Whispers of the Walker

The Gateway Trackers #1

by E.E. Holmes

Something whispers in the shadows...

From E.E. Holmes, author of the award-winning Gateway Trilogy, comes the first in the highly anticipated companion series The Gateway Trackers. It’s been several years since Jess and Hannah Ballard foiled a cataclysmic prophecy that could have destroyed their fellow Durupinen, an ancient clan of women who allow spirits to cross between the worlds of the living and the dead. The girls swore, after the devastation and chaos they endured, they would never get caught up in the inner workings of the Durupinen again.


They were wrong.


After breaking the code of secrecy and facing the judgement of the High Council, Jess and Hannah have no choice but to become Trackers, working to take down those who would exploit the spirit world for profit or power. Their first assignment takes them into the deep South, where Jeremiah Campbell, a self-proclaimed spiritual guru, lures wealthy and desperate devotees with promises of a deeper connection with the dead. As the girls go undercover, it soon becomes clear that Campbell is not merely the con artist they suspected him to be, and that they, and the spirit world they are sworn to protect, are once again in unimaginable danger.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Supernatural, Ghosts, Audiobook, Fiction

328 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 6, 2016

About the author

E.E. Holmes grew up near Boston, Massachusetts, where she spent the majority of her childhood reading books. She read them almost constantly, and as a result, perfected the art of walking and reading at the same time, a skill she can still perform to this day with remarkably few instances of falling on her face. She also wrote many books and poems in blank books and on the backs of legal pads her father brought home from the office. They remain some of her finest work.

She soon learned to love literature of the dramatic persuasion, and earned a B.A. in theater from the College of the Holy Cross. After graduation, she set out to prove that her degree was, in fact, not useless, and worked as a principal actor in a summer Shakespeare festival and as a theater teacher, directing over thirty productions and numerous workshops for youth and high school students. She spent several years as the theater director at Wakefield High School where she also taught English literature and public speaking. It was in her classroom that she discovered the horrible truth: a disturbingly large percentage of high school students hate to read. This revelation devastated and bewildered her. She decided she wanted to do something about it, and thus she started work on her first young adult novel, Spirit Legacy: Book 1 of the Gateway Trilogy, which has gone on to win awards from Chanticleer Book Reviews and Media and The Independent Publisher Book Awards. She is also the author of three one act plays, one of which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

E.E. Holmes lives in central Massachusetts with her husband, two children, and small, but surprisingly loud dog. When not writing, she enjoys watching unhealthy amounts of British television, procrastinating, and rediscovering her favorite books from her childhood all over again with her kids.

Reviews

[Ansley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too Many Recaps

The basic story was a good one, but since I read this book back to back with the others, I was annoyed that there were so many recaps of the previous stories events all through the book.

[ach · Rating 2 out of 5]

It used to be a favorite series of mine, and i just heard about there being follow up books, but i wish i didn't.
After reading this i'm so disappointed, i just kept skipping through the pages, it's like it's not the same author that wrote the first three books, it was completely different style and different characters.
Even though i adored the previous books, i could not give this more than two stars.

[Emmy · Rating 1 out of 5]

