Whispers in the Wine Cellar

by Keeley Webb

A florist, an estate agent, a prostitute, a call centre operative, a wife and mother. What could possibly link them all? A love of flowers. That was a start. A skilled florist, who uses his produce and charm to select his beautiful victims. Compliance is a must. You will be bound, you will be kept, you will be broken. Failure to comply is not an option. Can they keep his interest? Can they follow his rules? A distraught ex-husband, faithful friends and loving parents. The search has started, the clock is ticking. Who will survive of those that are missing?

Genres: Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Crime

188 pages, Paperback

Published January 16, 2020

Reviews

[Dash fan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4☆ Dark, Twisty, Taut Psychological Thriller, that will get Under Your Skin!

Edward is a perverted psychopath, he owns a flower shop where he uses his business to pick his women.
His married to Angela and they have a lil girl together. Angela is simply a convenience, she doesn't do what the other women do for him.

Sandra and David are Edward’s parents. They have always known he was different but could never imagine how twisted he was.

I have to say this book isn't going to be for everyone, it is quite disturbing, dark, graphic and will get under your skin. Read with caution!

Whispers in the Wine Cellar was such a dark, twisty, compelling psychological thriller that at times gave me chills.
Right from the first chapter Webb set the scene for what promised to be a gripping read!
I love books that draw me in, make me unnerved, keep me on the edge of my seat and Whispers in the Wine Cellar gave me that and more!
I enjoyed the police procedural and it was interesting to see how the case developed, especially as for once as a reader I already knew who the serial killer was!
The story is told in a few pov which worked really well, as you got to see the many sides to Edward. He certainly is a charmer with a sadistic dangerous side.

This is my first encounter with Keeley Webb and I'm now very excited to read more!


Thank you to Dampebbles Tours for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.



You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-

https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/0...

[Tina Transformation · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved the originality of this plot. A florist using his flowers—and his charm—to lure in victims? That alone hooked me. It’s such a fresh and twisted idea, and the way the story unfolds keeps you glued the whole way through.

It’s dark, unsettling, and addictive. If you're into thrillers with a unique concept and a seriously creepy villain, this one delivers. 5 stars from me

[C.A. Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by Keeley Web and it won't be my last! I must mention that this is a dark story full of brutality towards women, so beware...this is your warning.

With that being said, I obviously didn't have an issue with the TW, as this story captivated me from the first page to the last. The story is downright crazy—in the best way possible! Keeley's ability to craft a chilling and unpredictable storyline is impressive. Told from multiple points of view, the narrative offers a deep dive into the minds and backstory of the characters, making the suspense even more intense.

The florist, Edward, with his charming exterior and love for flowers mask his twisted motives, making him truly terrifying. His psychological manipulation and torment of his victims add a layer of horror that is both compelling and disturbing.

The suspense builds up perfectly, leaving you guessing about the fate of the women until the very end. If you're looking for a gripping read that will keep you hooked, this book is definitely worth picking up.

[Mark Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Late to the party on this one, but so worth my wait! 😱

You know how when you read a book and you feel nothing for the victims because the author didn’t develop them? That they were just in the book for the sole purpose of being killed/maimed/tortured? And ultimately their demise fell flat because we didn’t care whether they lived or died? Well, “Whispers in the Wine Cellar” is NOT that book! Keeley Webb Author does a bang-up job to make sure you know her victims so when something happens to them, you feel for them.

But it’s not just the actual victims you feel for, it’s their families, too. But don’t get me wrong: this is not a feel good book lol. It’s a thriller with a sadistic, narcissistic MMC who cares less about people than he does about the flowers in his shop. No one is safe! It’s a short book, but packs a helluva whollop!

Make sure you add “Whispers in the Wine Cellar” to your TBR now! It’s on KU, too! 👍🏻

[Silvia Ibeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading Keeley Webb. I was captivated from the beginning and Edward's line, "I hide my evil well." This steered me toward the notion of how this charismatic florist would potentially use his charm to manipulate and exert power and control over his victims. I enjoyed Keeley's clever wit throughout, especially a wit that led characters to fall prey to compliance and manipulation. She was masterful at bringing together insights of the crimes from people with seemingly unrelated backgrounds. My favorite feature of the book was how she portrayed a florist's perception of his serial crimes. She used the concept of aged wine to intimately and figuratively describe a sinister personality that integrates the 'flavors' of victims with a perception of value, excitement and arousal, and the concept of 'success' in criminality. Brilliant! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ FIVE STARS

