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BestGhost
The world's best ghost hunters, the town's most haunted mansion, what could go wrong?
A debut sample from the forthcoming Tales From Cemetery!
The Old Mayor’s Mansion sits just a few miles outside the town of Cemetery.
When best friends Sean and Devon want to increase views on their ghost investigation channel, they know the mansion is the perfect spot to film.
Armed with a slew of new equipment, the buddies set out to capture the paranormal hotspot that will make them famous—just maybe not in the way they were hoping.
A debut sample from the forthcoming Tales From Cemetery!
The Old Mayor’s Mansion sits just a few miles outside the town of Cemetery.
When best friends Sean and Devon want to increase views on their ghost investigation channel, they know the mansion is the perfect spot to film.
Armed with a slew of new equipment, the buddies set out to capture the paranormal hotspot that will make them famous—just maybe not in the way they were hoping.
79 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2024
5 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Daley
5 books136 followersC. J. Daley lives in New York. He is the author of Welcome to Cemetery, his full-length crime thriller debut, as well as a full accompanying short story collection, Tales From Cemetery. BestGhost was his first sampler on the road to release. He enjoys smaller pieces that give hints to his created worlds at large, and he loves blending genres with dark descriptors. He hopes this won’t be the last you hear from him, and if you enjoyed, please consider leaving a review on Amazon, BookBub, Goodreads, StoryGraph, Literal Book Club—or share with a friend.
Follow along for more news @ CJDsCurrentRead / @ CJDaleyWrites on social media
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Follow along for more news @ CJDsCurrentRead / @ CJDaleyWrites on social media
For more goodies to come, sign up for my newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
March 9, 2025
‘BestGhost: A Novelette’ by stellar author C. J. Daley is a thrilling story about a ghost-busting adventure gone wrong. It gave me all the R.L. Stine Fear Street cum Fear Street Saga feels and I enjoyed reading it while sipping on my milky coffee one cup after another on my sofa recliner chair. It was a calming read for those of us who love the works of authors like R.L. Stine, Dennis Wheatley, M.R. James, Ambrose Bierce and other stalwarts in this genre.
But I especially felt the R.L Stine vibes with this short novelette and now I can’t wait to read the full-length novel based on this book titled ‘Welcome To Cemetery’ which is the first book in the Cemetery Collection. I found the book to be adventurous, thrilling, suspenseful and enthralling. I could easily relate with the parents of the missing young lady in this book; if I had a daughter who had friends like the two teen protagonists in this book, I would have locked her up inside my house forever! These were a pair of really strange but daring teens, but their Scooby Doo adventure was going to go wrong in this book by C.J. Daley.
The book left me stunned at many points and at one particular scene I almost spilled my warm coffee on myself as my Man-Friday placed it on my coffee table near my recliner as I read the book on my Kindle Fire. I loved the parents of the young lady as mentioned before in this story; I could easily resonate with them. My favourite scene in this story was when the pizza was delivered, and the friends devoured the giant pizza. The reason is obvious, I too love pizza breaks! Sadly, I don’t get to have much of them anymore.
I enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to all readers of this genre. C. J. Daley is a writer to watch out for as he has got talent and can really get a reader transported into his setting very easily. Excellent narration comes naturally to him, and he has a way with creating realistic and beautiful characters. I could actually see and feel Sean and Devon the two main male protagonists in front of me as the book played in my mind like a HD movie clip.
I easily give C. J. Daley 5 stars. Kudos to him on a job well done!
I am looking forward to reading more of his books in the coming days and weeks!
But I especially felt the R.L Stine vibes with this short novelette and now I can’t wait to read the full-length novel based on this book titled ‘Welcome To Cemetery’ which is the first book in the Cemetery Collection. I found the book to be adventurous, thrilling, suspenseful and enthralling. I could easily relate with the parents of the missing young lady in this book; if I had a daughter who had friends like the two teen protagonists in this book, I would have locked her up inside my house forever! These were a pair of really strange but daring teens, but their Scooby Doo adventure was going to go wrong in this book by C.J. Daley.
The book left me stunned at many points and at one particular scene I almost spilled my warm coffee on myself as my Man-Friday placed it on my coffee table near my recliner as I read the book on my Kindle Fire. I loved the parents of the young lady as mentioned before in this story; I could easily resonate with them. My favourite scene in this story was when the pizza was delivered, and the friends devoured the giant pizza. The reason is obvious, I too love pizza breaks! Sadly, I don’t get to have much of them anymore.
I enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to all readers of this genre. C. J. Daley is a writer to watch out for as he has got talent and can really get a reader transported into his setting very easily. Excellent narration comes naturally to him, and he has a way with creating realistic and beautiful characters. I could actually see and feel Sean and Devon the two main male protagonists in front of me as the book played in my mind like a HD movie clip.
I easily give C. J. Daley 5 stars. Kudos to him on a job well done!
I am looking forward to reading more of his books in the coming days and weeks!