•audiobook• I soo wasted a credit on this audiobook!
This book apparently is geared towards the teeny bopper crowd. Mostly, but has a steady stream of curse words. But teens are used to it and probably use it in the sane context themselves.
Despite the age of the characters, they acted and thought like preteens. Brainless preteens. Lack of common sense preteens. Worse than any preteens you could possibly know in real life.
And they talk and talk and talk. Omg! Shut the fluck up! Truly. 80% dialogue. 15% of the main character interpreting EVERYTHING. Why someone smiled. What was really meant behind someone’s words. Nauseatingly boring. The other five perecent was her guessing what everyone else was doing or saying from two blocks away or in their rooms. How dafuk she knows when she doesn’t have super human ears and eyes is beyond me.
Endless recaps from previous books were unnecessary. (I had not read any of it and didn’t need to. After listening to this, I have even less desire.) It only added to the word count and length of this atrocity. I kept wondering “Isn’t it over yet?”
Yet the writer forgets to tell us events and it becomes “oh, back when it was xyz {an event that happened five minutes ago} , abc happened”. Like she was too lazy to rewrite the chapter and fit it in. Sloppy but expected from the low expectations after the third chapter. Or was it the second?
Choppy. Characters are bland. Main character is annoying AF. (I can’t believe I’m actually using that phrase.) And whiny. Seriously, I wanted to gig her in the throat with a fork. If the main character was in a horror movie, trust me, we would all be rooting for her to be the first to die. WHY is she in a SERIES?
The whole thing at the Haven with their job and whatever what ludicrous, stupid, and dumb. None of it made sense. Maybe in a juvenile daydreamish way. But not realistic nor believable. At the mansion was agonizing pain. I felt like I signed up for someone to pull out my fingernails.
If you walked out of the room ... you would miss nearly nothing upon your return ... The characters were probably still in the same conversation as you realized you forgot to pause the audio.
There are books that drag. Then there is endless wasted time that miraculously stops time. This falls in the latter.
So, yes. One star although it seemed to be a more soundly grammatically well written ... pages of whatever.
Narrator was good, but I can’t help but wonder if she swallowed her pride and morals to take on this project. The sample on Audible clearly had me fooled.
Obviously, I would not, could recommend this book. It’s like ... I’d prefer eating green eggs and ham with a side of fried worms instead of enduring this torture again.

[Yasmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

FYI: I'm baffled by some of the reviews of this first book. Many complained about the rehashing of certain plot lines from the original trilogy which allegedly made this book a bit boring. Um, to each their own, but I found the minimal recapping to be just fine.

Other than that, this was a fun read!

[Chrys Minter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

I enjoyed this portion of the series as well
These stories are hard to put down. This author has a pen and voice that pulls you in and captures your attention

[Cam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really like this series and so glad someone recommended it. This book picks up with the same characters from the trilogy.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first series and was keen to catch up on Hannah ,Jessica, Milo and Finn. This book started slowly and does recap the first series but I do think you need to read the original series first anyway. The group are manipulated into joining the durupinen again this time as gateway trackers, an elite force that protects gateways. Their first assignment is far from routine. I didn't engage as well with this novel as I did with previous books. It's a much lighter read but I'm still willing to give book 2 a try.

[Yvonne Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this first tracker series and will read more. Great story and believable characters.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first of the Gateway Trilogy. A love story with lots of trials and mysteries.

[Michelle Kemp · Rating 5 out of 5]

A different twist on ghost whispering

[Brittany Williams · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did I just waste 4 hours of my life? Yes. Yes I did.

[Ariel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read the GATEWAY trilogy first!

I highly suggest reading The Gateway trilogy first. I knew this was a spin off and expected some run over from the previous series, however it had a full out love affair. Hardly anything was explained without also including a mention to the previous series. Thus, "Whispers of the Walker" doesn't stand well on its own. It didn't really take off on its own two legs until about half way through, but even still had the occasional throwback.

That said, it was very apparent that the author adores her characters and she did a valiant effort creating a new adventure for them. A lot of world building to make the ghosts and secret magical society this story is about her own. Many layers that made the plot interesting, strife with troubles, and touching too. Excellent writing, sub-par execution.

Jess, the main character, wears her heart on her sleeve. This finds her at odds very often with the more procedural nature of the Trackers organization she joins or even her more reluctant sister, Hannah. Jess basically runs a group that investigates those that claim to be in touch with paranormal activity and determine if they are honest, or phonies. The two cases she takes on in this story are solved. With set up for the next book.

I just can't recommend starting with it even though it is number one of a series with how much it depends on another story to make this one feel complete. As reading it felt like being the third wheel in a supernatural date. Too many inside "jokes" I wasn't privy to, or "there" to understand fully. Would have rated higher if not for that fact.

Read the other series, then try this one. I suspect doing so would be a more enjoyable ride.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I downloaded Whispers of the Walker as I wasn't quite ready to say goodbye to Jess, Hannah, Milo and the gang and I am even more in love with them than before. I wasn't sure what to make of the Tracker series or what to expect but it's just as good as the previous Gateway books.

