Whispers in the Fog

Shadows of Harbor Point #1

by Kayla Lowe

After the tragic death of her husband, Evelyn Marks returns to her childhood home of Harbor Point with her young son, desperate for a fresh start. But the peaceful coastal town she remembers is cloaked in secrets as thick as the fog that rolls in each night.

When an anonymous letter suggests her husband’s death was no accident, Evelyn’s fragile world is shattered. Seeking answers, she turns to Thatcher Caldwell, the kind-hearted local pastor whose unwavering faith becomes her anchor. As they unravel the mystery, they uncover shocking truths about her late husband's involvement in a dangerous syndicate—a past Evelyn never knew existed.

With her son’s safety on the line and danger creeping closer, Evelyn must confront her fears and trust in Thatcher’s guidance—and God’s plan—to uncover the truth before the past destroys everything she holds dear.

A gripping tale of faith, forgiveness, and the power of love, Whispers in the Fog will keep you turning pages late into the night.

Genres: Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Christian, Ebooks, Thriller, Christian Fiction

174 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 25, 2025

About the author

Award-winning author Kayla Lowe writes women's fiction that explores complex themes with sensitivity and depth. Kayla’s books delve into the intricacies of relationships, self-discovery, and resilience. From cozy love stories interspersed with a bit of faith to heartwarming tales of friendship and suspenseful novels of empowerment and heartbreak, her books illustrate the struggles specific to women.

When she’s not churning out her next novel, you can find her with her feet in the sand and a book in her hand or curled up on the couch with her dogs.

Go to www.authorkaylalowe.com for a free book!

Reviews

[Kellie O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful faith filled, action packed mystery/ thriller that kept me turning the pages!! I really enjoyed every moment reading it and I very highly recommend this one!!

Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫💫

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Evelyn wanted to do was return to her hometown and recover after her husband died in an accident. But then everything is questioned.
A great suspense book that will keep you glued to the edge of your seat. Evelyn and Thatcher are wonderful strong characters that learn to trust each other. Very well written.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kalyn Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a little distracted in the book. It was hard to think of the Pastor being involved. He was no Father Dowling.

[Shirley Hill]

Would have liked to giive more...

I enjoyed Kayla Lowe's style and it was free of typos. Two things detracted from overall enjoyment. First was reliance on the protagonist making dumb decisions that didn't make sense at times. They did set her up for a dramatic climax, however. The other thing was plot inconsistencies. E.g. Officer Jim was injured in one chapter, but referred to as dead in another. Something happens at the end that really threw me and almost sent me scrambling through the book looking for a scene that I had missed. A scene in a church where lives were threatened and stained glass windows were broken. Except I had no recall of such a scene. Forgive me if I did somehow miss it, but I suspect the scene was deleted and the epilogue not updated. The other inconsistencies meant that I am pretty sure I'm not crazy. 🤔 Having said that, I am willing to give her another go. One more time through would have caught the inconsistencies, at least. Being prolific can come at the cost of making convenient choices as an author that are often annoying to the reader. Aim high, Ms. Lowe. I know how tough it is to be an author, but I think you are potentially good enough to make the extra effort worthwhile.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

A review primarily about virtual/AI narration - So I listen to a lot of audiobooks, but this is the first one I have purchased with virtual narration, and I have to say, I did not love it. For the first couple minutes I was pleasently surprized that the voice did not sound like a stiff, mechanical, fake voice. Instead, my initial impression was that pleasently female and surprizingly realistic.

However, the longer I listened, the more I noticed inappropriate pausing and intonation that would never have happened with a human reader. And these idiosyncracies were jaring and sometimes cause momentary difficult interpreting what was said.

Also the virtual reader made no attempt to alter the reading voice when different characters were speaking in the story. Actual human readers vary in thier skill at this, but most at least make an attempt, which make it easier to follow when the speakers change.

All of that being said if I were rating for the quality of narration alone, I would probably give this book 2 stars. But then again, if the audio version had a decent narrator, or if I had just read the story myself, I might have given it 4 stars. But the VR narration really impacted my enjoyment of the story.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this 4 1/2 Stars!!

