I love this author and how she combines historical with supernatural in perfect balance leaving you wondering what’s real and what’s not. I really enjoyed the setting of this book, I found it really interesting being backstage and getting to know all the characters there! I also liked how my feelings changed for certain characters as the book went along, some for the better, some not so much! The storyline was intriguing although some parts I found a tad far fetched and the ending wasn’t as great as the rest of the book for me personally!

I can see what people love about this story, a gothic atmosphere set in the theatre that is traditionally rife with superstition. I particularly thought the final scenes were particularly well written.

However, it did not work for me as well as it has for others. I found it hard to care about the story as I found elements clunky and failed to feel any real threat till after the halfway point. I know this seems irrelevant, but the absence of a director seemed odd....or did the owner direct....either way it stood out as strange that it wasn't clear or that they played no role in the drama.

I would recommend this book to people who enjoy a lighthearted spooky story. The theatre is described beautifully throughout even as it begins to appear to rot before Jenny, the narrator's eyes.

Laura Purcell is the master of the gothic novel. I sat down and devoured this book in twenty four hours and didn't relax for a single second!
Jenny is unemployed, caring for her three younger siblings when the eccentric and extremely loaded Mrs Dyers suddenly requests her to visit and provides Jenny with an opportunity too good to give up. Set against the spooky backdrop of the Victorian theatre, Jenny is a dresser for Lilith, the new star of the tragic stage, and the woman Mrs Dyers wants Jenny to spy on. Tragic events start to unfurl behind the scenes with tons of twists and turns throughout.
Purcell is just so good at mystery and I just couldn't put this book down. At times, it's hard to like Jenny and to agree with her decisions, yet she's still a protagonist you want to survive and do well. You understand her desire to protect her younger siblings and how this clouds her judgment and the decisions she makes. She's strong and speaks her mind, frustrated by the confines of her social class and the opportunities it provides her. The other characters are perfect for the dark theatre where they seek to put on the Scottish play.
I loved the eerie setting of the book and the way that Purcell interweaved the Greek myths and plots of the tragic plays that were put on. You felt like you were there behind the curtain with the smell of the paint and the feel of the fabric. A superb novel about ambition, deceit, trust and jealousy..
Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc in return for an honest review. I highly recommend this novel.

This is classic Laura Purcell. Dark, creepy and twisting. This kept me absolutely captivated. Each of the characters is completely intriguing and flawed in their own ways - one of Laura Purcell's strongest stories.

This is a very atmospheric story set in a London theatre during Victorian times. It is a well known fact that theatre folk are a superstitious bunch and those superstitions are the main focus of this haunting story. I quite enjoyed the book for the most part but the ending completely spoiled it for me. It was very, very rushed and just too convenient, in my opinion. Furthermore, the author has used a very similar ending before in one of her earlier novels. Not my favourite Laura Purcell book, I am very sorry to say.

A timeless warning of being careful what you wish for.

Jenny accepts a position as dresser at The Mercury Theatre against her better judgement. Not the owner, his wife nor the leading lady seem deserving of her trust as they lust after fame and fortune. They possess an unhealthy attachment to a watch which is said to wield the power of the Muse, Melpomene. The stakes get higher and higher as the characters will pay any price to achieve their goals despite the creeping menace settling upon the theatre and disturbing occurrences becoming more regular.

This is a story of jealousy, obsession and revenge. I never trusted my instinct on where my sympathies should lie which heightened the sense of paranoia throughout. The plot thickens as the characters’ furious determination turns into a collective fever and the vivid writing evokes some truly spooky scenes. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and the story will haunt me for some time after reading this.

Laura Purcell has done it again. A gothic masterpiece

This was my first read by Laura Purcell and I was not disappointed! In this book, Laura has demonstrated a staggering ability to create a story that conjures a disquieting atmosphere from beginning to end - I actually felt as if I had been transported to the theatre alongside the characters, as she writes in such a descriptive style.

