Whistling in the Dark by Lesley Kagen (2007-05-01)

I did not grow up in Milwaukee but have lived most of my adult live near Milwaukee. I loved the humor and the characters. It is really refreshing to see things through the eyes of a ten year old. I look forward to reading more books by Lesley Kagen.

I sure don't understand all of the rave reviews on this one! Did they read the same book I did? This story took forever to "get there" and when it did, I just didn't care anymore. The dialect was so over the top, it made the entire book unbelievable. A smoking eight year old who still sucks her thumb? Both Sally and Troo sounded more like 17 year old's from this decade, not an eight and ten year old from 1959.

I can't believe I wasted my time and money on this one, or better yet, I'm amazed at these 5 star reviews.

I was very disappointed to find profanity in this book, which ruined it for me. I thought since it was set in 1959 and was about very young girls, it would be clean. So sad that it's hard to find a good story without the F word rearing it's ugly head, especially when a preteen is doing the cursing.

If it wasn't a book club selection, I would have put this book down after the first few chapters. Poorly written, poorly executed plot. The story was written from a child's point of view, and sounded like it was written by one. Unfortunate. Glad it was on the store for $4.

I picked up the paperback from Costco one summer before the beach. I devoured the book - suspenseful and humorous with well-developed characters.

Then I bought the Kindle edition so I can take it around with me. I still love the book so many years later. I reread, though now without suspense. It's still enjoyable!

3.5 rating. I liked the book better the second time I read it in order to write about it.

The plot of the story is about two little girls, nine and ten left on their own. The adults in their lives are not dependable but do whatever pleases them. Their father is dead, older men called him a lush. The girls lived on a farm, then had to move to Milwaukee, a tough neighborhood filled with kids, plenty of mean older kids who make the sisters life rough, especially Sally's.

Younger sister Troo is a brat, she and best friend Mary Lane compete as to who is the biggest liar and cheat. However, these poor kids come from a lousy home and are about to get thrown out of their apartment for nonpayment of rent. The book takes place on a long hot summer filled with kids, kids games and a murderer in their midst. One little girl had been murdered, another is missing and found dead. And Mom is in the hospital real sick. Will she ever come home? Mom can't be without a man in her life. The father of oldest daughter, Nell, is dead, the little girls' dad was killed in an automobile accident. Third husband, Hall, doesn't like the girls and is mean and abusive to them. Mom should have married her high school sweetheart instead of the others. He might have worked for her.

Big sister, Nell, is 18, a lousy cook and in love. She is more interested in her boyfriend than in little sisters. Stepfather, Hall, is hanging out in the neighborhood bar and has taken up with a cocktail waitress. The girls have to cage meals from whoever will have them over and are left alone at night. At least they have each other. Sally is afraid of a well thought of citizen. She thinks he is the murderer. Sally's father, just before he died, asked her to take care of Troo. Troo is street smart, she doesn't need Sally to take care of her. Troo seems much more mature and knowing than Sally. Troo steals cigaretts, steals from stores, smokes and has a smart mouth.

Sally swears a much respected man whom everyone likes and admires murders little girls, enjoys doing so. She is terrified of this man even though he is nice to her.

My favorite character is Ethel, a black woman, who takes care of elderly Mrs Galecki. The sisters think highly of this woman, Sally always watched her manners around this woman or she would be told off. Ethel was wonderful to the girls, a happy, warm, sweet person who goes to the funeral of the little girl who had been murdered.

There is awful Uncle Paulie who during the accident when the girls father was killed he became soft in the head and had to have his mother take care of him. Before that he was a womanizer and a bookie. Not much of a person. His mother was afraid of his temper. Sally' family wasn't much.

This is the story of a young girl learning about life in the mid-west fifty years ago. Many people were good to the girls and gave them slack because of their situtation. Sally's two favorite characters in the world besides her family is Ethel and Wendy Latur, a Mongoloid, but real sweet. Sally's family is unlikeable. .

This is a great little read packed full of things that are part of life in small town USA; or is it? At times this book had so much going on in it, the town seemed crowded. This is also a debut novel from this Author.

The book is told through the words of a child narrator who has seen more than her fair share of troubles and hardship so early on in life. I found the way in which this character provided the dialogue to be fairly believable of someone her age who had experienced the things she had, as at times her words changed from that of a child to those of someone so much older; to me this revealed the inner conflict in her as she battled within herself to be the child she was, or the adult that was expected of her, and I thought that the Author was able to portray this side of her personality very well. Like the child she is though, she often misinterprets ‘adult’ conversations, and after a while this became rather tiring. The main problem I found with all the characters in this book were that they were not very deeply developed and struggled to maintain their two-dimensional persona, and it was this lack of the development of what could have been some very interesting characters in this book that made me rate it a three thumbs.

Although this book is a little slow at first, it soon picks up and is an ideal book for a wet day when there is nothing else to take your fancy. It is full of 1950’s nostalgia, childhood innocence and also darkly disturbing scenes. For those who are offended by same sex relationships, there is one featured in this book and this may mean you want to give the book a miss. However, it is not overplayed to the point where it dominates, and is not dealt with in an insensitive manner, so readers may be able to skim over this portion if they are otherwise enjoying this book.

I would recommend this book to those who are looking for their next book club read, as it is sure to be the stepping off point for some interesting discussion, and I will be reading more by this Author in the future to see how their character development evolves as they become more confident.

Originally reviewed on: http://catesbooknuthut.com/2014/03/24...

Whistling In the Dark takes place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1959, and is written from 10 year old Sally O'Malley's point of view. She has a little sister Troo, and a older sister Nell, her father was killed in a car accident, her mother then married Hall who is not much of a step father.

Her mother ends up spending most of the summer in the hospital due to complications of surgery. Nell is caught up with her boyfriend and Hall is busy with another woman or has drown himself in liquor or both. The two little girls are left on their own but it is back in the time when your neighbors knew everybody and everybody watched out for each other. Sally and Troo were fed and taken care of my the good folks of the neighborhood.

The area is living in fear of a child molester and murderer. Two little girls have gone missing and one was found dead in the park where Sally and Troo play everyday. Sally is sure she will be the next victim. She even believes she knows who the killer is and will do everything she can to keep her and her sister safe.

My Thoughts
There are so many reasons I loved this book. First Sally has a very active imagination just like I was told I had while growing up so it was so easy to relate to her. I wasn't born until 1961 but references in this book were true to what I remember or had been told as I grew up. The trips to the zoo brought back such memories. There must to be very few people from Southern Wisconsin that do not remember going to see the Gorilla named Sampson at the Milwaukee Public Zoo!

"The Ape That Made Milwaukee Famous"
Beyond the memories this story churned up, it is marvelously written. Funny, surprising, and full of charm yet tragic in places. Sally's innocence will have you laughing one minute and wiping a tear from your eye the next. All the characters were wonderfully created.

The story reminds us of simpler times, when kids played outside until the streetlights came on and the neighbors watched out and took care of your skinned knees or brought out a plate of cookies to share. I understand completely why it was a national bestseller. This book is definitely a must read, plus a sequel to the bookGood Graces that came out in September and I can't wait to get my hands on it. I am anxious to read everything by this author.

The Book is set in 1959. You have The O'Malley sister..Troo & Sally. Their sister Nell, their mom, and their bastard of a step father, Hall. Troo and Sally's mom has to enter the hospital to get a simple gall bladder operation and winds up spending most of the summer in the hospital due to all kinds of complications. Nell their older sister is supposed to be keeping an eye on the girls, but she is too preoccupied by her boyfriend to pay much attention to the girls. Hall, if he comes at all, is usually drunk and passed out. Otherwise he is normally shaked up with another woman across town. So pretty much Sally (10)& Troo (9) are on their own during a time when their seems to be a killer on the loose who likes to murder little girls. Sally is pretty much expecting that she or her sister will be next.

It's quite a predictable book (I had the killer figured out by the first 100 pages) , but all in all it's a rather cute story and a good read. The only complaint I had is that the story was being told through Sally, which is not the problem, but it did not seem to be told in a 10 year olds voice. She sounded a little bit older and so did her sister Troo. That is pretty much my only complaint.

WHISTLING IN THE DARK

We meet the O'Malley sisters, Sally and Troo, left to fend and take care of themselves in the summer of 1959. Their mom is in the hospital, their step-father is a drunk loser, and their older sister is too busy being with her boyfriend instead of taking care of her little sisters.

