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Never Tell Collection #2
The Ghost Writer
A reclusive author with a lurid history is ready to divulge her most infamous secret to the world in a chilling short story of Gothic suspense by the bestselling author of The Maid’s Diary.
It’s an offer Grace Logan can’t ghostwrite the memoir of Claudia Blackwell, a successful novelist once accused of a ghastly triple murder. Did she really do it? In self-imposed exile in her island mansion, the frail Claudia is finally bringing her notorious past to a close. But for Grace, the end of Claudia’s story may be more than a sinister reveal…
Loreth Anne White’s The Ghost Writer is part of Never Tell, a heart-pounding collection of stories about secrets, lies, and mind games. They can be read or listened to in one sitting. Just keep the endings to yourself.
It’s an offer Grace Logan can’t ghostwrite the memoir of Claudia Blackwell, a successful novelist once accused of a ghastly triple murder. Did she really do it? In self-imposed exile in her island mansion, the frail Claudia is finally bringing her notorious past to a close. But for Grace, the end of Claudia’s story may be more than a sinister reveal…
Loreth Anne White’s The Ghost Writer is part of Never Tell, a heart-pounding collection of stories about secrets, lies, and mind games. They can be read or listened to in one sitting. Just keep the endings to yourself.
64 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2024
1824 people are currently reading
2519 people want to read
About the author
Loreth Anne White
93 books7,239 followersLoreth Anne White is an Amazon Charts, Washington Post, and Bild bestselling author of thrillers, mysteries, and suspense. With over 3 million books sold around the world, she is an ITW thriller award finalist, a three-time RITA finalist, an overall Daphne du Maurier Award winner, Arthur Ellis finalist, and winner of multiple industry awards.
A recovering journalist who has worked in both South Africa and Canada, she now calls Canada home. She resides in the Pacific Northwest, dividing time between Victoria on Vancouver Island, a ski resort in the Coast Mountains, and a rustic lakeside cabin in the Cariboo.
When she’s not writing or dreaming up plots, you will find her on the lakes, in the ocean, or on the trails with her dog where she tries—unsuccessfully—to avoid bears. For more information on her books please visit her website at lorethannewhite.com
Connect with her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Loreth.Anne....
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/Loreth
Or via Instagram: lorethannewhite
Visit her at www.lorethannewhite.com
A recovering journalist who has worked in both South Africa and Canada, she now calls Canada home. She resides in the Pacific Northwest, dividing time between Victoria on Vancouver Island, a ski resort in the Coast Mountains, and a rustic lakeside cabin in the Cariboo.
When she’s not writing or dreaming up plots, you will find her on the lakes, in the ocean, or on the trails with her dog where she tries—unsuccessfully—to avoid bears. For more information on her books please visit her website at lorethannewhite.com
Connect with her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Loreth.Anne....
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/Loreth
Or via Instagram: lorethannewhite
Visit her at www.lorethannewhite.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 772 reviews
November 3, 2025
4.5/5 ★
Dark, gothic, and twisty. Another win from this collection!
In The Ghost Writer, Grace Logan is a ghostwriter hired to write the memoir of Claudia Blackwell, a reclusive novelist once accused of a horrific triple murder. As Grace uncovers the secrets behind Claudia’s past in her isolated island mansion, she begins to realize the confession may be more dangerous than the crime itself. ✍🏼
After loving The Maid's Diary by Loreth Anne White, I was very excited to see that she was part of this collection. I’m glad this story lived up to my excitement!
Books that follow authors always tend to work for me. Even with how short it is, I found this one was especially strong. From page one, there is immediate tension and dread as Grace makes her way to the isolated island mansion, hearing from locals about rumors of what happened to the previous ghostwriter and the crimes that occurred decades before.
The setting was PERFECT for this story, which enhanced everything else that was going on.
This would have been a full five-star rating, but I confidently predicted the twist very early on, which limited how much tension could build throughout the story.
Even having a good idea of what eventually happened, I still liked how it all was revealed in the ending. This was one of the darkest from the collection.
This is book 2 of 6 from the Amazon Stories: Never Tell: Can You Keep a Secret? Collection. One left to go!
Dark, gothic, and twisty. Another win from this collection!
