by Lisa Unger
Series: The Whispers #1
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Eloise Montgomery discovers her amazing gift in the wake of tragedy in this first of three captivating stories that make up an e-novella from award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Lisa Unger. It's a day like any other for Eloise Montgomery--until tragedy strikes. While she is recovering from a horrible accident that takes the lives of her husband and oldest daughter, and as she works to help her younger daughter move forward, Eloise experiences her first psychic vision. Though she struggles to understand her newfound gifts, Eloise finds a way use them to save lost women and girls--for whom her help may be the only way out… It is also a prequel to Lisa Unger's novel FRAGILE, in which Eloise is first introduced. Eloise Montgomery is further explored in DARKNESS, MY OLD FRIEND. From an author whose "gripping narrative and evocative, muscular prose" (Associated Press) have won her critical acclaim comes The Whispers: a story that delves deep into the human psyche and the mind of one unforgettable heroine.
The Whispers is the first of the three novellas and a prequel to the full-length novel Fragile by Lisa Unger. In the Whispers, we meet Eloise Montgomery and learn how she developed her psychic gift. Unger writes a gripping tale that immediately warms you to the protagonist. Her visions make you shiver.
Eloise Montgomery wakes from a horrific tragedy. She cannot sleep, and she and her daughter are trying to find some normalcy when she begins having episodes. Visions, nightmares and one is so compelling she phones the police.
In The Whispers Unger takes us through the beginning as Eloise comes to terms with her ability and decides to help those in her visions. I love how strong a character Eloise is even as her own world crumbles she puts herself out there. Her visions and the story line were fascinating and had me reading this through in one sitting. Despite it being a novella, it was satisfying and I look forward to reading the next ones; The Burning Girl and The Three Sisters, scheduled to release in November 2014 and January 2015. Of course, now I want to read Fragile the first book in the Jones Cooper series. It takes place in the Hollows, where readers first met Eloise.
The Whispers was an excellent start to this suspenseful tale. The protagonist is strong and I immediately felt a connection to her. Her visions are powerful and the author made me feel as if I were there..
The Whispers Novellas
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Jennifer Bielman
Have you read Fragile? I can’t remember. Odd little series set-up.
kimbacaffeinate
No Fragile and the rest of the series have been out. This is a prequel series to more or less give her back story. She is a secondary character in the series.
Sharon - Obsession with Books
I love the cover of this book and it sounds really interesting!
Thanks for sharing Kimba! Sharon – Obsession with Books
kimbacaffeinate
It was a neat way to try author, and I love the whole psychic twist
Tyler H Jolley
I get conflicted with novellas. The first time I really enjoyed one was when JLA’s Covenant Series was exploding and her next book wasn’t to be published for 13 months. Fans were going crazy and couldn’t wait, so she wrote and released a free novella (Elixir) and it filled the gap nicely. It was almost like an appetizer, it made me feel better but not completely full.
kimbacaffeinate
I hear you Tyler. I struggle with them, but it is a nice way to sample a new to me author, and sometimes for a series I am a die-hard fan of it offers those little secondary character side stories I am craving.
Mary
Been a while since I’ve read Lisa Unger but I do like her novels. Not sure about the novellas, as I’m pretty darned picky about them but maybe!
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah, it was good getting to sample here.
Trish
I’m a fan of Lisa but not of novellas. I think I’d like to read them altogether when the book comes out. It sounds really interesting, I’d love to know more about those visions.
kimbacaffeinate
The series is already out Trish. These were created for those who wanted Eloise’s background story.
Lupdilup
Since I pretty new to this genre I haven’t heard of this author before, I got say, that cover is very intriguing. I’m a little confused..Is this an audio? I see that you put audio challenge, and I was just wondering…You know me..LOL
kimbacaffeinate
Yes..I got both the book and audio for review. The audio will be in three parts as well.
ShootingStarsMag
That’s good you enjoyed this overall!
kimbacaffeinate
It was and a nice intro to the author
Heidi
I am glad you liked these well enough, I have them coming up soon.
