Entertaining psychological thriller and missing person mystery.

Rose Gibson is in the middle of finalizing a contentious divorce when her friend, Eve Castillo, a proximate cause of said marriage breakdown, goes missing. Rose and Eve haven’t spoken for months, but Eve’s sister is desperate to find her. Eve, a travel vlogger, apparently rented a lake cabin in North Carolina but is not now responding to her sister or any of her boyfriends. Despite Rose’s issues with Eve, she decides to go to Sage Hill to see if she can find out what happened.

I enjoyed reading the NetGalley ARC e-book along with listening to the audio book provided by the publishers. The setting was interesting and the action fast paced. The mystery of the disappearance solved by an amateur sleuth facing off with bad small town cops and residents was fairly predictable. Eve’s journal entries provided the details while Rose floundered around questioning people. Rose is helped by fellow journalists and computer hackers who can get her information. In peril at the climax, the conclusion follows quickly.

The narrators, Dominque Franceschi and Jasmin Walker, did a good job of voicing the characters and adding the dramatic flair that enhanced my appreciation of the book.

Whispers of the Lake
by Shanora Williams
Narrated by Jasmin Walker, Dominique Franceschi

Whispers of the Lake was an intriguing mystery exploring themes of friendship and redemption. Rose is looking for her ex best friend, Eve, who’s gone missing.

My first read by Shanora Williams was ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

3 ⭐️s. This was a good listen. A quick thriller to cleanse my palate after some more intense books. I enjoyed the writing and commentary that was hidden in the book. Will definitely check out more books by Shanora williams.

That plot twist—wow! Rose is the kind of friend you never want to lose. Despite everything Eve put Rose through, she refused to give up until she got the truth. Honestly, I don’t know if I could’ve put my own hurt aside the way Rose did for someone who didn’t treat her like a true friend.

There was something deeply unsettling about the entire community hidden in the woods. This book was just the right amount of suspense to keep you turning pages. Another excellent read, packed with all the suspense, emotion, and dark twists that Shanora Williams always deliver.

Another amazingly insane thriller by Williams. This story will stick with you, and you'll barely be able to put it down. The plot twists will have you suspecting every character. I loved the protagonist, Rose, who only wants to find her best friend, even if it will kill her.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #RBMedia for the book#WhispersOfTheLake by #ShanoraWilliams. This book is really good and I could hardly put it down. Loved all the ups and downs and the twists. Roses’ marriage has fallen apart and she has lost her best friend too. She hasn’t talked to Eve in months but now she seems to be missing. Reluctantly, she goes on the hunt to trace her ex best friend’s steps to find out where she is and why she isn’t answering anyone. Can Rose find Eve or should she find her? She is torn between betrayal and her heart.

𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 3.75⭐️
𝙶𝚎𝚗𝚛𝚎: thriller📚

𝙼𝚢 𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜:
A fast paced small town lakeside thriller filed with betrayal and chaotic plotting

𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎:
Domestic suspense
Small town secrets
Fast paced thrillers
Complex relationships
Amateur detective
All the red herrings
Atmospheric setting

𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝙸 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎𝚍:
The diary entries
Short chapters
The narration.

𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝙸 𝚍𝚒𝚍𝚗’𝚝 𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛:
There were a lot of suspicious characters
I didn’t really connect to Rose and I felt she had a lot of not so smart decisions

Whew, this one had me hooked from the jump. Whispers of the Lake was emotional, eerie, and had just the right amount of suspense. Shanora really knows how to build tension and keep you flipping pages late into the night. I didn’t know who to trust, and I loved every minute of it. That ending? Yeah, I’m still thinking about it. Loved the narration!

Whispers of the Lake was a quick and easy listen that held my attention from start to finish. The central mystery a missing childhood friend and the gut feeling that something isn’t right pulled me in. I didn’t expect the final reveal, and even though the story might not stay with me for long, I genuinely enjoyed the ride.

It wasn’t a mind-blowing read, but it did what it set out to do entertain. Perfect if you’re in the mood for a fast-paced mystery you can finish in one sitting.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy.

Thank you RB Media for my gifted ALC!