Read
May 12, 2025I knew I wanted to give a free sample from my upcoming work and that I wanted it to be a cohesive start to finish piece. Contrary to some peoples’ belief, this is a novelette out of my short story collection, and although it is purposefully open ended, that is the real ending!
I hope you enjoy.
Order BestGhost:
https://books2read.com/u/bzql8q on Amazon
https://ko-fi.com/s/3ca4323272 signed copies
https://mailchi.mp/c4252cf5668d/bestg... free with newsletter signup!
https://fanfiaddict.com/bestghost-a-n...
More than anything, I just want this sample to be checked out ❤️
I hope you enjoy.
Order BestGhost:
https://books2read.com/u/bzql8q on Amazon
https://ko-fi.com/s/3ca4323272 signed copies
https://mailchi.mp/c4252cf5668d/bestg... free with newsletter signup!
https://fanfiaddict.com/bestghost-a-n...
More than anything, I just want this sample to be checked out ❤️
May 16, 2025
Excuse my series of profoundly mid reviews, been feeling half past dead for far too long 🤷♀️
I keep reading the stories about haunted houses and people with YouTube channels who do paranormal investigations even though I'm not that keen on either thing. There's something of a YA vibe to this novelette where it feels unclear whether the characters are 15 or 21 which worked for the story. I was really into it until the at the end which kinda threw me for a loop.
Oh and I had to laugh at the "they made fun of me for being rich" thing the guy had going on, like what?
I keep reading the stories about haunted houses and people with YouTube channels who do paranormal investigations even though I'm not that keen on either thing. There's something of a YA vibe to this novelette where it feels unclear whether the characters are 15 or 21 which worked for the story. I was really into it until the at the end which kinda threw me for a loop.
Oh and I had to laugh at the "they made fun of me for being rich" thing the guy had going on, like what?
October 10, 2024
ARC for review. Published June 3, 2024.
Nope. 1 star for this disappointing read.
Sean and Devon want to increase views on their (really dumb, really bad) ghost investigation channel so they decide to visit the Old Mayor’s Mansion which is just a few miles outside the town of Cemetery (it’s unclear whether they live there.) They are hoping this will make them famous, because, hey, post-2000 isn’t that the most anyone can aspire to be? Well, maybe it will. But maybe not in the way they were hoping.
It appears this was published quite awhile ago. I knew I should have thrown in the proverbial town when “past” was misspelled as “passed” in the very first sentence.
The book actually reads as if it was written for middle grade children, but one can tell from the language and drinking that it isn’t. It’s poorly written and deadly dull. Trust me, it’s not the “Best” anything.
Nope. 1 star for this disappointing read.
Sean and Devon want to increase views on their (really dumb, really bad) ghost investigation channel so they decide to visit the Old Mayor’s Mansion which is just a few miles outside the town of Cemetery (it’s unclear whether they live there.) They are hoping this will make them famous, because, hey, post-2000 isn’t that the most anyone can aspire to be? Well, maybe it will. But maybe not in the way they were hoping.
It appears this was published quite awhile ago. I knew I should have thrown in the proverbial town when “past” was misspelled as “passed” in the very first sentence.
The book actually reads as if it was written for middle grade children, but one can tell from the language and drinking that it isn’t. It’s poorly written and deadly dull. Trust me, it’s not the “Best” anything.
November 18, 2024
I ponder the terrible thumping that crawls along the floors of my basement. I regard the heavens as the frame of my house heaves with fury. When I snuggle in bed the monster underneath me tugs at the corner of my duvet before I tuck it in close. A familiar & comforting setting appeals to the reader whose home is the breeding ground for the traditional scary story, the haunting of a house. Indeed, so apt & hungry are readers for the familiar confines they cannot escape, their brooding pleasure scurries through publishing trends & has not ceased since the moor called the ghost to the window & the crew of skeptics, scientists, & hysterics wandered up the hill.
When I came across this short story, I was apprehensive. As is so often the case, readers who are easily pleased by pen to page declared this story one of the most marvellously bone-chilling tales of horror they had ever read. Although, I am glad for their easy enjoyment, for it is in great part due to their uninhibited joy that the publishing world is as diverse as it has become; I cannot help but grow weary of the reality in which I find myself. Begrudgingly, I welcomed their claims, shook my head, & began reading.
In essence, this is a story about two teenage boys who host a YouTube channel on ghost-haunting activities. For one of their episodes, they endeavour to visit the old Mayor’s Mansion—the most haunted house in their small town of Cemetery, U.S.A. The two nights they spend in the house result in their deaths & as the police claim in the concluding chapter, their utterly baffling disappearances.
As I said, I came across this story on the eve of October month, one that Bradbury has well-prepared me to welcome, year after year. Oddly, I never tire of the new-age approaches to traditional hauntings. I have read too many books covering too many subjects, to cloister myself from anything that might revisit what I have loved & loathed. Though I was not being facetious when I said I doubted the powerful sway this short story has held over other readers, I recognize that this is a result of the reader I am & not the story itself.
Contextually, the author has placed his wee nervous characters into a world that will be easily formed by the knowledge readers have of small towns, communities they have explored, & a country that is forward-facing in all things. There is room in this story for more & I found myself curious about the author’s decision to write through a first-person perspective rather than adopt an omniscient third-person voice that would wade the trembles of the haunting in a more neutral, & ultimately, more ghastly way.
I say this because first-person perspectives do not grant stories the ability to explore situations in depth. Readers are limited in their exploration into the void by the abilities of the narrator. In this case, though each character was able to explore the house on their own, & though their inner monologues feature throughout their outwardly spoken conversations, the scenes did not go past their imminent feelings. Their cruel lack of understanding about the world leads them to repeat the same mistake twice. Why?
The reader will not be given the opportunity to dwell on the horrors of the house because that is not the point. Sean & Dean are young, they have hardly outgrown the nauseous egotistical insecurity that plagues young teenagers as they slowly wade into adulthood. I am not faulting them for this but simply stating it here so that readers understand the context of the story.
Their lack of confidence impacted their decisions. I would wager to say that their lack of confidence resulted in their death because a confident person does not go into things blindly for the sake of appearing brave; bravery is calculated courage.
The age of the characters gave this story the quirky feel that many readers will appreciate, myself included. Had the characters had more life experience, perhaps they may have understood the logistics of the crime that occurred. The exposition performed by Sean & Dean in an effort to include valuable details was not painfully done.
Readers will notice that individuals hardly repeat themselves completely when revisiting a subject matter in real life. Yet, on occasion, this was the case for both the young protagonists. For example, Sean repeats the rationale behind their YouTube channel name to Dean twice, he asks twice, within the same timeframe. The reader is repeatedly told that Sean’s father is wealthy & then we are left with details that confuse what we have been told, though I do not believe this was intentional.
To begin where it is most important, at the scene of the crime; readers will remember that the murder-suicide that took place in the house with the Mayor & his large brood of children, his wife, & perhaps anyone else present (who can know for certain), leads the main characters to believe that the house is haunted.
If we take this story at face value, that the patriarch was murdered by an unknown assailant after the murder of his family, one may wonder why he is haunting the house. Would the patriarch remain in the house? Would his children want to haunt everyone who visited their home? Why were they killed by an unknown assailant? Why did everyone in that family die?
Of course, mature readers may wonder why the driver was the only witness. They may ponder the nature of his testimony. Why was he the only employee mentioned in this story? Certainly, details will be sparse; this crime occurred in the latter part of the nineteenth century & the key holders of information are young people intent on ignoring the specifics of the crime because they have the opportunity to profit from the lore that surrounds it.
This gave me pause. The haunted beings in this story are both the innocent family members of the patriarch—who murdered his entire family after discovering his wife’s adulterous relationship with the driver—& the old Mayor himself—the killer. Why would the family be stuck in this setting?
I do not ask so many questions out of displeasure. I ask so many questions because there seems an opportunity to further my knowledge on a horrible situation, one that I am meant to greet with open arms as it was told to me but which I recognize as being more complex than it has the opportunity to reveal itself as being.
Here is what I mean specifically: when Sean & Dean hear the patriarch’s voice upstairs, mumbling to himself about his wife’s infidelities, as their hearts thump while the Mayor’s footsteps crack into the old wood, the boys wonder why. Yet, this question is never answered. Here we have the perfect opening for readers who will be the opposite of myself.
Readers who do not care about specifics, who can ignore the modern linguistics that the mayor uses when speaking upstairs rather than vernacular appropriate for his station, generation, & century; for readers who will welcome the physical violence of a ghost without body autonomy & cruelty beyond rational measure; this story will have them climbing the walls in anticipation of the next spook. I would not begrudge them this pleasure. Rather, as I took note of the use of language too modern to be employed; as I questioned the thumping feet & the disappearing young men; I questioned the story altogether & this eviscerated my fear.
I am a reader who wants the gory details. I long for a story that sets my heart on fire with a plot that is too cruel to be fictional. As I read this short haunting, I was reminded of Richard Matheson’s “Hell House” (1971)—a book brimming with the potential to be horrific due to the sociopathic nature of the antagonist.
Perhaps the author, a person who appears to love Horror as much as I do, will be confused by my comparison between his work & the renowned classic; I mean this both as a compliment to enticing storytelling & as encouragement—sweat the small stuff, the details, they leave the skin of the story filthy with oozing discomfort.
As I ruminate on my experience with this story, I settle on gladness as my sentiment of choice. On occasion, a reader is met with a story that tickles the very back of the spine, vertebrae the hand cannot reach on one’s own, found nestled in the heated palm of another.
The scene in the basement was exquisitely done. Sean’s terror at the door as his doomed friend tumbled down into darkness left me eager to see the flame flicker out. The writing of the flashlights, switching on, back & forth, was something one would be remise to consume in the setting sun. The author as I have previously assumed, knows where fear hides & has lured it out to meet the eager gentility who has deemed themselves able to face it.
