Whispers

Nathan Reilly Alexander is going back to Diablo Springs. He is a successful writer but is still coming to grips with the death of his brother, Matt. At a book signing, he meets Chloe, a psychic who entices him to go with her to Diablo Springs. Gracie’s grandmother has passed away, her daughter Analise has been in a car accident and it brings her back to Diablo Springs. It is said Gracie’s family has been cursed for a hundred years. Diablo Springs is a town full of secrets and appears to be haunted by spirits. Reilly and Gracie must face their past and try to forge a future together.

Gracie is a strong heroine who was raped and then driven from her home. She seems to have recovered from it and made something of herself. With a successful career and a teenage daughter to raise, coming back to Diablo Springs wasn’t in the cards. Fate brings her back and she has to face Reilly again. Reilly is a man who still feels immense guilt for his past actions. His brother was Gracie’s rapist but Reilly gave him an alibi.

Gracie and Reilly are two adults who face their past head on. The characters are well developed and feel very real to the reader. They talk and confront what happened to them. The anger and pain is palpable between them. As they clear up the past, it allows the romantic feelings to flow. Gracie and Reilly make a very nice and normal couple if you disregard the weirdness that surrounds them.

Ms. Grady populates her story with lots of secondary characters including Chloe, Brendan, Analise, Zack and Bill. They are all important to the story. They bring depth and are positive additions. There is a secondary storyline -- the story of Ella. Her story is an important part of why Gracie’s family is cursed. This could have been expanded into a separate book but it is a bittersweet story that will bring tears to your eyes.

Whispers is a first-rate page turner!!! There is so much happening that the reader will just keep reading to find out what happens next. This book works on all levels as we explore the past and present. Erin Grady has another gem to add to her booklist!

August 2006