Plot Summary

Whispers from the Dead

Joan Lowery Nixon
Guide cover placeholder

Whispers from the Dead

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1996

Book Brief

Joan Lowery Nixon

Whispers from the Dead

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1996
Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Houston, Texas • 1980s

Publication Year

1996

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Whispers from the Dead by Joan Lowery Nixon follows 16-year-old Sarah Darnell, who, after a near-death experience in a swimming accident, gains the ability to communicate with ghosts. As her family relocates to Houston, Sarah becomes haunted by the spirit of Rosa Luiz, a migrant worker, and embarks on a quest to investigate her murder, unravel dark secrets, and confront emerging dangers while navigating a new social landscape. Topics in the book include murder and violence.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Dark

Unnerving

Reviews & Readership

4.1

1,249 ratings

66%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Whispers from the Dead by Joan Lowery Nixon is praised for its gripping suspense and strong atmospheric details that captivate young adult readers. However, some critics note that the pacing can be uneven. The protagonist's character development is lauded, but the resolution may feel predictable to seasoned mystery fans. Overall, it's an engaging read with minor flaws.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Whispers from the Dead?

A reader who enjoys spine-tingling mysteries with a supernatural edge would relish Whispers from the Dead by Joan Lowery Nixon. Fans of Lois Duncan's Locked in Time or Mary Downing Hahn's Wait Till Helen Comes will find Nixon's blend of suspense and eerie events particularly compelling.

4.1

1,249 ratings

66%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Houston, Texas • 1980s

Publication Year

1996

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!