Shanora Williams! She kills it every time. She has to be one of my *favorite* thriller writers. There is always something so satisfying about her stories. I literally read this book in half a day, because I couldn’t stop. I couldn’t stop needing to know what was going to happen. It was exactly what I needed: a good binge. I have been in the worst slump and Whispers of the Lake helped pull me out.

This is a trope that has been long played out. And yet? It felt fresh. I was still surprised by the whodunit, even though it was basically staring me in the face with a pretty smile. But it blew my mind.

I mourned for some of these unlikable characters, because Williams writes them with such depth and backstory, it’s hard to not empathize.

You need to binge this one in half a day, too, I promise you won’t regret it. It is just … *chef’s kiss.*

This was such an entertaining listen! I really enjoyed the audiobook version of Whispers of the Lake—the multiple narrators added so much to the atmosphere and made it feel even more immersive.

The story pulls you in right away with Rose, an investigative reporter whose seemingly perfect life is crumbling. When her estranged ex-best friend Eve goes missing, Rose heads to a small town in North Carolina and quickly finds herself tangled in a web of secrets, strange locals, and a mystery that becomes darker and more dangerous by the minute. I loved how layered Rose’s character was—flawed but determined—and how her instincts drove the story forward.

The mystery unfolds at a solid pace with just the right amount of tension. Shanora Williams did a great job of weaving in past betrayals and hidden motives, and the setting of Sage Hill was both cozy and eerie—perfect for this type of suspense.

While some twists were more surprising than others, the buildup kept me engaged the whole time. If you’re a fan of small-town suspense, complicated friendships, and slow-burning thrillers with a strong female lead, this one’s worth a listen!

This book was just fine for me. I enjoyed the narrator for Rose and thought she did a very good job, but I found myself fighting to pick this one back up to listen to it. I felt the plot dragged at points and for some reason this one just didn't hit for me. I found myself not liking most of the characters in this book, and in the end I found the twist to be a little predictable.

This was my first Shanora Williams book, and I would be willing to give others a chance, but this one didn't do it for me.

4.5 Stars
This one did not disappoint. This thriller takes its time laying down a chilling setting before unveiling a web of secrets that had me engaged until the end. The author delivers a story that's emotionally layered and suspenseful.

The plot follows Rose, an investigative journalist whose crumbling marriage and missing former best friend lead her to a quiet lakeside town. I appreciated how the mystery unraveled in pieces, each clue adding tension and complexity. The writing is solid, and the pacing builds steadily, it’s not rushed, but it also doesn’t drag.

Rose’s character is well developed, and the contrast between her narrative and Eve’s revealing journal entries adds a compelling duality. While Eve might come off as reckless, her journal entries paint a heartbreaking portrait of someone struggling with deep scars due to abuse and abandonment. We can see she’s a bit chaotic and often destructive, but the narrative does well in revealing she’s just human.

The narration was well done. The dual narration match tone, tension, adjusting pace to the plot’s rhythm, and capturing each character’s emotional state. Their performance brought the story to life.

This isn’t just a mystery—it’s a character-driven exploration of friendship, betrayal, and long-buried truths. The setting immersive and the stakes feel real. I do recommend checking content warnings, as themes of abuse and trauma are central to the story.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy and am voluntarily reviewing it. Rose Howard was in the middle of a divorce and working on a deadline for a story that could make or break her career. Of course, something else has to come up. Rose's best friend, Eve Castillo, may be missing. Here's the thing. Rose and Eve have not talked in three months. Rose has been tight lipped on the reason why so when Zoe, Eve's sister, calls her, she does the only thing she can do. Eve is very flakey so her taking off without telling anyone is not a stretch. Eve always answers Zoe's calls though. It is just them. Both of their parents are in jail. Eve would never leave Zoe intentionally.

Rose can't let sleeping dogs lie. She is like a dog with a bone. When she can't find Eve, she does research to see where she last was. Off to the small town of Sage HIll she goes. Rose is determined to find Eve, but the more information she finds the bleaker the outcome is looking. Something happened to Eve and the people in Sage Hill know something about it. Ms. Williams gives readers a great mystery. Readers will not know what is going on until they are told. I really enjoyed this book and the narration was top tier. I will definitely be reading more from Ms. Williams.