The cast of characters in this novel are great. The girls live in Milwaukee on Vliet Street, a very ethnic neighborhood, where everyone knows everyone and everything about everybody! We meet awesome and not so awesome neighbors such as Greasy Al, Uncle Paulie, Mr. Gary, Mary Lane, Fast Susie. Life from Sally, the narrator's point of view, is so funny and innocent. For instance, she thinks her one neighbor sells silverware because he works for Frankie the Knife.

Life is tough for these two little girls, but they are troopers. They are alone and have the run of the neighborhood. Sally is more innocent and sweet, a huge daydreamer. Troo is younger, but tougher and more street-smart. They are close as sisters can be and would do anything for each other. The situations, conversations, characters, and story-line make this one great book. The author does a wonderful job of blending many story lines. There is a child molester/murderer on the loose and I have to tell you -- I thought I had figured out who done it several times, but was totally wrong and totally surprised when that person is revealed.

This is Miss Kagen's first novel and hopefully not her last. She can tell quite the story and that story packs quite the punch. I was hooked on the first page and hated to see this book come to an end.

I HIGHLY recommend this book to everyone. You will not be sorry you read it. ENJOY!!!!

Thank you!

Pam

It's 1959, and in ten short years Sally O'Malley has had a very busy life, both real and imagined. Two years ago her daddy died in a car accident and left Sally, her mother, her little sister, Troo, and her older half-sister, Nell. Shortly after her daddy died, Sally and family moved into the city of Milwaukee from their farm. It wasn't long before her mother met Hall and he became her third husband. Now her mother is sick and has to go to the hospital, and nobody knows how long she'll be gone. Nell is too busy with her boyfriend to pay much attention to her younger sisters. Hall is taking his solace in alcohol and other women. Which leaves Sally to take care of Troo. Since she promised Daddy she would look after her, that's exactly what she intends to do.

It's pretty hard to watch, take care of, and try to raise a little girl when you're still one yourself. Especially when you're on the loose for a whole summer and you don't know where your next bath, much less next meal, is going to come from. Add in the rumors of a serial killer who's after children... Between their real problems and Sally's overactive imagination, this summer will be anything but dull. Making it through the summer is only the beginning.

This a book with so many different levels. It's the story of a girl who is forced to take the first step away from childhood. It's the story of a damaged family. It's the story of women who don't know their own strength. It's a story of the underlying terror of a murderer, and at the same time a story of freedom. It's a story of a simpler time. Underneath all of that, it is the story of a city.

The characters in this novel are strong and well-written. The plot is interesting, and takes more than a few surprising twists and turns. The story is actually extremely plausible for the time frame, back when people didn't lock their doors and neighborhoods took care of their own.

The part that touched me the most though was the amazing ability with which Ms. Kagen has managed to evoke the feeling of the time and place. I grew up in Milwaukee (I swear I had no idea), granted it was a few decades later, but the feeling was almost exactly the same. I don't know how else to explain it, but reading this book felt like going home.

A multi-layered book that more than delivers on all levels. For me, it was worth it the first time, and will continue to be so again and again.

Reviewed by: Carrie Spellman

I loved this book *so* much - even though there were some flaws I acknowledge, like the fact that some parts about Sally and Troo's mom's history really stretched credulity and the almost too pat bit about Uncle Paulie (if you've read you should know what I mean) still those things were so minor against the HUGE positives. Sally was SOOO engaging and those kids seemed "real" too me - they're all only a decade or so older than me and I recognized their games and interactions - intimately. Sally will stay with me for a long time; I loved her heart, her character and courage; not that she was an adult in kid's clothing like in so many novels about children - her thought patterns and world-view were recognizably "childlike." Well done, Ms. Kagen!

The only thing I found really sad and disturbing (SPOILER) was Nell ending up with Eddie who gave clear signs of being abusive. Still, that kind of thing happened back then and still continues to happen. I just wish there had bit a little more acknowledgement that Nell was in for some rough times ahead.

some of the storyline and characters were a bit unrealistic to me. For one, I don't quite understand why author Kagen chose to make Sally and Troo just ten and nine years old. They act and speak much older than their years. She could have made them at least eleven and twelve--even twelve and thirteen--to make them appear more believable, especially since the setting is 1959 Midwestern America, a time and place in which there was much more naivete and innocence in children.

The mystery of the identity of the murderer is captivating, however, and kept my attention. The reader begins to believe Sally's suspicions, but is then thrown off course by other clues.

Character development is quite good regarding the main characters, but I found that some of the secondary characters are pure stereotypes. Still, Whistling in the Dark is an entertaining novel that moves quickly (not sure why some readers thought otherwise), with short chapters and not many extraneous details. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy mysteries, nostalgia, and coming-of-age stories.

Ten-year-old Sally O'Malley and her nine-year-old sister Troo are living a summer they'll never forget -- their mother's in the hospital, leaving them with their abusive stepfather, and an older sister more concerned with her boyfriend than taking care of the family.

Then, of course, there's the pedophile running around, already having murdered and raped two little girls.

Sally, long accused of having an overactive imagination, is convinced she'll be the next victim. She's also positive she knows who the killer is -- Officer Rasmussen, a longtime family friend and neighbor, whom everyone else thinks is the ideal person.

Knowing no one will believe her "evidence," Sally decides, with a child's determination, to take matters into her own hands -- a choice that could prove deadly.

Kagan combines a child's innocence and the very different life of 1959 with a darkness that exists just beyond every doorstep, and has existed since the beginning of time. Despite the potential for a very dark story, she also manages to include a great deal of humor, as well as details of life during the era, providing for a colorful story that is bound to grip readers til the very end.

Love, love, LOVE this book! Protagonist Sally O'Malley is one of the most memorable characters I have come across in a long time. Troo is special, too. Lesley Kagen has written a wonderfully entertaining story wrapped up in a chilling mystery. This book truly has it all: it's outrageously funny (frequently causing me to laugh out loud), startlingly poignant (I shed a few tears, too), and terrifyingly scary all at once. I have never read a book as well-rounded as this when it comes to having every element you could want in a book! This is definitely in my top five most favorite books I've ever read.

This book made me nostalgic for a time period I wasn't lucky enough to experience myself, the good ole 1950's. The conversational style in which it is written (in Sally's voice) made me feel like I was sitting and having a conversation with Sally herself, all the while knowing more about what was really going on than she did.

Read it read it READ it! If you read nothing else this year, make it this one. I have told everyone I "talk books" to about this novel--my mom has read it, my boss has read it, several of my coworkers have read it, and every one of them has raved as much as I did.

maybe it is just me, but i don't always get into stories told from a child's point of view. it didn't make sally o'malley any less charming a character, but i felt it was a little slow paced for me. it did make me think about what life was like in the '50's, when anything a kid said was automatically written off as an overactive imagination. how many kids were ignored who volunteered honest information about untrustworthy adults and their unsavory deeds? like sally, i became frustrated when no one would believe her theories on the murderer loose in their neighborhood. of course, she was a ten year old kid, so i probably wouldn't have believed her either. but it was something to think about. i had figured out most of the plot ahead of time (except for the identity of the killer, but i wasn't terribly surprised who it turned out to be). all in all - not a bad story, for what it is, it is written well and has some endearing characters.

I wanted to like this book, I really did. I can see how it would work for some readers who find the child narrator Sally O'Malley charming. But I just failed to connect with her voice or the 1950's setting written with a 2000's mentality in the back of the mind--for example, ethnic slurs are thrown around casually, and a gay man is scorned, as are pregnant teens, but in the end there is a "God loves everybody" kind of feeling, coming at least from Sally. I agree with this overall idea but not did not buy the way it was presented. And, to me the murder mystery was disturbing without being particularly intriguing.

If this book interests you I would recommend: To Kill a Mockingbird (of course), Dovey Coe with a young Appalachian heroine, The Vanishing of Katharina Linden a creepy new mystery/fairy tale written from precocious German girl's point of view, or In the Woods, Tana French's atmospheric mystery that conjurs up a real sense of terror and suspense when children go missing.

I have spent every free moment for the last two weeks reading two books,
Whistling in the Dark and the sequel, Good Graces, by Lesley Kagen.

The time: late 1950's

The place: Milwaukee, WS

The main characters and the voice: two preteen, precocious sisters, Sally and Troo O'Malley

The plot: an historical thriller. The girls are out to investigate and solve a mystery about a hometown crime. A playmate has been molested and murdered during summer vacation. Sally and Troo set out to discover who the murderer is.

In the sequel, there are more shenannigans in town, and the girls who fall vicitim, are on a quest to discover the shocking truths. Even more shocking is what the girls do.

Lesley Kagen is my author-hero. I want to be able to write with her passion, her eloquence, her wit and humor. I want to be able to develop characters so real that they leap off the page, stay with you long after you close the sequel, make you guffaw days later remembering what they did. I want to layer plots as effortlessly as Lesley Kagen does.

These novels address real life emotional issues that folks didn't talk about in the good old days. Issues that were as prevalent then as they are now. In doing so, Lesley Kagen empowers two young girls in a time when females didn't have a voice, when children were to be seen and not heard.

I have been completely captivated by the colloquialisms, the product mentions, brand names, the blast from the past references, the nuances, the laugh out loud humor; and you will be too. From the first page of Whistling in the Dark to the last page of her sequel, Good Graces, Lesley Kagen is in the driver's seat and the reader is along for the best ride of his or her life. In my opinion, these books should be on the big screen.

This book brought a host of memories rushing back for me, and most of them were sweet and precious. This is a very vivid and powerful novel that reads like a memoir. I had to keep reminding myself that it was fiction, though the author did base many characters on people in her life (including her 10 year old self) as a child in 1959. Not only is this a wonderful book about two girls growing up in a less than secure and healthy time, but it is also a mystery that kept me guessing. I felt I knew the characters in this book as my own friends, and I was very disappointed to let them go at the end of the book. I was deeply touched by this book, and even though it has been nearly three days since I finished the book, I am loathe to start another because Sally and Troo are still living in my head and in my heart.

Author Lesley Kagen wrote this book at age 57, and though it is her first, I dearly hope it isn't her last book. I loved this book so much that I had to contact her, and her reply was so kind and personal. She is my new favorite author!

I really enjoyed this book The author has a quick wit and included many of the relevant things from the time period. Anyone growing up in the 50's or early 60's will get a kick out of the authors style. Very good read!

I loved this story about 2 girls growing up in a mixed race Milwaukee neighborhood in 1959. How the author showed how we all deal with loss in different ways was very emotional. She also mixed this sadness with the humor of a ten year old, since the book was narrated by the 10 year old protagonist, Sally O'Malley. Kagen did a great job showing the innocence of the time and also the hidden (or not so hidden) bad things like racism, sexism, and crimes against children that were prevalent but swept under the rug during the times. This book was funny, sad, and just plain charming and I would recommend it to anyone. It is truly a great read! 5 stars!

Sally O'Malley is a darling and often times hysterically funny narrator. This novel was excellent and it did what I always want a book to do: Tell me a really good story. When I finished it, I was thrilled to find out there is a sequel! I suggested this book to my book club and for the first time EVER, there was not one person that didn't love this story.

"Whistling in the Dark" is an endearing tale about the "O'Malley sisters," Sally and Troo, 10 and 9 years of age, and their summer chalked full of turmoil and suspense. Their mother becomes gravely ill leaving them to be tended by a drunken stepfather, a disinterested older sister, and a neighborhood full of delicous, eccentric characters. Set in 1959, the book remembers days of lazy summers filled with "red rover," "green light, red light," and playground antics. Though seemingly the era of innocence, darkness hides in the shadows, and Sally and Troo stumble upon it in it's most dangerous form. Thankfully, the O'Malley's have enough family and neighbors in their arsenal to allow this book to be enlightening, humorous, and charming, as well as intense.

Ms. Kagan has the ability to make the reader experience belly laughter, jitters, tingling fear, and sentimental sadness. Descriptions and dialogue are colloquial, while the plotline turns the pages for you. Gift yourself to this summer treat.....you won't regret it.

It was the summer of 1959. Sally and Troo's mom was in the hospital, their step dad was busy hitting the bottle and their sister Nell had other things on her mind like her boyfriend.

There were two murdered girls and Sally thought that she would be next. So that summer Sally and Troo were on a mission to track down the murder before something happened to Sally.

David Rasmussen, the next door neighbor, who is a cop, happens to have a picture of one of the murdered girls. What is his secret and why does he have an interest in Sally.

Despite the grittiness of a child predator killing little girls, Lesley Kagen still could keep the innocence of Sally and Troo throughout this book.

For anyone who enjoyed reading Water for Elephants than you need to check this book out. Whistling in the Dark is a fun, adventureous, light-hearted story. It mainly focuses on Troo and Sally, two sisters who get into trouble and seek to solve a mystery of a serial killer in their own neighborhood. I would have to say my favorite character was Troo. She may have been the youngest one but she didn't act like it. Troo acted more like a 40 year old french woman trapped in a seven year old's body. This book will bring back memories for anyone who enjoyed they childhood times and friends of the good old days. Check Whistling in the Dark out and you won't be sorry you did.

I read this book in a day. Each time I put it down, I wanted to get back to it right away. Books told from the perspective of young children are generally tragic and filled with gut-wrenching details. While this book certainly contains both of those elements, it also has laugh-out-loud moments that you can only get from Sally's innocence and naivete. The book is filled with many characters, but is not difficult to follow. At its heart it is a mystery, and I found myself sure of the killer's identity midway through the book, only to be proven wrong with each page I turned. I was envisioning the ending to be the same as Me & Emma by Elizabeth Flock (which was a complete jaw dropper), but the author ties up all the loose endings prettily, leaving the reader relieved that everything turned out the way it was supposed to for Sally and her sister Troo.

Told from the perspective of a young girl, Sally O' Malley, this is the kind of summer read that can change your life - or make you remember a world you used to know, if you grew up during the 50s.
From start to finish, I was completely enthralled. Sally is a totally believable child and she has a combination of innocence, kindness and common sense that is unique. She also has great intuition, which eventually lets her sense when true danger is around (although she takes a few wrong turns along the way).

I don't know how to best categorize this book - is it the tale of two sisters who learn to turn to each other when crisis strikes? Is it a suspenseful murder mystery? There is certainly great danger, in the form of a child murderer, true evil in a world full of 50s nostalgia, standing out even more against the contrast of simpler times, long summers and kind neighbors.

To add to the drama, Sally and her sister, Troo, are nearly on their own for the summer, while their mother recuperates from a long illness. Yes, sister Nell is supposedly in charge, but she is far more preoccupied with her boyfriend and other distractions to do a proper job. SO Troo and Sally have to depend on each other. They have intensely different personalities but an equally strong bond.

Don't ignore the Conversation Guide by author Leslie Kagen, at the back of the book. It offers insight into how she actually wrote this novel, not something she had a great deal of confidence in actually completing. She came up with a superb, heartwarming work, full of heart, suspense and a master's touch at evoking time and place.

I found this book to be such a joy because I lived in the Milwaukee area where the book is based, first of all. In 1959, I was 13 and I think the main character is 9 (?). So the time frame that the book is set in and the age of the main character and other characters is right in my wheelhouse. Therefore, the book had an appeal to me on , at least, two accounts coming out of the box.

Initially, I struggled a little bit with the narrative initially because of the placement of Milwaukee-centric references seemed a little bit forced and awkward. However, as the story unfolded and the characters developed, that problem soon disappeared.

I thought as I was reading the book, " Boy, the author has hit a homer...no make that...a grand slam with this one. It would really be something if there would be a sequel." Well, there is. It is called " Good Graces. "

My Review:

I check out my copy of Whistling in the Dark from the public library. I read Whistling in the Dark as the monthly selection for my book club, "Wine, Women and Words".

Though I was not yet born in 1959, I grew up in small town, USA and had a similar childhood venturing off in our small town. Nothing ever happens in small town, USA. I am sure that is how the parents felt that summer in Milwaukee. The two main characters, Sally and Troo O'Malley were ages 10 and 9. Troo was a feisty girl with a bit of an attitude. Sally was the over imaginative older sister who's job was to look after Troo. Whistling in the Dark is told by Sally the 10 year old. I didn't really feel the voice used to tell the story was realistic for a 10 year old. I had a hard time getting into this book. I can't pin point the reason exactly.

I didn't always feel connected to the characters nor did I feel they were that developed. I didn't have any real strong feelings for the characters. I enjoying having an emotional connection to the characters in a story. I did feel sorry for Sally and the pressure she put on herself to look after Troo.

Like I said, the beginning of the book was a little slow for me, but the book does pick up towards the end of the book. The one thing that really bothered me about the book, was the whole mystery. Sally has all these different ideas about who the killer could be, but in the end it felt to me like the author pulled the identity of the murderer out of no where. The character was so minor in the overall book. I like to be able to think back in the story and go, "AAAAH, I should have guess he was the killer" based on the various clues weaved within the story. That was missing for me in this book. Whistling in the Dark received mixed reviews from my book group. A few of us finished it and thought over all it was an Ok read.

My Rating: 3/5 - I finished the book and thought it was ok.

