Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Murder is the last of the gargoyles in Whispers to find his mate. Or so he thinks…

A fateful mission into Hell to rescue his best friend’s stolen mate leads Murder to a female he can’t look away from. As he hangs helpless from the chains holding him secure in the Dark One’s torture cell, a quiet female with midnight-blue eyes tends his wounds and nurses him the best she can despite his snarls and warnings to leave him alone. He doesn’t understand why he’s soothed by her presence. Before he can figure it out, he’s rescued and whisked back to the place he calls home. But he finds he has only one desire… and he’s got to go back to Hell to retrieve it.

Lucitari is an ancient. All her life she’s believed a mate is nothing more than a liability — someone to be used against you. It’s a weakness she cannot afford Which is why eons ago, she selflessly gave away the part of herself that calls to a mate. It was an impulsive, yet sensible decision — until now. Now she’s found her mate, but he’s claimed another. Her heart is breaking, yet even so, she wishes him well. She’s doing her best to put on a brave face, though it’s hard to do when he makes her so angry she struggles to control her temper. But she’s determined to be happy for him. A little. Maybe.

The fates are never clear with their intent for the future. And life can be downright confusing. Like why a soothing pair of beautiful, mid-night blue eyes suddenly turn brown. Why the pull you feel for a mate is no longer a pull at all, and why an ancient who’s lived on the outskirts of your life for years suddenly seems to be all you can think about. For Murder it’s become a race against time to put all the pieces together before his real mate falls through his grasp forever. She’s hidden herself away from the pain he’s caused. If he can’t locate her in time, she’ll be lost, not only to him, but to all — forever.

Warning: Intended for mature audiences. This book contains intimate love scenes, some violence, and possibly some abuse both real and inferred that may be disturbing for some readers. If you are offended by these subjects, please do not buy this book.

229 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2020

249 people are currently reading
185 people want to read

About the author

Sandra R. Neeley

61 books885 followers
I write Paranormal, SciFi and Fantasy Romance. Why, you may ask? Romance, because who doesn’t love a good romance, and the lack of reality in the story lines - because, well, normal is highly overrated. I’m 55, I have two kids, one 32 and one 12 (yes, God does have a sense of humor), one grandchild, one husband, and a menagerie of animals. Literally, too damn many things that eat wandering around our property. I love to cook, and I am a voracious reader, though since I started writing I don’t get as much time to read as I once did. I am a homebody and prefer my writing/reading time to a crowd. I have had stories and fictional characters wandering around in my head for as long as I can remember. I started letting them out into the real world and surprisingly, people have loved them. I am a Self-Published Author, and I like it that way because I can decide what and when to write. I am by no means a formal, polished, properly structured individual and neither are my stories. But people seem to love the easy emotion and passion that naturally flow from them. A bit of a warning though, there are some “triggers” in them that certain people should avoid. I’m a firm believer that you cannot have light without the dark. You cannot fully embrace the joy and elation that my people eventually find if you do not bear witness to their darkest hours as well. So please be sure to read the warnings supplied with each of the synopses about my books before you buy them. I've got three series published at this time, Avaleigh's Boys - PNR, Whispers From the Bayou - Fantasy PNR, Haven - a SciFi, and three more in process. I’m a bit sarcastic, scathing actually, and a smartass to boot, so if I offend you, it is most likely not intentional. But be prepared because it probably won’t be the last time. I’m always glad to hear from readers; those who have followed me from the beginning, and those who have just found my people. So feel free to look me up and say hello, or just follow along; either way, I’m glad to have you.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
331 (59%)
4 stars
153 (27%)
3 stars
64 (11%)
2 stars
9 (1%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for Kat valentine ( Katsbookcornerreads).
776 reviews1,267 followers
May 4, 2020
Another awesome book from The Whispers series by the amazingly talented Sandra neeley!! This is a fabulous series and every book is like unwrapping a piece of great chocolate!! The characters are all so unique and totally captivating. In this new story Murder the dark and mysterious gargoyle thinks he has found his fated mate and with lore and entrall he is headed back to hell to save Phrygia from the dark ones service. With the dark one hitching a ride and murder feeling somethings different about Phrygia things are all messed up especially when murder realizes that his true fated mate is the beautiful ancient Lucitari. He feels betrayed by not only her but by lore who he loves like a brother. The dark one is on the loose and with some other new characters who have been living on the edge of the whispers like a banshee, a handsome jewel eyed dark male fey,sprites,a Sasquatch and a pretty female with flaming red hair and orange eyes and not to mention a charming alligator shifter as well things aren't quiet in the bayou anymore. With all my favorites making a appearance like Carnage and Carolena with daughter lily who is wise beyond her years with a special magic all her own and her brother boon who is a mini carnage with a major attitude,love this little gargoyle! And theirs Destroy and Rowan and enthrall and his mate Evangeline. Their are many things happening in the whispers and for the beautiful and powerful siren Aubreigne her life's about to change, a mystery man has been not only leaving her drawnings of her in different moments with a faceless man but is also watching from the shadows! Is he her fated mate or the devil himself!!! Can't wait! love this fabulous world that sandra neeley has created and she is a awesome storyteller with characters that stay with you long after their story! Until next time Luv's💕💋
Profile Image for Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️.
2,945 reviews2,673 followers
May 14, 2022
Love on the Bayou!



The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💛🖤💜💚
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌏🌍🌏
Character development: 🤒😌🙃😍😘

The heroine: Lucitari - she is an ancient and sister to Lore. Long ago she gave up a part of herself to a girl who was sentenced to a lifetime in Hell for something she didn’t deserve. She gave up that part of herself freely in order to protect the human girl knowing that the girl didn’t stand a chance in Hell without it.

The Hero: Murder - after being left behind by Lore and Destroy when they were on their mission to break Evangeline out of Hell, Murder was kept in chains and tortured. When his friends returned for him, he was beaten unconscious and since then he has had one goal and that was to get Phrygia, the woman who helped him out of Hell.

The Story: Murder felt drawn to Phrygia and thinks she is his mate so is determined to save her so they can be together. Though once she is safely ensconced in the Whispers community, deep in the Louisiana bayou, Murder still feels something is missing.

I like how these stories are multi-layered and nothing is as it seems at first. This entire series has been so good, I had only planned on reading the first book last weekend, but have yet to stop reading the series. I just love all the characters and how the residents of whispers are just one big family. I have loved every character I have read about so far and how each is charming in a different way.

The world building in this series has just been terrific, from Carnage and Caolena’s tree house in the Eucalyptus grove, to her home in Philadelphia that is now a women’s shelter run by Rowan’s parents and grandmother, to the scenes in Hell where the corridor’s kept changing every time they went back so it was difficult to find their way in and out.

This book had so much going on, romance, action, suspense and danger. More than one set of fated mates were found in this story, plus there was the introduction of the Dark One. To top off a great story, we also get Alligator shifters! 🐊

Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
Profile Image for Leo.
4,986 reviews627 followers
September 18, 2025
Loved it more on my reread. reading the books more closely after eachother and able to connect with each characters. Loving the series.
___
I love how connected all the residents at the Bayou and how you get to follow their comun. However this was my least favorite book in the series. Its nice to follow along their life and that the romance got a bit of a unique twist I rarely see in romance. But unfortunate I didn't feel very invested this time around
Profile Image for Judy Lewis.
1,566 reviews55 followers
April 17, 2021
GREAT CONTINUATION OF THE SERIES!!!
Title: Murder
Author: Sandra R. Neeley
Series: Whispers From The Bayou
Designation: Book 5 of series, Short Novel (Approx 220 pages), NOT Recommended as a Standalone, NOT Recommended for Readers Under 17 #paranormalromance
My Rating: 4 Stars****
I've been following Sandra Neeley's Whispers From the Bayou Series for almost 2 years and, like so many other fans, anxiously await each new release. It's been 6 months since the release of Lore, the fourth book of the series, and I could hardly wait to get Murder and Lucitaria's story in my hot little hands. But it was well worth the wait! When I first began reading Neeley's work, I was somewhat undecided about my feelings for her writing style. In her author bio, she openly admits to having no formal training and simply writes for her own enjoyment. Her style is definitely unconventional and unpolished, but it's also honest, raw, unusual, highly imaginative, and heartfelt with exceptional development of her worlds and characters. Her stories are all written with a somewhat unorthodox third-person omniscient narrative and can be a little disorienting to a reader, at first. But my love for her work far outweighs my need for conventional writing styles. This series features a secret community named Whispers, located deep in the Bayou of Louisiana. It is a safehaven for an eclectic mix of paranormal beings seeking safety and sanctuary from humans. Each book is rich with vividly detailed descriptions of the community and its residents. I think my favorite component of Neeley’s work is her always intriguing cast of characters. They're engaging as well as endearing and the heart and soul of each book. This story featured Murder, a confused but determined gargoyle, and Lucitaria, a beautiful ancient who had always considered love to be a weakness. Both characters were introduced earlier in the series, which brings me to another point. Each book features primarily one couple finding their happy ending (except this story which has two couples discovering mated bliss), but many of the characters from previous books of the series play important recurring roles in every story. If you haven't read the other books, you may find yourself a little lost, and it is for this reason I do NOT recommend any of these as standalones. Murder also contains explicit sexual content, abuse, and violence and is NOT suitable for readers under 17. Did I like Murder? Yes, very much! Would I recommend it? You bet, and I am. Will I read this author again? Absolutely, just as soon as she releases her next book. Sandra Neeley has garnered quite a fan base since I began reading her work two years ago, and the praise from her readers/reviewers is well deserved. So if you're looking for something different, unusual, or unconventional that will keep you reading well into the night, give her work a whirl. Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read!
Profile Image for Charlotte.
2,121 reviews80 followers
April 16, 2020
This can not be the last Whispers book with an ending like that!!!
I luved it. I feel for Murder, I was as confused as he was and I am glad all was explained. It was awesome that another Whisper's resident got his mate in Phrygia. The thing with Lily and the dragon tree is still killing me. I am so glad Lore is still on the cranky side. I think this one has more twists in, makes it more captivating. I am super pleased in the way the story played out. I have luved series since Carnage graced the pages. RECOMMENDED!
Profile Image for Candy Berg.
269 reviews4 followers
November 26, 2023
love the people from Whispers

I’m really enjoying this series. As each creature finds their mate, their story has been very interesting. Much like life, many have suffered and only want a safe home. Finding their one forever mate is simply something most do not expect. These people live a solitary and lonely existence, however they are beginning to come together and become something different. Some are finding their special someone’s and their stories are expanding. I’m looking forward to what is next.
78 reviews
May 16, 2022
So far I love this series. Let me just say the world created is pretty amazing although I'm not a fan of Louisiana I do love the whole swamp atmosphere she creates and it makes the perfect hideaway from humans. The Seminole Natives used it exactly that way though mostly in Florida. Her characters are well defined and she always brings in previous characters and their stories. It is best to read this series in sequence so that the world building and characters all jive and continue to build. I can't wait to continue these stories. I'm sad that the last is the Christmas book......Two Thumbs UP! This will be on all the items as I don't like to give away story lines or plots, you can read that in the blurb, why rewrite it? I've always wondered why reviewers do that. Instead, I want to know exactly how the reader feels. I have and will stay up at night to finish one of these. LOL
Profile Image for Jennifer.
277 reviews5 followers
February 20, 2021
Another amazing chapter in the world of Whispers