[Jessica Lewandowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely amazing and completely horrifying at the same time! I am very satisfied with the ending. It was well deserved given the brutal and humiliating way that one of Edward’s victims died. But Webb amazingly managed to turn it into something beautiful. I’m also happy that Edward’s imprisonment was not the end or the worst of his punishment, and you’ll just have to give it a read to find out what I mean 😉. The abuse and torture was absolutely heartbreaking and disturbing, especially because Webb does a phenomenal job of developing each character and telling the story from each of their points of view, just adding to the heartbreak. I recently wrote my first thriller and I feel like this is the first book out of dozens I’ve read this past year that truly captivated me immediately and refused to let go. I tried to do the same with my thriller and I hope readers get pulled in just as much as I did with Webb’s incredible writing!

[Joshua Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

The intense search for missing women is on in Keeley Webb’s Whispers in the Wine Cellar! A florist is abducting a variety of women to keep for his own sadistic purposes. As the search ramps up, he bears down leading the women to wonder, will any of them survive their ordeal? Webb does a great job of getting you in each of the characters’ heads! It’s an intimate and intense read that keeps you on the edge all the way through, perfect for fans of The Bone Collector or Kiss the Girls!

[Rachel Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Whispers in the Wine Cellar” by Keeley Webb had me hooked from the very first page. It’s dark, suspenseful, and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I couldn’t put it down—each chapter drew me deeper into the mystery, leaving me questioning who would survive. Webb’s writing is atmospheric and intense, and the story kept me on constant alert, wondering what would happen next. If you’re a fan of gripping, thrilling tales, this one is absolutely essential.

[Christy Barecky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever wanted to reach into a book and throat p*nch a character? That’s exactly how I felt about Edward. And just when I thought he couldn’t get any more sadistic, he would up the ante. There are definitely some dark themes in this book and some tough scenes, but the book is very engaging and keeps your interest. I will definitely read more from this author!

[Rachel Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was promised cheese, and a lot of it, so there’s really an abundant lack of cheese throughout this story. However, the author did make up for it with a very sick and perverted main character, who has taken a course in medieval torture, it seems. If you’re looking to meet a twisted, devilishly handsome man, look no further than Edward Rigley. He’ll make you regret every decision that led that point!

And for those not led to this book with the same cheese promise, now wondering what the heck I’m talking about, this was the book description I was given 🤣

“It's about a man with a dog. The dog really likes cheese. A lady tells his dog that cheese isn't really for dogs, and the man loses his shit and just starts killing women who look like her. He doesn't kill her but keeps her in his cellar, force-feeding her cheese. 

She has the last laugh as she's lactose intolerant and fills his cellar with shit. He literally eats shit and then dies.”

Ms. Webb must write this book immediately 🤣

[Billie Wiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Gripping and Unforgettable Thriller! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Whispers in the Wine Cellar" by Keeley Webb is an absolute masterpiece in the psychological thriller genre. From the very first page, I was hooked by the intricate plot and the chilling atmosphere that Webb masterfully creates. The story revolves around a skilled florist who uses his charm and flowers to lure his victims, weaving a tale that is both horrifying and mesmerizing.

The characters are well-developed and complex, each with their own backstory that adds depth to the narrative. The tension builds steadily, keeping you on the edge of your seat as you follow the desperate search for the missing women. Webb's writing is both poetic and haunting, making it impossible to put the book down.

What sets this book apart is its ability to evoke a range of emotions—fear, empathy, and suspense. The twists and turns are unpredictable, and the ending is both satisfying and thought-provoking. If you're a fan of psychological thrillers, "Whispers in the Wine Cellar" is a must-read. Keeley Webb has truly outdone herself with this one!

[Nevada Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was immediately drawn into this book from the very first page! Author Keeley Webb draws you into the story with well-developed characters that are instantly likable.

Written in the first person perspective of various characters that rotate through each chapter, you experience their trauma and emotions with them! There were many instances throughout where I found myself devastated and hoping for a better outcome for these characters I was already attached to.

While there’s no huge twist, (which does NOT define a book’s worth), it is a captivating and very well written story of struggle and survival that will make your jaw drop numerous times along the way.

I look forward to reading more from this author and recommend this for anyone that doesn’t have triggers from sexual trauma!

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Local Florist Edward is a catch. He’s got wealthy and supportive parents, his own flower shop, and a wife and child. However, the flower shop is more of a hunting ground than a place to buy a bouquet. As he pulls helpless women into his twisted world, his only rule is “compliance.” There are severe punishments handed out for infractions to this rule.

The author pulls you in and does not let go! Every little struggle and every little push against his rules made me feel so nervous for the women. I had to keep going just to see how this would end!

