REVIEWS

Taken Unaware, 9 Jun 2010 I was given this book; I took one look and thought, not for me. This is not the sort of novel I would usually read, but I thought I would "give it a go" The first few pages were fine, but then it happened! I found myself enjoying it. As I read more of the book I was spellbound, all is not as it first appears. The characters have complexity and some are duplicitous. I hope there will be a sequel as there is plenty of scope to elaborate on the further machinations of some of the protagonists This review is from: M. E. Morgan	Review for "Whispering Palms" Nov 2010 by author Christina Westover ("Precipice.") On the fictional Caribbean island of Whispering Palms dwell only the most wealthy of English aristocracy--a perfect backdrop for R.S. Charles's mystery novel, for only a pristine location could expose the fear and true natures beneath the well constructed masks people hide behind in a world where no one is innocent. Complex, with an anxiety driven plot, readers are perpetually left guessing who the perpetrator is behind the secrets and sins of Whispering Palms as its luxurious and comfortable lifestyle begins to crumble and characters turn against one another. Ominous figures lurk behind every corner in a tale which is well thought out, beautifully written, and covers a broad spectrum of emotion. Unpredictable up to the last page, R.S. Charles's "Whispering Palms" is the perfect gift for anyone who loves to be surprised! 5 Stars!
Dream Island 19th June 2010 This is a splendid first book by this promising new author. Set on a dream island, you are transported from everyday mundane routine into a magical setting and soon become involved with the characters in the story whose lives intertwine as the story unfolds. I took the book on holiday with me and it provide me with the escape and relaxation I needed-although I just felt compelled to read it to the very end before I wanted to go sightseeing, much to my husband's annoyance! It is utterly gripping and the style of writing makes it a pleasure to read.I cannot wait for the sequel-please don't be too long, Mr. Charles! The book is also beautifully presented,with superb quality pages and most attractive cover.I thoroughly recommend this book-it will appeal to all who like a touch of mystery, glamour and easy reading. This review is from: J Knipe	Excellent Read! 2 Mar 2010 A friend bought me "Whispering Palms" as a present. But I made a big mistake. I took it on holiday with me and, once started, I was hooked. I couldn't put it down. Nothing and no-one could tempt me away from it. I soon began to feel that I knew the characters personally and I was actually in the middle of something real; rumours, gossip, blackmail, betrayal, and most of all, an unfathomable mystery which I just had to solve. I loved the paradise island setting, the quirky characters and their steamy and intriguing exploits, but, above all, the twists and turns in the clever plot kept me guessing right to the very end. I literally CANNOT wait for the sequel to this excellent read! This review is from: Rickie Stretton
BE VERY PREPARED! 24 Mar 2010 This book is gripping. It is compelling. Buy yourself a copy and you will not be able to put it down. The plot is very cleverly constructed, every character and every event has a place in the maze of motives and the final revelations are preceded by a surreptitious but well placed series of clues. RSCharles has brilliantly created a community on the island with detail so sharp and true to life that you, the reader, will feel that these people are your friends and neighbors. I loved this book - pure delight. This review is from: Mr. D. J. Houghton	Great Holiday Reading 23 July 2010 A magnificent first novel by R.S. Charles. Great holiday reading, (providing you weren't planning to do anything before finishing the book!) Whispering Palms is racy, pacy and totally unputdownable. I can't wait for the sequel. This review is from: Pam Millet
A Great Read, 9 April 2010 My husband bought me this book to take away on holiday. I was hooked on it quite early on, the characters and the twists throughout the novel made for a great read. I don’t read many book during the year and was unsure how I would like this one, I normally stick to writers I have read before, this book was one of the best choices my husband has made for me and I have looked for other novels by the author. None are available right now but would definitely read another story. I enjoy a good read whilst away and would recommend it to all. Enjoy! This review is from: Mr. S. F. Coombs	I Love This Book! 8th April 2010 A great read and a great gift! Thanks RS Charles!! I originally stumbled on this story by mistake when looking for a title under another name but was not disappointed when it arrived the story is so gripping I could hardly put it down and ended up feeling as if I was involved in the plot! There were so many twists and turns I am hoping for a film! Several of my friends have borrowed this and were also as excited! I must also mention that it seems to fall across all age ranges, my niece is 17 and loved it, I am (sadly) nearly 30 and my mother who is 65 was delighted to receive it for mother’s day and has now lent it to her friend! So all in all an excellent book I cannot recommend it highly enough thank you RS Charles! (We now want the sequel!!) This review is from: C. Pearce "C Pearce" (London, UK)