I want to start by saying I received an ARC of this book. This is a Christian romantic suspense book. The main characters are Thatcher and Evelyn. Evelyn is a widow who has a son named Caleb. She has moved back to her old hometown. Not long after moving back she meets Thatcher who is a preacher. Things start happening so she reaches out to Thatcher for help. Is there more to her husbands death? Will she be able to keep her son safe while finding answers. Will she find the answers she wants? I loved to watch how Thatcher helped Evelyn find her way back to God. How he helped her realize God doesn’t cause bad things to happen bad people do. I just truly loved Thatcher. This book was more suspense than romance. I do wish it would’ve had more romance and them getting to know each other more and them spending time with Caleb together. Overall, for the first book in this series I really enjoyed it. If you like a short Christian book that is full of suspense and very slow burn then this may be the book for you.

[June Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evelyn Marks and her son Caleb arrive in Harbor Point hoping to make a fresh start in the home on Maple Street where she grew up, though it has been empty for several years. Their first day in town they meet Thatcher, the pastor at New Dawn Church, not expecting the importance that he would play in their lives in the very near future. One week after returning home, Evelyn receives an unsigned note that begins a series of questions as she finds there are so many mysteries in the “accidental” death of her husband Mark in an auto accident the previous year.
This is just the beginning of some dangerous times ahead for Evelyn and her son and their friends. Very intriguing and unexpected story line. She has to learn to lean on others, especially God. Well written story, will certainly hold your interest.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marichus Real · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evelyn’s husband died in an accident, so she takes her son Caleb and drives to Harbor Point to start again. A few days after her stay in the house where she grew up, she receives a note suggesting that her husband’s accident was not accidental.
Thatcher is the pastor in Harbor Point and since the beginning, he offers his help to her.
I doubted getting this book as I have read several books by Kayla and although I liked her stories, the constant repetition annoyed me. I have to say that I don’t regret having it as it is a wonderful story.
The mystery, the suspense, the fear and the faith in God make this story an interesting one from page one. No repetition at all and impossible to put it aside. Well done!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Theresa Lambe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this was not what I was expecting! Mystery and drama at its finest. And to me, what makes it better, it's clean! It's a faith based mystery and I loved every minute of it.

Thatcher is a pastor for this small town that Evelyn comes back to with her son Caleb, after her husband dies. But as the days go on, she starts getting notes that make her believe her husband’s death wasn't an accident. What she uncovers is a deadly web of lies, operations, and many other illegal activities. And well going through all of this, she's learning to find her faith again, which is utterly beautiful.

Sure, it's clean with a great story line, and a dash of romance but it's certainly not a story to miss!

[Becky Davison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me riveted to the page. This is the first mystery I've read by Kayla Lowe, and I was not disappointed. It was tense, exciting, and engaging. Recently widowed Evelyn was shocked to learn her husband had been involved with some unsavory people before his death, leading to the conclusion that his death may not have been accidental. Pastor Thatcher offers his help unraveling the mystery, as well as trying to protect the widow and her young son. The discovery of clues was quite the journey, adding to the book's enjoyment. Very entertaining read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jim Bean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faith and courage

A mother determined to right the wrongs of her hometown that has become a harbor of underworld corruption doesn't lack courage. Evelyn meets pastor Thatcher who believes in her tale and strengthen her faith and courage. They develop a strong friendship that is likely to bond then forever,

This story brings out the good in people amidst evil surroundings. I really enjoyed the story and applaud the author for not including sexual overtones, foul language or graphic violance. The character development was strengthen enough to support a well portrayed tale.

[Martha E. Walton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too many inconsistencies

I think the author forgot her own created details when referencing them later. Caleb and Sarah's nephew are not cousins. How do you walk out of a church, then drop your hands to your lap while you're supposed to be standing, and look around the inside as if you're still sitting in it? And did I fall asleep and miss the part where they were almost killed in the church, or was that cut out yet still referenced later?
Otherwise, the story keeps moving, predictable, but interesting.

[Krystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the storyline of this book a lot. However, throughout the first 6 chapters there were several things that kept pulling me out of the story due to varying timelines and other items that contradicted themselves. If these are fixed, I think I would rate the book higher.

