The Shadows by Alex North

"Graveyards might have housed the dead below the ground, but what lay above was always for the living; they were the places where people came to deal with what their lives had once been and what they now were." 

Paul Adams spent many of his school days protecting and hanging out with his best friend James. One fateful encounter during gym class intertwined their lives with Charlie Crabtree, a supposed expert in lucid dreaming, from that point forward. Charlie often talks about a shadow figure that lives in the shadows of the local woods named "Mister Red Hands" who can help them accomplish what they wish in their dreams. The only problem is that Mister Red Hands requires a sacrifice in order to manifest.

Paul ultimately separates himself from the group- but after his old friends become responsible for a murder he still flees the town he grew up in and only returns years later after receiving news that his mother is in hospice. Returning to Grittenwood means opening up old wounds and after a similar murder occurs in the area he can't help but wonder if the legend of Charlie's "Mister Red Hands" has really come to an end.

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If you read my post from last week you are probably familiar with my review of Alex North's first novel "The Whisper Man". I loved it so much that I was delighted when I discovered that North had released his second novel only a couple of weeks prior. "The Shadows" turned out to be just as thrilling as the first novel with a few major improvements. 

One of my biggest complaints about "The Whisper Man" was how rushed and sudden the book seemed to come to an end. "The Shadows" is paced wonderfully and doesn't feel rushed or drawn out in any areas. The novel frequently fluctuates between Paul Adams' past and present revealing the story in little bits and pieces as the book progresses. This method of storytelling keeps the reader engaged and yearning for more as the chapters progress.

Perhaps one of the biggest differences between "The Shadows" and "The Whisper Man" is how "The Shadows" builds in anticipation as the story unfolds. Instead of being in your face all at once, it becomes better and better the more you read. Sometimes you may have to remind yourself of which character is which and if you are in the past or present, but overall this method of storytelling serves the plot well and at no point does it become predictable.

There is also a hidden narrative behind this book focusing on growing up and splitting from your past. At times the main character Paul is so torn about whether to stay or go after learning about the new horrors in Grittenwood that the narrative becomes less of a murder story and more of a story about facing fears from your past.

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Overall "The Shadows" is another fantastic book and Alex North has officially become one of my favorite authors. I really look forward to reading his next release and would eagerly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for something to read!

The Whisper Man by Alex North

"If you leave a door half open, soon you'll hear the whispers spoken. If you play outside alone, soon you won't be going home. If your window's left unlatched, you'll hear him tapping at the glass. If you're lonely sad and blue, the Whisper Man will come for you." 

After the death of their loving wife/mother, Tom and Jake Kennedy were looking for nothing more than a fresh start when they purchased the local "spooky house" in Featherbank. They definitely got a fresh start- but it may not have been the start they were expecting.

"The Whisper Man" by Alex North was the first thriller novel I have read in a very long time. One of the two main plots of the book revolves around detective Pete Willis. In the past Pete was able to track down and arrest Frank Carter (aka "the Whisper Man") who was responsible for the kidnapping and murder of multiple children in Featherbank. Twenty years later Pete's his efforts are now focused on stopping his new copy cat killer. Jake and Tom Kennedy become shockingly entangled in the investigation shortly after moving to the town. I'll leave the details in between unspoiled for you to find out. :) 

Even though I have read many books of the genre before there was simply something different about this one. From the first page until the last I can honestly say that this novel creeped me out to the MAX! The plot is extraordinarily well paced and all of the characters feel fully flushed out and interesting. Every single page of this novel is creepily entertaining. Which is exactly what I was looking for when I picked it up from the local bookstore.

While the book is certainly centered around finding the "Whisper Man's" copycat killer there are also strong secondary themes focusing on the relationships between fathers and sons. For anyone who has struggled in a relationship with their parent in the past, you will likely find the story touching and familiar. Throughout the story Tom struggles trying to raise Jake on his own. But ultimately his never ending love for his son, despite all of the struggles along the way, end up benefiting Jake. 

I really only had one major problem with the book. I'm not sure I can quite articulate it without spoiling the story but I will *try* my best in the next paragraph. I'll post the text in white so please highlight with your mouse if you'd like to see what is typed before the line! You've been warned. The final review is below the line if you'd like to avoid any opportunity for spoilers.

Once the name of the copycat killer is revealed I was very shocked to learn that the local police department did not think to investigate this individual previously. It seemed VERY obvious that the individual responsible would be a prime suspect in a copy cat serial killer case. If you have read the book you will know what I'm talking about. If not I hope this didn't spoil it for you!

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All in all "The Whisper Man" was a flat out AMAZING read. If you are looking for a book to suck you back into the thriller novel genre then look no further. This is preciously the book you have been looking for! I actually enjoyed "The Whisper Man" so much that I immediately bought Alex North's latest novel "The Shadows" and I'm currently in progress of reading it. I think I may have not only found a great book with this read but also a new favorite author.