Ultimately, I enjoyed this story of quaint, small-town lunacy—ignorance of the most gruesome kind. The lover who wanders the house as though it were their own, next to children they may have helped bring into the world. The youngsters who know not yet what it means to be brave but whose ego calls them forward as the swan song strums in the onyx of abandon.
I linger in the burning wood piled in the backyard where the bodies of the narrating characters rot, waiting for clarity on whether Sean’s passing comment about living in the house he owns alone indicates property ownership or the passing fancies of a child without their parent. I reminisce on the pizza delivery without a bill or a tip for the journey.
I will revisit the author’s work as they find their footing & as the soothing tune of sorrow drifts through the pages of their next work. Writing Horror is very difficult, this I have acknowledged time after time. Yet, the effort is one I continue to appreciate.
Therefore, this story is for readers who will be jilted by the shadow that passes by, in the corner of their eye, the lover of maliciously silly stories that remind them of the legends told during the tender years of their youth. May the monsters that live under their beds sleep soundly, & may the monsters that wander skyscrapers & dirt roads find the gallows of their kin.
Thank you to NetGalley, BestGhost Books, & C. J. Daley for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
When I came across this short story, I was apprehensive. As is so often the case, readers who are easily pleased by pen to page declared this story one of the most marvellously bone-chilling tales of horror they had ever read. Although, I am glad for their easy enjoyment, for it is in great part due to their uninhibited joy that the publishing world is as diverse as it has become; I cannot help but grow weary of the reality in which I find myself. Begrudgingly, I welcomed their claims, shook my head, & began reading.
In essence, this is a story about two teenage boys who host a YouTube channel on ghost-haunting activities. For one of their episodes, they endeavour to visit the old Mayor’s Mansion—the most haunted house in their small town of Cemetery, U.S.A. The two nights they spend in the house result in their deaths & as the police claim in the concluding chapter, their utterly baffling disappearances.
As I said, I came across this story on the eve of October month, one that Bradbury has well-prepared me to welcome, year after year. Oddly, I never tire of the new-age approaches to traditional hauntings. I have read too many books covering too many subjects, to cloister myself from anything that might revisit what I have loved & loathed. Though I was not being facetious when I said I doubted the powerful sway this short story has held over other readers, I recognize that this is a result of the reader I am & not the story itself.
Contextually, the author has placed his wee nervous characters into a world that will be easily formed by the knowledge readers have of small towns, communities they have explored, & a country that is forward-facing in all things. There is room in this story for more & I found myself curious about the author’s decision to write through a first-person perspective rather than adopt an omniscient third-person voice that would wade the trembles of the haunting in a more neutral, & ultimately, more ghastly way.
I say this because first-person perspectives do not grant stories the ability to explore situations in depth. Readers are limited in their exploration into the void by the abilities of the narrator. In this case, though each character was able to explore the house on their own, & though their inner monologues feature throughout their outwardly spoken conversations, the scenes did not go past their imminent feelings. Their cruel lack of understanding about the world leads them to repeat the same mistake twice. Why?
The reader will not be given the opportunity to dwell on the horrors of the house because that is not the point. Sean & Dean are young, they have hardly outgrown the nauseous egotistical insecurity that plagues young teenagers as they slowly wade into adulthood. I am not faulting them for this but simply stating it here so that readers understand the context of the story.
Their lack of confidence impacted their decisions. I would wager to say that their lack of confidence resulted in their death because a confident person does not go into things blindly for the sake of appearing brave; bravery is calculated courage.
The age of the characters gave this story the quirky feel that many readers will appreciate, myself included. Had the characters had more life experience, perhaps they may have understood the logistics of the crime that occurred. The exposition performed by Sean & Dean in an effort to include valuable details was not painfully done.
Readers will notice that individuals hardly repeat themselves completely when revisiting a subject matter in real life. Yet, on occasion, this was the case for both the young protagonists. For example, Sean repeats the rationale behind their YouTube channel name to Dean twice, he asks twice, within the same timeframe. The reader is repeatedly told that Sean’s father is wealthy & then we are left with details that confuse what we have been told, though I do not believe this was intentional.
To begin where it is most important, at the scene of the crime; readers will remember that the murder-suicide that took place in the house with the Mayor & his large brood of children, his wife, & perhaps anyone else present (who can know for certain), leads the main characters to believe that the house is haunted.
If we take this story at face value, that the patriarch was murdered by an unknown assailant after the murder of his family, one may wonder why he is haunting the house. Would the patriarch remain in the house? Would his children want to haunt everyone who visited their home? Why were they killed by an unknown assailant? Why did everyone in that family die?
Of course, mature readers may wonder why the driver was the only witness. They may ponder the nature of his testimony. Why was he the only employee mentioned in this story? Certainly, details will be sparse; this crime occurred in the latter part of the nineteenth century & the key holders of information are young people intent on ignoring the specifics of the crime because they have the opportunity to profit from the lore that surrounds it.