This somewhat dark and spooky tale gives us blood and gore, an air of supernatural peril and tragedies aplenty! It also features some brilliantly written characters: focussing mainly on three women: Jenny, Mrs Dyer, and Lilith. Each of these characters is well-rounded and believable if not always likeable. All in all, a totally gripping story, worthy of all five stars.

Another chilling and atmospheric historical fiction from one of my favourite gothic writers, The Whispering Muse is a dark and mysterious story with rich descriptions and tragic characters.

While The Whispering Muse didn't have me as immediately hooked as Purcell's other books have done so far, I soon became more and more engaged as the relationships developed and the tension built up. It's definitely quite a slow burn, but the atmosphere is sure to have you rigid with anticipation as the story progresses.

What I love most about reading a book by Purcell is how she uses inanimate objects to create a sense of fear. In The Silent Companions, it was a dummy board. In The Corset, it was a piece of fabric. And here, it's a watch. It takes a real writing talent to instil a sense of horror through a very mundane object, and Purcell certainly knows how to do that.

With a twist of Greek mythology, as well, I loved the inclusion of the Muse, Melpomene, and how the art of theatre played into the story, with classic scenes taking on a new meaning of tragedy. I wish there was a little more detail about her at the start, but her presence takes a great twist at the end.

With a fantastic Victorian England setting, Purcell brilliantly describes both sides of the spectrum, from the luxurious clothing to the inhumane living conditions. There are a few gory moments that made me wince, but it all adds to the horror of the situation, making this a terrifying and unforgettable story of desperation, greed, ambition and betrayal.

Jenny Wilcox is the sole provider for her younger siblings after her older brother stole money and jewellery from his employer and left the country. When she is asked to meet Mrs Dyer, her brother's employer, she's apprehensive so is very surprised when she is offered a job as dresser to the leading lady at the Mercury Theatre. However there is a condition attached which is that Jenny has to agree to spy on Lilith who Mrs Dyer suspects of having an affair with her husband.

Lilith is convinced that a watch she is given has magical powers and she acquired it after its owner, another actor, died on stage during his performance in Dr Faustus. Lilith thinks the watch embodies the spirit of the muse Melpomene and won't let it out of her sight. As Lilith becomes more popular with audiences Mrs Dyer is more determined than ever to bring about her downfall.

This is another creepy, Gothic tale from Laura Purcell and I enjoyed it immensely.

Another stonker by Laura Purcell. I love Laura's way of creating an unsettling, eerie environment for her characters and this is no exception. Brilliantly paced ghost story, and a sense of dread throughout

This was a surprisingly dark and creepy book set in historical London theatres which was such a fun and atmospheric setting.

There's a lot going on in this book and I enjoyed going along with all the twists and turns and the protagonist really takes you with her on all her emotions and revelations.

If you’re a fan of historical fiction or more specifically atmospheric, creepy deliciously gothic historical fiction, you need to add Laura Purcell to your reading list! And with her latest release The Whispering Muse she cements her position as one of the best writers in the genre.

The Whispering Muse is not as creepy or chilling as The Silent Companions but it is equally as haunting. Laura Purcell weaves so wonderfully in all her novels gripping, psychological elements with the nuances of a historical period that she has researched impeccably and The Whispering Muse is no different.

While not as creepy as her other books The Whispering Muse is deeply unsettling and uncomfortable at times, while not gratuitous (I can not do gratuitous) there are elements of horror and gore however when it’s written in such beautiful prose I fell in love with even these aspects.

At the centre of this story are women!

Jenny who as her character grew and as her character grew so did my love for her, at the start she finds herself swept up in a scandal of her brothers doing that leaves her along with her siblings destitute and vulnerable - when an offer is made to her by a generous and jealous benefactor Mrs Dyer to work at the renowned Mercury Theatre as a dresser (with a twist) to actress of the hour Lilith Erikson she can’t refuse.

Lilith Erikson who is complex, tragic and oh so beautifully written as her character develops and her story unfurls what a tortured and misunderstood soul- Lilith is by far my favourite character in this book- Lilith as a character is glorious!

