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Whisper
Fresh off a break-up and finally coming to terms with the death of her father, young biotech professional Madison Parker is ready to move forward with her life in California. That is until her hometown best friend from affluent Connecticut is viciously murdered.
With Madison still reeling from the tragedy, the killer begins to target other members of her inner circle, and she finds herself at the center of a string of increasingly brutal murders that span coast to coast. As she struggles to understand the killer’s motive and protect her remaining friends, she realizes it’s only a matter of time before she becomes a victim of the deadly game.
But catching the killer once and for all means uncovering alarming secrets in her own life—secrets she might be better off leaving alone.
With Madison still reeling from the tragedy, the killer begins to target other members of her inner circle, and she finds herself at the center of a string of increasingly brutal murders that span coast to coast. As she struggles to understand the killer’s motive and protect her remaining friends, she realizes it’s only a matter of time before she becomes a victim of the deadly game.
But catching the killer once and for all means uncovering alarming secrets in her own life—secrets she might be better off leaving alone.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2023
6 people are currently reading
525 people want to read
About the author
Brian Dearborn
1 book82 followersBrian Dearborn lives in San Diego, California. When he’s not busy listening to ‘80s and ‘90s songs, he enjoys playing with his beagle, Lucky, and French bulldog, Tinsley. WHISPER is his first novel and is available to order NOW on Amazon!
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Facebook: @briandearbornauthor
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CONNECT ONLINE:
Instagram: @briandearborn
Facebook: @briandearbornauthor
TikTok: @therealbriandearborn
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
April 27, 2023
Now this is a one sitting read!
Compulsive, gripping, and twisty are all words that come to mind when I think of Whisper by Brian Dearborn. This short but mighty thriller packs quite a punch, and despite it’s graphic nature, makes the PERFECT beach read for those of us who would rather pick up murder and mayhem rather than a rom-com. I like both so I’m not sure what that says about me. I’m not going to rehash the plot here, but if you enjoy 90’s slasher films and gritty murder mysteries, you need to do yourself a favor and pick up your copy this summer. Bonus- it’ll be available on Kindle Unlimited to borrow with your subscription!
*I didn’t really have a good place to mention this in the review, but I really appreciate the meaning behind the title and idea of the plot with the WHISPER short story, and the significance of the passing of the author’s own father in relation to the main character’s. If you want more, you’ll have to read the story.
*Many thanks to the author for providing my review copy.
Compulsive, gripping, and twisty are all words that come to mind when I think of Whisper by Brian Dearborn. This short but mighty thriller packs quite a punch, and despite it’s graphic nature, makes the PERFECT beach read for those of us who would rather pick up murder and mayhem rather than a rom-com. I like both so I’m not sure what that says about me. I’m not going to rehash the plot here, but if you enjoy 90’s slasher films and gritty murder mysteries, you need to do yourself a favor and pick up your copy this summer. Bonus- it’ll be available on Kindle Unlimited to borrow with your subscription!
*I didn’t really have a good place to mention this in the review, but I really appreciate the meaning behind the title and idea of the plot with the WHISPER short story, and the significance of the passing of the author’s own father in relation to the main character’s. If you want more, you’ll have to read the story.
*Many thanks to the author for providing my review copy.
July 21, 2023
Wow! This book is absolutely incredible! I love a great horror story, and a good slasher movie. This book encompasses all of the best of both of these things. I flew through this book!
This book hits the ground running from the first page. It has an absolutely amazing opening. It has short, fast-paced chapters. I felt like I was watching this story as a movie - I couldn't wait to get to the end. I had to know who the killer was - it was hard not to peek at the end!
Madison is a professional working in San Diego. She has a good job, a loving family, and great friends. She recently lost her Dad, and she is trying to grieve. I really don't want to give away any other details. Madison's life takes some unexpected twists and turns. Her life shifts from San Diego back to her home in Connecticut.
Brian Dearborn has written a true horror/slasher story. I don't think horror writers get enough credit. It is hard to write a story that moves fast, scares the reader, and keeps them on the edge of their seat. He does this here. I read this book in one day, and I lost track of the number of times I had to stop and catch my breath. The imagery he writes here is perfect - it goes right up to the line of great horror. He never steps over it. I was even peeking around the corners while reading this.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this incredible book! I cannot wait to read what Brian Dearborn writes next! If you are looking for a story reminiscent of the great horror films of the 90s, pick this one up!
This book hits the ground running from the first page. It has an absolutely amazing opening. It has short, fast-paced chapters. I felt like I was watching this story as a movie - I couldn't wait to get to the end. I had to know who the killer was - it was hard not to peek at the end!
Madison is a professional working in San Diego. She has a good job, a loving family, and great friends. She recently lost her Dad, and she is trying to grieve. I really don't want to give away any other details. Madison's life takes some unexpected twists and turns. Her life shifts from San Diego back to her home in Connecticut.