Forced into a corner Jess and Hannah take the only option given to them by the council that works for them and let's them continue mostly with the life they have carved put for themselves and their friends. I don't think Tracker was a title that either girl was looking for but nonetheless they have it. It suits them well and I think being Trackers works for them even if they are a little weary to begin with.

Their case in this book was so fascinating. I love that they are looking for frauds and now they have 'official' force to track and shut these inposters down. I really, loved how everything unfolded and that you didn't quite know which way the story was going to go. It certainly kept me on the edge of my seat and I didn't expect the ending to the case that actually played out.

And then there is Jesa and Fin... on to book two to see where things are headed.

[Tina M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Beginning For A Spin-off Series!!

I must say, in the beginning, I was a little disappointed. It seemed as if Holmes herself was having trouble getting the series off the ground, and to flow like the other ones had previously. Eventually, it did begin to pick up the pace and fall into Holmes’ style of writing I felt in the previous series.

When authors start going into the rehashing of previous books or series it’s a major turn-off to me.
I have to say Holmes did a remarkable job in blending them together, whereas it didn’t feel like she was regurgitating what was just so thoroughly explained in the previous 3 book series. Nice touch!!

And the best part of the entire book, was when they broke the “case” wide open. Never expected that spin in a million years. It also gave an indication as to future drama that will eventually play its way out in the upcoming books.

But just exactly when, where, and how, leaves the reader with a sense of glimmering interest to keep you reading more.

[Seonaid Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having not read the initial trilogy I found the recollection of what had happened in Jess and Hannah's past very beneficial, however had I read them, I would have found this rather irritating as it takes up a lot of time.
Jess and Hannah's way of protecting spirits is amazing, rebelling against those who try to control their own powers and those who exploit and pretend to have them.
Their compassion for people who are grieving is touching.
In this they are fighting to protect those grieving and standing up for what they believe in. They have a lot of choices to make and it is a brilliant story.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Summary:

This novel focuses on Jess, who works at a local museum as a tour guide. It’s been several years since Jess and Hannah (her twin) have thwarted a catastrophic prophecy that could have destroyed their fellow Durupinen, an ancient clan of women who allow spirits to cross between the worlds of the living and the dead. The girls swore that they wouldn’t get caught up in the inner workings of the Durupinen again after all of the chaos that ensued. But they were wrong. After breaking a code of secrecy and facing the High Council, Jess and Hannah were forced to become Trackers, working to take down those who would exploit the spirit world for profit or power. Their first assignment was to exploit Jeremiah Campbell, a self-proclaimed spiritual guru, who lures rich clients to his southern home with a promise to give them a connection to the deceased to make profit. But Jess and Hannah soon realize that this isn’t just any con artist, and their world they are sworn to protect might be in unimaginable danger.

What I thought of the book:

I have a few things to point out about this novel. Firstly, the whole Finn/Jess romance is not good. I totally do not ship. Love and hate are two completely different emotions, and Holmes doesn’t do a good job at depicting them as intertwining feelings. Their relationship is awkward, they fight non-stop, and there never seems to be any moves made by either side. Secondly, the plot is quite slow and uneventful. She writes so that there is a lot of ‘fluff’, a few pages of intense action, and then more ‘fluff’. She would benefit from working on using her creativity and attention to word choice to make a more exciting plot that keeps the reader engaged throughout the book.

Why I rated it the way I did:

I had to skim the last few chapters because it was so confusing. The entire time I was confused on the back stories of some characters right before I found out that there is an entire series BEFORE this series. Now, it makes sense why there were so many unexplained relationships that I didn’t know of. All in all, not a great book. I enjoyed the writing style since Holmes uses word choice to explain characters’ motives, but other than that, it was quite problematic. Not to mention, some parts were just too cheesy and unrealistic. They just made no sense! I would recommend this book to those who have read the previous series. Also, anyone who enjoys paranormal or fantasy books would really appreciate the fantastical elements in this novel.

[Raluca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t say that this will ever be one of my favourite books, but it won me over to its charm. I see it being moderately successful as a tv show, one of those series that goes on because it’s light and entertaining enough to attract audiences after a day’s work…something of a mix between The Mentalist and Supernatural…though I am using Supernatural as a reference for ghost series with siblings and because I can’t think of anything more appropriate.
This book is not that dark. It’s quite on the light side cause most of the spirits have actually been nice and sarcastic. There’s a kind of a linear story to it, that gets interrupted with explanations of past events. From the number of these explanations I gathered that there is an original series that I missed, but I don’t think that I’m gonna start reading that too.