I read this book in two days. It wasn't suspenseful in a thriller novel kind of way, but it had the most engaging narrator in little Sally O'Malley, that you couldn't help but pick it up again for "just a few more chapters." Even though this book is somewhat bittersweet as it touches on very serious and horrific events such as child molestation, Sally's honest and heartwarming observations of the people and events around her at times make you think, and at times, make you chuckle in the "kids say the darndest things" type of way. Kagen created a character that makes you want to stick around to see how she grows up, and how her outlook on life changes as she does so. Great book, I definitely recommend it.

A heartwarming story, March 29, 2009
By Jean Turicik (Plymouth, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Delightful!! So glad I discovered it at the book store!

The book is a novel about 3 sisters who grew up in a Milwaukee neighborhood in the 50's--their Mother becomes gravely ill and is in the hospital, and their step father pretty much abandons them. But they live on a street where everyone knows each other, families are large, and the neighbors are really all extended families. The two younger girls could pretty much invite themselves to dinner at a different neighbors each night but really preferred the cooking of the Italian family whose live-in Grandmother cooked the most wonderful food and even their yard smelled of garlic.

It was truly a great story, and thought those of you who enjoy reading and grew up in Wisconsin during that era might really get a kick out of this. And for those who didn't, you'll enjoy it as well! If you remember "Sampson" at the Milwaukee County Zoo, well he turns out to be a real Hero at the end..

Sit back and enjoy, you won't want to put this one down.

I really enjoyed this book. It is about a family but the main characters are two sisters, Sally and Troo. Before their dad dies, Sally's father asks her to take care of her younger sister Troo. Troo is a "wild child" and doesn't exactly like to be told what to do, but that doesn't stop the loyalty that Sally feels for her promise to her father.
The book is humerous, serious, sad, as well as includes a murderer who is stalking children in town. Sally is sure that she knows who that person is.
This book is delightful with the charms of children; the two girls as well as their friends and enemies!!!! It is filled with many plot twists as well as a happy ending. I enjoyed this book very much.
I sure hope you will also!!!!
Take care, TJ

This amazing, wonderful, endearing story will tug at your heart and the plot will keep your mind reeling until the last page. The plot is grave, but the author manages to weave enough wit, warmth, and great spirit into this story to make it an uplifting and emotional read.

Set in 1959, in Milwaukee, the story follows two tough little girls, the O'Malley girls, through an unpromising summer. Their mother is in the hospital fighting for her life. Their step-father has abandoned them for booze and another woman and their older sister is too wrapped up in her boyfriend and her teenage life to take care of them properly. The neighborhood is no longer safe, not after two young girls were found murdered after being sexually molested. Sally is convinced she's going to be his third victim.

There is so much more than this. I was enthralled all the way through with this delightful, moving, poignant book! Don't miss it!

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. It's captivating with it's realism and honesty.

It's about two little girls having to take care of themselves, while a child molester/murderer is causing havoc in their neighborhood. As Sally, the narrator, thinks she knows who the molester is, especially after he chases her down, but her sister doesn't believe her. Because her imagination has always been vivid, she mostly keeps her fears to herself. Sally fights to survive while watching over her very head strong little sister that keeps asking for trouble and not knowing which adults to trust.

I am looking forward to reading Lesley Kagen's next book, Land of a hundred wonders.

I love it when a writer totally keeps a secret until the end with clues to the revelation of that secret just right there. What I mean is that the reader does not even know there is a secret. Using a child narrator as the main character is such a clever way to unfold the story without revealing that there is a true truth. This is one of those books requiring a second read to catch all the things you unknowingly missed the first time.

There is a serial killer in the Vliet Street neighborhood, a neighborhood of many ethnic families, its own little melting pot of Americana. The O'Malley sisters, Sally and Troo, 10 and 9, have their own melt-down to deal with. Their mother goes into the hospital for a long stay and is perhaps dying. In 1959 little girls were not allowed to make hospital visits. While she is gone, her third husband, a drunk, finally runs off, leaving the O'Mally sisters in the neglectful care of their older sister, who focuses on her boyfriend. The two younger sisters insinuate their way into the ethnic meals of their favorite families so they don't starve.

Sally O'Malley, a blonde with green eyes, thinks Officer Rasmussen is the serial killer--she has proof. Troo, the year younger sister, believes someone else is the killer. The picture on the cover of the book does not accurately show the personalities of the two. Normally, red-haired Troo leads the way while blonde Sally follows to protect her year-younger sister. This is something she promised her father before his death following a vehicular accident. Sally adored her father and misses not only him, but now her mother.

I found myself reading into the night, wanting to know what would happen next, what insights Sally would have. There is a treasure trove of wonderful and memorable characters, as well as horrible ones in this treasure chest of a book. One of the great ones is Ethel, the African-American from Mississippi who is the wisest, most caring person the two sisters know and love. She is the caretaker for an elderly, homebound woman, who lives next door to Officer Rasmussen. Ethel is their pillar during this time without their mother.

One of the horrible ones is Reese Latour, a bully who is cruel to everyone, especially his brother, who has a septum deviation, and sister, who is a Down Syndrome child full of life and love. Sally arranges something very special for this girl at the end of the book.

In fact, this is a book the reader will want to experience again, if not for the revelation of the secret, but for the kindness of kin and neighbors. Even their neglecting Nell becomes part of the big picture of family. Add Sally O'Malley to that pantheon of wise little girl narrators. She is something special.

Like others who have commented, I was attracted to this book because of all the favorable comments. I'm not sure what I was expecting but I had a few different emotions when I finally put the book down, including confusion and disappointment. I didn't have to force myself to finish it because it read a lot easier than the last book I read (The Road) but I did have trouble staying excited about the characters.

As some have mentioned, the heroines of the book, particularly Troo, aren't that likable. My favorite character was Ethel and she wasn't nearly as developed as she should have been. Give me a book about her! The others were merely background and not that interesting. I didn't really care about what happened to them.

I kind of guessed who the murderer/molester was early on because there was some awkward focus on him. He seemingly appeared from thin air, much like Dottie disappeared. And what was with the gorilla-as-father-figure? That was just odd to me.

I can't speak to the time period. I wasn't around then. It was obvious, though, that this was the author's first foray into novel writing. Too many characters and situations introduced and unresolved. Why did it seem like no one was really concerned about a child murderer? Why did all the bad guys just conveniently go away? I remember being 8 and 9 and not being interested in boys or smoking or bad language. All that came around age 12 or 13. I had a hard time believing they were that young. I didn't really have a problem with the POV or the writing style, though it did come across as amateur at times. Kagan painted a nice picture, though. And it was interesting to find out that she loosely based this story on her own childhood. I also liked the idea of the bond between the girls, although Troo really didn't deserve to have such a nice, pushover of a sister.

So I didn't dislike the book and I would probably recommend it to anyone who was looking for a novel about young sisters in the 50s trying to solve the mystery of a murderer/molester while dealing with their own dysfunctional family drama. Oh and anyone wanting to read about gorillas. But that's about it.

In 1959 in Milwaukee ten years old Sally O'Malley believes that a child killer is coming for her and her younger sister Troo. She believes she has no one to keep her or Troo safe as their dad is dead, their mom is in the hospital, their stepfather is an alcoholic, and their older sister Nell is too involved with her boyfriend. Sally also feels that their neighbor police officer David Rasmussen killed Junie Piaskowski and Sara Heinemann because he has a picture of the former on his wall.

As she had vowed to her daddy on his deathbed, she will protect Troo at all costs. If that means dying the frightened courageous Sally knows a promise is a promise. She and Troo begin their own brand of preadolescent investigation with the objective to prevent David from killing them. Sally will learn the truth, but it is a bigger shocker than if the cop was a homicidal pedophile.

This investigative historical thriller is more a cautionary coming of age tale than an amateur sleuth pedophile serial killer chiller as the mystery is at best loose and used more to enable readers to better understand what Sally and Troo are thinking. Sally makes the story line work as an every child in any time period vulnerable to predators. She needs to keep her deathbed vow to her daddy even if it means her death. Readers will obtain a feel for Milwaukee when the baseball Braves still played there, but it is the cleverly developed warning that children think differently that makes Lesley Kagen's tale a fine read.

Harriet Klausner

A large generosity of spirit and a genuine respect for the anguish of a tormented child animate Lesley Kagen's moving debut novel, "Whistling in the Dark." Set in a working-class neighborhood of Milwaukee during the summer of 1959, "Whistling" focuses on Sally O'Malley's confrontation with loss, guilt and fear. Suffering from the death of her father, suffused with a sense of shame for some unnamed wrongdoing and frightened over the sudden hospitalization of her mother, Sally navigates the currents of childhood without the stabilizing comforts of a coherent family. Instead, she endures a coarse, cruel step-father whose drunken forays leave Sally and her indomitable younger sister Troo virtually homeless.

