GENERAL: The Whisper Man by Alex North - October 2020

[Jenny]

Hello, fellow Crime, Mystery & Thriller readers! This discussion is about The Whisper Man by Alex North your discussion leader is Lisa

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about spoiler

Please note: If you have not finished reading the book spoilers are permitted in this discussion from the start.
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Summary

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...

[Lisa, Moderator]

Hi everyone! Welcome to the Whisper Man discussion thread. I'm looking forward to starting this next week with you all. For anyone having trouble finding the book at the library, Hoopla has it as an audiobook.

[[deleted user]]

Hi Lisa. Just picked it up

[Barbara K]

Hmmm.... somehow I missed that this was a group read, but it’s on my TBR, so I will plan on joining in.

[Lisa, Moderator]

Great, ladies!

[Lisa, Moderator]

Hello, everyone, and happy October! I see a note at the top of this thread stating that spoilers are allowed from the start. Is that agreeable to everyone, or do we want to use spoiler tags so that we may discuss while we're still reading?

[˜”*°•.˜”*°• Sheri •°*”˜.•°*”˜, Moderator]

No problem with spoilers for me. Sometimes a spoiler makes me want to read further when I might have wanted to quit.

Love Hoopla.

[Lisa, Moderator]

Anyone start yet? I'm about 50 pages in...good so far, and I like his writing. Goodreads seems to be compromised at the moment with regard to notifications; if you're not seeing any when you log in, check your threads for new posts. I hope they fix this soon :(

[Sandysbookaday (taking a step back for a while)]

I have just picked up my copy so will be joining in the discussion in the next day or so. Happy reading!

[Lisa, Moderator]

Nancy, I was trying to delete my comment and think I accidentally deleted your comment :( I'm so sorry. (view spoiler)[ You asked if the little girl that Jake is talking to is a ghost, a sort of "The Sixth Sense" type of scenario. I think you're spot on... (hide spoiler)]

Sometimes I try to reply to comments and when I start, it looks like I'm replying to the comment above that one, considering the rephrased text that's visible in the comment box. Anyone else experience this?

[Lisa, Moderator]

Sandy *The world could end while I was reading and I would never notice* wrote: "I have just picked up my copy so will be joining in the discussion in the next day or so. Happy reading!"

Happy reading, Sandy!

[Barbara K]

I actually read this at the end of last month. (I’m having a rough time lately keeping my group read commitments sorted out.) I enjoyed it and will make a few comments if I ever find a good time to take a break from the project I’m working on!

[Lisa, Moderator]

Barbara wrote: "I actually read this at the end of last month. (I’m having a rough time lately keeping my group read commitments sorted out.) I enjoyed it and will make a few comments if I ever find a good time to..."

I hear you there. I have to put a code in the Notes column to indicate which group the book is for and if it's a buddy or group read. And sometimes I create a month folder so I remember what's on deck. Sad... ;)

[[deleted user]]

Lisa wrote: "Nancy, I was trying to delete my comment and think I accidentally deleted your comment :( I'm so sorry. [spoilers removed]

Sometimes I try to reply to comments and when I start, it looks like I'm ..."

That is okay Lisa

[[deleted user]]

Lisa wrote: "Barbara wrote: "I actually read this at the end of last month. (I’m having a rough time lately keeping my group read commitments sorted out.) I enjoyed it and will make a few comments if I ever fin..."

In the notes section of my iphone, I have a note for each month with the titles of the books to read and which club(ie The Whisper Man/CMT if a buddy read it would be CMT-BR.

[Barbara K]

That's a good strategy. I have a GR shelf for "next month", but it doesn't indicate which group. Although I've been trying to consolidate my reading recordkeeping on GR, I might need to adopt your method. OR -I just thought of this - I could use the the notes column on my "next month" bookshelf to indicate the group!

Oh, Nancy, thanks for your comment - you helped me find a workable solution!