This gave me pause. The haunted beings in this story are both the innocent family members of the patriarch—who murdered his entire family after discovering his wife’s adulterous relationship with the driver—& the old Mayor himself—the killer. Why would the family be stuck in this setting?
I do not ask so many questions out of displeasure. I ask so many questions because there seems an opportunity to further my knowledge on a horrible situation, one that I am meant to greet with open arms as it was told to me but which I recognize as being more complex than it has the opportunity to reveal itself as being.
Here is what I mean specifically: when Sean & Dean hear the patriarch’s voice upstairs, mumbling to himself about his wife’s infidelities, as their hearts thump while the Mayor’s footsteps crack into the old wood, the boys wonder why. Yet, this question is never answered. Here we have the perfect opening for readers who will be the opposite of myself.
Readers who do not care about specifics, who can ignore the modern linguistics that the mayor uses when speaking upstairs rather than vernacular appropriate for his station, generation, & century; for readers who will welcome the physical violence of a ghost without body autonomy & cruelty beyond rational measure; this story will have them climbing the walls in anticipation of the next spook. I would not begrudge them this pleasure. Rather, as I took note of the use of language too modern to be employed; as I questioned the thumping feet & the disappearing young men; I questioned the story altogether & this eviscerated my fear.
I am a reader who wants the gory details. I long for a story that sets my heart on fire with a plot that is too cruel to be fictional. As I read this short haunting, I was reminded of Richard Matheson’s “Hell House” (1971)—a book brimming with the potential to be horrific due to the sociopathic nature of the antagonist.
Perhaps the author, a person who appears to love Horror as much as I do, will be confused by my comparison between his work & the renowned classic; I mean this both as a compliment to enticing storytelling & as encouragement—sweat the small stuff, the details, they leave the skin of the story filthy with oozing discomfort.
As I ruminate on my experience with this story, I settle on gladness as my sentiment of choice. On occasion, a reader is met with a story that tickles the very back of the spine, vertebrae the hand cannot reach on one’s own, found nestled in the heated palm of another.
The scene in the basement was exquisitely done. Sean’s terror at the door as his doomed friend tumbled down into darkness left me eager to see the flame flicker out. The writing of the flashlights, switching on, back & forth, was something one would be remise to consume in the setting sun. The author as I have previously assumed, knows where fear hides & has lured it out to meet the eager gentility who has deemed themselves able to face it.
Ultimately, I enjoyed this story of quaint, small-town lunacy—ignorance of the most gruesome kind. The lover who wanders the house as though it were their own, next to children they may have helped bring into the world. The youngsters who know not yet what it means to be brave but whose ego calls them forward as the swan song strums in the onyx of abandon.
I linger in the burning wood piled in the backyard where the bodies of the narrating characters rot, waiting for clarity on whether Sean’s passing comment about living in the house he owns alone indicates property ownership or the passing fancies of a child without their parent. I reminisce on the pizza delivery without a bill or a tip for the journey.
I will revisit the author’s work as they find their footing & as the soothing tune of sorrow drifts through the pages of their next work. Writing Horror is very difficult, this I have acknowledged time after time. Yet, the effort is one I continue to appreciate.
Therefore, this story is for readers who will be jilted by the shadow that passes by, in the corner of their eye, the lover of maliciously silly stories that remind them of the legends told during the tender years of their youth. May the monsters that live under their beds sleep soundly, & may the monsters that wander skyscrapers & dirt roads find the gallows of their kin.
Thank you to NetGalley, BestGhost Books, & C. J. Daley for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 29, 2024
Review first posted at FanFiAddict: https://fanfiaddict.com/review-bestgh...
BestGhost is the horror/thriller/mystery debut sampler from C.J. Daley’s upcoming short story collection Tales From Cemetery. Grab your copy of BestGhost here: https://storyoriginapp.com/directdown...
This might be one of the best stories I’ll read all year. For me, it was magnificently spooky and the ending gave me a visceral reaction I won’t soon forget. Whenever I close my eyes it’s as if I’m still in that room, about to experience one of my more primal fears. Daley wastes no time and delivers a concise and compact story that doesn’t sacrifice in quality or impact. For optimum effect, read this at night with the lights turned off. It’s safe to say that I am excited to read Tales From Cemetery. Reading a book at the right time can be like discovering a hidden treasure. This heart-pounding horror jumped off the page and settled inside my bones.
Just outside the town of Cemetery, two teens who run a paranormal YouTube channel investigate an old mayor’s mansion. It’s rumored to be the most haunted spot for paranormal activity, and it all goes terribly wrong during their two night investigation.
The scariness of a story lies in its ability to tap into deep seated fears and evoke strong emotions. I’ll be the first to admit that I am not a seasoned horror reader. I prefer horror mixed with fantasy or sci-fi. I used to journey into the realm of horror more so in the past. I got my start collecting Goosebumps which then evolved into horror films directed by Dario Argento and various films such as Henry and Clean, Shaven. I’m not sure what changed but around my mid 20’s, I suddenly became quite fearful and anxious when it came to horror.