Brian Dearborn has written a true horror/slasher story. I don't think horror writers get enough credit. It is hard to write a story that moves fast, scares the reader, and keeps them on the edge of their seat. He does this here. I read this book in one day, and I lost track of the number of times I had to stop and catch my breath. The imagery he writes here is perfect - it goes right up to the line of great horror. He never steps over it. I was even peeking around the corners while reading this.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this incredible book! I cannot wait to read what Brian Dearborn writes next! If you are looking for a story reminiscent of the great horror films of the 90s, pick this one up!
Read
March 11, 2023Thank you @briandearborn for my review copy.
My 💭:
Me while reading: Everyone is a suspect!!!
Also Me: What would be their motive?
Yes, That is a Scream (96) reference.
Traditionally published thriller novels the last year have been such a disappointment for me and I’m so happy I took a chance on this indie author. The story was fast paced, and had some pretty gruesome kills that I could see play out as I read. RIP to my favorite you were a real one. 😭😩 I loved the support system Madison had with her friends and family. The parts with her father made me emotional as well. This book has all the makings for a great summer poolside read!
My 💭:
Me while reading: Everyone is a suspect!!!
Also Me: What would be their motive?
Yes, That is a Scream (96) reference.
Traditionally published thriller novels the last year have been such a disappointment for me and I’m so happy I took a chance on this indie author. The story was fast paced, and had some pretty gruesome kills that I could see play out as I read. RIP to my favorite you were a real one. 😭😩 I loved the support system Madison had with her friends and family. The parts with her father made me emotional as well. This book has all the makings for a great summer poolside read!
January 14, 2024
Madison Parker has recently broken up with her boyfriend and is still grieving the loss of her father when she finds out that one of her childhood best friends is murdered. Madison is shocked because she just got a message from her friend hours before. Soon after, other friends and people close to Madison are targeted by the same killer. Madison has to look back at her past to save herself and hopefully protect those she loves most.
I’m not sure if “fun” is a word I have ever used to describe a slasher book, but it is the one I keep coming back to with this story - lol! From the opening pages, Brian Dearborn masterfully set a pace that kept me on the edge of my seat til the story was over! With each kill, the tension was ramped up and was reminiscent of 90s slashers films like Scream. I was sure I was able to work out who the killer was but I was wrong! If you enjoy classic slasher-type movies, give this book a try.
Thank you to my friend Jody (@redreadreviews) for gifting this one to me!
This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)
I’m not sure if “fun” is a word I have ever used to describe a slasher book, but it is the one I keep coming back to with this story - lol! From the opening pages, Brian Dearborn masterfully set a pace that kept me on the edge of my seat til the story was over! With each kill, the tension was ramped up and was reminiscent of 90s slashers films like Scream. I was sure I was able to work out who the killer was but I was wrong! If you enjoy classic slasher-type movies, give this book a try.
Thank you to my friend Jody (@redreadreviews) for gifting this one to me!
This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)
July 25, 2023
This book has so much nostalgia for the slashers of the 90s we all loved! The book starts very much so in the style of Scream and hits the ground running from there. I’d also say this book was super suspenseful too, I found myself so anxious by what could be lurking behind the next corners.
While I loved the character of Bradley, I didn’t connect very much to the others. I think part of this came from the dialogue here, it didn’t feel quite as natural or easy as a fully fleshed out character’s would. I also found myself getting incredibly frustrated by decisions the characters made that were stereotypical things to NEVER DO if you’re being chased by a killer in a slasher 😂 on the one hand, the camp and nostalgia of these tropes is enjoyable to a degree, but I think it would have been really cool to elevate beyond these and build on the genre beyond that.
I gotta say though, the killings were WILD in the best way. I mean, utterly gruesome and unique to each other and I loved them. Like you wanna get a shiver down your back? Read this book! It’s quick and fun!
Thank you so much for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review!
While I loved the character of Bradley, I didn’t connect very much to the others. I think part of this came from the dialogue here, it didn’t feel quite as natural or easy as a fully fleshed out character’s would. I also found myself getting incredibly frustrated by decisions the characters made that were stereotypical things to NEVER DO if you’re being chased by a killer in a slasher 😂 on the one hand, the camp and nostalgia of these tropes is enjoyable to a degree, but I think it would have been really cool to elevate beyond these and build on the genre beyond that.
I gotta say though, the killings were WILD in the best way. I mean, utterly gruesome and unique to each other and I loved them. Like you wanna get a shiver down your back? Read this book! It’s quick and fun!
Thank you so much for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review!
July 6, 2023
You know that character you decided early on is the one who did it? You’re totally right.
And you know the reason behind everything you’ve figured out (again early on)? Yep, you’re totally right.
And you know the feeling you have right now that absolutely nothing in this book is going to surprise you? Right again!