Kagen has created a believable late 50s sensibility, and her O'Malley protagonists bounce between comforting households and quirky characters in their unceasing efforts to bring some sense of stability to their lives. Their older sister is indifferent to their plight, consumed as she is with her burgeoning bust and raging hormonal attraction to a boyfriend who best resembles Eddie Haskel of "Leave It to Beaver" fame. Sally and Troo skillfully endure their loneliness; the latter with a combative assertiveness and the former with an introspective concern. Heightening Sally's sensitivity is her awareness that the neighborhood is no longer a safe haven, not after two of its young girls were discovered murdered after being sexually molested.

"Whistling" succeeds on several levels. The novel manages to combine a compelling narrative with a bittersweet nostalgia. Those of us who grew up in the 1950s will attest to the accuracy of Kagen's descriptive detail; her depiction of the coherence of a single street in a well-defined community is a singular strength of the book. The author also permits a chalky residue of foreboding to permeate the misadventures of the protagonists with their friends. Homosexuality, teen-age sexual experimentation, spousal abuse and parental cruelty appear; if muted, these social ills are never ignored. In fact, Kagen's understatement of what would now be considered glaring social problems enlarges their impact. The novel does engage in some stereotypical depictions, the most glaring of which is Kagen's characterization of an otherwise strong African-American woman.

Increasingly, modern American women authors are exploring the impact of family and community on the emotional development of young girls. How girls become women -- through their interpretation of community, friendships and trauma -- is of importance to both male and female readers. "Whistling in the Dark" teaches us that even young girls can summon the courage to face the torturous burdens of loss and guilt, and emerge as confident, compassionate young women.

From the first page of Whistling in the Dark, I was transported back to my own days as a 10-year-old girl growing up in Milwaukee. But it didn't have to be Milwaukee; it could have been just about anywhere in the U.S. in the late 1950's. The story grabbed my attention immediately by the violent death of Sara, but, more importantly, it grabbed my heart in the subsequent pages by the masterful way in which the author brought these familiar characters to life. Sally O'Malley was such a genuine character with a depth of spirit that made her so likeable and the story so compelling. Seeing the world from the eyes of a 10-year-old was not just a clever writing technique. It forced me to remember the confusion I felt sometimes when I was growing up, as well as the joys, the fears, the innocence, and the triumphs of childhood. I did not grow up on Vliet Street, but not too far away. Back then, neighbors played a huge role in a child's development and Lesley Kagen painted a vivid picture of "the neighborhood" and the myriad of interesting personalities it contained. The imagery she wove throughout the book ("I...gave him my best smile, the one where my dimples got so big you could hide a piece of Double Bubble in `em.") was perfect and many times it brought a smile to my face or an actual "laugh out loud" moment. The plot was convincing in its ability to keep me engaged and the various subplots served to deepen my understanding of the world of Sally and Troo, two amazing little girls who embody the notion of resilience. I am thrilled that we have a new author on the scene and I anxiously await Ms. Kagen's next work. Her creativity, wit, honesty, and compassion bring a much-needed lift to the literary world.

I absolutely adored this book by Lesley Kagen. Sally, the main character (a girl of 9 or 10) was such a kick. The story is very melancholy and quite sad in parts, but in other parts, it was joyful. It's not only beautifully written, from the perspective of a spunky child, but is also a simply wonderful story. I was delighted from the story beginning to end. I am looking forward to reading the sequel.

Whistling in the Dark
By Lesley Kagen
297 pages, $13.95
Penguin Group, 2007
ISBN: 978-0-451-22123-0

Sally O'Malley has had a hard life. Her mother gets put into the hospital and before that the man she thought was her father dies. While all this is going on there is a murderer and molester out on the loose. Sally feels that she is the next on his list. She had a lot to worry about like making sure that her sister Troo is okay, and she has to make sure she keeps her promises she made her father.

Before Sally's father died he told her to promise to take care of Troo, and he told her to tell her mother that he forgave her. If you know Sally well enough you know that when she promises someone something she keeps it.

Sally is known for having an over active imagination, so she is afraid to tell people that she thinks she knows who the murderer and molester is. Sally has so many people on her list though.

This is a great mystery and suspense novel. The author uses the perfect amount of detail at the right time. I felt that the author was trying to tell me to follow my very first instinct. I highly recommend this book for anyone 12 and older.

When I started to read this book I could not put it down. I read it for English and I had a hard time finishing my other homework because I could not put down this book. I really hope that all of you reading this read Whistling in the Dark because it is a great book. I am not a big reader and when I read this it made me like reading a whole lot more.

From start to finish I did not want to put it down, even stayed up late at night to finish it quickly. If you liked the book Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt this is written in a similar style and also deals with young Irish children. I absolutely adored all of the characters. 5 enthusiastic stars!!

This was my first Lesley Kagen book, and I LOVED it! The voice of Sally rang so true, and I loved the slice-of-life from that time period, which is when I was about that age. I am excited to now read the sequel, Good Graces, and find out more about the adventures of Sally and Troo : )

Whistling In the Dark was such a great book that I felt lost after finishing it. I won't go into detail about the book, you will get that from reading it. What I want to explain is how I felt when reading this book. I could smell the neighborhood, whether it was the food cooking, the soap being used and even the smell of Summer. I was taken right into the neighborhood, I felt like I was right there and knew all the same characters. When I finished the book I missed the people feeling like I had moved away and would never see them again. There were sad situations and yet there is some really fine people. I consider this a must read, I loved it.

The author did a good job writing from the perspective of the girls (having been one helps,right?!). I liked the shifting of suspicion during the story. I also enjoyed the depiction of a small community in that time period, kids running loose and playing in the street on summer evenings--something you don't see much now, sadly. There were some rambling parts that I skimmed over, especially near the end. It's a short, easy to read book. It seemed like summer seemed to me in 1959--kinda long, kinda slow.

A book about growing up and sister love. Troo, spunky younger sister who leads, with older Sally who promised to watch over her sister. Days of a summer where the girls are left to their own devices to fend for themselves.

A sweet, sad drama of poverty, neighborly care and in the end love. Sweet and disturbing at the same time. A well written, sometimes disturbing look at weak parenting and the horrors of poverty. I enjoyed how it was written, I also liked the title. It made me smile.

A touching but, at times, very funny story of two young sisters who were left to fend for themselves for an extended period of time. Their no-good stepfather was in jail and their mother seriously ill in the hospital. A child snatcher/murderer is on the loose and is after the older sister, who is 10 years old. She and her 9 year old sister, whose vocabulary is surprisingly colorful, love and protect each other with the help of some good friends.

This book just dragged for me. I had no interest in the characters even though they had interesting personalities. The author didn't do a good job characterizing them and it left me not caring really what would happen to them. The mother's or the stepfather's character is never developed and they would have gave the story some interest. I kept reading because I knew Sally was wrong about who the molestor was and wanted to see if it was who I suspected. It turned out to be another character altogether who didn't come to life in the book either. It was more of a HuH? moment than an Aha! moment. The book gets an interesting subplot about 2/3 through the book and I wish that would've came sooner. It could have been more fully developed. The book also didn't need the last chapter. So this was a good story idea which the author never made come to fruition leaving me thankful I finally finished reading. It's never taken me this long to get through a book and this is one of the very few books I won't be keeping.

I picked this book up yesterday around 4 o'clock and by 10pm I had finished it- take that as a testament to how immersive this book is.
Whistling in the Dark is the first work by Lesley Kagen; a general fiction book that looks at the resilience and courage of children. Elven year old Sally is the voice of the novel; her sister Troo (ten months younger) is her constant companion. The girls have lost their Daddy recently and now their Mom is going to the hospital to take her gallbladder out but they fear she may not return. Troo and Sally are left under their Step father Hall & oldest Sister Nelly's care but Hall would rather drink and Nelly is in love and preoccupied. The girls are left mostly to their own devices- horrifying to us now but the novel is set in 1959- a time when neighhborhoods were communities and everyone had an eye out for one another. The problem is that in the neighborhood there is a predator who murders & molests little girls.... Sally thinks that she knows who he is ... and that she is next.
This is the premise of the novel and frankly it's not a new idea and could have gone horribly wrong but it doesn't. The author does a beautiful job of making her characters come to life from the most minor (story-wise) folks in the neighborhood all the way done to the girls. The voice of Sally is very realistic and impressive. While there are dark themes and horrible things occurring they do not overpower the story at all. The girls transcend this in that beautiful resiliant way children do and this is so well portrayed that is more a book of hope & light than anything else.
I loved, loved, loved this book so very much...the characters in the book were so real and dear to me that I wish I could go live with them and I also wish I had read slower so I could have spent more time with them. I reccomend this novel to absolutely everyone!

