What do you think?
Rate this book
Klondike #1
Not a Whisper
When a retreat becomes a nightmare...
When Cherie Marshall catches her fiancé and best friend in a compromising position, she cancels her upcoming wedding and jumps at the chance to escape to quiet Klondike, Pennsylvania to care for her elderly aunt. She thought her biggest issue would be adapting to life in the middle of a National Forest, so very different from her upbringing in the deserts of Arizona.
But that was before she met State Trooper Fire Marshall Jamison "Jazz" Maddox at the scene of a mysterious fire. As they both become acquainted with the close-knit Klondike residents, things get complicated as Cherie and Jazz find themselves in the middle of a local crime wave where arson, kidnapping, embezzlement and a decades-old murder are just the tip of the iceberg.
When Cherie Marshall catches her fiancé and best friend in a compromising position, she cancels her upcoming wedding and jumps at the chance to escape to quiet Klondike, Pennsylvania to care for her elderly aunt. She thought her biggest issue would be adapting to life in the middle of a National Forest, so very different from her upbringing in the deserts of Arizona.
But that was before she met State Trooper Fire Marshall Jamison "Jazz" Maddox at the scene of a mysterious fire. As they both become acquainted with the close-knit Klondike residents, things get complicated as Cherie and Jazz find themselves in the middle of a local crime wave where arson, kidnapping, embezzlement and a decades-old murder are just the tip of the iceberg.
342 pages, ebook
First published February 15, 2013
174 people are currently reading
482 people want to read
About the author
D.B. McNicol
34 books77 followersDonna was destined to be a writer - in the 4th grade she took her toy typewriter and painstakingly typed out the neighborhood news, one copy at a time, and sold it to the neighbors for ten cents. But writing would take a back seat to 30+ years in the IT industry.
A late in life lover of adventure, she learned to ride a motorcycle at age 55, traveled the US solo on her Harley-Davidson at age 58 (42 states and 27k miles), selling her home and everything she owned to become a full-time RVer eventually where she met her current husband. They continued traveling in their 41' fifth wheel trailer (with room for their two motorcycles). In 2012 she decided to give fiction writing a try. Her first book, "Home Again" was a romance, quickly followed by the first two books in her Klondike Mystery series, "Not a Whisper" and "Barely a Spark".
Her latest adventure? Living in Cuenca, Ecuador where she continues her writing.
A late in life lover of adventure, she learned to ride a motorcycle at age 55, traveled the US solo on her Harley-Davidson at age 58 (42 states and 27k miles), selling her home and everything she owned to become a full-time RVer eventually where she met her current husband. They continued traveling in their 41' fifth wheel trailer (with room for their two motorcycles). In 2012 she decided to give fiction writing a try. Her first book, "Home Again" was a romance, quickly followed by the first two books in her Klondike Mystery series, "Not a Whisper" and "Barely a Spark".
Her latest adventure? Living in Cuenca, Ecuador where she continues her writing.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 3, 2024
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book one of three
The local bar 🍸and restaurant has been destroyed by fire 🔥. A dead body is found of a girl 👧 who went missing 20 years ago. The local police investigation is complicated but does end with the arrest of the killer and arsonist.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic family and friends relationships mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024
This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book one of three
The local bar 🍸and restaurant has been destroyed by fire 🔥. A dead body is found of a girl 👧 who went missing 20 years ago. The local police investigation is complicated but does end with the arrest of the killer and arsonist.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic family and friends relationships mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024
June 4, 2018
Suspense
A small town is rocked when the local bar The Drop Inn burns down and a body is found in the basement. Who is the the teenage girl that they find and who set the fire?
A great whodunit tale with a little romance and family problems thrown in. Going to find next book in this series because there is more crime to be solved.
A small town is rocked when the local bar The Drop Inn burns down and a body is found in the basement. Who is the the teenage girl that they find and who set the fire?
