A sleepy village with a dark past. A father and son trying to rebuild their lives after tragedy. A veteran detective haunted by his failures. Can you truly move on from the past?
We’re introduced to the main character Tom Kennedy immediately through the lens of a letter he has written to his son Jake, apologising for the series of events that are soon to occur throughout the novel. After the sudden and tragic death of household matriarch Rebecca, Tom and Jake move to a quaint little town called Featherbank – a seemingly perfect opportunity for a fresh start. They’ve found a nice little home, and even if it looks a worn down and somewhat creepy, Jake in particular is incredibly persistent about it being the right place for them to rebuild. It’s been tough for Tom and Jake, who have often struggled to communicate properly, with Rebecca having a closer connection to Jake and taking on the bulk of responsibility and understanding of what it takes to raise a child. Tom is a writer who’s had varying success over the years, however has recently been crippled with writer’s block. Jake is a bright young child, however has had troubles forming strong connections with others his age – no doubt due to Jake’s imaginary friend and his ‘Packet of Special Things’ (a small rucksack filled with important items that Jake won’t allow anyone else to see).
Detective Inspector Pete Willis has seen it all. He’s a hardened veteran of the force – respected by his peers and operating well above his pay grade. He’s not interested in accolades or glory or succession. He just gets the job done. Detective Inspector Amanda Beck is cut from the same cloth – young, smart and determined to do the right thing. When Featherbank is rocked by the disappearance of young Neil Spencer, DI Beck is assigned to the case. Featherbank has a dark past when it comes to missing children, and DI Beck is determine to not let this child be another one lost. DI Willis knows all too well the cost of losing a missing child to Featherbank – he is haunted by the disappearance of Frank Smith, one of five young Featherbank boys brutally murdered by vicious criminal Frank Carter – dubbed ‘The Whisper Man’ due to his apparent befriending of the boys before their abduction and subsequent murder. Smith was the only one of the 5 boys who’s body was never recovered, but assumed to have succumbed to the same fate. It’s this parallel to Neil Spencer’s disappearance that brings DI Willis and DI Beck together.
As the emotional story of Tom and Jake rebuilding their lives together unfolds in unison with the mystery and terror of the Spencer case led by DI Willis and DI Beck, we learn more about Featherbank’s past and how it intertwines with Tom and Jake – and none more so chilling than when Jake starts hearing whispers in their new home. As the stakes continue to rise and Tom and Jake are thrust into the missing child case – an array of supporting characters are brought into the frame. Who is the strange man who is seen trying to enter the garage of the Kennedy house, claiming to have lived there years prior? Should Tom consider moving on with single mother Karen, who’s son Adam befriends Jake in school? What does Frank Carter know about the recent missing child case and why won’t he talk to anyone other than DI Willis? Just who is Jake’s imaginary friend?
This was such a satisfying read for many reasons. There’s suspense, mystery, horror, comedy, romance and drama all intersecting between the main and supporting characters – and thankfully, none of it seems forced or implausible. I really enjoyed North’s writing style. Instead of choosing to write from a third person view so we could get an unbiased look at all the storylines unfolding, North instead chooses to write from various character’s perspectives, which change per chapter. It’s this that allows each character arc to develop naturally, offering us unique perspectives and building our relationship with each of the characters. It works so well when there’s so much at stake for each individual – from Tom and Jake, to DI Willis and Beck, and most interestingly, to a character who isn’t introduced immediately. It works extremely well.
What often can occur with crime novels is a lot of time is spent building the mystery and not enough time valuing the pay-off. Not in this case. Whilst the final act includes a somewhat cliche climax, it doesn’t feel predictable and it certainly didn’t leave a sour taste in my mouth.
Tom Kennedy is a fantastic protagonist – complex, layered and believable. Di Pete Willis is the same. Whilst these two figures are the central characters, DI Amanda Beck and Karen work very well, with their character arcs being completely satisfying without feeling stale. I was genuinely surprised at where Karen’s character ended up. Then there’s Jake – seemingly small fry in comparison to the adult characters, but incredibly important with his own arc more interesting than the others.
Even if you think you know how this one might turn out, I’d encourage you to read this. I finished it over a weekend, getting completely enthralled in the characters, the mystery and the very clever writing style. It’ll be interesting to see how Netflix’s 2026 adaption will play out – this could work very well as a movie if they stick to the source material. Whilst there isn’t much information about it currently, the cast is absolutely stacked – with Adam Scott playing Tom Kennedy. The majority of who the cast will be playing hasn’t been announced, but includes Robert De Niro, Michelle Monaghan, Michael Keaton, and for me most excitedly John Carroll Lynch (who I genuinely hope plays an antagonist in the same vein as his brilliant performance in Zodiac).
As far as debut novels go, this one is up there with the best I have read.
4.7/5.0
| THE ARTIST'S REVERIE | 
Leave a comment