In The Ghost Writer, Grace Logan is a ghostwriter hired to write the memoir of Claudia Blackwell, a reclusive novelist once accused of a horrific triple murder. As Grace uncovers the secrets behind Claudia’s past in her isolated island mansion, she begins to realize the confession may be more dangerous than the crime itself. ✍🏼
After loving The Maid's Diary by Loreth Anne White, I was very excited to see that she was part of this collection. I’m glad this story lived up to my excitement!
Books that follow authors always tend to work for me. Even with how short it is, I found this one was especially strong. From page one, there is immediate tension and dread as Grace makes her way to the isolated island mansion, hearing from locals about rumors of what happened to the previous ghostwriter and the crimes that occurred decades before.
The setting was PERFECT for this story, which enhanced everything else that was going on.
This would have been a full five-star rating, but I confidently predicted the twist very early on, which limited how much tension could build throughout the story.
Even having a good idea of what eventually happened, I still liked how it all was revealed in the ending. This was one of the darkest from the collection.
This is book 2 of 6 from the Amazon Stories: Never Tell: Can You Keep a Secret? Collection. One left to go!
March 21, 2024
3.5 stars (rounded up for the ending)
A recently widowed ghost writer is convinced by her agent that a new ghost writing opportunity is just what she needs to move past her grief.
Not only will she have the opportunity to write a memoir for Claudia Blackwell-a famous reclusive gothic horror writer, but it comes with an advance in the seven figures, plus a share of the royalties.
But, Grace isn’t so sure that she should accept…
After all, Claudia MIGHT be so good at writing murder with authority because she COULD be a murderess turned authoress, accused of killing two teens and stabbing a seven year old to death when she was only seventeen years old.
So what makes her decide to accept the offer?
I’m not telling…🤐
A fun 65 page novella which is part of the Amazon Original’s new “Never Tell” collection which is a premise that intrigues me-and is available now. I was able to read this for FREE as an Amazon Prime subscriber.
A recently widowed ghost writer is convinced by her agent that a new ghost writing opportunity is just what she needs to move past her grief.
Not only will she have the opportunity to write a memoir for Claudia Blackwell-a famous reclusive gothic horror writer, but it comes with an advance in the seven figures, plus a share of the royalties.
But, Grace isn’t so sure that she should accept…
After all, Claudia MIGHT be so good at writing murder with authority because she COULD be a murderess turned authoress, accused of killing two teens and stabbing a seven year old to death when she was only seventeen years old.
So what makes her decide to accept the offer?
I’m not telling…🤐
A fun 65 page novella which is part of the Amazon Original’s new “Never Tell” collection which is a premise that intrigues me-and is available now. I was able to read this for FREE as an Amazon Prime subscriber.
December 4, 2025
this is how a short story should be. You’re drawn in, and need to fast figure the clues out. In the middle I knew what the twist would be, the breadcrumbs worked! I didn’t feel disappointed, but very pleased by the author leading me to that conclusion with the small giveaways. Brilliant, loreth!
November 17, 2025
Help!
Someone Wants to Silence Me!
THE GHOST WRITER (Never Tell Collection)
by Loreth Anne White
3 1/2 stars. It was a windy, rainy, and foggy afternoon as the ferryman took Grace Logan to Blackwood Island...
The Overlook...
The home of infamous and reclusive gothic horror author Claudia Blackwood, made of glass, sat on the cliffs above a cave...
Grace, a True Crime ghost writer, was hired to write Blackwood's memoir. The woman was a murderer who had killed three people when she was seventeen...
Back then, she was aquitted...
Now, she was terminally ill...
Her previous ghost writer, Nora Moss, was found battered and floating in the sea below the Overlook. Suicide was the official cause of death...
Blackwood wanted to confess in her memoir...
During the interview, Blackwood told Grace that someone else was in the woods with her on that long ago day...
After hearing Blackwood's tale...
Returning to her room to bathe before dinner, Grace saw a message from the dead woman on the steamy bathroom mirror:
Help! Someone on the island is trying to kill me. Doesn't want her to tell her secret. Wants to silence me. Trapped!
Nora
This short story, just 65 pages, would have been good if it had been longer so that the plot and characters could gain some development.
It was atmospheric enough, with a great setting, but because of its length, it was a tiny bit confusing and felt rushed. I was able to deduce the ending well before it arrived.
My overall assessment: The makings were there for a great story. Unfortunately, it was just too short.
