Published by Bantam on November 21, 2017

Anything that Dean Koontz writes is entertaining by definition, but the Jane Hawk series is far from his best work. The mind-control conspiracy premise is overdone and not particularly convincing.

The Whispering Room gives shape to the “maniacal conspiracy of utopian totalitarians” that Jane Hawk began to uncover in The Silent Corner. As we learned in that novel, the masters of the universe are using nanotechnology to infiltrate brains and force people to kill themselves for the betterment of society (at least as the totalitarian conspirators see it). In this novel, sweet elderly teachers are committing terrorist acts for the same reason. Why sweet elderly teachers are seen as a threat to world supremacy is explained only by the assurance that they were selected by a computer. Presumably the computer had its reasons. Again, I'm not convinced.

The bad guys are “elitists” with Ivy League educations who belittle individuals with “third tier” college educations, which may give the story some populist appeal. Koontz more than once writes about the “foolishness of the elites,” using the kind of divisive political buzzword that stokes fury in certain societal groups but doesn’t really mean anything. That’s unusual and surprising coming from Koontz, who typically embraces unity.

A new addition to the cast is a local law enforcement officer, Luther Tillman, who investigates the murder of a governor, a crime the feds seem surprisingly unmotivated to investigate. Luther stumbles across some journals that refer to a spider building a web in the killer’s brain, and uncovers evidence pointing him to a conference that the sweet killer attended — a conference that seems to have changed her, and perhaps others who were invited so that their brains could be captured.

Another new addition is a kid named Harley who knows that all the adults in his town have taken the Stepford treatment. Luther is a good character but Harley is a bit corny, the kind of brave and adorable kid that has become a stock Hollywood character. I expect more than that from Koontz. I appreciate, however, the minor characters who commit random acts of decency, the sort of people Koontz often scatters through novels to suggest that the human race is not universally awful.

Meanwhile, Jane roars through the novel like a force of nature, moving forward in her investigation from bad guy to bad guy while staying a step ahead of all the bad guys who want to kill her. And since this is a mind-control conspiracy, pretty much everyone wants to kill her. That gives the novel energy and motivates the reader to continue turning pages. And there’s a bizarre fight scene near the end involving nonhuman foes that I enjoyed simply because it is outside the norm of thriller fare. Not entirely believable, but fun.

That is, in fact, my reaction to both novels. I’m just not buying much of what happens, but I’ve enjoyed reading both books. Despite characters who aren’t as meaty as Koontz’s best, an unoriginal premise, and too many unconvincing scenes, Koontz’s ability to hold a reader’s attention makes the novels an easy read. Just don’t expect the books to go where no author has gone before.

The story does not end in The Whispering Room (I'm not sure how many novels in this series Koontz intends to write) but the ending is not a cliffhanger, which I appreciate. The first two novels have enough merit that I'll read the next one without being manipulated by a cliffhanger, but they don't have enough merit to earn wild praise.

RECOMMENDED

Jane Hawk continues to hunt down her husband's killer in this action-packed sequel to The Silent Corner.

Jane is searching for the top man at Far Horizons, David James Michael, to record his confession. His company is using brain nanobots to control people. Some are used as submissive sex slaves, others as guards but worse are the ones forced to commit suicide like Jane's husband.

Cora was named teacher of the year before the headaches started. Why would she set her own car aflame and drive into a crowded hotel restaurant? The local sheriff, Luther Tillman, finds Cora's cryptic notebooks and decides to investigate on his own.

The Whispering Room is a thrill ride that is much better than the previous book in the series. It can be read as a stand-alone novel. However, it shares so much of the plot of The Silent Corner, there is little point in reading the previous series entry after reading The Whispering Room.

Mr. Koontz' rather flowery writing style seems better suited to his atmospheric horror novels. Here is an example of a single sentence in the book:
The bone-pale skeletonized limbs of winter-pasted trees, chokeberry and moosewood and gray poplars, and the storm-crusted boughs of evergreens more white than black, not green at all in the night, rendered a monochromatic scene in the spectral light of the snowfields.