[Barbara K]

Oh dear, I see that Lisa posted the SAME idea (the one I thought was so brilliant) above! It's clearly a good one. :-)

[Lisa, Moderator]

Great minds, right? 😊

[[deleted user]]

Only half way through but... (view spoiler)[ Tom standing at the top of the stairs watching Jake unlocking the front door (at 3 am) and then see fingers coming through the mail slot...what a terrifying prospect for any parent/grandparent (hide spoiler)]

[Barbara K]

I liked his touch with the "creepiness" factor. Also, I thought he did a nice job with the classic issue of how long the MC ignores red flags signaling danger. (view spoiler)[ Tom ignored Jake's concerns just long enough to let tension build up, but not so long as to make you want to slap him silly and shout "Wake up to what your son is trying to tell you!" (hide spoiler)]

[Lisa, Moderator]

Nancy wrote: "Only half way through but... [spoilers removed]"

OMG, I know. I’m coming up on the halfway mark. I’m really enjoying this - dying to know what’s going on and enjoying his writing.

[Lisa, Moderator]

Barbara wrote: "I liked his touch with the "creepiness" factor. Also, I thought he did a nice job with the classic issue of how long the MC ignores red flags signaling danger. [spoilers removed]"

Yes indeed. And it’s SO creepy! I love it.

[[deleted user]]

Ok, not much father along but Mrs Shelly (view spoiler)[ you can’t tell me that with the kids going to the same school for the last two years, that they don’t know Owen is a bully and a liar. Jake gets in trouble but Owen who took Jake’s property , gets off scott free. Glad his father stuck up for him.

Also nothing like having the a total stranger (town creep?) snooping around on your property than act offended when told to leave. (hide spoiler)]

[Sandysbookaday (taking a step back for a while)]

Started this morning. ❤

[[deleted user]]

Welcome Sandy

Ok should have guessed (view spoiler)[ Tom and Pete were related (hide spoiler)]

[Lisa, Moderator]

I am dying to read these spoilers! Gotta get reading :)

[Sandysbookaday (taking a step back for a while)]

Nancy wrote: "Welcome Sandy

Ok should have guessed [spoilers removed]"

Thanks Nancy. About 25% in . . .

[Sandysbookaday (taking a step back for a while)]

Nancy wrote: "Welcome Sandy

Ok should have guessed [spoilers removed]"

How could you have guessed? I certainly didn't....🤷‍♀️ and I was looking for it!🤦‍♀️

[Lisa, Moderator]

Nancy wrote: "Welcome Sandy

Ok should have guessed [spoilers removed]"

I sure didn’t guess either! I was shocked and started yelling, much to my husband’s amusement. (view spoiler)[ Great twist, one that I didn’t see coming at all. I love how that unfolded, because now the reader feels allegiance with and sympathy for both characters. (hide spoiler)]

[˜”*°•.˜”*°• Sheri •°*”˜.•°*”˜, Moderator]

I'm an RN and at one time was a school nurse and some of this rings so true. He wasn't yet to the age to be "solely responsible for his actions" and "Neil was an afterthought in his parents life". Love the writing of this book.

[Arlene]

I have a difficult time writing a review or update without spoilers so I will just say how much I really liked this book. Creepy but believable and a couple of "wow I didn't see that coming".

I'm looking forward to Mr. North's next book!!

[Lisa, Moderator]

Sheri wrote: "I'm an RN and at one time was a school nurse and some of this rings so true. He wasn't yet to the age to be "solely responsible for his actions" and "Neil was an afterthought in his parents life". ..."

I agree, Sheri. He really is a good writer. When Pete was thinking about his father and how he belittled him: “ Age had brought with it the understanding that his father had been a small man, disappointed with everything in his life, and that his son had been a convenient target to vent his many frustrations on. But that understanding had come too late. By then the message had been absorbed and become part of his programming. Objectively, he knew it wasn’t true that he was worthless and a failure. But it always felt true. The trick explained, still convinced.” An articulate and accurate explanation of how a grown child of an abuser might feel - beautifully written. Also, “While it might be true that we still loved each other when we argued, it didn’t mean that we loved ourselves.” Wow, great articulation of the way that anger brings out the worst in us.

[Sandysbookaday (taking a step back for a while)]

Lisa wrote: "Sheri wrote: "I'm an RN and at one time was a school nurse and some of this rings so true. He wasn't yet to the age to be "solely responsible for his actions" and "Neil was an afterthought in his p..."

And the feelings of guilt that follow the anger . . .

[˜”*°•.˜”*°• Sheri •°*”˜.•°*”˜, Moderator]

I've finished and like Arlene will hold off writing a review until others have completed it. I do have questions though that I'll ask in a spoiler. As far as people being horrible to their children then for whatever reason they change and want and expect forgiveness; I have trouble with that scenario unless it happens quickly. When a persons situation changes like they become ill, or broke, or the kids have grown up and don't need taking care of anymore, then the parent wants back into other lives, doesn't work for me. Because have you really changed or have your circumstances change and now you need to be nice or it's easier for you to be nice. I forgive you because holding hate, bitterness, and a grudge takes too much time an energy but stay wherever it's been you ran off too.

(view spoiler)[ how did Pete end up in Featherbank and if he had lived there as long as 20 years wouldn't that mean that Tom had lived there too? What did I miss? And what about the butterflies. I missed that too. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Sheri wrote: "I've finished and like Arlene will hold off writing a review until others have completed it. I do have questions though that I'll ask in a spoiler. As far as people being horrible to their children..."

Sheri (view spoiler)[ The book does not say. I think Pete moved there right after he left his wife and kid. As for the butterflies (death moths), there were in the box with the body. Jake was never in the garage so Tom wondered how could he draw a picture of them. The former tenant got paid to let “certain” people see the body. The killer, who saw the body in the garage, gave a picture of the butterfly to Jake to copy. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

I did like his writing. It was creepy to the end. There were so maany 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ moments. I don’t know if I missed them because I have been reading classics lately or because of the way he wrote/revealed them. This is his debut novel so I probably will try another book by him.

Some of the 🤦‍♀️ moments (view spoiler)[ Pete being Tom’s dad; Karen being a reporter; Killer being Frank Carter’s son; Rebecca growing up in Featherbank; the little girl being Rebecca; and Killer being George the teacher’s assistant. (hide spoiler)]

[˜”*°•.˜”*°• Sheri •°*”˜.•°*”˜, Moderator]

Nancy, you're probably right about Pete. Interesting turns and twists.

[Sandysbookaday (taking a step back for a while)]

I finished today. I really feel that it could have been creepier. There were a few missed opportunities. I did enjoy the palpable air of menace that Jake's abductor emanated. Probably will write my review tomorrow but won't post the link for it here until everyone else has finished.

[Lisa, Moderator]

Sheri wrote: "I've finished and like Arlene will hold off writing a review until others have completed it. I do have questions though that I'll ask in a spoiler. As far as people being horrible to their children..."

Sheri, I know what you mean about this - (view spoiler)[ parents looking for forgiveness/reconciliation after being a neglectful or abusive parent. It bothers me too and I usually want to child to just tell the parent to get lost. I did appreciate the way that it was handled here. We met Pete and Tom at the same time, getting each of their stories, and giving us time to get to know both men without the knowledge of their history. Also, Pete did not push himself on Tom, instead, Tom seemed to be the one to seek out Pete and potentially further their relationship. I was sad that Pete died, but it probably made it a better story by not turning it into a rosy reconciliation. (hide spoiler)]

[Lisa, Moderator]

Finished this weekend, and I really liked it. (view spoiler)[ I found his writing poignant and felt that he had something different about his approach that made twists work well. I didn’t see them coming but they weren’t outlandish when they got there. Rebecca having lived in Featherbank might be a bit of a stretch - I feel like that would have come up. But I can live with it in the grand scheme of things. (hide spoiler)]

[˜”*°•.˜”*°• Sheri •°*”˜.•°*”˜, Moderator]

Good review and good points Lisa.

[Lisa, Moderator]

Sheri wrote: "Good review and good points Lisa."

