Linwood Barclay has been writing exceptional crime fiction for just about two decades at this point. Readers know to trust his name. Those books—often tales of the “every man” who gets caught up in extreme circumstances—feature strong plotting and relatable characters. Now with Whistle, Linwood Barclay is venturing into the horror genre, bringing all his learned skills along with him. Whistle is a book that will appeal to both his existing fanbase and newer readers who discover him newly shelved in the horror section of the bookstore.
Whistle is a gripping work that lures readers in and then refuses to let go. Fans of vintage horror—such as the 80’s classics from Stephen King (Firestarter, Christine, Cujo, etc.)—should consider Linwood Barclay’s new novel a must read. The novel totally captures that nostalgic feeling while still managing to feel fresh and modern. That is no easy feat, but Barclay makes it look so simple.
After a particularly difficult year—involving two accidental deaths—Annie Blunt is offered the opportunity to relocate for the season to a charming home in upstate New York. She hopes that her young son, Charlie, will be able to forget all the family trauma for a bit, but instead he becomes bored and lonely. That is, until he finds an old train set in the backyard shed. With that discovery, their summer takes a sudden turn—and not in a good way. It begins with a train whistling late in the night, even though their cabin is nowhere near any train tracks.
Meanwhile—in larger sections labeled Harry—readers are also introduced to a Ludlow Police officer who has recently noticed an increase in odd behavior and crimes in the county. Eventually, Harry begins to suspect that there is something odd about a new business in town, Mr. Choo Choo’s Trains.
These two storylines alternate until they eventually connect—in a most explosive way. Readers will feel bonded to both of these characters and as the tension in the novel rises, so will your blood pressure. There is a true feeling of menace as the pages get turned and unexpected deaths shock. Linwood Barclay harnesses the thriller tropes he knows so well and makes them seem like natural fits for the horror genre. Whistle will not be for all readers—it’s pretty intense and creepy at times—but most thriller fans will find themselves enjoying the winding road to an unforgettable ending.
Whistle may be Linwood Barclay’s first horror novel, but with the buzz so high and reviewers—like myself—raving, it’s unlikely to be his last. Grab this novel and take a trip back to when vintage horror was very much a vibe.
BUY LINKS: Whistle by Linwood Barclay
Disclaimer: A print galley of this title was provided to BOLO Books by the publisher. No promotion was promised and the above is an unbiased review of the novel.
