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dantastic's review
2.0
There's nothing wrong with this book but it was not compatible with my personal tastes at this time. I don't enjoy police procedurals so the police bits didn't appeal to me. I also am not a fan of horror written in the first person since you know the narrator is going to live 99% of the time. I did like the Whispers, though. I quit at the halfway mark because I'd rather spend the two hours reading something else.
carriebethreads's review
4.0
Really great thriller! Characters were compelling and developed well. Will definitely keep this author’s books in my line of sight!
paulataua's review
3.0
Came to this after being impressed by the originality and excellent writing I found in Hightower’s ‘Crossroads’. This one started well enough with Rose McFarland, a SWAT markswoman, taking the shot that puts an end to a tense situation. What seems an ordinary day in the force suddenly turns strange when, unbeknown to her, there appears to be some strange link between shooter and target. The first third of the book is awesome as Hightower establishes the story, but then loses its tension as the story spreads out. I really couldn’t understand why the author needed to involve so many characters. Just on the male side there were McFarland’s divorced husband, second husband that died in a car crash, present lover, negotiator friend, other detective, FBI investigator, son of FBI Investigator, one brother, one half-brother, one son, and others I have probably forgotten. There were fewer female characters, but there were still daughters, sisters, and mothers-in-law to mention some. So many characters really spread the story too far and the tension got lost. Shame! This really didn’t work for me, but I will be there for her next book.
johnlynchbooks's review
5.0
Whispers in the Dark by Laurel Hightower found it’s way to my TBR the same way many books have lately, discovery through Bookstagram or Twitter. An interesting synopsis, excellent word of mouth and a beautiful cover made this book shoot up my TBR pile faster than most do. I started the book and fell in love with it almost instantly. This is a book that I own a physical copy and a kindle copy of. I took both copies with me wherever I went to make sure whatever scenario I was in, I’d be able to read it, even if only for a short while.
The book follows Rose McFarland, a sniper for a Memphis S.W.A.T team, as a supernatural “gift” she has threatens not only herself but everyone she loves. Let me start off by saying that Hightower has crafted an awesome protagonist in Rose McFarland. Rose is a strong, compelling character who’s few faults serve to add depth to her character, not make her a damsel in distress who needs saving. She is a woman haunted by the emotional and physical scars left on her by an abusive father and a mother who loathes her. Despite her past and an emotionally and physically taxing job, she still manages to juggle complicated relationships and motherhood. Rose must confront her past and battle doubts about what her job makes her. Whispers in the Dark is wonderfully written. Laurel Hightower knows exactly when to step on the gas, bringing the scares and action, while still being able to slow it down, fleshing out the story and the characters. As I neared the end of the book, I found myself unable to put it down. I stayed up well into the night to finish it, knowing that I needed to be up just a few short hours later. I didn’t care. The book was that good and I needed to see it through to its satisfying conclusion.
Whispers in the Dark is quite literally the perfect debut novel. Everything about this book is well written. You’ve got a strong, compelling female protagonist, an extremely interesting story and enough creepiness spread throughout to keep you second guessing turning the lights off. Laurel Hightower has proven herself as an author to keep on your radar with her debut offering, Whispers in the Dark.
5 Stars
The book follows Rose McFarland, a sniper for a Memphis S.W.A.T team, as a supernatural “gift” she has threatens not only herself but everyone she loves. Let me start off by saying that Hightower has crafted an awesome protagonist in Rose McFarland. Rose is a strong, compelling character who’s few faults serve to add depth to her character, not make her a damsel in distress who needs saving. She is a woman haunted by the emotional and physical scars left on her by an abusive father and a mother who loathes her. Despite her past and an emotionally and physically taxing job, she still manages to juggle complicated relationships and motherhood. Rose must confront her past and battle doubts about what her job makes her. Whispers in the Dark is wonderfully written. Laurel Hightower knows exactly when to step on the gas, bringing the scares and action, while still being able to slow it down, fleshing out the story and the characters. As I neared the end of the book, I found myself unable to put it down. I stayed up well into the night to finish it, knowing that I needed to be up just a few short hours later. I didn’t care. The book was that good and I needed to see it through to its satisfying conclusion.
Whispers in the Dark is quite literally the perfect debut novel. Everything about this book is well written. You’ve got a strong, compelling female protagonist, an extremely interesting story and enough creepiness spread throughout to keep you second guessing turning the lights off. Laurel Hightower has proven herself as an author to keep on your radar with her debut offering, Whispers in the Dark.
5 Stars
juliamarie82's review
5.0
As someone who doesn’t typically read the horror genre, I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The characters were interesting and well written. The story kept me fascinated from start to finish. It was very creepy and I don’t think I will forget the Whispers anytime soon. I will definitely look for more from this author!
n0rmann's review
4.0
Hard to believe this was someone's first novel - great characters and a really good story.
unwrappingwords's review against another edition
5.0
Full review on Dead Head Reviews
Rose McFarland is, to put it bluntly, a badass. As a S.W.A.T. sniper, she knows how to use weapons and, most importantly, when to use them. But after her latest job, things start to go wrong, putting not just her at risk, not just her family, but also the whole world. She must confront her past, while dealing with her present to make sure they get out alive…no matter what.
Whispers in the Dark is Laurel Hightower’s first novel, which honestly, I was really surprised at. Because holy shit, this is good.
Right from the start, the tension in the novel is high, as Rose waits for the opportunity to take a shot at Charlie Akers, at a standoff that will change everything. Rose is everything we’ve come to love about these strong female characters, but there’s so much more to her than that. She’s not a loner; she has a family, and men she loves that love her too; as well as a cast of characters she cares deeply about, that we soon do too.
Rose McFarland is, to put it bluntly, a badass. As a S.W.A.T. sniper, she knows how to use weapons and, most importantly, when to use them. But after her latest job, things start to go wrong, putting not just her at risk, not just her family, but also the whole world. She must confront her past, while dealing with her present to make sure they get out alive…no matter what.
Whispers in the Dark is Laurel Hightower’s first novel, which honestly, I was really surprised at. Because holy shit, this is good.
Right from the start, the tension in the novel is high, as Rose waits for the opportunity to take a shot at Charlie Akers, at a standoff that will change everything. Rose is everything we’ve come to love about these strong female characters, but there’s so much more to her than that. She’s not a loner; she has a family, and men she loves that love her too; as well as a cast of characters she cares deeply about, that we soon do too.
bookish_satty's review against another edition
Soft DNF for now. Couldn't get into the book. Will pick up later.
pickjts's review against another edition
4.0
Take a decorated SWAT sniper and throw ghosts, stalkers, and a house fire at her, and you’ll end up with the main character for Laurel Hightower’s debut novel. It was fast paced, had just enough of a love triangle, and had a couple of creepy moments tucked into it.
One of the things that I liked most was how these characters are not cardboard cutout good guys. They are flawed, which made them that much more easier to accept. The next book that Hightower comes out with will be on my radar, she’s earned that from me.
One of the things that I liked most was how these characters are not cardboard cutout good guys. They are flawed, which made them that much more easier to accept. The next book that Hightower comes out with will be on my radar, she’s earned that from me.