Whispers: Inspired by H.P. Lovecraft's "The Whisperer in Darkness"

by Kristin Dearborn, Daniel Mills (Foreword)

A tale inspired by H.P. Lovecraft's "The Whisperer in Darkness"... Hurricane Irene tore through the dark, wood-choked Vermont hills. In its passing, the rivers bled thick with fallen trees, wildlife carcasses, and, if you looked closely, stranger things. Sarah Sorrell made the mistake of looking very closely indeed. Even so, it all might still have been all right—if she hadn’t felt the need to dig further. One afternoon in late fall, she finds a girl out in the driving rain, running from brutality. The wise choice is to leave the girl to chance. But Sarah knows the secrets that the forests hide, and why so many hitch-hikers vanish around here. She decides to give the girl a lift. As the two of them drive off into the storm, they have no idea of the journey they’re starting out on... A chilling novel of the deep Vermont night, WHISPERS draws on the rich traditions of H. P. Lovecraft to weave the darkest of spells. ***** "Another winner from Kristin Dearborn, WHISPERS is full of monsters and mayhem, madness and paranoia, but also boldly realized characters who live and breathe and feel like flesh-and blood. Highly recommended . . . now bring on Dearborn's next one!" --James Newman, author of ODD MAN OUT, ANIMOSITY, UGLY AS SIN "Dripping with dread, charged with suspicion and betrayal, terrifying in its otherworldly loss of human agency and control—WHISPERS ranks among horror maven Dearborn's best and most unsettling works to date. It's always cause for celebration when Kristin Dearborn unleashes a fresh nightmare and this is no exception." --Ed Kurtz, author of THE RIB FROM WHICH I REMAKE THE WORLD, NAUSEA

Genres: Horror, Lovecraftian, Novella

99 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 29, 2016

About the author

If it screams, squelches, or bleeds, Kristin Dearborn has probably written about it. She revels in comments like “But you look so normal…how do you come up with that stuff?” A life-long New Englander, she aspires to the footsteps of the local masters, Messrs. King and Lovecraft. When not writing or rotting her brain with cheesy horror flicks (preferably creature features!) she can be found scaling rock cliffs or zipping around Vermont on a motorcycle, or gallivanting around the globe.

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

You don't have to be familiar with H.P. Lovecraft's "The Whisperer in Darkness" (1931) in order to appreciate Kristin Dearborn's WHISPERS: Inspired by H.P. Lovecraft's "The Whisperer in Darkness". However, Daniel Mills provides enough of a "background" to the foundations of this Loveraftian tale in his beautifully written introduction. It all began with the thought of "something(s)" being washed away by a savage storm . . .

Dearborn takes this thought, and places her story in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Irene in Vermont, 2011. Her main characters are Sarah--a woman native to the area who knows all too well what dangers are about--and Neveah, a drug user and prostitute hitchhiking to get away from the murderous hands of her pimp, Dean. These well fleshed-out characters and their stories are completely her own, as is the mesmerizing, fluid writing style.

Neveah, ironically named "Heaven"--spelled backwards--has never known anything except a harsh, violent lifestyle. She doesn't quite know what to make of Sarah, a caring woman who honestly wants to help, and isn't familiar with the kind of life that Neveah has only known.

". . . It was weird to think there were really people like that . . . who weren't intimate with violence. How would you realize you were alive without it? Wouldn't you lose touch with yourself if parts of you didn't hurt?"

At only @ 100 pages, this novella could fly by, but I found myself purposely taking my time and carefully noting each character's words, emotions, motivations, and inner thoughts. When the main threat Sarah fears is introduced to the readers, it is nothing short of a shockingly vivid horror that immediately sent my mind racing with all kinds of terrible possibilities. In fact, I felt the entire story was wholly captivating from the first to the last page. However, it was Dearborn's incredibly detailed characterization--extended even to some of those with "lesser" roles--that made me want to absorb every minute with them.

"Neveah wondered what it was like, having a heart to break."

In my opinion, H.P. Lovecraft, himself, would be honored to read this story inspired by one of his own.

Highly recommended!

[Kenneth McKinley · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're like me, you're a fan of H.P. Lovecraft's work. I know, I know. Lovecraft has taken quite a bashing in the last few years for his racist views that spill over, and sometimes pour over, into his writing. I don't condone his views and would never make excuses for him. But, there is no arguing that he, along with Poe, shaped and molded the world of horror fiction for many generations to come. His influence on the countless heavy hitters in horror is endless. And with that, count me a fan of his work too. In Whispers, Dearborn takes his story, The Whisperer in Darkness, and uses some of the elements as a foundation to build Whispers from and she does a marvelous job.

