The Whisperings of Lizzie Betts is a haunting debut that lingers like a half-remembered dream—quietly unsettling, tenderly wrought, and steeped in the ache of memory. Lesley Hill crafts a time-hopping narrative that slips between past and present, revealing the fragile architecture of friendship, trauma, and self-preservation.

Elizabeth Betts, at thirty, is searching not just for companionship but for absolution. When she meets Eve at an evening class, hope flickers—but so do the shadows. The novel’s strength lies in its slow reveal: disturbing events and twisting secrets unfold with a delicate hand, each whisper drawing us closer to the truth Elizabeth has buried deep.

Hill’s prose is understated yet evocative, capturing the emotional dissonance of a woman caught between longing and fear. The psychological tension is palpable, but never overwrought—this is a story that trusts its readers to listen closely, to feel the tremors beneath the surface.

As a debut, it’s remarkably assured. As a story, it’s quietly devastating. The Whisperings of Lizzie Betts doesn’t shout—it murmurs, and its echoes stay with you long after the final page.

Thank you to Lesley Hill, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

I don't actually know what to say about this book and I think I am still processing it, I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since and I think I will always think about it. The fact that this was a debut blew me away, the writing and story line are both haunting/unsettling and evocative/emotional.
I am not always a fan of slow burns but it worked so well in this book. I would highly recommend.

Lesley Hill does a fantastic job in writing a really well done thriller novel, it had that feel that I was looking for and was invested in what was happening in this universe. It had that suspenseful atmosphere and thought the characters worked well overall. I was engaged with the storyline and how it was used in this universe.

📚The Whispering of Lizzie Betts
✍🏻Lesley Hill
Blurb:
At 30 years old, Elizabeth Betts decides that she needs a friend – a loyal one this time.

When she meets Eve at an evening class, she believes she has found one.

But can Eve help her to cast out the lingering shadows of the past? More importantly, will the dark whispers that control Elizabeth allow her to hold on to her friend this time?

Take a time-hopping journey in The Whisperings of Lizzie Betts, a story of disturbing events and twisting secrets, which gradually unfold to reveal the shocking truth about Elizabeth’s life.
My Thoughts
Elizabeth Betts, at thirty, is searching not just for companionship but for absolution. When she meets Eve at an evening class, hope flickers—but so do the shadows. The novel’s strength lies in its slow reveal: disturbing events and twisting secrets unfold with a delicate hand, each whisper drawing us closer to the truth Elizabeth has buried deep.. Lesley Hill capturing the emotional dissonance of a woman caught between longing and fear. It's quietly devastating. I enjoyed "The Whispering of Lizzie Betts I would recommend to those that enjoy mysterious, suspense and thrillers then add this to your TBR list.
Thanks NetGalley, Troubador Publishing and Author Lesley Hill for the complimentary copy of "The Whispering of Lizzie Betts" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#TroubadorPublishing
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#TheWhisperingofLIzzieBetts
⭐️⭐️⭐️

Firstly I loved the cover and thats what got me wanting to read I know when I see this in the shop Ill still purchase

I really enjoyed this I found it was easy to read but had a lot of depth to it

This was a good read and I really enjoyed the character. It has disturbing events and twisting secrets unfold with a delicate hand, each whisper drawing us closer to the truth. An entertaining and fun read, full of suspense and tension, from an author who obviously enjoyed writing and plotting this compelling thriller. I would like to rea another book by this author.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley.

Elizabeths life is one of secrets and drama.

This is an intense and thrilling read and one I really enjoyed.

It is such an easy read and I just did not see the twist. It is ver absorbing and for me a one sit read.

well worth a read

Trigger warnings: Mental health issues, SA and forced pregnancy, generational trauma

LOVED IT! Totally recommend it to all thriller, horror fans.

‘The Whisperings of Lizzie Betts’ is a sad story with plenty of twisted secrets that made me stick around till the end without getting out of my chair.

The story follows Lizzie, who decides at thirty that it’s finally time to try and make a real connection, something she’s struggled with since childhood. Her mother is totally unsupportive, almost embarrassing her about the idea of taking up tap dancing, but Lizzie goes anyway. That’s where she meets Eve.

But Lizzie isn’t exactly alone. She lives with a "whisperer" in her head, a voice that’s been her only consistent friend, feeding her thoughts that range from good to really dark. When Eve comes into the picture, the voice gets jealous and warns Lizzie to be careful. In hindsight, the whisperer was actually right about Eve’s true identity, but you don’t see that coming at first. It’s disturbing to watch Lizzie respond out loud to this voice, making you constantly question what exactly she is suffering from.

The friendship between Lizzie and Eve feels natural but has this weird, intense third wheel: the jealous voice in Lizzie’s head. Meanwhile, there’s Mark, a work colleague who genuinely loves Lizzie and tries to get her to notice him. But for the longest time, she only has eyes for Eve, leading to some truly lamentable and disturbing attempts at a relationship that Eve just doesn’t reciprocate (and for good reason).

The book juggles between the past and the future, dropping puzzle pieces that don’t fully form a picture until the very end. It’s absolutely delicious how much the story makes you doubt everything and second-guess every character. Around the halfway mark, when Lizzie finally steps away from Eve and gives Mark a chance, the fog starts to clear, and boy, what a disturbing emotional rollercoaster that is.

Lizzie’s past is shrouded in pain and misery, but even more so when we delve into her family roots. The writing is gripping and easy to fly through, weaving a plot that comes full circle perfectly.

This story makes you suspect someone, but it keeps you so much in doubt and second-guessing that it is almost sinfully delicious. I was utterly enraptured and by the time I found out the truth I was stunned by the intricate past.

And OMG that ending, no f’ing way Lesley Hill ended the story like that. Absolute genius.

Many, many thanks to Lesley Hill, Troubador Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. This is a voluntary review, reflecting solely my opinion.