While definitely evocative, it is a bit distracting in a thriller, where being fast-paced is a major goal.

However, I really enjoyed all the action and the comedic interludes within the novel. The details of the Los Angeles area were spot-on. I'm looking forward to more thrillers from Mr. Koontz (though I do hope he writes at least a few more horror novels as well). 4 stars!

Thanks to the publisher, Bantam, and NetGalley for an advanced review copy.

This is the second Jane Hawk novel. It is so suspenseful and action packed. I love the main character, she is a bad ass. This novel continues on from the last one. So great that I cannot wait for the next one.
Jane Hawk reminds me of Lisbeth Salander. You cannot go wrong with this one.

I think that telling you I finished this at 4 a.m. might give you an ideas of my opinion on this book. If you want an intense suspense book, look no further. When you read this, make sure to leave plenty of time to read before you read the last third or you will end up doing what I did. Up until that last third, the book is still pretty intense and interesting with many smaller parts that you'll want to read through without putting the book down but it is possible to tasks a break from it and come back later. Now excise me while I go read the first in the series and lament that I have to wait a while for the next.

I was given the opportunity to read The Whispering Room through a BookishFirst Giveaway and, additionally, through NetGalley and Bantam. My opinions are my own and are freely given.

Usually, a second book in a series suffers from too little character development and a plot that serves only as a bridge to the next novel. The Whispering Room, however, is even stronger than The Silent Corner. No longer having the constraints of bringing the new character to life, author Dean Koontz gives Jane a strong purpose and an attitude that give her humanity. Along with a host of periphery characters that will, no doubt, be seen again, Jane's awareness of the larger issue will propel her forward in the next book.

Jane's ingenuity, as well as her determination to avenge her husband Nick and many others, allows The Whispering Room to move forward at a thrilling pace. With the science fiction aspects of this novel, the suspense of reality does need to be realized by the reader in places. Although the truth is probably closer to Jane's reality than not, the author has twisted parts of other books and movies to fit his imagined world. The length of The Whispering Room may give some readers pause, but it is a relatively quick read despite its number of pages. I would definitely recommend The Whispering Room to readers, whether they are new to Jane Hawk or have already discovered her in The Silent Corner.

Dean Koontz never seems to disappoint and this book was no exception!

The second installment in the Jane Hawk series continues the relentless pursuit of Jane as she pursues the evil faction behind her husband's apparent suicide. Much like the first novel, The Whispering Room has non stop action and more shocking revelations. Its eeriness invokes the fear that our future might hold such inconceivable possibilities, as well. You will find yourself wanting to "test" your family members by ordering them to "Play Manchurian with me." For me, Koontz is the king of creepy, and I am never disappointed when I pick up one of his tales.

I loved this series and Jane Hawk. I enjoyed both books over the thanksgiving break

What would happen if someone discovered a way to make anyone into an assassin? Unlimited power, wealth beyond your imagings, sexual servitude, and corruption and evil explode.

The Whispering Room immediate follows Jane Hawks experiences and discoveries from The Silent Corner. She is following the trail of the power-players using the nano-tech to control minds and being hunted by the people she is hunting for. You can never know who is friend or foe because your friend can be controlled and under their power and you’d never even know it.

Suspense-filled, action intense and sure to get your pulse pounding. Really good read. I love Jane Hawk as a contemporary heroine but the story didn't take much progression from the previous novel. You learned a little more but most of it was just too similar to her last experiences in THE SILENT CORNER.

I received this ARC copy of The Whispering Room from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine - Bantam. This is my honest and voluntary review. The Whispering Room is set for publication Nov. 22, 2017.

My Rating: 4 stars
Written by: Dean Koontz
Series: Jane Hawk (Book 2)
Hardcover: 528 pages
Publisher: Bantam
Publication Date: November 21, 2017
ISBN-10: 0345546806
ISBN-13: 978-0345546807
Genre: Thriller

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Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com

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The Whispering Room picks up where we left Jane Hawk at the end of The Silent Corner. Once again Dean Koontz has created a horrifying world of possibilities. Not with traditional mad men swinging machetes or axes, or what we would normally consider zombies. In fact, its all the more terrifying because it begs the question "What if?"