Someone Wants to Silence Me!
THE GHOST WRITER (Never Tell Collection)
by Loreth Anne White
3 1/2 stars. It was a windy, rainy, and foggy afternoon as the ferryman took Grace Logan to Blackwood Island...
The Overlook...
The home of infamous and reclusive gothic horror author Claudia Blackwood, made of glass, sat on the cliffs above a cave...
Grace, a True Crime ghost writer, was hired to write Blackwood's memoir. The woman was a murderer who had killed three people when she was seventeen...
Back then, she was aquitted...
Now, she was terminally ill...
Her previous ghost writer, Nora Moss, was found battered and floating in the sea below the Overlook. Suicide was the official cause of death...
Blackwood wanted to confess in her memoir...
During the interview, Blackwood told Grace that someone else was in the woods with her on that long ago day...
After hearing Blackwood's tale...
Returning to her room to bathe before dinner, Grace saw a message from the dead woman on the steamy bathroom mirror:
Help! Someone on the island is trying to kill me. Doesn't want her to tell her secret. Wants to silence me. Trapped!
Nora
This short story, just 65 pages, would have been good if it had been longer so that the plot and characters could gain some development.
It was atmospheric enough, with a great setting, but because of its length, it was a tiny bit confusing and felt rushed. I was able to deduce the ending well before it arrived.
My overall assessment: The makings were there for a great story. Unfortunately, it was just too short.
February 25, 2024
First and foremost, I’d like to send my gratitude to Loreth Anne White for gifting me a copy of The Ghost Writer. I was beyond thrilled to receive this! The Ghost Writer is part of a short story collection, Never Tell.
You know she must be excellent at what she does by writing a delicious and creepy story when the story is short!
Grace Logan has been offered the deal of a lifetime. To ghostwrite a memoir for Claudia Blackwell. Blackwell was suspected of a grisly triple murder years ago. Is she really a murderer? Frail and weak now, Claudia seeks Grace’s help. She must go to Claudia’s gothic mansion that is secluded on an island.
With a juicy twist at the end and just the right length, I think The Ghost Writer makes for a perfect short story! I still have to finish the rest of the book and look forward to it.
Part of Amazon Original Stories with other authors, Liv Constantine, Rachel Howzell Hall, Caroline Kepnes, Andrea Bartz, Ivy Pochoda and Loreth Anne White - Never Tell
Thank you to NetGalley, Amazon Original Stories and Loreth Anne White for the opportunity!
Release date March 19, 2024
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You know she must be excellent at what she does by writing a delicious and creepy story when the story is short!
Grace Logan has been offered the deal of a lifetime. To ghostwrite a memoir for Claudia Blackwell. Blackwell was suspected of a grisly triple murder years ago. Is she really a murderer? Frail and weak now, Claudia seeks Grace’s help. She must go to Claudia’s gothic mansion that is secluded on an island.
With a juicy twist at the end and just the right length, I think The Ghost Writer makes for a perfect short story! I still have to finish the rest of the book and look forward to it.
Part of Amazon Original Stories with other authors, Liv Constantine, Rachel Howzell Hall, Caroline Kepnes, Andrea Bartz, Ivy Pochoda and Loreth Anne White - Never Tell
Thank you to NetGalley, Amazon Original Stories and Loreth Anne White for the opportunity!
Release date March 19, 2024
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 5, 2024
A quick read!
Grace Logan is hired as the ghostwriter for the infamous author Claudia Blackwell. Claudia was the main suspect in a triple murder but she was never convicted. Claudia says she is ready to tell her story of the events and Grace can't resist being the person who will write about it. However, Grace will have to leave her life and move to the island where Grace, a reclusive, lives. Is Grace ready for the isolation?
So many questions. Why did Claudia pick Grace? What happened all those years ago? Is Claudia ready to tell the truth?
Loreth Anne White is an auto-buy for me. I couldn't resist listening to the Ghost Writer. It was an attention grabber from the get-go
Cliffhanger: No
3.75/5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Grace Logan is hired as the ghostwriter for the infamous author Claudia Blackwell. Claudia was the main suspect in a triple murder but she was never convicted. Claudia says she is ready to tell her story of the events and Grace can't resist being the person who will write about it. However, Grace will have to leave her life and move to the island where Grace, a reclusive, lives. Is Grace ready for the isolation?