Whistling in the Dark is such a very well written and thought out story. I couldn't put it down. I really felt like I stepped back into the 50's and into the complicated life of little 10 year old Sally O'Malley.

I was truly astounded by the complex levels of this first novel by media personality, Lesley Kagen. Superficially about a shocking and bittersweet summer in the lives of pre-teen sisters, Sally and Troo O'Malley, it skillfully touches on the effect that loss can have on families and communities. Kagen subtly weaves in the unrecognized double standard and danger that existed for children in a 1959 Milwaukee neighborhood. I love the brilliant recognition and use of childlike concrete thinking in all of the narratives. The midwestern charm absolutely shines through this wonderful fictional work.

It took me forever to get through this book as it droned on and on and on without actually going anywhere. I was excited as I live in Milwaukee and remember many of the things that were described. However, I found the writing tiresome and the ending very anti-climactic.

I really enjoyed this book. I didn't feel like it was particularly deep or meaningful but I don't think it was meant to be. I felt the story was masterful woven and a really great blend of mystery, suspense and literary fiction. In a world with millions of choicec, I'm glad I picked up this one and gave it a chance.

This is an absolutely great read. So many elements involved that keep the reader guessing. Sally and spunky Troo make for a wonderful pair of dysfunctionally raised sisters that somehow manage to survive despite all that is thrown their way. The dialogue will make you feel as if you were a kid again. Very refreshing.
Having grown up in Milwaukee in the same time frame, I found it so much fun to remember some of the things that no longer exist here. Sampson will always be a special memory to me.
THE only thing I have to complain about is.......she spelled the name of the department store wrong. It was Schuster's not Shuster. Can't believe that someone didn't catch that before it went to print. This comes from someone who grew up with the name Schuster and had to endure endless jokes and no, my father didn't own the store.
You will enjoy this book.

This book is just great! But I'm only saying that because the song "Whistling in the Dark" by They Might Be Giants is one of the better songs I've ever heard and I recommend everybody reading this to jump out of/ in to your chairs and listen to it right away.
So all in all, Great book, yadda yadda, the best part of it was the reference section. Catch my drift?

I found this book to cover an earlier time when life seemed simpler and kinder but this was an illusion. The characters were well thought out and the story was a page turner. Can't wait to read the next book!

This is one of the most delightful stories I've read in a long time. Humorous, nostalgic -- and an excellent mystery. Well written -- and well narrated by the author. (I "read" the audio book.) I'm left with a smile on my face and a song in my heart, if you'll forgive the cliches. Thank you, Lesley!

I thoroughly enjoyed this charming book. It was suspenseful, humorous, heartwarming and captivating from beginning to end. I adored The O'Malley Sisters, especially Sally. My only regret is that I didn't read it sooner, as it's been on my wish list for a long time. But I can't wait to read Good Graces! Highly recommend!

This was written from the point of view of a young girl. The character development was excellent and the depiction of the time period ('50s) was right on. It was a little predictable, but it did enjoy it. Good read!

I'm a long way away from the age of 10, but while reading "Whistling in the Dark" I smelled the corn roasting and heard the sounds at the neighborhood ballpark that should have been erased 40 years ago. This story bounces between lightness and dark, almost as much as life does. Even the ugly stuff has some humor - the balance is tricky, but Lesley masters it. I love Sally and Troo. They are loving sisters, loyal and honest in their jealousy and envy, but always loving. Just finished the book this morning and I miss the girls already. I highly recommend this book - PERFECT for a Summer read.

I had a hard time putting this book down. I grew to love the characters, and the story moved right along. While it may not be perfect (i.e. some characters seem almost stock or caricatured), as a few reviewers have pointed out, it IS a work of fiction after all. Very absorbing and entertaining fiction, based on the author's own early life. Unless you are a snooty literary critic, you will not go wrong with Whistling in the Dark!

From the very first page, this book grabbed me by the heart and just didn't let go. Kagen masterfully captures a bygone era with just the right touch of nostalgic that in the hands of a less talented author could have gone sentimental. Her characters are rich and charming, especially young Sally! Great characters, crystal clear prose and a twisting, turning plot to boot--this book has everything going for it. Really a stunning debut--I was most impressed and look forward to Kagen's future novels!

This is one of those books that you pick up and cannot put down. It has been several years since I read a book in one day--but, I just HAD to keep reading to find out what happened next!

I loved the characters, the way it was written and also the way that this writer tidied up all the loose ends. She left me feeling very satisfied when the book ended.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's an entertaining read, with wonderful characters, humor, and enough suspense to make you not want to put it down till the end. I wish this book had been given more publicity. I found it on a table at the bookstore and decided to try it, because the plot sounded intriguing. I'd seen no reviews at all. I rarely take a chance on an unknown book and I'm so glad I bought this one. So I'm spreading the good word to those who buy books based on the store customer reviews (which I usually do). You'll like this one!

This book reminded of Sandra Kring's book "The Book of Bright Ideas" (which I loved as well). Both books are written from the point-of-view of a child. I loved the way the author portrayed the girls' worldliness intertwined with their naivete. The author also did a great job of portraying the era,the diversity and community of the neighborhood in which the girls lived and how well they were taken care of by those neighbors. The mystery truly was kept a mystery. My only complaint about the book is that there were a lot of characters to keep track of.

Take a trip back in time to the 50s & enjoy the story of three sisters growing up in a wonderful neighborhood in Milwaukee.
Despite the lurking danger of an unknown murderer on the loose & the absence of responsible parents, the girls find joy & comfort from the good people around them. The author will keep you guessing & mesmerized by the captivating plot.

I loved this book! it was recommended to me by a friend and i wasnt disappointed! i couldnt put it down and finished it in one afternoon. i didnt live in the 50's but i felt like i did from reading this book - and it reminded me of stories my parents have told me about their childhoods. the girls were such likeable characters, the mystery kept me intrigued - it was just an amazing book all around!

This book is truly a great find. The characters are rich in life, and the story line is surprisingly simple. Two sisters with great imagination and inside strength as they have to take care of each other. Their mother is hospitalized and their older sister is too interested in her own affairs. While their uncaring stepfather finds comforts of his own in the local bar. Set in the late 1950s, it shows how as society today we are more lenient on certain topics from sexuality to race and the innocence children possess.

I picked up this book because my friend told me the setting was based on where I grew up as a kid. But, this book is more than just a trip down memory lane. It is poignant, funny, suspenseful and just plain good reading! You will fall in love with these characters so carefully crafted by Lesley Kagan. This would be a super book for at the beach or pool. Don't miss it!

This book pulled me in; it so flawlessly captured the time and place of the story. The characters were deftly drawn - colorful enough to be interesting, but not so far out there that they're overdone. "Suspension of disbelief" doesn't quite describe it. This story seems more real than the childhood I actually lived...

I requested this book for Christmas and I am so glad I did. I could not put it down. I love the way the author writes through the eyes of a child. Never once did I feel the author break away from the world as a young girl would have seen it. The story had it's sad moments, but as soon as I starting feeling sorry for the O'Mally sisters I'd turn the page and experience some of the great humor that really kept this story balanced. At one point I became disappointed that the author had so obviously revealed the villan, but I was wrong. This story was cleverly written and kept me guessing right up to the end. I look forward to reading more of this authors work.

I found this novel absolutely stunning. To tell a story from the point of view of a child - and to maintain that viewpoint in a believable fashion complete with misinterpretations that a child would make blew me away. Add to that a tightly woven story that keeps up the suspense and the pages turning to the very end and well, you have an absolute winner.

Do not miss this one.

This story takes some very serious subject matter, and very respectfully tells the story with the refreshing innocence of a child Lesley Kagan does a phenomenal job capturing the voice of a 10 year old girl in the telling of this story. Her interpretations of the events as they unfolded were at times humorous, at times, wise, and at all times - a child I was able to relate to as I recall my own perspective/confusion over events during my own childhood.

I really enjoyed Whistling in the Dark! The character were very developed and the plot kept you entertained. I loved the dynamic between the two girls, the time it was set, and the ambience created by the author.Not only was the narration and character-relations very interesting, the mystery of the plot kept you reading. This book was unique in the fact that it was a mystery, but narrated by a young girl.
Not only was there mystery surrounding events happening around the town, but also the death of the two girl's father. I have been recommending this book to everyone I know- great read!! I'm currently reading the sequel!!

