The Whisper

Four girls in each generation inherit the spell book and the secrets of magic and witchcraft in the mountain town of Whisper Ridge. Sophie, Joey, Quinn, and Elena were the chosen ones 15 years ago. Fascinated and thrilled by their new abilities, they magically hid a trail among Aspens on the edge of town and used their secret place to practice their skills. Everything fell apart when Quinn was found dead, with only Joey staying in town and dedicating herself to investigating her friend’s death—an investigation that locals think is unnecessary given that the police say Joey died accidentally. Now, curiosity and a film being shot in town have drawn Sophie and Elena back, and the three are forced to confront what really happened and how small-town dynamics can cement both love and toxicity. The magical element stays mostly in the background here but adds an unusual and absorbing twist to the rural whodunit. Still more interesting is how Iversen pits an ancient force against modern dangers to great effect. A chilling friendship tale whose ending readers won’t see coming.—Henrietta Thornton