The Whistling: The most chilling and spine-tingling ghost story you'll read this year

The story is set in 1860 Scotland on the fictional isle of Skelthsea. What better period of history to place a good old ghost story! When I was a short way into the book I felt the need to check out some pictures of the 1860s and this had me even more invested in the story! The story is cleverly plotted, engaging and atmospheric, the author skilfully puts a certain voice in your head which creates the tone and atmosphere - I’m not sure if I’m describing that correctly but let’s just say I felt like I was there with the main character, experiencing all of the strange goings-on and feeling the same feelings! Needless to say, I may have spooked myself a few times. The story unfolds at the perfect pace, we don’t get too much too soon or too little too late. It’s difficult to describe the plot without giving too much away, so I will be extra careful here! I literally just want to tell you the full story because this is such a fantastic book! Our main character is called ‘Elspeth Swansome’ a young woman who has had her fair share of heartache, she takes a job as a nanny in order to escape her own demons. I loved this character so much, she is so human and down to earth but she is also very curious! Her job is to look after young ‘Mary’ who has also been through lots of turmoil in her short life. Despite having some strange feelings about the house on her arrival, Elspeth seems to settle in rather well to begin with, but it is not long before strange and spooky occurrences begin happening! Disembodied whistling can be heard in empty rooms, possessions appear to have moved around without assistance and possibly most unnerving of all are the dolls and stones that keep appearing! Each character was unique, a little spooky and also interesting. The way the story was wrapped up at the end was remarkable, I absolutely adored and actually applauded the final paragraph! What an amazing read! Highly recommended! I’m really looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.

For the most part, 'The Whistling' is a cosy gothic ghost story perfect for the dark nights of autumn or winter. Netley is an extremely competent writer with a nice style and turn of phrase. The main characters, in particular Elspeth and Mary (the nanny and mute child) are well-written and you genuinely care about what happens to them. As the story progresses, however, it gets somewhat convoluted. In trying to create a surprising twist, Netley only seems to create a bit of a mess. And there also seems to be a lack of authenticity to a period tale set on a remote Scottish island. All in all, though, 'The Whistling' is a fairly satisfying horror read that unsettles effectively in the right places and has a strong cast of characters.

Its 1860, Elspeth in a state of grief for her younger sister, takes a position as a nanny for a family, also grieving, on a remote island in Scotland called Skelthsea. There she is faced with strange happenings and secrets to be discovered, as well as a strange spine chilling whistling that appears out of no where. The novel was deeply atmospheric. The remote location, combined with the dreary weather, provides an eerie setting for this haunting tale of grief, deception and love. Everytime I thought I had a bearing on the plot, some new information would make everything I thought I'd guessed unravel before me, leaving me with a constant intrigue. Despite the ending feeling somewhat rushed, it does still provide answers to all our questions, and leaves you with an unexpected warmth and gratitude.

I absolutely loved The Whistling by Rebecca Netley. If you’re looking for a ghost story that will give you shivers then I highly recommend this one. It’s creepy, atmospheric and Rebecca’s writing draws you effortlessly into the story. It’s crying out to be a TV drama, perfect for the autumnal months and as winter draws in. We meet Elspeth Swansome who is taking up a new position as a nanny in a house on the remote isle of Skethsea. It is a big change for her as she has been used to the living in Edinburgh. The remoteness of the island comes as quite a shock to her. I thought Rebecca Netley did a fantastic job with the sitting. She managed to create the feeling that the island and islanders were cut off from the rest of civilisation and that anything could happen there. I thought this really helped in adding another element to the mystery. As Elspeth becomes acquainted with the young child she is supposed to be looking after, it is clear that there is something chilling and very scary going on here. Mary, who lives with her aunt, following the death of her mother shortly before William’s death, hasn’t spoken since her brother died. There is a very sinister atmosphere in the house. Soon Elspeth begins to notice the strange happenings that are occurring and it terrifies her. I really wanted to know what was going on here. There were definitely a few places, while reading this book, where I felt the same fear that Elspeth did. I could really imagine just how scared she was as she began to realise that something wasn’t quite right in the house. Rebecca Netley creates a very creepy atmosphere. It feels as though the very soul of the house has been sucked out. Elspeth’s relationship with her charge, Mary, grows over the course of the book and I liked how Rebecca Netley developed this. When they first met each other, I did wonder if Elspeth would ever be able to get through to Mary. I was interested to see how things would develop between them and if Elspeth would decide to stay there. The Whistling is such a chilling read and I highly recommend it if you enjoy a good ghost story. I’m sure this is one I will return to when Halloween comes around again.

It’s a wonderful journey I couldn’t be held so captive in the book world horror, love , pain and betrayal all in one book. Must read

I really enjoyed the pace and setting of this story. For me it was spooky but not scary. Th plot moved along smoothly, and really held my interest. A good, gothic horror story. I liked there ending. I really thought I knew what was going on! Ho ho ho. Really held my interest right up to the end.

Great book, arrived fast, thank you!

This is a brilliant book.

Great story !