I loved this book. It was charming, nostalgic, sweet and a little To Kill a Mockingbirdesque. You will not forget Sally O'Mally as her perpectives on life and situations are unforgettable. I can't wait to give this book to all of my friends. It is a keeper.

This is a mystery and a growing-up story, told with great skill and care from the point of view of a young girl. In the summer of 1959, ten-year-old Sally O'Malley steps up to take care of and protect her younger sister (and herself) after the death of her father, her mother's illness, and a couple of unsolved murders in their Milwaukee neighborhood. Despite their hard luck, Sally shines with optimism, and you will too after you read this book. I read it in one sitting - I was so immersed in the story, I couldn't put it down. When I reached the end, I cared about these characters, and wanted to see what happens next in their lives. I hope the author, Lesley Kagen, writes another book about Sally and her sister Troo. (If not, I'll read whatever Lesley writes!) In the meantime, I'll keep giving away copies of "Whistling In The Dark" to family and friends looking for a perfect summer read.

I read this book over a year ago and I still think about it often. Everyone I have recommended the book to comes back to me with positive remarks. I suggested it for my Book Discussion Group and we agreed it was one of our top books of the year. It brought back so many "sayings" we all recognized from our past. It was almost like we were living in the 50's again. And telling this story from a child's perspective was perfect. It is what made the story work so well. I definitely took me back to my childhood days.

The girls in this book were SO endearing...I loved them like they were my own children! They are extremely wise, yet very innocent in lots of ways. I loved the minor characters as well and how they have nicknames...like "Fast Susie" and "Greasy Al". The author is very creative. A great book!

I really loved this book. Loved reading from 10 year old Sally's POV, I think the author really captured how a child thinks. It was a bit predictable and wrapped up all neat & tidy at the end, but it was still a great book.

I didn't read the book here on the Kindle, I checked it out at my library, but it is a reeeaaallllllllyy good book. So many surprises and full of very good humor. I highly reccomend this. Sally and Trooper O'Malley are very good sisters and Sally is really protective of Troo, and I just really love these kind of books...but beware- I couldn't put the book down...and was shocked at the biggest surprise. Just read it. Highly reccommended.

This was a quirky, quick read, and full of heart. I love stories set during the time my parents were growing up. There was some suspense written in that held my attention. Fans of this book may also enjoy Pam Webber's The Wiregrass.

This was a quirky, quick read, and full of heart. I love stories set during the time my parents were growing up. There was some suspense written in that held my attention. Fans of this book may also enjoy Pam Webber's The Wiregrass.

I loved this book enough to read it over three times! I just discovered there is a sequel book about the same sisters. They remind me of my sister and me growing up in the 50's.
I'm getting ready to buy the sequel.

I just finished reading this book & couldn't put it down. I laughed so hard at Sally's interpretation of things like, "Frankie the Knife." Kagen brings you back to how you thought as a child. It made me long for summers long ago when life was simpler. I hated for the book to end, as I enjoyed getting to know all the characters so much. I'll definately be reading more of this author!

I dont read books very often because the time and the title never agree with me. I spend sometimes an hour in the bookstore looking over titles and summaries before i find one that captures my eyes. This book happened to be one of those i came apon on a short trip to target with no intentions to buy a book or even look at them. "whistling in the dark" is a book that kept my attention... even though it was not the most action packed, it kept me guessing and wondering what was going to happen next. With Troo's cunning ideas and Sally's quite active imagination... it made you think anything was possible. Even for a couple of children.

As someone who has read his share of books, both classics such as Les Miserables, Catcher in the Rye, etc... I usually don't like modern books. I find them boring and too time consuming. I am glad to say that after reading this one it is a breath of fresh air. The story is brilliantly paced and you never find yourself bored while reading. Many books and movies it seems make little kids talk and act like their actually 30 year olds instead of acting like kids, full of wonder. In this book the kids act and talk like kids which made this a "trooly" fun read. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery. I look forward to more books by this author.

I read this in one day on vacation and loved it! Some reviewers felt the childish narration detracted from the story, but I felt that it made it more authentic. Good story line, great characters, surprises, and nostalgia for readers who grew up in the 50's, all add up to a really good read.

At first, I was kind of not getting into the book written in the first person (a ten year old girl) but soon into the book, it started flowing. I became very attatched to these 2 girls and the meloncholy feel of summer time when all children have such innocent memories. This book is full of tragedy yet full of sweet and simple pleasures that tug on your heart. I also loved how the author keeps you guessing until the very end about a certain event. It made me long for my childhood summers all over again!!!

Set in 1959, WHISTLING IN THE DARK follows two tough little girls through an ominous summer. Their mother is in the hospital fighting for her life, their step-father has abandoned them for booze and another woman, and their older sister is too wrapped up in her boyfriend to tend to them. So it's the O'Malley girls alone--imaginative Sally, and sassy Troo, the little sister Sally promised her dead father she'd keep safe--running wild on Vliet Street, a neighborhood filled with colorful characters, and, at least one very dark individual who has molested and murdered two little girls. Sally is convinced she's going to be his third victim.

This wonderful book is told in a voice that will tug at your heart, and a plot that will keep your mind engaged until the last page. Yes, the plot is grave, but Kagen manages to weave enough wit and warmth into this story to make it a thoroughly uplifting read. I absolutely adored this book, and have placed Lesley Kagen at the top of my list of favorite contemporary writers.

Sandra Kring

author CARRY ME HOME and THE BOOK OF BRIGHT IDEAS

For numerous reasons I enjoyed this book. I loved the characters and their trials and tribulations. The "good ole days," that's what it is all about. It is a book that moves quickly and smoothly enough to keep you reading and not put it down. Whistling in the Dark brought back many memories of my childhood, long forgotten. Growing up in Milwaukee in that late 60's early 70's - much was still as it was in 1959. Sampson will forever be treasured - it was fun reading about him. The contrast of Vliet Street then and now - times change. Would like to read more like this.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I didn't want to put it down, and I haven't read a book like that in a while! I will try her other books with the hope that they are as good as this one. Very well-written.

I have never written a review of a book before, however, I would like everyone to know what a wonderful book Whistling in the Dark is. I generally do not read a lot because I am not a very fast reader and a book has to really grab me in order for me to finish it. I was totally taken in by the characters in Whistling In The Dark. I had the hardest time putting it down. Lesley Kagen totally set the scene and defined the characters so well, I felt as though I knew them. If I could find books that I enjoyed as much as Whistling In The Dark, I would be reading all the time.

This is one of those rare novels that completely transported me to another time and place, yet to people that felt so real, they could have been family. The main characters Sally and Troo are achingly loveable; the story is moving, beautiful and suspenseful, all at the same time. Lesley Kagen had me the whole way; there wasn't one moment when I drifted off in thought, or looked at the page number to see how many more I had to go until the end. This one I will keep on my shelf and read again, to be sure.

All of the characters, Sally and Troo "the O'Malley Sisters" in particular, are fully realized and interesting, yet I found that there was something lacking.

The ending provided a weak foundation to support the identity of the "molester and murderer". It came up a bit too quickly, and wrapped things up too neatly. It turned out to be none of the people Sally suspected, and no one else ever suspected this person either. I would have preferred that there had been more playground suspicions' voiced prior to Sally and Troo coming around to Mary Lane's theory (particularly since Mary has been given the characterization of being a liar throughout the book...even though she often spoke the truth). Overall, so good, but that flaw made it not great for me. It seemed that the other story threads were all tied up, and this was left dangling, so the author quickly choose the least likely suspect and transformed him into a stalker in a single afternoon. In addition, I found it very convenient that in the end, the monster in the book got their just reward--death. Thereby, giving the children of Vliet Street their safe neighborhood again, and reinforcing Sally's black and white view of the world.

I found this book to be an enlightening story that portrayed - in a sensitive way - a child's journey through the complicated world of adults. It was a sweet story, with secrets. It was real. I grew up in Milwaukee in the 50's and the author captured the sights, sounds, food and neighborhood of Milwaukee in that era.

I loved the book. I read it very quickly. It was a good story. I think all the characters in the book were interesting. It was not only a story about a killer but a story about a community in a big city. I loved that. I know those people. You were traveling in the eyes of a ten year old. she is mature for her age because she takes care of her sister but at the same time she is a little girl. She is wonderful character. I like all the characters in the book.

So, I loved this book. It brought me back to my childhood with the references to the zoo, television, games we played, the joys of summer in Wisconsin. I got into this story and really cared about Sally and Troo. And worried too. I can't remember too many books where I connected with the characters like this. I'm looking forward to Good Graces. And to introducing these books to friends who aren't from Milwaukee.

