Whispers of the Lake was a solid, atmospheric mystery. The plot was interesting and the setting was well-developed, which created a strong sense of suspense. While it didn't completely blow me away, it was a pretty good story that kept me engaged from start to finish. I would recommend it to fans of the genre.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Narration: One narrator for every character

About the book: A marriage on the rocks, a missing friend, & a tangle of shocking lies converge at a peaceful North Carolina lakefront cottage.

Unique elements I loved:

Overall thought: I loved the storyline, character and world building in this book. But I did feel like some parts it had more aspects of drama, I'd say like housewives. Rather than a mystery/thriller.

In Whispers of the Lake, Shanora Williams crafts a suspenseful and twisty psychological thriller that will keep you guessing, even if the road there feels a little bumpy. Investigative reporter Rose Howard is already on the verge of a breakdown, with a failing marriage and a high-stakes promotion on the line. When her estranged friend, travel vlogger Eve Castillo, vanishes from a serene North Carolina cottage, Rose is reluctantly pulled into the mystery. Despite their bitter past, Rose can't shake the feeling that something is very wrong, and her journalistic instincts kick in.
The novel excels at building a palpable sense of unease. The seemingly tranquil town of Sage Hill quickly reveals its sinister underbelly as its initially friendly inhabitants become increasingly cagey and unhelpful. Williams does an excellent job of painting a picture of a close-knit community with something to hide. As Rose digs deeper, the stakes rise, leading to some genuinely shocking revelations and dangerous encounters that will have you turning pages late into the night.
However, the journey to these moments of high tension and surprise is not without its flaws. The character of Rose, while determined, can at times feel a bit one-dimensional, driven more by plot necessity than by a fully realized internal world. Her strained relationship with Eve, which is meant to be a central emotional anchor, lacks some of the depth needed to truly make the reader feel the weight of their fractured friendship. The pacing, too, is a bit uneven, with some sections feeling a little slow before the action ramps up dramatically in the final third.
Ultimately, Whispers of the Lake is a satisfying, if not perfect, read. Williams is a master of the twist, and the final secrets Rose uncovers are truly unexpected, making the journey worthwhile. For fans of Liv Constantine and Tarryn Fisher, this book delivers on its promise of a compelling mystery with a sharp, shocking conclusion. It’s a solid 3 ½ stars, rounded up to 4 for its gripping final act and clever reveals that will linger long after you’ve closed the book.

This was great. Rose was such a strong ass woman and dealt with so much. Could you imagine catching your husband cheating on you and then a few months later you put your life at risk because the woman he was banging went missing? That's a damn good woman if you ask me.

This audiobook is narrated by Jasmin Walker, Dominique Franceschi

This is a Mystery Suspense/Thriller. I read this book by listening to the audiobook for this book, and I loved the audiobook. I got totally pulled into this book and I could not put this book down. I loved getting to know the characters in this book, and I loved all the drama in this book. This book is a fast paced drama filled book that I really enjoyed. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

I found this book to be an enjoyable read. The story kept me engaged from start to finish and had some moments that really stood out. Overall, it offered an entertaining reading experience.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to read Whispers of the Lake.

Rose is an investigator reporter. Despite her rocky past with former friend, Eve, she has decided to investigate her disappearance. Rose will now travel to Eve’s last known whereabouts. A small town named, Sage Hill. To Rose’s dismay the more questions she ask, the more she does not want to know.

This feels as if we’re walking into the middle of a conversation. Sometimes it works, I don’t feel it did this time. I am not a fan of the martyr trope. It starts off with Rose as an emotional victim. I’m not discrediting the severity of the situation. I am questioning any logical person in pursuing answers for a missing former friend.

This books as if it’s trying to be a combination of:
Who Did it?
Where is she?
What happened?
FMC trying to be the bigger person

When really this is a lot of inner dialogue with a side of mystery and attempting to be a hero.

I was able to listen to the audiobook, provided by NetGalley and RBmedia.

