Dark with twists, a uniquely gifted boy falls into a dangerous cat-and-mouse game with the arrival of a monstrous protector...searching for something of the past.
Neurodivergent, young Dwight Skinner considers his mental challenges to be a superpower, but it's a pure bloodline that will put him in danger. When a tragic event brings a mysterious Romani neighbor, Mr. Mortimer, out of seclusion and into the Skinner family's lives, Dwight and his emotionally overloaded mother find an unsuspecting protector in this dark whisperer. Death and horrific secrets trail the unfolding life of Mr. Mortimer's past, and questions soon arise as to who has the more sinister of intentions, Dwight or the monster he trusts.
Patten has created an in-depth look at family bonds and duty with fully fleshed out characters that the reader will either love or hate in equal measure. Following young Dwight and his "superpowers," along with Mr. Mortimer's backstory and creation, this is a page-turning horror thriller full of dark presences, morbid details, and serious treatment of Romani culture, despite the “Gypsy” in the title. Incorporating real historical events and putting a horrifying twist on the narrative, Patten has written an engagingly horrific tale full of revenge and retribution. The shocking discoveries and steady pacing will keep readers on the edge of their seats as Mr. Mortimer's true identity and mission is revealed. With dueling narratives twining the present day with the 20th century’s most wrenching horrors, plus strong mystery elements, the character's lives are fully explored between the pages of this blacker than black narrative. Twists and turns are a constant, all the way to the shocking conclusion.
Fans of character-driven, fast-moving horror will enjoy Patten’s tale, which occasionally offers carnage for shock value without compromising the narrative’s persuasive reality. This is a dark, haunting read, not for the faint of heart, but with humanity at its core. Readers of action-packed dark horror will be onboard.
Takeaway: This polished horror story explores family obligation and the overwhelming costs of revenge.
Great for fans of: Dan Simmons’s Carrion Comfort, Bari Wood’s The Tribe.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Must read 🏆
Hands Down, My Favorite Read for 2022! If you love a unique & interesting horror read, you have to pick this story up!
This is an amazing book. How do I quantify that statement? This is the FIRST BOOK I have had the pleasure of reading this year that I read in ONE SITTING!!
Whispers of a Gypsy is an engrossing read from start to finish. JT Patten has conjured a real winner in this tome. From an engaging opening to the creation of a fantastic cast of characters laced with a historic rehash of one of the darkest parts of global history, Mr. Patten draws you in and doesn't let go.
He pulls you into our past to the creation of a strong, horrifying protagonist to lay the groundwork for the events unfolding in present day in a way that moves the story forward without ever feeling like an info dump.
I appreciated learning new things about the treatment of the Roma during World War II and Nazi concentration camps. He builds on my existing knowledge without ever feeling like the information was preachy or condescending, just the fact that it is. The story interweaves the past into the present in a way that outstrips the power of The Apt Pupil.