I love the supernatural elements, or are they all in our heads, in their heads it’s so clever -the Theatre has it’s own personality you can almost sense it’s breathing, it’s a host, it’s alive with the pain, the personalities, the memories these have all become part of it’s foundations.

Something special for me was the way that the book is formatted in acts rather than parts each changes with the play being performed and those plays are perfectly placed to push the growing story to its dramatic conclusion. What we see is a real life play within a play.

I feel at this point I may be a Laura Purcell Stan, she 100% falls in to If she writes it I’m gonna read it territory and for me this is my favourite so far (sorry The Corset)

Having loved the silent companions, I was really looking forward to this novel and I was certainly not disappointed. Set in a theatre during I presume the Victorian era it certainly lived up to its Gothic promise.
I’m not going to give any spoilers or plot lines as this will just spoil the suspense. Needless to say this novel is
full of plotting and revenge, mysterious mists and flickering lights and the appearance of a fearsome curse not to mention some grisly deaths - it is a real page turner which needs to be read with the lights on. I shall be looking for more from this author and will be thoroughly recommending this book. My next book selection has certainly got a lot to beat. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the advanced digital coffee of this novel in return for an honest review.

The Whispering Muse

This was my first read by Laura Purcell so I went in open minded. The cover and the description of a historic gothic story set in a Victorian Theatre instantly caught my attention!

To save her family from starvation, Jenny takes a job as a costume assistant at the Mercury Theatre, dressing one of the most up and coming actresses of the day. But Lilith, with her desperate ambitions and fiery temper, is difficult and willing to do whatever -and whoever- it takes to succeed. Lilith comes in to possession of a pocket watch that belonged to a fellow thespian and believed to hold the spirit of the tragic Greek Muse, Melpomene and things take a drastic, chilling and supernatural turn.

This book had a multi layered plot that explores how far we'll go to succeed, the need for self-preservation and human weakness. Jenny is pretty naive when she accepts the job from the dramatic Theatre owner, Mrs Dyer and willing to do whatever she bids to keep her job. But as we get further in to the book, we see Jenny grow in confidence and strength.

Be warned though, this book gets DARK in places so check the trigger warnings below. Haunting and chilling, I wish I hadn't read this predominantly at night in bed 🤣

Even though it was a slow burner, I enjoyed the descriptive writing style and way the story unfolded little by little. I only wish that the ending wasn't as quick - everything seemed to come to a head within the final few pages.

TW: Suicide, Abortion

"While Lilith cherished the watch, it felt as though Melpomene had drawn the life force from the theatre, from Likith's very body, to make her art more vital on stage."

Jenny is hired by suspicious and jealous Mrs Dyer, who owns The Mercury Theatre in London's West End, to both dress and spy on lead actress, Lilith. Supposedly having made a pact with Melpomene, the tragic muse of Greek mythology, Lilith's performances are bewitching audiences and also Mr Dyer, who gifted her a talismanic watch taken from the body of Melpomene's previous muse. Jenny soon finds the theatre, with its ambitious and superstitious actors, a dangerous place to be, as tragic deaths occur on stage. As focused and talented Lilith's acting gains greater prestige and devout fans, Jenny becomes aware she is fading rapidly, when off stage.

This ensconcing, gothic tale is what I love about the author's atmospheric novels. I assume it is set in the Victorian era, but don't think a date was given. Focusing on three women, there's Jenny's desperation to drag her siblings from poverty, Lilith's desperation to become a renowned actor and Mrs Dyer's desperation to rid herself of her husband's, younger mistress. Jenny is easy to take to, as the reader, sharp and bright, but dislikeable at first, Lilith grew on me as I understood her life. Split into five acts, where different plays are performed, the theatre and the plays are characters in their own right. There's blood and gore, an air of menace and the supernatural that builds to tragedies that shock. Deals with the devil and jealousy are the themes that run the plot that moved along quickly, as I devoured this creepy tale. If you like contemporary, gothic fiction, this one is for you!

