"We wanted to be treated like men at work for the same reason that people bought smartphones: it made life easier."


I absolutely LOVED this book. I was instantly drawn in by the outside narrator that was interspersed in each women's story, even though it did take a minute for me to connect with all of the characters. I couldn't help but relate to a lot of the things that Baker brings up in this novel: disparities between men and women at work, sexual harassment, embarrassment, not being believed because you're a woman, not taken seriously because you're a woman, etc. etc. I didn't know until about halfway through that Baker herself used to be a lawyer, and she clearly knows what she's talking about. I found it fascinating to be able to see so much of the author herself in this story, but it also felt like my story. I think she does a great job of making this as relatable as possible, even though we don't all get to be triumphant over the vicious men in our lives. I stayed up until almost 3 in the morning to finish this, because at halfway things started getting very intense and I couldn't put it down. I had no idea who the real culprit was and why up until the very last page, and I loved every minute of it. Any complaints of mine are very small and only technical, in that some things are wrapped up very quickly and others are not addressed again, but they were all so minor that it did not inhibit my reading experience.

I loved the IDEA of this book. I also was really looking forward to reading what I thought would be a thriller - but unfortunately this wasn't the book I wanted to read. I'm afraid maybe marketing as a thriller was kind of a miss?

I think there were a lot of themes here that the author was trying to tackle. Most notably the #metoo movement and for the most part - it felt like a great social commentary of that theme. Maybe a bit a,bitious and felt a little forced in some part to be on a trendy movement? I felt for these women SO much because a lot of the things they went though - I myself, have been through. And I relished in those observations. There was also a lot of other subjects she tried to tackle along with the sexual harassment including bullying, social status and class, friendship, but I sort of felt like this was a group of mean girls with their burn book who just didn't go about things the right way. Unfortunately there really isn't a way to approach these issues - but for the first 3/4 of the book - I felt pretty bored. The build up was slow, it was hard to really care about the characters cause many were just downright selfish and kind of full of themselves.

I almost put the book down several times and walked away. I read to escape reality - so I LOVE thrillers. I love how crazy and wild they can be and the build up and momentum that gets my heart racing. But this just wasn't riveting, it wasn't exciting, and it felt like I was facing real world issues... so not the escape I desired. Again, maybe categorizing this as a thriller was why I went into it with expectations. And when I'm expecting a thriller - I expect a thriller. So hard to write a proper review.

I LOVED the writing. I felt the connections were executed really well and the last 25% felt exciting. I do think many people may put it down before getting there though, as the beginning is really, really slow. But I always stick through a book til the end. This was a miss more for me but I think there are plenty that will love it!

First off thank you to both @netgalley and @flatiron_books for the ARE of The Whisper Network by @chandlerbakerbooks ❤️

This is a powerful and incredibly timely book. It was not a fast read , even though the story is very fast paced and riveting. I had to continuously give myself breaks while reading this so my blood pressure could go back down. If you are looking for the story that embodies the struggle and importance of the #metoo movement, then this is it. I appreciated how each of the main characters in the book where dealing with the same man within the company, but each processed their experience and recovery after differently, showing that no two victims of sexual harassment or assault will react or respond the same way to trauma. I feel like some of my fellow book bloggers went into this book expecting the novel to be a full on thriller, and I would definitely prepare readers for more of a social commentary with elements of a mystery/thriller. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis from the publisher: Sloane, Ardie, Grace, and Rosalita have worked at Truviv, Inc. for years. The sudden death of Truviv’s CEO means their boss, Ames, will likely take over the entire company. Each of the women has a different relationship with Ames, who has always been surrounded by whispers about how he treats women. Those whispers have been ignored, swept under the rug, hidden away by those in charge.But the world has changed, and the women are watching this promotion differently. This time, when they find out Ames is making an inappropriate move on a colleague, they aren’t willing to let it go. This time, they’ve decided enough is enough. Sloane and her colleagues’ decision to take a stand sets in motion a catastrophic shift in the office. Lies will be uncovered. Secrets will be exposed. And not everyone will survive. All of their lives―as women, colleagues, mothers, wives, friends, even adversaries―will change dramatically as a result. “If only you had listened to us,” they tell us on page one of Chandler Baker’s Whisper Network, “none of this would have happened.“

The idea of the story (sexual harassment) is so relevant to today, but the book just got bogged down in sooooooo many stories. Never having worked in an office myself, maybe I don't understand what really goes on, but it seemed as if all the ladies did was sit around their workplace and eat, drink, and talk--I wondered if they ever did any work. I have never done this before, but I skipped chapters on my kindle just to get to the end. I think it may be a hit book, but I just didn't appreciate it.