A great whodunit tale with a little romance and family problems thrown in. Going to find next book in this series because there is more crime to be solved.
July 24, 2020
Fantastic book. This is the first book that starts the Klondike Series. Easy to read, page turner, hated to put it down. Even action packed and intriguing.
I highly recommend this book. Read twice already and will read again and have. Loved the book.
I highly recommend this book. Read twice already and will read again and have. Loved the book.
May 30, 2025
A Klondike Mystery
The mystery centers around a mysterious fire that destroys the Drop Inn. Cherie who is staying with her Aunt Pansy to help care for her. An investigation into the fire begins. During the fire a body of a young girl is found in a freezer. Several suspects come to mind. The police investigation is well done.
The mystery centers around a mysterious fire that destroys the Drop Inn. Cherie who is staying with her Aunt Pansy to help care for her. An investigation into the fire begins. During the fire a body of a young girl is found in a freezer. Several suspects come to mind. The police investigation is well done.
December 4, 2020
This book is set in a small town in Pennsylvania. That earns it a bonus in my opinion. There are too many books set in LA, NYC, Chicago, and other major cities. We need more books set in small towns.
McNichol has the ‘persona’ of a small town nailed perfectly – the daily gathering of folks at the local diner, everyone pitching in to help a neighbor in need, the accumulated lore of life-long residents that makes each town unique.
But McNichol showing all those folks gathered at the diner has a downside: She introduced so many people in the first chapter, I couldn’t keep them straight (except for the main and primary characters). It made for some ‘Now, who the heck is this?’ moments throughout the story and left me still unsure about who some of these lesser characters were at the end of the book.
A P.S. The cover show here does not match the cover on the
One critical requirement for me to like a book is caring about the characters. McNichol made me care – wanted the good guys and gals to win and the bad guys and gals to get their comeuppance.
There are a few glitches here that jumped out at me. For one, McNichol tends to take readers by the hand, explaining things most mystery readers don’t need explained – like BOLO and mtDNA. There also are the usual number of usage and grammar errors I’ve come to expect in every e-book I read.
There is a crime involving one main character that is left unsolved here. I am a little disappointed that a mystery isn’t solved in a mystery novel. Will it be solved in the next book? It’s in my ‘To Read’ pile. I’ll find out there.
McNichol has the ‘persona’ of a small town nailed perfectly – the daily gathering of folks at the local diner, everyone pitching in to help a neighbor in need, the accumulated lore of life-long residents that makes each town unique.
But McNichol showing all those folks gathered at the diner has a downside: She introduced so many people in the first chapter, I couldn’t keep them straight (except for the main and primary characters). It made for some ‘Now, who the heck is this?’ moments throughout the story and left me still unsure about who some of these lesser characters were at the end of the book.
A P.S. The cover show here does not match the cover on the
One critical requirement for me to like a book is caring about the characters. McNichol made me care – wanted the good guys and gals to win and the bad guys and gals to get their comeuppance.
There are a few glitches here that jumped out at me. For one, McNichol tends to take readers by the hand, explaining things most mystery readers don’t need explained – like BOLO and mtDNA. There also are the usual number of usage and grammar errors I’ve come to expect in every e-book I read.
There is a crime involving one main character that is left unsolved here. I am a little disappointed that a mystery isn’t solved in a mystery novel. Will it be solved in the next book? It’s in my ‘To Read’ pile. I’ll find out there.
September 26, 2021
This was a freebie and was worth the read. It was good but not great (my problem was the clunky romantic subplot).
Cherie has moved temporarily from Arizona to Pennsylvania for two reasons a) her aunt had a stroke and she wanted to help her b) her ex-fiance cheated on her with her former best friend and she needed space. She is a journalist and is freelancing (hopefully) with the local paper. Klondike PA is rural and in the mountains and much like my own PA hometown in many ways so I liked that.
