Thanks to NetGalley and to Random House Publishing- Ballantine for a review copy of this book.

This is really almost a 5 * book, at least a 4.5 .

I am so happy to see Koontz back to what I consider his best. This second Jane Hawk book was an absorbing read, starting right in from where we were left in the first book. A page-turning exciting novel with a strong female role as the former FBI agent, now on the most wanted list, as she tries to take down the conspiracy of the powerful organization trying to sublimate and rule the world should be next on your to-read list.

The science part does not seem that far-fetched. The characters are well developed and seem to grow in each book.

Really looking forward to the next one in the series.

Published by Bantam on November 21, 2017

Anything that Dean Koontz writes is entertaining by definition, but the Jane Hawk series is far from his best work. The mind-control conspiracy premise is overdone and not particularly convincing.

The Whispering Room gives shape to the “maniacal conspiracy of utopian totalitarians” that Jane Hawk began to uncover in The Silent Corner. As we learned in that novel, the masters of the universe are using nanotechnology to infiltrate brains and force people to kill themselves for the betterment of society (at least as the totalitarian conspirators see it). In this novel, sweet elderly teachers are committing terrorist acts for the same reason. Why sweet elderly teachers are seen as a threat to world supremacy is explained only by the assurance that they were selected by a computer. Presumably the computer had its reasons. Again, I'm not convinced.

The bad guys are “elitists” with Ivy League educations who belittle individuals with “third tier” college educations, which may give the story some populist appeal. Koontz more than once writes about the “foolishness of the elites,” using the kind of divisive political buzzword that stokes fury in certain societal groups but doesn’t really mean anything. That’s unusual and surprising coming from Koontz, who typically embraces unity.

A new addition to the cast is a local law enforcement officer, Luther Tillman, who investigates the murder of a governor, a crime the feds seem surprisingly unmotivated to investigate. Luther stumbles across some journals that refer to a spider building a web in the killer’s brain, and uncovers evidence pointing him to a conference that the sweet killer attended — a conference that seems to have changed her, and perhaps others who were invited so that their brains could be captured.

Another new addition is a kid named Harley who knows that all the adults in his town have taken the Stepford treatment. Luther is a good character but Harley is a bit corny, the kind of brave and adorable kid that has become a stock Hollywood character. I expect more than that from Koontz. I appreciate, however, the minor characters who commit random acts of decency, the sort of people Koontz often scatters through novels to suggest that the human race is not universally awful.

Meanwhile, Jane roars through the novel like a force of nature, moving forward in her investigation from bad guy to bad guy while staying a step ahead of all the bad guys who want to kill her. And since this is a mind-control conspiracy, pretty much everyone wants to kill her. That gives the novel energy and motivates the reader to continue turning pages. And there’s a bizarre fight scene near the end involving nonhuman foes that I enjoyed simply because it is outside the norm of thriller fare. Not entirely believable, but fun.

That is, in fact, my reaction to both novels. I’m just not buying much of what happens, but I’ve enjoyed reading both books. Despite characters who aren’t as meaty as Koontz’s best, an unoriginal premise, and too many unconvincing scenes, Koontz’s ability to hold a reader’s attention makes the novels an easy read. Just don’t expect the books to go where no author has gone before.

The story does not end in The Whispering Room (I'm not sure how many novels in this series Koontz intends to write) but the ending is not a cliffhanger, which I appreciate. The first two novels have enough merit that I'll read the next one without being manipulated by a cliffhanger, but they don't have enough merit to earn wild praise.

RECOMMENDED

Jane Hawk continues to hunt down her husband's killer in this action-packed sequel to The Silent Corner.

Jane is searching for the top man at Far Horizons, David James Michael, to record his confession. His company is using brain nanobots to control people. Some are used as submissive sex slaves, others as guards but worse are the ones forced to commit suicide like Jane's husband.

Cora was named teacher of the year before the headaches started. Why would she set her own car aflame and drive into a crowded hotel restaurant? The local sheriff, Luther Tillman, finds Cora's cryptic notebooks and decides to investigate on his own.

The Whispering Room is a thrill ride that is much better than the previous book in the series. It can be read as a stand-alone novel. However, it shares so much of the plot of The Silent Corner, there is little point in reading the previous series entry after reading The Whispering Room.

Mr. Koontz' rather flowery writing style seems better suited to his atmospheric horror novels. Here is an example of a single sentence in the book:
The bone-pale skeletonized limbs of winter-pasted trees, chokeberry and moosewood and gray poplars, and the storm-crusted boughs of evergreens more white than black, not green at all in the night, rendered a monochromatic scene in the spectral light of the snowfields.

While definitely evocative, it is a bit distracting in a thriller, where being fast-paced is a major goal.

However, I really enjoyed all the action and the comedic interludes within the novel. The details of the Los Angeles area were spot-on. I'm looking forward to more thrillers from Mr. Koontz (though I do hope he writes at least a few more horror novels as well). 4 stars!

Thanks to the publisher, Bantam, and NetGalley for an advanced review copy.

