Overview

We are taken to the year 1860, when Elspeth Swansome accepts a job as a nanny on the isolated island of Skelthsea. She arrives at Iskar, a large and decaying house, to care for nine year old Mary, who has not spoken since the death of her twin brother. As Elspeth settles in, strange whistling sounds echo through the house, dolls appear where they should not be, and it becomes clear that the island is shaped by secrets no one wants to explain.

Writing & Voice

We found Netley’s writing calm and controlled, letting atmosphere do the work rather than relying on shock. The island setting is vivid, with harsh weather, empty spaces, and a sense of being cut off from help. The story moves slowly, but the tension builds steadily, pulling us deeper into Elspeth’s unease and uncertainty.

Characters

Elspeth is shaped by grief and responsibility, which makes her both vulnerable and determined. Mary’s silence is unsettling and sad, and their bond sits at the heart of the novel. The household staff and Mary’s aunt all seem to be hiding something, adding to the feeling that nothing on Skelthsea is quite as it appears.

Themes

This is a story about grief, isolation, and what happens when pain is left unspoken. We see how loss can linger and shape behaviour, especially in a place where people live close together but do not share the truth. The whistling itself becomes a symbol of memory and fear, returning again and again when silence takes over.

What Worked

• Strong setting: The island and house feel bleak, enclosed, and unsettling.
• Slow build: Tension grows through mood and detail rather than sudden scares.
• Emotional focus: Grief and care give the story real weight.

Minor Quibbles

• The familiar gothic setup may feel predictable to some readers.
• Those wanting fast paced horror may find the story too restrained.

Final Thoughts

We found The Whistling quietly chilling and deeply atmospheric. It is a gothic story that relies on mood, loss, and suggestion, and it stays with you long after the final page.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)