The Murmurings

Gr 9 Up—Nell David was found hanging from a tree by her big toe, far from the Oakside Behavioral Institute where she was being treated for hearing voices. Everyone assumes it was suicide, but her sister feels differently, and not just because the circumstances seem to defy logic. Sophie doesn't want to believe that Nell would take her own life because she has started to hear voices as well, soft murmurings that are occasionally followed by a glimpse of something, someone, out of the corner of her eye. Her situation compounded by her mother's inability to stay sober, Sophie tries to ignore her growing fear of becoming just like Nell. With the help of Evan, the obligatory good-guy romantic prospect who is looking for some answers of his own, Sophie investigates what happened to her sister at Oakside. Online research bolstered by Nell's journal and poetry lead them to find the truth behind those disturbing murmurings, as Sophie is placed in danger. West conjures some creepy imagery in this melancholy horror story; however, slow pacing and occasionally clunky exposition keep the book from taking off until the second half. Readers may guess some of the plot points along the way, but solid character development and a haunting tone make this an appealing read for teens who like mysteries neatly resolved.—Joy Piedmont, LREI, New York City