I can’t wait to read more from Keeley! This was a great introduction to her work and I highly recommend it!

[Cherree Toth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling read

Written from the perspectives of the victims as well as the perpetrator, this book moves along quickly, with e very chapter filled with suspense. There was no twist at the end because none was needed, just a good thriller with just enough frights but not too many to be a turn-off. It is a very good read by a very good author. I will go look for more books by this author. You should read this book!

[Jolene Gelderblom · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read. I really enjoyed the fact that you got to read from all perspectives the victims the police basically everyone involved so you were able to get to know all the characters. Really had me gripped from the start i was hooked. There are some triggers for brutality against women. I loved this book and will be reading more of the author’s books

[Rowena Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a clever, well-written psychological thriller. I would say that it is not a book for the faint-hearted, because it does not shy away from the brutality of the crimes being committed, and while I enjoy that grittiness and detail, it may not be for everyone. Beyond that though, this a book that worms itself into your mind. It puts me very much in mind of shows such as Criminal Minds, with its approach to the world of serial killers and the psychological aspects of the crime – from childhood, to present and on to the unravelling of the killer, as well as the wider impacts it has on those involved in the case.
Whispers in the Wine Cellar was fascinating because it provided such a variety of points of view from those directly involved in the crime itself – the victims and the killer, to the police, and the people surrounding the central character. Not only does this give the narrative greater context and realism, but also greater impact, as often we only see the immediate impact and not the ripples that spread further and further from start to finish.
The entire cast of characters were well-developed, and each had a unique voice which made their part in the narrative stand out. Edward was a fascinating but uncomfortable character to read, and there were times, when it felt as though he slipped into my mind, he was so well-written, which was a chilling sensation. Jenny and Lucy stood out as more than victims, which made their story all the more harrowing because it was so easy to empathise with them and imagine yourself in their shoes. DCI Carver was a fantastic counterbalance to Edward, and you can’t help but like him, and cheer for his progress on the case.
This was an eerie, tour-de-force exploration of the darkest parts of the human mind. A captivating, sometimes overwhelming so read, that left you needing to keep reading but afraid of what you might find. I would highly recommend for anyone who wants a psychological thriller that can creep under your skin and stay there for a while.

*I received a e-copy in exchange for an honest review*

[Eclectic Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this one up because of the serial killer vibe and Edward has been one in the making for some time. The book is a dark and brutal story not for the faint of heart.

Edward is a nasty husband, a doting father, a successful florist, and an up-and-coming serial killer. He wants his face on a best seller with many kills to his name. He has it all planned out and his girls are starting to break so they are totally his. But the police are on to him, his parents' neighbor is getting too nosy, and his wife needs to go.  Who lives and who dies?

This fast-paced story is told in disturbing and terrifying detail from Edward's perverted point of view, his victims' frantic points of view, the detective's frustrated point of view, and a few others. The author pulls the reader down into that wine cellar with the victims and a psychopath who is just starting to feel his true power.

The book leaves one with a reminder that if something seems too good to be true then it usually is. The author also gives the reader closure by bringing Edward's victims together at the end and getting their revenge by taking back control of their lives.

If you are one who prefers dark and unsettling psychological thrillers, give this one a try.

Thank you to Ms. Webb for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

[Amanda Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whispers in the Cellar is the second book I've read by Keeley Webb and I have to say, her writing is excellent. This second book is a psychological thriller and the main character Edward really was a twisted individual. Some of his chapters really made me squirm. The story is told from different points of view which brings the reader deep into the story as we follow the women Edward is targeting and how they fall victim to his charm. This book has it all, horrendous crimes, and a great police investigation into the missing women. I found myself turning the pages in anticipation of what was going to happen next. All in all a great read but a little too dark in some places for me.

[Jules MacLeod · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a gripping psychological thriller that keeps you on edge. The story is filled with twists and turns involving the manipulative psychopath Edgar, his family, victims and police in a well-crafted plot making it a compelling read.

Keeley's writing is engaging, drawing readers into a world where every character has a unique backstory. The different POV perspectives provided by the characters in the chapters add depth to the storyline. While some content might be unsettling, in sexual trauma terms, for some, the atmosphere and intricate narrative are worth it. A solid 4 stars for this thrilling tale with a perfect Karma and justified conclusion.

[Rachael Stray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of crime shows like Criminal Minds that delve into the horrible evil world of serial killers and this book does the same thing.

Whispers in the Wine Cellar is a well thought out psychological thriller that gives the reader different perspectives thanks to chapters told from a different characters point of view. 