This storyline was about Murder and who he thought was his fated mate. Lore, Enthrall and Murder returned to hell to save Murder's mate Phrygia. She took care of him when he was imprisoned in Hell until his friends came to save him. Murder promised Phrygia that she was his mate. They had chemistry and a pull to each other when they were in hell.. but since they returned to Whispers its not as strong of a pull. Lore's living his best life with his mate Evangeline by his side. Everyone seems happy except Lucitari Lore's sister. She looks at Murder and is so sad. Lily is mad at Murder for hurting Her Aunt Lucitari but Murder doesn't know what he did. Things between Phrygia and Murder get more strange. They don't feel the same . The Dark One has found a way to get to Whisper and is causing all kind of trouble. How did he get here ? Why is he staying.? If Murder and Phrygia are not mates who are they suppose to be with.? All these questions are answered in this chapter of the Whisper World
Profile Image for Jannie Cv.
1,080 reviews29 followers
April 16, 2020
What an entertaining read!
Such an awesome, complex story! There are several possible romantic connections going on, many misunderstandings, and some (at least momentarily) rather angry people. It’s no wonder Murder is SO confused! Betrayal? Would his friends betray him? When he finally gets it figured out, the ‘SOMEone’ is in an unreasonable state of upset. The inhabitants of the Bayou are a very close knit group. When one of their group is in need, they work together to make things right, to the best of their ability. I love this camaraderie, and the way each book in the series gives us a taste of what is happening with other familiar characters. Plenty of fine reading, here. Mystery, enraged battles, passion, indifference where you wouldn’t expect it, family gatherings, major miscommunications, a happy outcome (or two), and a thrilling peek into what might come next. I love it all!
Profile Image for Connie.
202 reviews9 followers
April 16, 2020
I love reading paranormal genre, if you like paranormal, Sandra Neeley is the one you need to look up. Her books have unforgettable characters, sizzling romance, and page-turning suspense. I have been waiting for Murder, a gargoyle, forever and let me tell you, she did not disappoint me! My emotions were all over the place and the twist in this story had me biting my nails.
Murder has been waiting for his mate all his life, now he has found two mates. Who is his true one? Will he discover it too late? Time is of the essence.
Follow Whispers in the Bayou. You will meet vampires, gargoyles, shifters, dragons, Sandra has unforgettable characters. I highly recommend them!! All of them. I can’t wait to read the next one
227 reviews5 followers
April 18, 2020
Fantastic

I love this series ❤️ The characters of whispers are all beautiful and unique. The world's Sandra creates are vibrant and rich with feelings and depth of soul. Murder is a fantastic addition to the already brilliant series. You can feel the emotions, tension, thrills, and adrenaline of the characters through the story. The complete feeling of love and family is such a wonderful thing. With each story you come in to old and new characters and it's like a wonderful welcome home to the reader. Definitely another fabulous addition to the book treasure trove. I look forward to hearing more from beautiful whispers and the magical loving beings that live within.
Profile Image for Susan.
1,158 reviews22 followers
May 19, 2020
Massive Love For Murder.

I've always been intrigued by Murder in this series, so I was so happy to get his story.
Murders book was everything I wanted for him and so much more. The Dark Gargoyle is one of my favourites from the series.

The whole Whispers series is addictive reading. I can totally escape into a mystical world when I read these books. There're some fantastic and unusual characters in the Bayou that completely fascinate me.

If you love PnR stories then this series is amazing.

I'm really excited and intrigued by The Dark One, I REALLY NEED more from him. His book will make one Hell of a story.
Profile Image for Merry One Maria.
2,293 reviews10 followers
October 3, 2022
Another good romance fro Murder and Luci

I am reading this series and this is book five. This book picks up after the last where Murder has saved a young woman, the one that helped him survive a kidnapping. Well Murder and Phrygia are safe and healing from their ordeal with the Dark One. To their surprise, there is no pull. They no longer feel the mate pull and they are confused. Lucitari understood from a far, but was heartbroken. What can be done? Aubrieigne is a siren protected by Murder. What happens now that he has a mate. Danger lurks around Whispers which is why Enthrall has increased security. Read On!
Profile Image for  ♥ Suger Honey ♥.
667 reviews2 followers
May 12, 2020
He blamed her she blamed him it was a mess of a story I got frustrated and angry at luci because she new who murder for year but didn’t say anything to him etc but had the nerve to make him feel really guilty and bad when he tryed to Claim someone with luci mateing sole and luci LEFT the girl in hell without telling anyone to get them to save her I didn’t like luci , murder was ok but a bit to “please love me”
I did enjoy the siren and the dark one story so will be reading that when I comes out x
Profile Image for Elsie Pitt.
1,753 reviews13 followers
April 20, 2020
The Whispers are BACK!

Sandra your stories make my heart soar! I have waited for Murders book! You did not disappoint me leaving me with tears of joy and giggles of laughter! I love returning to your little world that you create and share! Oh I love them all! Murder and Luci are so perfect for each other that the only who didn't realize it was Murder! Oh I hope to return soon for The Dark One! Loved it!
Profile Image for Shelly Frederick.
29 reviews
April 27, 2020
Love this series.