There are zero surprises in this book. It’s a perfectly serviceable slasher novel in which characters who are clearly being picked off one by one can’t see the obvious and still find time to party. There’s one character to root for and he (our gay BFF) is not the main character.
The book is definitely entertaining and an easy read, but you might find yourself asking yourself if you really need to finish it. (Spoiler alert! You don’t. You already know who and what and why.)
• ARC via Publisher
And you know the reason behind everything you’ve figured out (again early on)? Yep, you’re totally right.
And you know the feeling you have right now that absolutely nothing in this book is going to surprise you? Right again!
There are zero surprises in this book. It’s a perfectly serviceable slasher novel in which characters who are clearly being picked off one by one can’t see the obvious and still find time to party. There’s one character to root for and he (our gay BFF) is not the main character.
The book is definitely entertaining and an easy read, but you might find yourself asking yourself if you really need to finish it. (Spoiler alert! You don’t. You already know who and what and why.)
• ARC via Publisher
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2023
Super fun 80's slasher style story!
Madison Parker returns home after the sudden murder of her best friend. Reeling with guilt she does her best to get to the bottom the mystery while more and more of her friends and family are at risk. If you love a murderous story, and 80's slasher story or just a compulsive read, Whisper is for you! You truly will read this in one sitting! #Whisper #BrianDearborn
Madison Parker returns home after the sudden murder of her best friend. Reeling with guilt she does her best to get to the bottom the mystery while more and more of her friends and family are at risk. If you love a murderous story, and 80's slasher story or just a compulsive read, Whisper is for you! You truly will read this in one sitting! #Whisper #BrianDearborn
July 25, 2023
YES! This is what I'm talking about! I'm a huge fan of slasher films, and this read like a horror flick. I kept getting Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer vibes while reading it. Scream is my favorite horror movie franchise, so I felt right at home reading Whisper. Brian Dearborn has created something great with his debut novel. It is a wild ride from start to finish that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Madison is great MC, who gives final girl vibes from the moment she is introduced. I was cheering her on from the get go. Her inner circle of friends were given ample time for readers to fall in love with them, which just makes you care that much more if they live or die. There were so many times that I thought Brian was going to take the life of a character and didn't, and when I thought he wouldn't, and he did, which is the sign of a true thriller writer. This was such a fun, easy read that I would highly recommend to lovers of slasher films and readers looking for a intro into the genre.
July 7, 2023
“Do you like scary movies?”
“- What do you want?
- To see what your insides look like”
If you’re a fan of 90’s slashers films, I’m sure you know who said those lines (it was Ghostface, in case you have no idea). Also, if your answer was YES, you HAVE TO read this one cause Whisper is one of those slashers in book format and you’re gonna love it.
The author says in his acknowledgments that he wanted to recreate the experience of watching movies as Scream or I Know What You Did Last Summer, and he succeeds in spades as Whisper is a really compelling and addictive read. That opening scene screams Scream (see what I did there 😅), and you can’t help but put Drew Barrymore’s face on Amy.
Madison is grieving the death of her father, and going through a break up with her long term boyfriend. When one of her childhood friends is murdered, she’s in shock, as she got a message from her just hours before. Soon after more people from her circle of friends and co-workers get targeted by the same killer, so she’ll have to delve into her past to track the killer down before she becomes a victim as well.
Whisper may be short (around 250 pages), but it sure packs a punch in each and every one of them. With little nods to those movies, the graphic (but not too graphic) nature of the murders, showing some inventive and fun (what does that say about me? 😆) ways to kill the characters, is one of the things that brought back those nostalgic memories of being at the movies.
Do you know how, when you’re watching a movie and the character does something stupid like running upstairs while escaping from the killer, or going outside to investigate all alone after hearing a noise, you yell at your TV things like “don’t go there!” or “why are you going alone, you idiot?!”? Well, I did the exact same thing while reading Whisper, and yelling at my kindle is always a good sign, as it means I’m in the story 100%.
In good slasher fashion you will suspect everyone and no one will be safe. The question is…will there be a final girl this time?
Under the whole murderous spree, the novel has an underlying theme of grief and resilience that becomes much more significant once you read the author’s note at the end.
Whisper pays homage to all those slashers and the whole generation of people that grew up with them in a truly fantastic way. It is a gripping and promising debut, absolutely bingeable, and the perfect read for this summer while sitting by the pool or at the beach. I can’t wait to see what Brian comes out with next.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
“- What do you want?
- To see what your insides look like”
If you’re a fan of 90’s slashers films, I’m sure you know who said those lines (it was Ghostface, in case you have no idea). Also, if your answer was YES, you HAVE TO read this one cause Whisper is one of those slashers in book format and you’re gonna love it.