A group of female friends have worked together in the same office for years. But things start to get sticky when the CEO of their company suddenly dies, and rumor has it that their boss—Ames—is set to be promoted to the top job. Only issue? Ames has a, shall we say, *problematic* history with several women in the office. And now, in the age of the #MeToo movement, it just doesn’t seem as though that predatory behavior should continue to be rewarded. With the help of a secret document detailing “bad men” in their Dallas area, the women decide to take a stand. But finally speaking up, won’t be easy for anyone involved. I really enjoyed this book, and tore through it in less than 24 hours. It’s an incredibly well-timed book for our current cultural and political climate. Women everywhere have had enough and aren’t going to take it anymore. This book encapsulates that perfectly, and by the last few pages, I was practically clapping and cheering. Times up, jerky men of the world.

I enjoyed reading THE WHISPER NETWORK, I thought the author provided some interesting points and arguments, particularly when one of the main characters daughter is being bullied at school, and the principal writes it off as “boys being boys”, and some of the drama around what happens in a corporate environment when someone high up is accused of horrific crimes.

I just wasn’t hooked as much as I was hoping. I was expecting more of a page turner but this really didn’t provide the twists and turns I was expecting. I also spent a lot of energy trying to keep the characters straight, There could have been more distinction between the characters, or perhaps better clarification at the beginning of each chapter stating which POV the chapter was from. I found myself trying to remember which character was which (particularly between Sloane and Ardie) for many chapters.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book mainly because of the overarching topic, and I would definitely still be interested in reading more from this author, especially if she continues to write about different, yet relevant topics!

Sloane, Ardie, and Grace are all well-paid, director level lawyers at an athletic apparel company in Dallas. Their boss, Ames, is a high-powered executive about to be promoted to CEO. Each of them has been subjected to inappropriate behavior on his part so when they learn about an anonymous spreadsheet with the actions and names of men who’ve behaved badly at other Dallas companies they decide to add his name. It’s the first domino in Whisper Network and it’s not the only thing that falls in this trenchant novel that dovetails neatly into the times we live in.

There is so much fodder in Whisper Network that it’s like a super sale at your favorite store—you don’t know where to look, you grab everything, and before you know it you’re too overwhelmed to make good choices. Initially, Baker’s decision to have a Greek chorus of women who verbalize what we’ve all been thinking since we put on our first pair of work pumps, is a wise one. They intone the instincts we’ve had to stifle

So when we said that we would prefer not to have to asked to smile on top of working, we meant that: we would like to do our jobs, please. When we said that we would like not to hear a comment about the length of our skirt, we meant that: we would like to of our jobs, please. When we said that we would like not to have someone try to touch us in our office, we meant that: we would like to do our jobs. Please. Loc 3087

but later, they’re weighing in enough that they feel heavy handed. The same can be said of the women’s lives outside the office. Context is critical, but Sloane, Grace, and Ardie’s lives and interpersonal dynamics are so laden with drama and subtext it detracts from the main plot.

What is appreciated, is the fourth woman impacted by Ames’s behavior. Rosalita is one of the cleaning staff at the company and through her Baker illustrates how inconceivably difficult it is for uneducated, hourly workers to ever raise their voices against the men who take advantage of their position. Her story is a welcome counterpoint to the women who have choices. They may be unwelcome, but they have choices.

Whisper Network is one of the summer reading picks I made on the podcast Sarah’s Book Shelves Live. At the time, all I had to go on was the publisher’s synopsis of the book and so I said it sounded like revenge fiction. Having read the book, I need to retract that label. It’s too glib. This is not light, one-note reading ala the movie 9 to 5, where women band together to easily and gleefully smash the patriarchy. Instead, it is complicated and uncomfortable because it doesn’t take place in the easy land of black and white. Baker doesn’t shy away from unlikable characters, dubious motives, and compromising situations with her women. By keeping them flawed, she slices deep into an endemic issue that should not exist in America, but does. Whisper Network is challenging, explosive fiction that’s going to feel real to many of the women who read it.