If i could give more than a 5☆ i would! I have fallen in Love with this series and cannot wait to see who's story is next. Carnage is my favorite, love his story, but then Destroy had me laughing and crying. Then came Enthrall and Lore, which i fell for hard as well. And now Murder, I Loved it!!!! Thank you Ms. Neeley for the Whispers Series!!! Your characters are so unique and special i just cant get enough!
226 reviews3 followers
June 28, 2020
Murder and His Mate

Murder is back in Hell to save his mate, or is he? This story picks up from book 4. The same characters but clarity on who belongs to who. A little confusing at first but becomes clear as the story progresses. As usual, the reader is left with unanswered questions "Is the Dark One really the mate of Aubreigne?" and how long does the reader have to wait for an answer? 👍for me.
466 reviews5 followers
January 21, 2022
Hello Murder !!!

Another very good read in this very well written series, the plot continues through each person's journey, the action, mystery, suspense, humor, anger, anguish, loyalty, family, friendship all of these things but most of all finding that true love when finding their true mate really do conquer all. So again another well story in the life of these awesome people of "Whispers From the Bayou" !!!!!
268 reviews1 follower
July 25, 2025
Fabulous!

This author and series has me hook, line and sinker. I'm on the fifth book and the story is as rich and fabulous as the first. The story just captures you in this world that just keeps giving. Even though this is Murder's story, you hear from all the characters and get updated on the Whisper residents. Five star series and a must read for paranormal lovers. Peace out!
Profile Image for Kerry Pruett.
628 reviews10 followers
April 18, 2020
I would love to have access to Whispers. The supernaturals of Whispers community are great as a whole and individuals. I couldn't wait to see what happened once Murder's story was started. The twist and turns of the story, and the interaction of all the characters was mind capturing. I can't wait to see what is in story for them in further stories.
17 reviews
April 26, 2020
Sandra never disappoints. Her story flows. Visiting Whispers is such a treat. One never knows what will happen next! The characters, as in her other stories, are amazing. It is so much fun to follow them from book to book. The twists and turns keep you turning pages. Love these books. I think someone needs a German Shepherd...
Profile Image for Cherylbestlife.
473 reviews8 followers
April 28, 2020
Loved it

I loved finally getting Murder's story. I am happy that he got his soul mate in Lucitari. He and Lore were already like brothers now they truly are. I always love getting caught up with Carnage, Carolena, Lily, Boon and the rest of the Whisper's family. I look forward to Abregene's story. Whisper 's has become my favorite series by this author.
2,374 reviews20 followers
May 30, 2020
Awesome Book

Each book only gets better and better as the series goes on and this one did not disappoint in any way. It has everything you want in a romance with adventure, action, good friends, drama, humor, love, and steamy hot romance with awesome characters? Highly recommended and definitely a must buy.
Profile Image for Jacqueline McLee.
25 reviews
May 31, 2020
Great read- Murder and Lucitari story

This was nice read, Murder was so slow to realize what was going on right in front of his face. So glad that these two amazing people were able come together, this is the 5th book in the series and with each one tells more details about there village and the people that inhabit it. Well written!❣️
Profile Image for Nancy.
346 reviews11 followers
May 31, 2020
Murder was another good read from the Whispers series. This series was special because the author used her creative imagination to bring us characters that are not the norm. The author does not spend an enormous amount of pages describing sex acts, thank goodness. The majority of the books are dedicated to the characters and the plot. I enjoyed this book and all in this series.
429 reviews
September 17, 2021
The heart wants . . . .

I am so happy to read Murder's story. After being held in hell, Murder still has more adversity. Trying to figure out why he's torn between Luck and Phyrgia, plus protecting his friends and their families, has Murder confused. Read to see if he figures everything out.
Profile Image for Blue Rose.
1,530 reviews5 followers
January 11, 2022
It was almost a square

It started out kind of like a love triangle, and it was almost a square, but that was short lived thank God. I don't normally like these kinds of plots but I was so invested in the characters at this point that it wasn't as terrible as I thought and was instead quite well done. I can't wait to see who gets their happily ever after next!
35 reviews1 follower
April 18, 2020
Another winner from the bayou

Murder and his mate. One true mate and one that thought she was. Can the 3 figure it out before they are all left unhappy? Read the latest book from Whispers from the Bayou and find out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.