The Dead Whisper On by T.L. Hines

Reviewed by Dale Lewis

"...a complex thriller ... appealing to anyone who likes unpredictable suspense with non-stop action."

Candace “Canada” MacHugh, a Montana miner-turned-garbage-collector is the quirky protagonist of T.L. Hines’ newest mystery. Living in a hand-me-down trailer full of “stuff” in Butte, Canada she hears the voice of her father who died 11 years ago. He asks her to join him and others (presumed dead) in do and feel good missions. Her relationship with Mom is almost non-existent. The internal conflict within Canada is deeply personal and draws the reader into her story.

T.L. Hines has penned a complex thriller with The Dead Whisper On, appealing to anyone who likes unpredictable suspense with non-stop action.

"Good vs. Evil" with supernatural undercurrents, i.e. ghosts, shadows and golems appear throughout the entire story. At times, the reader is left wondering who’s good and who’s evil. Canada’s posse of mining buddies, (who jump in to help her fight the evil and save their town), are a realistic, three-dimensional, odd but supporting cast. Keros is an intriguing and mysterious player but is difficult to fully understand due to limited information.

The beginning is slower in pace but the action increases in intensity after Canada and Doug encounter Keros in the bunker. (The plot elements didn't always transition as smoothly as I had desired which forced me to go back and reread a chapter or two.)

Hines continues to write with delightful humor in the dialogue blended with a powerful imagination. I was hooked with his first effort in Waking Lazarus and now recommend The Dead Whisper On.

Dale Lewis now mans the front desk at the EFCA (The Evangelical Free Church of America) National Office in Minneapolis, MN. He was the graphic designer/pre-press production artist for over twelve years before being asked to step into this new role. Prior to that, he was the publications manager at his alma mater, Northwestern College in St. Paul, MN in the public relations office as well as the adviser to the college’s yearbook. He's a director/actor/writer for the Hope Church (Oakdale, MN) adult drama worship team and was the senior editor of the church newsletter. He's also written two collections of poetry, “Whispers of Assurance” and “On Life: Constant Communion Without Ceasing” as well as a devotional entitled “Eternal Education.” He and his family live in Oakdale, Minnesota.