My enormous thanks to Becky Hunter at Midas PR for inviting me to take part in the blog tour for Anna Kent’s The House of Whispers. I was so disappointed not to be able to fit in reading The House of Whispers but thankfully Anna agreed to stay in with me to chat all about the book:

Staying in with Anna Kent

Welcome to Linda’s Book Bag Anna and thank you for agreeing to stay in with me.

Tell me, which of your books have you brought along to share this evening and why have you chosen it?

I’ve brought The House of Whispers by me, Anna Kent. It’s a slow-burn psychological thriller with a Gothic twist.

The House of Whispers sounds exactly my kind of read Anna. I’m so disappointed I couldn’t get to it in time for today’s chat.

What can we expect from an evening in with The House of Whispers?

You might want to check the doors are locked before you read it: set in an old Victorian house, it’s pretty creepy. You can expect secrets, lies, obsession, guilt, and an underlying sense of unease and darkness that builds throughout the story. It might also have you reassessing your friendships as we watch the relationship between old university best friends Abi and Grace twist into something that’s not healthy at all.

Now I simply HAVE to find a slot to read The House of Whispers as it sounds unmissable. I’m so pleased it’s sitting on my TBR.

What else have you brought along and why have you brought it?

I’ve brought a painting done by the protagonist of The House of Whispers, Abi. It’s of a beautiful young woman, around eighteen years old. She’s looking out of the canvas in an almost resigned way, and the colours behind her are slightly ominous, like clouds gathering before a storm. It’s hypnotic to look at, isn’t it? It’s as if the picture is more than the sum of its parts; as if the girl in it is trying to tell you something.

That’s creepy enough before I’ve read a word of the book Anna!

I can tell you that this was originally one of a series of ten portraits by Abi. They were supposed to be exhibited in London but… well, stuff happened, and this is the only painting that survived. It’s worth an absolute fortune now, so please be careful with it.

Oh I will! And what’s that you’ve got there?

I’ve also brought a brochure for a house that’s for sale. 59, Albert Road. It’s a semi-detached Victorian property with three floors, on the outskirts of London but close to the Tube. It’s largely renovated with a new kitchen and bathrooms, but it’s got a bit of a past, so it’s come to market at a very good price, if you’re thinking of moving?

I have a feeling I might want to give that particular property a miss Anna!

Thanks so much for staying in with me to chat about The House of Whispers. I can’t wait to read it. 

The House of Whispers

Some secrets aren’t meant to be kept…

When Grace returns to Abi’s life, years after they fell out at university, Abi can’t help but feel uneasy. Years ago, Grace’s friendship was all-consuming and exhausting.

Now happily married, Abi’s built a new life for herself and put those days behind her. And yet as Grace slips back into her life with all the lethal charm she had before, Abi finds herself falling back under her spell…

Abi’s husband, Rohan, can’t help but be concerned as his wife’s behaviour changes. As their happy home threatens to fall apart, he realises that there’s something deeply unnerving about Grace. Just what influence does this woman have over his wife, and why has she come back now?

A chilling story of guilt and obsession from Anna Kent.

Published by Harper Collins’ imprint HQ, The House of Whispers is available for purchase here.

About Anna Kent

Anna Kent has worked as a journalist, magazine editor and book editor as well as enjoying a stint as a radio producer. She’s written for numerous publications at home and abroad, including the Daily Telegraph, where she was a contributor for six years. Brought up in the South East, she loves to travel while maintaining a base in Gloucestershire. She’s married with two children.

You can follow Anna on Twitter @BellaKay and Instagram, find her on Facebook or visit Anna’s website for more information.

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