Debut author Carly Anne West hits the perfect mix of horror and psychological thriller with The Murmurings.
Sophie is trying to live in a world without her sister, Nell, who was admitted to Oakside Behavioral Institute, ran off with an orderly and was found dead. Knowing that her sister would never commit suicide, Sophie attempts to piece together what happened, all while dealing with symptoms similar to what her sister experienced before her death: mutterings, catching things out of the corner of her eye, feeling a breath on her neck.
At the halfway point, the novel takes a turn toward the psychological, when Sophie is fully enveloped in her attempt to discover the real reason Nell died. West weaves together a story both interesting and creepy that will keep readers hooked, especially when the plot hits its climax, which is full of jaw-dropping, disturbing action and imagery. It's unlikely that readers will understand the reason behind the murmurings until the story is complete, eliminating predictability and instilling a feeling of urgency. Connoisseurs of creepy stories should try reading in front of a mirror for added intensity. --Shanyn Day, blogger at Chick Loves Lit