The author says in his acknowledgments that he wanted to recreate the experience of watching movies as Scream or I Know What You Did Last Summer, and he succeeds in spades as Whisper is a really compelling and addictive read. That opening scene screams Scream (see what I did there 😅), and you can’t help but put Drew Barrymore’s face on Amy.
Madison is grieving the death of her father, and going through a break up with her long term boyfriend. When one of her childhood friends is murdered, she’s in shock, as she got a message from her just hours before. Soon after more people from her circle of friends and co-workers get targeted by the same killer, so she’ll have to delve into her past to track the killer down before she becomes a victim as well.
Whisper may be short (around 250 pages), but it sure packs a punch in each and every one of them. With little nods to those movies, the graphic (but not too graphic) nature of the murders, showing some inventive and fun (what does that say about me? 😆) ways to kill the characters, is one of the things that brought back those nostalgic memories of being at the movies.
Do you know how, when you’re watching a movie and the character does something stupid like running upstairs while escaping from the killer, or going outside to investigate all alone after hearing a noise, you yell at your TV things like “don’t go there!” or “why are you going alone, you idiot?!”? Well, I did the exact same thing while reading Whisper, and yelling at my kindle is always a good sign, as it means I’m in the story 100%.
In good slasher fashion you will suspect everyone and no one will be safe. The question is…will there be a final girl this time?
Under the whole murderous spree, the novel has an underlying theme of grief and resilience that becomes much more significant once you read the author’s note at the end.
Whisper pays homage to all those slashers and the whole generation of people that grew up with them in a truly fantastic way. It is a gripping and promising debut, absolutely bingeable, and the perfect read for this summer while sitting by the pool or at the beach. I can’t wait to see what Brian comes out with next.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 22, 2023
What a fast thrill ride. A relatively short story full of slasher moments. A genre done to death but told in a mire character reveal driven way. Story very generic but total emersion . The conclusion of the story came too soon for me. I wanted more. Look forward to the next one. A fantastic 5 higjly recommended. Thank you net gallery for my arc
June 22, 2023
I really enjoyed this slasher/thriller from debut author Brian Dearborn. Majorly recommend this read for Scream movie fans or fans of traditional slasher films! This was such a fast-paced action read that I flew through. The characters were so fun and I enjoyed piecing together who I thought the murderer was!
July 16, 2023
If you’re a 90s kid that loved Scream & I Know What You Did Last Summer— this book is for YOU! It has all the things you want in a slasher film: a targeted group of friends, a potential final girl, a killer with a distinctive mask & knife, clues leading you to figure out what could be going on & as always, everyone is a suspect!
They just don’t make slashers like they used to & this one definitely scratched my itch for it!! Brian Dearborn understood the assignment & I can’t wait to see what he does next!
They just don’t make slashers like they used to & this one definitely scratched my itch for it!! Brian Dearborn understood the assignment & I can’t wait to see what he does next!
May 4, 2023
I read this book (coming out in July) thanks to Netgalley! Madison is enjoying her adult life until her dad does, then her best friend is killed, and now more people she knows are being murdered. The only question is, who is doing the killing? If you're a fan of the Scream movies; this book is for you. It was such a fast paced book with great characters and you were rooting for them to win. I found myself guessing the whole way through and trying to put clues together and still being at least a little surprised at the whole reveal. The authors writing kept you engaged and able to imagine the scenes without being grotesque. My only real critique was the dialogue between characters felt too forced/unrealistic.
July 23, 2023
perfect read for the beach or pool, i finished this in just a few hours! just enough twists and turns with calls to scream and other slasher favorites.
April 29, 2023
Thank you to Mr. Dearborn for an advanced reading copy of Whisper !
With a sharp, poignant prologue that is reminiscent to the iconic openings of our favorite Scream movies, Whisper will draw you into its story right from the start. This entire novel really is a love letter to slasher films, especially those of the 90’s and early 2000’s, but with modern twists and turns. Our main character, Madison is the perfect final girl to navigate through a fun cast of characters with us. Just like any good slasher, with each new character that greets Madison, readers will be wary of their motives until the final killer reveal.
This was just such a fun, fast paced book and definitely poolside or beach read approved. Grab your copy July 18th !!!
With a sharp, poignant prologue that is reminiscent to the iconic openings of our favorite Scream movies, Whisper will draw you into its story right from the start. This entire novel really is a love letter to slasher films, especially those of the 90’s and early 2000’s, but with modern twists and turns. Our main character, Madison is the perfect final girl to navigate through a fun cast of characters with us. Just like any good slasher, with each new character that greets Madison, readers will be wary of their motives until the final killer reveal.
This was just such a fun, fast paced book and definitely poolside or beach read approved. Grab your copy July 18th !!!
March 29, 2024
Thank you @NetGallery and @BrianDearborn for allowing me to review this book early.