A Fabulous Read, 25 Mar 2010 A Kid's Review I was given this book as a present and was initially skeptical, however I was pleasantly surprised. Whispering Palms was not at all what I had expected; it was an exciting adventure into island life with numerous twists and turns along the way. I loved it from start to finish and hope there will be a sequel soon.	Page Turner ! 17 Mar 2010 I have to say that this first novel from this author had me gripped fromthe first to very last page and cant wait for the next one (PLEASE tell methere is going to be another)...a perfect escape from our own lives to another where twists and intrigue sizzle on every page....I would recommend it to anyone who appreciates a thoroughly compelling read. This review is from: Louise Vella
Can’t Wait For The Sequel...., 2 Mar 2010 Allow plenty of free time to read this gripping novel, as, once started, it is impossible to put down! Cleverly written, the story transports us to a world of lavish luxury on a remote Caribbean island. All we have to do is watch as the mystery unfolds. Each character comes alive, showing the strengths and weaknesses of human nature...though some may not be quite what they seem. There's glitz and glamour, lust and romance, secrets and suspicion, gossip and rumor- all the ingredients of a compelling page turner! "Whispering Palms" is an excellent first book by a new author and I'm a fan already. I can't wait for the sequel! This review is from C.A.Bond (England) Glamorous Page Turner, 17 Feb 2010 This exotic thriller is, I think, the first published work of a new author on the block. I have not found much about him on the web, as yet, but on the evidence of this novel we will be hearing a lot about him in the future. `Whispering Palms' has a traditional island setting but with some very modern additions. The story revolves around a wide assortment of strong characters that have ended up on this remote location - living in some luxury but they also live in fear as lots of them have much to hide. The book has many strengths and would appeal to a wide audience. The author has achieved a splendid balance between a light and entertaining tone and the dramatic developments that occurs throughout the book; this keeps the reader turning the pages avidly. I can't tell you the plot as I don't want to spoil your reading pleasure but be prepared for some beguiling twists as the book reaches its climax. The most striking aspect of the book is the way the characters life style is presented. Some of them have both too much time and too much money so all they have to do is watch each other and this is the force behind this fast paced contemporary take on a well established genre. While enjoying the book and I will be recommending it to my friends, I also think the Caribbean setting and the characters would give a film maker a great opportunity to produce an outstanding movie or a mini series for TV . So read the book before the film comes out! This review is from: Mr. Martin F. Keane Order Now From:	A Book You Can't Put Down........, 6 Feb 2010 The price for this hardback may have been slightly expensive, however it is worth the money as it is put together well and of excellent quality. The first few chapters introduce you to the characters but once these have been established the book takes you into a world of mystery and adventure and you just don't know what is going to happen next. From this point I couldn't put it down I even took it into the bath with me, which is the only peace and quiet I get away from the kids!! Normally with books I can always guess the outcome but with this book I kept changing my mind several times, which is why I couldn't put it down as I just wanted to get to the end to see what happens. It truly is not what you think, so you have to keep going just to see who indeed is responsible for the strange goings on that take place on the island. A thoroughly great read, enjoy! This review is from: A. J. Stuttard (Plymouth, Devon, UK) Exciting read! 2 Mar 2010 Great, easy read that kept me intrigued to the very end....This was written in a way that I felt I knew the characters and could almost smell the tropical breeze. Take me there now!! This review is from: S. J. Stretton-downes Good Mystery 23rd June 2010 This book is a good mystery set on an idyllic island,full of interesting characters and with an intriguingly mysterious plot. An easy read,holding one's interest to the end. This review is from: "Matron" "Jan" (Devon England) Whispering Palms - Witty Whodunnit 27 August 2010 This is a wonderfully witty and humorous tale of simmering lust and gossip on a secluded, paradise island. Great fun! The authorial voice is very strong, and the novel effortlessly flows like it is being read aloud to you. (I would love a ‘Talking Book’ version). I thoroughly enjoyed this great, light, gossipy holiday read and eagerly await the sequel. This review is from: Sarah W. Ashburton. UK.