The Whistling by Rebecca Netley

Alone in the world, Elspeth Swansome has taken the position of nanny to a family on the remote Scottish island of Skelthsea.

Her charge, Mary, is a strange child. Distracted and secretive, she hasn't uttered a word since the sudden death of her twin, William - just days after their former nanny disappeared.

With her charge defiantly silent, Elspeth turns to the islanders. But no one will speak of what happened to William. 

Just as no one can explain the hypnotic lullabies sung in empty corridors. 

Nor the strange dolls that appear in abandoned rooms. 

Nor 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..?

I received a copy of this book from the publisher Penguin Michael Joseph, and netgalley in return for an honest review.

We read this as Tsundoku Squad’s October book, seeing as it sounded spooky and it’s Halloween soon. I gave this 4 stars each week and am quite happy with the final 4 stars from myself.

I enjoyed this story, and it freaked me out a few times, especially when reading it at 12am in the pitch black with everyone else asleep 😂 The lullaby at night in the halls of Iskar, the creepy whistle, the ever so slightly scary dolls, and a child so torn with grief she has rendered herself mute. 

The Island of Skelthsea was described well and I could picture the rocky shores, whipping waves ans utter darkness. All in all it was a good story, not something I would usually read so I was happy I enjoyed it. 

Thanks again to Penguin Michael Jospeh , Negalley, and of course Rebecca Netley for my e-arc.