle work and well done.
Now, how the events of this novel will set her up for whatever book 3 throws at her, I don't know. I'm looking forward to seeing how she deals with it.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT WHISPERS IN THE DARK?
McDonald gives Erika and Liam some strong moments—individually and together—outside the case, and I was taken aback by how invested I was in these characters before the halfway point of their second book! There were some sweet moments, and a couple that got me a little misty (for both "positive" and "negative" reasons)—I was impressed at how efficiently he was at some of those, just two or three sentences that hit the emotions just right. And then there's the scene that made me say things about McDonald that I should probably apologize to him for.
If he's that good with the subplots, of course he's going to nail the main story. This is a classic mystery—the killer, the motive, how the detective figures it out, how the killer comes into contact with the victims—it's all tried and true, and McDonald delivers it well. But how the killer does it? I don't think I've seen that before (eh, maybe something like it—but not as effectively portrayed). It's a very clever take on this story. The personal stories and the way Piper and the others go through the investigation—the ups, downs, and the unexpected—that's what separates these books from the rest.
It occurs to me, that if you removed the names and the personal subplots, and just told me the plot of this novel, I'd think you were describing one of Noelle Holten's DC Maggie Jamieson . The twisty sort of mix of technology, motive, and execution behind the crimes fits in Maggie's world as well as in Erika's. Fans of one should definitely check out the other—although A Wash of Black wouldn't have worked as well as a Maggie Jamieson book, so I'm not saying the two series are in lockstep—just that two of my recent favorites have some overlap.
Top-notch writing—there's a couple of scenes that are so well described I feel like I was in the room with them—a great mystery, and some characters that'll become favorites. Get your hands on this series, reader.
---
WHAT'S WHISPERS IN THE DARK ABOUT?
DI Piper is pulled away from her partner Liam's wedding reception to take over at the scene of a murder. A good friend of her DCI is one of the victims. DCI Clive Burston and a drug dealer have been shot and killed. The way it looks, if a gun had been recovered at the scene, she'd have concluded that Burston shot the dealer and then himself. But clearly, that can't be the case.
Then another pair of bodies shows up—it also consists of a member of the same gang as the dealer and someone who has no connection to him—or crime at all.
Just what is going on? And how is she supposed to stop it?
DI ERIKA PIPER
Piper's still dealing with the trauma—physically and psychologically—from the events prior to A Wash of Black—and she's picked up a little more on the psychological side. But she's clearly in a better place than she was when we met her. There's a confidence to her that wasn't there in the last book—you can see it in both her interactions with her colleagues and the way she goes about the investigation. She's not trying to prove that she's ready to work anymore.
She still has work to do—no doubt about that—but she's on the right path, and it's nice to see McDonald showing that. It's some subtle work and well done.
Now, how the events of this novel will set her up for whatever book 3 throws at her, I don't know. I'm looking forward to seeing how she deals with it.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT WHISPERS IN THE DARK?
McDonald gives Erika and Liam some strong moments—individually and together—outside the case, and I was taken aback by how invested I was in these characters before the halfway point of their second book! There were some sweet moments, and a couple that got me a little misty (for both "positive" and "negative" reasons)—I was impressed at how efficiently he was at some of those, just two or three sentences that hit the emotions just right. And then there's the scene that made me say things about McDonald that I should probably apologize to him for.
If he's that good with the subplots, of course he's going to nail the main story. This is a classic mystery—the killer, the motive, how the detective figures it out, how the killer comes into contact with the victims—it's all tried and true, and McDonald delivers it well. But how the killer does it? I don't think I've seen that before (eh, maybe something like it—but not as effectively portrayed). It's a very clever take on this story. The personal stories and the way Piper and the others go through the investigation—the ups, downs, and the unexpected—that's what separates these books from the rest.
It occurs to me, that if you removed the names and the personal subplots, and just told me the plot of this novel, I'd think you were describing one of Noelle Holten's DC Maggie Jamieson . The twisty sort of mix of technology, motive, and execution behind the crimes fits in Maggie's world as well as in Erika's. Fans of one should definitely check out the other—although A Wash of Black wouldn't have worked as well as a Maggie Jamieson book, so I'm not saying the two series are in lockstep—just that two of my recent favorites have some overlap.
Top-notch writing—there's a couple of scenes that are so well described I feel like I was in the room with them—a great mystery, and some characters that'll become favorites. Get your hands on this series, reader.
November 27, 2020
“When the Darkness comes hear the Whispers in the Dark” Skillet
Who will heed the call when Death comes whispering?
Small time drug dealer, Marcus Stone and DCI Clive Burston had never met until one night in August. By the end of that night, both had been shot dead in a small bedroom in the heart of gang territory.
DI Erika Piper is called to the scene but is at a loss to explain what’s happened. How did these two even meet, let alone end up dead in what appears to be a strange murder-suicide? As Erika leads the investigation, another two bodies are found, killed in a similar fashion. One murder, one suicide. But who is controlling this macabre puppet show?