Jamison "Jazz" Maddox is a fire inspector and has been tasked with finding out who torched a local bar/restaurant owned by an obnoxious wealthy man who's busy cheating on his wife. The caretaker of the place is missing in action and worse they found a dead girl in a freezer in a boarded up basement and she's been there for decades.
Half the town believes the caretaker did it for revenge because he's been cheated and taken advantage of by the owner, half the town thinks he's been kidnapped/injured because he has to be innocent. The dead girl is anyone's guess.
The mystery part of this goes fairly well, though the ending is rushed. There are many points of view in this if that bothers you. It was the romance that I bulked at. Jazz was okay but Cherie was like a teenaged girl about this and then she made stupid choices like going off with her ex (and how that was handled. Jazz is law enforcement and he didn't arrest this dude???
Overall I enjoyed it and I'd read another in the series.
Cherie has moved temporarily from Arizona to Pennsylvania for two reasons a) her aunt had a stroke and she wanted to help her b) her ex-fiance cheated on her with her former best friend and she needed space. She is a journalist and is freelancing (hopefully) with the local paper. Klondike PA is rural and in the mountains and much like my own PA hometown in many ways so I liked that.
Jamison "Jazz" Maddox is a fire inspector and has been tasked with finding out who torched a local bar/restaurant owned by an obnoxious wealthy man who's busy cheating on his wife. The caretaker of the place is missing in action and worse they found a dead girl in a freezer in a boarded up basement and she's been there for decades.
Half the town believes the caretaker did it for revenge because he's been cheated and taken advantage of by the owner, half the town thinks he's been kidnapped/injured because he has to be innocent. The dead girl is anyone's guess.
The mystery part of this goes fairly well, though the ending is rushed. There are many points of view in this if that bothers you. It was the romance that I bulked at. Jazz was okay but Cherie was like a teenaged girl about this and then she made stupid choices like going off with her ex (and how that was handled. Jazz is law enforcement and he didn't arrest this dude???
Overall I enjoyed it and I'd read another in the series.
June 30, 2013
Not a Whisper (A Klondike Mystery) by Donna B. McNicol
I was asked to give an honest review in exchange for a free copy. 4 out of 5 stars.
A small town mystery with plenty of characters all meeting up and gossiping about the events of the night before. There are a load of characters in the book, at times I got lost as to who they were but by far my favourite is Pansy, she is just brilliant, vibrant, and despite a recent illness full of never ending energy. There wasn´t a character I didn´t like, they were all real, with their own daily problems and issues. There is also an additional free pdf you can also read called Klondike Companion which will help with all the characters.
It is a different style of writing from that I am used to and normally read but it didn´t stop me. An enjoyable book with mystery, crime, romance. Nice and simple to read relatively fast paced with a variety going on, romance, drama, mystery, crime. Keeps you guessing.
The Klondike Breakfast club is great and make you want to join in and not be a spectator. It seemed real, the people, the place, even the circumstances.
The ending is surprising, at least it was for me; now, when is the next book out as I need to read it?
Thanks Donna for sending me a copy.
I was asked to give an honest review in exchange for a free copy. 4 out of 5 stars.
A small town mystery with plenty of characters all meeting up and gossiping about the events of the night before. There are a load of characters in the book, at times I got lost as to who they were but by far my favourite is Pansy, she is just brilliant, vibrant, and despite a recent illness full of never ending energy. There wasn´t a character I didn´t like, they were all real, with their own daily problems and issues. There is also an additional free pdf you can also read called Klondike Companion which will help with all the characters.
It is a different style of writing from that I am used to and normally read but it didn´t stop me. An enjoyable book with mystery, crime, romance. Nice and simple to read relatively fast paced with a variety going on, romance, drama, mystery, crime. Keeps you guessing.
The Klondike Breakfast club is great and make you want to join in and not be a spectator. It seemed real, the people, the place, even the circumstances.
The ending is surprising, at least it was for me; now, when is the next book out as I need to read it?
Thanks Donna for sending me a copy.
