Title: The Whisperers
Author: John Connolly
First published June 25, 2010
409 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781439165195 (ISBN10: 143916519X)
Rating: 4.07
Overview
In John Connolly’s latest thriller, The Whisperers, private detective Charlie Parker is brought to a small town on the border of Maine and Canada. There, a group of disillusioned soldiers have returned from Iraq to run a dangerous smuggling operation, trafficking drugs, cash, weapons, and even people.
But as Parker delves deeper, he discovers that something ancient and sinister has also been smuggled across the border. When the smugglers begin to die one after another in apparent suicides, Parker is called in to stop the violence.
But to do so, he must make a risky alliance with the notorious killer known as the Collector, and face the shadowy figure that the reclusive Herod calls the Captain. In this chilling and dark thriller, Connolly once again takes readers to the edge of their seats, as Parker fights to put a stop to the evil that has taken hold in the Great North Woods.
About the Author
Meet John Connolly, an Irishman born in Dublin back in 1968. Throughout his life, he has dabbled in a range of professions including journalism, bartending, local government, waiting tables, and even working as a dogsbody at Harrods in London.
He studied English at Trinity College and journalism at Dublin City University, and spent five years freelancing for The Irish Times. Today, he continues to contribute to the newspaper while dividing his time between Dublin and the United States.
If you’d like to get in touch with John directly, you can reach him at contact-at-johnconnollybooks.com or follow him on Twitter at @JConnollyBooks. This page is managed by his assistant, Clair, on his behalf.
Editoral Review
The Whisperers by John Connolly is a gripping thriller that explores the horrors of a troubled past and the consequences of buried secrets. John Connolly is a renowned author of crime fiction, and The Whisperers is another example of his artistry in writing suspenseful and thought-provoking novels.
Set in the aftermath of World War II, The Whisperers centers on the investigation of a series of gruesome murders in a small town in Maine. The protagonist, Charlie Parker, is a private detective haunted by his own past and determined to uncover the truth behind the killings.
Along the way, he encounters a cast of complex and intriguing characters, including a retired soldier suffering from PTSD, a mysterious woman with a hidden agenda, and a group of religious fanatics who believe in the power of whispers.
Connolly’s writing style is rich and evocative, creating a vivid sense of place and atmosphere. He skillfully weaves together different perspectives and timelines, gradually revealing the dark secrets that have been buried in the town for decades.
The pacing is excellent, with tension building steadily throughout the book until the final, shocking revelation.
One of the strengths of The Whisperers is its exploration of themes such as trauma, guilt, and redemption. The characters are all grappling with their own demons, and their struggles are portrayed with empathy and sensitivity.
The novel also touches on larger issues such as the legacy of war and the dangers of extremism, making it both a gripping thriller and a thought-provoking work of literature.
However, there are some weaknesses in the book. Some of the plot twists and character motivations feel a bit contrived, and the ending may disappoint some readers who are looking for a more conclusive resolution.
Additionally, some of the historical references may be lost on readers who are not familiar with the specific events and cultural context of the time period.
Overall, The Whisperers is a well-crafted and engaging thriller that will appeal to fans of the genre. Its exploration of deeper themes and its nuanced character development make it stand out from other books in the same category.
However, it may not be for everyone, particularly those who prefer more straightforward plots or lighter reading. I would give The Whisperers a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, based on its strong writing, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes.