This book was absolutely amazing and a page turner. Madison is going through a break up when she finds out her best friend Amy was murdered. The killer is on the loose and Madison has no idea who it is.
I can’t wait to read more books from this author. I definitely recommend you checking it out if you love thrillers with a mystery. And especially if you love 90’s slasher movies.
This book was absolutely amazing and a page turner. Madison is going through a break up when she finds out her best friend Amy was murdered. The killer is on the loose and Madison has no idea who it is.
I can’t wait to read more books from this author. I definitely recommend you checking it out if you love thrillers with a mystery. And especially if you love 90’s slasher movies.
September 7, 2023
“You have Madison to thank.”
The prologue to the book "Whisper" by Brian Dearborn blew me away. Amy and I hid together and hoped that we would survive until the police arrived. Did that happen?
I met Madison at the moment when she was making an important life decision. She wants to leave her partner Kylem because she doesn't feel good in the relationship. Her partner either plays games all the time or works all the time. Will it be that easy to break up after three years in a relationship?
Our heroine has two wonderful friends, Bradley and Jessica. She used to party hard with them. Will they also take her into the dance whirlwind now? How will it benefit?
Her childhood best friend is Amy. What will happen when Madison finds out that her best friend has been murdered?
Our heroine has a brother named Zane. Will the tragedies that befall her family bring the siblings closer together? I was worried about them. They recently buried their father, and now they have to say goodbye to Amy. How many more tragedies will there be?
While reading this short story, I had the impression that I was taking part in the movie "Scream" or "I Know What You Did Last Summer".
This story is perfect for those who love thriller books. It was a very good read. A short story, but so many emotions. The author has a unique imagination. You absolutely must meet his. He builds tension very well. Interesting plot, good action with amazing twists and unique characters. I wonder if you will discover the truth before it reveals itself.
I recommend.
The prologue to the book "Whisper" by Brian Dearborn blew me away. Amy and I hid together and hoped that we would survive until the police arrived. Did that happen?
I met Madison at the moment when she was making an important life decision. She wants to leave her partner Kylem because she doesn't feel good in the relationship. Her partner either plays games all the time or works all the time. Will it be that easy to break up after three years in a relationship?
Our heroine has two wonderful friends, Bradley and Jessica. She used to party hard with them. Will they also take her into the dance whirlwind now? How will it benefit?
Her childhood best friend is Amy. What will happen when Madison finds out that her best friend has been murdered?
Our heroine has a brother named Zane. Will the tragedies that befall her family bring the siblings closer together? I was worried about them. They recently buried their father, and now they have to say goodbye to Amy. How many more tragedies will there be?
While reading this short story, I had the impression that I was taking part in the movie "Scream" or "I Know What You Did Last Summer".
This story is perfect for those who love thriller books. It was a very good read. A short story, but so many emotions. The author has a unique imagination. You absolutely must meet his. He builds tension very well. Interesting plot, good action with amazing twists and unique characters. I wonder if you will discover the truth before it reveals itself.
I recommend.
July 21, 2023
Wow! This book is absolutely incredible! I love a great horror story, and a good slasher movie. This book encompasses all of the best of both of these things. I flew through this book!
This book hits the ground running from the first page. It has an absolutely amazing opening. It has short, fast-paced chapters. I felt like I was watching this story as a movie - I couldn't wait to get to the end. I had to know who the killer was - it was hard not to peek at the end!
Madison is a professional working in San Diego. She has a good job, a loving family, and great friends. She recently lost her Dad, and she is trying to grieve. I really don't want to give away any other details. Madison's life takes some unexpected twists and turns. Her life shifts from San Diego back to her home in Connecticut.
Brian Dearborn has written a true horror/slasher story. I don't think horror writers get enough credit. It is hard to write a story that moves fast, scares the reader, and keeps them on the edge of their seat. He does this here. I read this book in one day, and I lost track of the number of times I had to stop and catch my breath. The imagery he writes here is perfect - it goes right up to the line of great horror. He never steps over it. I was even peeking around the corners while reading this.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this incredible book! I cannot wait to read what Brian Dearborn writes next! If you are looking for a story reminiscent of the great horror films of the 90s, pick this one up!
This book hits the ground running from the first page. It has an absolutely amazing opening. It has short, fast-paced chapters. I felt like I was watching this story as a movie - I couldn't wait to get to the end. I had to know who the killer was - it was hard not to peek at the end!
Madison is a professional working in San Diego. She has a good job, a loving family, and great friends. She recently lost her Dad, and she is trying to grieve. I really don't want to give away any other details. Madison's life takes some unexpected twists and turns. Her life shifts from San Diego back to her home in Connecticut.