All this to say that I am a reader who rarely seeks out books that may scare me. I decided to read this because a) it was Daley’s birthday so I picked up the novelette and b) it was short and the plot seemed like something I could tolerate.
The scariness of this story will be subjective and will certainly vary between readers based on individual fears and experiences. For me, it was the perfect balance of scariness. The suspenseful storytelling and chilling atmosphere were perfectly crafted and the tension gradually increased which kept me on edge anticipating what would happen next.
It tapped into my individual fears of isolation, the unknown, and supernatural entities. I loved the believer/skeptic dynamic between Sean and Devon’s characters and the lighthearted moments which balanced out the creepiness. Even something as simple as a pizza delivery was gripping. I really enjoyed the behind the scenes look at their channel BestGhost Hunters and learning how they used the various investigative equipment.
Daley enhanced feelings of dread by crafting around relatable fears which made the story feel more personal and unsettling. I read this at night and damn near had my heart jump from my body. Daley’s storytelling created the perfect storm of mystery. The story felt so complete which is usually very, very difficult to accomplish.
BestGhost is the horror/thriller/mystery debut sampler from C.J. Daley’s upcoming short story collection Tales From Cemetery. Grab your copy of BestGhost here: https://storyoriginapp.com/directdown...
This might be one of the best stories I’ll read all year. For me, it was magnificently spooky and the ending gave me a visceral reaction I won’t soon forget. Whenever I close my eyes it’s as if I’m still in that room, about to experience one of my more primal fears. Daley wastes no time and delivers a concise and compact story that doesn’t sacrifice in quality or impact. For optimum effect, read this at night with the lights turned off. It’s safe to say that I am excited to read Tales From Cemetery. Reading a book at the right time can be like discovering a hidden treasure. This heart-pounding horror jumped off the page and settled inside my bones.
Just outside the town of Cemetery, two teens who run a paranormal YouTube channel investigate an old mayor’s mansion. It’s rumored to be the most haunted spot for paranormal activity, and it all goes terribly wrong during their two night investigation.
The scariness of a story lies in its ability to tap into deep seated fears and evoke strong emotions. I’ll be the first to admit that I am not a seasoned horror reader. I prefer horror mixed with fantasy or sci-fi. I used to journey into the realm of horror more so in the past. I got my start collecting Goosebumps which then evolved into horror films directed by Dario Argento and various films such as Henry and Clean, Shaven. I’m not sure what changed but around my mid 20’s, I suddenly became quite fearful and anxious when it came to horror.
All this to say that I am a reader who rarely seeks out books that may scare me. I decided to read this because a) it was Daley’s birthday so I picked up the novelette and b) it was short and the plot seemed like something I could tolerate.
The scariness of this story will be subjective and will certainly vary between readers based on individual fears and experiences. For me, it was the perfect balance of scariness. The suspenseful storytelling and chilling atmosphere were perfectly crafted and the tension gradually increased which kept me on edge anticipating what would happen next.
It tapped into my individual fears of isolation, the unknown, and supernatural entities. I loved the believer/skeptic dynamic between Sean and Devon’s characters and the lighthearted moments which balanced out the creepiness. Even something as simple as a pizza delivery was gripping. I really enjoyed the behind the scenes look at their channel BestGhost Hunters and learning how they used the various investigative equipment.
Daley enhanced feelings of dread by crafting around relatable fears which made the story feel more personal and unsettling. I read this at night and damn near had my heart jump from my body. Daley’s storytelling created the perfect storm of mystery. The story felt so complete which is usually very, very difficult to accomplish.
October 19, 2023
“January 16th was a date no one expected to have burned into the history of Cemetery, but horror doesn’t often wait to be invited in.”
This is a very short story – of just about 37 pages but despite that the characters and events that were happening were very realistic and I was able to immerse myself. I read it at midnight and got properly spooked. I am amazed at how much the author is able to achieve with just two guys, their YouTube channel, a haunted mansion, and a pizza delivery. I cannot wait for the full novel to be released. Easy recommendation.
June 7, 2023
Unsettling, nicely constructed and very authentic, it takes everything from old paranormal movies/games and replicates them fantastically. I seriously look forward to the full release!
June 23, 2023
This was a fun and creepy read. Reminds me of Buzzfeed Unsolved Supernatural except darker. 4.5
December 16, 2023
Happy Independence Day (almost), all my US friends!!! 🇺🇸
What better way to celebrate freedom than by enjoying a FREE story from the super talented C. J. Daley? Go sign up for his news letter to get BestGhost for free!
BestGhost is Daley’s debut release, set in the same eerie town of Cemetery as his forthcoming debut novel and story collection. This story is quick, snappy, and suspenseful- with a likable duo at its center.
While I may have some minor nitpicks with some of the dialogue here and there, I found this to be an engaging story that fully kept my attention from start to finish. In a way, this feels like an extended prologue for the story to come, and after reading BestGhost, I am most certainly onboard for more. I can’t wait to see what this blossoming talent releases next!
Congratulations to @cjdscurrentread!! Go read this awesome ghost story!