So many questions. Why did Claudia pick Grace? What happened all those years ago? Is Claudia ready to tell the truth?
Loreth Anne White is an auto-buy for me. I couldn't resist listening to the Ghost Writer. It was an attention grabber from the get-go
Cliffhanger: No
3.75/5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
April 18, 2024
the setup…
Grace Logan is a ghostwriter and has received an offer to write the memoir for acclaimed author Claudia Blackwell. She’s also notorious for having been accused of a triple murder but was never tried. Claudia claims the memoir will divulge the truth of what really happened that night. It’s an offer Grace can’t refuse even though it means she’ll be isolated at the Blackwell island mansion.
the heart of the story…
I always expect the setting to be essential to any story by this author and I wasn’t disappointed. Everything about it was über creepy, adding to the sinister atmosphere of what Grace was taking on. From the onset, I was on edge, worried about Grace’s safety and what she might face. Claudia was an enigma and the whole time I felt I couldn’t trust her. And that mansion? I would have run back home.
the narration…
Wow, was Craden the perfect choice for this story! She’s got a low tone that amplified the creepiness of the story without seeming to try. Just outstanding.
the bottom line…
It’s a short story so I’ll end by saying, “checkmate.” Didn’t see that coming!
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio for my complimentary copy of the collection. All opinions are my own.)
Grace Logan is a ghostwriter and has received an offer to write the memoir for acclaimed author Claudia Blackwell. She’s also notorious for having been accused of a triple murder but was never tried. Claudia claims the memoir will divulge the truth of what really happened that night. It’s an offer Grace can’t refuse even though it means she’ll be isolated at the Blackwell island mansion.
the heart of the story…
I always expect the setting to be essential to any story by this author and I wasn’t disappointed. Everything about it was über creepy, adding to the sinister atmosphere of what Grace was taking on. From the onset, I was on edge, worried about Grace’s safety and what she might face. Claudia was an enigma and the whole time I felt I couldn’t trust her. And that mansion? I would have run back home.
the narration…
Wow, was Craden the perfect choice for this story! She’s got a low tone that amplified the creepiness of the story without seeming to try. Just outstanding.
the bottom line…
It’s a short story so I’ll end by saying, “checkmate.” Didn’t see that coming!
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio for my complimentary copy of the collection. All opinions are my own.)
April 18, 2024
3★
“They found her body battered and floating in the sea five days later. “
Welcome to the island. The body that was found in the sea was that of the previous ghostwriter hired by a successful, reclusive thriller author, said to be dying. The opening is stormy and atmospheric.
“ ‘There—you can see it through the gap in the fog.’ The old ferryman points. I lean forward to peer through the wheelhouse window streaked with seawater. Rain and wind lash at us as we buck into the whitecapped surge of a West Coast winter storm, cutting an erratic path toward Blackwood Island. It’s as though the sea itself is holding us back from the bleak private estate of the infamous and reclusive Gothic horror novelist Claudia Blackwood.”
Claudia has requested that Grace Logan come to the island and ghostwrite the true story of the murders she was accused of committing. At the time, she had no memory, but she says she finally remembers and wants her story told before it’s too late
There’s little, if any, phone coverage on the island, making this something of a locked-room mystery. Grace isn’t happy about that.
“Claustrophobia is my Achilles’ heel.”
Nevertheless, Grace is also a writer who came from the same town, so it’s a credible request, and if she can get the real story about the day of the murders, what a scoop it would be.
Everything about the island and the visit is straight out of one of Claudia’s thrillers.
But – I don’t know what happened with the editing. Claudia Blackwood is Claudia Blackwell. The island has both names as well, and it was certainly distracting because it made me wonder if I’d missed something. I’m reading an advance copy, so I hope it’s been fixed in the final one.
I enjoyed this one in the Never Tell collection. I have since seen some reviews that say the plot has been borrowed from a couple of other books, but since I’m unfamiliar with them, I can judge it only on what I read here, and it entertained me.
Thanks to #NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for this one from their #NeverTell collection of thriller short stories.
“They found her body battered and floating in the sea five days later. “
Welcome to the island. The body that was found in the sea was that of the previous ghostwriter hired by a successful, reclusive thriller author, said to be dying. The opening is stormy and atmospheric.