Brian Dearborn has written a true horror/slasher story. I don't think horror writers get enough credit. It is hard to write a story that moves fast, scares the reader, and keeps them on the edge of their seat. He does this here. I read this book in one day, and I lost track of the number of times I had to stop and catch my breath. The imagery he writes here is perfect - it goes right up to the line of great horror. He never steps over it. I was even peeking around the corners while reading this.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this incredible book! I cannot wait to read what Brian Dearborn writes next! If you are looking for a story reminiscent of the great horror films of the 90s, pick this one up!
July 4, 2023
When Brian asked if I wanted to read his book and described it as “Scream mixed with I Know What You Did Last Summer” I said HELL YES! I am so glad I did because this was the most fun read I’ve read in one sitting. Thank you for dealing with all my annoying DM play by plays lol
Madison is our main character and such a wonderful protagonist. She lives in San Diego (yay) and ends up traveling back to her childhood home of Connecticut after her friend is murdered. From there we find out a psychopathic serial killer is targeting her and her friends.
For fans of the 90’s and all its slasher style films, you need this. It has so many fun references to so many. We have dead air phone calls, a message left on a mirror, a shower scene (hello Ryan Phillippe) and so many more. I just got a real kick out of all of it.
The writing is wonderful and easy to follow along. I also enjoyed the ending, and I won’t lie, I thought someone else was our villain. So, bonus points for stumping me! I loved this and can’t wait to see what Brian has for us next. Thank you so much for my copy and I am glad your book has brought us together and made us friends!
Madison is our main character and such a wonderful protagonist. She lives in San Diego (yay) and ends up traveling back to her childhood home of Connecticut after her friend is murdered. From there we find out a psychopathic serial killer is targeting her and her friends.
For fans of the 90’s and all its slasher style films, you need this. It has so many fun references to so many. We have dead air phone calls, a message left on a mirror, a shower scene (hello Ryan Phillippe) and so many more. I just got a real kick out of all of it.
The writing is wonderful and easy to follow along. I also enjoyed the ending, and I won’t lie, I thought someone else was our villain. So, bonus points for stumping me! I loved this and can’t wait to see what Brian has for us next. Thank you so much for my copy and I am glad your book has brought us together and made us friends!
July 3, 2023
Young biotech professional Madison Parker's life takes a dark turn after her hometown best friend is murdered. As the killer targets others in her inner circle, Madison must confront her own secrets and unravel the motives behind the killings before she becomes the next victim. This gripping thriller explores grief, resilience, and the disturbing nature of evil.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Right off the bat, this book made me automatically feel like I was watching a slasher movie. Following Madison, you are taken on a suspenseful ride as she navigates the aftermath of her best friends brutal murder. While reading, there was an appropriate amount of tension throughout, and Dearborn excelled in leaving constant thoughts in your head, as in "Who is the killer?" and "What is their motive?"
I'd recommend this book to anyone in the mood for a quick binge with a slasher-stye suspense.
Huge thank you to NetGalley and the author for graciously sending me an ARC of this novel for an honest review!
"Whisper" by John Dearborn comes out July 18th!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Right off the bat, this book made me automatically feel like I was watching a slasher movie. Following Madison, you are taken on a suspenseful ride as she navigates the aftermath of her best friends brutal murder. While reading, there was an appropriate amount of tension throughout, and Dearborn excelled in leaving constant thoughts in your head, as in "Who is the killer?" and "What is their motive?"
I'd recommend this book to anyone in the mood for a quick binge with a slasher-stye suspense.
Huge thank you to NetGalley and the author for graciously sending me an ARC of this novel for an honest review!
"Whisper" by John Dearborn comes out July 18th!
July 8, 2023
This was a really good fast paced, unputdownable, captivating and intriguing slasher read. This books reminded me of those 90s slasher films that I loved soooo much. I really liked the characters- very fun relatable and slightly annoying with their very 90s style decision making when faced with danger. Also I don't know if it was just me but I felt like the author was leaving little clues to help us figure out who the killer was(I guessed right btw, so extra points for me haha). Though this was a short read it was action packed and felt very nostalgic taking me back to my teenage years when I would be on summer vacation and binge watch so many slasher movies.
I highly recommend this one for those who love that genre of books and movies and even if you don't I really do believe you'll love this all the same.
Thank you Netgalley and Victory Editing for my Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
I highly recommend this one for those who love that genre of books and movies and even if you don't I really do believe you'll love this all the same.
Thank you Netgalley and Victory Editing for my Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
July 23, 2023
Super quick and fun slasher read! If you like slasher movies (Scream, I Know What You Did Last Summer, etc.) this fits right in with those vibes. The opening chapter is very reminiscent of Scream and since Scream is one of my favorite movies, I ate that right up.
However, I found the dialog to be kind of stiff and felt awkward, like the conversations didn’t all flow naturally. I also guessed the killer and motive really early on, despite the author trying to throw in various other suspects.
I wanted something I could read this afternoon that wouldn’t take a lot of time to get into / would be an easy read and this met those expectations! 3 stars because it was a one sitting read and I liked the classic slasher vibe.
However, I found the dialog to be kind of stiff and felt awkward, like the conversations didn’t all flow naturally. I also guessed the killer and motive really early on, despite the author trying to throw in various other suspects.
I wanted something I could read this afternoon that wouldn’t take a lot of time to get into / would be an easy read and this met those expectations! 3 stars because it was a one sitting read and I liked the classic slasher vibe.
July 3, 2023
I read this as an ARC for Netgalley. This book is a classic 90's slasher, giving "Scream" and "I Know What You Did Last Summer" vibes.. The kind where you spend the whole time screaming, "Don't go that way!" "Omg what are you doing!" For being less than 200 pages, it was a well paced storyline without feeling rushed. The characters where likeable, naive, but likeable. It really had my attention and kept me wanting to read more and more to figure it out. It's not a particularly twisty book, however, it falls right in line with the theme and it stays true to that. I thoroughly enjoyed "Whisper."
March 10, 2023
This was a super fun fast paced slasher horror that brought all the hair raising spooky vibes! I devoured this in 2 settings and was kept guessing “who dunnit?”. Make this your summer spooky beach read when it comes out officially July 18th!
August 2, 2023
MUST read!!!!!!! Love the twists and turns of this slasher thriller! Get it now!
July 23, 2023
Ich hatte wirklich meinen Spaß mit diesem englischen Thriller, auch wenn ich sagen muss, dass nicht alles perfekt war. Aber als Kind der 90er bin ich mit Filmen wie „Scream“, „Ich weiß ...“, „Düstere Legenden“ etc. aufgewachsen und war ihnen verfallen. Eine Gruppe von Freunden, viele Morde und die Frage: Wer ist der Killer. Das hat mir damals Spaß gemacht und macht es mir auch heute noch! Und „Whisper“ ist genau das, ein Slasher, wie er Ende der 90 das Kino erobert hätte.
Klar, die Geschichte ist jetzt nichts bahnbrechendes, es gibt auch einige Klischees, aber hier stört es nicht, da genau das alles den Charme dieses Genres ausmacht. Beim Lesen lief ein Film vor meinen Augen ab, was nicht zuletzt dem knackigen Schreibstil Dearborns geschuldet ist, der nicht lange schwafelt, sondern schnell zum Punkt kommt und Spannung liefert. Hier und da hätte ich mir jedoch ein paar Szenen noch etwas mehr ausgebaut gewünscht, aber das ist Meckern auf hohem Niveau.
Das Buch ist gepackt mit brutalen Szenen und einigen Wendungen, die vielleicht nicht immer überraschen können, aber perfekt ins Bild passen. Die Charaktere sind stereotypen, aber genau das habe ich erwartet. Die Verbindung zu Madisons Vergangenheit jedoch fand ich schlüssig erzählt und gibt dem Ganzen etwas Tiefe. Weiter fand ich die herzliche Hommage an Slasher sowie die Popkultur-Verweise wirklich toll.
„Whisper“ ist ein kurzer und knackiger Thriller, ein Slasher wie er im Buche steht, den ich mir perfekt als Film vorstellen könnte. Schnell, brutal und spannend.
Klar, die Geschichte ist jetzt nichts bahnbrechendes, es gibt auch einige Klischees, aber hier stört es nicht, da genau das alles den Charme dieses Genres ausmacht. Beim Lesen lief ein Film vor meinen Augen ab, was nicht zuletzt dem knackigen Schreibstil Dearborns geschuldet ist, der nicht lange schwafelt, sondern schnell zum Punkt kommt und Spannung liefert. Hier und da hätte ich mir jedoch ein paar Szenen noch etwas mehr ausgebaut gewünscht, aber das ist Meckern auf hohem Niveau.
Das Buch ist gepackt mit brutalen Szenen und einigen Wendungen, die vielleicht nicht immer überraschen können, aber perfekt ins Bild passen. Die Charaktere sind stereotypen, aber genau das habe ich erwartet. Die Verbindung zu Madisons Vergangenheit jedoch fand ich schlüssig erzählt und gibt dem Ganzen etwas Tiefe. Weiter fand ich die herzliche Hommage an Slasher sowie die Popkultur-Verweise wirklich toll.
„Whisper“ ist ein kurzer und knackiger Thriller, ein Slasher wie er im Buche steht, den ich mir perfekt als Film vorstellen könnte. Schnell, brutal und spannend.
June 29, 2023
Thanks NetGalley and Brian Dearborn for the copy of this book.
This is a super fast, fun read. Last night I planned to sit down and read a few pages and ended up reading the entire book
As Madison is grieving the death of her father and the breakup with her long term boyfriend, she learns one of her best childhood friends was brutally murdered. Soon others in Madison's life, friends and co-workers, seem to be targets of the same killer. As the killer closes in on Madison's tight circle of friends, she must look into her past to track down the killer before she becomes his next victim.