I did wonder if the Police Chief was involved. The Mayor was specifically mentioned but after the way the Chief talked down to her and Thatcher, it would make sense he was involved in some way.

3 stars

[RoseVE · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great! It held my interest from the first phrase to the last. Lots of suspense and action. Well developed characters. Complex plot with surprises. Faith becoming a reality for a woman burdened with pain and emptiness. Friendship growing and a mother's love all here. I highly recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tessa Dueck · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a suspenseful book that kept me turning the pages, but it wasn’t very believable. I have enjoyed many stories about amateur women sleuths (aka busybodies!), like Jessica Fletcher, Aurora Teagarden, Hannah Swenson, etc., and although all of them put themselves in harm’s way to solve a crime they feel compelled to solve, this time it felt like the main character, Evelyn Marks, goes too far, putting not only herself, but also her son, her best friend and her nephew, and a pastor in danger.

[Christina]

Interesting, rapid story with some plot holes

3-4 stars
Interesting, fast-paced, and exciting with a few odd shifts in the main character's personality/mindset. There was a gap between the end of the story and the epilogue, which might explain a certain seeming mistake. Pretty good. Romance is lowkey and clean and there is no swearing (unless it was euphemistic -- I don't recall). I would try more by this author.

[Genesia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is brilliantly written and captivated me from the very first page to the last. It’s a true page-turner, and I know I will remember it for a long time. The story explores themes of faith and the belief that God is there for you, even when you feel alone. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat, and I enjoyed every minute of it. The most important takeaway for me is that a mother will go to great lengths to protect her child. Additionally, if you have faith and conviction, God will be with you to help you endure every hardship and emerge stronger.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Toni · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was confused about whether I liked the main female character. Characters that don't pay attention to warning signs are not very wise. Then when she starts paying attention to what is going on she leaves her son to relatives. One place the author has Jim healing (page 154) and a few pages later (158), Jim died. Confusing. Same person? Two different people?

[Beth McGee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buckle up!

This book is a scary, high speed chase to the finish line! It is full of suspense but has a safety line known as God. The characters are warm, determined people who believe in truth and justice. The first ish line comes up quickly kly. So fasten your seat belts and settle in for a good read!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me engaged and is a really great read. Kayla has written a well-done suspenseful book that keeps you turning the kindle pages pretty quickly. I am looking forward to reading the entire series soon because I know that she is going to make all of the books AMAZING 5/5 star reads.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Evelyn decides she needs to know more about her husband's accident she doesn't realize how much danger it puts her and her son in. This book is a real page turner because the danger just keeps coming.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This,was,an intriguing read. Evelyn and her son Caleb move to her hometown after her husband died in an accident. She finds out it might not have been. Thatcher helps her to unravel what really happened. Enjoyed this story. Received a free copy.

[Jim Devinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly great read of courage, salvation, and how surprising and wonderful God is.

I loved that there was no blatant sexual tension, no lgbtq forced on me. This was a well told mystery full of non stop action and adventure. Beautifully done Kayla!

[Marcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author. It was very good. It was so nice to read something without cursing, or sexual content, but full of mystery...who done it. I read it in one night.

[Haley Wightman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and suspenseful

This was a fantastic Christian themed suspense thriller and page turner. I enjoyed reading it only a day or two. I like how the author intertwined romance, motherhood, fear, and faith together as they should fit in life.

[Caitlin Vailes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this Christian thriller! It’s nice to have something to read that’s entertaining and spiritual as well. The plot was really good but there were definitely some plot holes that kept me from giving 5/5 stars. I look forward to reading the other books in this series.

[Jeanette S. Stracner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful novel!

Kayla Lowe did a great job! This was a suspense with many turns. Very thoughtful as she was grieving over the death of her husband. Many thoughts as you are grieving the loss of 66 years, almost 67. Loved in the fog. Jeanette Stracner

[AMBER CLARK · Rating 4 out of 5]

The very air is tense for Evelyn and her son Caleb as someone threatens their lives. A great storyline about trusting God and keeping your faith even in the hardest of times.

[Larkin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This would have made a decent graphic novel. It was very short, action-driven, and dramatic. It was also quite unrealistic, as many graphic novels are.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

New author... pretty good read, but switched tenses too often