Leave A Whisper:
(segmented chapter reviews)
* Simply remarkable. Your use of metaphors really speaks out to the reader. The characters are crisp and the story
line top notch.
--mswritealot/fanstory
Comment Written 18-Nov-2005
* Very good
description at the beginning. It made me sick, which is the response you want given the material. The poetry and transitions
are very ingenious and add a unique flavor to your writing. The tempo, narration, and character development were all excellent.
Very well done.
--eborchert/fanstory
Comment Written 18-Nov-2005
* Excellent
opening. Really liked the setting and the feeling that you created with this. I also loved the way there was such a clear
difference between his thoughts and his actions. The following sequences were great also, revealing enough to keep the reader
interested but not too much. Will be reading on and good luck with publishing.
--thgrrl/fanstory
Comment Written 11-Nov-2005
* This is probably the most unique thing I've read since I've been here. It's very witty and aware of
itself and you are a writer who is very sure of her ability to tell this story. Very well done.
--Thalisa/fanstory
Comment Written 11-Nov-2005
* I like the reserved, structured, organized narrative fancy expressiveness with the blend
of suspense, light spark of horror, nice flow of subject, theme, plot, characterization with the thrill top to bottom with
captivating beginning in
mystery with automatic flow and end poetic curious. A pleasant thrill-packed read.
--Daniel Ray/fanstory
Comment Written 10-Nov-2005
* I like your writing. I found that you have a directness that
captures my imagination and carries me forward to enjoy your every word. I think you have created a plausible paradigm and
I will continue to watch for your writings in the
future. I will read on.
--Balladeer/fnastory
Comment Written 10-Apr-2005
* This is an amazing book. It draws the reader into the scenes and makes them feel as if they are watching the events
as they happen. Excellent.
--Wendyanne/fanstory
Comment Written 10-Apr-2005
* This is
so creepy, I love it! I'm adding it to my bookcase so I can read the previous chapters as well. I like the first part
where you are showing the attackers perspective and thoughts. This sounds like a real book you'd find in a bookstore.
Great job!
--PrettyPoetress/fanstory
Comment Written 26-Mar-2005
* If I could
write like you do, I'd be a best selling author by now. You don't need to be here Jannie, you need to be on Oprah's
book club. You know, one thing I've been thinking about re: weird coincidences with this book is that "Stigmata"
a condition thought to a prevalent sign of saint hood among Catholics is usually manifested in blood appearing at the hands
and feet (areas of the wounds of crucifixion-actually incorrect if you know biology). Anyway, one of the most
interesting
aspects of the condition as it coincides with this story is that the blood smells of "roses." Sorry, my incredibly
silly mind on wacky tangents as I was thinking about the rose petals in the hands and that Toni likes the smell of roses (which
is connected as I mentioned before, I believe with Mary and other saints) First, allow me to humbly apologize with not having
kept up with this amazing book of yours. Second, let me just say JANNIE BALLIET is a (expletive) GENIUS!!! Did I remember
to mention how much I love this book? Okay enough of that nonsense, I'm actually stalling (I feel like a gymnist on the
balance bar) because I'm just running out of ways to say; "Damn Jannie, but you're one heck of a great writer!"
So, let's just say "Good how" and leave it at that. I am awed by your talent and jealous of as well.Its fun
to go through the book and bug you with review after review... Ah, the method of my madness. I get it now-You're like
one of those Muslim carpet weavers in Morocco who purposefully place a slight flaw in each carpet they weave so as not to
insult God. So, Reddick, a man who feels that the only way to enjoy himself sexually, and preserve what he feels is the purity
of his victims is to destroy them-- crucifying each one in an attempt to offer an atonement for his sins ( or his mother's)
perhaps? A raging sociopath desperate for attention, yet in reality, a craven coward.As much as he desires the attention (and
fear his acts generate-that fear giving them a sense of power they feel is denied them in real life). Interesting that these
guys so desperate desire to be known for their "art" yet, do what they can to hide all the same-catch me if you
can (Oh please dont/Do let them catch me) ...And my kids wonder why I had to quit watching Profiler and Millennium! Okay,
had not planned on writing a review but- DAYUM Girl if you don't know how to set the stage. You should be writing screenplays-
We might actually see something decent come out of Hollywood then. Your writing is like a meal set out by a master chef: You
know it's going to taste like heaven, and its just so beautiful you don't want to spoil it with something as vulgar
as eating. I'm sitting here reading this. How does one judge perfection? What can I do but offer my voice, feeble as it
is to what are already legions of your fans singing your praises? You have a gift for poetry that could easily rival Tolkein
himself. If I could write half as well, I'd be writing half as well. But that would be something indeed.