“ ‘There—you can see it through the gap in the fog.’ The old ferryman points. I lean forward to peer through the wheelhouse window streaked with seawater. Rain and wind lash at us as we buck into the whitecapped surge of a West Coast winter storm, cutting an erratic path toward Blackwood Island. It’s as though the sea itself is holding us back from the bleak private estate of the infamous and reclusive Gothic horror novelist Claudia Blackwood.”
Claudia has requested that Grace Logan come to the island and ghostwrite the true story of the murders she was accused of committing. At the time, she had no memory, but she says she finally remembers and wants her story told before it’s too late
There’s little, if any, phone coverage on the island, making this something of a locked-room mystery. Grace isn’t happy about that.
“Claustrophobia is my Achilles’ heel.”
Nevertheless, Grace is also a writer who came from the same town, so it’s a credible request, and if she can get the real story about the day of the murders, what a scoop it would be.
Everything about the island and the visit is straight out of one of Claudia’s thrillers.
But – I don’t know what happened with the editing. Claudia Blackwood is Claudia Blackwell. The island has both names as well, and it was certainly distracting because it made me wonder if I’d missed something. I’m reading an advance copy, so I hope it’s been fixed in the final one.
I enjoyed this one in the Never Tell collection. I have since seen some reviews that say the plot has been borrowed from a couple of other books, but since I’m unfamiliar with them, I can judge it only on what I read here, and it entertained me.
Thanks to #NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for this one from their #NeverTell collection of thriller short stories.
May 8, 2024
4 stars.
Where do I start without revealing too much? Let me say that this story had a twist I never saw coming. Solid four stars.
Where do I start without revealing too much? Let me say that this story had a twist I never saw coming. Solid four stars.
March 30, 2024
Part of the "Never Tell Collection" on Kindle Unlimited.
Gothic atmospheric location ✅
Creepy characters ✅
While it worked as a short story, I think it would have worked better as a full length novel since the characters and the story overall had the depth to be explored with more detail. A quick short story with a satisfying ending. 3.5 stars rounded up.
Gothic atmospheric location ✅
Creepy characters ✅
While it worked as a short story, I think it would have worked better as a full length novel since the characters and the story overall had the depth to be explored with more detail. A quick short story with a satisfying ending. 3.5 stars rounded up.
March 27, 2024
A ghost writer hired to help an elusive author finish her book...and keep her secrets. But it turns out she has a huge secret of her own.
4 stars.
4 stars.
January 1, 2026
4.0 Great Gothic setting, great twist
March 24, 2024
Claudia Blackwell was accused in the past of triple murder that she cannot remember but was not convicted because of technicalities. Now she is a famous and wealthy author of Gothic books. Rumours say that she is terminally sick and is looking for a ghostwriter for her memoir.
Grace Logan is offered to do this job. She is taking the offer even though her husband died not long ago and she is not yet emotionally ready to do this. But she was born in the same town as Claudia and wants to know if she remembers what happened that day.
The story has a Gothic flavour itself and the scene is set in a crepe old house on an isolated island where all servants behave suspiciously.
It is a good read for fans of mysteries and horrors.
Grace Logan is offered to do this job. She is taking the offer even though her husband died not long ago and she is not yet emotionally ready to do this. But she was born in the same town as Claudia and wants to know if she remembers what happened that day.
The story has a Gothic flavour itself and the scene is set in a crepe old house on an isolated island where all servants behave suspiciously.
It is a good read for fans of mysteries and horrors.
May 25, 2024
A ghostwriter is summoned to the remote island of a reclusive author with a dark past to pen her memoir. Is she ready to finally spill her secrets? Maybe start with what happened to her previous ghostwriter? If you’re a fan of those old vintage gothic paperbacks, read this atmospheric short story. A twisted and satisfying ending.
June 23, 2024
Story 3.5 stars**
Audio 3.75**
Narrator Abby Craden
Audio 3.75**
Narrator Abby Craden
April 7, 2024
The Ghost Writer is a well written, but slightly predictable, short story about a woman hired as a ghost writer for a well known novelist who is hindered by her deteriorating physical condition. This is a quick read and worth the time.