As Erika delves deeper into the lives of the dead, the pieces begin to fit together and a number of nefarious characters crawl out of the woodwork – one of whom is almost certainly pulling the strings.
A catastrophic event and a personal miracle threaten to derail the investigation. Erika must find the strength to continue, before the whispers catch up with her too…
Wow where to start! This guy is seriously an emerging talent. I loved the first installment of the DI Erika Piper series A Wash of Black. This one I feel is even better….just my opinion!
There is pain and there is joy and of course there is crime and thrills! I absolutely loved it. Dark, sinister, twisty and full of surprise. The plot drives you forward with an emotive impulse to find out more. The hook at the beginning literally reels you in like a tuna on the end of a line! It switches from past to present expertly. Without giving too much away!
The character Erika Piper herself is likeable, funny, albeit damaged she comes across as someone you could have a laugh with and a good tear up! She is down to earth and I suspect drink pints! Brilliantly developed and I look forward to reading more about her.
There are of course dark moments so be warned. Suicide is not an easy topic something which I experience in my line of work. However, he gets the trauma of this across effortlessly and the involvement of services shows he has a keen observational eye.
The pace of this novel is quick as the first. You are left gasping for breath at times and I would say I was furiously turning the pages….however it was on a kindle so I was swiftly swiping right desperate for more.
I am keen to share so much more about this wonderful series, however; you really should just pick it up to be fully immersed in the pain and the atrocity as well as the humour that is interwoven throughout the story.
I highly recommend this to you.
Cheers
Ben
ChopperCrimeBooks
Who will heed the call when Death comes whispering?
Small time drug dealer, Marcus Stone and DCI Clive Burston had never met until one night in August. By the end of that night, both had been shot dead in a small bedroom in the heart of gang territory.
DI Erika Piper is called to the scene but is at a loss to explain what’s happened. How did these two even meet, let alone end up dead in what appears to be a strange murder-suicide? As Erika leads the investigation, another two bodies are found, killed in a similar fashion. One murder, one suicide. But who is controlling this macabre puppet show?
As Erika delves deeper into the lives of the dead, the pieces begin to fit together and a number of nefarious characters crawl out of the woodwork – one of whom is almost certainly pulling the strings.
A catastrophic event and a personal miracle threaten to derail the investigation. Erika must find the strength to continue, before the whispers catch up with her too…
Wow where to start! This guy is seriously an emerging talent. I loved the first installment of the DI Erika Piper series A Wash of Black. This one I feel is even better….just my opinion!
There is pain and there is joy and of course there is crime and thrills! I absolutely loved it. Dark, sinister, twisty and full of surprise. The plot drives you forward with an emotive impulse to find out more. The hook at the beginning literally reels you in like a tuna on the end of a line! It switches from past to present expertly. Without giving too much away!
The character Erika Piper herself is likeable, funny, albeit damaged she comes across as someone you could have a laugh with and a good tear up! She is down to earth and I suspect drink pints! Brilliantly developed and I look forward to reading more about her.
There are of course dark moments so be warned. Suicide is not an easy topic something which I experience in my line of work. However, he gets the trauma of this across effortlessly and the involvement of services shows he has a keen observational eye.
The pace of this novel is quick as the first. You are left gasping for breath at times and I would say I was furiously turning the pages….however it was on a kindle so I was swiftly swiping right desperate for more.
I am keen to share so much more about this wonderful series, however; you really should just pick it up to be fully immersed in the pain and the atrocity as well as the humour that is interwoven throughout the story.
I highly recommend this to you.
Cheers
Ben
ChopperCrimeBooks
October 9, 2020
Cements McDonald's place as one of the nation's brightest stars in crime fiction.
The second book in the DI Erika Piper series follows on with such panache, compulsion and humanity that you can't help but be gleefully consumed by it. Emotionally wrought with a frightening, unpredictable mystery at its core, Whispers In The Dark pulls the strands of all-too-real fears tight and binds them fast with whip-smart plotting, sharp characterisation and prose you can't turn away from. McDonald proves once again that he is not just one to watch, but a brightly emerging star of UK crime fiction.
The second book in the DI Erika Piper series follows on with such panache, compulsion and humanity that you can't help but be gleefully consumed by it. Emotionally wrought with a frightening, unpredictable mystery at its core, Whispers In The Dark pulls the strands of all-too-real fears tight and binds them fast with whip-smart plotting, sharp characterisation and prose you can't turn away from. McDonald proves once again that he is not just one to watch, but a brightly emerging star of UK crime fiction.
November 20, 2020
Whispers in the Dark is the second book in the DI Erika Piper series and what an absolutely cracking follow up to A Wash of Black, Chris McDonald's outstanding debut. Chris McDonald has such an extraordinary, albeit dark, imagination to be able to create such exceptional plots for his intensely gripping novels. Be warned: once you pick up Whispers in the Dark, you will not be able to put it down.
