Whispers

by J. Herman Kleiger

What if one phone call could change your entire life?

With the page-turning suspense of Ava Strong’s FBI thriller Not Like He Seemed and gritty realism of Douglas and Olshaker’s New York Times Bestseller MindHunter, Whispers promises readers a nail-biting journey into the search for a serial killer and a private window into the workings of the troubled mind of the agent who pursues him.

"J. Herman Kleiger’s new novel is equally gripping, moving along at a fast pace, as Kleiger’s sophisticated understanding of human psychology is on full display."
–Richard M. Waugaman, M.D., Let’s Re-Vere the Works of Shakespeare

"They’re killing all the shrinks!" cries Nicola Kitts, now a special agent with the FBI’s storied Behavioral Assessment Unit. But why are prominent psychiatrists being targeted, and what secrets did they share?

In this sequel to Tears Are Only Water, Special Agent Kitts leads the hunt for a serial killer who leaves obscure mathematical formulas and twisted poems of retribution by the bodies. The FBI thinks they’ve figured it out, pointing to Raevyn Nevenmoore, a former gymnastic champion with a history of mania and delusions. But Raevyn hints that her twin brother Finch is involved in the killings. The only problem is, Finch died years earlier. Is Raevyn clinically insane or a clever psychopath? Haunted by her own traumas and hidden scars, Kitts struggles to piece together the clues and separate Raevyn’s madness from an even more troubling reality. Can she silence her own demons long enough to find the killer … and save herself?

Are you ready to uncover the truth? Dive into the chilling world of Whispers and experience a psychological thriller that intertwines madness, betrayal, and relentless suspense.

Grab your copy of Whispers today and join Special Agent Kitts in a race against time to piece together a puzzle that bridges the gap between madness and reality.

Genres: Mystery

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 5, 2025

About the author

Born and raised in Denver, I journeyed from the Rocky Mountains to the New England coast. An anthropology major and champion pole vaulter at Harvard, I became fascinated by a class on psychoanalytic theories of two-person relationships. I took the bait and was hooked. I eventually became a psychologist and later a psychoanalyst.

After receiving my doctorate at the University of Denver, my path led to an internship at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD, followed by more than a decade of service as an officer in the Navy. Old passions are hard to let go of, as I continued pole vaulting into my 30’s and had to privilege of representing the Navy in national competitions. While practicing in the Navy, I spent 8 months as the staff psychologist aboard the USNS Comfort during Operation Desert Shield.

I heard the siren song from the storied Menninger Clinic in Topeka, KS, only this song gave new life to my personal and professional growth. After completing post graduate training in clinical psychology at Menninger, I eventually became Training Director of the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program and received my psychoanalytic training at the Topeka Institute for Psychoanalysis. The Menninger Clinic left Topeka and so did I, relocating once more to Bethesda, MD. Once settled in Maryland, I served as President for the Washington Baltimore Society for Psychoanalysis but have devoted my professional life to private practice. And here I’ve been since 2000, happily married, raising wonderful children and being charmed by beautiful grandchildren. Truly blessed and grateful.

Writing about people and their struggles has been an integral part of what I do. I have authored four professional books – Disordered Thinking and The Rorschach, 1999, followed by its cousins Assessing Psychosis, 2015 (coauthored with Ali Khadivi), Rorschach Assessment of Psychotic Phenomena, 2017, and Psychological Assessment of Disordered Thinking & Perception, In Press (coedited with Irving Weiner). Unable to resist the play of imagination, I completed my debut novel, The 11th Inkblot, published in 2020.

People and their stories amaze and inspire. As a practicing psychologist and psychoanalyst, my passion for listening to people tell their stories ripens with time. The process of discovery that emerges from listening to what people tell me and to what they cannot and then through writing clinical reports, professional texts, or fiction is moving and deeply satisfying.

Reviews

[Teresa Brock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whispers : A Tale of Madness, Betrayal and Revenge
Sequel to Tears Are Only Water
J. Herman Kleiger
05/05/2025
This is totally a binge read!
After finishing the FBI Academy, Nicola Kitts lands in the deep end with the Bureau’s Elite Serial Crime Unit. The story unfolds through alternating POVs between Kitts and the enigmatic Raevyn Nevenmoore, creating a constant sense of duality and doubt. The layered timelines give just enough backstory at just the right pace, making the characters feel rich, broken, and real. I could hear the banter between agents like they were in the room with me—sharp, smart, and sometimes even funny, despite the darkness they’re navigating. It’s like binge-watching a gritty season of Criminal Minds, where you find yourself unexpectedly rooting for—or at least understanding—even the villains. And as a bonus, I loved the subtle Edgar Allan Poe Easter eggs woven throughout the book—they added a gothic chill that made the story even more layered and atmospheric.