If Gone Girl and Sharp Objects snuck off to a cabin in some quaint middle of nowhere town, whispered secrets into the fog, Whispers of the Lake would be the dark and twisted eerie lovechild product of their get-together.

This audiobook provides a tense and mysterious atmosphere, making you want to look over your shoulder every few minutes. This story was a combination of twist after twist, insatiable cliffhangers, and an urgency that leaves you wanting more until the very end.

Shanora Williams does an incredible job of keeping the plot engaging annd original, leaving no stone unturned, not dissimilar to the main character here. From the first page, it gave me the all-encompassing feeling that I was in a cozy lakeside thriller—fireplace going, wrapped in a blanket, but still on edge, completely unaware that the next twist was just around the corner. I loved the alternating POV’s between characters, and the background it gave us as the reader, while maintaining a timeline with the insight that didn’t confuse or lose me while I read.

The characters? Messy & addictive
The relationships? Tense and distinguishable
The plot? Like peeling an onion drenched in secrets. Every layer stings a little more.

Shanora delivers tension in the most compelling way—slow-burning and atmospheric—when suddenly and with no warning, she hits you with a plot twist like a thief in the night.

Would I recommend it?
For all my thriller/ mystery ABSOLUTELY. If you’re on the fence, let me convince you. Run to grab this one if you enjoy:
- Sus spouses
-Sinister small towns with plenty of baggage
-Past secrets resurfacing to spearhead the present
-Plot twists that punch you in the throat (affectionately)

Final verdict:
I came for the lake vibes, stayed for the mental whiplash. A dark, thrilling escape of a read that confirms still waters really do run deep, swim at your own risk😉

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advance listening copy in exchange for an honest review.

First Impressions & Story Hook
Whispers of the Lake grabbed my attention quickly with its strong voice, natural dialogue, and fast-paced tension. It blends domestic suspense with true crime podcast vibes in a way that kept me listening—and after the halfway point, I genuinely didn’t want to stop. The mystery is layered and satisfying, with twists that land well and a structure that slowly reveals just enough to keep you guessing.

Story Structure & Pacing
I really liked how the story is built around two points of view. The alternating perspectives and the slow reveal of information—mirroring what the characters are learning—made the experience feel active and immersive. The second half is especially strong, with tension that ramps up noticeably and a final stretch that had me speeding up the audio just to see how it all played out.

That said, there are a few abrupt time jumps between chapters that could have used smoother transitions. It didn’t ruin the flow, but it was noticeable enough to occasionally pull me out of the story.

Characters & Themes
The central dynamic between the friend and sister is well done, and I appreciated that the missing woman wasn’t a perfect character—she’s messy, complex, and not universally liked. That made it harder to guess what had happened to her, which kept things more engaging.

On the other hand, the main character’s reaction to her friend urging her to investigate felt frustrating at times. There are so many red flags and signs of foul play, yet she keeps insisting she’s just “angry” about being dragged into it. It doesn’t track emotionally and made her seem stubborn to the point of denial.

There are also tough moments—especially scenes dealing with parental abuse—which are handled with realism but may be difficult for some listeners. Personally, I found them hard to sit through at times.

Narration & Audio Experience
The narration is a big part of what makes this audiobook work. I really enjoyed the tone change between narrators—it helped define the characters and made the dual perspective format even more effective. Eve’s voice, however, came across as whiny and annoying at times, which was less engaging compared to the other narrator’s energy and delivery.

Overall, the performance reminded me at times of a true crime podcast, especially toward the end. The pacing, the tone, and the unraveling mystery all aligned to create that same addictive listening experience.

Final Thoughts & Recommendation
Whispers of the Lake is an entertaining, layered mystery with sharp dialogue, real tension, and a structure that keeps you hooked. While not every character choice makes sense and some narration moments could have been stronger, the twists, emotional pacing, and podcast-like tone made this a standout listen. If you enjoy suspense with a bit of grit and smart storytelling, this audiobook is well worth your time.

What I Liked:
Quick chapters
Steady pacing
I was completely caught off guard with the killer reveal. Legit didn’t see that coming at all.


