Murmurs of Evil

The Possession Chronicles #2

by Carrie Dalby

Hired to be a companion to Mrs. Melling, a woman who still mourns the death of her daughter, Magdalene spends her first weekend at Seacliff Cottage. Besides finding the house filled with vile spirits, Magdalene is at odds with an unearthly attraction to Alexander Melling—her employer’s bachelor son.Magdalene soon befriends a young Italian deacon, Claudio De Fiore. Together they try to solve the puzzle surrounding the demonic activities within the house. Meanwhile Douglas Campbell—the Scottish nephew of the coachman for the Mellings—arrives at the cottage. Balancing her growing love for Douglas and the memory of her haunting weekend with Alexander, Magdalene’s struggles worsen. The demons within the tainted walls of Seacliff Cottage are waiting for the right time to claim their next victim. Can Douglas and Magdalene’s romance survive the murmurs of evil, or will past secrets destroy their lives as well?

Genres: Gothic

462 pages, Paperback

First published May 28, 2019

About the author

Carrie Dalby has lived in Mobile, Alabama, since 1996, but called locations in both San Diego and Santa Cruz counties home while growing up in California. Serving two terms as president of Mobile Writers’ Guild, five years as the Mobile area Local Liaison for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and helping coordinate the Mobile Literary Festival are just a few of the writing-related volunteer positions she’s held. When Carrie isn’t reading, writing, researching, or browsing bookstores, libraries, estate sales, thrift stores, museums, or archives, she can often be found volunteering with the Mobile Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association or attending concerts.

Carrie writes for both teens and adults.
As of 2025, The Possession Chronicles, The Malevolent Trilogy, and Washington Square Secrets are her Southern Gothic series for adults. She has also published several shorts that can be found in different anthologies as well as her short story collection MASKED FLAWS AND OTHER STORIES.

FORTITUDE is listed as a “Best Historical Book for Kids” by Grateful American Foundation for its historical accuracy and reader engagement for those in grades fifth through tenth.

For more information, social media links, newsletter sign-up, and more, visit her website: carriedalby dot com

Reviews

[Brandy Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Murmurs of evil it would be the first book that I've read by the author and I can't wait to read more by the author in the future . This was a uniquely different story with a interesting characters and a plot that kept my attention . I'm really excited to see what's to come from the author .

[London Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great read! In Dalby’s usual style of gothic perfection, she weaves tormented characters into a setting that’s primed for possession, family secrets, and dark hearts. This is beautiful writing meets classic southern gothic.

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Southern Gothic sequel to Perilous Confessions worth its weight in possessions.

The story opens with our protagonist, Magdalene Jones, as she steams across Mobile Bay to the wilds of the Eastern Shore. It has my favorite parts of a gothic story--a possessed house and an uncanny resemblance to her employer's recently deceased daughter.

Mrs. Dalby does an exceptional job making the past come alive as she weaves the 1890s Alabama setting into her story. A well-researched historical fiction.

Just like in her YA, FORTITUDE, Mrs. Dalby puts my preconceived notions aside in creating a Gothic heroine going after what she wants. And she wants the Melling's son. So while I didn't always relate to Magdalene's choices, she was a character I was intrigued to follow.


Eager to read the rest of the Possession Chronicles!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great follow up to "Perilous Chronicles", by Carrie Dalby. It follows the experiences of Magdalene, who has been hired to be a companion to the Melling family, from the previous novel. Set around the Mobile, Alabama area, it's a well done story, that transports you to another time. I found myself a little disappointed to look up from the story, & see myself in modern day Mobile! It is a mystery, with a ghost story twist, & will keep your interest until the end! The characters are well written, & draw you into them right away. You will be satisfied with the ending, & will be like me--anxious for the next one!!

[L.B. Stimson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book I’ve read by Dalby and the second in her new Southern Gothic saga The Possession Chronicles. And as with her previous books, they end too soon and I am left wanting to further delve into her characters’ lives.

Dalby has ramped up the true essence of “Southern Gothic Horror” in this second book by staying true to the concepts of this sub-genre of horror with a brooding and foreboding home, tormented love and secrets, whilst wrapped in the spine-tingling elements of oppression and possession. Yes, demons are running amok and her characters' struggles are real and heart-wrenching.

I look forward to the rest of this series.

[Christine Woinich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting and complex read. I enjoyed all the characters, the changes they went through, the solving of a crime, and the happy for now. I love a good ghost story, and this included possession to add to the mystery storyline. It was hard to stop reading, wanting to see what would happen next. I recommend this story.

I received a copy of this story through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.

[Joyce Scarbrough · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another meticulously researched novel by Ms. Dalby. Seacliff Cottage is a classically Gothic dwelling filled with dark family secrets and lurking danger. I had some issues with the heroine's choices and a lingering dislike for some of the other characters who were introduced in the first book of the series, but I love several of the new characters and look forward to finding out what happens in the next book.

[Carmel Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing and mind gripping

Another awesome book that gets you involved and keeps your mind trying to figure out what is going on and who is causing it as well as a little romance thrown in on the side. Magdalene is the perfect companion for Mrs. Melling but learns the family that has secrets that could put her in danger. You won't want to put it down.

[A.L. Vincent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will Keep You Up at Night!

Excellent southern gothic novel! I love books set in the South and this one is such a great book. It's got everything, a creepy house, possible ghosts, tortured heroes, and just a little romance. Be warned though, those demons may have you sleeping with the lights on!

[Frances Driscoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a creepy story, and I loved it. The characters are lovable and the pacing is perfect. I can't wait for the next one!

[debbicat *made of stardust* · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars