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Ghosted: A brand new unmissable and haunting mystery
A wealthy man is shocked to discover that he’s dead—and worse yet, he must find out who it was that killed him . . .
Adam Albury, a successful architect, finds himself at a funeral in his local church. Scanning the aisles and seeing his family and friends dressed somberly in black, he’s shocked to learn the service is for him. Adam, now no more than a hovering spirit, is even more astonished to hear his death was ruled a suicide.
The ghostly Adam is quite certain he wouldn’t have harmed himself. As he watches those close to him chuck handfuls of earth on his coffin, he realizes he’s been murdered. But who is responsible? And why?
Adam may be a ghost, but he’s no angel. As he follows his suspicions round those still living, he has more than a few surprises in store . . .
Praise for Mark McCrum’s Francis Meadowes Mysteries
“A marvellous set of unsavoury suspects . . . good, nasty fun.” —The Mail on Sunday, Thriller of the Week
“A rollicking read.” —London Evening Standard
“Ingenious.” —The Independent<
Adam Albury, a successful architect, finds himself at a funeral in his local church. Scanning the aisles and seeing his family and friends dressed somberly in black, he’s shocked to learn the service is for him. Adam, now no more than a hovering spirit, is even more astonished to hear his death was ruled a suicide.
The ghostly Adam is quite certain he wouldn’t have harmed himself. As he watches those close to him chuck handfuls of earth on his coffin, he realizes he’s been murdered. But who is responsible? And why?
Adam may be a ghost, but he’s no angel. As he follows his suspicions round those still living, he has more than a few surprises in store . . .
Praise for Mark McCrum’s Francis Meadowes Mysteries
“A marvellous set of unsavoury suspects . . . good, nasty fun.” —The Mail on Sunday, Thriller of the Week
“A rollicking read.” —London Evening Standard
“Ingenious.” —The Independent<
- GenresMystery
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2023
39 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 19, 2024
A supernatural whodunit!
This story was a rather gentle murder mystery, in the manner of an Agatha Christie novel, but with a supernatural backdrop. A wealthy and highly successful architect finds himself as an unwilling guest at his own funeral service. He is even more shocked to discover that he had apparently taken his own life. This, he reasons, is something he would never have done and sets out to prove that he was, in fact, the victim of a murderer. However, who would want him dead? There is no shortage of potential suspects and he gradually works his way through friends, relatives and business partners towards a successful conclusion. This was a highly enjoyable tale. However, bear in mind the possibility that you never know who might be watching and listening to you at this very moment.
This story was a rather gentle murder mystery, in the manner of an Agatha Christie novel, but with a supernatural backdrop. A wealthy and highly successful architect finds himself as an unwilling guest at his own funeral service. He is even more shocked to discover that he had apparently taken his own life. This, he reasons, is something he would never have done and sets out to prove that he was, in fact, the victim of a murderer. However, who would want him dead? There is no shortage of potential suspects and he gradually works his way through friends, relatives and business partners towards a successful conclusion. This was a highly enjoyable tale. However, bear in mind the possibility that you never know who might be watching and listening to you at this very moment.
January 21, 2024
Another good read by Mark McCrum, I absolutely adored his Francis Meadowes series, and I enjoyed the suspense and mystery in Ghosted just as much!
From the very first chapter, where Adam ends up at his own funeral I was intrigued and just needed to know more. Half of the book was spent trying to work out what had happened to him and the other half was spent trying to work out how it happened. And the final twist at the end was just the cherry on top of a fantastic book!
I look forward to Mark McCrum’s next book!
From the very first chapter, where Adam ends up at his own funeral I was intrigued and just needed to know more. Half of the book was spent trying to work out what had happened to him and the other half was spent trying to work out how it happened. And the final twist at the end was just the cherry on top of a fantastic book!
I look forward to Mark McCrum’s next book!
October 28, 2023
What a fantastic and original thriller. Loved it!
I was not yet familiar with Mark Mccrum's work, but am really going to read more of his books!