Sarah lives in a secluded cabin in rural Vermont with her many dogs. One day, she's driving in the pouring rain and comes upon a drenched female walking alone. In an act of kindness, Sarah pulls over and gives her a ride. She learns that the hitchhiker is running from her horribly abusive boyfriend and pimp, who is also using her as a drug mule. Although the hitchhiker tries to get Sarah to take her to her place instead of being dropped back off out in the rain, Sarah refuses. A while later, the hitchhiker correctly guesses that the only place in the area is indeed Sarah's and beats on her door. Reluctantly, Sarah takes in the girl, but what the girl doesn't know is that Sarah is dealing with an even greater horror than the girl's boyfriend.

Whispers does an excellent job at painting the unknown monster that only comes out at night and is trying to get into the locked cabin. Dashes of the story remind me a little of Evil Dead with a cosmic twist. While Dearborn uses Lovecraft as a springboard to launch her story, it is not cheap imitation. No, she expertly unveils a tale that will have you nervously turning each page and yet, it is uniquely hers. Whispers and Dearborn's last novella, Stolen Away, have been excellent. She is clicking on all cylinders here lately and my only regret is that she hasn't written more!

5 Things That Cannot Be Named out of 5


This ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.


You can also follow my reviews at the following links:

https://kenmckinley.wordpress.com

http://intothemacabre.booklikes.com

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5...

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a creepy short story! After tropical storm Irene blows through Vermont, two women come together each with their own troubles. Sarah the main character picks up Neveah who is out on the highway hitchhiking, but instead of taking her on to her place in the woods, she drops her off down the road. But then Neveah shows up unexpectedly at Sarah's door. From there the story takes off on a rampant with something creeping around in the woods where Sarah lives. This book was a page turner and kept me riveted to see what was going to happen next. Four stars for this one.

[Icy_Space_Cobwebs Join the Penguin Resistance! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review: WHISPERS by Kristin Dearborn

The always perfect author Kristin Dearborn has excelled even herself with this tribute to the Old Man of Providence, H.P. Lovecraft. I truly believe Ms. Dearborn is a reincarnation of Old Grandpa, or she is channeling. WHISPERS extols the anxiety, the fear, the wonder, of Alien Contact. Ms. Dearborn strums every single chord in the panoply of the otherworldly of HPL and of extraterrestrial sentience. She also interweaves some of the most painful and shocking elements of humanity, displaying these against the background of the Otherworldly and Beyond Earth. This is a tale I shall read again and again and again. This is the tale that gave me a series of stunningly vivid and horrifyingly implacable nightmares.

[Latasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, fast read. If you live in an area like Sarah and sit down & think about all the sounds in the woods, I guess this might get a lil scary! Lol. Sarah has dog alarms, I have cat alarms :p

[Angela Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book as part of the Whispers Publicity Tour. This is in no way reflected in my opinion of this novella. I did not receive any form of compensation for my review.

Whispers is filled with a sense of dread and menace that will keep you hanging on every word. Sarah starts off as a prickly, distant, and cold character but the reasons for that quickly become apparent. Neveah is more sympathetic,,, at first. The tension and disquieting sense of unease escalates rapidly as these two very different women face not only what lurks in the darkness surrounding Sarah's cabin but also the man hunting Neveah. A fast paced tale filled with suspense and terror. I highly recommend this 4.5 star read.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabbed me from the first page. It is that enthralling and that creepy, utilizing Mi-Go (the alien beings from H.P. Lovecraft's story "The Whisperer in Darkness"), a woman determined to resist them in her cabin in the Vermont woods, and a hitchhiker she has picked up -- someone who is running from problems of her own. This story is terrifying on several levels. I could not put it down until the end!

[Suki St Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great retelling/tribute! I read it alongside Lovecraft's The Whisperer in Darkness, and I loved them both. Lovecraft's version in steeped in ancient evil from beyond the stars, and a sense of dread of the unknown. Whispers is a character-driven, up-front horror story. I loved the way the two versions of the story complemented each other.

[Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novella quite a lot. It tells a story of a young woman (Neveah) hitch-hiking to escape from her abusive boyfriend / drug dealer, but inadvertently falling into an even more fraught situation.
She takes a lift from Sarah, and ends up spending a short stay with her and her dogs in a cabin in the remote Vermont woods, where Sarah is under siege from dangerous nocturnal beings and, during the day, from their human allies.
Though not wanting to give any more away, the story rises in tension as it moves along; it's well-written and absorbing, even for one who does not read much in the genre.
Having little or no knowledge of Lovecraft's work, I couldn't make any reference back to Lovecraft, but there is an introduction to allow you to understand the correlations. They are not important for enjoying the story, however.

[Lee Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dearborn has written a fine tribute to Lovecraft's "The Whisperer in Darkness," updating it for modern times. Once again, this story showcases fine writing at a brisk pace with no dallying. I don't mind that it's a novella, shorter than the average novel. There's something to be said for economy. The characters are fascinating, engaging, well-drawn, and played effectively against each other. But what really stuck with me as I read this tale over the course of a day -- and still lingers with me -- is the overwhelming sense of paranoia and unease about "them." And, when they finally appear, the revulsion. I enjoyed "Whispers," set in Lovecraft's mysterious and frightening world. I look forward to reading more of Dearborn's fiction.

[Matt Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now THAT'S a Vermont horror tale!

Kristin Dearborn is an author I've been meaning to check out for some time, and if this drum-tight novella is anything to go by, so far as spec fic writers go, she's one of our state's best kept secrets, because bloody hell, does it ever hit the spot - pretty much starts and doesn't stop, becoming more of a compulsive page-turner with every new chapter, twist, revelation, and newly raised question, right up to the frenzied, abrupt ending. Not just powerfully atmospheric and suspenseful, but actually nerve-wrackingly *scary* in a rare way, with characters who feel like authentic people. Great stuff!

[Russell Coy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic novella set in the world of Lovecraft's The Whisperer In The Darkness. There are subtle nods to the original story here, but one does not need to have read it to enjoy this one. In my opinion, Dearborn does a superior job of turning that tale's mythology into an engrossing narrative, making it primarily about the growing relationship between two troubled women who are under siege by forces both worldy and otherwise. A slam dunk for this reader!

[Claus Appel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice short story. The plot was thrilling and keep me interested. The characterization was good.

I deduct one star because I thought the ending was somewhat anticlimactic.
I deduct another star because I wasn't too crazy about the portrayal of the Mi-Go. They come off as rather inept and stupid and not very imposing. (To be fair, Lovecraft's original story has the same problem.)

[Shaun Filion · Rating 4 out of 5]

If there is anything I disliked about this book, it would have to be that it wasn't much longer than it was! A very interesting take on an old Lovecraft tale. Having actually spent time in a cabin deep in the Vermont woods, makes this tail even more terrifying. Very enjoyable and creepy story, and easy to rip through this in one sitting.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read half of it. It was very well constructed and it was a great premise, but when authors push insta love I immediately gag. Couldn’t finish reading it, became cheesy with the hitchhiker druggy love story. If that weren’t there then the story would have been great I’m sure.

[Damian Herde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was cautious approaching this story, but found myself carried along and immersed very quickly. The Mi-go of Lovecraft’s Mythos are always interesting, and the contemporary setting works. A quick, but fun, read.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, spooky read.

[Robin Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading a story by Kristin Dearborn and it won’t be my last. I just loved her modernized version of H.P. Lovecraft’s “The Whisperer in The Darkness” because I think it will appeal to a new generation of readers. Yet, still holding onto certain elements of Lovecraft’s story. I know it is always odd when you say you love a Horror story, when in fact, at the end when all is revealed I had dreams of the horrific, alien creatures. While she does not touch on the Cthulhu Mythos at all through the story, it is very evident in the end. You will be shocked and not miss it.

So, I liked that Daniel Mills gave a Forward, because it essentially tells you the differences between Lovecraft’s story to Dearborn’s. Plus, gives new readers a glimpse into Lovecraft’s world for those who have never read any of his works before.

Dearborn keeps her tale tightly woven and almost claustrophobic. Most the story surrounds the Vermont cabin, post Tropical Storm Irene, with down trees closing off the roads in and out. Power lines cut, yes, I said “cut” and some very strange neighbors. Plus, the paranoia like fear, in the beginning of something we don’t see or hear. Yet, the constant unknown, terror intensifies, especially has you read the dogs reactions. Their immediate rigid stance, ears pricked up, staring, and growling at the door. (This will be recognized immediately has threatening, to anyone who owns a dog, because of their heightened senses.)

So, you have most of the premise already so I will not repeat it. Sarah Sorrell is your academic recluse, who then picks up a young runaway, girl Neveah. As, Sarah carries her shotgun to protect herself from her own problems, little does she know this girl also brings more horror with her. For the rest of the plot, I like that Dearborn is not afraid to push the boundaries of today’s world we live in. Now, you have addiction, seduction, jealousy, betrayal and abuse. Yet, you never forget they are right outside the door “Whispering” for one only.

“One” that will continue to strengthen their world.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, confession: I have never read anything by H.P. Lovecraft. I've tried, but the purple prose just left a bad taste in my mouth. It shouldn't take me 5 minutes to read one page. But I do appreciate his creativity and imagination, and the themes he conveys in his work. As such, I can't really comment on whether or not this is true to Lovecraft's work or not. I can say that I liked it and wished it had been longer. I feel like the story was really picking up at the ending, which was very abrupt, and to be honest, kind of a half-ass way to end it.

I also thought the romance was unnecessary and pointless. I'm not saying I have a problem with romance, or with the characters involved in this once. But I really thought it was thrown in there, and also, it seemed like the author didn't quite know what to do with it, as the relationship was explored half the time but not at others. I don't know, it just didn't work for me.

This was creepy, but not too creepy, and not disgustingly gory, and I appreciated that.