Friday, March 1, 2013

Review: The Murmurings by Carly Anne West

The Murmurings
The Murmurings
by Carly Anne West

Release Date: March 5, 2013
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 384
Genre: YA Paranormal
Source: ARC Goodreads First Reads
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository
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A teen girl starts hearing the same voices that drove her sister to commit suicide in this creepy, suspenseful novel. Everyone thinks Sophie’s sister, Nell, went crazy. After all, she heard strange voices that drove her to commit suicide. But Sophie doesn’t believe that Nell would take her own life, and she’s convinced that Nell’s doctor knows more than he’s letting on. As Sophie starts to piece together Nell’s last days, every lead ends in a web of lies. And the deeper Sophie digs, the more danger she’s in—because now she’s hearing the same haunting whispers. Sophie’s starting to think she’s going crazy too. Or worse, that maybe she’s not….

Sophie's sister, Nell, heard voices. She was committed to a mental hospital, escaped, and was found dead six months ago. Sophie is seen as a freak after what happened. Her mom is depressed and she is desperately trying to move on. Especially since she started hearing voices and seeing things in the mirror. Dr. Keller keeps calling wanting to speak to Sophie's mom about her. Does he know she is hearing voices? Will she have to be committed like her sister?

Sophie starts out as a very shy and scared person. When Evan from school shows an interest she wonders why someone like him would be interested in her. Evan's cousin went through something similar to Sophie's sister so together they decide to do a little research and get to the bottom of things. Although Evan having this in common with Sophie was a bit convenient I really enjoyed their relationship. This is when Sophie becomes really strong because she wants to get justice for her sister. She thinks maybe the guy Nell ran off with might of had something to do with it. There are blog posts and lots of info on the internet about others going through this experience. Sophie also goes through Nell's journal which has some interesting clues. I kind of wished that maybe it went to Nell's POV before she disappeared, instead of just diary entries because it felt a bit like info dumping at times. 

The paranormal aspect was interesting. It reminded me of The Grudge a bit but I won't say more about it since I thought that was one of the most exciting parts about reading. It is revealed only halfway through so then things become less creepy. I did find the mental institution scary. Sophie in danger of being held there against her will with no way out scares me! Maybe me watching too much American Horror Story: Asylum but that kind of lack of power is pretty scary. Other than that I wouldn't say that this is a super creepy story. I really enjoyed the romance and The Grudge aspects. I read it pretty quickly but I just don't have really strong feelings towards this book one way or the other. I'd recommend giving it a try if it sounds like something you would enjoy.



In one quick movement, his lips are on mine, both soft and commanding at the same time. They move from my uppers to my lower lip, fst at first, then slower as we find a rhythm. Jeff Buckley's version of "Hallelujah" pipes through the speakers with the same kind of urgency as my heart, which thrums inside me. Evan's hands move from my hair to my neck, from my neck to my shoulders, my shoulders to my back.
He pulls away just long enough to find my ear, his lips brushing my earlobe as he breathes into it: "You have no idea what you do to me."

Rating: 3/5

8 comments:

  1. I was kind of looking forward to this one, I like creepy reads once in a while but now I am not so sure. I am kind of sad you didn't like it more.

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  2. I loved this book. And yes, I groaned a little when the too convenient aspect to Sophie and Evan's relationship was revealed but then afterwards it really did fit. I was worried at that point though. lol I'm glad you still liked it somewhat, even though it wasn't anything memorable for you. :)

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  3. Wow! I have seen the cover of this book before, but I have never read the blurb or a review of it. This book is definitely intriguing. Although your review makes me not expect a lot from this, I am still reading it
    GREAT review, J!
    Your reader,
    Soma
    http://insomnia-of-books.blogspot.com/

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  4. This sounds good, but not spectacular. I was excited for it when I first heard about it, but after reading so many middle of the road reviews I don't think I will read it. Great review.

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  5. I've been tossing back and forth whether to read this next. Great review. I still think I'll read this but go into it with slightly less optimistic attitude.

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  6. I read two reviews of this one yesterday and now yours. No one is really liking this one, it just isn't working. Too bad it sounds like it could have been a good scary read. I am definitely going to pass. Thanks for an honest review. Have a great weekend!

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  7. Judging from the cover, I thought this one would have the creep factor amplified 10 fold. I'm disappointed to hear that it's not that creepy. I think that's what really made me want to read this book.
    But the characters sound great. Sophie sounds like the kind of character that I enjoy in my books, those who start out shy and grow up to become really strong.
    Fabulous review, Jennifer!

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  8. I love that quote and the paranormal aspect sounds really neat! I can't wait to try to read it.
    Brandi @ Blkosiner’s Book Blog

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