Whisper Network reminds me of a combination of Big Little Lies and 9 to 5 set in a corporate world in Dallas. The story follows 4 women who experience discrimination in the workplace and/or sexual harrasment. Following the death of the CEO of Truviv, whispers amongst the women as to the possibliity that their manipulative boss will be his replacement. This book tells the story of Sloane, Ardie, Grace, Katherine, and Rosalita and what happens when they have enough of their workplace.. Whisper Networkis the July pick for Reese Whitherspoon's book club. I enjoyed the book and give it 4 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and Flatiron books for an advance copy of this book for my honest review.

JUICY! That is exactly what this read is. Take 9 to 5 and Desperate Houseives, mix together and create and book and that is what this is. Each sentence is pure joy, you feel in the action, in the gossip. We are introduced to three powerful women Sloane, Ardie and Grace who work for Truviv, a sports athletics company. This is a true novel for the #MeToo movement and will have you at the edge of your seat and each time you think you know what is happening, you will be surprised to be wrong. A delicious summer read!
I received a copy of this from the publisher and chose to write a review of my own thoughts.

I found this to be a thought-provoking, timely novel, especially relevant with the #metoo movement. Both thriller and social commentary, the story elicits reflection about women, loyalty, friendships, family, relationships, work, and sexual harassment and how they all fit together at a large corporation. Sloane, Arlie, and Grace are friends that work in the legal department of a large corporation. A new attorney, Katherine, has joined their department. The CEO of the corporation has died, and their boss, Ames, is up for his job. These events spur a series of interactions and events that have large consequences for all involved. It was an engaging read with varying perspectives. Personally it took me awhile to get into the story, and I'm glad I stuck with it.

Just when Ames Garrett is poised to fill the vacant CEO spot at Truviv, a sports apparel company based in Dallas, Texas, three women, Sloane, Ardie, and Grace, consider suing him—and the company—for sexual harassment. Will they be too scared to report him, especially since he's upper management? What are the consequences of going public with their complaints? Will they lose their jobs? Could they have been to blame for his actions? Are women maybe just too sensitive to men's comments and actions?

"How did we know when behavior was inappropriate? We just did... Believe it or not, we didn't want to be offended. We weren't sitting around twiddling our thumbs waiting for someone to show up and offend us so that we would have something to do that day. In fact... we gave the benefit of the doubt. We took a man's comment about the way our high heels made our calves look as well intentioned."

In order for this lawsuit to work, all three women need to be on the same page. But, what happens when they are not? Will they be able to reconcile their differences for the greater good before it's too late? And, how will breaking their silence affect the "Whisper Network?"

"Whispers could only carry so far. Such was the purpose of whispering—to ensure that not everyone heard."

After all, these women didn't ask to be sexually harassed in the workplace; did they?

"We had long seen the problem at the heart of it all: being a woman at work was a handicap that we'd been trying to make up for by erasing our femininity in just the right ways."

Lastly, what happens when the secrets are revealed?

"[Women] had been programmed to trade in secrets... Our motto had long been: Keep it between us... With voices hushed, we reached out to each other to offer our knowledge. [But], by whispering, whose secrets were we keeping anyway—ours or theirs? Whose interests did our silence ultimately protect? ... And so, when one of us spoke up, it was never just for her. It was for us."

I was very much intrigued by this premise but felt like it dragged a bit until about halfway. Thankfully, it picked up even more around 75%. Even though I guessed one of the big reveals early on, I was surprised and thrilled by how it played into the overall story. Take that, Ames! I loved the very distinct personalities of the female characters and found the writing strong, honest, sardonic, and witty (so witty that it made me laugh out loud in surprise several times). Overall, I loved the #MeToo theme and would especially recommend it to women working in corporate America.

"We wanted to be treated like men at work for the same reason that people bought smartphones: it made life easier."

Location: Dallas, Texas

I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

What a completely stunning book!! It was such an incredible story, told by four strong career women who were tired of being kicked down by an arrogant pig of a man, and who decided to take action even when that means facing the unfair consequences that come with it. I can’t help but wonder if this is going to turn into a movie or a series.... I can see this story making it to the top of the bestseller lists, and it’s entirely appropriate for the times we live in. It’s a fantastically written book that is a warning to everyone - don’t ever underestimate women!!! I’m not sure how much more to say without revealing spoilers (this book has a very WOW ending).

