*This review was read and written honestly and voluntarily. Possible spoilers ahead.

Just when I thought a book couldn’t keep me awake, I was proven wrong. Whispers of a Gypsy made me want to steer clear of windows and people with dark colors.

You’ll see what I mean should you ever decide to pick up this thrilling horror novel by J.T. Patten. 

About Whispers of a Gypsy

Young neurodivergent Dwight Skinner believes his mental challenges are superpowers, but it’s a pure bloodline that will put him in danger. 

When a tragic event brings a mysterious Romani neighbor, Mr. Mortimer, out of seclusion and into the Skinner family’s lives, Dwight and his emotionally overloaded mother find an unsuspecting protector in this dark whisperer. 

Death and horrific secrets trail the unfolding life of Mr. Mortimer’s past, and questions soon arise as to who has the more sinister of intentions, Dwight or the “Gypsy” he unconditionally trusts. 

The whispers have the answer.

Kelly’s Honest Review

A suspenseful and thrilling book you can’t tear your eyes from.

I read the first few chapters of Whispers of a Gypsy and was glad I read it during the day. The first interaction between Dwight and Mr. Mortimer was frightening enough to have me put it down before continuing. To say this frightened me is an understatement.

After understanding who Mr. Mortimer was and young Dwight’s challenges, I was rooting for Mr. Mortimer’s side quest to help Dwight, however morbid it was.

I appreciated Patten’s extensive knowledge and expertise in government intelligence and Nazi Germany. I felt like his understanding of both added to the story to make the tension throughout strong.

At times, the sentences where languages were interchanged were a bit disarming. Some phrases were inserted, but there was no real translation for them, so it was hard to understand what was trying to be said. Regardless, I felt it was necessary to create the setting for the reader.

In some ways, I wish this was a series because I would be interested in seeing what Mr. Mortimer did before he reached this point in his old life.

If you love horror, thrillers, suspense, and gore, I highly recommend this book. You will not be disappointed.

Book Cover Rating

Well, if J.T. was going for creepy, he succeeded. I took one look at this cover and had to start sleeping with a night light on.

The man with the creepy smile hovering over the child is enough to give you chills and tell you what the book is about. The leathery and worn-looking background is also indicative of the main character’s physical state. 

All elements—color, fonts, etc.—were brought together well to make this cover very horrific.

Overall rating: A

Other Publishing Information

• Date Published: November 18, 2022
• Publisher: Helbound Productions
• ISBN: 979-8-9873005-0-3
• Genre: Horror, thriller, suspense

More from the J.T. Patten

Former government intelligence and special mission advisor, JT Patten is a published author of six dark fiction novels that relate to his prior world of lies and deception where he witnessed both the best and worst in humanity. He is an active member of the Horror Writers Association and ITW.

Learn more about J.T. Patten on his website.