I felt the narrator, Jasmin Walker, voice fits the MFC correctly. I believed the voice of the narrator, Dominique Franceschi. Both narrators performed a good job.

Overall, this book isn’t for me.

4.2/5 ⭐️ Stars - Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington & Recorded Books for the ALC of ‘Whispers of the Lake’ by Shanora Williams. This was such a fast-paced, binge-worthy domestic thriller — I flew through it in two days (to be fair, multitasking while doing chores and packing for another trip definitely helped!).

The story follows Rose, an investigative journalist who’s just left her cheating husband. When she finds out her former best friend, Eve, has gone missing, she travels to the small town where Eve was last seen. Using her reporter instincts, Rose begins retracing Eve’s steps and uncovering clues to piece together what really happened to her.

While the twists weren’t jaw-dropping, the story was engaging, suspenseful, and totally addictive. I especially enjoyed the narration and Rose’s no-nonsense attitude — her snappy exchanges with a couple of snarky colleagues had me literally laughing out loud!

If you’re in the mood for a quick, gripping domestic/psychological thriller, this is one I’d definitely recommend!! I didn’t see the twists coming (though I rarely do), and I loved how everything wrapped up — the epilogue was chef’s kiss!

Whispers of the Lake by Shanora Williams was a bit of a miss for me. The story was quite predictable overall and it didn't keep my interest. The characters were also mostly unlikable. However, I still love Willams' other works so I will read her next one.

4.25⭐
What a MESS!
I LOVED IT!

With Rose's marriage falling apart, to take her mind off things, she decides to solve the case of her missing (former) best friend. Secrets come out, it gets messy.

I was itching for a good thriller and this was definitely it! Shanora's writing is definitely my style!

Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Have you jumped into Shanora Williams’ world yet?? One thing I love and appreciate about Shanora Williams writing is that she has something for my ever changing mood, fantasy✔️, romance ✔️ and psychological thriller ✔️! Whispers of the Lake is her upcoming psychological thriller novel (one of my favorite genres) that I just finished recently. The way the drama is dropped in the beginning of this one with journalist Rose had me immediately all in. Throughout the entire book I wanted to know what would happen next. When Rose starts her investigation to find her social media influencer friend Eve, the small town did feel like a faint “whisper” you can’t shake off with the sketchy side characters. I loved how I could feel the atmospheric tension I need in a psycho thriller. I found myself questioning what I would do if I were in Rose’s shoes. How would I handle the betrayal, the secrets, the lies? Would I go all out for someone who hurt me? Nahh… 😮‍💨

This one had its perfect blend of suspense, emotional depth, mystery/thriller, and twists that’ll keep you turning pages to find out all the answers. Am I being vague, a tad bit because, no spoilers from me!

Another thing, I did not guess the who! That right there is going to always be a win for me! If you’re into books that make you think about trust and loyalty, gives you the atmospheric tone to match the plot all while keeping you engaged, Whispers of the Lake is definitely worth adding to your TBR or better yet, preorder! 😉

Thank you Net Galley for this early ARC audio book. I loved this fast paced thriller. This book was very mysterious and creepy feels that kept me hooked through the whole book.

Unfortunately I was not able to finish this book. The plot did not grab my attention and I did not have an interest in continuing. I have heard great things about this author but this books was not for me. I will try other books by this author.

Rose’s estranged best friend Eve has not been heard from for a couple of days. Despite the ultimate betrayal that led them to be estranged, Rose heads up to a cottage in Sage Hill where Eve was last known to be, to find answers. Rose soon discovers Eve has vanished without her purse and passport. Will Rose discover what happened to Eve before it’s too late?

I was hooked during the first 1/3 of the book where you find out what happened between Rose and Eve to make Rose not speak to Eve for the past 3 months and the build up of Eve’s disappearance from Eve’s younger sister. Once Rose gets to the cottage to start figuring out what happened to Eve it kind of fell flat for me. It was very slow with very few discoveries for my taste of thrillers. I got back into it at the very end when you find out what happened to Eve and all the chaos that ensues. The story mainly follows Rose with small excerpts from Eve’s journal that lead up to her disappearance which I enjoyed.

