The Dead Whisper On

T.L. Hines
Bethany House (2007)
ISBN 0764202057
Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (5/07)

Butte, Montana is slowly but surely becoming a desolate and despair-ridden city.  The mining industry, which serves as its main source of economic income, has all but disappeared, leaving the residents with little hope for the future.  In this time of despair, dark forces have begun to move in.  Former miner Candace "Canada" MacHugh is torn between being loyal to her dead father and searching more deeply to discover the truth behind some strange events that have been occurring in the city.  Eventually, she is unsure of whom she should trust and must learn to trust her own instincts.

"The Dead Whisper On" will appeal to anyone who likes a good mystery with fast-paced action.  The author uses this story to instill in the reader that one person's actions, whether intentional or unintentional, can greatly impact future events.  Hines effectively utilizes the well-known symbols of shadows and light to represent the battle between the forces of evil and good.

I really liked the main character Canada MacHugh.  I enjoyed the transformation of her from a child trying to please a parent into a strong leader who must conjure up a way to save her town regardless of how this plan may affect her personally.  I also thought she was intelligent as well as clever which made her even more likable.  By battling the demons from her past, she was able to save her city from the demons threatening to overtake it in the present.  I also was entertained by the government cover-up of what was happening in Butte.  It makes me wonder what else is going on that is being kept from the public.

The main message in this book is to never give up hope no matter how dark things may become.  Trusting in oneself and learning to trust in others can lead to a wonderful outcome.  Letting go of things that have hurt us in the past and making peace with those who have wronged us is the only way to attain and happy and healthy lifestyle.

"The Dead Whisper On" is an excellent example of a "page turner."  I found myself saying, "Just one more chapter" so many times and ended up staying awake much later than expected.  But that is okay.  It was definitely worth losing a little sleep to be entertained with such a fast-paced and suspenseful novel.

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