Fatal Whispers

Megan Scott/Michael Elliott #2

by Sandra Nikolai

A millionaire’s beautiful young wife. A homeless woman. A parish priest.

Three baffling deaths within days. No sign of foul play. No police leads. An unprecedented occurrence in Portland, Maine. Even medical authorities can’t explain the cause of death.

Megan Scott and Michael Elliott look for answers when their trip to this alluring New England town coincides with the mysterious deaths. After police question Megan’s cousin, a flower shop owner, in connection with one of the deaths, the investigation hits close to home. A fire at the shop, stolen documents, and blackmail threats prompt Megan and Michael to probe deeper. They discover ominous secrets buried decades ago and ruthless killers who won’t let anyone get in the way of revenge.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Canada, Suspense

Nook

First published August 29, 2013

About the author

Sandra Nikolai is the author of the Megan Scott/Michael Elliott Mystery series featuring a sharp-eyed ghostwriter and a daring investigative reporter who face life-threatening situations as they track down criminals. The series is available in ebook, paperback, and audiobook formats. Sandra also writes the Amber McNeil Mystery series featuring a psychic consultant who works in the cold case unit of a police force.

Visit Sandra's website at www.sandranikolai.com to join her mailing list and receive the first three chapters of False Impressions and Fatal Whispers, plus short story Timely Escape free! Follow Sandra on Instagram @sandranikolaiauthor or connect on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SandraNikola...

Reviews

[Susan Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mesmerizing and unputdownable, Fatal Whispers, the thrilling new mystery by Sandra Nikolai, stars the romantic duo of Megan Scott and Michael Elliott as they attempt to unravel the steamy secrets behind three shocking murders. Set in Portland and Falmouth on Maine’s craggy coastline, Fatal Whispers will sweep you away by its wealth of intriguing suspects and breathtaking action. You'll be guessing to the last page of this nail-biter.

Megan Scott travels with Michael Elliott to Portland, Maine where they stay with Bianca, Megan’s cousin. Michael, an investigative reporter has been assigned to uncover the facts surrounding the strange death of a woman living rough. The woman is well-known to residents as Glad Rags Gladys and she is found dead from a mysterious substance close to Bianca’s flower shop. Events take off and very soon there are three murders.

The book is a fascinating mystery. It’s about the logical steps taken to unravel the puzzle of three seemingly benign and unrelated deaths, and we meet some engaging characters on the way as they struggle to stay alive—Megan’s cousin, Bianca and her husband, Victor, and George are among my favorites, along with the setting which has such a strong presence in the book that it’s a character.

But the book is also about the relationship of Megan Scott with Michael Elliott and her gnawing back and forth. As a recent widow, should she become romantically involved with another man, Michael, so soon after her husband’s death? I must add that I loved Bianca’s flower shop where much of the action takes place. And the final scenes brought me to the edge of my seat as Megan and Michael realize a deadly killer is on the loose.

If you like action-packed mystery and thrillers with characters who grow as they come to grips with what is happening to their relatives and friends before there are more murders, you will love Fatal Whispers, the second book in the Megan Scott and Michael Elliott series.

[Sandra]

🎧 Available in audio! 🎧
Narrated by Kelli Tager!

Apple audiobooks: https://apple.co/3QL1PA2
Audible US: https://adbl.co/3NtleWw
Audible UK: https://adbl.co/41WJgNW
Audible Canada: https://bit.ly/3LoOP0p
Audiobooks.com: https://bit.ly/42bwMBR
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/3XtqVGd
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3NkLK1a
Chirp: https://bit.ly/3CQfTlN
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3GIjZOe
Hoopla: https://bit.ly/3oYx6FK
Scribd: https://bit.ly/3VlSC3c

[Michelle Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite

Fatal Whispers is the second book from the Megan Scott/Michael Elliott Mysteries by Sandra Nikolai. Michael Elliott, an investigative reporter, and his girlfriend, Megan Scott, find themselves probing the sudden death of Tiffany, the socialite wife of George Gray, while visiting Megan’s cousin Bianca in Maine. Glad Rags Gladys, a homeless woman found dead behind Bianca’s flower shop, convinces Michael and Megan that the deaths are related. Megan notices a few discrepancies at the flower shop while helping out, but trustworthy Bianca refuses to believe her. The couple’s investigation takes a new direction when the priest who was to conduct Tiffany’s funeral dies in church and fire damages the flower shop. They soon realize that the cases are linked to a crime that happened years ago and they could be the killer’s next victims.

