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The Hollows Shorts #1
The Whispers
Eloise Montgomery discovers her amazing gift in the wake of tragedy in this first of three captivating e-novellas from award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Lisa Unger.
It’s a day like any other for Eloise Montgomery—until tragedy strikes. While she is recovering from a horrible accident that takes the lives of her husband and oldest daughter, and as she works to help her younger daughter move forward, Eloise experiences her first psychic vision. Though she struggles to understand her newfound gifts, Eloise finds a way use them to save lost women and girls—for whom her help may be the only way out…
From an author whose “gripping narrative and evocative, muscular prose” (Associated Press) have won her critical acclaim comes The Whispers: a story that delves deep into the human psyche and the mind of one unforgettable heroine.
It’s a day like any other for Eloise Montgomery—until tragedy strikes. While she is recovering from a horrible accident that takes the lives of her husband and oldest daughter, and as she works to help her younger daughter move forward, Eloise experiences her first psychic vision. Though she struggles to understand her newfound gifts, Eloise finds a way use them to save lost women and girls—for whom her help may be the only way out…
From an author whose “gripping narrative and evocative, muscular prose” (Associated Press) have won her critical acclaim comes The Whispers: a story that delves deep into the human psyche and the mind of one unforgettable heroine.
2 pages, Audible Audio
First published October 27, 2014
About the author
Lisa Unger
46 books9,338 followersLisa Unger is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of twenty-one novels, including THE NEW COUPLE IN 5B. With books published in thirty-three languages and millions of copies sold worldwide, she is regarded as a master of suspense.
Unger’s critically acclaimed novels have been featured on “Best Book” lists from the Today show, Good Morning America, Entertainment Weekly, People, Amazon, Goodreads, L.A. Times, The Boston Globe, Sun Sentinel, Tampa Bay Times, and many others. She has been nominated for, or won, numerous awards including the Strand Critics, Audie, Hammett, Macavity, ITW Thriller, and Goodreads Choice. In 2019, she received two Edgar Award nominations in the same year, an honor held by only a few authors including Agatha Christie. Her short fiction has been anthologized in The Best American Mystery and Suspense, and her non-fiction has appeared in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NPR, and Travel+Leisure. Lisa is the current co-President of the International Thriller Writers organization. She lives on the west coast of Florida with her family.
Unger’s critically acclaimed novels have been featured on “Best Book” lists from the Today show, Good Morning America, Entertainment Weekly, People, Amazon, Goodreads, L.A. Times, The Boston Globe, Sun Sentinel, Tampa Bay Times, and many others. She has been nominated for, or won, numerous awards including the Strand Critics, Audie, Hammett, Macavity, ITW Thriller, and Goodreads Choice. In 2019, she received two Edgar Award nominations in the same year, an honor held by only a few authors including Agatha Christie. Her short fiction has been anthologized in The Best American Mystery and Suspense, and her non-fiction has appeared in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NPR, and Travel+Leisure. Lisa is the current co-President of the International Thriller Writers organization. She lives on the west coast of Florida with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
June 11, 2018
Feels refreshing and rural, at the same time.
Q:
She remembered that, his warm hand. The way the girls smelled so pretty, their flowery scents wafting from the back. The relief of her disappearing headache. The smell of spring. (c)
Q:
But it was a pointless thought, a useless one. And Eloise immediately decided that she wouldn’t keep it. Otherwise, there was a black, sucking, downward spiral inside. She could easily travel down with it into nothingness. And there was Amanda to live for; Eloise didn’t have the luxury of giving into dark temptations. (c)
Q:
She wasn’t surprised at all, just deeply relieved and blissfully happy to lay her eyes on him. ... His eyes glittered, and he had that silly smile, the one he wore only for her. (c)
Q:
You’ll probably always have pain, Eloise. You’ll have to learn how to manage it. He was young. He didn’t seem to pick up on the larger implications of his statement. (c)
Q:
The river of life kept flowing, and one must swim or drown. (c)
Q:
I just lost my words for a while. (c)
Q:
There was something deeply sad and also joyful, a symphony of all the myriad notes of lives lived. ... It was mesmerizing, a siren song. What rocks would it crash her upon? (c)
Q:
All you have to do is listen. (c)
Q:
She remembered that, his warm hand. The way the girls smelled so pretty, their flowery scents wafting from the back. The relief of her disappearing headache. The smell of spring. (c)
Q:
But it was a pointless thought, a useless one. And Eloise immediately decided that she wouldn’t keep it. Otherwise, there was a black, sucking, downward spiral inside. She could easily travel down with it into nothingness. And there was Amanda to live for; Eloise didn’t have the luxury of giving into dark temptations. (c)
Q:
She wasn’t surprised at all, just deeply relieved and blissfully happy to lay her eyes on him. ... His eyes glittered, and he had that silly smile, the one he wore only for her. (c)
Q:
You’ll probably always have pain, Eloise. You’ll have to learn how to manage it. He was young. He didn’t seem to pick up on the larger implications of his statement. (c)
Q:
The river of life kept flowing, and one must swim or drown. (c)
Q:
I just lost my words for a while. (c)
Q:
There was something deeply sad and also joyful, a symphony of all the myriad notes of lives lived. ... It was mesmerizing, a siren song. What rocks would it crash her upon? (c)
Q:
All you have to do is listen. (c)
August 14, 2015
I am always wary when I see a book with a psychic main character ...they can come across as cheesy instead of spooky. I adore the spooky..and avoid the cheesy...
So when searching out the supernatural/paranormal/psychic/I see dead people-ish novels...I look for this...
...but not this...
...something like this...
...not so much of this...
...I like this...
...me no likey this...
THE WHISPERS- passes The Delee Test. Wheeewie!!
Eloise Montgomery's character was first introduced in Lisa Unger's novel Fragile. This novella- the first in a trilogy of short stories- delves into her back story.
Eloise is married to her high school sweetheart Alfie- and they are blessed with two daughters- Emily and Amanda. Until one day a car accident turns her world upside down and cuts her beautiful family in half- killing Alfie and Emily. As if Eloise doesn't have enough to deal with trying to cope with the loss- she also discovers abilities she never knew she had.
Excellent prequel to the Jones Cooper series- I am very curious to see if these characters are going to pop up in their own full sized series at some point...because after reading all three of the short stories in this trilogy..I have to say I am kind of hooked!
Thanks NetGalley!
September 23, 2024
4⭐
Genre ~ psychological fiction
Series ~ The Hollows - Short Story, #1
Setting ~ New York
Publication date ~ October 28, 2014
Est Page Count ~ 54
Audio length ~ 1 hours 37 minutes
Narrator ~ January LaVoy
POV ~ single 3rd
Featuring ~ paranormal visions
Eloise and husband, Alfie, and their 2 daughters, Emily and Amanda, are driving off to begin a normal day when there's an accident. Eloise wakes up after being in a coma and she starts to get weird visions. It's almost like she has psychic abilities now.
Can't say too much since it's a super quick read. I really like it, well minus the tragedy of course, that's very heartbreaking. I'll definitely continue on with the series.
Narration notes:
A well seasoned narrator so A-okay!
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ psychological fiction
Series ~ The Hollows - Short Story, #1
Setting ~ New York
Publication date ~ October 28, 2014
Est Page Count ~ 54
Audio length ~ 1 hours 37 minutes
Narrator ~ January LaVoy
POV ~ single 3rd
Featuring ~ paranormal visions
Eloise and husband, Alfie, and their 2 daughters, Emily and Amanda, are driving off to begin a normal day when there's an accident. Eloise wakes up after being in a coma and she starts to get weird visions. It's almost like she has psychic abilities now.
Can't say too much since it's a super quick read. I really like it, well minus the tragedy of course, that's very heartbreaking. I'll definitely continue on with the series.
Narration notes:
A well seasoned narrator so A-okay!
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
October 6, 2017
I love a short story that feels like it had a little heft. After a tragic accident and being in a coma for weeks, Eloise wakes to the reality of what she has lost. As she struggles to cope, she realizes she has a gift. One that can serve to help others. A well crafted plot that begs to you to pick up the next short story.
June 12, 2023
I listened to this two hour novella this morning and was gripped from beginning to end.
Eloise describes a horrific accident that left her bereaved of beloved husband and daughter. She and her younger daughter survived the terrible crash, severely injured both physically and emotionally.
As part of the collateral damage, Eloise begins to hear and know things that can save the lives or bring closure to the families of crime victims. Although she tries to suppress this ability she eventually succumbs and learns to embrace it.
That was probably the most superficial description that you will read about this beautiful and satisfying story, of a brave and empathetic, prescient woman. The book left me with a warm buzz, still resonating 24 hours after reading....
Eloise describes a horrific accident that left her bereaved of beloved husband and daughter. She and her younger daughter survived the terrible crash, severely injured both physically and emotionally.
As part of the collateral damage, Eloise begins to hear and know things that can save the lives or bring closure to the families of crime victims. Although she tries to suppress this ability she eventually succumbs and learns to embrace it.
That was probably the most superficial description that you will read about this beautiful and satisfying story, of a brave and empathetic, prescient woman. The book left me with a warm buzz, still resonating 24 hours after reading....
December 26, 2019
4 1/2 stars
August 18, 2015
I'm glad this is a trilogy but would have loved for it to be a full book. It was believable and tragic. The characters were flawed and real. As usual, January LaVoy dose a wonderful job narrating. I will definitely be reading the next two.
July 26, 2015
Title: The Whispers (Introductory Novella - The Whispers Series, Book 1).
Author: Lisa Unger
Published: October, 2014
Format: electronic book - Samsung Galaxy 4 Nook ereader.
Genre: Short story/novella; fiction, adult fiction, drama, mystery, paranormal mystery, tragedy/accident, rare swearing/no sexual content.
Read: June 29-July 6, 2015 (part time)
*~* this book was received as a free gift from the author via Barnes and Noble; no review requested. *~*
My GoodReads ratings: 5 solid stars. Definitely.
Brief remarks:
I was lucky enough to be one of a few folks to win a copy of 'The Whispers' via Lisa Unger's website. I am really glad, let me say! I will definitely continue with this series and am pleased to be able to give a novella five stars! I am often so disappointed after reading a short story (simply for that reason: it is SHORT! Lol), but this particular one wrapped up PERFECTLY.
In a nutshell, this story centers around a loving family of four: Mom, Dad, two teenaged daughters. Happy life, simple life, that kind of thing. Immediately, tragedy hits BIG TIME and now Mom is discovering she is having "visions" and is hearing "whispering from a voice that isn't really a voice" guiding her as to how to use the information obtained via the visions. (I guess she would be described as a medium now).
Obviously, as it's a short book we aren't able to see Mom's gift develop too much but it is definitely fascinating watching it unfold! The book does not have a cliff hanger ending, per se; it just sets us up nicely to continue the story in a good spot. I can't wait to see what happens next!
I have read other things by Unger in the past, yet I think I may end up finding this particular series my favorite given my love of paranormal mysteries. Time will tell, right? ;)
Thank you for reading my post.
Cheers!
Lisa (@NurseLisainOhio-NetGalley, Twitter, IG, Pinterest, tumblr....yaddayadda...heehee)
Author: Lisa Unger
Published: October, 2014
Format: electronic book - Samsung Galaxy 4 Nook ereader.
Genre: Short story/novella; fiction, adult fiction, drama, mystery, paranormal mystery, tragedy/accident, rare swearing/no sexual content.
Read: June 29-July 6, 2015 (part time)
*~* this book was received as a free gift from the author via Barnes and Noble; no review requested. *~*
My GoodReads ratings: 5 solid stars. Definitely.
Brief remarks:
I was lucky enough to be one of a few folks to win a copy of 'The Whispers' via Lisa Unger's website. I am really glad, let me say! I will definitely continue with this series and am pleased to be able to give a novella five stars! I am often so disappointed after reading a short story (simply for that reason: it is SHORT! Lol), but this particular one wrapped up PERFECTLY.
In a nutshell, this story centers around a loving family of four: Mom, Dad, two teenaged daughters. Happy life, simple life, that kind of thing. Immediately, tragedy hits BIG TIME and now Mom is discovering she is having "visions" and is hearing "whispering from a voice that isn't really a voice" guiding her as to how to use the information obtained via the visions. (I guess she would be described as a medium now).
Obviously, as it's a short book we aren't able to see Mom's gift develop too much but it is definitely fascinating watching it unfold! The book does not have a cliff hanger ending, per se; it just sets us up nicely to continue the story in a good spot. I can't wait to see what happens next!
I have read other things by Unger in the past, yet I think I may end up finding this particular series my favorite given my love of paranormal mysteries. Time will tell, right? ;)
Thank you for reading my post.
Cheers!
Lisa (@NurseLisainOhio-NetGalley, Twitter, IG, Pinterest, tumblr....yaddayadda...heehee)
December 20, 2015
The Whispers by Lisa Unger
What a great introduction to the Whispers trilogy.
I thoroughly enjoyed this first of three books intruducing Eloise as a woman who is just discovering her emerging psychic abilities.
After a very tragic and traumatic event in their lives, Eloise and her daughter Amanda are trying to cope one day at a time. It is during this period that Eloise starts to have "visions," (for want of a better word) and starts to experience telepathic messages.
What follows is a riveting story which will no doubt change their lives...or life as they know it.
I am very much looking forward to the next in this series.
5★s
September 14, 2015
A-Z Challenge with Karly and Jess
U = Unger, Lisa
2.5 stars
I think there is a reason I don't read shorts. They always seem too underdeveloped for me to fully invest any liking to the characters or interest in what's going on. This one suffered from this a lot. It has potential, I liked it ok, but needs more depth and feeling for me to really care about it.
Although I have seen some subpar reviews for it, I read the excerpt for her other book, Crazy Love You and in the few chapters that were included, there was a lot more feeling than this one.
But, since I have book two of this one, so I will go ahead and read it and hope it improves.
I received an arc copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you NetGalley!
November 26, 2014
In the aftermath of a terrible tragedy, Eloise discovers she has a new gift. She seems to be able to get inside the heads of people in peril. Interesting first start to this new series that is being released as e-books.
ARC from Netgalley.
ARC from Netgalley.
September 6, 2018
I listened to the audioverison and I quite enjoyed it. The problem I have with short novellas like this is that I often find myself wanting more, as a prequel would this be a great story. Alas, this is the first in a novella series. Still, I'm looking forward to listening to the next one.
October 24, 2014
"The Whispers" by Lisa Unger is the first book in the novella trilogy. This e-book is scheduled to be released on Oct. 28th; with "The Burning Girl" (The Whispers #2) coming on Nov. 25th; and "The Three Sisters" (The Whispers #3) coming on Jan. 6th, 2015.
Having read other full novels by this author, such as "In The Blood", I was intrigued to read her first two e-novellas.
In The Whispers, Eloise Montgomery is recovering from an accident that took the life of her husband, Alfie, and her eldest daughter, Emily, as a result of a terrible car accident, a collision with a semi. For the sake of her surviving daughter, Amanda, Eloise must be strong and carry on. Eloise had been in a coma for six weeks, while her husband and eldest daughter had been buried.
This story shows us "how life can turn on a dime", and we either choose to be strong and follow a path, or give up and slip deeply into depression. I felt the pain that both Eloise and Amanda went through, and for that the characters came alive and were very realistic and believable. They had a soul.
But at the time Eloise was going through this tragedy, she was having visions and hearing whispers...the voices from others, either dead or in danger...she must help them.
This e-novella is well written, and the characters are quickly developed, based on the shorter time frame.
" We all have our time and our design. There are no accidents. And no one is to blame. Not everyone can hear The Whispers."
Looking forward to the next part of the story.
I want to thank Netgalley and Simon and Schuster Pocket Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Having read other full novels by this author, such as "In The Blood", I was intrigued to read her first two e-novellas.
In The Whispers, Eloise Montgomery is recovering from an accident that took the life of her husband, Alfie, and her eldest daughter, Emily, as a result of a terrible car accident, a collision with a semi. For the sake of her surviving daughter, Amanda, Eloise must be strong and carry on. Eloise had been in a coma for six weeks, while her husband and eldest daughter had been buried.
This story shows us "how life can turn on a dime", and we either choose to be strong and follow a path, or give up and slip deeply into depression. I felt the pain that both Eloise and Amanda went through, and for that the characters came alive and were very realistic and believable. They had a soul.
But at the time Eloise was going through this tragedy, she was having visions and hearing whispers...the voices from others, either dead or in danger...she must help them.
This e-novella is well written, and the characters are quickly developed, based on the shorter time frame.
" We all have our time and our design. There are no accidents. And no one is to blame. Not everyone can hear The Whispers."
Looking forward to the next part of the story.
I want to thank Netgalley and Simon and Schuster Pocket Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 12, 2015
The Whispers by Liza Unger is a 2014 Pocket Star publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Even though this is a very short story, the author still manages pack a punch with emotional depth and taut creepy suspense.
When her husband and eldest daughter are killed in an accident, Eloise and her daughter Amanda struggle to put their lives back in order. Amanda nearly goes catatonic, and Eloise begins having visions that could help solve crimes or prevent murders. In the meantime, Eloise will learn to accept the facts of life and make peace with the situation as best she can.
There are some really tense moments in this short story when Eloise first experiences her visions or sees ghost. However, for me the other themes in the book stood out.. such as the ability to forgive empowering a victim to put things in proper perspective in order to heal and move forward after a tragedy. I can't say I would have Eloise's mental toughness, but I admired her for being able to pull it off.
A thought provoking and interesting short story from the master of psychological suspense.
4 stars
Even though this is a very short story, the author still manages pack a punch with emotional depth and taut creepy suspense.
When her husband and eldest daughter are killed in an accident, Eloise and her daughter Amanda struggle to put their lives back in order. Amanda nearly goes catatonic, and Eloise begins having visions that could help solve crimes or prevent murders. In the meantime, Eloise will learn to accept the facts of life and make peace with the situation as best she can.
There are some really tense moments in this short story when Eloise first experiences her visions or sees ghost. However, for me the other themes in the book stood out.. such as the ability to forgive empowering a victim to put things in proper perspective in order to heal and move forward after a tragedy. I can't say I would have Eloise's mental toughness, but I admired her for being able to pull it off.
A thought provoking and interesting short story from the master of psychological suspense.
4 stars
July 13, 2021
3...Didn't feel as short as it is!! Definitely, hard for me to rate this one considering the concept! But I still enjoyed it! Teared up at the end too! Well done!
November 18, 2014
I would like to thank Net Galley and Simon and Schuster Pocket Books for an advanced copy of this novella in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first Lisa Unger experience. The Whispers: A Whispers Story is the first installment of a trilogy of novellas. I am not a dedicated fan of novellas nor do I consider myself having any interest in the paranormal genre. Despite these two strikes (in my opinion) against the book, I loved it! I can point out several positive features. The writing is superb. Ms. Unger is a seasoned professional author, and it shows. The story grabbed me on page 1 and didn't let go till the final page. Despite the short length of the book, the character development was excellent, particularly in the case of the protagonist Eloise. The paranormal aspect of the story surprisingly drew me in and was almost believable (this is a compliment). The Whispers was solid; by that, I mean despite it being only 60-70 pages or so, I did not feel short-changed in any way. All the ingredients of a very good book were there. I also give Ms. Unger kudos in making it clear that this is a novella with 2 more parts. It seems these days, authors will cliffhang the reader by surprise, leaving the reader frustrated. Of note, this part of the trilogy can actually stand alone, which makes it less painful to wait for the subsequent installments.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a superior fast read. Based on this short story, I definitely plan to finish this novella trilogy, then delve into Ms. Unger's full-length novels.
This is my first Lisa Unger experience. The Whispers: A Whispers Story is the first installment of a trilogy of novellas. I am not a dedicated fan of novellas nor do I consider myself having any interest in the paranormal genre. Despite these two strikes (in my opinion) against the book, I loved it! I can point out several positive features. The writing is superb. Ms. Unger is a seasoned professional author, and it shows. The story grabbed me on page 1 and didn't let go till the final page. Despite the short length of the book, the character development was excellent, particularly in the case of the protagonist Eloise. The paranormal aspect of the story surprisingly drew me in and was almost believable (this is a compliment). The Whispers was solid; by that, I mean despite it being only 60-70 pages or so, I did not feel short-changed in any way. All the ingredients of a very good book were there. I also give Ms. Unger kudos in making it clear that this is a novella with 2 more parts. It seems these days, authors will cliffhang the reader by surprise, leaving the reader frustrated. Of note, this part of the trilogy can actually stand alone, which makes it less painful to wait for the subsequent installments.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a superior fast read. Based on this short story, I definitely plan to finish this novella trilogy, then delve into Ms. Unger's full-length novels.
November 18, 2014
5 Stars!!! I'd give it ten if it was a full length novel. I am now such a huge Lisa Unger fan that my friends are tired of hearing me talk about her. Neither my husband or son read and I'm talking about this book to them tonight. Their eyes glaze over as I talk about the flawless writing and characters I so easily believe in and adore.
Eloise and Amanda suffer a life changing & heart breaking loss. This loss seems to have triggered a dormant psychic ability in Eloise. I love how Unger made it so believable and never once moved into "roll your eyes and and yell WTF EVER! " ..... territory. Lisa In here ability to explain emotion is like watching a painters vision come into focus.
This is the first installment in The Whispers novella series. After this one comes The Burning Girl. (which I actually read first)
I have a few Netgally reads that are going to have wait a few days. I HAVE to read a full length novel by this talent.
Eloise and Amanda suffer a life changing & heart breaking loss. This loss seems to have triggered a dormant psychic ability in Eloise. I love how Unger made it so believable and never once moved into "roll your eyes and and yell WTF EVER! " ..... territory. Lisa In here ability to explain emotion is like watching a painters vision come into focus.
This is the first installment in The Whispers novella series. After this one comes The Burning Girl. (which I actually read first)
I have a few Netgally reads that are going to have wait a few days. I HAVE to read a full length novel by this talent.
November 10, 2014
The Whispers by Lisa Unger is the beginning of an e-novella trilogy. This novella was fantastic and I highly recommend this to readers of mystery, suspense and crime investigations.
Eloise Montgomery has an ideal life with husband, Alfie, and two daughters, Emily and Amanda. The book begins with “Eloise Montgomery had always believed that on the day that the worst thing happened, she would know.” And from there the book continues to present a family life that so many of us can relate to until ordinary people find themselves in extraordinary circumstances.
I loved this book. It opens with Eloise and her family trying to get out the door in the morning and all the interactions that takes place between parents and teenagers. Suddenly, the normal family life is abruptly interrupted by an event that sadly can happen to anyone at any time. The result of the ‘event’ leaves Eloise with an amazing new gift that she struggles to try and understand.
The other part I loved was the writing. Very concise, moved the story forward very well so that I wanted to know what was going to happen next. As an e-novella, the story is a great length to have as a trilogy. Sometimes reading a 500 page book to learn it is book 1 of a trilogy and the other 2 books will come out a year at a time does put me off. This book is scheduled to be released on Oct. 28th; with “The Burning Girl” (The Whispers #2) coming on Nov. 25th ; and “The Three Sisters” (The Whispers #3) coming on Jan. 6, 2015. Absolutely fabulous!
Available on Kindle and Nook for $0.99 each.
I want to thank Netgalley and Simon and Schuster Pocket Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Eloise Montgomery has an ideal life with husband, Alfie, and two daughters, Emily and Amanda. The book begins with “Eloise Montgomery had always believed that on the day that the worst thing happened, she would know.” And from there the book continues to present a family life that so many of us can relate to until ordinary people find themselves in extraordinary circumstances.
I loved this book. It opens with Eloise and her family trying to get out the door in the morning and all the interactions that takes place between parents and teenagers. Suddenly, the normal family life is abruptly interrupted by an event that sadly can happen to anyone at any time. The result of the ‘event’ leaves Eloise with an amazing new gift that she struggles to try and understand.
The other part I loved was the writing. Very concise, moved the story forward very well so that I wanted to know what was going to happen next. As an e-novella, the story is a great length to have as a trilogy. Sometimes reading a 500 page book to learn it is book 1 of a trilogy and the other 2 books will come out a year at a time does put me off. This book is scheduled to be released on Oct. 28th; with “The Burning Girl” (The Whispers #2) coming on Nov. 25th ; and “The Three Sisters” (The Whispers #3) coming on Jan. 6, 2015. Absolutely fabulous!
Available on Kindle and Nook for $0.99 each.
I want to thank Netgalley and Simon and Schuster Pocket Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 23, 2014
Arc provided by Pocket Books through Netgalley
Release Date: October 27th
This is the first of three short stories that follow the life of Eloise Montgomery after a tragedy strikes her life. After surviving a brutal accident, Eloise finds herself having visions of people in danger.
People she never met.
But how can she help other people, when she's barely living herself?
What I liked:
The writing
It's deep, sad and heartbreaking, and it pulls you right into the story.
The characters
They're well drawn despite the short number of pages, and after meeting them, I just wanted a full length book (or a full length series) about Eloise's and Amanda's lives.