The title is of course a nod to the world-famous and unforgettable blockbuster Ghost starring the late Patrick Swayze, yet the concept of that film is applied a tad different: the main character, Adam, a successful architect, comes to realise that he has left his mortal body, - he is a witness to his own funeral...
He doesn't believe he would ever kill himself, so he must have been murdered, but by whom?
I thought the beginning was really fantastic, - especially Adam's macabre humour - as to whether Adam manages to find out who killed him, you as a reader have to find out for yourself.
Fantastic book and highly recommended!!
** Out for publication on October 30, 2023 **
I was not yet familiar with Mark Mccrum's work, but am really going to read more of his books!
The title is of course a nod to the world-famous and unforgettable blockbuster Ghost starring the late Patrick Swayze, yet the concept of that film is applied a tad different: the main character, Adam, a successful architect, comes to realise that he has left his mortal body, - he is a witness to his own funeral...
He doesn't believe he would ever kill himself, so he must have been murdered, but by whom?
I thought the beginning was really fantastic, - especially Adam's macabre humour - as to whether Adam manages to find out who killed him, you as a reader have to find out for yourself.
Fantastic book and highly recommended!!
** Out for publication on October 30, 2023 **
October 27, 2023
Ghosted by Mark McCrum
I couldn’t decide whether to give this a 3 or 4 star, went with a 4 in the end — the idea of the storyline grabbed me a lot! I love the thought of a ghost doing a bit of detective work trying to work out who killed him. Makes a change from the usual crime stories.
The story started off well for me. I was hooked. The way the author describes the ghostly presence and the things he can & cannot do I thought were great.
The main character, Adam awakens on the day of his funeral as a ghost. He cannot remember his death but he soon learns that everyone thinks he committed suicide — this is something he knows he wouldn’t do, would he?
Over several weeks he watches his family, listening to their conversations carefully, waiting for his murderer to confess. There’s plenty of suspects! With a wealthy grandmother leaving you a good deal of course people are going to see pound signs! Adam is worth more dead than alive!
One day, Adam accidentally discovers that he can contact his family, sometimes. By talking to his family it is evident he has been murdered, but he cannot work out by who.
At first I felt for Adam but as I learned about who he was I started to dislike him, and his family! The only characters that I had any type of connection for was his kids.
I felt cheated with the reveal too. How his murderer is revealed … can’t say too much, don’t want to spoil it! The story had me believing someone else was going to reveal it — yes it’s a good reveal, I definitely did not see it happening that way.
Overall, a good read. If you like paranormal crime books this will keep you entertained.
Thanks to Bloodhound Publishing for the ARC
I couldn’t decide whether to give this a 3 or 4 star, went with a 4 in the end — the idea of the storyline grabbed me a lot! I love the thought of a ghost doing a bit of detective work trying to work out who killed him. Makes a change from the usual crime stories.
The story started off well for me. I was hooked. The way the author describes the ghostly presence and the things he can & cannot do I thought were great.
The main character, Adam awakens on the day of his funeral as a ghost. He cannot remember his death but he soon learns that everyone thinks he committed suicide — this is something he knows he wouldn’t do, would he?
Over several weeks he watches his family, listening to their conversations carefully, waiting for his murderer to confess. There’s plenty of suspects! With a wealthy grandmother leaving you a good deal of course people are going to see pound signs! Adam is worth more dead than alive!
One day, Adam accidentally discovers that he can contact his family, sometimes. By talking to his family it is evident he has been murdered, but he cannot work out by who.
At first I felt for Adam but as I learned about who he was I started to dislike him, and his family! The only characters that I had any type of connection for was his kids.
I felt cheated with the reveal too. How his murderer is revealed … can’t say too much, don’t want to spoil it! The story had me believing someone else was going to reveal it — yes it’s a good reveal, I definitely did not see it happening that way.
Overall, a good read. If you like paranormal crime books this will keep you entertained.
Thanks to Bloodhound Publishing for the ARC
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 31, 2023
3.5 Stars
One Liner: Okayish; nothing new
Adam Albury is shocked to find himself attending his funeral. He is even more surprised when his death was ruled a suicide. While the ghost Adam had no memory of what happened, he knew for sure that he would never take his own life. This could only mean one thing – he was murdered.
