Pages: 384
Format: eARC
Publication date: March 5, 2013
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss (thank you!)
Purchase: The Book Depository • Amazon
Everyone thinks Sophie’s sister, Nell, went crazy. After all, she heard strange voices that drove her to commit suicide. But Sophie doesn’t believe that Nell would take her own life, and she’s convinced that Nell’s doctor knows more than he’s letting on.
As Sophie starts to piece together Nell’s last days, every lead ends in a web of lies. And the deeper Sophie digs, the more danger she’s in—because now she’s hearing the same haunting whispers. Sophie’s starting to think she’s going crazy too. Or worse, that maybe she’s not….
With a creepy cover and promising synopsis, Carly Anne West's debut is one book psychological thriller fans will keep an eye out for. Though The Murmurings didn't live up to the expectations it set for itself, it was undoubtedly an entertaining read.
Sophie's sister, Nell, was popular, smart, and had everything a girl could ever want, so Sophie can't understand what would drive Nell to commit suicide. Sophie tries to figure out what happened to Nell by visiting her sister's doctor, who's more sinister and crazy than she could ever imagine, and as she discovers more, she can't possibly realize the amount of danger she's just put herself in. Not just one person is after her this time, but two.
Possibly the greatest strength of The Murmurings was its concept. I haven't read many psychological thrillers that really 'thrilled' me, and I'm sad to say that The Murmurings wasn't one of those books as well. However, I loved this book's concept and what Carly Anne West did with it. I can't tell you much in this review for fear of spoiling the story, but rest assured that if you came expecting some supernatural element, you won't be disappointed!
Unfortunately, I can't say the same for the characters. None of them, not even Sophie herself, are particularly memorable. She wasn't easy to connect to, and the romance she had with Evan was sudden and dull - I could not sense the chemistry between them, nor did Evan feel like a real person at all. I felt that the characters in this book lacked depth most of all, and had no unique or special personalities - which led me to like Dr. Keller, one of the antagonists, best of all. He's broken, sick, and longing for something he can't have - but those traits gave him color, and separated him from the rest of the mundane characters.
The Murmurings started off well enough, but got sidetracked in the middle, when the story was focused more on the romance instead of the conflict. It redeemed itself a little toward the end, though, which was where the creep-fest truly started. I enjoyed the twists West added into the book, and the fear she managed to stir within me. Honestly, I'd tell you to read this book just for the ending itself!
Abbreviated.
PROS: Nice concept; great villain; creepy ending; hooking
CONS: Undeveloped characters; insta-love; unrelatable protagonist; none-too-consistent storyline
OVERALL: While certainly not perfect, The Murmurings is nothing short of intriguing. Carly A. West explores concepts not widely known in YA fiction, and I would recommend the book just for its ending alone! I had a little bit of mixed feelings about this one.
Great review! I hated this book lol! Mainly because, like you said, the characters were underdeveloped. I wanted to know more about them, but they seemed to take a back seat to what was going on in the story and I just didn't like that. But I agree, the story line was intriguing and that's first drew me in, I just wish it had been executed a little better.
ReplyDeleteYep - especially Sophie and Evan. Really wish the author had spent more time on them, since I really couldn't connect with either of them at all! The end part was the best; the beginning and middle not really. :/
ReplyDeletePsychological thrillers always have really fascinating concepts, I think! However, for me to truly appreciate a book, I need to connect with the characters and see their development. Also, I'm not a fan of insta-love! So I think I'll have to pass on this one. Thanks for the thoughtful and candid review, Meg! :)
ReplyDeleteIt seems like most people have had the same sort of reactions to this book. It sounds pretty good overall, though it's a shame about the characters. I probably wouldn't rush to get this one now. ;) Great review, Meg!
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with everything mentioned! I barely even remember the characters and I only read this a few weeks ago so nope, not memorable. I loved he creepyness of this book but I went in expecting a psychological thriller, not a paranormal so I was a little disappointed by that. I found the plot had much more potential than what we got. I wasn't as impressed with the ending but at least there was action >.<
ReplyDeleteI know, but so far I haven't read a psychological thriller that REALLY shocked me, so that's disappointing. Characters are super important too, and insta love? Mehhh, I've got nothing to say about it. I can tell you that you're not going to miss out on much if you don't read this!
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by, Sophia. :)
Me too (to be honest, I forgot the doctor's name at one point and had to search up for it xP). I kind of wish it wasn't paranormal either, because it would've made the book much creepier, you know? Ha, yep, at least there was action!
ReplyDeleteI really like the sound of this one, and I agree the cover is perfectly chilling! I'm getting into psychological thrillers and this one seems like it'd stay in my head for a long time after I finish it. Insta-love blehhh but still i want to give this one a try!
ReplyDeleteYou're right, from the summary it sounds really good. I cannot stand when books don't have memorable characters, because that's my favorite part. While I might check this one out in the future, I think I will be okay if I skip it. Thanks for the honest review :)
ReplyDeleteI recently got a hold of a copy of this book. I'm glad to hear you mostly enjoyed it, even if it did lag in the middle. I'm not a big insta-love person and it does worry me that Evan didn't seem like a real character but ... I'm still going to have to read it :) I like the idea of it exploring concepts not widely known in YA and I'm a horror junkie. Great review!
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