You may not relate to three lawyers(Ardie, Grace, and Sloane), and one office cleaner(Rosalita), but you may have personally experienced or know someone who has had a similar experience. Women from every walk of life struggle to be wives, friends, girlfriends, mothers and have a successful and fulfilling career. In Whisper Network, it is Ames Garrett, their boss, who seems to believe that the women who work for him, have been put there for his personal pleasure. He is not above using his position of power to sexually harass and intimidate his female subordinates, and like so many women, they remain silent, fearing their complaints will not be taken seriously.
The death of the CEO of Truviv, Desmond, leads to the unthinkable; Ames clearly seems to be the front runner for the position. For years, these women have dealt with humiliating secrets and lies, but it is the arrival of a new lawyer, Katherine, that makes them ready to stand up for the truth. No one could have foreseen what would happen unless, “If only you had listened to us,” they tell us on page one, “none of this would have happened.”
I actually found Ames and his bad behavior the least compelling part of the story. Ardie, Grace, Sloane, and Rosalita's personal stories are much more than just sharing one bad boss. Each of them has to fight twice as hard at least, just to be taken seriously by their male coworkers, their clients, and even at times, their families and friends. It's the little things, day in and day out, that overwhelm all of them. Men growing older and more trustworthy because their grey hair makes them distinguished, while women debate botox, hair dyes, and facelifts. These women are not perfect, they make mistakes and have to live with the consequences, but does that mean they aren't victims? This is an intriguing and to me, a captivating look at how unfairly the deck is stacked, what equality means, and whether or not it is attainable.
This wasn't a beach read weekend for me, but one where I was working in my garden. I took many more breaks than I normally would and finished Whisper Network in a day. If the book description sounds interesting to you, I would recommend this book.
I receiving a DRC from Flatiron Books through NetGalley.

My Rating: 3.5 stars

Written as a response to the #metoo movement and the various sexual harassment scandals that have made headlines over the past few years, author Chandler Baker’s propulsive new book The Whisper Network is an interesting look into corporate elite culture and a male-dominated work environment where “whispers” and rumors abound. The story’s powerful opening line sets the trajectory of the narrative into motion: “If only you’d listened to us, none of this would have happened.” The narration alternates between the perspectives of 4 women – Sloane, Ardie, Grace, and Roselita – all employees of a fictious sports brand corporation in Dallas called Truviv, Inc. who are affected to varying degrees by the sudden death of the company’s CEO Desmond Bankole. As the next in line to take over the CEO role, Ames Garrett is used to having things go his way in both his personal as well as professional life and is looking towards this highly anticipated promotion to cap a decades-long illustrious career. Things go according to the expected trajectory for Ames…that is, until the “whispers” that have surrounded him finally come to a head amidst accusations of sexual harassment by the women in his workplace who are tired of their complaints being ignored. As Ames’ world comes crashing down, so too does that of the 4 women who decided to speak up against him, as long-held secrets come to light that threaten to hinder their efforts.

This was an interesting read, also a timely and relevant one given what has been happening in society the past few years. The author Chandler Baker did a good job depicting the struggles that many women encounter in the workplace, especially in the corporate environment where majority of the highest-ranking executive positions are still largely dominated by men. In addition to the core narrative surrounding the 4 women at the center of the story, there were also snippets of police interviews interspersed throughout that provided clues as to some of the events that happen as well as some background information on the characters, which I thought was cleverly done. Another aspect that made this story so relatable was the way Baker incorporated real life events into the narrative, things that I had read about in the news (such as “the spreadsheet” that had been circulated around a few months back) or had either experienced or witnessed personally in the corporate business world that I’ve worked in for many years. Sexual harassment can manifest itself in different ways in the workplace, especially in an office setting, where sometimes the lines can easily become blurred or situations such as being subject to a hostile work environment are less recognizable as an offense that can also constitute harassment – for me, it was refreshing to finally see an author bring these issues to the forefront in the form of a fictional story, which I feel is more powerful in terms of raising awareness than a non-fiction format.

With all that said, the aspect of this book that didn’t work too well was classifying it under the “mystery/thriller” genre, as I felt the suspense element was truly lacking throughout the story. This was not a book that kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to find out what happens and to be honest, the plot was actually quite predictable (even the ending I already saw coming and had already worked out most of it by the time I reached that part of the story). Regardless though, this was still a worthy read in my opinion, one that has a strong message delivered in a way that hit all the key points but didn’t come across as overbearing. I’m glad I read this and would readily recommend it, especially for those who work in a corporate setting currently.

Received ARC from Flatiron Books via NetGalley

This book has gotten a lot of buzz, and the subject matter is very timely. Unfortunately, it was not for me. I felt it started slow and I didn’t really connect with any of the characters. The premise intrigued me but it just didn’t click for me. Having not been in a corporate environment for many years, perhaps I just wasn’t the target audience. I did not finish this book. Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for a digital review copy of this title.

Whisper Network has a lot going for it—and I'm sure that a lot of people are going to want to read it—but it wasn't for me. Baker introduces us to four female​ colleagues who stumble upon their profession's fictional equivalent of the Shitty Media Men List, as well as the repercussions that happen after one of them adds their male boss—next in line for CEO—to the spreadsheet. There's a lot going on in the narrative, and I appreciated the duality Baker gives to her protagonists, but the story dragged and, frankly, wasn't that interesting. Even though each chapter includes testimony of the women from a future investigation—further nudging the plot forward—I didn't really care that much if I ever found out what happened to warrant such an investigation (or even who did the thing they were attempting to explain). In the end, I couldn't put myself through the additional three and a half hours it would take to finish.

Stopped at 30% // chapter 14

I think I'm in the minority on this one...I have mixed feelings. I really liked the novel until the final 20%, then it became murky as to what the point was. Yes, it's a powerful piece of commentary on life in America for women in 2019. Yes, it speaks to the Me Too movement. But I feel like something was missing for me, as I don't seem to have as strong of a reaction and love for the book as many other reviewers. I will say I think anyone considering it should give it a go.

Overall, it's a compelling tale of women struggling to succeed in their corporate world, facing discrimination and sexual harassment on a regular basis, while balancing motherhood and home life. It's kind of a thriller, an unnamed narrator relays the story, intermixed with transcripts from police interviews and depositions. It's a very current book, which is understandable but some of the pop-culture references felt forced and were distracting. Those weren't necessary for it to feel current. The writing is sharp and atmospheric. The characters are very realistic, and I had a genuine sense of what it must feel like to be a women working at this company.

Professional female friends face a formidable, power hungry sexual predator while reflecting on sexual harassment, the challenges of being a working mother, and having your friend’s back even when she’s making choices you might not.
Well conceived and creatively written with wit and authenticity. This was a true delight and will be enjoyed by readers wanting a fun, fast paced read that will allow them to discuss hard to reach and previously silenced topics.

I had a hard time getting into this book in the beginning. It was slow and a lot of characters. It wasn't until I was over 10% that I started to get interested. I found the remainder much better and I enjoyed the twists and reveal.

Whisper Network is the type of book that could only be released in today’s world, after the #MeToo movement and the Women’s March. Women - especially liberal women - have made it clear that #TimesUp for the Good Ol’ Boy Network of wealthy white men who have long gotten away with sexually harassing, and assaulting, women in the workplace.

The female author who wove this tale didn’t have to look far for inspiration. Nor did she paint the women as merely doe-eyed innocents who had been wronged by the big bad boogeyman. Instead, the characters had many realistic flaws; they lied, they cheated, and yet they also worked hard and did not deserve the awful things that men put them through.

If you’re looking for a book that’s a feminist march from the very beginning, this might not suit your needs. In fact, the middle-aged women start off making catty remarks about Millennials and often try to find excuses for the way men treat them. This ultimately leads to an eye-opening awakening for them that is in many ways more satisfying due to their initial reluctance to view themselves as victims.

Most women will find a lot to like (and relate to) in this book. Men could learn a lot about what it’s like to be a woman. But the intended audience is definitely progressive/liberal women who have had enough and are ready to fight back.

The twists weren’t surprising to me as I’d called most of them early on. That didn’t make the resolution less enjoyable, but it did reduce the tension I felt while reading this otherwise solid book.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC. This review contains my honest, unbiased opinion.