Adam decides to take advantage of his ghost state to solve his death. Soon, he realizes that quite a few people, including his family members, have reasons to bump him off. But who is the killer, and why? Can Adam find it before his ghostly time ends?
The story comes in Adam’s third-person POV with random first-person rants and three chapters from others’ third-person POVs.
My Thoughts:
My primary reason for picking this book is to tick off a reading challenge prompt – a book from a ghost’s POV. And this, being a cozy mystery, was a nice addition.
Well, Adam is a wealthy architect in his late fifties and has/ had a colorful life. He has more than his share of faults, which does make him a bit realistic and quite annoying. Dude is quite judgmental, too, though we can see where he gets it from.
The concept of ghosts and interactions with humans doesn’t have much reasoning as it is more of a trial and error for Adam. After all, this is the first time he is a ghost. Nevertheless, most people he interacts with seem to quite easily accept his ghostly presence. There’s some doubt, naturally, but not that much.
His dysfunctional family keeps things interesting. Each of them has a definite personality, making it easier to track who is who. I do like Adam’s relationship with his children, Matilda and Leo. His love for them resonates in his words.
However, the writing is slow and borderline uninteresting. Adam can really ramble on, and I zoned out a few times before deciding to speed-read the book. That turned out to be the best way to stay focused.
With such a cool premise, I expected more chills. This one is more on the comic side, but it’s not humorous either. Hard to describe, tbh. The best I can say is that it tries to be funny but doesn’t succeed. At least, not for me.
The mystery is decent and easy enough to guess. There could be a parallel track, or maybe it is a part of the main mystery. Not saying to avoid spoilers. The reveal comes in lengthy, multi-page-long dialogues. The first part is boring, but the second reveal is cool. I like how it is done. Suits the character perfectly.
There’s a last chapter to round up the threads, though some are left open (which cannot be helped). However, it settles the mystery, which is the primary requirement.
To summarize, Ghosted is a slow-paced, cozy mystery with a ghost or more. It has its moments but delivers only an average reading experience. Don’t take my word for it, though. Give it a shot if the premise appeals to you.
Thank you, Bloodhound Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
One Liner: Okayish; nothing new
Adam Albury is shocked to find himself attending his funeral. He is even more surprised when his death was ruled a suicide. While the ghost Adam had no memory of what happened, he knew for sure that he would never take his own life. This could only mean one thing – he was murdered.
Adam decides to take advantage of his ghost state to solve his death. Soon, he realizes that quite a few people, including his family members, have reasons to bump him off. But who is the killer, and why? Can Adam find it before his ghostly time ends?
The story comes in Adam’s third-person POV with random first-person rants and three chapters from others’ third-person POVs.
My Thoughts:
My primary reason for picking this book is to tick off a reading challenge prompt – a book from a ghost’s POV. And this, being a cozy mystery, was a nice addition.
Well, Adam is a wealthy architect in his late fifties and has/ had a colorful life. He has more than his share of faults, which does make him a bit realistic and quite annoying. Dude is quite judgmental, too, though we can see where he gets it from.
The concept of ghosts and interactions with humans doesn’t have much reasoning as it is more of a trial and error for Adam. After all, this is the first time he is a ghost. Nevertheless, most people he interacts with seem to quite easily accept his ghostly presence. There’s some doubt, naturally, but not that much.
His dysfunctional family keeps things interesting. Each of them has a definite personality, making it easier to track who is who. I do like Adam’s relationship with his children, Matilda and Leo. His love for them resonates in his words.
However, the writing is slow and borderline uninteresting. Adam can really ramble on, and I zoned out a few times before deciding to speed-read the book. That turned out to be the best way to stay focused.
With such a cool premise, I expected more chills. This one is more on the comic side, but it’s not humorous either. Hard to describe, tbh. The best I can say is that it tries to be funny but doesn’t succeed. At least, not for me.