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet, the audio is nice too Heidi
Melissa (Books and Things)
So not only are you putting a thriller onto my wishlist, but the novellas as well? Sneaky! 😉 Plus you had me at strong protag!
kimbacaffeinate
hahaha…they are on audio too Melissa
Katherine
This sounds interesting. I love that this sounds a little grittier than most of the paranormal type books I read.
Candace
This sounds fascinating! I definitely like the sound of the paranormal aspects.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Candace. I love the woo-woo too
Lauren
This definitely gives me Medium vibes – I love that show! It’s great when novellas can give you insight into a character’s gifts and set up the larger story. Lovely review!
kimbacaffeinate
Oh I use to enjoy that one too. Except I always wanted to fix her teeth. :snort:
Ro
Sounds like a good read based on your review, but like Lily it’s hard for me to stay on top of novellas based on my HUGE TBR pile, but I’ll definitely add this to my list. Hugs…
http://www.intheknowwithro.blogspot.com
kimbacaffeinate
I hear ya. I wanted to try this author, and I can devour a novella before bed Ro. They are perfect for when I finish a book before 10 in the evening..but don’t want to start another for fear I will one more chapter myself to 4 am.
A Belle's Tales
Yes, yes, yes!!! *grabby hands* I was a huge fan of The Dead Zone, and I’m always drawn to characters who have visions. This sounds awesome — love a strong protagonist! Thanks so much for putting these on my radar — wonderful review, my friend!
kimbacaffeinate
Oh me too Michele.
Debbie Haupt
Kim I love Lisa and I have not read these novellas to get ready for the new Novel, I’d better get moving. What a tragic yet interesting storyline
kimbacaffeinate
This was my first experience with her, and I look forward to reading more
Lily
I’m not much of a novella reader but this one sounds absolutely amazing! I’m so happy you had so much fun with it and that you completely connected with the story. Great review Kimba 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I really am not either, but during the wedding activity these were perfect for me.
Laurel-Rain Snow
I read Fragile in 2010…and while the title sounded familiar, I had to look it up on Goodreads and see my review, in order to be sure I’d read it! LOL. But now I remember…and want to read these stories that are the prequel. I now recall loving Fragile and The Hollows. Thanks for sharing.
kimbacaffeinate
i have them on my wish list Laurel. I like her writing
Stormi
If I keep checking out your blog I am going to have a wishlist a mile long..lol. 😉 It’s going on the list, sounds like a good one. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
:snort: spoken like a true book addict!
kindlemom1
Wow this sounds really good and I think I like that they are novellas that introduce you into the world and characters.
I want to try this one, great review Kim.
kimbacaffeinate
I like her writing style and look forward to trying one her full length novels
Stephanie Faris
I love stories like this one. My binge-watching of the show Medium fascinated me and left me wanting more stories like that. Thanks for sharing!
kimbacaffeinate
I really enjoyed that series too:)
Faye
You know a book is good when it immerse you completely in its story and setting. When it makes your surrounding disappear and you imagine yourself living in the MC’s shoes. This is really promising. Thanks for the highlight, Kimberly!!!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Faye..I love the mix of crime, character and woo-woo
alreem
the title of this book is so ghostly, it make me think their will be ghosts poping up some where near me 😀 .. i’m not sure what her ability is but i hope it have something to do with ghost… i love ghost stories .. lovely review
kimbacaffeinate
ghosts? kind of sorta, yes.
Red Iza
Oh, “darkness my old friend” reminds me of Simon and Garfunkel, love them 🙂 I’ll see if I can grab it at the library, thanks for sharing !
kimbacaffeinate
Oh well Now I am singing it. :snort:
blodeuedd
Oh those novellas 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Right..it was a nice way to try the author.
Melliane
Novellas are tricky but I’m glad you see you had a good time, I hope the others are good too!
Christy
So it’s a prequel novella series, but also a sort of spinoff? I was just trying to follow the timeline and connections on GR. I’d want to read in order of what happens in the books.
kimbacaffeinate
It is my understanding that this is a prequel trilogy to the full-length novel Fragile which is already out. It gives the history of Eloise the psychic from the series itself.