What truly sets this book apart is how seamlessly it blends crime fiction with deep psychological insight. You can tell J. Herman Kleiger knows the human mind inside and out. The trauma, the mental health struggles, the blurred lines between reality and delusion—all of it is handled with authenticity and care. This is not your average serial killer thriller; it’s an emotional, cerebral ride that forces you to question everything, including the characters’ own memories. If you're looking for a high-stakes, character-driven mystery that grips you emotionally as much as intellectually, Whispers absolutely deserves a spot on your shelf.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery listening

This kindle ebook novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account a stand alone book

This is on of two books by the author. This is a story with lots of twist and turns that effect everyone. I enjoyed the book but had issues with losing the direction.

I would recommend this novel and author to readers looking for a new direction in their lives in a novel 😏😀 2025 🏃💃

[Country Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whispers by J. Herman Kleiger is a story about madness, betrayal, and revenge. This book is a sequel to another book entitled Tears Are Only Water written by the author. I did not read that book prior to reading this book but I feel that I did not miss anything as a reader. The MC in this book is named Nicola who is a special agent with the FBI. Nicola is assigned to work a case involving the death of psychologists or shrinks. There are weird poems and math equations left at the scenes of the crimes and Nicola is brought in to help figure out what is happening, specifically with a woman named Raevyn who tells Nicola her twin brother is the one murdering the shrinks. I found the story to be a bit varied in the direction it was heading at times, but overall it is a thought provoking read that makes you think and wonder what is going to happen from page to page. And I really liked that ending it leaves the book open to possibly another in the future based on what happened.

[Karen Siddall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone is killing all the shrinks in this fantastic standalone sequel.

Whispers by J. Herman Kleiger may have been written as a sequel to the author’s earlier book, Tears Are Only Water, but this fascinating psychological thriller stands perfectly well on its own. However, this book was so absorbing and exciting, book one is definitely on my TBR list now! The series follows the career of Special Agent Nicola Kitts of the FBI, and book two focuses on her first assignment with the Bureau’s elite Behavior Analysis Unit in Washington, D.C. Three psychologists have been murdered under similar circumstances. The FBI gets involved when evidence left at the scenes indicates one person, a serial killer, is responsible for them all.

Nicola Kitts is an interesting and likable main character. Charged with solving these cases and bringing their perpetrator to justice, she’s young, somewhat insecure in her new role, and flawed, with a lifetime of sorrows and guilt weighing her down. But even when she was getting involved in things that were painfully obvious to be risky to her career and well-being, I still rooted for her to come out okay on the other side.

Nicola is surrounded by a team of engaging and, sometimes, quirky colleagues in the BAU. Dr. Siddharth Ramachandran is the team leader and straight man to the quibbles of the others. Dr. Bernice De Vere is well known for her brilliance and recently completed her transition from Dr. Bernard De Vere. Dr. Gideon Saks is an intellectual bully who intimidates the agents on the team, including Nicola. Later additions to the team include the irresistible older married man, Dr. Solomon Mendelson, and Carmine “Books” Luedke, an old friend out of Nicola’s Colorado law enforcement days. Together, they form a formidable team as they try to profile the killer.

The plot progresses quickly as the killings continue and their first suspect, Raevyn Nevenmoore, is identified. The story has a couple of surprising twists and turns that had me revising my guesses as to the probable outcome of the book several times. The cryptic messages – poetry and complex mathematical equations – left at the murder scenes were absolutely stellar bits of business, too.

I recommend WHISPERS to readers of psychological thrillers, especially those who enjoy FBI connections in their stories.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.

[Danielle Urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispers by J. Herman Kleiger is a combination of all my favorite crime fiction TV shows and novels. Some that come to mind are Numbers, Criminal Minds, Eve Duncan series by Iris Johansen, and novels by Karin Slaughter. The book itself is a multi-layered psychological thriller suspense read. It has dangers not only of the physical kind but that of the mentally incapable versions as well. Trauma, insanity, and a hunt for a murderer make this novel dark, intriguing, and even more puzzling. It leaves me with so many questions...I felt like I was hanging by a mere thread and at any time that thread could snap. But as the reader, I never knew when that thread would snap. J. Herman Kleiger brilliantly keeps us, readers, in the dark and it works perfectly. There are many ends to explore and tie up before we get to the main piece. It is even more interesting how they all come together in the end. Wholly satisfying, twisty, and completely maddening, Whispers, is a must read for all thriller suspense and crime fiction fans.

