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.

A new Laura Purcell book is always a highlight read for me and The Whispering Muse is another historical Gothic delight to add to her repertoire. Set in Victorian London’s theatre scene, when Jenny Wilcox gets a job as a costume assistant in The Mercury Theatre, she can’t begin to imagine the blend of curses, egos and lies that are coming her way…

Lilith will do anything it takes to become the most famous actress of her day. From sleeping with the (married) Mercury theatre owner to getting her hands on a very particular watch, one said to be imbibed with the spirit of Melpomene, the tragic Greek muse. In exchange for seemingly giving Lilith what she wants, Melpomene, of course, takes her reward…

Jenny, on instinct, does not like the cold, ambitious Lilith but as she spends more time with her, dressing her for the stage every evening, she gets to know what motivates her and all is not as it seems.

I really liked how The Whispering Muse is segmented into well-known plays and the themes and plots of those plays are echoed in what’s happening at different points in the book. Doctor Faustus has a starring role in this mechanic.

Alongside the layered plotting, The Whispering Muse has perfectly-written characters that are a joy to read. As Lilith’s grip on reality gets hazier, Jenny’s gets sharper. But given there is no love lost between the two women, will Jenny get to the bottom of what’s really happening and want to help Lilith avoid disaster?

There is indeed a curse at play in The Whispering Muse, it might just not be the one everyone is focusing on. Laura Purcell once again weaves her signature Gothic drama into a story that’s ultimately driven by the weakness of humans and the need for self-preservation. A brilliant read!

Laura Purcell does it again. I'm a fan and this book did not disappoint. It deals with dark theatre. Familiar plays help the reader to sink in, including Faustus and the Scottish play, which I won't name lest I bring bad luck upon myself. Not that that happens in the book. Ahem.

Highly recommended for fans of spooky things.

Laura Purcell is one of my favourite authors and whilst this was not one of the best I have read -it is still head and shoulders above most .
Another Gothic chiller set in the world of theatre -it seems that everyone in possession of a pocket watch bearing the image of Melpomene becomes bewitched by the Muse and whilst they reach the dizzy heights of stardom in their careers as actors -there is also tragedy waiting round the corner
Brilliant and atmospheric -loved it

Thank You NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest review

I have read other titles by this author and absolutely loved them, The Silent Companions being my favourite so far. I unfortunately gave up after about a third of the way through this title. I didn’t connect with the characters and didn’t feel compelled to carry on with it. Will probably try again at a later date and it hasn’t put me off this author.

Unfortunately I have had to DNF this one at 38% as I was really struggling to read it. I loved The Silent Companions by this author so I’m gutted that I didn’t like this one more. It’s a very slow storyline and I feel like nothing has happened yet - it’s only a short book, but it was feeling very long and slow. I’m sure that some people will love this book, but unfortunately it’s not for me.

Another stunning, haunting, gothic novel from Laura Purcell. This book based around a young dresser in a Victorian theatre with a supernatural element had me turning pages so quickly and I devoured in a couple of sittings.
The story centres around Jenny, desperate to help her family, Lilith, desperate to make her name as an actress and Mrs Dyer a wealthy theatre owner. With quotes and scenes from Faust and Shakespeare intertwined with the presence of the muse Melpomene.
There is scandal, deceit, falls from grace, unexpected friendships and deaths. Laced with lots of macabre descriptions.
I was enthralled by the research into theatres of the time and appreciated the details and care taken in research.
I felt that the end was a little too quick and would have liked more of a build up. It was almost inevitable how it was going to finish.
Overall I would give this book a solid 4.5 stars.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC in return for an honest and frank review.

With Laura Purcell you're always guaranteed a sinister and tense gothic thriller. The Whispering Muse is no exception.
I enjoyed the melding of mythology and the theatre.

Lilith is a gloriously written diva actress who Purcell writes well. As Lilith succumbs to her obsession with her muse, it's hard not to feel some sympathy for her while also not liking the character.

Jenny is an interesting character who develops in courage throughout the novel. I liked how she lost her way sometimes and learnt some lessons.

An enjoyable read, particularly of the theatre and the performances. The ending felt a little abrupt.

The Whispering Muse left a chill on my skin and a shiver in my bones.

This is an incredibly atmospheric Gothic spectacle of a book. I was initially drawn to that blend of Victorian supernatural creepiness and the world of the theatre, which is itself a highly superstitious place. Purcell has crafted a twisted nightmare here. There are some blood drenched and gory scenes that have stayed with me and will continue to. I love how layered and ambiguous this book is, not offering any easy answers but revelling in the mystery of it all. Purcell allows the book to slowly build at the start, formulating characters, setting and their interwoven relationships.

At the centre of it all, this is a story about obsession, be that for love, success or people. It crumbles a person to pieces, wrecking their lives as they focus on their sole goal. That obsession and desire for perfection characterises much of the theatrical experiences in the book. The theatre is a space where anything is possible and anyone can become someone else. Purcell takes full grasp of those shape shifting abilities, weaving in classical tragedies to create that same three act structure. I particularly loved the way Macbeth plays such a central role in the book, blurring that line between actor and part. The play itself has a storied history of curses and superstitions associated with it, particularly with method acting and actors losing themselves in their part. This adds a meta theatrical aspect to the book that I adored. That tragic atmosphere haunts the book and foreshadows all that will unfold. You know full well everything will end in tears, but whose blood is on whose hands by the end?

