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  • The Whistling

  • A Novel
  • Written by: Rebecca Netley
  • Narrated by: Lois Chimimba
  • Length: 8 hrs and 41 mins
  • 4.1 out of 5 stars (31 ratings)

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The Whistling

Written by: Rebecca Netley
Narrated by: Lois Chimimba
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Publisher's Summary

If you can hear it, it’s already too late . . .

Alone in the world, Elspeth Swansome takes the position of nanny to a family on the remote Scottish island of Skelthsea. Her charge, Mary, hasn’t uttered a word since the sudden death of her twin, William—just days after their former nanny disappeared. No one will speak of what happened to William. Just as no one can explain the hypnotic lullabies sung in empty corridors. Or the strange dolls that appear in abandoned rooms. Or the faint whistling that comes in the night . . .

As winter draws in and passage to the mainland becomes impossible, Elspeth finds herself trapped. But is this house haunted by the ghosts of the past? Or the secrets of the living?

©2023 Rebecca Netley (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers
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What listeners say about The Whistling

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Gothic horror

I loved this story. The atmosphere, the characters and the slow burn creepy Scottish Gothic horror story. The narrator did an excellent job.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book.

I so enjoyed this story. The narration was spot on. With enough storyline that I didn't want to put this one down. I will definitely look for more books by this writer.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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Chilling and surprising

Absolutely LOVED this story. The narrator was amazing, her cadence and voice gave so much to the story. The prose was beautiful and original, and the plot twists were so clever, they had me guessing right up til the end. 10/10 do recommend this title, and I’ll be listening to it time and time again for the vibes 🖤

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A Rare Triumph!

I have rarely read or listened to a novel that is such a triumph of the written word. The author crafted this story with precision and brilliant turns of phrases. The story unfolded delicately but with such a rising sense of impending doom that I was carried along willingly and with anticipation. Atmosphere, something I expect in a gothic novel, painted my experience. I mean to find her other works and consume them avidly, I would be remiss if I did not praise the narator. She could not have read the story any better. What an absolute triumph this pairing has been. Thank you so much.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Wonderful read!

Truly loved listening to Lois, very easy on the ears. Rebecca’s story telling kept me enthralled, I couldn’t wait for my next opportunity to listen! Thank you!

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Story, Narrator… It was just so good!

It’s my first time blind buying an audiobook and I was amazed about how this story started and how it unfolded. Truly, from the start to finish, it had a very eerie, dark and unsettling vibe to it that framed the setting of the time period and place very well. The book follows Elspeth’s employment to a house far away from the city and all she has known. With a baggage of trauma along with her, she tries to uncover what happened in this house and to Mary while also battling and reconciling (I think) with her past experiences. Really a good story and worth a read! I have another favorite author 🧡

The narration— where do I start? Just for context, I am not a native speaker so the narration was, for me, a bit challenging to follow at first. That did not deter me though, as more and more I get to catch up and understand the story. Okay but more on a serious note. This narrator is one of the best I have listened too! While she was narrating the story, I could feel the ups and downs of the characters’ emotions— some of the books I listened to were a bit monotoned at times and does not vary as much throughout. The narration added a lot more eeriness and darkness to the book. I didn’t need to guess how the characters felt at the moment it fluctuates. Kudos to her, she is a great narrator!

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

I think the story may have been good but I couldn't understand the accent.

the narrator had a heavy accent and spoke too softly . I had to hold the phone nearly ear.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Very basic horror novel.

Very slow start. Predictable middle and good ending. A ghost story where the ghosts aren't creepy or scary in any way shape or form. I suffered through the first 7.5 hours, however I did think the ending was as good as it could be. If you are looking for an easy casual listen, but NOT scary this is the book for you.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Dull but love the narrator

A young woman running from her painful past accepts a job on a lonely island with limited access Her creepy employer lives in a creepy mansion on a hill with secret rooms and is populated by creepy people and a mean antagonist spinster. Her charge is a girl who has been traumatized into being mute. There are nosy helpful neighbours who don’t want to say anything except hint she should “be careful”. There are creepy footsteps and whistles and a creepy child looking out of a candle lit window where no one should be. There are mysterious disappearances and deaths. The only man is a married pervert. Sound like you read it already?

It’s like an amalgamation of every haunted house story cliche ever written. The only suspense is the MC’s thoughts telling us we should be creeped out. I still have 2 hours 40 mins left. I don’t plan on finishing it but who knows, maybe a morbid fascination to know if the ending made the tedium worth it will overcome me.

One good thing, I now have a crush on the narrator Lois Chimimba whose voice got me as far as I went.

Ok. Edit. I finished it. Do I regret it? Yes, yes I do. Love you Lois!

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