This is a terrific murder mystery by Sandra Nikolai. Megan Scott, who is meticulous in her sleuthing while trying to maintain a normal relationship with Michael, beautifully narrates it. The story kept me riveted with lots of suspenseful drama and I liked the interesting relationship that Megan has with Michael. The author strings readers along with clever clues, mild humour, and a cast of thought-provoking characters. Fatal Whispers, Book 2 is a well-developed story from the Megan Scott/Michael Elliot Mysteries by Sandra Nikolai. Readers will not be disappointed with this story since the author obviously knows how to write a good book. She introduces two very likeable crime solvers who are as interesting as the mystery itself.

[Carmen Amato · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like Meghan Scott, the narrator of this well-paced mystery. She's an educated ghostwriter for a large Canadian publishing company, recovering from the murder of her unfaithful husband and deciding where to take her relationship with live-in boyfriend and crime writer Michael Elliott. Meghan's got a good vocabulary, drinks a lot of coffee, knows her way around the virtual world, and lets the reader share that bad feeling in the pit of her stomach.

A visit to Meghan's cousin, who owns a big floral design business, sucks both Meghan and Michael into an investigation into the sudden death of a wealthy socialite. The story unfolds in small tantalizing steps taken at a nice, even pace. At 61% on my Kindle I thought I knew whodunit and why but turns out I was only 50% right.

The story takes place in Portland, Maine, with side trips to small Maine towns. Portland's more scenic attractions are given a boost in the book, with very well done descriptions, although the Montreal setting in Nikolai's previous Meghan Scott book actually made me want to book a ticket.

Overall, this is a great mystery for a rainy afternoon, which relies on psychology, twisted motivations, and believable characters to build drama and hold interest. Oh, and the title? Read the book to find out why it is so perfect.

[Victoria · Rating 2 out of 5]

So many people enjoyed this book and I love a good murder mystery. I was in the mood and ready to be engrossed. Such a disappointment. Michael gets a job "subbing" on a newspaper. It just so happens Megan has a BF in that town and is looking for someone to write a monthly newsletter for her florist shop. So a visit we will go! Three people die mysteriously in similar manners but seem unconnected except for Megan's friends florist shop. Hmmm. It took the characters so long to solve this case I was almost screaming at the pages telling them where to go and what to do. And the police! Have you ever heard of a local PD sitting back watching the investigative reporter solve the crime(s) waiting for the right moment to step in? We plodded along for two thirds of the book and then the last third is slammed with excitement cuz it's time to end the book. There were no surprises for me. Frankly I was bored.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another excellent mystery authored by Sandra Nikolai. Her story features two very likeable protagonists who are empowered with spirit, intelligence, determination and a dash of emotional vulnerability. Ms. Nikolai initially unfolds the story at a steady nonthreatening pace then escalates the mystery's potential threat and action. The ratcheting up of an unknown threat effectively escalates the readers interest through the conclusion of the story. I enjoyed this 2nd book of the Scott and Elliott series like the 1st and I am looking forward to Sandra Nikolai's next offering. I hope that you will read it and enjoy it as well.

[Lili · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the author (thank you, Mrs. Nikolai) as a first-read, so I was lucky to discover a new author whom I really enjoyed.
I really liked the style it is written in, the atmosphere created and the perpetually surprising turn of events each clue would bring. I also enjoyed the way the relationship between Megan and Michael strengthens as they keep going through life together.

I recommend this book if you enjoy a good mistery - I know I have, and I immediately bought the first book in the series and promptly read it.