This is the second Jane Hawk novel. It is so suspenseful and action packed. I love the main character, she is a bad ass. This novel continues on from the last one. So great that I cannot wait for the next one.
Jane Hawk reminds me of Lisbeth Salander. You cannot go wrong with this one.

I think that telling you I finished this at 4 a.m. might give you an ideas of my opinion on this book. If you want an intense suspense book, look no further. When you read this, make sure to leave plenty of time to read before you read the last third or you will end up doing what I did. Up until that last third, the book is still pretty intense and interesting with many smaller parts that you'll want to read through without putting the book down but it is possible to tasks a break from it and come back later. Now excise me while I go read the first in the series and lament that I have to wait a while for the next.

I was given the opportunity to read The Whispering Room through a BookishFirst Giveaway and, additionally, through NetGalley and Bantam. My opinions are my own and are freely given.

Usually, a second book in a series suffers from too little character development and a plot that serves only as a bridge to the next novel. The Whispering Room, however, is even stronger than The Silent Corner. No longer having the constraints of bringing the new character to life, author Dean Koontz gives Jane a strong purpose and an attitude that give her humanity. Along with a host of periphery characters that will, no doubt, be seen again, Jane's awareness of the larger issue will propel her forward in the next book.

Jane's ingenuity, as well as her determination to avenge her husband Nick and many others, allows The Whispering Room to move forward at a thrilling pace. With the science fiction aspects of this novel, the suspense of reality does need to be realized by the reader in places. Although the truth is probably closer to Jane's reality than not, the author has twisted parts of other books and movies to fit his imagined world. The length of The Whispering Room may give some readers pause, but it is a relatively quick read despite its number of pages. I would definitely recommend The Whispering Room to readers, whether they are new to Jane Hawk or have already discovered her in The Silent Corner.

Dean Koontz never seems to disappoint and this book was no exception!

The second installment in the Jane Hawk series continues the relentless pursuit of Jane as she pursues the evil faction behind her husband's apparent suicide. Much like the first novel, The Whispering Room has non stop action and more shocking revelations. Its eeriness invokes the fear that our future might hold such inconceivable possibilities, as well. You will find yourself wanting to "test" your family members by ordering them to "Play Manchurian with me." For me, Koontz is the king of creepy, and I am never disappointed when I pick up one of his tales.

I loved this series and Jane Hawk. I enjoyed both books over the thanksgiving break

This is the second book in a trilogy about Jane Hawk, a former FBI agent who is trying to stop a secret group from using a new mind control device to control people. I enjoyed the first book, and thought this one was even better. I'm excited to finish the trilogy when the third book comes out next year!

What would happen if someone discovered a way to make anyone into an assassin? Unlimited power, wealth beyond your imagings, sexual servitude, and corruption and evil explode.

The Whispering Room immediate follows Jane Hawks experiences and discoveries from The Silent Corner. She is following the trail of the power-players using the nano-tech to control minds and being hunted by the people she is hunting for. You can never know who is friend or foe because your friend can be controlled and under their power and you’d never even know it.

Suspense-filled, action intense and sure to get your pulse pounding. Really good read. I love Jane Hawk as a contemporary heroine but the story didn't take much progression from the previous novel. You learned a little more but most of it was just too similar to her last experiences in THE SILENT CORNER.

I received this ARC copy of The Whispering Room from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine - Bantam. This is my honest and voluntary review. The Whispering Room is set for publication Nov. 22, 2017.

My Rating: 4 stars
Written by: Dean Koontz
Series: Jane Hawk (Book 2)
Hardcover: 528 pages
Publisher: Bantam
Publication Date: November 21, 2017
ISBN-10: 0345546806
ISBN-13: 978-0345546807
Genre: Thriller

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Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com

9 likes

The Whispering Room picks up where we left Jane Hawk at the end of The Silent Corner. Once again Dean Koontz has created a horrifying world of possibilities. Not with traditional mad men swinging machetes or axes, or what we would normally consider zombies. In fact, its all the more terrifying because it begs the question "What if?"

In The Whispering Room, Koontz keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering how much longer Jane's luck is going to hold out. Hawk is a brilliantly written protagonist. She's smart, I mean really smart. But more than that, she has a flexibility of mind and morals, that allows her to think on her feet and adapt as the situation changes.

Hawk is also starting to really understand how deep this particular rabbit hole is. Her reality is really starting to sink in and understanding for how far she could fall and the consequences if she does. In fact, we see several of these scenarios played out, at both the micro and macro levels. Koontz does a great job of keeping the playing field balanced, but providing unexpected resources, just when Hawk needs them.

But how long will her luck hold out? You'll have to find the Whispering Room yourself. I can't wait to see how the long game plays out.

Koontz does it again. In the follow up to The Silent Corner, Jane Hawk sets out to find the truth about her husband's apparent suicide. In her pursuit, she stumbles across a conspiracy of vast proportion and as she chases down leads, Hawk herself becomes the target.
Quality writing and expertly drawn characters added to a robust storyline will propel you through this novel.

