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Foley Family Mysteries #2
The Whispering River
A Victorian era murder. A modern-day family researcher. Can she unravel a governess's entanglement in a dark family secret?Ireland, 1895. Polly Brady hopes to escape her oppressive past by accepting the position of governess at Colgrannagh, an old house in the Wicklow mountains. But when she learns her employer’s botanist husband died in unusual circumstances, she is drawn into a poisonous deception that threatens her future.2022. After the breakdown of her marriage and the loss of her job, Fiona Foley is determined to start afresh with a research project about a pioneering female doctor from the 19th century. When a shocking discovery is unearthed in the garden, her investigation takes a more sinister twist.As Fiona delves deeper into the family's past, she finds startling evidence of a tragic event that occurred one August night over a century before…With the help of a secret game played by the children and an intricate embroidery of the herb garden passed down through generations, can Fiona succeed in uncovering the truth?With long-buried secrets, dual timeline suspense, and surprising twists and turns, 'The Whispering River' is the second novel in the Foley Family Mysteries series but can also be read as a standalone.
397 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2023
549 people are currently reading
356 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 30, 2024
Although this is book 2 of a series, I listened to it on audible a stand alone novel.
This is a hardcore historical fiction, set in Victorian Ireland, and in modern day. The two timelines are interwoven very cleverly. I was permanently excited to move between the timelines.
Polly, a young woman of dubious background, was raised by a cruel aunt but got a decent enough education to become a governess. She moved to Wicklow (my home county!) and fitted in nicely to the kind and eccentric family as a governess. In Wicklow, she discovers the father of the house, a well respected Botanist, died under strange circumstances. It was there she met Luke. After mysterious and unexplained happenings, she meets her father secretly who drops a bombshell.
In 2022, Fiona arrives in Wicklow as a researcher, a position her mother helps her get after a messy divorce. Fiona is to explore the history of a female doctor. Bones are found in the garden, and her story takes a very shocking twist. She works hard to discover the truth and unearth the real story with a embroidery of a herb garden and a children's game.
The story was mostly set in the historical timeline, but following Fiona's genealogic investigation in real time really enhanced the novel.
Overall this is a skillfully written historical novel with a complicated but well written plot, with a whiff of romance. It engaged me from the beginning and I recommend it!
This is a hardcore historical fiction, set in Victorian Ireland, and in modern day. The two timelines are interwoven very cleverly. I was permanently excited to move between the timelines.
Polly, a young woman of dubious background, was raised by a cruel aunt but got a decent enough education to become a governess. She moved to Wicklow (my home county!) and fitted in nicely to the kind and eccentric family as a governess. In Wicklow, she discovers the father of the house, a well respected Botanist, died under strange circumstances. It was there she met Luke. After mysterious and unexplained happenings, she meets her father secretly who drops a bombshell.
In 2022, Fiona arrives in Wicklow as a researcher, a position her mother helps her get after a messy divorce. Fiona is to explore the history of a female doctor. Bones are found in the garden, and her story takes a very shocking twist. She works hard to discover the truth and unearth the real story with a embroidery of a herb garden and a children's game.
The story was mostly set in the historical timeline, but following Fiona's genealogic investigation in real time really enhanced the novel.
Overall this is a skillfully written historical novel with a complicated but well written plot, with a whiff of romance. It engaged me from the beginning and I recommend it!
August 4, 2023
Another wonderful read from Suzanne Winterly
Loved the dual timeline threads linking Polly and Fiona and everything woven together with Suzanne's signature gardening knowledge. I couldn't put this one down - highly recommend!
Loved the dual timeline threads linking Polly and Fiona and everything woven together with Suzanne's signature gardening knowledge. I couldn't put this one down - highly recommend!
March 13, 2024
Wow!! Definitely a page turner had me guessing the whole time! I did figure out one thing but I cannot say it!!! if you love a mystery this book is for you and romance!! lol
April 18, 2024
Read Book #1 and Now #2 - Hoping there will be a third
Great dual timeline. Loved the genealogy aspect. It can be read alone or as part of the series. I enjoyed the first book and immediately read this one. The plot and characters were well developed. I liked the Fiona character and, although it was only a small part of the story, I was rooting for Fiona to find romance (and I don’t even like romance stories). The ending seemed a little rushed and thrown together in order to tie up and explain all the loose ends but this doesn’t take away from the overall enjoyability of the novel. I would love to see a third volume to this series.
Great dual timeline. Loved the genealogy aspect. It can be read alone or as part of the series. I enjoyed the first book and immediately read this one. The plot and characters were well developed. I liked the Fiona character and, although it was only a small part of the story, I was rooting for Fiona to find romance (and I don’t even like romance stories). The ending seemed a little rushed and thrown together in order to tie up and explain all the loose ends but this doesn’t take away from the overall enjoyability of the novel. I would love to see a third volume to this series.
February 5, 2025
Excellent story
Fiona is tasked with researching her employer's family tree, with focus on his great aunt whom became a doctor during Victorian times. Polly is a governess for the great aunt back in 1895. This dual time-line story tells Polly's story of being a woman in Victorian era and a mystery that happened. Fiona is determined to find out all she can about the governess because she feels she holds the key to the answers she is looking for. A great mystery with a twist I didn't see coming! Highly recommend
Fiona is tasked with researching her employer's family tree, with focus on his great aunt whom became a doctor during Victorian times. Polly is a governess for the great aunt back in 1895. This dual time-line story tells Polly's story of being a woman in Victorian era and a mystery that happened. Fiona is determined to find out all she can about the governess because she feels she holds the key to the answers she is looking for. A great mystery with a twist I didn't see coming! Highly recommend
August 12, 2023
Another great Irish read from Suzanne Winterly🤗
Love, love books about Ireland and the history. Susanne Winterly writes effortlessly and you are right into the story from the first page. I read it over two days and the characters and storyline are well defined and I felt I was right there in the midst of the action as the secrets unfolded.. Loved it👏
Love, love books about Ireland and the history. Susanne Winterly writes effortlessly and you are right into the story from the first page. I read it over two days and the characters and storyline are well defined and I felt I was right there in the midst of the action as the secrets unfolded.. Loved it👏
September 18, 2023
Victorian Madness
The story switches between now and then,130 yrs apart. Polly, a governess with a secret background, Claudia, a botanist with 3 children to raise, with only one being hers and a mysterious plant from South America. What could these all have in common? A lot!