Very well done, I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Janet Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** This book received free through Goodreads First Reads ***

I always love a good murder mystery, and this one definitely fits the bill. The story line and plot twists really keep you reading, and the character development just pulls you right into the pages. And even though I had not read the first book in the series, the author did such a good job with mini flashbacks that I didn't feel in the dark. (In fact, she did such a good job, I went out and bought the first book.) Keep up the good work Sandra ... I can't wait for the 3rd installment.

[Laurie • The Baking Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I jumped right into this series with Fatal Whispers, the second book in the Megan Scott/Michael Elliott series by Canadian author Sandra Nikolai. Normally that's not something I like to do but Nikolai gives her readers enough background story to help them figure out how Megan and Michael first met while not giving anything away about her first mystery.

This was a good mystery with lots of twists and red herrings. Even though I predicted a few of the twists it was still an engaging and enjoyable read. The budding romance was sweet and believable but takes a backseat to the mystery which I liked. Personally, romance is nice but I'm in it for the mystery!

The characters were pretty well fleshed out and I like how certain characters' behaviours made me keep questioning who I thought had 'dunnit'. I think having Michael being a crime writer is a good way to ensure many more interesting plot lines and I would like to see him play a bigger role in future books. As a proud Canadian I was happy to see that Megan and Michael are also Canucks and that the next book in the series, Icy Silence, brings readers back to Quebec for a new adventure.

The first two-thirds of the book had a cozy mystery feel to it but Nikolai writes a fabulous heart-stopping scene in the last third that upped the energy level considerably as the mystery was coming to a close. If a few more of those nail-biting scenes were sprinkled throughout the first part of the book I would have given Fatal Whispers a higher rating. As it is, this was an easy read and kept my attention so much so that I finished the book in two days. I look forward to more from this author!

My Rating: 3.5 stars (increased to 4 stars for this site)

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to author Sandra Nikolai for providing me with a complimentary e-book copy of her book in exchange for my honest review.

** This book review can also be found on my blog, The Baking Bookworm (www.thebakingbookworm.blogspot.ca) where I share hundreds of book reviews and my favourite 'tried and true' recipes.

[Michael McCann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fatal Whispers is Sandra Nikolai's second novel in the Megan Scott/ Michael Elliott mystery series. We first met these characters in False Impressions when they teamed up to solve the mystery of the death of Megan's husband. A year later, they are in a relationship that Michael would like to make long-term. Megan, however, is reluctant to commit herself after having been deeply hurt by the revelations of her husband's infidelity while they were married.

The setting has switched from Montreal to Portland, Maine, as Michael agrees to write a series of investigative articles for the local newspaper while his journalist friend is on vacation. They are staying with Megan's cousin and her family, and Megan agrees to assist her cousin Bianca in setting up a newsletter to publicize her florist shop. Three related deaths occur, and Megan and Michael become involved in unraveling the truth and identifying the killer among a number of plausible suspects.

Nikolai has written an urbane, witty and enjoyable mystery that was also the hallmark of her first novel. Her dry wit is readily apparent in the culminating scenes as Waldo, Batman, costumed and real policemen, and a guardian angel with slightly mutilated wings are part of the general mayhem of the Halloween party where the real villains are unmasked!

Fans of Nikolai's excellent prose style and engaging characters will already be looking forward to the next mystery in this series.

[Gail Baugniet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Floral arrangements take center stage in three seemingly unrelated deaths as Mystery Author Sandra Nikolai guides the reader through a labyrinth of clues that blossom into murder.

Nikolai presents overlapping evidence, like petals on a long-stemmed rose, capturing the attention of readers with suspenseful action right up to a satisfying conclusion. Her soothing story-telling style makes writing seem effortless. But don’t be fooled, she has mastered the art of the genre.

Definitely another bestseller for fans of Nikolai’s progatonists, Megan Scott and Michael Elliott! I recommend adding Fatal Whispers, the suspenseful sequel to False Impressions, a Megan Scott Michael Elliott mystery, to your budding list of mysteries today.