In The Whispering Room, Koontz keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering how much longer Jane's luck is going to hold out. Hawk is a brilliantly written protagonist. She's smart, I mean really smart. But more than that, she has a flexibility of mind and morals, that allows her to think on her feet and adapt as the situation changes.

Hawk is also starting to really understand how deep this particular rabbit hole is. Her reality is really starting to sink in and understanding for how far she could fall and the consequences if she does. In fact, we see several of these scenarios played out, at both the micro and macro levels. Koontz does a great job of keeping the playing field balanced, but providing unexpected resources, just when Hawk needs them.

But how long will her luck hold out? You'll have to find the Whispering Room yourself. I can't wait to see how the long game plays out.

Koontz does it again. In the follow up to The Silent Corner, Jane Hawk sets out to find the truth about her husband's apparent suicide. In her pursuit, she stumbles across a conspiracy of vast proportion and as she chases down leads, Hawk herself becomes the target.
Quality writing and expertly drawn characters added to a robust storyline will propel you through this novel.

An action filled book that is packed with suspense and conspiracy, I could not put this down.
Janet Hawk is great as the strong female lead, intent on finding out the truth no matter the cost, the plot is thrilling and fast paced, flowing smoothly and holding the intrigue for as long as possible.
The idea is horrifying and I felt immersed in the storyline, which at some points felt claustrophobic.
If you like a gruesome thriller with a strong plot, this book is for you.

Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

3.75 Hearts This is the second in the new Jane Hawk series by Koontz. This is a fast and I do mean fast paced story. Jane is dealing with so much. After the suicide of her husband and many others, Jane starts her path of revenge in The Silent Corner and continues in this story.

There is just so much action. I kept having to put the book down so I could settle my brain. Jane is a firecracker who is set to do what needs to be done no matter the consequences. She has gone rogue and is persona non grata at the FBI. But she needs to do what she needs to do to find the cause of her husband’s suicide as well as protect her son.

This is certainly a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat and have you jumping up a time or two. Another great read from Koontz.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Once again, Dean Koontz left me breathless from start to finish in his second book of his Jane Hawk series. We pick up in The Whispering Room immediately following the end of The Silent Corner, and this time Jane gets a helping hand from Sheriff Luther Tillman. Luther and his family quickly endear themselves to the reader and I hope to see more Luther in the next book!

In fact, Jane has a way of pulling in the unlikelyest of allies which give the much needed light to this very dark story. Jane's battle with the evil conglomerate is epic and she needs all the help she can get.

There is something about Jane Hawk that I can't get enough of. Her determination to protect her child, and ultimately, the future of mankind, is a thrill to watch. More Jane, please!!

Thank you to NetGalley and to Random House for providing an advanced copy!

Thank you to Random House, NetGalley, and Dean Koontz for the opportunity to read and review The Whispering Room. I am new to the story of Jane Hawk, and I'm interested in picking up the first book in this series now. I would recommend this book, and most others by Koontz, to fellow thriller lovers. Well done, as usual.

Dean Koontz has another hit! With his inimitable descriptive phrases and mastery of the English language Koontz puts you right there with Jane Hawk as she continues to fight evil. Jane is an FBI agent on leave who went rogue after the death of her husband. in The Silent Corner. The struggle continues against the nanotechnology conspiracy but with new new morally depraved bad guys, more government involvement, and and an interesting plot twist that shows us more of Jane's tenderness. In this episode Lone Ranger Jane has a sidekick in a small town sheriff and we meet several other well developed characters who believe in Jane and help her along the way even though she is America's most wanted fugitive. I loved Bernie and would like to see more of him. Jane's ability to escape is almost beyond belief and would translate well to the screen. This book combines Wonder Woman with Orwell's 1984 and a bit of Die Hard. It definitely left me wanting more of Jane Hawk, which thankfully is in the works. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy. And thank you Dean Koontz for not letting the dog die.