You can of course read Whispers in the Dark as a standalone novel and find it completely brilliant, but it's even better when you already know the characters. I loved reconnecting with Erika and her team as they investigate a series of murder-suicides. As the body count rises the team face a race against time to find the link between the deaths and to find the person responsible for orchestrating this macabre theatre. Chris McDonald sent my amateur sleuthing skills on the roundabout with this one: thinking a particular person was responsible, then thinking they weren't, then they were, then they weren't...
Although suicide is a very difficult subject Chris McDonald handles it sensitively, showing how hard it is for people to find the courage to reach out for help yet they can find the courage to end their life. Tackling such a huge subject shows the confidence that Chris is gaining in his writing, which is going from strength to strength; I didn't think A Wash of Black could be bettered but he only went and did it with Whispers in the Dark.
I felt quite emotional when reading Whispers in the Dark as several things happen to the characters that had me close to tears; tears of both sadness and joy. It just shows how well developed the characters are to evoke such emotions in the reader. I gasped with shock at the 'catastrophic event' mentioned in the blurb and it takes a confident author to do what Chris McDonald did. It's devastating but brilliant.
With a completely gripping, razor sharp plot, Whispers in the Dark is simply outstanding. It's impossible to put down once you pick it up and is well-deserving of a full five star rating. Just brilliant, Whispers in the Dark shows that Chris McDonald is one to watch and I'm eagerly awaiting his new series that will be published next year.
You can of course read Whispers in the Dark as a standalone novel and find it completely brilliant, but it's even better when you already know the characters. I loved reconnecting with Erika and her team as they investigate a series of murder-suicides. As the body count rises the team face a race against time to find the link between the deaths and to find the person responsible for orchestrating this macabre theatre. Chris McDonald sent my amateur sleuthing skills on the roundabout with this one: thinking a particular person was responsible, then thinking they weren't, then they were, then they weren't...
Although suicide is a very difficult subject Chris McDonald handles it sensitively, showing how hard it is for people to find the courage to reach out for help yet they can find the courage to end their life. Tackling such a huge subject shows the confidence that Chris is gaining in his writing, which is going from strength to strength; I didn't think A Wash of Black could be bettered but he only went and did it with Whispers in the Dark.
I felt quite emotional when reading Whispers in the Dark as several things happen to the characters that had me close to tears; tears of both sadness and joy. It just shows how well developed the characters are to evoke such emotions in the reader. I gasped with shock at the 'catastrophic event' mentioned in the blurb and it takes a confident author to do what Chris McDonald did. It's devastating but brilliant.
With a completely gripping, razor sharp plot, Whispers in the Dark is simply outstanding. It's impossible to put down once you pick it up and is well-deserving of a full five star rating. Just brilliant, Whispers in the Dark shows that Chris McDonald is one to watch and I'm eagerly awaiting his new series that will be published next year.
November 17, 2020
Whispers in the Dark is the 2nd in the series of Thrillers from Chris McDonald starring his strong intriguing protagonist DI Erika Piper.
Set on the streets of Manchester, murder is afoot when a couple of what appear to Murder/Suicides take place.
A truly tense and powerful ride ensues and I loved every minute as McDonald writes not Just a cracking crime thriller but he also really brings Erika’s personal life and traumas to the fore.
After Reading such a great debut there is always a doubt if an author can follow that up. Chris McDonald has somehow, in my opinion, even bettered the first in this darkly outstanding thriller. How is this only his 2nd book?!
Chris is absolutely and totally not afraid to rock his reader to their boots as piles in with some ram rod shockers in this superb police procedural.
An Author with a massively bright future being back by one of the best independent publishers out there can mean good things.
A Vibrant and inviting writing style draws you into this deviously good read full of shocks and jaw dropping thrills. It’s really very good and one of my favourite reads of 2020.
Highly Recommended
5 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Set on the streets of Manchester, murder is afoot when a couple of what appear to Murder/Suicides take place.
A truly tense and powerful ride ensues and I loved every minute as McDonald writes not Just a cracking crime thriller but he also really brings Erika’s personal life and traumas to the fore.
After Reading such a great debut there is always a doubt if an author can follow that up. Chris McDonald has somehow, in my opinion, even bettered the first in this darkly outstanding thriller. How is this only his 2nd book?!
Chris is absolutely and totally not afraid to rock his reader to their boots as piles in with some ram rod shockers in this superb police procedural.
An Author with a massively bright future being back by one of the best independent publishers out there can mean good things.
A Vibrant and inviting writing style draws you into this deviously good read full of shocks and jaw dropping thrills. It’s really very good and one of my favourite reads of 2020.
Highly Recommended
5 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
November 23, 2020
A huge thank you to Red Dog Press for inviting me to be part of the tour, and for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest, unbiased opinion... and my honest, unbiased opinion is that I loved every page.
Whispers in the Dark is a powerful and thrilling novel that packs a punch from page one. From the sinister prologue to the shocking ending (and everything in between) I was hooked, and madly swiping my Kindle until the early hours of the morning.
Erika Piper is a fantastic female protagonist who will stick with me for a very long time. She's totally kick-ass but there is also a sense of vulnerability about her, a softer side that makes her human, and so relatable.
