'The Whistler': A Spine-Chilling Tale of Ghosts and Redemption

Disclosure: I received a free advance review copy of this book from the NetGalley. This post also contains Amazon affiliate links [*]. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

I'm determined to keep an open book—pun intended—when it comes to discovering new authors and their work. In the past, there lurked a demon within me that compelled me to judge a book by its cover or title before even glancing at the blurb. A nasty, unnecessary habit that I’m trying to shake. There's an undeniable charm in the hand-drawn and hand-painted covers of yesteryears, a soulfulness that the sleek, polished designs of today—often crafted by computer algorithms—just can’t replicate. Because of this penchant for aesthetics, I almost let Nick Medina’s The Whistler slip through the cracks while browsing for upcoming titles, dismissing it due to its generic cover. But luckily, I paused and delved into the blurb, which intrigued me enough to pick it up. Little did I know, I was getting both a prequel and a sequel to his previous work, Indian Burial Ground, ^[*] which has now shot to the top of my reading list.

The story revolves around Henry Hotard, a man on the brink of fame, known for his spooky ghost-hunting videos. He seemed to be on the cusp of something extraordinary—until everything came crashing down. Now, confined to a wheelchair in the very reservation where he grew up, he's learning to navigate life anew, depending on his grandparents for care as he recuperates. But there's more than just physical recovery at play; he’s haunted, quite literally. His girlfriend, Jade, tries to be understanding, attributing the eerie happenings to his traumatized psyche adjusting to his new reality as a quadriplegic. Yet Henry knows the truth; the specter stalking him grows bolder with each passing night, compelling him to confront the harrowing events that led him to this point. Somewhere along the way, it all began with a whistle in the darkness….

As a seasoned reader, I found the early pages reminiscent of a typical '90s YA novel—not the fresh new voices emerging today, but those familiar narratives from back in the day. Yet, as I persevered, I realized it had that quintessential '90s vibe, easy on the eyes, and its flow was smooth as velvet. In an era where everyone's attention span seems no longer than that of a goldfish, this readability is a breath of fresh air. Medina's writing captures a natural rhythm; he introduces characters with a delicacy that feels lush and layered—hopefully, that makes sense. The dialogue rings true, grounded in a realness that only heightens its horror, while the descriptions paint just the right picture—bold yet succinct—something I absolutely adore in storytelling. 

Despite not having read Indian Burial Ground, I found myself effortlessly immersed in the narrative. I didn’t know anything about the first book going in, yet it didn't hinder my understanding of what unfolded on the page.

Initially, I was certain another character would be the protagonist, yet as the layers peeled back, it became clear that Henry, the ghost hunter wrestling with his own turbulent history, was the heart of the story. His severe injury adds unexpected complexity; he's quite literally haunted—not just by restless spirits but by his own past.

In essence, The Whistler is a subtle, at times scattered, supernatural tale that delivers all the spine-tingling thrills and chills one could wish for. I wholeheartedly recommend grabbing a copy, ^[*] and cracking this book open late at night, in the dark, when shadows dance on the walls and every creak of the house makes you wonder if you’re truly alone. Happy Reading! ╌★★★★★

〜B.J. Burgess