Whatever else happens, Dean Koontz can always be relied on to provide a great reading experience. Rogue FBI agent Jane Hawk is back in the sequel to The Silent Corner. The Whispering Room takes up where the first book left off, and Jane is determined to get the whole story out to the public and save the world and herself (and maybe get a little justice for her murdered/programmed suicide husband).

This book managed to trap me within a very few pages and really hold my interest until I'd read it completely. There are not many books which have actually made me miss my bus stop, but this one did. Narrative tension is hard and Koontz makes it look easy. He's a masterful writer and writes well crafted exciting books. This is a solid brick of a book, 528 pages, and I didn't find that it lagged anywhere. Jane encounters a whole host of secondary characters (I <3 Bernie!!!!) but they're described well and mostly introduced serially, so there's no problem with keeping track of who is who.

For fans of thriller/conspiracy/black ops type books (Clive Cussler, Lee Child, Robert Crais & co., I'm lookin' at you!), Jane is pure entertainment. I'm looking forward to seeing how she manages in book #3.

If Amazon were Disneyland, Dean Koontz would be an 'E' ticket ride.

Published 21st November, 2017 by Bantam
Format: Kindle, Hardback, Paperback, audio (Audible)

Four stars

Often sequels disappoint. Not the Whispering Room! Perfect for a long weekend this is a great book in which to immerse yourself! I can't wait for the next Jane Hawk installment.

Shoutout to netgalley for the ARC.

OK, I think all of the images below are from the second book, but I can’t be sure because they blur together. Why do they blur together? BECAUSE IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ONE BOOK. I mean, the technological impossibilities aside, the super hot omg we need to talk about it every three minutes doesn’t she look like a model protagonist aside, and the literal absurdity of her quest aside, the plot is too slow. For years, my sister and I have said that Dean Koontz has this drive that forces him to use larger words than necessary, and to add these superfluous descriptions in order to make himself look smart. With this trilogy, it seems to be filler. I believe the second book came out less than a year after the first, so obviously, he knows where it’s going. I feel badly for readers of Dean Koontz, like myself. Did you ever read Watchers? Or Phantoms? Or Night Chills? They’re great. They’re scary and have actual plots and good and evil and they’re just nice books. But the stuff he comes out with now…I don’t know. It feels hollow. It’s like James Patterson, churning out two new books a month. Why not turn the Jane Hawk trilogy into one, hard-hitting book? Because we need to describe the gd sky 400 times. I cannot tell you how many times he described the sky in detail with its gray clouds and possibility of rain. WE GET IT. RAIN IS COMING. IT WAS COMING 10 CHAPTERS AGO. Which is another point of contention with me – the chapters are each about 5 pages long. Unnecessary. As happy as I am to have a kick-ass female protagonist, I’m disappointed that she absolutely has to be 1. super hot (she’s compared to a runway model, a Vogue model, etc. over and over and over throughout the books. She also eats like there’s no tomorrow but is super thin and hot. At one point, she unbuttons a button on her blouse before talking to a couple of teenage boys, not because she hopes it will distract them, but because, you know, maybe it will or maybe it will help her in some way to show off her tits. Gross.) and 2. she’s superhuman. There’s no way anyone could pull this off. She should be dead about 4000 times. I get it, she’s FBI, but she’s also incredibly young (27 or 28) so she’s barely out of FBI training, and yet can go up against the most amazing criminals in the world and work through these incredibly detailed plans to bring down half the world. Ugh. I mean, the story itself is fairly absurd but I am learning how horribly it is to live in this time period and use technology because literally, no one is safe and we’re all going to die. Below are some pictures that illustrate my raw anger at Mr. Koontz.

Evil has infiltrated government agencies, business, politics, police forces and even small town America! Jane is on the run, (labeled a rogue FBI agent), determined to bring it to light. Good people are dying and good people are killing them! Freedom, including a person's free will, is at stake!
Intrigue and action are intricate in this thriller! Didn't read the first book in the series, but was able to stay with the story. Empathize with Jane and Luther; irate Luther didn't share more info with his family. Good read. 3 1/2 stars.
Voluntarily read ARC through Netgalley and publisher, for honest review.