There’s also forbidden romance and plenty of other clichés and a strong misjudging of east european languages all sounding the same and very much like Russian…but hey, what can you expect from Americans. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook, even though some of the accents were butchered a bit, but it’s got momentum and I didn’t really get bored with it.

[Lynne Macdonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first trilogy introducing me to Jessica and Hannah, the saga continues. This Book alternating titled The Gateway Trackers Book 1 AKA Whispers of the Walker, takes the foursome ( don't forget about Milo & Finn) to have a elite type job as trackers for the Durupinen. This position is one where the trackers exposes people who exploit people's pain for profit or power. The first assignment is to expose Jeremiah Campbell a self-proclaimed guru. He lures people in his southern mansion for profit; just giving enough answers but not enough to lure them back and spend more money. I will not give it away but expect to see tie in with previous books which are neatly and appropriately done. Of course Jess and Finn still have a sort of relationship lest Finn be banned from ever seeing Jessica because the Durupinen-Caomhnoir relationships are still banned. He has got things on sort of hold. The foursome all work together to find some surprising things.
As the old saying goes- things are not always as they seem- expect some surprises.
I do recommend this book.

[JenBsBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had really enjoyed the original Gateway Trilogy ... and I was happy to step back into the world of Jess and Hannah, and Milo, don't forget him and his comic relief! As this opened, it felt a little like a set-up for a TV series. Like the first trilogy had been a movie (or three) and had been so well received that it was now going to be an ongoing series. I could almost see the "episodes" for the coming weeks as the team tackles fake paranormal people taking advantage. It will be interesting to see if the second book continues on this basic premise or goes further ... I definitely plan on continuing.

This was my Prime Lending Library borrowed book for ... June I think? I grabbed it in the final days on the month and just got to reading it here at the end of July as I had several library books come in (have to read them first as they have due dates). Once I started ... I finished pretty quick, even with 400+ pages.

[Ninaminacat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining continuation for readers of the Gateway trilogy

This was an enjoyable read, set three years after the Gateway series, with the emphasis on action rather than characterisation. Where necessary there was a helpful brief recap of salient key events in the previous series, but these are really intended just as reminders; do read the Gateway trilogy first so that you can make the most of this novel.

Whereas it wasn't quite as satisfying, complex and inventive as "Spirit Legacy" or "Spirit Ascendancy" and was sometimes predictable, it was entertaining light reading. I shall no doubt continue with the series to follow Jess and Hannah in their new roles.

I rated first and third parts of the Gateway trilogy ( both of which are much stronger than the second, "Spirit Prophecy") at 4 stars, which means that this first installment in the new series should be slightly lower, at 3.5 stars.

[Thajudheen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm coming back to this series after a gap, intentionally added after completing The Gateway Trilogy. And that was the right call.

Picking up three years later, this book quickly pulled me back into its universe. Catching up with familiar characters was fun. The scene reintroducing Savvy was a special highlight. I found new things to like about these characters who were still familiar, but still a bit different from what I remembered.

The plot was significantly different from the previous books while still being grounded in the same world and reusing the same rules. I found it to be well executed, even if the stakes were a little lower. That's fine, because I think the cataclysmic stakes of the Gateway Trilogy should be left well alone. Trying to surpass that one might have been futile. I also didn't see the final twist coming, and it genuinely surprised me.

5/5, and very enthusiastically moving on to the next book.

[Debyi Kucera (Book&BuJo) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t realize there was a trilogy that came before this series. I appreciated the recaps without feeling like watching the next season of a tv show “last time on Whispers of the Walker…” I loved the main characters and the storyline was interesting. It makes me want to go back and read the first trilogy and read the second book in The Gateway Trilogy.

We are following twin sisters Jess & Hannah, their guide Milo and Finn, their protector. The twins move into a new apartment with one of their friends as they are part of a group that tries to expose frauds that prey on people who have lost loved ones and want to find closure after they have passed. Through this work, they get pushed back into the Durupinen and are assigned the same kind of work but on a much larger scale.