March 31, 2024
The Ghost Writer is a short story in the Never Tell Collection by Loreth Anne White. Being not long widowed by a traumatic incident is only one reason that true crime writer, Grace Logan could reject her editor’s recommendation to travel to The Overlook on Claudia Blackwood’s private island to ghost-write the woman’s memoir. Another might be that the previous ghostwriter fell to her death off the cliff. As a teen, Blackwood was implicated but never found guilty of the murder of two teens and a minor. Against her better judgement, Grace accepts the invitation on the promise that Blackwood will reveal new information about the killings. A gothic thriller with a clever twist that might have an unreliable narrator. 4 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories
Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories
April 24, 2024
This short story is part of the "Never Tell" series on Amazon, about secrets long held that are finally revealed.
The Ghost Writer is very atmospheric, a gothic tale set in an isolated mansion atop a cliff on an island. The aging author who lives there, accused of murder as a teen but acquitted, needs a ghost writer to help her write her memoirs so she can finally tell the truth about what happened on that long-ago day.
The story is reasonably well-written but very soon it becomes apparent what the so-called "twist" at the end will be. Nonetheless, it's always good to see the truth finally come out.
3.5 stars raised to 4 for atmosphere and description.
The Ghost Writer is very atmospheric, a gothic tale set in an isolated mansion atop a cliff on an island. The aging author who lives there, accused of murder as a teen but acquitted, needs a ghost writer to help her write her memoirs so she can finally tell the truth about what happened on that long-ago day.
The story is reasonably well-written but very soon it becomes apparent what the so-called "twist" at the end will be. Nonetheless, it's always good to see the truth finally come out.
3.5 stars raised to 4 for atmosphere and description.
December 29, 2024
Love the cover. A fun little twisty read.
April 27, 2024
Ghost Writers on the Storm
Review of the Amazon Original Stories eBook (March 19, 2024), released simultaneously with the Audible Original audiobook.
This was a great modern day gothic fiction with true crime ghost writer Grace Logan accepting a commission to write the memoir of reclusive author Claudia Blackwell at her island retreat. The stormy setting is creepy (the island mansion is named The Overlook, shades of Stephen King & The Shining!), the servants act suspicious and the author was suspected of a vicious triple murder in her youth (I immediately thought of author Anne Perry, even though the cases are not similar). Although not convicted at the time, the accusation has stayed with Blackwell for her entire career. She says that she is finally ready to reveal the truth.
More revelations are in store, a previous ghost writer had already accepted the assignment but then died in an apparent accident on a stormy night. A warning is revealed on the guest room's bathroom mirror when steam from a bath fills the air. I thought that the atmosphere and setting here were well done, and the allusions to other authors were clever. There is of course the now expected final twist when the reveal arrives. 🤐
The Ghost Writer is the second of six Amazon Original Stories eBooks/Audible Audio audiobooks released on March 19, 2024 as part of the Never Tell Collection of short stories which are promoted with the collective description:
Soundtrack
Once I thought up my lede, I immediately wanted to hear "Riders on the Storm" by The Doors from the L.A. Woman (1971) album, which you can also listen to here.
Trivia and Links
Loreth Anne White is a very prolific author with dozens of books to her credit. Her most popular novel to date is The Maid's Diary (2023). Her most current novel is The Unquiet Bones (March 5, 2024).
You can watch for current and past Amazon Original Stories which are usually paired with their Audible Original narrations at an Amazon page here (link goes to Amazon US, adjust for your own country or region).
Review of the Amazon Original Stories eBook (March 19, 2024), released simultaneously with the Audible Original audiobook.
This was a great modern day gothic fiction with true crime ghost writer Grace Logan accepting a commission to write the memoir of reclusive author Claudia Blackwell at her island retreat. The stormy setting is creepy (the island mansion is named The Overlook, shades of Stephen King & The Shining!), the servants act suspicious and the author was suspected of a vicious triple murder in her youth (I immediately thought of author Anne Perry, even though the cases are not similar). Although not convicted at the time, the accusation has stayed with Blackwell for her entire career. She says that she is finally ready to reveal the truth.
More revelations are in store, a previous ghost writer had already accepted the assignment but then died in an apparent accident on a stormy night. A warning is revealed on the guest room's bathroom mirror when steam from a bath fills the air. I thought that the atmosphere and setting here were well done, and the allusions to other authors were clever. There is of course the now expected final twist when the reveal arrives. 🤐
The Ghost Writer is the second of six Amazon Original Stories eBooks/Audible Audio audiobooks released on March 19, 2024 as part of the Never Tell Collection of short stories which are promoted with the collective description:
"How well do you know people? How well do they know you? Six award-winning, bestselling authors of suspense explore the lingering threat of secrets and the inescapable fear that they can’t stay buried forever. No matter how dark the hiding place, the consequences of revealing the truth can bring out the worst in lovers, friends, family, and strangers."