What better way to celebrate freedom than by enjoying a FREE story from the super talented C. J. Daley? Go sign up for his news letter to get BestGhost for free!
BestGhost is Daley’s debut release, set in the same eerie town of Cemetery as his forthcoming debut novel and story collection. This story is quick, snappy, and suspenseful- with a likable duo at its center.
While I may have some minor nitpicks with some of the dialogue here and there, I found this to be an engaging story that fully kept my attention from start to finish. In a way, this feels like an extended prologue for the story to come, and after reading BestGhost, I am most certainly onboard for more. I can’t wait to see what this blossoming talent releases next!
Congratulations to @cjdscurrentread!! Go read this awesome ghost story!
February 1, 2024
I’m not really into horror, especially this type of horror, but since it was really short and it was the author’s birthday, I wanted to give it a try. The writing flowed really well and the story creeped me out so much! So kudos to the author for that. Well done. Something about the ending didn’t quite work for me though. Something was missing. I can’t really put my finger on it. The abruptness was good but I don’t know. Keep in mind that this isn’t really my genre so take my opinion with a grain of salt. But overall, well done and I’d be happy to read more from the author (as long as it’s not horror).
June 7, 2023
Not my typical genre, but this was a lot of fun. Great work on setting, atmosphere, and I really enjoyed the banter between the primary characters. A perfect teaser for what is still to come.
June 4, 2024
So much packed into this short read in the best way! Great pace and so well written, was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Can’t wait for more!!
August 5, 2025
This was my introduction to C.J. Daley's writing, and I loved it! I look forward to reading more of his work.
BestGhost tells the story of a couple teenage boys who are investigating a house just outside the town of Cemetery, called the Old Mayor's Mansion. They run a paranormal YouTube channel, so are looking to document the events for their fans. As their endeavor begins, we learn more about these two endearing characters through their dialogue and mannerisms. Having grown up with two older brothers, I particularly enjoyed the realistic dialogue.
What starts out as something spooky and fun begins to turn more sinister, and on the second night we see especially see things spiral.
I was not expecting that ending, and I do hope for a sequel or prequel to this story. Either way, it's a really fun and quick read—I definitely recommend this one!
BestGhost tells the story of a couple teenage boys who are investigating a house just outside the town of Cemetery, called the Old Mayor's Mansion. They run a paranormal YouTube channel, so are looking to document the events for their fans. As their endeavor begins, we learn more about these two endearing characters through their dialogue and mannerisms. Having grown up with two older brothers, I particularly enjoyed the realistic dialogue.
What starts out as something spooky and fun begins to turn more sinister, and on the second night we see especially see things spiral.
I was not expecting that ending, and I do hope for a sequel or prequel to this story. Either way, it's a really fun and quick read—I definitely recommend this one!
September 24, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and BestGhost Books for the eARC of 'BestGhost' by C. J. Daley in exchange for an honest review.
2 stars out of 5.
This is not ready for the shelves, at all.
The text is extremely crowded and as such is very hard to read, at least, for me, personally. Perhaps a different font would fix this? I think skipping the cool font and keeping it normal and focusing more on the cover and content to give the little shiver because the font just isn't cutting it.
However, being a found footage horror (which I have never really enjoyed) it wasn't bad, had a good couple twists and it left you with more questions than you had before and during combined.
I didn't really click with the characters and there was a lot of talk about characters I know nothing about which I felt steals the attention away from the plot and story and just feels like unneeded filler
I think you should bring back the dog. Lmao. I love dogs. Just don't hurt it.
Anyway, this has great potential, I think.
2 stars out of 5.
This is not ready for the shelves, at all.
The text is extremely crowded and as such is very hard to read, at least, for me, personally. Perhaps a different font would fix this? I think skipping the cool font and keeping it normal and focusing more on the cover and content to give the little shiver because the font just isn't cutting it.
However, being a found footage horror (which I have never really enjoyed) it wasn't bad, had a good couple twists and it left you with more questions than you had before and during combined.
I didn't really click with the characters and there was a lot of talk about characters I know nothing about which I felt steals the attention away from the plot and story and just feels like unneeded filler
I think you should bring back the dog. Lmao. I love dogs. Just don't hurt it.
Anyway, this has great potential, I think.
September 29, 2024
Thank you for the free copy accessed through Netgalley!
BestGhost is functionally the perfect teaser trailer for what can be expected from the rest of this book. As a long-time fan of Buzzfeed Unsolved and Ghost Files, Daley perfectly encapsulates the banter of two guys exploring horrific places. This novelette was eerie, mysterious, and definitely had me looking over my shoulder a few times.
I can't recommend BestGhost enough and (once I put my big girl shoes on) am excited to tackle the full story! 5/5 stars.
BestGhost is functionally the perfect teaser trailer for what can be expected from the rest of this book. As a long-time fan of Buzzfeed Unsolved and Ghost Files, Daley perfectly encapsulates the banter of two guys exploring horrific places. This novelette was eerie, mysterious, and definitely had me looking over my shoulder a few times.