December 23, 2017
Small town kidnapping, fire and murder. The local 'Drop Inn' has burned to the ground, not the first fire to take place at the location but this time there is a body found and a worker is missing. Money is not always all it is made out to be, the owner of Drop Inn has a life no normal person would want, money or not, marriage with out love, family with out honor or love and sin a plenty. However the money is running low, almost gone is that the perfect setting for arson, kidnapping and even murder?
The work of find out who is a fault to the mess going on is not easy. However the top investigator handles it all with a great team of co workers. Then mix in some romance of several kinds and you have a great story.
I truly enjoyed this book, it keep me wanting more, didn't make the who and why too easy to find. The ending leaves you the same way, not in a bad way by any means - Just where do things go from here and why.
The work of find out who is a fault to the mess going on is not easy. However the top investigator handles it all with a great team of co workers. Then mix in some romance of several kinds and you have a great story.
I truly enjoyed this book, it keep me wanting more, didn't make the who and why too easy to find. The ending leaves you the same way, not in a bad way by any means - Just where do things go from here and why.
December 9, 2019
This book was okay. The story was interesting enough to keep me into it, but it seemed like it wrapped up a little too quickly. I think the thing that bugged me the most was the pace of the relationship between Cherie and Jazz. She supposedly just broke it off with her fiance just before the wedding when she caught him cheating with her best friend. When you've gone through that, you don't just willingly jump right into another relationship. We don't know much about Jazz, specifically his relationship past. And I'm sorry, but I don't know of many cops that are that open to falling head over heels in love with a stranger who doesn't even live in the area. Most cops are more reserved by nature, especially because of their jobs and seeing the awful things people are capable of. Granted, that could all just be my perception, but I still think their relationship was too much, to quickly. I'd give it 2 1/2 stars if that was possible.
December 25, 2017
Klondike Kapers
Interesting mystery with most questions answered by the end of the book (with a couple left unsolved to tease you gently into reading the next one). Generally well written with good detail of the area and official processes, without being mired down by excessive explanations. The many secondary characters introduced tended to become quite confusing until I stopped trying to work out who was who in the coffee club! For me, the story was let down by the way the relationships of main characters was written; conversations/emotions felt very YA and awkward, not flowing anywhere near as well as the rest of the narrative. Almost felt like there were two authors involved, the style was so different. On the whole though, a good solid mystery with enough suspects to keep you guessing.
Interesting mystery with most questions answered by the end of the book (with a couple left unsolved to tease you gently into reading the next one). Generally well written with good detail of the area and official processes, without being mired down by excessive explanations. The many secondary characters introduced tended to become quite confusing until I stopped trying to work out who was who in the coffee club! For me, the story was let down by the way the relationships of main characters was written; conversations/emotions felt very YA and awkward, not flowing anywhere near as well as the rest of the narrative. Almost felt like there were two authors involved, the style was so different. On the whole though, a good solid mystery with enough suspects to keep you guessing.
March 3, 2013
The author once again makes characters come to life. The novel opens with an epilogue that will raise the hairs on the back of your neck and keep you on the alert for clues throughout the entire book. Just when you think you have it figured out, there is a twist in the story line that sends you reeling and wondering where you are. I have never laughed as much when reading a mystery as I did with this book. The characterization is so good you feel as if you are a part of the small town life. You see a new love blooming while an old love is still simmering and all this amongst mystery, suspense, romance and comedy!
August 18, 2021
Next
It’s been a while since I’ve had a chance to just sit and read. This story was a good one to start with. There are a few errors but not distracting enough for me to take away a star. There are a number of characters, which usually distracts me, but the main characters are clearly presented and have a prominent role. There’s also enough sexual tension that brings back an old woman’s memories but no sex. There is one curse word (dam*). (That I recall). I really wish the series were in KU because I love to binge read when I really like the characters. Although I have to watch my reading budget, I did like the story and the writing enough to buy the next book.