Chris has crafted a tense, twisted and superbly-plotted thriller that is as terrifying as it is heartbreaking. I'm not ashamed to say I cried in parts - that is how powerful his writing is.
It's such an exciting read, with brilliant police and forensic detail woven in, giving it the authenticity that this type of book needs in order to be believable. If you love thrillers with the shock factor, this is for you.
Whispers in the Dark is a powerful and thrilling novel that packs a punch from page one. From the sinister prologue to the shocking ending (and everything in between) I was hooked, and madly swiping my Kindle until the early hours of the morning.
Erika Piper is a fantastic female protagonist who will stick with me for a very long time. She's totally kick-ass but there is also a sense of vulnerability about her, a softer side that makes her human, and so relatable.
Chris has crafted a tense, twisted and superbly-plotted thriller that is as terrifying as it is heartbreaking. I'm not ashamed to say I cried in parts - that is how powerful his writing is.
It's such an exciting read, with brilliant police and forensic detail woven in, giving it the authenticity that this type of book needs in order to be believable. If you love thrillers with the shock factor, this is for you.
December 6, 2020
Chris McDonald's second book reads like his fifth!
All the main characters are back including Erica, Lewis and DCI Bob.
I wasn't sure how I was going to find this book when I learned it was about such a powerful subject of depression and suicide in all honesty I felt sick with nerves and almost gave up before I even started! But I'm glad I didn't as the subject and it's suffers are handled very well and with the utmost care and respect.
Not wanting to spoil it for anyone but I'm not sure i agree with some of the things that happened to our main characters but I am sure Chris has it all planned out...
To me this book didn't feel like a second, Chris has come along way since a wash of black that sometimes takes authors years to achieve not their second book out!
Really hope there is more to come from Erica sooner rather than later!
All the main characters are back including Erica, Lewis and DCI Bob.
I wasn't sure how I was going to find this book when I learned it was about such a powerful subject of depression and suicide in all honesty I felt sick with nerves and almost gave up before I even started! But I'm glad I didn't as the subject and it's suffers are handled very well and with the utmost care and respect.
Not wanting to spoil it for anyone but I'm not sure i agree with some of the things that happened to our main characters but I am sure Chris has it all planned out...
To me this book didn't feel like a second, Chris has come along way since a wash of black that sometimes takes authors years to achieve not their second book out!
Really hope there is more to come from Erica sooner rather than later!
November 17, 2020
Amazingly Chris has managed to surpass his previous book AWOB, with his second in the Erika Piper series.
How did a small time drug dealer and a DCI, who had never met, both end up shot dead, in the dealers bedroom?
As more bodies pile up DI Erika Piper has to try to unravel the mystery before more people succumb to “The Whispers In The Dark”..
Loved this fast paced crime thriller and will be on the lookout for more by this author 👍👌
How did a small time drug dealer and a DCI, who had never met, both end up shot dead, in the dealers bedroom?
As more bodies pile up DI Erika Piper has to try to unravel the mystery before more people succumb to “The Whispers In The Dark”..
Loved this fast paced crime thriller and will be on the lookout for more by this author 👍👌
June 6, 2021
Excellent
Well written, and I laughed, gasped and cried, all good signs that the book was terrific. Looking forward to reading more!
Well written, and I laughed, gasped and cried, all good signs that the book was terrific. Looking forward to reading more!
March 10, 2023
Another great story
Another great story by Chris McDonald. Good strong characters and a well crafted story line. Looking forward to reading more by this author.
Another great story by Chris McDonald. Good strong characters and a well crafted story line. Looking forward to reading more by this author.
December 20, 2020
In preparation for today's tour stop I also read the first DI Erika Piper novel, A Wash of Black, to get to know the main characters etc. You don't need to have read that before coming to Whispers in the Dark, which works perfectly as a standalone, but you may have a richer reading experience if you do.
Erika's home life is settling down with Tom, a security guard, but her work life is as busy as ever. She is baffled by a strange double death which looks very much like a murder-suicide, except that it involves two people who shouldn't be anywhere near each other in a million years. Whilst she and the team try to get to grips with the mystery, another odd-matched pair of bodies turn up and things take a turn which is both confusing and sinister....
Erika is a cracking character. She's been through a couple of fairly traumatic events in the past but remains a very dedicated police officer. She works long hours and never really switches off. But she is ably supported by the men in her life - boyfriend Tom, boss Bob, partner Liam and new team member Andy. I got to know her a bit in a Wash of Black but this further cemented her in my mind - she's someone I'd like to share a bottle of wine with! McDonald writes very descriptively so the reader is given a good idea of what every character looks like but it is never cumbersome. Likewise the scene setting is also very vivid. Again McDonald's descriptions are perfect and he manages to convey the whole scene in a few short sentences, sometimes just a few words, so it never knocks the story off kilter, never interferes with the flow. Sorry, I'm not doing a very good job at explaining what I mean! Basically, Chris writes well, and I loved meeting the wide variety of characters from police officers to grieving family members, from vicars to gang members - all have an air of authenticity which I appreciated.