I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.

[Tony Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispers is a psychological thriller that absolutely delivered on tension, twists, and depth. While it’s not traditional sci-fi or fantasy, it taps into themes we love identity, perception, and the fragile boundary between reality and delusion. FBI agent Nicola Kitts is a compelling, flawed lead, and Raevyn, the prime suspect, kept me constantly second-guessing what was real.

The dual POV structure and layered timelines were brilliantly executed, and the mix of math codes and eerie poems added an unsettling brilliance to the mystery. At times, it felt like Criminal Minds meets a grounded episode of Black Mirror. The subtle Edgar Allan Poe references were a gothic bonus that deepened the mood. Gripping, cerebral, and emotionally rich, this book surprised me in all the right ways. I couldn’t put it down, and I’m still thinking about the characters and their twisted dynamics. Highly recommended for anyone in our sci-fi/fantasy crew who enjoys thrillers with a speculative or psychological edge.

[Kathy Karus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispers is a masterclass in psychological suspense. J. Herman Kleiger’s background as a psychoanalyst shines through in every page, delivering a story that’s as intellectually stimulating as it is thrilling. The complex characters, especially Nicola Kitts and Raevyn Nevenmoore, feel incredibly real flawed, layered, and deeply human. The intricate plot, filled with chilling poems and cryptic math formulas, keeps you guessing until the very end. This isn’t just a serial killer story; it’s an exploration of trauma, madness, and the fragile line between sanity and delusion.

The alternating perspectives add depth, and the pacing is perfect, ever rushed, never dull. The author’s psychological insights elevate this book above typical thrillers, making it a standout for fans of cerebral, character-driven mysteries. If you want a book that challenges your mind and keeps your heart racing, Whispers is an absolute must-read.

[Sheila Sharpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fasten your seat belts, it’s a hair-raising ride ahead with JH Kleiger’s latest psychological thriller Whispers. From the unique hook—a serial killer murders three shrinks—through the twisty, mind-blowing plot to the shocking conclusion, I found it almost impossible to put this book down. With a psychoanalyst’s expertise, Kleiger masterfully constructs the intriguing, in-depth characterizations of savvy but troubled special agent Nicola Kitts and her prime suspect, the brilliant, traumatized Raevyen. Sane one moment and mad the next, Raevyen’s guilt becomes impossible to prove. And the growing suspicion that her malignant twin brother is still alive heightens the tension. The clever denouement will leave you reeling and impatient for Kleiger’s next book in this compelling series.

[Denise Konnect · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispers isn’t just a crime novel, it’s a masterclass in psychological suspense. J. Herman Kleiger brings his expertise as a psychoanalyst to the page, crafting characters so real and fractured, they linger long after the final chapter.

Nicola Kitts is the kind of flawed, determined protagonist you root for even when she’s unraveling. Raevyn Nevenmoore? An unforgettable puzzle wrapped in trauma and misdirection. The cryptic math, eerie poems, and Poe-inspired atmosphere kept me constantly on edge, questioning what was real.

I love how this book doesn’t just explore who did it, but why the mind bends, breaks, and sometimes fights back. Highly recommended for fans of Mindhunter, Criminal Minds, and smart, layered thrillers that respect your intelligence.

[Grace Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had so much fun (and a few chills) reading Whispers. Nicola Kitts is such a relatable lead, new to the FBI and trying to prove herself while chasing a killer who leaves creepy poems and math puzzles behind.

Raevyn kept me guessing the whole time. Is she crazy or is there more to her story? I loved the mix of psychology, suspense, and those Poe-style touches. A few slow spots here and there, but overall it was twisty, smart, and totally kept me turning the pages.

Can’t wait to chat about it with everyone at the club and now I want to go back and read Tears Are Only Water.

[Scott Lovelace · Rating 5 out of 5]

A crime fiction psychological thriller wrapped into an incredible story. This one reads like a well crafted episode of Criminal Minds. Ehen three psychologists are murdered, an elite FBI unit gets involved. The dual POV is spot on. Very well paced and engaging. The banter among the team members was great. I thought I had it figured out several times, only to find out I was wrong. I highly recommend this one for lovers of crime mysteries as well as psychological thrillers.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispers completely took me by surprise. I thought I was picking up another crime thriller, but it turned into something much deeper and more emotional. Nicola Kitts is such a strong, layered character, tough on the outside but clearly carrying so much pain. The way J. Herman Kleiger explores trauma and the blurred line between sanity and madness felt so real. I couldn’t stop reading, and even after finishing, I kept thinking about it.