I really enjoyed this book, it was entertaining and a lot of fun. I would classify it as a “guilty pleasure” series that reads more YA/New Adult despite the age of the characters.

8.29 CAWPILE

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much like E E Holmes other series with the Ballard sisters, Jess and Hannah with Milo their spirit guide and body guard Finn are off to the next adventure. About 3 years have passed since the prophecy that was to change everything was thwarted. Now the girls are trying to live what normal lives they might have. But everything is turned upside down when they end getting rope back into the world that they thought they escaped. Jess and Hannah become Trackers and end up on a case that is more than meets the eye. I am very interested in seeing how E E Holmes continues this series. A little different from the first trilogy, but still easy read. I like how you are able to follow the characters and see how they grow.

[michelle morfey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot stress how happy I am this series is continuing... milo was a hoot in this book and I found myself giggling at his antics over and over... I just love him... Finn and Jess have amazing chemistry and finally don’t give a dam about rules... Jess has been more defiant and argumentative and everyone seems to do what she wants, she is more intense, she is a bit overwhelming sometimes (and who could blame her) but her quick thinking and street smart ass attitude makes her truly an bad ass... I am deeply distrustful of the Durupinen at this point and I think more of that will be exposed in later books... I absolutely look forward to it... I will be starting the next book tomorrow!!!! ❤️

[T.A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

more of a 3.5 but you can’t give half stars

I’ve not read any of the previous books and there is enough explanation of previous events that you don’t really need to but it does give spoilers (obviously) so if you are likely to read the previous series do that first.

It’s not a bad read, and there is lots of lore based in there. For me I could have done with a little less love angst and arguing with people the main character doesn’t like and more of the lore and powers. I know however that some people will love that.

Will I read the rest? Maybe if I can get it for free on prime or the library otherwise there are other books I’d rather spend my money on.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Gateway Trackers series picks up a couple of years after the Gateway Trilogy ended, but it reunites us with Jess and her twin sister Hannah. We soon discover that Tia, Finn, Milo and Savvy are still in the mix as well. Ever revolutionary and out to take down anyone who abuses or uses the paranormal or spirit, Jess and Hannah find themselves again at odds with the Durupinen and summoned before the Council. They are given a tough choice that pretty much makes them work as Trackers for the Durupinen.

I am pleased to say that I still love the characters and am staying engaged in this series. I'm not bored yet, which is a good thing.

[Katia M. Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great to read more about these characters, this time a few years later than the original series. They have come into their own more and are ready for further adventures. As always, the book gripped me from the start and drew me in to the story. The characters are 3D and have real emotional impact on the reader. Towards the end I welled up with tears, not because I was sad, but because of the raw emotion one of the characters was experiencing. That's great writing. I'm going to enjoy reading more of this series.

[Heather McGough · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Gateway Trackers Book 1

I had finished the previous books about Jess and Hannah and got this book thinking it was just a continuation. It wasn't. This is a new series and starts several years later. I almost feel like we missed a huge part of their lives. I have so many questions.
But onto this book in particular. I felt it started slow. I understand we had some catching up to do. But once it got into the current situation I couldn't put it down. So many emotions. I'm glad I've read it. Now onto the next....

[Louisa Popel · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic start to a new series

Love reading about Jess, Hannah, Finn and milo, I read this book in 2 sittings, had to sleep!! lol did keep me up late, it was very hard to put down love how all the characters are developing! What a shock ending too, beautiful and heartbreaking, fine line between what’s right and wrong and can feel Jessica fury and anger, sadness of not being able to do the right thing!! off to download book 2 know, another cracking read from one of my favourite authors.

[KitKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading this! There may have been several recaps in the beginning but it was worth it! I was on the edge of my seat for the majority of the book (mainly when Jess and Finn were together) I had to refrain from giggling in excitement more times than I can count. This book put me in such a good mood every single time I got the chance to read it. I don’t know why people were complaining about the recaps so much though. I just read those parts faster than the others. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes to read fantasy and paranormal and even romance.