The story itself is original. And dark. I hate to imagine where the idea sprang up from! The author deals with a difficult, perhaps controversial, idea, as he himself notes in the acknowledgements, but I feel he handles it well and from a fresh angle. He seems to have done his research, notably in respect to the dark web, which enriches the story. It moves along at a good pace and there are some very tense moments, including the denouement. McDonald doesn't shy away from describing fear and violence. There are some happier moments although even these are tinged with sadness. I might have had a tear in my eye at the very end...
Whispers in the Dark is a robust, original and well written police procedural with an engaging protagonist, a colourful cast off supporting characters and an unexpected antagonist. I really enjoyed McDonald's writing and look forward to seeing what he comes up with next. It's hard to know whether that will be more Erika, but I'd love to see more of her. A quick and very entertaining read.
Erika's home life is settling down with Tom, a security guard, but her work life is as busy as ever. She is baffled by a strange double death which looks very much like a murder-suicide, except that it involves two people who shouldn't be anywhere near each other in a million years. Whilst she and the team try to get to grips with the mystery, another odd-matched pair of bodies turn up and things take a turn which is both confusing and sinister....
Erika is a cracking character. She's been through a couple of fairly traumatic events in the past but remains a very dedicated police officer. She works long hours and never really switches off. But she is ably supported by the men in her life - boyfriend Tom, boss Bob, partner Liam and new team member Andy. I got to know her a bit in a Wash of Black but this further cemented her in my mind - she's someone I'd like to share a bottle of wine with! McDonald writes very descriptively so the reader is given a good idea of what every character looks like but it is never cumbersome. Likewise the scene setting is also very vivid. Again McDonald's descriptions are perfect and he manages to convey the whole scene in a few short sentences, sometimes just a few words, so it never knocks the story off kilter, never interferes with the flow. Sorry, I'm not doing a very good job at explaining what I mean! Basically, Chris writes well, and I loved meeting the wide variety of characters from police officers to grieving family members, from vicars to gang members - all have an air of authenticity which I appreciated.
The story itself is original. And dark. I hate to imagine where the idea sprang up from! The author deals with a difficult, perhaps controversial, idea, as he himself notes in the acknowledgements, but I feel he handles it well and from a fresh angle. He seems to have done his research, notably in respect to the dark web, which enriches the story. It moves along at a good pace and there are some very tense moments, including the denouement. McDonald doesn't shy away from describing fear and violence. There are some happier moments although even these are tinged with sadness. I might have had a tear in my eye at the very end...
Whispers in the Dark is a robust, original and well written police procedural with an engaging protagonist, a colourful cast off supporting characters and an unexpected antagonist. I really enjoyed McDonald's writing and look forward to seeing what he comes up with next. It's hard to know whether that will be more Erika, but I'd love to see more of her. A quick and very entertaining read.
December 30, 2020
Synopsis : Who will heed the call when Death comes whispering? Small time drug dealer, Marcus Stone and DCI Clive Burston had never met until one night in August. By the end ofthat night, both had been shot dead in a small bedroom in the heart of gang territory. DI Erika Piper is called to the scene but is at a loss to explain what’s happened. How did these two even meet, let alone end up dead in what appears to be a strange murder-suicide? As Erika leads the investigation, another two bodies are found, killed in a similar fashion. One murder, one suicide. But who is controlling this macabre puppet show? As Erika delves deeper into the lives of the dead, the pieces beginto fit together and a number of nefarious characters crawl out of the woodwork – one of whom is almost certainly pulling the strings. A catastrophic event and a personal miracle threaten to derail the investigation. Erika must find the strength to continue, before the whispers catch up with her too…
My Thoughts:
Having read A Wash of Black (a standout debut) I was eager to read this and boy am I glad I did.
The opening prologue sets the tone and gives the reader a sense of what will follow, here the author certainly knows how to grab the readers attention to ensure that you have to keep on reading.
You have here a wonderfully formatted police procedural, with an emphasis to the darker side, the story is sprinkled with a few red herrings to keep the reader second guessing themselves. The book itself though is all about the plot and the characters and revenge.
Having read the authors previous book it is obvious the author knows how to write characters with real feeling and depth each with their own personalities and traits. Erika Piper is definitely someone not be messed with, strong and fearless, however we are also introduced to a warmer and more sensitive side and at times a certain vulnerability.
The plotting and pace of the story belie the fact that this is the authors second book, Chris McDonald knows how to craft and plot a story guaranteed to keep the reader gripped and entertained. The book also knows how to play on ones emotions and heart strings, an emotional roller coaster.
Without giving anything away the plot itself is cleverly constructed and superbly brought to life on the pages, as the body count rises so does the tension as you race to reach the finale. The book also deals with tough topics, however, deals with these in a sympathetic way and does not over glorify them, dark yes, twisty absolutely, gruesome you bet. The ending is sublime
A Word of warning once started you will find it hard to put down
My Thoughts:
Having read A Wash of Black (a standout debut) I was eager to read this and boy am I glad I did.