The second half of this book really reminded me of the great slasher films of the 1980s. I found myself rolling my eyes and screaming at the characters for their ridiculously dumb decisions when knowing there was a killer on the loose. And I mean that is a fantastically fun way! This books is high on entertainment and brought back some good memories from my childhood...when I watched slasher films not when I was being chased by a serial killer!
High recommendation for people who love thrillers and slasher films! It would also be a great book to get out of a reading slump! Lightening paced!
This is a super fast, fun read. Last night I planned to sit down and read a few pages and ended up reading the entire book
As Madison is grieving the death of her father and the breakup with her long term boyfriend, she learns one of her best childhood friends was brutally murdered. Soon others in Madison's life, friends and co-workers, seem to be targets of the same killer. As the killer closes in on Madison's tight circle of friends, she must look into her past to track down the killer before she becomes his next victim.
The second half of this book really reminded me of the great slasher films of the 1980s. I found myself rolling my eyes and screaming at the characters for their ridiculously dumb decisions when knowing there was a killer on the loose. And I mean that is a fantastically fun way! This books is high on entertainment and brought back some good memories from my childhood...when I watched slasher films not when I was being chased by a serial killer!
High recommendation for people who love thrillers and slasher films! It would also be a great book to get out of a reading slump! Lightening paced!
June 30, 2023
Madison Parker has just broken up with her long term boyfriend and is still grieving the sudden death of her father. She is eager to get her life back on track. Then out of nowhere, she is informed of the brutal murder of her best friend, Amy, back home in Connecticut. Unfortunately, Amy’s death is only the beginning.
Before long, more people Madison knows become victims of violent attacks and murders. Can she figure out who the masked, knife-wielding killer is before she becomes a victim as well?
If you love old school slasher films, this is the book for you! Literally from the first chapter, I was hooked. I finished this book in 24 hours. Madison is “one badass chica” and fights until the very end, regardless of the losses she has suffered. I do have a couple of lingering questions about a few of the characters, but other than that, this book was great. It was giving me some Grady Hendrix “Final Girls Support Group” vibes.
Before long, more people Madison knows become victims of violent attacks and murders. Can she figure out who the masked, knife-wielding killer is before she becomes a victim as well?
If you love old school slasher films, this is the book for you! Literally from the first chapter, I was hooked. I finished this book in 24 hours. Madison is “one badass chica” and fights until the very end, regardless of the losses she has suffered. I do have a couple of lingering questions about a few of the characters, but other than that, this book was great. It was giving me some Grady Hendrix “Final Girls Support Group” vibes.
July 12, 2023
First of all, thank you so much to the publishers and to netgalley for my early read of Whisper in exchange for my honest review.
After losing her best childhood friend Amy, Madison grapples with death happening all around her. Not just any kind of death, but murder. The Killer leaves her clues with each murder but who's behind it all? The closer she gets to the truth, the more danger she finds herself in. At what cost will Madison find the real killer?
I absolutely loved this one. It took me back to some of my childhood and truly reminded me of I Know What You Did Last Summer and Scream. I wholeheartedly related to the fact that Dearborn was inspired by a story he wrote in as a pre-teen as I also plan to finish and publish a short story I wrote in high school. This was my first time reading Brian's work and I am so so looking forward to reading anything and everything by him after reading Whisper.
5 perfect stars!!!!!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
After losing her best childhood friend Amy, Madison grapples with death happening all around her. Not just any kind of death, but murder. The Killer leaves her clues with each murder but who's behind it all? The closer she gets to the truth, the more danger she finds herself in. At what cost will Madison find the real killer?
I absolutely loved this one. It took me back to some of my childhood and truly reminded me of I Know What You Did Last Summer and Scream. I wholeheartedly related to the fact that Dearborn was inspired by a story he wrote in as a pre-teen as I also plan to finish and publish a short story I wrote in high school. This was my first time reading Brian's work and I am so so looking forward to reading anything and everything by him after reading Whisper.
5 perfect stars!!!!!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 13, 2023
When Madisons relationship fails soon after losing her dad she’s heartbroken but no she’s done the right thing but when she finds out her friend Amy was murdered she’s devastated. Thankfully her brother Zane only lives a couple hours away in LA and comes to have lunch and drive her to the airport he is Presley arrive from a business trip but doesn’t hesitate to help his sister unfortunately Amy will not be the only friend or acquaintance of Madison that is murdered and after each she has left the clue but who is doing it and why? I love a great thriller/horror story and couldn’t wait to read this one I’m going to be honest and say I was not at all disappointed although I thought the ending felt a bit rushed it was still so good and it will definitely go on my shelf of books that I couldn’t put down. I want to think flame tree press and net Galley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
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