A review by thathappyreader
The Whispers by Ashley Audrain

5.0

If you enjoyed the author’s book “The Push” you will be happy to know that “The Whispers” has the same feel. I love the combination of Women’s Fiction and Thriller which will make you want to read this book in one sitting.

The book is character-driven. The reader is introduced to several characters from the neighbourhood each holding their own secret which include infidelity, sudden death, and fetal loss. We learn of the challenges of motherhood, particularly of those with children with special needs, and the regret that sometimes accompanies it.

The neighbourhood is also full of gossip and the need for perfection. A mother hosting a birthday party is heard berating her child through an open window and feels humiliated and embarrassed. She knows that the women will be talking about her. When this same child ends up in the ICU a few weeks later she knows the neighbourhood will question her involvement. The reader does not know the events that led to the cause of the child’s injuries nor if any other person was involved. That is, until the last sentence of the book.

I highly recommend this book to those readers who enjoy propulsive thrillers set in neighbourhoods.

4.5 stars (rounded up to 5).