Publishing in 18 countries around the world and with a major Hollywood film in the making from the directors of the Avengers franchise, The Whisper Man is an unnerving, unpredictable and completely unforgettable psychological chiller from Alex North, set to have hearts pounding globally.
Due for publication on 13th June with Michael Joseph, The Whisper Man is being introduced as their ‘Thriller of the Year’ with The Russo Brothers, directors of the Avengers franchise, stating – “Alex North weaves a stunningly captivating narrative that’s a nuanced and grounded exploration of father-son relationships. He strikes such a delicate balance that consistently elevates itself, he ultimately provides a master class in genre exploration. An incredible read.”
Unfortunately due to technical (postal) issues I was unable to have my planned review for you today so the wonderful Jenny Platt over at Penguin HQ gave me the following extract to share with you all instead.
This will be HUGE folks….You have been warned!!
[ About The Book ]
If you leave the door half open, you will hear the whispers spoken…
Still devastated after the loss of his wife, Tom Kennedy and his young son Jake move to the sleepy village of Featherbank, looking for a fresh start.
But Featherbank has a dark past. Fifteen years ago a twisted serial killer abducted and murdered five young boys. Until he was finally caught, the killer was known as ‘The Whisper Man’.
Of course, an old crime need not trouble Tom and Jake as they try to settle in to their new home. Except that now another young boy has gone missing, stirring up rumours that the original killer was always known to have an accomplice. And then Jake begins acting strangely.
He says he hears a whispering at his window…
[ Extract ]
Jake.
There is so much I want to tell you, but we’ve always found it hard to talk to each other, haven’t we?
So I’ll have to write to you instead.
I remember when Rebecca and I first brought you home from hospital. It was dark and it was snowing, and I’d never driven so carefully in my life. You were two days old and strapped in a carrier in the back seat, Rebecca dozing beside you, and every now and then I’d look in the rear-view mirror to check you were safe.
Because you know what? I was absolutely fucking terrified.
I grew up as an only child, completely unused to babies, and yet there I was – responsible for one of my own. You were so impossibly small and vulnerable, and me so unprepared, that it seemed ludicrous they’d allowed you out of the hospital with me.
From the very beginning, we didn’t fit, you and I. Rebecca held you easily and naturally, as though she’d been born to you rather than the other way around, whereas I always felt awkward, scared of this fragile weight in my arms and unable to tell what you wanted when you cried. I didn’t understand you at all.
That never changed.
When you were a little older, Rebecca told me it was because you and I were so alike, but I don’t know if that’s true. I hope it isn’t. I’d always have wanted better for you than that.
But regardless, we can’t talk to each other, which means I’ll have to try to write all this down instead. The truth about everything that happened in Featherbank.
Mister Night. The boy in the floor. The butterflies. The little girl with the strange dress.
And the Whisper Man of course.
It’s not going to be easy, and I need to start with an apology. Over the years, I told you so many times that there was nothing to be afraid of. That there was no such thing as monsters.
I’m sorry that I lied.
Many thanks,
See….How AMAZING does this sound…..scary….frightening…..😱😱
[ Bio ]
Alex North was born in Leeds, where he now lives with his wife and son. He studied Philosophy at Leeds University, and prior to becoming a writer he worked there in their sociology department.
Twitter – @writer_north
This sounds like such a fantastic story! Thanks for sharing the extract.
It’s such an enticing extract isn’t it??