I really enjoyed the narration of this audiobook. They did a really great job and kept me engaged even during the middle when I wasn’t really into the story. I’m glad I listened to this one, I don’t think I would have enjoyed the book as much if I hadn’t.

Overall it was a decent book, it just didn’t have the suspense and twists I enjoy in a thriller.

This was an excellent audiobook. If I’ve learned anything from reading Shanora Williams thrillers it is that you should expect that you’re gonna be on the edge of your seat. You should suspect that you’re gonna be totally traced by the book. It’s just a fact, Williams keeps me entertained and coming back for more. She’s an author that if I see her name on the cover of a thriller book, I am going to grab it. It doesn’t even matter what the back says. I probably wouldn’t read it. I would just see her name and know that I’m gonna grab it it’s mine.
Now the main character in this book makes some questionable choices and I think a lot of thrillers start like that so it was a very relatable kind of book we as humans do questionable things and I think most people can relate to that while I can’t just up and leave she has a job in a career where she can so I like that Williams really does her background and knows what she’s writing about. But you feel like you’re listening to someone just tell you a story more than like a reading a book. I just, I love the way she writes and the way she pulls me in. The buildup of her character. Even if you end up, hating most of the character, you have to know what’s happening and this was a thriller that I obsessively listened to you for maybe over two days. It doesn’t take long once I get her book in my hands!

I had already read this but the audiobook was so great so I am so excited that I was given the opportunity to listen to it!!
Such a great twisty book!

Thank you to Netgalley and RBMedia for allowing me to listen to this book in exchanged for an honest review.

I loved this. It was quick paced and kept me guessing until the end. It brought out all kinds of emotions, from anger to sadness. The main female character is really self-aware, and I always find that so refreshing in a book. Definitely would recommend, especially if you are in a slump.

Recently discovered this author, this is my second book by her but not my last. This story was interesting, liked the main character and was surprised she will willing to forgive her best friend.

🔍 Bookish Thoughts
I listened to this in one sitting. Whispers of the Lake is my first book by Shanora Williams, and I’m officially a fan. The writing pulls you in right away, and both narrators were amazing.

Rose and Eve have such a complicated relationship. You might want to dislike Eve at first, but once you learn more about her backstory, it’s not so black and white. The book alternates between Rose’s POV and Eve’s diary, and that structure worked really well. My heart broke for Eve and what she went through. It doesn’t excuse everything, but it adds a lot of context.

I also appreciated the way the story wrapped up. Sometimes thrillers rush the ending or leave things open, but this one felt complete and satisfying.

📖 What To Expect:
• Psychological thriller
• Missing friend
• Investigative reporter FMC
• Dual timeline
• Friendship fallout

🎧 Audio Score: 4.5 stars
🎙️ Narration Style: Dual
📅 Pub Date: June 24, 2025
Thank you to RBmedia and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy. All thoughts are my own.

This audiobook had me in full true crime podcast mode—heart racing, eyes wide, questioning everything.

Whispers of the Lake is a dark, addictive psychological thriller set in a seemingly peaceful lakeside town… but the vibes? Immaculately creepy. From the jump, you know something’s wrong—you just don’t know who to blame. It’s messy in the best way: secrets, past trauma, small-town whispers, and women who are absolutely done being polite.

Narration review? 10/10 recommend.

Jasmin Walker brings vulnerability and fire—every emotion hits hard.

Dominique Franceschi adds tension and grit, making the shifts in POV feel sharp and cinematic.
Together, they give voice to complex, layered characters in a way that keeps you totally locked in.

Listen if you love:
🌫️ slow-burn thrillers with twisty emotional layers
💔 buried trauma + dark family secrets
🌊 eerie lakeside settings that feel too quiet
🎙️ dual narration that feels like you're watching a thriller unfold in your head

Perfect for a binge listen. But fair warning: once it starts whispering… it does not let go.