The mystery is decent and easy enough to guess. There could be a parallel track, or maybe it is a part of the main mystery. Not saying to avoid spoilers. The reveal comes in lengthy, multi-page-long dialogues. The first part is boring, but the second reveal is cool. I like how it is done. Suits the character perfectly.
There’s a last chapter to round up the threads, though some are left open (which cannot be helped). However, it settles the mystery, which is the primary requirement.
To summarize, Ghosted is a slow-paced, cozy mystery with a ghost or more. It has its moments but delivers only an average reading experience. Don’t take my word for it, though. Give it a shot if the premise appeals to you.
Thank you, Bloodhound Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
October 13, 2023
Ghosted by Mark McCrum
The plot to this story is very unique. It begins with a man, Adam Albury, realizing that the funeral he is attending is his own. He watches his family and friends grieving and tries to learn what happened to him. When Adam learns that his cause of death was suicide, he is very surprised.
Adam knows that he would never take his own life. This leaves a lingering question, who murdered him? Being spectral, He is able to travel and arrive at different places. As he tries to figure out who murdered him, other “accidents’ occur. Now his mission to find his killer is not his alone. More victims have joined him. He’s in a race for time to discover the guilty party before another person dies.
Mark McCrum has introduced us to memorable characters. Each one’s personality is wonderfully described. Adam’s family and friends all have reasons to kill him. McCrum has taken these characters and woven a wonderful tapestry that connects them all together concluding in a surprise ending. This book is definitely worth the read. I really enjoyed it.
The plot to this story is very unique. It begins with a man, Adam Albury, realizing that the funeral he is attending is his own. He watches his family and friends grieving and tries to learn what happened to him. When Adam learns that his cause of death was suicide, he is very surprised.
Adam knows that he would never take his own life. This leaves a lingering question, who murdered him? Being spectral, He is able to travel and arrive at different places. As he tries to figure out who murdered him, other “accidents’ occur. Now his mission to find his killer is not his alone. More victims have joined him. He’s in a race for time to discover the guilty party before another person dies.
Mark McCrum has introduced us to memorable characters. Each one’s personality is wonderfully described. Adam’s family and friends all have reasons to kill him. McCrum has taken these characters and woven a wonderful tapestry that connects them all together concluding in a surprise ending. This book is definitely worth the read. I really enjoyed it.
October 29, 2023
I was excited to read a story about a man who has died, become a ghost and who tries to find out what has happened to him; it is an interesting theme and something different from other stories. Unfortunately, I found it a little slow in places; a little repetitive, with some unbelievable conversations and off-topic discussions and this made it difficult for me to find it as engaging as I hoped it would be. There is also quite a lot of different characters and I found it difficult to remember who was who at times. I think some more humourous moments linked to being a ghost could have added interest to the story as well as perhaps, more twists and turns to the story. I did however, enjoy finding out what had happened to the main character.
I received an ARC from BloodHound Books for an honest review, thank you, and all thoughts are my own.
I received an ARC from BloodHound Books for an honest review, thank you, and all thoughts are my own.
November 1, 2023
This is my first book by this author which I enjoyed reading. I enjoyed his writing style that made his twists and turns like no other. This is a well written story where a man wakes up and he is dead. He also finds out that his death has benn marked as a suicide which he knows he would never do. He starts to realize that he has been murdered. This is a where the story was hard to put down. I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into the story from the start. They are connectable and made the story easy to read. There is great growth throughout which just added to the story's entertainment value. I really enjoyed this story and made my Halloween night. I highly recommend this book.
October 15, 2023
This was an enjoyable read. It felt so different than your normal crime book. Adam realises that the funeral service he is at is his own, and he is there in a ghost like form unseen by everyone. He apparently had committed suicide but he doesn't remember anything and sets out to prove he was murdered.
I felt for Adam, deep down a good guy apart from in his personal life, but i really enjoyed how he watched the various people in his life. It was rather spooky but riveting stuff. There were a few surprises also and the ending was wonderful.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for a copy of this and this is my honest review.
I felt for Adam, deep down a good guy apart from in his personal life, but i really enjoyed how he watched the various people in his life. It was rather spooky but riveting stuff. There were a few surprises also and the ending was wonderful.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for a copy of this and this is my honest review.