First of all, I love to read (unlike some of the reviewers who state otherwise and so easily rate it 5 stars). This was definitely NOT a five star read. In fact, I wondered if I really wanted to finish it. It dragged and didn't hold my interest. The characters and setting seemed so artificial and one dimensional.

Sally is supposed to be a ten-year old girl, but she has the vocabulary and thought process of one much older (even more so is her younger sister Troo). Since the author made the decision that the narrator's voice was a child, consequently, the prose became awkward, stilted and the character(s) unreal--her words sounded more like someone "trying to be a child."

The actions, dialogue and descriptions of the neighbors, mother, stepfather and biological father were more caricature than character and in many instances, were simply cumbersome to read.

And for it being 1959.... HUH?????

Kagen has written one the best books I've read this year. The setting is so real and evocative and the characters so authentic I felt like I was living it. You will fall in love with these girls and feel their heartbreak and

pain and when it's over you'll hope Kagen's next book comes out soon!!! And if you are anywhere near a place where Lesley is reading GO GO GO. She is, hands down, the BEST reader I've ever heard!

It felt like the author looked up every "written-by-spunky-child" cliche since To Kill a Mockingbird and slapped them into this book. No surprises, in plot or characterization. I've read this story, met these kids, in better literary form, many times.

The voice, at it's best, was similar to "A Girl Named Zippy" a book which truly was funny and sweet because it was real and unassuming. Contrarily, I felt like the author, in this book, was giving space for me to warmly chuckle or go "awwww" after every precious thing the girls thought or did.

In all fairness, I DID want to know who the bad guy was, but it was very trying to wade through the book to find it out.

Stick with Mockingbird or Zippy.

This book is one of the very few books that I was able to find all different types of emotion in. I laughed, I cried, I sat on the edge of my seat and I found my self constantly trying to figure out what the next step would be. While the ending was not a total surprise it was not the obvious either! I have a feeling it will be a while before I find another one like this!

WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It has been a long time since I have read a book that
I have enjoyed this much! It was touching, funny and poignant.
Thank you, Lesley Kagen. I have a new "favorite author".
I am looking forward to exploring your other novels!

What a well written novel, hard to believe it is Lesley Kagen's first. The descriptions are wonderfully vivid, the characters are absolutely real. The Characters are so endearing, you want a part two! There are a myriad of issues, a perfect book group pick! If you liked Secret Life of Bees, you will like this book. 5 stars!

One of the most enjoyable and well written stories I've read in years. The characters are very delightful and lovable. The author made them come alive and they were easy to identify with, no matter the age and gender of the reader. I've already sent copies to friends as gifts and their feelings are similar to mine.

Words can not describe the beauty of this book. It is more than realistic to me. I've raised 4 children in the very neighborhood, Vliet Street and Washington Park, though in the 80's and 90's not 1959. I could relate to every description, every character, but that's not why I loved it so much. Everyone can remember events in their childhood where they were Nell, Troo, Sally, etc. Everyone of my children will be getting an autographed copy! An unforgettable must read for the summer of 2007! Thanks, Lesley.

i absolutely loved this book! I picked it up at the book store for a great price and read it in one day. I could not put it down and did not want the story to end. It brought back so many memories of growing up playing in the neighborhood with all the kids. I highly recommend this book.

What a well written novel, hard to believe it is Lesley Kagen's first. The descriptions are wonderfully vivid, the characters are absolutely real. The Characters are so endearing, you want a part two! There are a myriad of issues, a perfect book group pick! If you liked Secret Life of Bees, you will like this book. 5 stars!

One of the most enjoyable and well written stories I've read in years. The characters are very delightful and lovable. The author made them come alive and they were easy to identify with, no matter the age and gender of the reader. I've already sent copies to friends as gifts and their feelings are similar to mine.

Words can not describe the beauty of this book. It is more than realistic to me. I've raised 4 children in the very neighborhood, Vliet Street and Washington Park, though in the 80's and 90's not 1959. I could relate to every description, every character, but that's not why I loved it so much. Everyone can remember events in their childhood where they were Nell, Troo, Sally, etc. Everyone of my children will be getting an autographed copy! An unforgettable must read for the summer of 2007! Thanks, Lesley.

i absolutely loved this book! I picked it up at the book store for a great price and read it in one day. I could not put it down and did not want the story to end. It brought back so many memories of growing up playing in the neighborhood with all the kids. I highly recommend this book.

What a treat "Whistling in the Dark" was....one of the best books I've read in quite awhile. Besides being entertaining, it brought back many memories from growing up in the 50s. Plus it had a plot with some unexpected twists.

While the character depth was good, I felt like I knew the people in the book--overall it was bland. It took me months to finish it, I just couldn't get into it. It was depressing, I probably should have know that considering what it was about. At times it felt like I was reading a book written for young adults, it just seemed juvenile in the writing style.

I just wanted to make sure everyone who reads my previous review is aware that that I have no ties whatsoever to Lesley Kagen. My review on "Whistling in the Dark" was based purely on my honest thoughts and feelings about the book. It was truly fantastic. Definitely not a waste of time!

What a spectacular novel!! I was enthralled from the very beginning. Sally O'Malley is such an innocently complex character. Her view of the world made me at times worry deeply about her and at other times laugh out loud.
Once you pick up this novel, you just can't put it down. You will want to recommend it to all of your friends. Treat yourself to this book. You won't regret it.

These two little girls captured my summer. I was flooded with memories of growing up in the 50's. Things I'd forgottten came roaring back, like nights of Red Rover and Brylcream and Aqua Velva. It was the first page turner in years that kept me up til 3 am.

THIS IS A WONDERFUL BOOK ABOUT SISTERS, THE FAILURE OF FAMILY AS A WHOLE AND THE TRAGEDIES OF A 1950'S COMMUNITY THAT BRINGS THEM ALL BACK TOGETHER AGAIN.THE STORY IS BRILLIANTLY TOLD TROUGH THE EYE'S OF CHILDREN. IT IS A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE THIS SUMMER. CAN'T WAIT FOR LESLEY'S NEXT NOVEL. THIS WOULD MAKE A WONDERFUL MOVIE!

I picked up this book only because of all the great reviews I had read about it, but I found it so hard to actually concentrate on because I felt like there were too many insignificant details and too many insignificant people to try to remember. I didn't even care who the murderer/molester was - I stopped reading halfway through. I am an avid reader and I have hardly ever put a book down halfway through reading it, but I just couldn't force myself to read anymore. I'm glad I got it at the thrift store for only $1.50.

Great read! Beautiful and funny connections of life's circumstances from a child's eyes. The only problem I had was the I was missing pages 40 to 88. to late to return it and i had to keep going. I'm sure there were some treasures in those missing pages too!

I thought this was an okay book, but I didn't really enjoy it too much. The plot just didn't move fast enough for me, and with everything Troo did, I just became more and more annoyed with her. Sally came across to me as somewhat as a push-over. But it was fast-paced, but this book just dragged on and on. But it's not the worst book I've read.

While the character depth was good, I felt like I knew the people in the book--overall it was bland. It took me months to finish it, I just couldn't get into it. It was depressing, I probably should have know that considering what it was about. At times it felt like I was reading a book written for young adults, it just seemed juvenile in the writing style.

I picked this book up at walmart for twelve dollars...wish I could get my money back...I just cannot seem to get through it! I'm only halfway, and thats because I have forced myself to read it not wanting to waste my money...o well....I will keep trying to muddle through and hope it gets better....

I can't begin to describe how much I loved these little girls and the wonderful way the author tells their engaging story. If you grew up in the south you'll feel right at home with this novel. If you didn't grow up in the south, you'll find yourself feeling as if you did. Delightfully nostalgic with just enough complexity and suspense to keep you turning the pages. This luminous book will at times break your heart and at others, overflow it with yearning. I love character-driven southern fiction and literary coming-of-age with a strong narrative voice so this lovely novel rang all the bells for me. Grateful to Lesley Kagen for sharing this bittersweet story with the world. I've already queued two more of her books!

I loved this book! From the uniqueness of its characters to the sense of days gone by to the emotion spilled in page after page as neighborhood kids grow up with and through each other, this is a great read.

Whistling in the Dark is the heartwarming story of two sisters growing up in Milwaukee in the late 1950's. Their father has passed on, their mother is seriously ill, their sister is disinterested, and a murderer roams the neighborhood. The girls are left to care for each other and yet get on with the business of maturing. We get to go along, enchanted through the girls' innocence and occasionally disturbed as we, as adults, see things perhaps differently than the girls.

Scenes are brought to life through Lesley Kagen's keen writing. I'm so glad I read this book and recommend it highly!