The Whispering Muse pushes obsession to its deadly limits and asks you what you would lose to have that one gleaming moment.

An absolutely riveting read.

Jennifer, Jenny as she is known, and her younger siblings have been left in the lurch by their elder brother Greg.
His actions caused consequences, that meant Jenny had to find new employment, and quickly.
Mrs Dyer, Greg’s former employer calls Jenny to her home. She has a job offer for the surprised Jenny.
A job offer too good to refuse.
Why is Mrs Dyer being kind to her? After all Greg had left Mr & Mrs Dyer’s employment rather suddenly, leaving a bad, rather sour taste, for his former colleagues.

An absolutely riveting read.
Various characters come together in this ghostly tale. Some nice, some not so.
I really enjoyed reading about Jenny’s new job role, and in the time period that it was set. I could muster up the atmosphere within the pages of this tale.
I wondered when Jenny was asked to do various things in her job role, would she? What would the consequences be?
A book that is of a very sensitive nature in parts, and also dark in parts.
A most compelling book that I did not want to end.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing Plc for an advanced e-book copy. Opinions of this book are entirely my own.

The Whispering Muse by Laura Purcell is a Victorian Gothic thriller set in the atmospheric world of the theatre. Our protagonist is Jenny, a young woman in dire financial straits. An unlikely benefactoress, Mrs Dyer, comes to her aid and offers her a job as a dresser in the theatre she owns with her husband. In return all she asks is that Jenny keep an eye on the actress she is to dress, Lilith, a young woman who is set to become the star of their theatre. The reason for Mrs Dyer's suspicion soon becomes evident as it is obvious to Jenny that Lilith is having an affair with her husband, and that is not even the worst of her secrets. When rumors start to circulate about a curse at the theatre, involving Lilith and a Faustian bargain with Melpomene, a Muse from Greek tragedy, Jenny is quick to dismiss them at first but as time goes on and more strange events and tragedies take place, she starts to believe the curse may be real after all.
Lush and vivid descriptions of the behind the scenes world of Victorian theatre, lots of drama and tension and a sympathetic character in Jenny are just a few of the reasons for my enjoyment of this book. The gothic elements are cleverly incorporated and there is a real sense of menace and impending doom as the story unfolds. While Jenny is the protagonist , in many ways Lilith is the more interesting and complex character, with her determination and ambition to succeed at any cost.
This is definitely my favourite of the author's work to date.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

I have read every single one of Laura Purcell's books and was really excited to see what this book has in store as it seemed to have everything I would be looking for. From it set in the Victorian era to a potentially haunted theatre I was ready to devour this novel.

I do have to admit that even though this book is beautifully written, it didn't have me shocked or drawn into the plot as the usual psychological horror aspect was just missing in this book. It had blood and gore but lacked the unknown eerie feeling by the end, especially as it seems to come to it's climax then abruptly end when I feel we could have had 'spookier' outcomes and hauntings as I felt like I was waiting for some big reveal that never game.

I still loved the book and will always admire Laura Purcell's writing and stories but this just didn't hit the mark for me. I would still recommend it to people but would advise that this isn't the first book of hers you pick up because if I wasn't already a fan it might have put me off her earlier works.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Strange things are afoot in London's theatres and Jenny has been tasked with spying on the woman suspected as being at the heart of it all, promising young actress, Lilith. Unable to resist the opportunity to better her family, shattered by a recent scandal, Jenny takes to her work eagerly. What she finds is a theatre in chaos, with suspicion and treachery afoot. How can she survive in a place that feels like a tinderbox?

I loved the fact that the novel is set in different acts, each corresponding to a separate play (as an ex-English teacher, this delighted the nerdy part of my brain). Throughout each, we see Lilith grow as an actress, whilst also watching as her dependence on the 'muse' of the title, Melpomene- is the fated Muse really influencing what's happening, or is something more sinister afoot? And can Jenny save herself- and her family- before she gets too sucked into whatever madness is taking over the Mercury Theatre and its players?

I love gothic fiction and I love Laura Purcell; I think this might be her best novel yet.

Laura is the absolute Queen of gothic fiction. And gets better with every book.
I devoured this in 2 days in between Christmas and I’m definitely purchasing a copy for my keep shelf! Superb!!
Thank you for this copy to read and review

A creepy, chilling and atmospheric tale of the type you’d expect from Purcell. Fans of her precious books will enjoy this!

The Whispering Muse is an atmospheric creepy gothic novel set in an old theatre.

Jenny is hired by a theatre owners wife to spy on the new leading lady. Jenny soon finds that not everything (and everyone) in the theatre is as it seems and there are lots of secrets and lies waiting to be discovered.

I went into this book pretty blind as there’s not a lot of information about it and I think that’s the best way, it’s almost impossible to describe! It’s creepy and eerie and had me up all night reading to find out what was going on! I’ll definitely be reading more from Laura Purcell!