October 16, 2023
This is the story of Adam who becomes aware that he is a ghost watching his own funeral. As he listens in it becomes apparent that everyone thinks he committed suicide, and he can't remember how he died.
He follows various members of his family over the next few weeks listening to their private conversations to see if he can work out what really happened.
Then he discovers that he can actually contact some of them.
The story becomes clear, he was in fact murdered, but who did him in and why?
Quite a good twist, but I think if I'd been contacted by a dead loved one I would have reacted a lot stronger than any of them did!!!
He follows various members of his family over the next few weeks listening to their private conversations to see if he can work out what really happened.
Then he discovers that he can actually contact some of them.
The story becomes clear, he was in fact murdered, but who did him in and why?
Quite a good twist, but I think if I'd been contacted by a dead loved one I would have reacted a lot stronger than any of them did!!!
November 1, 2023
A twist on a familiar movie, but poor Adam. He's at his own funeral. How is that possible? Well, he's a ghost and the burning question is, who-done-it? How long will be here, as a ghost? Can he solve his own murder, what happens when he does? So many questions and Adam has such a good sense of humor. This is a cozy read so nothing is too horrifying. Through Adam's POV, we meet his family, friends, and a large list of suspects. It does move slowly at times, there's a lot to cover and it's harder to wrap up. I enjoyed it though.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for this fun read. This review is my own and a positive review is never required.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for this fun read. This review is my own and a positive review is never required.
October 21, 2023
An interesting concept. Adam, a successful architect, arrives at a funeral having no idea how he got there but soon realises he is actually at his own funeral and, apparently, he commit suicide. Knowing this to be a lie as Adam loved life and, in particular, his daughter Matty, he realises that not only can he communicate with certain members of his family but he has obviously come back to work out who murdered him and why.
December 10, 2023
good story
This had a good storyline, but spoilt by discrepancies, the ghost couldn’t touch or move anything solid, but managed to push a door closed, close a laptop lid down and sit on a chair, but towards the end they had to float and hover because they couldn’t sit down, yes a good storyline that was spoilt by a few discrepancies, I love reading and don’t very often leave negative feedback, but it was spoilt for me, sorry
This had a good storyline, but spoilt by discrepancies, the ghost couldn’t touch or move anything solid, but managed to push a door closed, close a laptop lid down and sit on a chair, but towards the end they had to float and hover because they couldn’t sit down, yes a good storyline that was spoilt by a few discrepancies, I love reading and don’t very often leave negative feedback, but it was spoilt for me, sorry
January 31, 2025
Adam comes 'round to the fact that he's dead while he's eavesdropping on his family and friends at his funeral. How did he die? He's sure it wasn't suicide as stated at the inquest.
It's a fun read, although it does get wordy and drags in places. There's enough characters in the story to keep the reader guessing, and characters they were.
It's a nice paranormal cozy mystery. I read the author's bio after I'd read the book which shed some light on the descriptive locations.
It's a fun read, although it does get wordy and drags in places. There's enough characters in the story to keep the reader guessing, and characters they were.
It's a nice paranormal cozy mystery. I read the author's bio after I'd read the book which shed some light on the descriptive locations.
October 26, 2023
What a treat! A truly original and innovative crime novel. Adam is a murderee determined to find out who killed him. Martin Amis tried something similar years ago in the celebrated London Fields but this is far better.
The plot is undeniably clever and captivating with larger than life characters even if some of them are already dead.
Mark McCrum's best novel to date.
The plot is undeniably clever and captivating with larger than life characters even if some of them are already dead.
Mark McCrum's best novel to date.
October 30, 2023
Adam finds himself at a funeral - and realises that it his. Furthermore it seems he has killed himself. Having no memory of his death, but convinced that he would not have committed suicide, Adam decided to investigate. Which of the people gathered to remember him hated him enough to kill him? An unusual idea which works really well.
