Narrated by Christopher Eccleston, The Whisper Man by Alex North delivered a suspenseful thriller about a missing child’s case and the boogie man known as the Whisper Man. A chilling tale that may be better read.
by Alex North
Narrator: Christopher Eccleston
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 2 cups Speed: 1.2x
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...
While we traveled to New Mexico, Texas and Louisiana, I listened to this with my husband. I was excited since we both loved Christopher Eccleston as the Doctor, in Doctor Who. I had enjoyed North’s previous books and knew my husband would find the story interesting.
The story that unfolds follows several characters who are intertwined. Twenty-six years ago, Pete Willis along with other detectives arrested Frank Carter, nicknamed “The Whisper Man.” He was charged with abducting and murdering five residents in the town of Featherbank. Meanwhile, Tom Kennedy and his son Jake are leaving their home and moving to Featherbank after the death of Jake’s mother.
The house they move into is one Jake chose, and it has an ominous tone about it. Jake is a strange child, who talks to someone only he can see and carries his backpack of drawings. Someone is lurking around their garage and there are strange noises at night.
A young boy goes missing, and Peter is called in to assist Detective Amanda Beck. Interviews with the estranged parents soon have Peter interviewing Frank Carter and the tale that unfolds was creeptastic and twisted.
I love how North wove the past and present case together, as well as the characters we meet. Told from multiple perspectives, including those of the villain, the story draws the listener in.
We had some difficulty keeping perspectives and characters straight in part because of the narration. Now I love Eccleston, the actor, but admit to struggling with his narration. His tone and pacing were fine. I even enjoyed his accent, but there was little change in the voices performed for each character. One might say it was monotone. I truly think my enjoyment would have been enhanced by multiple narrators or someone who had an array of voices.
The tale was well done with a buildup of suspense and several twists. The story had an atmospheric tone, as did the small town of Featherbank and the home of Jake and Mr. Kennedy. Indeed, I got chills, especially regarding Jake’s invisible friend and the whispers.
Fans of suspense thrillers will find this tale perfect for the fall spooky season and mystery lovers will enjoy the tightly crafted tale and sense of foreboding.
The Whisper Man By Alex North was a suspenseful tale that kept me listening. #audiobookreview #suspensethriller #murdermystery Share on XAbout Alex North
Alex North was born in Leeds, England, where he now lives with his wife and son. The Whisper Man was inspired by North's own little boy, who mentioned one day that he was playing with "the boy in the floor." Alex North is a British crime writer who has previously published under another name
About Christopher Eccleston
Christopher Eccleston is an English actor. A two-time BAFTA Award nominee, he is best known for his television and film work, which includes his role as the ninth incarnation of the Doctor in the BBC
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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
Carole @ Carole's Random Life
I listened to this one a couple of years ago and remember enjoying the story but don’t remember if I got the characters confused. I definitely want to read more of Alex North’s work.
Kimberly
Perhaps being in the car contributed to it, but we paused a lot because the voices were too similar.
DEBBIE HAUPT
Yeah I hate when the narration isn’t right it messes up the whole book for me. And that’s so super that you and your husband listened together I wish mine would. Thanks Kim I loved your review and it’s a shame that a 4 book rating didn’t get the same for the narration.
Kimberly
He only listens on road trips. We switch between audiobook and music.
Wendy
Sounds like a suspenseful book. Too bad about the narration, but glad you enjoyed it overall.
Kimberly
I recommend reading it Wendy.
Sophia Rose
I will eventually get to this one. I’ll keep in mind that the change in POV is easier to catch in print.
Kimberly
The story is really good.
Nadene
I guess I need to avoid the audio for this one.
Kimberly
Yeah, he is great but not for multiple povs.
Sara
Narration can definitely have a strong impact on enjoyment, that’s for sure!
I’ve heard this is a great book but I think I will read the physical copy.
Thanks for your review, it was helpful to read!
Kimberly
Happy reading Sara!
Ethan
I remember being really creeped out by this one, though I can see how a monotone narrator would have been a detractor. There’s just too many characters and perspectives to play it one note.
Kimberly
Yes, sadly, the narration wasn’t what I hoped, but the story was well done.