The opening prologue sets the tone and gives the reader a sense of what will follow, here the author certainly knows how to grab the readers attention to ensure that you have to keep on reading.
You have here a wonderfully formatted police procedural, with an emphasis to the darker side, the story is sprinkled with a few red herrings to keep the reader second guessing themselves. The book itself though is all about the plot and the characters and revenge.
Having read the authors previous book it is obvious the author knows how to write characters with real feeling and depth each with their own personalities and traits. Erika Piper is definitely someone not be messed with, strong and fearless, however we are also introduced to a warmer and more sensitive side and at times a certain vulnerability.
The plotting and pace of the story belie the fact that this is the authors second book, Chris McDonald knows how to craft and plot a story guaranteed to keep the reader gripped and entertained. The book also knows how to play on ones emotions and heart strings, an emotional roller coaster.
Without giving anything away the plot itself is cleverly constructed and superbly brought to life on the pages, as the body count rises so does the tension as you race to reach the finale. The book also deals with tough topics, however, deals with these in a sympathetic way and does not over glorify them, dark yes, twisty absolutely, gruesome you bet. The ending is sublime
A Word of warning once started you will find it hard to put down
November 23, 2020
This is an absolute 5 ⭐️ read if I could give it more I would, I loved book one A Wash of Black where we were introduced to Erika Piper and her team and loved that book, but in this one Chris has shown he is not just a one trick pony, this one has got better, in book one Erika was seen as a tough, kick ass detective able to deal with whatever was thrown at her, she is still reeling from that case and the publicity and fame she got through it which she hates especially when ex criminals ask to have selfies taken with her. We see a more softer, vulnerable side to her in this story, which makes her relatable, three dimensional.
The prologue to this book is dark, grisly and deep, but draws you in and grips you and you find yourself unable to stop reading. So beautifully crafted.
Set in the underbelly of Manchester, we have murders, suicides, the dark web just to mention a few bits. Erika is called out to a crime scene where two men are dead in the same room it initially looks like a murder suicide but what links these two people together? they are from seemingly two different walks of life, so how did they end up dead in this room? Erika team are working the case, with more murders and some very dark topics which Chris handles delicately the story is so well plotted, nothing is overlooked. As you read you will think you have solved it but then the rug gets pulled from under your feet and you are back to square one.
I found myself biting my fingernails, sat on the edge of the sofa and then yelling NO at my kindle, as a twist I just didn’t see coming completely threw me, leaving me In tears, not sure I can forgive Chris that one, but when an author can take you through that sort of rollercoaster rude of emotions to me he’s done a good job. You are empathising with the characters, you are invested in them, you care.
I am really loving this series and look forward to many more books with Erika in. The writing is excellent, the plot is well planned and executed with no strands left hanging this is a book that will be definitely in my top 10 for this year
I would like to thank #MeggyRoussel for my spot on the blog tour of this amazing book, as well as all the guys at #RedDogPublishers for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest, fair and unbiased review. All words and opinions are my own. #ChrisMcDonald for writing such a fantastic book.
The prologue to this book is dark, grisly and deep, but draws you in and grips you and you find yourself unable to stop reading. So beautifully crafted.
Set in the underbelly of Manchester, we have murders, suicides, the dark web just to mention a few bits. Erika is called out to a crime scene where two men are dead in the same room it initially looks like a murder suicide but what links these two people together? they are from seemingly two different walks of life, so how did they end up dead in this room? Erika team are working the case, with more murders and some very dark topics which Chris handles delicately the story is so well plotted, nothing is overlooked. As you read you will think you have solved it but then the rug gets pulled from under your feet and you are back to square one.
I found myself biting my fingernails, sat on the edge of the sofa and then yelling NO at my kindle, as a twist I just didn’t see coming completely threw me, leaving me In tears, not sure I can forgive Chris that one, but when an author can take you through that sort of rollercoaster rude of emotions to me he’s done a good job. You are empathising with the characters, you are invested in them, you care.
I am really loving this series and look forward to many more books with Erika in. The writing is excellent, the plot is well planned and executed with no strands left hanging this is a book that will be definitely in my top 10 for this year
I would like to thank #MeggyRoussel for my spot on the blog tour of this amazing book, as well as all the guys at #RedDogPublishers for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest, fair and unbiased review. All words and opinions are my own. #ChrisMcDonald for writing such a fantastic book.
November 10, 2020
I loved book one - A Wash Of Black in this series, so when the opportunity came up to read book two I was definitely in!
In book one, we were introduced to DI Erika Piper, coming back to work after a trauma and although this one could be read as a standalone, I am glad that I went into it knowing the full back story and definitely felt more connected to the story.
With book two ... well I can only really describe it as a rollercoaster! Of action, emotions, my temper, everything! I don't really like using such a cliche, but I really can't think of a better way to describe it!
The dark and gripping prologue sets up this story perfectly and I have to admit that, although a few times I thought I had worked it out, the twists and turns around the 'who-dunnit' gave me a serious headache! In the end, I had got it right, then wrong, not a clue then right again, so go me!
The crime story alone would make for a great police procedural, but what makes this book extra special are the characters. I had already really warmed to Erika and Liam in book one and was very happy to see that they both seemed to be settling into their lives and careers well. There is nothing better than seeing characters you love happy, successful and generally winning at life.
Well more fool me! Apologies to Chris as you may have felt some serious ear-burning when I was calling you all the names under the sun at one point! No spoilers, but what the actual flip!? Talk about out of nowhere!
There are some heavy subjects covered in this story - suicide, child and domestic abuse, but these are all written sensitively.
Whispers In The Dark is an excellent, character-driven crime thriller that only elevates the series from what was already a brilliant start with A Wash Of Black.
In book one, we were introduced to DI Erika Piper, coming back to work after a trauma and although this one could be read as a standalone, I am glad that I went into it knowing the full back story and definitely felt more connected to the story.
With book two ... well I can only really describe it as a rollercoaster! Of action, emotions, my temper, everything! I don't really like using such a cliche, but I really can't think of a better way to describe it!
The dark and gripping prologue sets up this story perfectly and I have to admit that, although a few times I thought I had worked it out, the twists and turns around the 'who-dunnit' gave me a serious headache! In the end, I had got it right, then wrong, not a clue then right again, so go me!
The crime story alone would make for a great police procedural, but what makes this book extra special are the characters. I had already really warmed to Erika and Liam in book one and was very happy to see that they both seemed to be settling into their lives and careers well. There is nothing better than seeing characters you love happy, successful and generally winning at life.
Well more fool me! Apologies to Chris as you may have felt some serious ear-burning when I was calling you all the names under the sun at one point! No spoilers, but what the actual flip!? Talk about out of nowhere!
There are some heavy subjects covered in this story - suicide, child and domestic abuse, but these are all written sensitively.
Whispers In The Dark is an excellent, character-driven crime thriller that only elevates the series from what was already a brilliant start with A Wash Of Black.
March 2, 2021
Although my first book by McDonald, Whispers in the Dark is the second of a series featuring DI Erika Piper. However that didn't impact my enjoyment in any way. The story opens with two mismatched bodies: a DCI and a small-time drug dealer. What's the connection? Why are they here and why does it appear to be a suicide?
These questions set up a tremendous, original story which DI Piper must unravel. More murder/suicides occur and the stakes get higher and higher. There's a tremendous shock when someone (not saying who) gets killed.
The writing is crisp and clear and I really enjoyed DI Piper's voice. To be honest I don't normally like present tense crime stories. I also tend to avoid ones that have female detectives written in first person! However after the first few pages I soon forgot my unreasonable proclivities and got stuck into the riveting story.
In DI Piper, McDonald has created a likeable heroin. There are some nice sensitive moments that show her character. Other characters are 3D. The dialogue is convincing and I never once had a moment where I thought a sentence was awkward. My only tiny criticism is the title and cover. I don't feel they do the book justice. This novel would appeal to anyone who likes police procedurals with a female protagonist. OK so we may be sick of the girl's in red coats, but they tell readers this is a book like Angela Masons'. In fact it's better that Marsons. Better than LJ Ross. If you haven't read McDonald then I highly recommend you pick up one of his books and dive right in.
5 very bloody daggers for Whispers in the Dark.
PS I loved the humorous nod to the coming crisis (COVID) in the final chapter.
These questions set up a tremendous, original story which DI Piper must unravel. More murder/suicides occur and the stakes get higher and higher. There's a tremendous shock when someone (not saying who) gets killed.
The writing is crisp and clear and I really enjoyed DI Piper's voice. To be honest I don't normally like present tense crime stories. I also tend to avoid ones that have female detectives written in first person! However after the first few pages I soon forgot my unreasonable proclivities and got stuck into the riveting story.
In DI Piper, McDonald has created a likeable heroin. There are some nice sensitive moments that show her character. Other characters are 3D. The dialogue is convincing and I never once had a moment where I thought a sentence was awkward. My only tiny criticism is the title and cover. I don't feel they do the book justice. This novel would appeal to anyone who likes police procedurals with a female protagonist. OK so we may be sick of the girl's in red coats, but they tell readers this is a book like Angela Masons'. In fact it's better that Marsons. Better than LJ Ross. If you haven't read McDonald then I highly recommend you pick up one of his books and dive right in.
5 very bloody daggers for Whispers in the Dark.
PS I loved the humorous nod to the coming crisis (COVID) in the final chapter.
September 4, 2022
“Whispers In The Dark” (WITD) is the sophomore novel by Chris McDonald and the second in the DI Erika Piper series.
A double homicide with an obvious cause of death but no murder weapon and no connection between the victims heralds the start of another mystery for DI Erika Piper and her partner DS Liam Sutton. As the body count grows higher it appears that there is more at play than just murder.
Short, sharp, and to the point, there is no mucking around with the second book in McDonald’s DI Piper series. Coming in at just over 230 pages and McDonald shows you don’t need a whole lot of meaningless filler to tell a good story with unexpected shocks and twists, and misdirection while still providing a clear plot line to the story to ensure it’s completeness. WITD tackles themes such as suicide, abuse, depression, joy, despair, love, and loss.
