Whispers of the Bayou
Mindy Starns Clark
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (January 1, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736918795
Cover Copy:
From the author of the popular Million Dollar Mysteries and Smart Chick Mysteries comes a new stand-alone novel full of hidden staircases, buried secrets, and the promise of hope found in knowing God.

Miranda Miller wasn’t looking for the news the day the letter came. But, trying to survive in troubled circumstances, she welcomes the chance to change her location for a period of time. The letter informs her that her grandparents’ estate is finally about to become hers. She immediately heads down to Louisiana and the old house by the bayou. There Miranda finds secrets that lead to life-changing revelations.

This suspenseful story reminiscent of old Gothic tales has a complex mystery and a vivid sense of the Deep South. It shows how God can take the darkest circumstances and use them to light a bright path leading to the future.

My Review:
Miranda Miller has issues. The foremost is a dead mother and a distant father which together become a dismal shadow over her marriage and her relationship with her daughter. The mother/father issue shows itself as the tip of the iceberg of her life, most of which catches her by surprise, and some puts her in danger.

Told in first person point of view, Whispers fascinated me with obscure historical nuggets. Miranda’s voice was easy to connect with, and the story contained layer upon layer of interconnectedness and some surprises. Borderline literary and sleepy southern story-telling added to the suspense. I think Whispers could be the start of another successful series for Clark.

Big Honken Chickens could probably read it though there are some tense scenes and death. So use caution, chickens. The themes make it a PG-13 read. Mystery and suspense fans should find plenty within. Those who can only read roller coaster thrillers might find some of the pace too slow and cumbersome. Those who love literary novels may find moments of sketchiness and/or speedy turns that frustrate.

The spiritual components were realistic. I’d have liked to see the relationship with Miranda and her husband a little more fleshed out and the end maybe a touch less tidy.

Reviewed by: Kelly Klepfer

Original post by Kelly Klepfer