Death Whispers – looking over your shoulder yet?

Death Whispers, by Tamara Rose Blodgett, caught my attention as I was browsing the children’s/YA section. The premise sounded intriguing – children being innoculated to heighten paranormal abilities – and the title captured my interest.

Fist off, this book is like living inside the head of a teenage boy. I have four nephews, so I pretty much felt at home. Reading Tamara’s bio, I was not surprised to learn she has teenage boys.

Caleb Hart, the narrator and center of the story, is a smart, sometimes mouthy, typical teenager. His friends John and Jonesy are funny and extemely likeable.

Just a note here – the rhythm of this book is a bit different, especially if you are not used to what I call teen speak – half sentences, random thoughts, and smart ass comments boucing around in his head. Quite the ride, and it can take a bit to get used to. My advice – hang on, because it is an enjoyable ride.

Caleb discovers in an incredibly embarrassing way just what his paranormal bent is: Affinity for the Dead, or AFTD. He can hear them speak, feel them, and finds he has other abilities as well. The kind that can land him in a secret government facility, never to be seen or heard of again. Just like the only other AFTD with his level of ability.

He is a normal teenager, suddenly living an abnormal life. I really like the way you are slowly but completely sucked into his world, rooting for him as he fumbles and fights his way through to the truth of who he is.

And he is not alone. Along with his friends, he assembles a team, who learn to trust and watch out for each other. The twists and surprises, all edged with a growing tension, lead you deeper, reading faster to find out what happens next. I literally raced through the last fifty pages.

My verdict – go buy a copy. You can do that here, or visit her website to check it out, along with the rest of the books in the series. Book 3 – Death Screams, was just released, in time for Friday the 13th.

I am off to buy book 2 myself, so I’ll meet you back here.

Until then – read on.

~Cate