It’s always interesting to see how an author develops in their craft. McDonald showed in his first novel that he has a clear talent in plot development for clever and engaging crime thrillers but also a heartfelt narrative on its main characters. McDonald’s writing style remains unchanged but is far more free-flowing and far less stilted in WITD than in book one.
With an ending that made this reader curious for what is next in store for DI Erika Piper and gets 4 trips to the dark web out of 5.
A double homicide with an obvious cause of death but no murder weapon and no connection between the victims heralds the start of another mystery for DI Erika Piper and her partner DS Liam Sutton. As the body count grows higher it appears that there is more at play than just murder.
Short, sharp, and to the point, there is no mucking around with the second book in McDonald’s DI Piper series. Coming in at just over 230 pages and McDonald shows you don’t need a whole lot of meaningless filler to tell a good story with unexpected shocks and twists, and misdirection while still providing a clear plot line to the story to ensure it’s completeness. WITD tackles themes such as suicide, abuse, depression, joy, despair, love, and loss.
It’s always interesting to see how an author develops in their craft. McDonald showed in his first novel that he has a clear talent in plot development for clever and engaging crime thrillers but also a heartfelt narrative on its main characters. McDonald’s writing style remains unchanged but is far more free-flowing and far less stilted in WITD than in book one.
With an ending that made this reader curious for what is next in store for DI Erika Piper and gets 4 trips to the dark web out of 5.
December 1, 2020
This is the second book in the Erika Piper series. It works as a standalone, but I’d advise reading A wash of Black too, because what’s better than one book? Two!
The character of Erika is likeable and relatable. You can empathise totally with her and her life.
Chris McDonald has this knack of looking at the things we do in the minutest of detail and then analysing them and sticking them in front of us with a question mark attached.
This book broke me into pieces. I was a sobbing mess and shouting NOOO!!! But is this book brilliant and do you need to read it? YES Definitely!
It’s raw, it’s clever, it’s dark and at times I was crying and had to put it down. Just till I could see, then compulsion made me pick it up again.
Erika Piper has grown into a many faceted character and we see her below the professional facade as she is vulnerable and more human.
Chris McDonald this is a brilliant novel!
The character of Erika is likeable and relatable. You can empathise totally with her and her life.
Chris McDonald has this knack of looking at the things we do in the minutest of detail and then analysing them and sticking them in front of us with a question mark attached.
This book broke me into pieces. I was a sobbing mess and shouting NOOO!!! But is this book brilliant and do you need to read it? YES Definitely!
It’s raw, it’s clever, it’s dark and at times I was crying and had to put it down. Just till I could see, then compulsion made me pick it up again.
Erika Piper has grown into a many faceted character and we see her below the professional facade as she is vulnerable and more human.
Chris McDonald this is a brilliant novel!
November 29, 2020
Fantastic Follow Up!
The eagerly awaited follow up to the debut novel A Wash Of Black doesn't disappoint. Whispers In The Dark sees Erika back with the team investigating what seems like a murder suicide when another two bodies turn up. Are they connected? Always a sign of a good book when you're on the edge of your chair screaming NO! Devoured this in a day. Really looking forward to seeing where the characters go next!
The eagerly awaited follow up to the debut novel A Wash Of Black doesn't disappoint. Whispers In The Dark sees Erika back with the team investigating what seems like a murder suicide when another two bodies turn up. Are they connected? Always a sign of a good book when you're on the edge of your chair screaming NO! Devoured this in a day. Really looking forward to seeing where the characters go next!
December 10, 2020
This is the second DI Erika Piper book and I just couldn't put it down. Written with true feeling the author (Chris McDonald) has the knack of describing the gritty and the passion you honestly feel that you are living the story.
After 2 threats on Erika's life in the previous book, A Wash Of Black, you hope that she is going to have an easier case to solve but with gangland killings and police victims it doesn't turn out to be an easy case.
A masterly psychological thriller.
After 2 threats on Erika's life in the previous book, A Wash Of Black, you hope that she is going to have an easier case to solve but with gangland killings and police victims it doesn't turn out to be an easy case.
A masterly psychological thriller.
November 22, 2020
Great read
Great to read Erika Piper again. It was heartening to find she has a happy ending against the odds. Knowing Marple I was able to visualize some of the settings. Well done Chris for another great read.
Great to read Erika Piper again. It was heartening to find she has a happy ending against the odds. Knowing Marple I was able to visualize some of the settings. Well done Chris for another great read.
March 24, 2021
Brilliant book 2 in the Erica Piper series...realistic Police procedural and great characters....however I cried! Cannot wait for book 3 Roses for the dead! One of the UK best crime fiction writers!! ❤
November 20, 2020
A phenomenal read, my full review is on my blog http://thefallenlibrarian.wordpress.com/
January 26, 2021
Fast-paced and tense, with some tear-jerker moments, I really enjoyed my reunion with Erika Piper.
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