[Chris Benny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though technically a psychological thriller, Whispers crosses boundaries into speculative territory, not with aliens or magic, but with something even stranger: the fragmented human mind. As fans of sci-fi and fantasy, we're no strangers to parallel realities, dual identities, or hidden truths. Kleiger brings all of that to bear in a story that’s grounded in the real world but psychologically cosmic in scale.

[Larry Bookman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author’s plot and character development have evolved in this latest work. Whispers is a compelling psychological thriller that’s both easy to read and hard to put down. The story is thought-provoking and lingers long after the final page. Highly recommended for fans of intelligent, emotionally engaging suspense.

[BRIAN · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the very first page. The tension builds so naturally, and I loved how it mixed dark suspense with emotional storytelling. Nicola’s struggles made the story feel personal, not just procedural. You can tell the author really understands the human mind. It’s haunting, smart, and genuinely moving a rare combo for a thriller.

[Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispers isn’t just a thriller; it’s an emotional journey. Every chapter pulled me deeper into Nicola Kitts’s world, and I felt her fear, her grief, and her determination. The psychology in this book is fascinating but never heavy, it feels real and human. I loved the eerie atmosphere and how the mystery kept twisting until the end. Definitely one of my favorite reads this year.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This book messed with my head in the best possible way. I started it thinking it would be a typical FBI thriller, but it’s so much more layered and emotional. The clues, the poems, the psychological game, it all kept me guessing, but what hit hardest was Nicola’s personal story. It’s dark, thoughtful, and beautifully written.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t stop turning the pages! Whispers is fast-paced but never loses its emotional depth. Nicola Kitts feels so real, and her inner struggles make the case even more gripping. I also loved how the author wove in math, poetry, and psychology, it gave the book a unique edge. By the end, I was both heartbroken and completely satisfied.

[Ave Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had everything I love in a thriller, mystery, emotion, and characters that actually feel human. Kleiger’s writing has this quiet intensity that pulls you right in. The way he explores trauma, guilt, and truth made it impossible to look away. Whispers isn’t just about catching a killer; it’s about facing your own ghosts. Absolutely brilliant.

[Avery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hit me right in the heart. The writing is emotional and beautifully intense, and I could feel every bit of Nicola’s pain and strength. It’s one of those rare thrillers that stays with you long after you close it. The story felt personal, almost haunting in how real it seemed. I found myself thinking about certain scenes over and over again. Definitely a five-star read for me.

[Jesper Vincent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw Whispers on Facebook and decided to give it a try because the title and cover really stood out. From the first chapter, I was hooked. The writing pulls you right into the story it’s creepy, emotional, and thought-provoking all at once. The character of Nicola felt so real, and the twists completely caught me off guard.

[Harper Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grabbed this during our club meet-up and didn’t think much at first then I started reading and couldn’t put it down. The writing is rich and emotional. The story feels personal and raw, like you’re living inside Nicola’s thoughts. It’s dark, but not hopeless. I loved how it made me feel and think at the same time. Five stars, easily.

[Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up Whispers at our monthly meet-up and it completely blew me away. It’s chilling but deeply emotional. Nicola’s strength and pain are so beautifully written. I found myself underlining lines because they just hit differently. Every twist felt earned and shocking. One of the best club picks we’ve had in a long time.

[Smarlowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this at the club meet-up thinking I’d read it later, but ended up starting it that night, and finishing the next day. The story just pulls you in completely. It’s full of pain, healing, and mystery. Nicola’s struggles hit me hard. I was glued to the pages. Definitely one I’ll be recommending to everyone.

[Jeffrey Friesen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled on Whispers through a random Facebook ad and decided to read it over the weekend best decision I’ve made in a while. It’s the kind of thriller that grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go. The way the story plays with perception and reality is brilliant. I can totally see this being a movie someday.

[Peyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got my copy during our reading meet-up, and I started it that same night. I couldn’t put it down! It’s intense, clever, and full of emotion. The psychological side of the story felt so real. Nicola is one of the most complex characters I’ve read this year. Such a great find from our club.

[Nannette Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspense that’s keeps you guessing until the end. Full of quirky and poignant characters you grow to care about. A gem! Can’t wait for the next installment.