For as long as she can remember, seventeen-year-old Alexis Forbes can hear the thoughts of others. Most recently, she is disturbed by the dark, unfamiliar voice of a frightening killer: callous, cunning, charismatic…and dead.
She hears his every sinister thought. But she can’t tell anyone. No one would believe her. Alexis is suddenly being haunted by a terrifying past she doesn’t remember, and a ghost with a serious score to settle. Even Chance, the gorgeous new guy she’s falling for, has his own ghostly secret. He’s definitely not like any guy she’s ever met. Alexis soon discovers she has a connection to the dead and it runs much deeper than she could ever imagine.
And if the sociopathic entity has his way, she’ll finally be sentenced to the fate she escaped thirteen years ago.
I’ve never read Taryn Browning’s book Dark Seeker, but it had been on my wishlist for awhile (I actually own it now). When I saw the tour for Whispering Hills I knew I had to give it a try. I was pulled into the idea of it from just the synopsis. Hearing evil thoughts? Hot boy? Ghosts? Yep, all about it.
Whispering Hills was totally not what I expected, in the best way possible! While it’s a “ghost story” it’s not the average ghost story. Browning has created a world involving witchcraft and ghosts with so many twists and turns I was fascinated.
While I was first drawn into it, I was worried that some of the ideas were going to be a bit cliche and overused. For example, Alexis cannot hear Chance, the hot new boy’s thoughts. Even this though was done in a fun way that felt fresh, the plot itself is enjoyable and intriguing.
Alexis can only here final decisions and she’s started hearing ones of impending murder. No one knows about her “talent” other than her sister, because she knows those around her won’t handle it well.
Browning has also managed to create such likeable characters! Alexis is well-developed and handles a “talent” that would drive most of us crazy so well. Chance is gorgeous and charming like any ideal “book boy”. Summer, Alexis’ new found outcast friend, was probably my favorite. She goes out of her way to be snarky and standoffish, but you can tell she has a heart of gold. (Fingers crossed there is more of her in the next book!) I even found myself drawn to the “bad” guy.
Those who love mysteries and thrillers, especially those with a bit of paranormal are going to enjoy Whispering Hills, but keep in mind that it’s not your typical scary ghost story!
I received my copy of Whispering Hills from the author as part of the blog tour, in exchange of my honest opinion.