It’s been a while since I’ve had a chance to just sit and read. This story was a good one to start with. There are a few errors but not distracting enough for me to take away a star. There are a number of characters, which usually distracts me, but the main characters are clearly presented and have a prominent role. There’s also enough sexual tension that brings back an old woman’s memories but no sex. There is one curse word (dam*). (That I recall). I really wish the series were in KU because I love to binge read when I really like the characters. Although I have to watch my reading budget, I did like the story and the writing enough to buy the next book.
June 22, 2015
Loved it!
I was born and raised in Erie, PA and have been to most of the areas mentioned in the book. So it was a trip down memory lane for me. What is interesting is I now live in AZ. I really like her, D.B.s books. They are well written and there is never anything vulgar or x-rated in them. With this book I thought I had figured who done it (the murder) and was surprised at the end. Well as for the rest of the mystery I'll let you figure that one out by reading it. I'm looking forward to the next installment in the series.
I was born and raised in Erie, PA and have been to most of the areas mentioned in the book. So it was a trip down memory lane for me. What is interesting is I now live in AZ. I really like her, D.B.s books. They are well written and there is never anything vulgar or x-rated in them. With this book I thought I had figured who done it (the murder) and was surprised at the end. Well as for the rest of the mystery I'll let you figure that one out by reading it. I'm looking forward to the next installment in the series.
to-read-maybe
September 29, 2017At 15%: This plot has potential, but the lack of character building means we have all these random names that don't really 'attach' to anyone/thing memorable. That makes it hard to place them and what's going on when I'm floating in a sea of confusion. Authors, I need SOME story development (character building, backstory, plot development) to go along with my action!!! This is a novel, not a TV show!
Also, I hate reading about middle-aged grown adults that instantly want to jump into bed with each other. This is a romance! Show me some!
Also, I hate reading about middle-aged grown adults that instantly want to jump into bed with each other. This is a romance! Show me some!
December 21, 2017
A mysterious fire leads to a dead body...one that has been missing for twenty years. There are lots of clues and suspects to both crimes that the police and fire staff need to unravel. This was an interesting story for its procedures and main characters. However the reason for the 3 rating is I felt that there were too many side characters and plots that muddied up the main story. Having said that, I would be interested in reading the next book in the series to find out more about Jazz and Cherie.
July 17, 2017
This has an interesting story line and good, engaging characters. Being in law enforcement for 37 years, I can appreciate the thread of law enforcement reality spun through it. The ending opens the door to the second book in the series. In other words, not everything is revealed in just this story. For those who like it, a developing romance is featured. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book.
April 3, 2018
Nice start to a series
I like D B McNicol's writing in other of her books I've read and this one didn't disappoint! Nice story about a small town suddenly beset with a supposed arson, maybe a murder or two, kidnapping and a little romance. Great character development of the small-town folks, their gossip, their connections. Could happen anywhere. I surely will read the next one!
I like D B McNicol's writing in other of her books I've read and this one didn't disappoint! Nice story about a small town suddenly beset with a supposed arson, maybe a murder or two, kidnapping and a little romance. Great character development of the small-town folks, their gossip, their connections. Could happen anywhere. I surely will read the next one!
August 15, 2022
Trying to escape from pain Cherie runs to a small town called Bradford to assist her aunt recover from a stroke. Never in her wildest dreams could she have ever dreamed the kind of excitement and drama that would hit Bradford. Just before tourers season.
After the State Police/Fire Marshall is called in, they end up having not only one mystery to solve but they have ....
Well, you will just have to read the book yourself and get sucked into the mystery of the quiet little town of Bradford.
After the State Police/Fire Marshall is called in, they end up having not only one mystery to solve but they have ....
Well, you will just have to read the book yourself and get sucked into the mystery of the quiet little town of Bradford.
July 9, 2016
Great book!
Wow! This is such a good book and I can't wait to read the next one. I really thought I knew who burned the building but was only half right. The characters were vivid and easy to follow. I would recommend this series to anyone that is looking for a mystery and a little romance too. I was especially glad to see they did not fall into bed on the first date.
