The Whistling: The most chilling and spine-tingling ghost story you’ll read this year
£2.80
FEEL SHIVERS DOWN YOUR SPINE WITH THIS CHILLING AND GRIPPING GHOST STORY SET ON A FAR-FLUNG SCOTTISH ISLAND . . .
‘Wonderfully atmospheric, genuinely eerie’ GUARDIAN
‘Gripping, chilling and very, very satisfying’ DAILY MAIL
‘A ghost story that kept me guessing’ SUSAN STOKES-CHAPMAN
‘Perfect for a cold winter’s night’ DAILY MIRROR
‘It will chill you to the bone’ ANITA FRANK
‘If you’re looking for a chilling tale as we head towards Halloween, you’ve found it’ HEAT
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When Elspeth arrives on a remote Scottish island to become nanny to a young child, she hopes to bond with her. Until she learns that, for reasons no one will explain, Mary has not spoken for months.
And the girl’s silence is not the only mystery.
Hypnotic lullabies drift down empty corridors.
Strange dolls appear in abandoned rooms.
And as the nights draw in, darker questions arise . . .
What happened to Mary’s late twin, William? Why did their previous nanny disappear so suddenly?
And is the whistling Elspeth hears at night just the storm outside?
Or is somebody coming for her . . . ?
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*Longlisted for the Ondaatje Prize*
READERS ARE CHILLED BY THE WHISTLING
‘I was sucked in from page one and read it in one fell swoop’ 5* READER REVIEW
‘A wicked twist . . . brilliant, scary, clever. Horror writing at its best’ 5* READER REVIEW
‘A great story with moments of heart-grabbing terror, beautifully written’ 5* READER REVIEW
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by Tas C.
This was the first horror book I have read and it was an enjoyable read.
I got through it quickly within a few days due to the plot being so intriguing and flowing so well.
I can’t say I was really scared but the book has been written in such a descriptive manner that I could easily picture the creepy and weathered setting that this book was set in. I liked the village element to the island that the book is based in; this included the church gatherings, gossiping neighbours and the village secrets – all of which made me feel as though I was a part of the island too.
This book includes surprises along the way too, which further adds to the suspense created already from the ghostly scenes, hostile characters, abnormal behaviours from the mute child and also from element of witch craft/black magic involved.
8.5/10.
by Jacob Collins
I absolutely loved The Whistling by Rebecca Netley. If you’re looking for a ghost story that will give you shivers then I highly recommend this one. It’s creepy, atmospheric and Rebecca’s writing draws you effortlessly into the story. It’s crying out to be a TV drama, perfect for the autumnal months and as winter draws in.
We meet Elspeth Swansome who is taking up a new position as a nanny in a house on the remote isle of Skethsea. It is a big change for her as she has been used to the living in Edinburgh. The remoteness of the island comes as quite a shock to her. I thought Rebecca Netley did a fantastic job with the sitting. She managed to create the feeling that the island and islanders were cut off from the rest of civilisation and that anything could happen there. I thought this really helped in adding another element to the mystery.
As Elspeth becomes acquainted with the young child she is supposed to be looking after, it is clear that there is something chilling and very scary going on here. Mary, who lives with her aunt, following the death of her mother shortly before William’s death, hasn’t spoken since her brother died. There is a very sinister atmosphere in the house. Soon Elspeth begins to notice the strange happenings that are occurring and it terrifies her. I really wanted to know what was going on here.
There were definitely a few places, while reading this book, where I felt the same fear that Elspeth did. I could really imagine just how scared she was as she began to realise that something wasn’t quite right in the house. Rebecca Netley creates a very creepy atmosphere. It feels as though the very soul of the house has been sucked out.
Elspeth’s relationship with her charge, Mary, grows over the course of the book and I liked how Rebecca Netley developed this. When they first met each other, I did wonder if Elspeth would ever be able to get through to Mary. I was interested to see how things would develop between them and if Elspeth would decide to stay there.
The Whistling is such a chilling read and I highly recommend it if you enjoy a good ghost story. I’m sure this is one I will return to when Halloween comes around again.
by Kindle Customer
This book had me on edge and the twist near the end was lovely and not what I had expected !
by Holly Rose
Despite some of the reviews here I did enjoy this ghost story however the ending was rushed and not a good enough twist for me personally. I felt there was a lot built up throughout the book but questions are answered within the last few pages of the book and then it’s over. I would’ve liked to know what was next for the characters. A shame I was looking forward to getting well and truly spooked
by sharde leanne kingaby
Real haunted house book! Love the old world setting to this book it makes the story so much creepyer – Candles and fires and creaking staircases! Full of twists and secrets and atmosphere, You truly do loose yourself in the pages of this superbly written story! The story is interesting and emotionally intelligent, you connect with the characters, you fear and loath the antagonist (but who is the antagonist? It’s hard to choose!) …. Its 1.30 in the morning as I write this and I’ve been creeped out all night reading this ????! I’ve just finished the book and must say I’m off to look for more books by this Authour! The last book I read this good was the brilliant Tanners Dell – Rebecca Netley is now alongside S.E England on my favourite Authors list!
by Marguerite
Rebecca has taken a piece of folk lore and, with a magnificent Gothic setting, had me desperately trying to read to the end… but not wanting to finish. I was so wrapped up in the world that is Skelthsea and its mismatched dysfunctional population.
Elspeth has her own cross to bear and moves to the island to forge her way in life and earn her keep as a nanny. The child is… challenging… but not in the usual sense. Young Mary is living with an aunt who doesn’t seem comfortable around children… and then there were the deaths…,.
Written in an older literary style to match its genre, this has fully-awakened my renewed interest in all things Gothic and horror. A brilliant first novel. More please!
by Emma Marie Welch
I did really enjoy this – not scary at all but I couldn’t stop turning the pages. Was a fun mystery to muddle through
by Iggybob
Quite a good story, finished it over a few nights. Not the creepiest book I’ve ever read, but not one of the worst either.