The plot
With the introduction of the paranormal aspect, I think the story would have been stronger had there been a little more...something! I don't know...maybe a little more development regarding Eloise's acceptance of her gift.
Having already read the second short (The Burning Girl), I think Agatha could have made an early appearance in this book.
But globally it was good, especially for a story being told in such a short number of pages.
Also, not only did it leave me curious about the author's other works, it made me realize that I haven' read a full length Lisa Unger' novel in awhile.
"The Whispers is a prequel to the novel FRAGILE, in which Eloise is first introduced." (as written on the author's page)
Yessss, another book to my TBR pile o_O
December 2, 2014
I'm definitely intrigued. The Whispers is like a murder mystery, but with a twist. It's both haunting and touching. I'm already invested in the characters, even though this first installment is only 66 pages long. I'm interested to see how the rest of the series unfolds!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 21, 2016
My first book by Lisa Unger. I listened to the audio version narrated by January LaVoy. Excellent narrator. It's a short story introducing Eloise who discovers she has psychic abilities. Well written, featuring interesting characters, and considering its length, a remarkably solid story. Moving on to the second of this trilogy.
January 31, 2020
2.5 stars, rounded up
I love Unger's regular mystery/thrillers, but this one is too supernatural/paranormal for me. The author does create a great sense of atmosphere and suspense, so I upgraded for her writing skills.
Fortunately it's short.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
I love Unger's regular mystery/thrillers, but this one is too supernatural/paranormal for me. The author does create a great sense of atmosphere and suspense, so I upgraded for her writing skills.
Fortunately it's short.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
June 21, 2023
4.25 Good short story by Lisa Unger. The “whispers” assist with finding missing girls. The audio book narrator is good.
August 1, 2024
This short story was ok/good. Nothing memorable.
Eloise loses her husband and one of her children. She then starts experiencing psychic visions. Some are up to date and true. She uses them to help others.
Eloise loses her husband and one of her children. She then starts experiencing psychic visions. Some are up to date and true. She uses them to help others.
March 19, 2015
3.5 rating...
This is a short story of a woman named Eloise whose perfect Happily Ever After world has been forever changed by a tragic accident. After she recovers from her injuries, she discovers that she has developed an unusual gift. She begins to have visions of young girls who are apparently victims of accidents or crimes. Sometimes the visions she sees leaves small clues that can help save the victims. But, sometimes she's too late. It's always a race against the clock!
This is one of those "life can change in an instant" stories. I think in Eloise's case... the gift she now has becomes a tool she can use to help save lives which is a small way of honoring the memories of her lost husband and daughter. They lost their lives but in exchange maybe she will be able to save others from losing someone they love. It's a nice premise for a story.
This is a type of story I've read before or seen portrayed in the movies... it has some resemblance to the series called The Dead Zone, which I used to love to watch. It also reminded me a little of The Sixth Sense... just not nearly as scary. Even though it is a familiar storyline, I don't think seeing dead people ever really gets old. These stories always hits me in the heart. This was a nice quick read to kill an hour or so... and the first installment of a three part series.
ARC provided by the XOXperts street team...
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This is a short story of a woman named Eloise whose perfect Happily Ever After world has been forever changed by a tragic accident. After she recovers from her injuries, she discovers that she has developed an unusual gift. She begins to have visions of young girls who are apparently victims of accidents or crimes. Sometimes the visions she sees leaves small clues that can help save the victims. But, sometimes she's too late. It's always a race against the clock!
This is one of those "life can change in an instant" stories. I think in Eloise's case... the gift she now has becomes a tool she can use to help save lives which is a small way of honoring the memories of her lost husband and daughter. They lost their lives but in exchange maybe she will be able to save others from losing someone they love. It's a nice premise for a story.
This is a type of story I've read before or seen portrayed in the movies... it has some resemblance to the series called The Dead Zone, which I used to love to watch. It also reminded me a little of The Sixth Sense... just not nearly as scary. Even though it is a familiar storyline, I don't think seeing dead people ever really gets old. These stories always hits me in the heart. This was a nice quick read to kill an hour or so... and the first installment of a three part series.
ARC provided by the XOXperts street team...
Follow us on
KT Book Reviews
July 8, 2015
I love short stories because I don't always have all the time in the world to sit down and read a book, so with a novella, it gives me a chance to get through something relatively quickly!
To me, this story was so grasping! It took me in and kept me holding on right up through the very last word! I found myself in an array of emotions while reading throughout the whole story! Lisa Unger has certainly mastered the ability of short story writing! The story was just perfect...not to short, not too long, not too vague, not too descriptive! Unger NAILED it!
I can't wait to see what the rest of The Whispers series has in store for us!
For a more in depth review, please visit my blog Chorley Chronicals!!
To me, this story was so grasping! It took me in and kept me holding on right up through the very last word! I found myself in an array of emotions while reading throughout the whole story! Lisa Unger has certainly mastered the ability of short story writing! The story was just perfect...not to short, not too long, not too vague, not too descriptive! Unger NAILED it!
I can't wait to see what the rest of The Whispers series has in store for us!
For a more in depth review, please visit my blog Chorley Chronicals!!
December 30, 2020
Not wanting to dive into anything too time consuming I decided to pick up a few novellas to get in some short and light reads in before the new year. I am not one for short stories so when I do pick one up I don’t go in with high expectations.
Wow! I believe I’ve found a new favorite here. I was hooked from the beginning and for being such a short story it packed a huge punch. The story was full and substantial with writing that flowed so well that I found myself looking up other titles by this author to add to my already too long “to read” list.
After a tragic accident and waking from a coma Eloise Montgomery is left to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. In the midst of it all she discovers she has a gift. An unwelcome gift. Eloise soon realizes its importance and embraces this newfound gift in order to help others and in turn helping herself cope with her own loss.
This is my first book I’ve read by this author and I am already looking forward to the next installment in this short series.
Wow! I believe I’ve found a new favorite here. I was hooked from the beginning and for being such a short story it packed a huge punch. The story was full and substantial with writing that flowed so well that I found myself looking up other titles by this author to add to my already too long “to read” list.
After a tragic accident and waking from a coma Eloise Montgomery is left to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. In the midst of it all she discovers she has a gift. An unwelcome gift. Eloise soon realizes its importance and embraces this newfound gift in order to help others and in turn helping herself cope with her own loss.
This is my first book I’ve read by this author and I am already looking forward to the next installment in this short series.
January 19, 2023
The Whispers by Lisa Unger
1h 37m narrated by January LaVoy, 60 pages
The Whispers #1
Genre: Fantasy > Paranormal; Mystery, Short Stories, Thriller > Mystery Thriller; Novella, Suspense
Featuring: Teens Children, Marriage, One Car Family,
Rating as a movie: PG-13 for adult content and off-camera violence
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My thoughts: I was worried. I started this book at night and I didn't know it was paranormal. I figured I read it tonight since I had already added it to Goodreads. I was thinking this isn't so bad, watching a video on my tablet while enjoying the story, and then at that moment January LaVoy disappeared and a man began to speak. I was terrified. Then I realized my headphones had switched from my phone (Libby) to the tablet (YouTube). This is the reason I'm waiting till tomorrow to read the next 2 books.
Recommend to others?: Yes. This story was short but powerful.
1h 37m narrated by January LaVoy, 60 pages
The Whispers #1
Genre: Fantasy > Paranormal; Mystery, Short Stories, Thriller > Mystery Thriller; Novella, Suspense
Featuring: Teens Children, Marriage, One Car Family,
Rating as a movie: PG-13 for adult content and off-camera violence
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My thoughts: I was worried. I started this book at night and I didn't know it was paranormal. I figured I read it tonight since I had already added it to Goodreads. I was thinking this isn't so bad, watching a video on my tablet while enjoying the story, and then at that moment January LaVoy disappeared and a man began to speak. I was terrified. Then I realized my headphones had switched from my phone (Libby) to the tablet (YouTube). This is the reason I'm waiting till tomorrow to read the next 2 books.
Recommend to others?: Yes. This story was short but powerful.
November 20, 2014
A special thank you to Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 4.5 Stars
Lisa Unger’s THE WHISPERS is the first of three, in the dynamic Whisper mystery series of novellas, set in the small town of Hollows. A family is wrecked by a tragic accident--one left with a special gift, to help others; not always wanted or understood.
Readers learn about the history of the lovely Montgomery family and how husband Alfie, and wife Eloise met, with a beautiful love story. They had two daughters, totally different, Emily and Amanda. It appears sometimes their family was divided into teams. Emily and Alfie (strong wills, pragmatism, powerful intellects), against Eloise and Amanda (more passive, gentler than the other two, kindred spirits, enjoying the quitter things like reading and knitting). There was lots of chemistry between parents and their children in a much loved family; however, Emily always pushed Eloise’s buttons as she was outspoken, whereas Amanda held it all in.
When one morning which started out normal, ends in a tragic accident, killing her husband and oldest daughter—the youngest is left with PTSD and total silence, and Eloise begins to experience visions and whispers of girls in distress.
At first Eloise tries to ignore these newfound and complicated psychic visions and warnings. Until she thinks her husband and daughter are offering her a gift to help others. She cannot sit back and not help save lives. (Loved the humor and dynamics between mother and daughter).
While she is the midst of helping the local detective solve several cases of missing girls, she also is the middle of the murder trial of the man who killed her family, who was driving the truck and fell asleep.
How will Eloise and Amanda handle all the publicity surrounding her new talents? Can they forgive the man who killed their family (grief, revenge, forgiveness)? Will Eloise get more than she bargained for with haunting images and voices running through her head day and night? How will this affect her relationship with her daughter and the way she manages her life?
I really enjoyed The Whispers, as made the mistake of reading The Burning Girl first, so did not have the background of her family which helped build the characters, and setting the stage for the next book.
These were my first two books by Unger, (not sure why I am now finding about this author)—hello?..thank you NetGalley. This book is a great introduction for those who have not read her previous books.
So excited about reading her previous books and upcoming ones, as have heard nothing but rave reviews. Liking her style, with her nice character development and her mix of tragedy and humor. I would recommend reading all the books in the series in order. Looking forward to reading The Three Sisters #3 in the Whispers Series, coming Jan/2015.
Readers are in for a real treat with upcoming full thriller novel, Crazy Love You, with a short teaser included leaving you anxiously awaiting until, Feb/2015.
Sounds intriguing with Ian, now a talented and successful graphic novelist, who was a formerly a misfit, and loser fat boy in his younger years, when Priss his best friend was there to help him and hide his secrets. Now he meets sweet Megan at the park, and he wants to be a better person; however, will Priss go along with this change….Probably not. Yummy, sounds like scandalous dark secrets to be unveiled!
Judith D. Collins Must Read Books
Lisa Unger’s THE WHISPERS is the first of three, in the dynamic Whisper mystery series of novellas, set in the small town of Hollows. A family is wrecked by a tragic accident--one left with a special gift, to help others; not always wanted or understood.
Readers learn about the history of the lovely Montgomery family and how husband Alfie, and wife Eloise met, with a beautiful love story. They had two daughters, totally different, Emily and Amanda. It appears sometimes their family was divided into teams. Emily and Alfie (strong wills, pragmatism, powerful intellects), against Eloise and Amanda (more passive, gentler than the other two, kindred spirits, enjoying the quitter things like reading and knitting). There was lots of chemistry between parents and their children in a much loved family; however, Emily always pushed Eloise’s buttons as she was outspoken, whereas Amanda held it all in.
When one morning which started out normal, ends in a tragic accident, killing her husband and oldest daughter—the youngest is left with PTSD and total silence, and Eloise begins to experience visions and whispers of girls in distress.
At first Eloise tries to ignore these newfound and complicated psychic visions and warnings. Until she thinks her husband and daughter are offering her a gift to help others. She cannot sit back and not help save lives. (Loved the humor and dynamics between mother and daughter).
While she is the midst of helping the local detective solve several cases of missing girls, she also is the middle of the murder trial of the man who killed her family, who was driving the truck and fell asleep.
How will Eloise and Amanda handle all the publicity surrounding her new talents? Can they forgive the man who killed their family (grief, revenge, forgiveness)? Will Eloise get more than she bargained for with haunting images and voices running through her head day and night? How will this affect her relationship with her daughter and the way she manages her life?
I really enjoyed The Whispers, as made the mistake of reading The Burning Girl first, so did not have the background of her family which helped build the characters, and setting the stage for the next book.
These were my first two books by Unger, (not sure why I am now finding about this author)—hello?..thank you NetGalley. This book is a great introduction for those who have not read her previous books.
So excited about reading her previous books and upcoming ones, as have heard nothing but rave reviews. Liking her style, with her nice character development and her mix of tragedy and humor. I would recommend reading all the books in the series in order. Looking forward to reading The Three Sisters #3 in the Whispers Series, coming Jan/2015.
Readers are in for a real treat with upcoming full thriller novel, Crazy Love You, with a short teaser included leaving you anxiously awaiting until, Feb/2015.
Sounds intriguing with Ian, now a talented and successful graphic novelist, who was a formerly a misfit, and loser fat boy in his younger years, when Priss his best friend was there to help him and hide his secrets. Now he meets sweet Megan at the park, and he wants to be a better person; however, will Priss go along with this change….Probably not. Yummy, sounds like scandalous dark secrets to be unveiled!
Judith D. Collins Must Read Books
December 2, 2014
Originally posted on This Chick Reads
*Copy provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
I was introduced to Lisa Unger's work when I read 'In The Blood' earlier this year, which is absolutely THE BEST thriller I've ever read. Even months after reading that book and few more thrillers in the mean time, 'In The Blood' still remains high on pedestal for me and don't think I will read a book in the near future that will top it. When I found out Lisa Unger was publishing a series of novellas, I was sooo excited. I think all her previous works have been full length novels, so, I was really interested to see if Lisa will manage to create a creepy, gripping atmosphere in so little pages (as obviously is not hard for her to do that in her longer works).
I was over the moon to be approved for the first two parts in the series by Lisa's publishers on NetGalley, and started reading immediately. I must say, though I will review them separately, that I enjoyed this part much more than I enjoyed the second one. The Whispers is a great mixture of mystery and paranormal, something I haven't read in quite some time. I used to read more paranormal back in the days when vampires, witches, angels were a hit, but rarely do these days. So, in a way, this story felt refreshing and stepping out of my comfort zone. It tells the story of Eloise Montgomery, whose older daughter and husband die in a car accident. As expected, a lot of things change for Eloise and her younger daughter, who even stops talking due to the shock. Now, reading these pages after the accident hit me so hard and I even had teary eyes. I loved the way Lisa created this wonderful family and I sure loved Eloise's daughters and their normal, every day fights. They felt believable and really looked like a real, normal family. After the accident, Eloise starts experiencing some psychic visions, which of course freaks her out.
Now, while I loved the beginning of the story, and those strong, powerful emotions the accident got out of me, sadly the paranormal element didn't work for me. I somehow felt the story is too slow, and not what I expected it to be. Eloise seems like a great character, but while I strongly sympathized with her, I can't say I think she's a strong character. Of course, she's coping with the effects of the accident as best as she can, but I expected her to be more..I don't know, kickass heroine.
Overall, an interesting mix of mystery and paranormal, still I expected much more.
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