The story switches between now and then,130 yrs apart. Polly, a governess with a secret background, Claudia, a botanist with 3 children to raise, with only one being hers and a mysterious plant from South America. What could these all have in common? A lot!
November 1, 2023
The Whispering River
What a wonderful novel. Suspenseful and exciting. I love books dealing with genealogy. Researching the past can unearth wonderful events then again can unearth events better left unearthed.
What a wonderful novel. Suspenseful and exciting. I love books dealing with genealogy. Researching the past can unearth wonderful events then again can unearth events better left unearthed.
February 22, 2024
Very Good
I enjoy reading dual timeline fiction. This well written novel keeps the reader trying to solve the mystery surrounding the body found buried under an old building. The characters are very interesting and unique. I was very surprised with the ending. I highly recommend.
I enjoy reading dual timeline fiction. This well written novel keeps the reader trying to solve the mystery surrounding the body found buried under an old building. The characters are very interesting and unique. I was very surprised with the ending. I highly recommend.
April 2, 2024
This is book #2 in the series as Fiona moves on to tackle another historical mystery.
While this was another quick read for me, I found that I wasn't as engaged in the storyline as I was in the first book in the series.
While this was another quick read for me, I found that I wasn't as engaged in the storyline as I was in the first book in the series.
May 27, 2024
When fiona starts to unwind a family tree it leads to a lot of mysterious
When Diona helps Daniel to unwind a mystery regarding his late great auntie it leads to the mystery of a governess also a body is dound who is it
When Diona helps Daniel to unwind a mystery regarding his late great auntie it leads to the mystery of a governess also a body is dound who is it
December 9, 2024
Awesome read
I just finished reading both of the Foley Family Mysteries books and I am hoping that there will be a third. I TOTALLY enjoyed both books and I highly recommend them. Thank You Ms Winterly for writing them. Kathy Brazzle
I just finished reading both of the Foley Family Mysteries books and I am hoping that there will be a third. I TOTALLY enjoyed both books and I highly recommend them. Thank You Ms Winterly for writing them. Kathy Brazzle
September 23, 2025
This is book #2 but it was a stand alone novel. Love historical fiction and love anything about Ireland. I enjoy dual timelines when they are done well. This one was a good read and a good adventure. Enjoyed it.
August 2, 2023
Wow!!!!!
Couldn't put this book down. Kept me guessing until the very end. Looking forward to more books! !!!!!! A fabulous author!!
Couldn't put this book down. Kept me guessing until the very end. Looking forward to more books! !!!!!! A fabulous author!!
August 28, 2023
The Whispering River
This thrilling mystery was difficult to put down. I loved all the twist and turns. I’m ready for Book 2.
This thrilling mystery was difficult to put down. I loved all the twist and turns. I’m ready for Book 2.
September 19, 2023
A murder in the Victorian era murder and then a shocking discovery in the garden a mystery to unravel.
September 30, 2023
Easy read, but a little bit drawn out. The ending seemed rushed and a little confusing. Overall an okay read, but not something that demanded my attention.
November 11, 2023
I enjoyed this book until I read the ending. The storyline wasn't as much wrapped up as it was thrown together. I finished this book feeling disappointed and frustrated.
January 12, 2024
Dual story lone
An interesting story told in two eras. It contained different lifestyles and morals. Fascinating to read and the characters seemed real.
An interesting story told in two eras. It contained different lifestyles and morals. Fascinating to read and the characters seemed real.
Read
February 6, 2024Just couldn’t get into the story.
February 15, 2024
Great mystery
I lived the mystery set in 2 timelines. The plot and characters were well developed. The historical/botanical information at the end added to the setting.
I lived the mystery set in 2 timelines. The plot and characters were well developed. The historical/botanical information at the end added to the setting.
April 12, 2024
Well done
I thoroughly enjoyed The Whispering River. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes Victorian novels combined with modern mystery. Hard to put down
I thoroughly enjoyed The Whispering River. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes Victorian novels combined with modern mystery. Hard to put down
August 28, 2024
Gripping!
I loved the book! I couldn't put it down! It was very well written! Can't wait to read more of your books!
I loved the book! I couldn't put it down! It was very well written! Can't wait to read more of your books!
October 19, 2024
A page-turning dual timeline story with wonderful characters and a fabulous Irish setting. Highly recommended.
December 14, 2024
fantastic book
One of the best books I’ve read in a long while, can’t wait to read the next book of Suzanne winterly
One of the best books I’ve read in a long while, can’t wait to read the next book of Suzanne winterly
April 12, 2025
Great characters
Liking the sequel is easy. Writing style flows engaging one into what action is occurring. Plot is fascinating and easy to follow even with the time differences.
Liking the sequel is easy. Writing style flows engaging one into what action is occurring. Plot is fascinating and easy to follow even with the time differences.
December 7, 2023
Elegant prose, interesting characters, beguiling mystery across two timeline tenuously linked by the last survivors from the first. An easy, atmospheric read. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews