The House of Whispers- Blog Tour

 

Author: Tom Carter

Publisher: Rowan Prose Publishing

Publishing Date: 12th May 2026 

Many thanks to the ZooLoos BT and the publishing team for my digital copy of the book and a spot on the tour

Blurb 

After the death of his estranged mother, Jimmy Manning returns to his hometown of Broadoaks for the first time in twenty years. He hasn't come back to pay his respects, but to make sure she is finally gone for good. That, and the fact he’s inherited the family home he hasn’t set foot in since he was sixteen. With his older brother, Jason, missing, and his younger brother, Thomas, the permanent resident of a mental facility, the arrangements all fall on Jimmy.

He would like nothing more than for the house to be gutted and burned down, but when he experiences strange goings on, he wonders if it's his emotions getting the better of him, or if something paranormal is happening in the house that caused him so much misery.

Then he hears it. The Whisper. Dig.

Jimmy has a decision to make. Turn and leave like he did twenty years ago, or listen to the whisper and trawl through the chaos of his youth to discover the demons buried there.

My Thoughts

This was a crossover between a thriller, supernatural horror, and religious horror read, blending multiple genres in a way that makes for a tense and unsettling experience.

One of the aspects I really enjoyed was the level of detail in the writing. It is a very descriptive read, which I personally appreciate as it gives you much more insight into the atmosphere, characters, and unfolding events. As a visual reader, I found this style easy to engage with, as it helped me fully picture the scenes and immerse myself in the story.

The plot follows Jimmy, now an adult, who is trying to come to terms with his childhood trauma while searching for answers about his past. Raised under strict rules imposed by his mother—rules she believed were rooted in religion—Jimmy begins to realise, as an adult, that these restrictions no longer align with his own beliefs or choices. This leads him to start questioning everything he was taught growing up. However, within his small town, the perception of his mother is very different; to many, she is seen as a saint, while Jimmy is viewed as someone who crossed boundaries and betrayed her memory.

This contrast in perception adds an interesting layer to the story, creating a sense of isolation and internal conflict for Jimmy as he tries to reconcile his memories with how others see his past.

The novel also features some strong and well-developed characters, which I enjoyed getting to know throughout the story. Their presence adds depth to the narrative, and helps build a world that feels both grounded and unsettling at the same time.

There are definitely moments that feel tense, uncomfortable, and even eerie, but this works in the book’s favour. That sense of unease contributes to the overall atmosphere, making the story feel more complex and multi-layered rather than straightforward.

Overall, I’m really glad I had the opportunity to review this book as it genuinely took me by surprise. It offers a unique blend of genres and delivers a story that is both thought-provoking and unsettling in equal measure. I would definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy darker, atmospheric fiction with psychological and supernatural elements.