Topaz Talks: A review of Whispers Through Time by Melanie Robertson-King
The Blurb
A historic Canadian property becomes the canvas for a tale that spans generations. In 1914, a tragedy unfolded, leaving scars that linger far beyond the passage of time.
In 1947, a visionary purchases the haunted remnants, seeking a new beginning for his family, but his young daughter senses a ghost from the far past.
In the present, urban explorers unlock the secrets of the past while running a web design company. Photographs and sketches capture the essence of the property, documenting the whispers of spirits from another era.
As the explorers navigate the abandoned corridors and forgotten chambers, the photographs unveil subtle anomalies until supernatural phenomena manifest that defy explanation.
Amidst the subtle changes in décor and the flickering candle flames frozen in time, the explorers find themselves entangled in a mystery transcending the boundaries of the living and the dead, forcing the urban explorers to confront the unresolved secrets that echo through the corridors of time.
Is a structure just that, or can it house remnants of horror, pain and sin? The urban explorers find they must confront the unresolved secrets that echo through the corridors of time.
The Review:
Topaz Talks: Review of Whispers Through Time by Melanie Robertson-King
‘Whispers Through Time’ by Melanie Robertson-King earns a well-deserved five-star review for its gripping narrative and intricate blend of supernatural elements with a deep, family-centric storyline.
From the outset, the book has real charm with its vivid depiction of locations and seamless navigation between past and present, making even those unfamiliar with supernatural genres avid fans. Despite my usual preference for spy thrillers, the engrossing storyline and vividly described scenes grabbed me from the first chapter. The blend of family secrets with supernatural elements, set against the backdrop of Canada - a place I've wanted to visit for a while - was brilliantly executed.
The author's meticulous research shines through, offering readers a rich, immersive experience. Robertson-King's skilful handling of time jumps adds a dynamic layer, weaving a tale that's both haunting and deeply moving. This novel is a must-read, promising an unforgettable journey through the intricacies of time, family, and the supernatural.
To be clear, I wouldn’t have chosen this book without the book tour, but there are occasions when you need to challenge your own tastes and broaden your horizons. This novel is one such foray into a new world and I’m pleased I took the trip.
Author Biography:
A native of eastern Ontario, Melanie Robertson-King lived in a winterized cottage on the shore of the St Lawrence River during her pre-school years. Before starting school, her family moved to Brockville, where she received her education, including a post-secondary degree in Computer Programming.
As an only child, Melanie was an avid reader and remains so. She knew then that one day, she would be a writer. When she wasn’t talking about her dream of becoming an author, she wrote stories and began honing her skills at an early age.
Melanie’s father was a Scottish national. He came to Canada as a ‘Home Child’ through the auspices of The Orphan Homes of Scotland. She promised herself that one day, her feet would touch the soil in her father’s homeland. That first trip was in 1993, and she’s not looked back since, having returned to the Auld country many more times. Her last trip abroad was in 2018. On one of her many trips to Scotland, Melanie had the honour of meeting Princess Anne (The Princess Royal) at the orphanage where her father was raised.
Encouraged to study Highland Dancing, she competed locally. Her final competition took place during the summer of 1969, a few short months after her father’s death, at the 1000 Islands Highland Games. She won the Silver Medal in the Sword Dance in that last event.
Melanie began her professional writing career in non-fiction. One of her articles graced the cover of an international publication. At the same time, she continued to develop her writing voice: short stories (both fiction and non-fiction) as well as novel-length work.
Since her debut novel was published in the summer of 2012, Melanie has written eleven more books (including two for children) and released the second edition of her first.
You’ll find her out and about when not sequestered in her cave writing, plotting or editing. Her favourite haunts (pardon the pun) are cemeteries (the older, the better) since they have more character, and perhaps a few more characters. She also loves travel and photography.
Melanie and fellow authors Wendy H. Jones and Chris Longmuir make up the infamous trio – the Princesses of Pandemonium.