In Tehran, Vazn-e Donya Publications has released the Persian translation of the debut novel by Italian writer Donato Carrisi, 'The Whisperer'. The novel was translated into Persian by Azam Rasuli.
'The Whisperer' is a psychological crime thriller that combines a disturbing series of disappearances with an increasingly complex exploration of the nature of evil. Originally published in Italian as 'Il suggeritore' in 2009, the novel became an international bestseller and has been translated into numerous languages.
The plot begins with the discovery of six amputated hands buried in a clearing in the woods, which launches a chilling investigation. These hands, arranged in a mysterious circle, are presumed to belong to young girls who have gone missing. The sixth victim remains unidentified, and investigators lack bodies to determine whether the missing children are alive or dead.
Mila Vasques, a police investigator with a special talent for finding missing children, and Dr. Goran Gavila, a distinguished criminologist leading the investigative team, become involved. Despite differences in their characters and approaches, they must work together to uncover the truth behind the horrifying discovery.
Initially, the investigators believe they have identified a criminal linked to the name 'Albert'. However, this apparent solution quickly begins to crumble. Evidence links the suspect to the first disappearance but does not confirm his involvement in subsequent cases. Clues concerning another missing girl point in a different direction, raising the possibility that the team has misunderstood the crimes or that someone is deliberately manipulating the investigation.
As the case develops, the detectives encounter a series of unsettling discoveries and obvious contradictions. The possibility of an impersonator killer further complicates their efforts, while the investigation reveals weaknesses within the team and puts increasing pressure on its members. Vasques and Gavila are forced to repeatedly revise their assumptions, trying to understand the logic of the crimes.
The search evolves into something more than just a typical hunt for a serial killer. It becomes a psychological confrontation in which the investigators must figure out who is controlling the flow of evidence and why the truth is so elusive. Their professional partnership is tested as the danger escalates, and their personal vulnerabilities become increasingly significant to the case.
The novel leads to a series of revelations that call into question the investigators' understanding of these crimes. Carrisi uses diversions and shifts in perspective to keep readers unaware of the identity, motives, and methods of the person behind the disappearances.
The book received significant acclaim in Italy, winning the Bancarella Award in 2009. It also gained international recognition and has been translated into many languages, establishing Carrisi as a prominent author of crime fiction.
'The Whisperer' is the first novel featuring Mila Vasques, a character who appears in subsequent books, including 'The Lost Girls of Rome' and 'The Whisperer's Game'. Its success helped create a series exploring disappearances, criminal psychology, and the dark aspects of human behavior.
Critics highly praised the intricate plot construction, the unsettling atmosphere, and the recurring shifts in expectations, although some found its twists excessive. Instead of relying solely on the mystery of identifying the killer, Carrisi builds suspense around the possibility that the investigation itself is being manipulated. The result is a dark, multilayered thriller that examines the difficulty of distinguishing evidence from deception and understanding the motives behind seemingly inexplicable crimes.
Donato Carrisi, born in Martina Franca, southern Italy, in 1973, studied law before specializing in criminology and behavioral sciences. He worked as a television screenwriter before making his literary debut with 'The Whisperer'. His academic background is reflected in the detailed depiction of the criminal investigation and psychological behavior in the novel.