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MY THOUGHTS: First off, I am going to state that I don't consider Whisper Cottage to be a psychological thriller. In my eyes, it is more of a mystery, and a very good one, a very enjoyable one. Yet, Clark doesn’t fully invest in this narrative which I thought was a real shame. There is so much emphasis on the possibility of the supernatural that I did not want it to be explained by reason and logic. I thought this omission was a bit disappointing because of how many spooky and inexplicable events that occur as a result of interacting with Stina’s neighbour. Indeed, the death of one of the characters in the story felt so connected to Mrs Barley that I wanted my supernatural hunger to be fulfilled… but it never really came. Thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own. OK, I'll be honest. What initially drew me to this book was the character's name - Stina. It is a shortened version of my name that was given to me by a child who couldn't pronounce all three syllables of my name some thirty odd years ago. However, this woman was christened the name which was said to be Swedish. Had it not been for that little tidbit I probably would have passed this book and never read it. The premise wasn't overly intriguing though it did have promise. So I held on to that in the hope it offered up something exciting.
The Cowdray Estate just outside Midhurst has a wonderful farm shop, café, and even a woodfired oven that offers takeaway pizzas. Petworth also has a brilliant deli, the Hungry Guest, which provides excellent takeaway coffee, bread from its own bakery, and even ready meals. Whisper Cottage is a slow burner. Clark takes her time in setting the scene, but I liked the way she did this, sewing little and seemingly inconsequential seeds of doubt that niggle like a burr caught in your clothing that you just can't find to remove. I was a little all over the place with the rating of this book. I loved the prologue and enjoyed the ending of the book. The beginning and middle were slow but enjoyable. The entire time I knew that the author was building the story, to be patient and wait. There is a very nice payoff at the end. Highlight Unique Features: If your cottage boasts distinct features like a fireplace, a private garden, or a stunning view, weave these elements into the name to give it character and charm. The audio is about 9.5 hours long and narrated by Lauren Moakes. Moakes does a great job of voice acting. She reads at a nice pace and brings the characters to life. Very enjoyable listening experience!Storytelling Element: People love stories. Craft a name that tells a brief story about your cottage's journey, transformation, or its role in the lives of its visitors.
Language Play: Play with words, use alliteration, or incorporate a relevant rhyme to create a catchy and memorable name that's easy to remember and share. Genres: Fiction / General, Fiction / Gothic, Fiction / Psychological, Fiction / Thrillers / Domestic, Fiction / Thrillers / Psychological, Fiction / Thrillers / Suspense
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I'm not sure how to categorise WHISPER COTTAGE. It's not really a thriller but then what else could it be? There are whispers of the supernatural, of witches, hexes and curses which is just a little too strange for my liking but is that all there is to the story? Or is there something deeper going on? Set in the heart of the village with much to offer, with attractive buildings, a lovely deli, cafe and pubs all within walking distance, and expanses of farmland and the Howardian Hills close by.
A haunting, twisty story about the power of secrets and rumours, perfect for fans of Ruth Ware’s The Turn of the Key and Lucy Atkins’s Magpie Lane. Who is the mystery man? The one that sneaks in and out of Mrs Barley's summerhouse, the one that no one but Stina has seen, the man Mrs Barley claims she has no knowledge of. The Hollist Arms is Lodsworth’s local pub; thronged with regulars at the weekends and with lots of cosy nooks and crannies, and a lovely open fire. The community shop next door offers a range of lovely local produce and can easily supply everything you need for a weekend away, including fruit and vegetables grown in the village, bread from the local bakery, and milk from the Goodwood Estate. Yorkshire West Riding: Leeds, Bradford and the North (Pevsner Architectural Guides / Buildings of England)
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Versatility: Consider a name that's versatile enough to accommodate different types of guests, from couples seeking a romantic retreat to colleagues on a team-building adventure. But then a dark secret that has long been buried is about to be uncovered, shedding a whole new light on their neighbour....giving them cause to question themselves just how well do they know her? Reflect the Essence: Capture the essence of your cottage's surroundings, whether it's nestled in the mountains, by the water, or amidst a serene forest. This helps potential guests envision their experience from the start. I liked how chilling Clark makes the narrative. There are plenty of clues that would suggest Mrs Barley is a witch and I loved how Stina tries to argue logic, despite the evidence she has seen. Visiting her neighbour, Stina finds trinkets and odd ornaments in Mrs Barley’s living room. Coupled with the fact that people seem to get poorly if Mrs Barley has taken a dislike to them, well, I was expecting there to be a chapter featuring Mrs Barley stirring a cauldron!
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