Soundtrack
Once I thought up my lede, I immediately wanted to hear "Riders on the Storm" by The Doors from the L.A. Woman (1971) album, which you can also listen to here.
Trivia and Links
Loreth Anne White is a very prolific author with dozens of books to her credit. Her most popular novel to date is The Maid's Diary (2023). Her most current novel is The Unquiet Bones (March 5, 2024).
You can watch for current and past Amazon Original Stories which are usually paired with their Audible Original narrations at an Amazon page here (link goes to Amazon US, adjust for your own country or region).
September 28, 2024
The Ghost Writer by Loreth Anne White – 3 stars
Content warnings: death, murder
I find myself wishing this had been a full fledged novel instead of a short story, but I enjoyed this much more than the first story in the collection. I did not see the twist at all.
If you're looking for a short, twisty thriller, this story is worth the time it takes to give it a read.
ARC provided by NetGalley
------------------------------------------------
This is story 2 of 6 in this collection. The ARC includes all 6, but they are listed individually in every form but the audiobook.
|Everywhere You Look|
Content warnings: death, murder
I find myself wishing this had been a full fledged novel instead of a short story, but I enjoyed this much more than the first story in the collection. I did not see the twist at all.
If you're looking for a short, twisty thriller, this story is worth the time it takes to give it a read.
ARC provided by NetGalley
------------------------------------------------
This is story 2 of 6 in this collection. The ARC includes all 6, but they are listed individually in every form but the audiobook.
|Everywhere You Look|
March 19, 2025
This is how to write a short story! I've read other Amazon original stories that have seemed rushed or incomplete. The Ghost Writer was well-written, with intriguing characters, an eerie setting, a suspenseful plot, and a satisfying conclusion. Book 2 of the Never Tell series on Kindle Unlimited.
March 22, 2024
An atmospheric audiobook
"The Ghost Writer" is an audiobook that is part of the Amazon "Never Tell" collection, and the excellent narrator enhances this atmospheric story.
The short story is about Claudia Blackwell, a famous but reclusive author who is ready to share the tragic events of her past through a ghostwriter. She contacts Grace with an offer of a lifetime, but there is something unnerving about the situation.
#EverywhereYouLook #LivConstantine #AudibleAudio #KindleUnlimited #AmazonOriginal #ShortStory #justfinished #honestreview #thriller #bookreviewer #thrillerbookloverspromotions #thrillerfriendsunite #thrillerobsessedbookishclub #ReadersOfTheLateArc #TalkWordyToMeTeam #lovetoread #bookworm #lovebooks #booknerd #readaholic #bookstagrammer #booktok #booktoker
"The Ghost Writer" is an audiobook that is part of the Amazon "Never Tell" collection, and the excellent narrator enhances this atmospheric story.
The short story is about Claudia Blackwell, a famous but reclusive author who is ready to share the tragic events of her past through a ghostwriter. She contacts Grace with an offer of a lifetime, but there is something unnerving about the situation.
#EverywhereYouLook #LivConstantine #AudibleAudio #KindleUnlimited #AmazonOriginal #ShortStory #justfinished #honestreview #thriller #bookreviewer #thrillerbookloverspromotions #thrillerfriendsunite #thrillerobsessedbookishclub #ReadersOfTheLateArc #TalkWordyToMeTeam #lovetoread #bookworm #lovebooks #booknerd #readaholic #bookstagrammer #booktok #booktoker
February 14, 2025
That was an ending I did not see coming! This is a wonderful short story, and I enjoyed is very much. The characters all played their parts to perfection, and it was a great way to pass the miles on my road trip.
Grace Logan has recently lost her husband and doesn't want to work as a ghostwriter right now. But when her editor brings her a wonderful opportunity, with lots of money, she is persuaded to take the job.
Claudia Blackwell is a very successful writer of Gothic Horror, and she is dying. She was accused of murder when she was a teen but not found guilty. She claimed not to remember what happened. Now she wants her truth told and Grace Logan to write the book.
