The Winter People

A Novel

De: Jennifer McMahon

Narrado por: Cassandra Campbell, Kathe Mazur

The New York Times best-selling author of Promise Not to Tell returns with a simmering literary thriller about ghostly secrets, dark choices, and the unbreakable bond between mothers and daughters...sometimes too unbreakable.

West Hall, Vermont, has always been a town of strange disappearances and old legends. The most mysterious is that of Sara Harrison Shea, who, in 1908, was found dead in the field behind her house just months after the tragic death of her daughter, Gertie. Now, in present day, 19-year-old Ruthie lives in Sara's farmhouse with her mother, Alice, and her younger sister, Fawn. Alice has always insisted that they live off the grid, a decision that suddenly proves perilous when Ruthie wakes up one morning to find that Alice has vanished without a trace. Searching for clues, she is startled to find a copy of Sara Harrison Shea's diary hidden beneath the floorboards of her mother's bedroom. As Ruthie gets sucked deeper into the mystery of Sara's fate, she discovers that she's not the only person who's desperately looking for someone that they've lost. But she may be the only one who can stop history from repeating itself.

©2014 Jennifer McMahon (P)2014 Random House Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Jennifer McMahon is a writer of exceptional talent, and The Winter People is a hypnotic, gripping, and deeply moving thriller. With her beautifully drawn characters and complex, layered, and suspenseful story, McMahon has woven a dream from which I didn't want to wake - and couldn't have even if I wanted to." (Lisa Unger, author of In the Blood)

"In an edge-of-your-seat scary ghost story, Jennifer McMahon’s The Winter People yanks you from one page to the next by expertly weaving the past and present. I will never look at the woods behind my home in the same way again!" (Heather Gudenkauf, author of The Weight of Silence )

Good Book Spoiled By Poor Narration

I almost stopped reading this book because the narrator was so annoying. Because it got good reviews from reviewers I respect, I bought the Kindle companion and read the book.

The narrator reads the beginning in a breathy voice that got on my last nerve. I suppose she thought it sounded childlike, but it was simply irritating.

The story hops back and forth between present and past. The narrator made it incomprehensible. I was totally lost. Once in the Kindle book, I had to begin over again to get the story sorted out.

I'm glad I did, it was a worthwhile read. The plot is novel, the characters realistic and engaging. The ending provides an interesting twist on immortality.

I recommend this book, but only on Kindle or in print.

winter people

I like the last chapter that Sara got disappointed by her self saying why she did all of her crime.

Pet Sematary

If you’ve read or seen Stephen King’s Pet Sematary, this story will sound very familiar. Still, I enjoyed it.

OK, not great

The first half of the book comes off as bland and derivative. Old diary with missing pages, blah, blah, blah. People come back from the dead blah, blah, blah. Not quite the same as before they died, blah, blah, blah. "Pet Semetary" all over again except with people this time. By the second half of the book there is enough character development to make you actually care about how it turns out but it is a struggle to get to that point.
This is the first book I have listened to with a female narrator so it took a little getting used to. I've become accustomed to hearing male narrators struggle to do female characters and find it easier to suspend disbelief than when a female narrator tries to do a male character. The real reason for holding back 1 star for the performance however is that the portrayal of the children is just SO syrupy it is nausea inducing.
If you can get this book on sale give it a try. I wouldn't use up a whole credit on it however. Do not expect Steven King quality.

I FREAKING LOVED THIS BOOK

How have I not read this book until now? OMG I was looking for a book around Halloween and came across this one. I thought it sounded interesting despite it having a 3.5 STAR review (I do not pay attention to reviews honestly). I am a book reviewer so I know that sounds weird but I would rather form my own opinion. There are only a few people who I really listen to as far as reviews go.

This book blew me away. I love how it wraps the past with the present and even the future. A nice ghost/horror story that brings several families together in ways that no one would ever dream of being bonded. I am so afraid of giving away any spoilers because with this book, it would be so easy! Living so close to the Devil's Hand, you can only imagine the horrors that can go along with that. OR CAN YOU? Nope you can't. Because just when you think you can, BAM something else happens. It is just so amazing. It really is. This author, Jennifer McMahon has just escalated up my OMG I LOVE THIS AUTHOR list! I must reach out to her and tell her how much I love this book!!!!

If you scare easy, might want to keep the lights on :)

would recommend to others.

well written. some parts at the beginning and the end dragged on. the narrriation was very good.

Wonderful Story That Kept Me Engaged

I don't write many reviews but I felt compelled to write a short review for this book. I absolutely loved everything about this book except that it ended but as the saying goes "all good things must come to an end". I thought the narrator did an excellent job portraying the feelings and emotions the characters were experiencing. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an engaging, mysterious, paranormal type of book.

Very strange!

I was expecting something in the historic fiction genre and feel like this was more King or Koontz...

Unique and Compelling

What made the experience of listening to The Winter People the most enjoyable?

'Winter People' was a truly suspenseful listening experience mainly due to the way the characters and sub plots emerged, wrapped around each other and then interconnected to produce ever expanding puzzle pieces.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Winter People?

The most memorable moments were when some of the puzzle pieces fit together forming larger chunks that began to answer some of the gripping questions that emerged from the beginning of the story.

Which scene was your favorite?

I especially enjoyed the reunion in the cave and the revelations that followed.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I found myself shocked, horrified, saddened and relieved at various points throughout the tale and caught myself holding my breath more than a few times.

Any additional comments?

The narration was artfully executed! Excellent narration always lavishes new and shiny facets onto any story; but in this case, it added an additional jewel to the crown of a masterpiece. I would recommend 'Winter People' to any and all (adult) fans of horror and suspense. Not for the squeamish.

Loved it.

A great story that kept me guessing till the end. The narrator's did a spectacular job.