[Jackie Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Megan Scott/Michael Elliott mystery. He is a journalist and she a ghost writer and they happen to be romantically involved. On a visit to her cousins in New England mysterious deaths happen. The cousin, Bianca, has opened a flower shop that is in the vicinity of said deaths or customers of said shop. Thus begins the search for cause of death in the people. Was caught by the characters and their reactions to the deathsand each other throughout the story. In thinking I figured it out was mistaken in some areas and correct in others. Kept me guessing throughout as so many characters involved. Good read thanx to Goodreads.

[Ian Wooder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The mystery with all the underlying suspnse makes this book one that you will want to read from beginning to end in on sitting.

[Somya Ishan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books summery caught my attention , the name is also very caghtchy
want to seriously read it

[Muhammad Saad Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is highly likely that you are hearing the author’s name for the first time. The reason is that she is not quite known on the literary scene but that does not mean that she is not good, rather she is talented. The McGill graduate has published two books namely “False Impressions” and “Fatal Whispers”. “Fatal whispers” is the second book in her Megan Scott/Michael Elliot Mystery series.sandra-nikolai

One can find hundreds of mystery/thriller stories out there; the trouble with many is that they seem unoriginal. Sandra, on the other hand, seems to be of the few who have original stories to their name.

I would try to write a spoiler-free review and will leave you, the reader to experience the story yourself. The novel is centered on three mystery deaths in the city of Portland. Among these three people is the beautiful and young wife of a millionaire. All three people had a good reputation hence their deaths makes this whole affair quite mysterious and eccentric. We then see how the protagonists play a part in the proceedings and events that take place later on.

The novel has a number of strengths. I did not find a single dull or boring chapter in the whole reading experience. The rich characterization gives a human touch to the narrative. The author makes good use of cliffhangers at the end of several chapters thus enriching the storyline. The pace of the novel is quite satisfying and each chapter leaves you wanting more.

The only weakness in the story that I found was that maybe had the pace been quicker it would have made a much more thrilling experience. Still I found the story to be good, characters likable and vocabulary well suited to the purpose.I would definitely recommend this book.
I received the book as a gift (ie for free) through Goodreads First Reads.

[Norma · Rating 3 out of 5]

( Format : Audiobook )
"She was a nice lady!"
This is a difficult book to rate. First!y, the narration by Kelli Tager was good: without it, I doubt I would have finished the book. And, for the most part, the book itself was enjoyable, intriguing and fun. But, of dear, the pace of the investigation was so slow and flawed,only to be 'solved' in a mad dash and tumble which really decked any suspension of belief and, frankly, left me wondering exactly who had really been responsible.

The two main characters are Michael, an investigative reporter, flown in from Canada to temporarily replace the local man and his (very close) friend, Megan whose husband had died recently. She was there to support her long time pal, Bianca, publicise her florist shop. When news of the sudden death of local celebrity Tiffany Grey is released, closely followed by that of a local clergyman and of an old street person, the only link between them seems to be flowers from Bianca's shop. But with no evidence of foul play, and with her friend's reputation to restore, Megan and Michael set to work to find out how and why they had died, together with who or what had killed them.

My thanks to the rights holder of Fatal Whispers, who, at my request freely gifted me with a complimentary copy via Audiobook Boom. Even though I cannot recommend this, I did enjoy it at least initially - lighthearted, scatterbrained fun but at nine and one quarter hours, far too long.

[Kathie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this to be an enjoyable book. There were frequent references to the death of Megan's husband that evidently occurred in the first book in the series (that I have not read). Okay, so Michael helped solve the mystery of his death and helped Megan get over it. Enough already.

Megan is supposed to be helping her friend publicize her new florist business while her boyfriend fills in for another reporter in Portland. Megan spends more time snooping around and going for coffee or lunch or sitting in with Michael on his interviews than she does working at the florists or the newsletter she is asked to create.

There are a lot of interesting twists and turns but I had one of the deaths figured out 60% of the way through it, the motive soon after, and had the villain narrowed down to two people too. However, one of the deaths was not resolved, or not resolved the way I expected it to be.