In Victorian London, Jenny Wilcox’s life is about to change. The sole breadwinner for her family of younger siblings, she lost her previous post when her brother Greg absconded with money and jewellery stolen from her employer. But Mrs Dyer, the owner of the Mercury Theatre in London’s Theatreland, offers her a job as a dresser to a rising star, Lilith Erikson at £45 per year. Jenny cannot believe her luck and they go out to the Mercury’s rival, the Helicon, to see the renowned actor, Eugene Grieves in Doctor Faustus. But to everyone’s shock he collapses and dies on stage as he whispers into his wristwatch. Little does Jenny know how entwined the wristwatch and the plot of Faustus will become with her life. And Mrs Dyer wants the wristwatch. She knows that it has a figure of Melpomene, a Greek muse associated with tragedy, on it and suggests to her husband, Hugh or as Jenny calls him, ‘the Guv-nor’ that he buys it for her.
Meanwhile Jenny encounters an old friend, Oscar, among the scene painters who initially scorns her for Greg’s actions. For not only did he steal, but he also ran off with Oscar’s fiancée. The Guvnor obtains the watch but, instead, it is presented to Lilith and so begins her stratospheric rise to the top. But she is a troubled woman with secrets and Jenny soon finds out one of them. Mrs Dyer generously pays for Bertie’s foot operation and finds the family a house in St Johns Wood near Lilith. But she expects Jenny to be her eyes and ears where Lilith is concerned due to her suspicions about her and the Guv’nor but Jenny doesn’t tell her everything especially that they have become friends. However, Lilith has made a bargain and when the watch disappears, her time starts to run out….and she forgets the old saying, ‘be careful what you wish for as it might come true’.
I thought that the author really captured the allure of the theatre and also Melpomene’s insidious influence. Lights flicker and go out, there are mysterious marks on the walls of Lilith’s dressing room and a feeling of being watched. The narrative is divided into 5 parts all associated with great tragedies such as Macbeth and the Duchess of Malfi as Lilith’s star rises. They echo the goings-on in the story especially as Lilith is such a tragic character. The backstage atmosphere, the camaraderie and also that, without a show, a theatre is an empty vessel. I used to work in the theatre and these scenes really rang true.
There were very strong Gothic overtones to the story and some gruesome scenes and I liked the way that the author kept the Faustian theme running throughout the book. This was a good strong story with an engaging central character and I preferred this to ‘The Silent Companions.’
However, despite all the build-up and dramatic climax, the ending felt a little abrupt as if the author had run out of ideas or had just decided to stop. I wanted to know what happened next!


My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for ARC.

After her brother abandoned her and ran off to marry an actress, Jenny Wilcox finds herself in a precarious position, unable to look after the three younger siblings her brother left her to care for, so when she gets offered a job at The Mercury Theatre in London's West End as the dresser for their new lead actress, Lilith, Jenny jumps at the chance, even after she is informed the job is part dresser, part spy. When Jenny gets to the theatre she finds Lilith to be intolerable, but she can't deny her acting skills, Lilith seeming to embody the essence of any part she plays. Lilith claims her skill comes from her muse, Melpomene, the tragic muse of Greek mythology, but the more time Jenny spends at the theatre, and around Lilith herself, the more she starts to feel their is something wrong, the talks of dark deals, and fatal accidents occurring. When strange events begin to take place around the theatre, Jenny wonders if the rumours are true, and fears that when the Muse comes calling for payment, the cost will be too high.

The Whispering Muse is a delectable and atmospheric tale filled to the brim with darkness, danger and some truly brilliantly written characters. Jenny is our MC, with the story being told from her POV. She is someone desperate for help after her brother abandoned their family and set sail for America. So when Mrs Dyer comes calling with a proposition she finds it hard to turn down, especially when she offers not only pay, but the chance to better the lives of her younger siblings. She is sympathetic to Mrs Dyer, believing her similarly wounded to Jenny herself, so it doesn't take much to convince her to be a part of her scheme to report on Lilith, the newest actress at the theatre. Jenny is someone I empathised with instantly, and though she isn't wholly good, knew that she agreed to the deal for her family's sake rather than her own. Lilith was a character that took me a little to warm up to. She comes across as incredibly entitled and obsessed with the theatre and making sure she outshone everyone else there. She is prickly and entitled, but deep down she is simply a woman who had to fight to get where she was now, and someone who did so without any fear of the consequences.

This is my first book by Purcell, but it's safe to say it wont be my last. I've never quite felt as transported when reading historical gothic novels as I did with The Whispering Muse. Her atmospheric writing style wholly brings the theatre and the characters who inhabit it to life. Her use of the different parts of the book, each part focusing on a different play, was exceptionally done. Each part, and with it, each play seems to perfectly capture the atmosphere and feelings not only of the story but of the characters themselves, and the use of foreshadowing was just *chefs kiss.* I also enjoyed the mythological element. It was spooky without being outright fantasy, but had enough of the element to keep me on my toes, wondering whether the muse, Melpomene, was actually causing Liliths bizarre behaviours, or whether it was her obsession with needing to become a star so bright no one could ever forget her.

Obsession plays a large role in this book, and is shown through multiple lenses. We have Mrs Dyer, obsessed with bringing down Lilith and determined to do whatever it takes to ensure that happens, and Lilith herself who is so incredibly obsessed with not only performing, but ensuring that she goes out and gives the performance of a lifetime every time she steps on the stage, but both of these characters share one, large obsession, which brings them only darkness and danger and death. Purcell shows just how encompassing obsession can be and how, once we loose focus on it, our world can come crashing down around us, making us a mere shell of who we were before. Purcell blends the magical with the mundane brilliantly, ensuring were never quite sure who is behind the tragic goings on at the theatre, and leaving it open enough for our imaginations to run wild.

My one gripe was the ending, there was so much I adored about it. The build up was sublime, and the actual event was so incredibly well done but then it just... ended, and I felt like I needed more. I needed to see life after, what happened, and it just ended a little abruptly for me to feel completely satisfied. That being said, it didn't detract from my overall love for this book. It was dark, incredibly creepy in parts, shocking and gory in others and wondrously gothic. If you're looking for a good book to curl up with I can't recommend this enough, it gripped me from the first page until the last & I will certainly be checking out the authors backlog.

This gothic take is really atmospheric. The use of the theatre and familiar plays used throughout added to the plot and storytelling. A must read.

See my reaction
https://youtu.be/4Fkvc2VqImU

Ms Purcell has pulled another blinder. The Whispering Muse is a chilling Gothic tale set in the Mercury Theatre in Victorian London, it’s fuelled with atmosphere, ambition and obsession but at it’s core love and loyalty drive it.

It gives more than a passing nod to Faust, y’know, the whole deal with the devil thing. In this case the devil takes the form of Melpomene, the tragic Muse of Greek mythology and the deal is struck with Lilith, an aspiring actress who will do anything (and I do mean anything) to be the best actress of her generation.

Jenny, our narrator and lead in the story is stuck between Lilith’s vices and those of the theatre owner’s wife, what could possibly go wrong? Turns out… a whole lot.

I loved this, it’s intelligently written and so, so addictive, highly recommended. Thanks to Netgalley for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I am a huge fan of Laura Purcell; I don't think I have yet come across a book that I haven't enjoyed written by her. I have been anxiously awaiting to read The Whispering Muse and was very lucky enough to have been able to read an advanced copy. I am honest when I say that I wasn't disappointed. If like me, you're a fan of Laura due to her astonishing ability to create a story that evokes a chilling atmospheric tension throughout. The Whispering Muse didn't fail to elicit those tense feelings, whilst gripping me to my seat. It simply is a wonderful Victorian gothic tale that will have you rooting for the protagonist at every moment.