Whisper Network
By: Chandler Baker
May 2021
I have so many things I want to say about this novel! It’s captivating, relatable, exciting, and it’s juicy. Every page of this book has you hanging on until the last line, wanting more. The intertwining nature of each characters’ story and point of view is both fascinating and suspenseful, and with real-world topics like equality in the workplace and the demands of a 21st-century working mother, you find yourself relating to the scenarios described by the main characters.
While this novel is not a true ‘thriller’, you still experience the thrill of gossip, email chains, parent-teacher conferences, dinner rendezvous, and scandal. We all know that the hustle and bustle of city life and suburban living can bring to light the ridiculous expectations of the roles of men and women. So what happens when all the demands, inequality, and scandal lead to the death of a CEO candidate of a large company?
Sloane, Grace, and Ardie lead you through the day-to-day demands of working at Truviv, Inc. a large marketing firm in Dallas as members of the legal team. Their experience both professionally, and as wives and mothers, brought them together as a support system, so to speak. They share advice, tips, and hot gossip. They discuss many of the day-to-day aspects of a woman’s life; How to dress, and wear their hair, how to talk to female versus male colleagues, what they have to do in order to make any advancement in their careers, housework, doctor’s appointments, soccer games, ballet recitals, affairs, and more. The constant worry of are they doing too much or not doing enough. Are they whining and complaining or are they standing up for themselves? Is taking time off to be with their families necessary or a sign of weakness? Should they speak to their boss about their salary again? Do they offer advice to the new, younger member of their team, or do they leave them to fend for themselves? If they complain to HR will their complaints be heard or swept under the rug? How much do they worry about coercion, blackmail, and harassment?
It’s not too long before all of these thoughts, and more, become a problem for Sloane, Grace, and Ardie. When a young, new colleague is hired and becomes entangled with the handsome and powerful Ames, trouble seems to pop up around every corner. They each have a history with Ames, and since he is the leading candidate for CEO, they have to watch their backs. They lean on each other for support and guidance as they bring to light the concerns they have for their soon-to-be boss. But behind closed doors, scandal is brewing. How much can our driven, leading ladies take before enough is enough?
With great character development, plot twists, and more, this book is a perfect poolside, or beach read. It will keep you on your toes, and you will find yourself empathizing along with the struggles and concerns Sloane, Grace, and Ardie have, both at work and at home. Chandler Baker hit it out of the park with this one and I look forward to her future work!
You can find your copy of the Whisper Network on Amazon here, or at Barnes and Noble here!
Happy Reading!