Grace Logan has recently lost her husband and doesn't want to work as a ghostwriter right now. But when her editor brings her a wonderful opportunity, with lots of money, she is persuaded to take the job.
Claudia Blackwell is a very successful writer of Gothic Horror, and she is dying. She was accused of murder when she was a teen but not found guilty. She claimed not to remember what happened. Now she wants her truth told and Grace Logan to write the book.
November 1, 2025
Eager to add some short story reading to tide me over, I looked to the Never Tell collection. This piece by Loretta Anne White left me shocked and impressed all at once. When Grace Logan is offered the chance to ghostwrite the memoirs of a popular author, she cannot turn it down. Claudia Blackwell has quite the following, but it is a secretive event in her past that will surely help sell this potential book. Claudia is said to have murdered three people when she was a teen, and has been trying to clear her name. While Grace seeks to dig deeper into what happened, revelations surface that could turn the mystery on its head. Loreth Anne White presents it all and keeps the reader guessing!
While it was a brief story, I was quite interested in all that Loreth Anne White had to offer. The story builds from the opening premise and keeps getting better from there. Momentum is soon found and the reader is left with a mystery to solve, though there is no clear way up. White envelopes the reader’s thoughts and keep hold until she pushes the final truth, nothing being as expected. I quite enjoyed this piece.
Characters are impactful and present different perspectives. Readers are subjected to the varied personalities who emerge, many of whom flavour things to add new layers to the story. White weaves her characters into a larger whole and forces them to interact, letting truth come to pass.
Surprises are core to a story of this nature, though White did not wish to really create strong twists, but rather a full surprise reveal. There is the underlying search that Grace feels in the piece, though the developments that push her to the brink are not lost to the attentive reader. I enjoyed the quick changes that permeate the story and am eager to try more of Loreth Anne White’s writing soon.
Kudos, Madam White, for quite the short story.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
While it was a brief story, I was quite interested in all that Loreth Anne White had to offer. The story builds from the opening premise and keeps getting better from there. Momentum is soon found and the reader is left with a mystery to solve, though there is no clear way up. White envelopes the reader’s thoughts and keep hold until she pushes the final truth, nothing being as expected. I quite enjoyed this piece.
Characters are impactful and present different perspectives. Readers are subjected to the varied personalities who emerge, many of whom flavour things to add new layers to the story. White weaves her characters into a larger whole and forces them to interact, letting truth come to pass.
Surprises are core to a story of this nature, though White did not wish to really create strong twists, but rather a full surprise reveal. There is the underlying search that Grace feels in the piece, though the developments that push her to the brink are not lost to the attentive reader. I enjoyed the quick changes that permeate the story and am eager to try more of Loreth Anne White’s writing soon.
Kudos, Madam White, for quite the short story.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
January 10, 2025
everything about this book was basic and boring
February 25, 2024
Who knew it was possible to pack such a punch in a short story?! I love love loved this one. 🖤
Nothing makes for a better setting than the gothic vibes of a mansion in a rain storm. Loreth did the gothic setting so perfectly that I’m going to NEED a full length gothic fiction from her. 🤞🏻
The Ghost Writer was creepy, intriguing and of course had a shocking twist that I didn’t see coming. Can’t wait to read more of the short stories in this set!
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!
Nothing makes for a better setting than the gothic vibes of a mansion in a rain storm. Loreth did the gothic setting so perfectly that I’m going to NEED a full length gothic fiction from her. 🤞🏻
The Ghost Writer was creepy, intriguing and of course had a shocking twist that I didn’t see coming. Can’t wait to read more of the short stories in this set!
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!
May 11, 2024
Much better than the first book in the collection. I actually thought this was cleverly done and liked the ending a lot.
A ghostwriter arrives on a secluded island to write about the memoir or an author who was accused of murder as a young child. What lies in wait for her?
We get another imposing and scary home now situated on an island. This one had some Gothic elements I really appreciated.
A ghostwriter arrives on a secluded island to write about the memoir or an author who was accused of murder as a young child. What lies in wait for her?
We get another imposing and scary home now situated on an island. This one had some Gothic elements I really appreciated.
March 26, 2024
Thank you for letting me know this book exists, Gwen! It’s giving The Only One Left by Riley Sager, and I loved it!
May 9, 2024
The twist at the end was EVERYTHING🤩
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