November 1, 2023
I really loved the premise, a man dies and ends up at his own funeral, determined to find out how/why he died. It took me a little more than half way through and another dead person, before I started to actually like the story. The ending, while a bit rushed, wrapped it all up satisfactorily. I thank Bloodhound Books ARC Group for the opportunity to read and review this book.
November 1, 2023
This was a perfect story to read on the eve of Halloween. I enjoyed reading this cozy ghostly story that kept me entertained to go further in the book just to see what happened. It is a slow-paced story but an interesting way to solve a murder...the victim stays on the earth to find out who did it from the members of his family.
November 4, 2023
Ghosted by Mark McCrum.
A wealthy man is shocked to discover that he’s dead—and worse yet, he must find out who it was that killed him . . .
I did enjoy this book. Little slow to begin with but I soon got into it. I did like Adam. Wasn't sure about Serena and Walter. Didn't trust them. I did like the end. 4*.
A wealthy man is shocked to discover that he’s dead—and worse yet, he must find out who it was that killed him . . .
I did enjoy this book. Little slow to begin with but I soon got into it. I did like Adam. Wasn't sure about Serena and Walter. Didn't trust them. I did like the end. 4*.
November 14, 2023
This is my first book by this author but it definitely won't be my last. It was well written with a compelling story full of mystery and humour. I love mystery books and this is different from any that I have read previously because it is the victim investigating his own murder which is believe to be suicide.
I couldn't put it down I loved it
I couldn't put it down I loved it
August 3, 2024
Cute murder mystery. A man attending a funeral realizes it is HIS funeral. The vicar is saying he committed suicide. He knows he wouldn't do anything like that. He must have been murdered. Now, as a ghost, he has to figure out who did him in. Helpfully, he winds up getting a little assistance in the afterlife from a couple of other souls.
October 17, 2023
This was a great murder mystery told from the eyes of the victim in the afterlife. The concept worked brilliantly as Adam realises he is attending his own funeral, then learns that he supposedly ended his own life. A brilliant twist at the end to add the icing on the cake. Loved it.
October 25, 2023
Fantastic read, just perfect for Halloween. Adam finds himself at a funeral, and soon realises it is his, and it seems that he took his own life. Trying hard to understand what happened to him and why, Adam visits some of his family. This is a really well written book.
October 25, 2023
I loved this book! Adam realises at the beginning of the book that he is observing his own funeral. From there we meet all the people who were important in his life as he tries to work out whether he really committed suicide or was murdered for someone’s own gain. Definitely 5+ stars!
October 30, 2023
A unique book. Starting out with Adam viewing his own funeral, shocked to figure out he had died by "suicide". Story evoles from there, with Adam trying to figure out who killed him. Satisfying read with a surprise and satisfying ending.
October 30, 2023
Yet another great read from a great author. A different concept this time in that the ghost investigates his own murder. As always, this author keeps you guessing.
I was given an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
I was given an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.
November 12, 2023
What a great read, a well written storyline with a great bunch of characters, some to like and some to loathe. A cosy crime who done it with a bit of twist. We start with a funeral and meet Adam our leading man, he trying to figure out whose funeral he is at and then it dawns on him, it’s his.
December 23, 2023
A Fun Ghost Murder Story
Two things I especially liked about this story: that there are 2 running criminal narratives; and that it is a wizened but razor- sharp old woman who solves both of them. I read this book in one sitting.
Two things I especially liked about this story: that there are 2 running criminal narratives; and that it is a wizened but razor- sharp old woman who solves both of them. I read this book in one sitting.
January 2, 2024
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.
this was different than you typical thrillers in the sense that the main character was already dead, and you found yourself immersed in the story trying to figure out who did it.
this was different than you typical thrillers in the sense that the main character was already dead, and you found yourself immersed in the story trying to figure out who did it.
February 18, 2024
A great whodunit
One to get you thinking,about life the universe, what is beyond, who did it, and why? A journey with ghosts as your guides, was it the sister, business partner, ex or current wife or maybe ......?
One to get you thinking,about life the universe, what is beyond, who did it, and why? A journey with ghosts as your guides, was it the sister, business partner, ex or current wife or maybe ......?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews