Customer Reviews

Whispers of God: A Journey into the Mind of a Serial Killer

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I read this book on a flight to Mexico and loved it. The writing held my attention and kept me turning pages to see what was going to happen next. The plot twists provided me a good puzzle to solve. It is clear that Turner is a real Texan as the setting and characters seemed authentic, like places I've been and people I've met. And, this is one very scary book. I find myself thinking about the killer and wondering how many people like him are out there right now. I will definitely read any future books that she writes!

I like the way the book takes you thru the process of how someone could becomes a serial killer. The details were right on. The author kept me on the edge of my seat with the twists, turns and mazes this killer takes you on to hide himself from society until he is ready for you. After reading this book, I now understand how a serial killer could be my next door neigbor or the person I live with.

This book is excellent. I was so scared but at the same time, I couldn't put it down. Do not read this alone at night. It is very descriptive and seems so real. The author did a wonderful job of developing the characters so well that I related to them very quickly. It shows a completely different perspective on serial killers and how they become what they are. This would definately make a good movie.

This was really chilling. Dr. Turner is so close to the mind of the serial killer that her story reads like a first person account. I could not help but keep reading despite my very negative feelings toward the killer. Don't read this one alone at home. I'm eager for her next book.

While I think Dr. Turner does have a flair for words and is certainly knowledgeable in her field, her talent was not put to best use as a novelist. Because I am a novelist and short story writer, I have the unfortunate tendency to read a book from that standpoint rather than just as a reader out to enjoy a book. I found the lack of dialogue slowed the story down, because without it, the writer must resort to more telling than showing, which involves endless description and detail. Such "telling" can become tedious to readers and fails to engage them as much as "showing" would. Another problem I had with the book was the failure to adequately establish a viewpoint character. I certainly don't object to multiple viewpoints, especially in a novel, but when the point of view shifts paragraph to paragraph, or, in some cases, within a sentence, it is distracting and I find it hard to engage with the character. I also found some of the language stilted and hard to swallow as being that of contemporary Texans. For instance, referring to Mrs. Brown as "Widow Brown," and the sheriff as "Sheriff Dan." I'm sure there are people who talk like this, and it's very possible that I'm wrong about it. Finally, although great care was taken to draw the character of Marcus Jameson, he did at times seem to be a cardboard cutout of evil. In addition, other characters seemed flat and, often, stereotypical. I don't mean to imply the Dr. Turner lacks talent, because she clearly doesn't. I'd be fascinated to read anything she wrote about the work she does, but fiction is difficult. Nevertheless, _Whispers of God_ was a good first effort, and I think that with a diligent critique group and ample editing, Mary Turner could write an even better one if she decides to try another novel.
Something completely unrelated to Dr. Turner's skill is the size of the font in which the book was printed. It was extremely difficult to read, and I have good eyesight.

Definitely one of the best books I have ever read about serial killers. Mary knows her characters well and keeps you involved and on the edge of your seat, page after page. You absolutely can't put it down. Thank you Mary and keep the great books coming!

This was the best book I've read in along time. It was creepy from beginning to end, but it's so good you just can't put it down. I stayed up until all hours of the night trying to finish it. I definately recommend this book.

I couldn't put this book down! It is a definite page-turner; I am hoping the sequel comes out soon!

I thought this was going to be descriptive in the sense of how a serial killer thinks. Instead, the author goes into senseless details about how fluffy the character's towels were and how the characters loved their dog, etc. I felt like I was reading a cheesy Danielle Steele novel. There needs to be more gruesome details on how the serial killer enacted his crimes, etc.