Thanks, Sheri, I like your review as well. Do you think that (view spoiler)[ Frank Carter killed his son in the final scene? Also, do you guys think that Tom and Jake shared a sort of psychic ability? I was thinking that was how Jake knew about the butterflies, but then we learn that Francis was sharing the drawings with him. It seems like Tom has some sort of capacity for vision, as he knew about and could picture the scene of his parents' final fight, although we learn from Pete that Tom wasn't actually present. (hide spoiler)]

[Sandysbookaday (taking a step back for a while)]

Lisa wrote: "Sheri wrote: "Good review and good points Lisa."

Thanks, Sheri, I like your review as well. Do you think that [spoilers removed]"

Good questions Lisa. To the first, yes I do. I wonder why he hated his son so much. I think Tom and Jake may do, but haven't yet learned to communicate with each other. The awkwardness between them may be getting in the way.

[˜”*°•.˜”*°• Sheri •°*”˜.•°*”˜, Moderator]

Lisa wrote: "Sheri wrote: "Good review and good points Lisa."

Thanks, Sheri, I like your review as well. Do you think that [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ Yes I think he killed him. That was the worst ending EVER!! I do think we're left to think (or not I guess) that there was psychic abilities involved. Toward the end there was something about Jake knowing about a book that was read to him as a child that I don't remember an explanation being given for how he would know that. Did Francis' mother know what Frank was doing? (hide spoiler)]

[Sandysbookaday (taking a step back for a while)]

Sheri wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Sheri wrote: "Good review and good points Lisa."

Thanks, Sheri, I like your review as well. Do you think that [spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

I can't remember Francis's mother even being mentioned....

The subject of the book popped up several times. Pete was reading it to Jake the night he babysat, and mentioned that he used to read it to his son. Perhaps Jake thought that if Pete had read it to his son, then maybe Tom's dad had also read it to him?

[Lisa, Moderator]

Sandy *The world could end while I was reading and I would never notice* wrote: "Sheri wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Sheri wrote: "Good review and good points Lisa."

Thanks, Sheri, I like your review as well. Do you think that [spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

I can't remember ..."

The night that (view spoiler)[ Pete babysat for Jake, he wanted to tell him that his dad liked that book as a child, but he refrained, felt like he was overstepping his bounds. So I think that is another piece of evidence of Jake’s psychic ability. As far as Francis’ mom, I don’t recall much about her either, but I think that she called the police on her husband, or somehow “betrayed” him to them. So she must have been suspicious about something. (hide spoiler)]

[˜”*°•.˜”*°• Sheri •°*”˜.•°*”˜, Moderator]

Lisa did you pick this book? This has been a great discussion.

[Lisa, Moderator]

Lisa wrote: "Sandy *The world could end while I was reading and I would never notice* wrote: "Sheri wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Sheri wrote: "Good review and good points Lisa."

Thanks, Sheri, I like your review as we..."

Yes, I nominated it for our October group read. I got really lucky! I greatly enjoyed it, and our discussion.

[Nike]

Lisa wrote: "Sandy *The world could end while I was reading and I would never notice* wrote: "Sheri wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Sheri wrote: "Good review and good points Lisa."

Thanks, Sheri, I like your review as we..."

It was told early on in the book, how Pete had worked hard to make Frank's wife (Francis's mother) feel secure enough to dare to tell about the horrors at home. She was terrified of her husband and it took a couple of months before she dared to testify.

[Nike]

Lisa wrote: "Sandy *The world could end while I was reading and I would never notice* wrote: "Sheri wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Sheri wrote: "Good review and good points Lisa."

Thanks, Sheri, I like your review as we..."

The little girl who was the spirit of his mother told him about the book. So yes, he had wonderful spiritual connections with her. =)

I loved this book so much, it was really, really thrilling and it was also crafted in a most exquisite way, the weaving together of the different perspectives so neatly done and not a unnecessary word.

An excellent way of portraying really different father and son relations. I am really looking forward to reading his next book "Shadows".