Wow! This is such a good book and I can't wait to read the next one. I really thought I knew who burned the building but was only half right. The characters were vivid and easy to follow. I would recommend this series to anyone that is looking for a mystery and a little romance too. I was especially glad to see they did not fall into bed on the first date.
January 6, 2018
This book was a pick me up but DON'T put me down.
This book was so good! Yes it was a standalone but had a question left that will need some answers. They give you them pretty much but the next book will figure out the story of how to get there. You will enjoy these characters and some of them will become like family to you. Have fun!
This book was so good! Yes it was a standalone but had a question left that will need some answers. They give you them pretty much but the next book will figure out the story of how to get there. You will enjoy these characters and some of them will become like family to you. Have fun!
February 22, 2018
Enjoyable book. There is a restaurant that burnt so is it arson or electrical? A body of a 15 yr old girl is found in a barrel in the basement of the burnt building. As you try to figure out the mystery the story gets deeper and deeper. You feel you are getting close to finding the answers only to find out a couple of pages to the end of the book. There is no shortage of suspense.
May 24, 2020
Excellent!
Very enjoyable murder mystery! Police and Fire departments work together to solve arson and murder cases. Characters are terrific and fun, investigation interesting, and location sounds like somewhere to be visited. Four stars because of numerous editing errors—- missing word, wrong word, name mistakes. Great start to a new series!
Very enjoyable murder mystery! Police and Fire departments work together to solve arson and murder cases. Characters are terrific and fun, investigation interesting, and location sounds like somewhere to be visited. Four stars because of numerous editing errors—- missing word, wrong word, name mistakes. Great start to a new series!
September 7, 2013
When I began the book, I thought I was going to have a problem following with all the characters, but it was easier than I thought it would be. Didn't like the ending that much because it still left unanswered questions. Overall, I enjoyed it.
December 19, 2017
Finally, a full length novel!😊
This police mystery is a wonderful read. It is well written and keeps you guessing most of the time. Most importantly to me, is it is not graphic, just a well written interwoven mystery with interesting characters.
This police mystery is a wonderful read. It is well written and keeps you guessing most of the time. Most importantly to me, is it is not graphic, just a well written interwoven mystery with interesting characters.
December 4, 2019
Really good Mysteries
A great start to a series with several mysteries. When a neighborhood bar burns down one night, the volunteer fire department finds a body in a freezer in the basement which hasn’t been accessible in twenty years.
A great start to a series with several mysteries. When a neighborhood bar burns down one night, the volunteer fire department finds a body in a freezer in the basement which hasn’t been accessible in twenty years.
June 25, 2015
Really liked
Great mystery not Ontario but a cold case of murder to solve. The characters were all likeable and true sounding. I enjoyed the romance plus how everything was solved.
Great mystery not Ontario but a cold case of murder to solve. The characters were all likeable and true sounding. I enjoyed the romance plus how everything was solved.
July 12, 2015
Whisper
Great page Turner. Lots of subplots going on. Interesting characters and fun situations. Looking forward to reading the next book.
Great page Turner. Lots of subplots going on. Interesting characters and fun situations. Looking forward to reading the next book.
October 4, 2017
Klondike Mystery
Very entertaining book, a murder, a fire, couple of kidnap pings and a lot of twists and turns. Very interesting plot!
Very entertaining book, a murder, a fire, couple of kidnap pings and a lot of twists and turns. Very interesting plot!
October 20, 2017
Good
the fire of a bar and finding a body brings people in a small town together and then two kidnappings.
the fire of a bar and finding a body brings people in a small town together and then two kidnappings.
December 2, 2017
Keeps you guessing.
I really enjoyed this book. I didn't want to put it down. It will keep you guessing until the end.
I really enjoyed this book. I didn't want to put it down. It will keep you guessing until the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews