WINNER of the Literary Titan Book Award!!Women of color are not a priority of law enforcement in 1800’s Missouri. They are not even considered human. These social injustices allow a serial killer to run rampant. Sarah, a beautiful black slave, finds herself in the crosshairs of a monster who murders with impunity. The only one concerned with her plight is the master’s son. Will Matthew find the … find the strength to rescue this slave girl, even if he lacks the courage to admit he’s in love with her…
It’s Jack the Ripper meets Roots in this pulse pounding historical thriller. House of Whispers packs the chills of a Stephen King book, the romance of a Nicholas Sparks novel and the in your face irony of an M. Night Shyamalan flic.
Critics are saying…
“When a serial killer strikes a Missouri plantation, a slave and her lover discover they must outwit a cunning and devious psychopath in this historical novel. This series opener from DuBois is a richly detailed historical thriller brimming with intriguing, well-developed characters and a fast-paced plot that offers a plethora of surprising twists and turns. Matthew is a dynamic and multilayered hero. Devoutly religious, he objects to slavery and strives to treat everyone with respect and dignity. This sentiment extends to his dealings with Sarah. Despite his attraction to her, he refuses to take advantage of his position to coerce her into a physical relationship. This restraint helps create and maintain the romantic tension in his connection with Sarah. He is complemented by Sarah, an intelligent and strong-willed woman who tries to avoid any negative repercussions from his family because of their liaison. The author successfully balances the romance with a gripping murder mystery that, while violent, is never gratuitous. A complex thriller that offers intense romance and suspense.”
-Kirkus Reviews
“Very, very, very good. It’s not often that I start reading a book and it consumes me right away and forces me to re-prioritize my life for a little while. This is a terrific piece of historical fiction/romantic/thriller/suspense (the first book I’ve ever read like this) and I am at a loss for words to describe the range of emotions I experienced while reading it.”
-Indie Book Reviewers
“Catalina DuBois’s Book of Matthew: House of Whispers is a tale of forbidden love that, at times, seems Shakespearean in its delivery. DuBois’s story reads easily and quickly. I didn’t want to put it down. I found myself cheering for the more righteous characters, and hating the more deviant of them. I’d love to read Part II and see where DuBois takes Matthew and Sarah’s journey.”
-Literary Titan
Rated mature for violence, sex, and racism
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I can’t wait for book 2 to ge added to this site.
This was an excellent book with lots of twists and turns. When I thought I had figured out “who did it “. Ha, ha I will not be a spoiler great read especially for those who like period books.
Couldn’t put it down until it was totally finished
I’ve never read a book about slavery like this. It was fun, tasteful ,and full of suspense . Loved it
I look forward to reading the next book!
Good read but found a little unrealistic as far as slavery is concerned.
Loved this book. It was a great.
Excellent reading, I recommend this book to all book clubs.
An excellent read. I couldn’t put it down. The characters were complex and as a reader you find yourself right there with them. I’m looking forward to reading all of her books.
Sarah faces a non-stop series of challenges. Sarah’s and her friends ingenuity is tested and retested. It was a fun read.
Summary
Matthew Colburn is heir to his father’s vast plantation. It’s a prison for hundreds of slaves, but this ugly truth doesn’t keep him from being deeply attracted to Sarah who grew up in the Colburn family as a slave. He tries his best to keep his feelings to himself, but an incident pushes him to follow his heart and pursue her. Since Matthew and Sarah live in a world where the law doesn’t consider slaves as human beings, and interracial relationships are forbidden, their lives are at stake. Matthew is aware of the dangerous path he chose, but oblivious to the secrets that would shock him in the midst of a crisis.
Review
Book of Matthew: House of Whispers by Catalina Dubois is a romantic historical thriller about slavery, prejudice, and the dangerous truth about being a slave in the 1950s. The story started light, focusing on Matthew’s desire for Sarah, and it quickly intensified to horrifying events of slave girls being murdered and raped. However, despite the dreadful world that the author created, this book couldn’t stop me from reading.
Matthew and Sarah weren’t the only characters that stood out. There’s Matthew’s sister, Lillian, a 12-year old trouble maker who I think is adorable. Francesca, Matthew’s evil cousin, surprised me at how she turned out in the end. And I also like Seth, the Colburn’s adopted son.
There are too many things I love about this book apart from its well-developed characters: (1) the unusual ability of the men in the Colburn family, (2) the creepy feeling it gives knowing that a psycho killer is on the loose, (3) the forbidden relationships, and (4) the surprising twists.
Overall, I am giving this book 5 out of 5 stars. It’s a mix of many genres: romance, action, thriller, drama, and historical. It is thought-provoking and a page-turner; it is so many things. The author built a very fascinating story in a very ugly world, and I recommend it to ALL mature readers who want to be hooked from start to end.
Eventful plot-twists kept this reader turning pages, but better editing may have warranted a higher rating. Looking for steamy, illicit sex scenes? Look here. Looking for terror and bloodshed? Look here. Looking for serious literature? Look elsewhere. This novel will please many readers; I just was not one of them.
This book was okay. Not really well written. Difficult to follow at time.