Whispers
Published: April 1980
Author: Dean Koontz
Genre: Adult, American, Fiction, Ghost, Horror, Literature, Mystery, Parenting, psychological, Serial Killer, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller
Check the summary of this book here:
The Review
Dean Koontz's novel Whispers is a suspense thriller. It was the first of Koontz's novels to reach the New York Times Best Seller list, and it is largely regarded as the book that launched his career as a best-selling novelist. The novel was also turned into a film of the same name in 1990. The film was bizarre. Unlike the book. I like the book, but it terrified me. The film was simply bizarre. The acting was mediocre. It lacked belief, emotion, and realism. They could have done so much better than the finished outcome. Still, the film was passable. Unfortunately, the youngster in the film performed poorly. But then, so were the grownups, and even the bugs were bad actors.
Despite being scheduled for a theatrical release, the picture was released direct to video in the United States via Live Home Video. In 2012, the film was re-released on DVD under the label Scorpion. I've included a link to the movie at the conclusion of the review, but it may not be available in all countries, so double-check the information on the website you'll arrive at after clicking the link.
Unfortunately, I cannot suggest it to young readers since numerous extended adult paragraphs, scenes, and explanatory passages, particularly in the second half, make for difficult reading.
Though if like me, you enjoy being a witness to the development of a good writer into a great one, and you enjoy the intimacy of that experience, even if it is shared with millions of other readers, you should read "Whispers." The narrative is fascinating intellectually, but the clumsy language makes it less pleasant than many other Koontz stories.
It's not a good introduction for anyone who hasn’t yet learned to enjoy the fantastic rides that his later works provide. I'd want to see a revised and re-edited edition of the book.
The narrative line is highly intriguing, and the two major protagonists were beautifully done. However, the conversation and explicit scenes had me practically shouting to myself as to why Koontz was writing such ridiculous dialect and too detailed adult material that was characterized as a cheap paperback one would buy in an adult book store.
Regardless of how original and intriguing the narrative was, these two factors seriously undermined the work. Perhaps the author was doing it for the purpose of the plot, as an experiment, or simply to attract new readers to his novels. I'm not sure, but I believe it hurts more when someone is unable to publicly discuss a book, even if it was excellent, but, it contained adult content.
However, even after saying these things, I must state that they are solely meant for novice readers and/or non-fans; otherwise, it was a fantastic work for fans and readers who enjoy reading large volumes.
Hilary struck me as a fairly strong character. She understands what she wants and how to care for herself, but this is also her weakness.
Minor imperfections were there, but they did not detract from the action. The ancient mansion was situated on a somewhat inaccessible position, so how did they transport workers and goods up there?
Regardless of Katherine's intricate narrative, in a small town, there would always be one or two nosy neighbors with suspicions, and there would have to be some chatter.
I'm also not certain that an experienced detective would have allowed himself and two civilians to stroll into a potentially violent scenario or enter a property where there was possible evidence in a live crime investigation, even only to air it out.
Nonetheless, these did not distract from the story's overall suspense. It was a suspense novel, not a study of police procedures or actual crime.
It was amusing, if readers viewed the movie first, the novel will fill up many gaps. and many aspects from the film that brought the tale together.
It's not as fantastic as some of Koontz's later works like my favorites The Key To Midnight and Intensity, but it's still highly fascinating, twisted, dark, strange, and intriguing.
Dean Koontz has us on the edge of our seats, chewing our nails yet again. The suspense builds until I can't take it anymore. Nonetheless, he manages to construct a villain who is so shattered that I end up feeling sad for him.
The first third of the book moved slowly and took me a few days to finish. When it finally began moving, it accelerated. The narrative was fairly predictable, and I recognized how everything was going to play out around the time the speed picked up.
Even though it was predictable, it kept my attention to the conclusion. There was too much explicit content for my tastes, but that's just my opinion. I don't like romance in thrillers, but this was far too graphic for me, and if I wanted that, I'd read a corny romance novel. As previously stated, I still recommend this book.
Final Thoughts
Only a few authors, like Dean Koontz, can make you sympathize with a nasty serial murderer. Everyone has a history, and for many people, child abuse had a role in shaping who they are. A variation on the divided personality.
Only around three pages into the narrative did it start to get very interesting! Needless to say, this was not your typical stalker tale!!! It began with a more spooky and sci-fi vibe and quickly took off! This one's storyline was right up there with the greatest! This was fantastic and, after all, classic Koontz! It did take a couple of chapters for things to pick up, which is NOT usual of Koontz!
He usually has you hooked inside the first two pages! "What's going on here?" I kept asking myself throughout the story. What is he up to?
He was creating an odd, bizarre, and captivating plot. This one is both innovative and intriguing. This is classic Koontz, who, as his admirers know, is extraordinary!!!!
So, what can I say about this book that is appropriate? To begin with, it boasts one of the finest villains I've ever read about. He's not just psychotic and nasty, but in the end, you understand he's also a victim. You genuinely feel bad for him.
The other characters are equally excellent. They're all of them. It's unusual not to dislike a single character in a novel.
The narrative follows. Simply said, it's a fantastic narrative. Very nicely told and written. Add in a fantastic cast of characters, and you have one heck of a novel.
I've read practically everything Koontz has written, and this is by far one of his greatest. The others, Shattered and Watchers, were not awful; in fact, they were pretty good as well, but not on the same level as this magnificent work. Simply said, this is a must-read.
Synopsis
“#1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz “pulls out all the stops” (Publishers Weekly) in this haunting psychological thriller...
For thirty-five years, Bruno Frye has lived in the shadow of the adopted mother who made his heart beat with constant fear. And even though she died five years ago, the whispers still haunt him in the dark...enough to make him kill—and kill again.
Hilary Thomas is one of his intended victims. And she’s about to learn that even death can’t keep a bad man down...”
Useful Search Related Words & Keywords
Bruno Frye, Don Carmody, Douglas Jackson, Edge Of My Seat, Even Though, Ever Read, Filmrise, Great Book, Hilary Thomas, Jean Leclerc, John Dunning, Koontz Books, Main Characters, Second Time, Victoria Tennant, Well Written, Years Ago
Rating: 90/100
Recommended: 100/100 Yes.
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Whispers (1990) (R)
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