The characters are unique and engaging and draw you in. 

The twisted killer is Edward Ridgley who comes across as charming, kind and enigmatic to those around him but it's all a rouse as he battles with his sick urges and desires until he finally starts to unravel. 

This is not the kind of book for the faint hearted I'm afraid and should come with several trigger warnings - mental, physical and sexual abuse as well as violence.

But I found it to be a really interesting read.

I feel like we get to know sadistic Edward really well as well as the women who fall victim to his charm. 

We get insight into his family life as a child and then the present day.

I also enjoyed being privy to the police investigation into the missing women and how DCI Carver had his suspicions about Edward from the very first time he crossed his path. 

I don't think it's very often you get a rounded picture of such horrendous crimes from so many perspectives - his wife, the killer himself, the police, the victims and the ex-husband of one of the victims. It really brings so much to the story not just context. 

Whispers in the Wine Cellar was a captivating read right from the start and I devoured the entire book in one snowy afternoon - I couldn't put it down.

[LJ (ljwritesandreviews) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whispers in the wine cellar is a dark and intense psychological thriller.

The story is told from multiple perspectives, each giving their own unique take on what’s happening from the victims to our killer to the police giving you a rounded story.

We know from the off who our killer is and really get into his head. We see how he uses his charm to manipulate women for his own twisted end. There was something almost Ted Bundy like about him. Also I will warn you being inside the head of a serial killer is at times disturbing and a little uncomfortable.

As the story is told in first person it felt at times like the characters were talking at me rather than to me which I found a little irritating . There was also an overuse of exclamation marks, it made me feel like all the characters were constantly shouting.

Whisper in the wine cellar is something I’d recommend if you enjoy a serial killer thriller that really gets into the mind of a psychopath.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whispers in the Wine Cellar is about most women’s worse nightmare. The nightmare of being kidnapped and kept to be used however the kidnapper wants to use you. This is from the most unimaginable torture to being the mother of his children. The synopsis itself gave me chills.

There’s a twist to this story though. The predator is someone the victims know. He’s the gentleman they’ve dreamed of, their knight in shining armor. This almost makes it more terrifying.

I enjoyed reading the book. The story is quick-paced, making it a fast read. The victims are all likable, making me feel so much sympathy and hurt for what they go through. The kidnapper is pure evil. There is a hatred for him that lasts all the way until the very last page.

My only complaint is that the writer didn’t use many contractions. While very minor, it made some of the conversations difficult to read knowing people don’t normally talk that formal. While I was able to look past it, at times it was somewhat of a distraction.

Overall the book is a terrific. although terrifying, psychological thriller.

[Elaine Rainbolt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The flower shop

This book is about a man running a flower shop and meeting new customers everyday. Even though he is married with a child, he pretends they aren't important. This book will lead you on a journey with multiple woman and how they are all intertwined. I highly recommend this book.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispers in the Wine Cellar is a chilling thriller that pulls you in from the very first page. Keely Webb builds suspense with every chapter, expertly weaving together mystery, fear, and emotional tension. The story keeps you guessing as the search for the missing unfolds and the danger steadily intensifies.

Dark, fast-paced, and unforgettable — a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers.

[Gail Clouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ Whispers in the Wine Cellar by Keeley Webb Author I really enjoyed this book! Edward is a monster! That's not a spoiler, it's a fact from the start. The questions are, how many unspeakable things will he do? Will he be caught? Will he elude authorities and continue on his psychotic way? If you haven't read this yet, get it, put it on you tbr, just read it!

[Jenny Coyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Usually I don't like thrillers where I already know who the killer is because they rely heavily on well written suspense without a twist. This book has well written suspense and twists I didn't see coming. There were parts that slowed down the suspense for me which is why I only gave 4 stars, but I definitely enjoyed this book and will read more Keeley Webb books in the future.

[Heather Chauvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read. The author did an amazing job detailing the depravity of the villain. No shocking twist necessarily, but that didn’t stop me from reading this book as fast as I could! Instead you spend the book really getting to know the different characters and their motivations.

[S.P. Dawes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

Well thought out psychological thriller that puts you in each person's perspective. The characters are unique and engaging. I found it captivating right from the start.

[Tracy Hinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

😳⚠️

OMG I hate Edward. Twisted so very twisted. This book is messed up. ⚠️😳 Um what the hell am I reading. Edward is pissing me off. I so want to hurry up and skip to the end

[Suzette Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

good read

I enjoyed this book. It was captivating and mysterious. The author did a good job with the characters and details.