Everybody at Transworld involved with the UK version of The Whispering House, in particular Suzanne Bridson, Jane Lawson, Kate Samano, and Claire Gatzen.

Many thanks to Katherine Reed for her sympathetic and straight-talking advice, which has meant so much to me over the years, and to Linda Harding for being an encouraging early reader.

A big hurrah, as always, for Manx Litfest!

Finally, lots of love and thanks to my family and friends, in particular Chris, Isabelle, Stephen, Mum, and Dad.

About the Author

PHOTO: © CHRISTOPHER BROOKS

ELIZABETH BROOKS’ debut novel, The Orphan of Salt Winds, was hailed by BuzzFeed as “evocative, gothic, and utterly transportive.” She grew up in Chester, England, graduated from Cambridge University, and resides on the Isle of Man with her husband and two children.

Reader’s Guide

READER’S GUIDE

1.If you could have a coffee and chat with one of the Lyell sisters, who would you choose to meet? Freya or Stella?

2.Why does Freya return to Byrne Hall following her cousin’s wedding?

3.Byrne Hall itself plays such a big role in this book. Why do you think author Elizabeth Brooks chose to set the story where she did?

4.Which character do you trust the least?

5.Could The Whispering House be described as a ghost story?

6.Freya, Stella, and Diana fall under the spell of Byrne Hall and the life they think they will lead there. Do you think the author is commenting on the danger of women losing themselves and their ambitions when in relationships? Why or why not?

7.There’s no doubt Diana loves her son, but is love enough to make her a good parent?

8.The Whispering House is told from Freya’s, Diana’s, and Stella’s perspectives. Which other character would you be most interested to hear from?

9.How would you describe Cory’s character? What advice would you give Freya if she came to you in regard to their relationship?

10.What do you think Cory is trying to capture in his paintings? How does he see himself as an artist?

11.Have you ever been in the same position as Maggie in this story—on the outside of a friend’s relationship, looking in? In your opinion, what are Maggie’s responsibilities as a friend?

12.What do you think the future holds for Freya?