The story is told at a moderate pace until about the last quarter of the book when everything seems to happen at once including some unrealistic events. In my opinion, this is another book that the author tries hurriedly wraps things up.

[Rose Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Fatal Whispers. I listened to the audiobook, and Keli Tager was fantastic as the narrator, her voice really brings the characters to life, and I’ve enjoyed her narration in the past as well.

Even though you don’t have to read the first book, I’m glad I did. There are little backstory moments sprinkled throughout that add depth, and it made following Megan and Michael’s journey even more satisfying.

The mystery itself is gripping, three baffling deaths with no leads, and a web of secrets buried decades ago. The plot keeps you guessing, and the setting in Portland, Maine is vividly described, which made it feel very atmospheric.

One of my favorite parts was seeing the romance between Megan and Michael develop. They have such great chemistry, and it adds an extra layer to the story without taking away from the mystery.

Overall, a fun, action-packed read (or listen!) for anyone who loves mysteries with smart, likable detectives and a bit of romance on the side.

[Paula Dyches · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique & Fun Cozy Mystery Read

This was a unique murder mystery.The story continues where the first book left off with Megan and Michael in a new relationship. Michael is investigating a new story and murders are mounting. Together again they work to try to solve it. I definitely recommend this to those who like the cleaner mystery reads. It has twists and turns and although I knew the answer early on there's still plenty in this mystery that I hadn't figured out..

Parents- PG13
Language- some but not overly excessive and no f-bombs
Violence- nothing overly graphic normal to genre
Sexual Content- Really it's kept pretty clean- no explicit bedroom scenes, attraction/desire and some kissing but nothing hot and heavy

Narrator- 4⭐ really did a great job with the voice differentiation and was fun to listen to. I did prefer listening at 1.3x speed.

—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghostwriter Megan Scott and investigative reporter Michael Elliott from Montreal travel to Portland, Maine to visit Megan's cousin and get caught up in investigating the first murder. The publisher's blurb is actually a pretty good hook so I won't go there or do the spoiler thing. The story is fast paced, with tight narrative, a real page turner, suspenseful, and with lots of twists and red herrings. Great read! Don't worry about it being of a series, the author has that covered.
Kelli Tager is remarkable as the narrator of this story with so many interesting characters!
I won this audio in a Giveaway!

[Ysobella Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the series can be read out of order or as a standalone. The first book is referenced a few times, but there's enough context that the reader isn't lost, and the current mystery is solved.

Megan Scott and Michael Elliott find themselves involved in a series of murders when they visit her family. The cast of small town characters is entertaining — most are likeable, but a few definitely are not!

I liked how the clues led to some false trails and kept me guessing most of the way through the story.

Kelli Tager narrated the book, bringing the story to life with her take on the narrative and character voices.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a captivating mystery and I like these characters, but it doesn't quite work for me to have journalists doing detective work and solving mysteries. It makes the story seem a little too contrived. Nonetheless, this is a worthwhile listen and Kelli Tager's competent narration helps to make it so.

NOTE: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed loved listening to Kelli Tager, a very good narrator.

This is a great mystery. This is a action-packed mystery and thriller, with great characters who grow to understand what is happening to their relatives and friends before there are more murders,

I enjoyed and recommend .

[Diane Waddington · Rating 5 out of 5]

great boo want to read more of these.

[Csimplot Simplot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!!!

[Tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously love this series! Always keeps me guessing, its intense and so well written. It's always hard to put down.

[Lavender Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series would make a great Netflix series!
Fatal Whispers has suspense, action, many twists and turns, humour, romance - you name it. I enjoyed it very much and highly recommend it.

[Cynthiaj · Rating 3 out of 5]

complicated plot

[Sorento62 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the writing a bit amateurish. (Not that I could do better, just that most of what I read is better.) There was too much dwelling on physical descriptions of interior decorations, flowers, etc. for my taste.
It was easy to read and did not make me think too hard.

[Edith Rennes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book through Goodreads in return for an honest review.
I found this to be a well-written book. The only problem I had with it is it had far too many red herrings, which I found a bit confusing at times. Overall it was an ok read.