I was bowled over by the first novel in the Annie Jackson series — The Murmurs. I already knew that Michael was an incredible writer, able to bring great compassion and intelligence to his characters while delivering a page turning thriller.
The added elements of the paranormal and Scottish folklore really grabbed my attention and fulfilled my craving for all things weird and gothic. The murmurs are sibilant whispers letting her know that someone close by is near to death. One day, while working a shift in the local coffee shop, Annie can hear the whispers and feel the rising nausea. This vision is for a young local man called Lachlan. Torn between warning him and drawing attention to herself, or walking out and ignoring the vision, Annie chooses a middle ground.
She tells him his tyres are bald and he really should change them. The rumours about her powers go into overdrive as people realise Annie is the woman who found the bodies of several murdered women. They break her windows and target her house with red paint. She wants them to look into a missing person case; a young man called Damian has disappeared and she suspects something sinister has happened to him. Damian has had a very complicated past, including ending up in prison on one occasion, but in recent months he had calmed down due to the birth of his son Bodhi.
Why not research and interview people like a private investigator? Then during their investigation if anything comes up for Annie they can act on her ideas. This time Annie could be in serious danger. I found their tutor very disturbing, almost grooming both of them into his fascination with the occult. His name is Phineas Dance — an awesome name for the villain of the piece! He gives them a reading list including Alastair Crowley and other proponents of the dark arts and they take to his teaching very well, particularly Sylvia who we watch become more obsessive as she matures.
Their training involves ritualistic sacrifice, as well as the attainment of wealth and success — using their new powers to ensnare other followers of celebrity and influence. This leaves them both free rein to operate where they live, having local dignitaries in their pocket.