An action filled book that is packed with suspense and conspiracy, I could not put this down.
Janet Hawk is great as the strong female lead, intent on finding out the truth no matter the cost, the plot is thrilling and fast paced, flowing smoothly and holding the intrigue for as long as possible.
The idea is horrifying and I felt immersed in the storyline, which at some points felt claustrophobic.
If you like a gruesome thriller with a strong plot, this book is for you.

Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

3.75 Hearts This is the second in the new Jane Hawk series by Koontz. This is a fast and I do mean fast paced story. Jane is dealing with so much. After the suicide of her husband and many others, Jane starts her path of revenge in The Silent Corner and continues in this story.

There is just so much action. I kept having to put the book down so I could settle my brain. Jane is a firecracker who is set to do what needs to be done no matter the consequences. She has gone rogue and is persona non grata at the FBI. But she needs to do what she needs to do to find the cause of her husband’s suicide as well as protect her son.

This is certainly a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat and have you jumping up a time or two. Another great read from Koontz.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Once again, Dean Koontz left me breathless from start to finish in his second book of his Jane Hawk series. We pick up in The Whispering Room immediately following the end of The Silent Corner, and this time Jane gets a helping hand from Sheriff Luther Tillman. Luther and his family quickly endear themselves to the reader and I hope to see more Luther in the next book!

In fact, Jane has a way of pulling in the unlikelyest of allies which give the much needed light to this very dark story. Jane's battle with the evil conglomerate is epic and she needs all the help she can get.

There is something about Jane Hawk that I can't get enough of. Her determination to protect her child, and ultimately, the future of mankind, is a thrill to watch. More Jane, please!!

Thank you to NetGalley and to Random House for providing an advanced copy!

Thank you to Random House, NetGalley, and Dean Koontz for the opportunity to read and review The Whispering Room. I am new to the story of Jane Hawk, and I'm interested in picking up the first book in this series now. I would recommend this book, and most others by Koontz, to fellow thriller lovers. Well done, as usual.

This is only the second Dean Koontz book that I have read and nothing about “Ashley Bell” could have prepared me for this hard-driving thriller. In “The Whispering Room”, Jane Hawk has already discovered much of the plans of an elite group who are intent on pressing their vision of the future (and the rewrite of history) to their view.

Jane is a one-woman wreaking crew who is sworn to try to stop this from happening. By the end of the book, I have to say that if anyone could stop a huge conspiracy, it would be this woman.

The author has given her a personality that feels strong and yet still womanly. She loves children and she hates those who would hurt them and destroy their futures. Pretty simple, right?

The book is almost poetic in concept, with sentences a few words short or a paragraph long. The words and the thoughts in them roll onto each other and create a dynamic path to where the writer is intending you head. I found myself holding my breath as I read a sentence/paragraph a page long and realized I would have to pace myself or pass out.

My only regret is that I did not read the first in this series before reading the second book. It is not necessary to do so as I caught up quickly and involved almost immediately. I simply wish I had and I will rectify that before the third book in the series makes its appearance next year.

I was provided a digital advance reader copy of this book by the publisher via Netgalley.

I loved The Whispering Room as much as The Silent Corner and look forward to Jane Hawk’s next adventure.

Koontz is a hugely successful writer. He’s been around for decades and knows his stuff.

You need to have read The Silent Corner to completely understand some of what goes on in this book.

The Whispering Room picks up directly after The Silent Corner with Jane continuing her quest to punish the powerful organisation responsible for her husband’s suicide and a string of similar ones. The book takes the concept that a powerful organisation uses a computer programme to find people they perceive to be a threat in the future in some form of another. The organisation then eliminates these people by planting nanomachines in their brains, which when triggered cause them to commit suicide.

The Whispering Room takes the concept further. We are introduced to the small town of Iron Furnace. The town is like those creepy little places that features in episodes of the Twilight Zone where everyone is peachy-keen and happy beyond measure. The residents, except the children are controlled by said nanomachines. Someone give me a hug because I am so creeped out right now.
Koontz is known for writing about the more unpleasant aspects of scientific development in his fiction and The Whispering Room is no exception.

Dean Koontz has another hit! With his inimitable descriptive phrases and mastery of the English language Koontz puts you right there with Jane Hawk as she continues to fight evil. Jane is an FBI agent on leave who went rogue after the death of her husband. in The Silent Corner. The struggle continues against the nanotechnology conspiracy but with new new morally depraved bad guys, more government involvement, and and an interesting plot twist that shows us more of Jane's tenderness. In this episode Lone Ranger Jane has a sidekick in a small town sheriff and we meet several other well developed characters who believe in Jane and help her along the way even though she is America's most wanted fugitive. I loved Bernie and would like to see more of him. Jane's ability to escape is almost beyond belief and would translate well to the screen. This book combines Wonder Woman with Orwell's 1984 and a bit of Die Hard. It definitely left me wanting more of Jane Hawk, which thankfully is in the works. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy. And thank you Dean Koontz for not letting the dog die.