Issues I Had:
Even though this book is billed as a thriller,
I felt it was more of mystery to me.

Narrators:

First time listening to either narrators and I liked them both especially the one who narrates Eve’s journal entries!

This was a quick listen for me. I really enjoyed Rose, our heroine, although her savior complex did get to be a little much. The overall premise is she is trying to find her missing friend, Eve, who she has been estranged from because Eve slept with Rose’s husband. Again, not many people would drop everything and put their life at risk to find Eve, but Rose does. I enjoyed the narrator that read Rose, but I did not like the narrator that read Eve. Her parts were hard to listen to. Overall, a quick thriller with a good plot twist. I would recommend as a quick summer read.

This story was okay. I enjoyed it to some degree. Narration was good, but it was hard for me to follow at times with the back and forth. The story felt clunky at times and I would find myself disengaging with the storyline and characters at certain points. However, the story was interesting and had a good premise. The narrator was clear and audio was of good quality.

I appreciate you allowing me to review this book!

Thank you to RBmedia, NetGalley & Shanora Williams for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 1 star.
Genre(s): mystery/thriller.

Overall impression: unfortunately, the characters were so unlikeable and unrealistic that I didn't care what happened to any of them by the end of the book. It was supposed to be a mystery/thriller following the disappearance of the FMC's ex-friend but it read more like a soap opera with so much unnecessary drama. They would make terrible decisions and take no accountability for their actions, which annoyed me so much. If the book had been any longer, I would have dnfed it.

Tropes:
➵ Cheating husband with best friend
➵ Ex-best friend goes missing
➵ Diary entries
➵ Investigative journalist
➵ Everyone is a suspect
➵ Flawed characters
➵ Corrupt police
➵ Isolated lake house
➵ No phone reception
➵ Chased through the woods
➵ Set in small town

⤷ Plot:
The blurb sounded really good but unfortunately the execution was frustrating. Eve went missing after booking an AirBNB in a tiny town on the lake. For some unknown reason, Rose - who had caught Eve sleeping with Rose's husband - decided to upend her life and go search for clues on where she went. We were given diary entries from Eve throughout the book, which showed how shit her life was and to try garner sympathy towards her. But all it did was show us just how manipulative and awful she really was. She spoke about wanting to 'fix her life' but would do drugs, invite a bunch of guys over to have sex with her and then blackmail a man. So that's at least two instances where she was knowingly the 'other woman' and had no remorse. Now I obviously don't believe that's a reason for bad things to happen to her character - the married men were just as shitty if not more shitty than her and should face the consequences of their actions. But it didn't make me want to read any more about her or find out why she went missing. I just stopped caring.

⤷ Characters:
I've already explained how much I disliked Eve as a character in the 'Plot' section. But I didn't particularly like our other FMC Rose either. She didn't feel like a real person and made a lot of stupid decisions - like not leaving her AirBNB the second she saw someone lurking in the window, or sneaking into a suspect's house even though the police have warned her against taking the risk. Her reactions just didn't feel very real and it was impossible to relate to her at all.

All of the characters were flawed to some extent but it was frustrating that none of them went through any sort of growth or development. They felt very 2-dimensional and lacked complexity because of this.

⤷ World-building:
Most of the story was set in Sage Hills. It was a small town that felt a bit 'off', even from Rose's first encounter with the locals. The people were secretive - and racism and abuse was rife. It definitely wasn't a place I'd ever want to visit in real life.

⤷ Writing:
There was a lot of 'telling' and not a lot of 'showing', especially when introducing characters. It also felt like a 'plot of convenience' with random 'clues' being given with no real effort whenever the story slowed down and needed propelling forwards again. It felt like a rough draft and could have used a lot more fleshing out to feel more complete.

⤷ Everything else:
Whilst I didn't enjoy the story, the RBmedia audiobook version was engaging enough that I didn't dnf the book. The narrator's voice fit what I thought the character would sound like irl - and she adjusted her accent and tone to differentiate between the other characters in the story. Her voice was clear and portrayed emotion quite well. Unfortunately, it hasn't convinced me to try any of the author's other books - but I managed to get through this book at least.