The Whispers: The new impossible-to-put-down thriller from the bestselling author

The Whispers is an enthralling psychological mystery/suspense read. Heidi Perks explores the dynamics, intricacies and intensities of female friendships, from childhood, through adolescence to motherhood and beyond. The book opens tantalisingly with the discovery on New Year's Day of a woman's body at the bottom of Crayne's Cliff, an area locals know to be prone to landslips. We're not told the victim's identity, but the detective from whose perspective the prologue is told recalls an earlier tragedy, involving a younger woman, and the fact that three weeks ago, a woman called Grace Goodwin had reported a crime... We're then taken back four months, as the narrative works forward to the present day. The point of view shifts between those of Grace Goodwin, Anna Robinson and a Greek chorus-like overview emanating from the observations of other parents in the school playground. Thirty-something mother of one Grace Goodwin has recently returned to her (fictional) childhood hometown of Clearwater, on the UK's south coast, having lived in Australia since late adolesence. Her husband has a high-flying job based in Singapore, so she's effectively a single mother of 8-year-old Matilda much of the time. She's looking forward to re-establishing a close friendship with Anna Fallow (now Robinson), with whom she enjoyed a childhood and teenage friendship akin to sisterhood. However, as the story slowly unfolds, through present day perspectives and occasional flashback sections, we realise that there is a darkness underpinning Grace and Anna's relationship. What is the past event that seems to preoccupy them both in the present day, and why does Anna seem so reticent to rekindle her close friendship with Grace? Heidi Perks skilfully uses foreshadowing, hints at the possible unreliability of the character's recollections, and immerses the reader in each woman's experience. Our sympathies are pulled back and forth as we observe the tensions between the central group of female characters. What loyalties do we owe our friends? Is the length of a friendship necessarily indicative of its strength or health for the protagonists? What can we reasonably expect from our friends, or they of us? At what point do we concede that we have outgrown a friendship and walk away? I found The Whispers a thought-provoking and deliciously suspenseful read. Any female reader will recognise the types of individual and group dynamics Heidi Perks describes, especially those of us who have observed and/or experienced playground (parent) politics ourselves! I would highly recommend The Whispers to any and all readers who enjoy character-based dramas set against a background of mystery and suspense. My thanks to the author Heidi Perks, publisher Penguin Random House UK - Cornerstone - Century imprint, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title. (Thanks also to Carolyn, whose excellent review prompted me to seek out a last-minute ARC)

Mind boggling! This is one to get your thoughts in a twist! Five women go out for a night in the pub, only four of them return safely home. What happened to Anna? No-one seems to know. Speculation among the other mothers at the school gates is rife; Grace, her childhood friend, is out of her mind with worry and the more she tries to find out, the more she is concerned that someone isn't telling all they know. As time passes and tension racks up, something - or someone - has to give . . . Before I start my review, I have to say that I really appreciate that the blurb doesn't give away an awful lot - just enough to pique interest! Women, as we all know, can be the best of friends but they can also be their own worst enemies. This is a story of friendships, jealousy and resentments with past and present in equal measure. Who to trust? My mind was certainly in turmoil trying to work it all out. The characterisation here is absolutely superb and the story-telling is spot on; at times I didn't even know whether to trust myself! Full of suspense and possibilities I still failed to spot the truth - full marks to the author for her very clever writing. An intricate, enigmatic read which kept my attention to the bitter end. Heidi Perks never fails to live up to my expectations and I'm happy to give this one 4.5*.

The Whispers by Heidi Perks is the first book I have read from her and it has been a great introduction to her work. I really enjoyed her style of writing and how she was able to draw me into the story experiencing it as her characters do. Heidi Perks had me wrapped up in this story right from the blurb. The idea that someone could disappear while on a night out with four of their closest friends, definitely makes for an intriguing catalyst to a fascinating mystery. There is nothing I love more than unreliable narrator and you get that in spades with this book. Even had I been able to trust the clues I was given, I didn’t even come close cracking the mystery of this group of women. A gripping and solid mystery, The Whispers is an in depth look at toxic friendships, manipulation, control and obsession. A deviously wicked read, with a thrilling twist that I enjoyed immensely. It was a pleasure to read and review The Whispers, which I recommend.