--Hokeysmoke/fanstory
Comment Written 22-Mar-2005
* How do you do it? I'm sucked in to reading all the chapters. The writing is good and the story line seems to
be moving along just nicely. I like these kinds of stories, they draw a person in. I really like it. I'm going to continue
to read each chapter. I love the way you visualize the surroundings, you are definitely showing and not telling. I'm trying
to show instead of tell, it's kind of hard for me, for some reason... But anyway, I think your writing is very, very good.
--Nickles/fanstory
Comment Written 22-Mar-2005
* I see your book starts with a psychopath who murders and rapes
women and thinks he's a artist and a poet. It looks like a book that public would love, and it also appears that you don't
have any trouble finding reviewers. I'll be reading
more. Thought I would become more familiar with the writings
of those who have read more than five chapters of my book. This looks like a scary book, but I've read John Grisham's
"A Time To Kill", and I'm guessing I can take the time to read your book, too.
--Tweedypie/fanstory
Comment Written 21-Mar-2005
*
It's really a story that keeps my interest and every chapter leaves you wanting more. I wish I could just read it all
at once.
--Moonchild/fanstory
Comment Written 08-Mar-2005
* I'm going to brag someday that I read this before it became a
published book! Great job. Suspense just keeps building. You've really described this guy in a way that would give anyone
the creeps. Really captivating. Interesting to introduce a new character-I'm sure I'll have to keep reading to find
out who she is and why she's at the lawyer office. I like the way you weave pertinent song lyrics into the writing. Tight,
gripping suspense! Nice combination of narrative and dialogue. You've got the hook buried. You've nailed down the
reader and hooked me. Naturally, I've book cased this and am moving on to every chapter. Excellent write. No mistakes,
lots of suspense..keep it going. I hope the publisher awards you the contract!
--johnnyb/fanstory
Comment Written 07-Mar-2005
* Snappy writing style. Great
hook in opening. I like this. You've given me enough snitches of this in that in your setup to pull yank me into this
tale, and make me want to head for the next chapter like an out of control freight train. More. I want more! And keep up the
brisk pace which shows up almost everywhere so far. Great job!
--flashwriter/fanstory
Comment Written 20-Feb-2005
* Well, first thing I thought...uhhuh,
serial killer? Not another serial killer story... but your description is great. The characterizations...oh WOW...the characterization...
fantastic. Especially the hideous rapist and killer.
--ladykay/fanstory
Comment Written 23-Mar-2005
* A hunter with a poetic streak...
The more I read, the more the images get stronger in my mind. And I love the clear yet clipped length of each. Just enough
to get the essence, and then on to the next page... The artist feels a need to sign the work he's created... Wow, this
oozes intensity! I really like the style and tone of this chapter. A very characteristic detective, with a bit of timidness,
(I like that...lol), a psychic that's psyched out, and a serial killer that's not two dimensional... hmmm, a good
brew, it seems... I can easily see this as a film script! I'm sure you've thought this
already... This would
make a fine film...You have me hooked! I've book cased the chapters and have to keep reading. Coming from law enforcement
background I'm anxious to find what makes Reddick "more than the typical serial killer" -Great!- Every page,
well, I'm getting tired of praising your work here. It's damn good work and I've got nothing else to say!
--void-is/fanstory
Comment Written 16-Feb-2005
* Again this flows very well.
It is a great story. I'm having fun reading it. This is the first I have ever read of a book of yours...only poetry up
to now. I must say... you take on a whole different persona with this thriller stuff , don't you. Hmmm. This is a very
good story you are working on... Good work as usual.
--Mastery/fanstory
Comment Written 13-Feb-2005
* Just read this segment. It
moves right along and makes me want to read more. I'll have to go back and start at the beginning though, since I've
been off line and pretty busy lately.
--Termite/fanstory
Comment
Written 13-Feb-2005
*This was good, really good. I liked how
it progressed, moving from character to character. It left me wondering (and eager to see) where and how it would all be tied
together. It had a good flow to it, and I liked the insertions of poetry to each sections with the killer. Nice job.
--driven/fanstory
Comment Written 20-Feb-2005
* Gosh, I hope you are able to reach some kind of agreement with the publisher because this is a book that will SELL.
It's riveting, with the realistic feel of the character taking the reader into his life ... whether he wants to be there
or not.
Shivery good stuff!
--Gayle/fanstory
Comment Written
13-Feb-2005
* Once again you've written an amazing book.
It's really cool how you wrote this, getting into the mind of the criminal... well done. Keep it up. Very vivid and very
realistic and plausible. Well done. I loved the description the most, very well done. Awesome writing.
- --Lpspider/fanstory
Comment Written 17-Feb-2005
*
Very powerful writing. I really like the way the story started and is laying out. Your characters have gained a great deal
of depth in a short amount of time. I get the feeling that Reddick won't be discouraged by the minor coverage of the media's
news story. I will read more. I saw nothing I would change. Nice job.
--Night
Stalker/fanstory
Comment Written 22-Feb-2005
