In an author’s note found in WE HEAR VOICES, debut novelist Evie Green assures readers that she wrote the book before COVID-19 swept the globe.

The opening chapters find an unfortunately similar situation: A flu-like illness infects millions, and communities hope that masks and distancing will protect them from the J5X virus and its deadly fever. As the novel progresses and readers become immersed in Green’s near-future world, the comparisons between J5X and COVID-19 become a bit more superficial. This is the story of a family suffering from the most bizarre and secret lasting effects of the mysterious illness and the powers behind the scenes who care only about protecting themselves.

London, like many locales around the world, has been gravely impacted by J5X. But it is also dealing with the sweeping gentrification by the powerful corporation Starcom and accusations of worker exploitation. Despite the pandemic and frustrations with Starcom, people are feeling optimistic about a space program that promises to find new homes in the galaxy. Caught in all of these tensions is Rachel. She and her partner, Al, are poor but in love. They are enjoying parenting their baby daughter, Beth. Rachel's children from her previous marriage --- 15-year-old Nina and six-year-old Billy --- also love Al. Despite their care, Billy comes down with J5X and begins running a fever so high that his family gathers around to say their final goodbyes.

"Accidentally timely but with enough weirdness to remove it from our current context, WE HEAR VOICES is an absorbing thriller with a big heart."

In what seems like a miracle, Billy recovers; his symptoms abate, and he grows stronger day by day. However, Nina worries about Delfy, the imaginary friend who he claims saved his life. Delfy seems innocent and charming at first, a sweet companion as he gains back his strength, but her control over him grows alarming and strange. Rachel, so happy to have Billy healthy and alive, is the last to see the warning signs. When he acts out violently, she realizes that she is in danger of losing her son again.

Thankfully, Rachel is able to connect with Dr. Graham Watson, who is known for his work with youngsters who are experiencing symptoms like Billy’s. What the public doesn’t know, though, is his secret work with a handful of children who live in an underground residential facility in London. But even with Billy safe in Graham’s care, his family still has to wrestle with his horrific actions and the ongoing problem of Delfy. To further complicate matters, Nina learns that her boyfriend, Louis, is connected to the infamous Starcom and its leader, Ben Alford, forcing her to think carefully about her values and priorities. As the novel progresses, the relationships and interrelatedness of all the characters are revealed, creating a tightly woven narrative with expansive and interesting ideas.

Green focuses WE HEAR VOICES on the theme of family and the importance of loyalty, cooperation and love in the face of fear and grief while also exploring issues like class, justice and the ambiguities of technology. This is a fun and entertaining novel, and Green has some cool surprises and interesting tricks up her writerly sleeve. Rachel, ostensibly the center of the novel, is perhaps the least compelling character as she is often so emotionally fraught and fragile. However, there is realism in her portrayal, which is useful in a novel where readers are asked to suspend disbelief for the sake of the story.

Accidentally timely but with enough weirdness to remove it from our current context, WE HEAR VOICES is an absorbing thriller with a big heart.