I can't recommend BestGhost enough and (once I put my big girl shoes on) am excited to tackle the full story! 5/5 stars.
June 16, 2023
A chilling story of a haunted house trip gone wrong and I loved every minute of it. Daley manages to invoke terror in this novelette where two teens' ghost hunting goes wrong. I was entertained the entire time, Sean and Devon are endearing characters you end up caring for. The story is of the perfect length, not too short to feel unsatisfactory and not too long to feel boring. The scary moments are simple yet chilling. I would love to read more from Daley.
September 25, 2024
In the late hours of night I held my kindle tight in the dark, my blankets pulled up around my shoulders.
The blankets can’t stop the chills rolling through me as I read Bestghost and imagine there’s something in the dark with me. This story, short yet incredibly effective in giving me the full blown creeps and then leaving me wanting more.
The blankets can’t stop the chills rolling through me as I read Bestghost and imagine there’s something in the dark with me. This story, short yet incredibly effective in giving me the full blown creeps and then leaving me wanting more.
June 9, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I love horror and the author created a dark and suspenseful atmosphere from the beginning. I was quickly drawn into the story feeling like I was one of the characters in the book. I am looking forward to reading more.
October 26, 2024
Nice little story that provides some quick and fun easy-to-read spooky entertainment.
I loved the Phasmophobia vibes of this. Everyone who loves the game, esp. when played with a friend, will quite likely enjoy this little story too.
Could it do with a bit more editing/proofreading? Yes, but it really isn't much of a deal-breaker.
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Transparency disclaimer: I received an eARC of this story from the author, which did not influence my review in any way, shape, or form.
I loved the Phasmophobia vibes of this. Everyone who loves the game, esp. when played with a friend, will quite likely enjoy this little story too.
Could it do with a bit more editing/proofreading? Yes, but it really isn't much of a deal-breaker.
---
Transparency disclaimer: I received an eARC of this story from the author, which did not influence my review in any way, shape, or form.
November 16, 2024
A fun and creepy classic tale of a haunted house and a ghost hunt not going as planned!
This little tale was a lovely tense and kinda goofy ghost story.
The premise of an abandoned and haunted house will never not be scary to me (those creaking stairs and slamming doors get to me), and the tension in this story was very well built up. The play between the two characters - the non-believer and believer - was fun and with cameras, flashlights, and recorders I was taken back to the era of Blair Witch Project and Paranormal Activity.
A great goosebump-read for spooky season!
This little tale was a lovely tense and kinda goofy ghost story.
The premise of an abandoned and haunted house will never not be scary to me (those creaking stairs and slamming doors get to me), and the tension in this story was very well built up. The play between the two characters - the non-believer and believer - was fun and with cameras, flashlights, and recorders I was taken back to the era of Blair Witch Project and Paranormal Activity.
A great goosebump-read for spooky season!
September 3, 2023
This is my first paranormal read but I really enjoyed it. I thought the banter between the two brothers was fun and CJ Daley did a good job describing the environment and creating atmosphere.
***Potential spoiler warning ***
The found footage or audio brought me back to the blair witch days. Definitely felt like a throwback to when a few guys go out for an adventure and things go awry. Kind of reminded me of the beginning of RE7 as well, which is a good thing!
***Potential spoiler warning ***
The found footage or audio brought me back to the blair witch days. Definitely felt like a throwback to when a few guys go out for an adventure and things go awry. Kind of reminded me of the beginning of RE7 as well, which is a good thing!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2023
A quick and spooky read that shows great promise for C.J Daley's future works! There is excellent character work and attention to setting that is envious. Highly recommend for those that enjoy the ghost hunting genre
August 7, 2023
In the town of Cemetery lies a decrepit mansion with a dark past. For two teenage boys dabbling in the paranormal, a beckoning. There are however some places best left alone.
An excellent bone chilling tale. Reader will be drawn in…and perhaps questioning odd noises later on.
An excellent bone chilling tale. Reader will be drawn in…and perhaps questioning odd noises later on.
June 16, 2024
Goodness, my heart was beating so fast reading this! Fully immersive plot with adorably foolish younger characters makes this feel very relatable. This perfect pairing of cynicism and mystique has got me hooked!
June 21, 2024
BestGhost
This is a novlette that brings the creepiness very effectively. Nail-biting tension is drawn out skillfully by the author as two friends conduct a paranormal investigation in an old mansion.
This is a novlette that brings the creepiness very effectively. Nail-biting tension is drawn out skillfully by the author as two friends conduct a paranormal investigation in an old mansion.
September 21, 2024
I enjoyed this short little ghost story. Now that it’s fall, I’m looking for all the spooky vibes. This delivered! Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this novelette in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2024
Great quick read!! My eyes were glued to the pages, looking forward to what comes next!
April 27, 2024
I’m not a big fan of supernatural but I love anything with found footage so this was pretty fun!
October 19, 2024
Okay, I really really enjoyed this. Can't wait to read a full length novel!!
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