Whispers (Laurel House, #1)

"Whispers" marks the haunting debut of the Laurel House series by M. L. Bullock, a riveting journey into the eerie underbelly of southern gothic fiction. Unfolding in 1890, the tale centers around a young girl named Petal "Pettie" Sullivan, whose innocent exploration of her family's historic southern estate, Laurel House, takes a horrifying turn.
Pettie, a curious and bright child, becomes fascinated by the strange whispers she hears emanating from the blooming peony garden. Despite her earnest reports to her parents, she's met with dismissive remarks and disbelief. Until one day, Pettie vanishes without a trace, sending shockwaves of despair throughout Laurel House.
Just when her family is prepared to mourn the tragic loss, Pettie mysteriously reappears weeks later. But the Pettie who returns is far removed from the child they once knew. She refuses to utter a single word, her eyes bearing the hollow emptiness of someone who has seen the unthinkable. Dark incidents soon follow in her wake - the family pet brutally slain, and even her own family members found dead under sinister circumstances.
Her father, Grant Sullivan, is left in the chilling shadows of suspicion and fear. Convinced his daughter isn't the culprit, Grant plunges into the heart of the mystery to save his remaining family. The whispers that once echoed in the garden now reverberate through the halls of Laurel House, a grim reminder of the ominous truth buried deep within its walls. The fate of the Sullivan family hangs in the balance, and Grant must uncover the haunting secrets of his daughter and Laurel House before he too falls prey to its deadly curse.
In "Whispers," M. L. Bullock weaves a spine-tingling tale of suspense, capturing the chilling atmosphere of southern gothic fiction. Every page pulsates with paranormal intrigue, drawing readers into a story that explores the thin line between the living and the dead, the natural and the supernatural. Uncover the secret of Laurel House in this hair-raising series starter that'll keep you on the edge of your seat till the very last page.

Author M.L. Bullock enjoys the laid-back atmosphere and the spooky vibe of the Gulf Coast, especially the region's historic districts and sites. When she isn't visiting her favorite haunts in New Orleans or Old Mobile, you can find her flipping through old photographs or newspaper clippings in search of new inspiration.