The Girl Who Lived 2: Ghosts of the Past

by Christopher Greyson

Eleven years ago, four people were brutally murdered—one girl lived.

Faith is slowly piecing her broken life back together, but just when things seem to be going well, a chilling phone call from her dead mother shatters her sense of reality. Her promising new job, loving relationship, and hard-won sobriety crumble as the memories and pain she thought she had buried resurface, dragging her into a pit of darkness.
Haunted by the ghosts of her past and plagued by doubts about her own sanity, Faith is involuntarily committed to a psychiatric hospital. As she struggles to cling onto any shred of reason, an experimental VR treatment offers a glimmer of hope. But as Faith delves deeper into the virtual world, she realizes that the demons of her past may be more real than she ever imagined. And they will stop at nothing to drive her over the edge into madness.
With each passing day, Faith's grip on reality slips further away. Will she find the strength to battle her inner demons and uncover the truth, or will the darkness consume her completely? The clock is ticking, and Faith must race against time before it's too late.

When you don’t believe yourself, who can you trust?

The sequel to the multi-award winning, international best-selling, #1 book on Amazon, The Girl Who Lived, is here. From Wall Street Journal bestselling author Christopher Greyson comes this spellbinding tale with jaw-dropping secrets, a colorful ensemble of characters, and a protagonist you’ll root for from the first page to the last.

Christopher Greyson's novels have been read by millions of readers. Look for other standalone novels by Wall Street Journal bestselling author Christopher Greyson featuring leading man Detective Jack Stratton. These books can be read in any order.

The Detective Jack Stratton Mystery-Thriller Series
And Then She Was Gone (Prequel)
Girl Jacked
Jack Knifed
Jacks Are Wild
Jack and the Giant Killer
Data Jack
Jack of Hearts
Jack Frost
Jack of Diamonds
Captain Jack
Jack of Spades
Jack & Jill and the Blue Light Killer

Also by Christopher
The Girl Who Lived
• Best Mystery-Thriller eBook of the Year — Independent Publisher Book Awards
• Winner Best Thriller — National Indie Excellence Awards
• Winner Best Thriller — Silver Falchion Award
• Finalist eBook Fiction — Indie Book Awards
• Silver Medal Suspense — Reader’s Favorite Book Awards

One Little Lie
The Woman Beneath the Stairs
The Adventures of Finn & Annie
The Dark – Books 1-3
Pure of Heart

KIKU – Rogue Assassin Trilogy
A Beautiful Place to Die
Kindle the Fires of War
Dance of Death

Please visit ChristopherGreyson.com to find out more about your favorite characters, giveaways, and updates on new book releases, and get a FREE copy of the exclusive short stories First Patrol and Fear the Onryō.

Genres: Thriller, Suspense

323 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 17, 2024

About the author

My name is Christopher Greyson, and I am a storyteller.

Since I was a little boy, I have dreamt of what mystery was around the next corner, or what quest lay over the hill. If I couldn’t find an adventure, one usually found me, and now I weave those tales into my stories. I am blessed to have written over twenty novels.

My love for tales of mystery and adventure began with my grandfather, a decorated World War I hero. I will never forget being introduced to his friend, a WWI pilot who flew across the skies at the same time as the feared, legendary Red Baron. My love of reading and storytelling eventually led me to write and it’s the best job I’ve ever had.

I love to hear from my readers. Please visit ChristopherGreyson.com, where you can become a preferred reader, download an exclusive Jack Stratton mystery, and receive advanced notifications of book releases and more! Please follow Detective Jack Stratton on Twitter @chris_greyson and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ChristopherG.... Thank you for reading my novels. I hope my stories have brightened your day.

Sincerely,

Christopher Greyson

Reviews

[Joey R. · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.0 stars— There are very few sequels that are as good as the original. (“Silence of the Lambs” being one notable exception). And in this case, “The Girl Who Lived— Part 2” is not even on the same planet as the original. Other than the pace of the book and a few good plot twists, there is not much positive I can say regarding the sequel to a book I felt was one of the best I had read the year in which I read it. “The Girl Who Lived-Part 2” picks up where Part 1 left off with the main character, Faith, dealing with the aftermath and turmoil of almost being murdered twice and the ultimate betrayal of learning her mom was responsible for it all. Unfortunately, after the death of all of the major players in the first book, the author resorted to bringing most of the villains back through VR and AI. The hoops and hurdles he used to get Faith in this simulation border on one of the most absurd and far fetched story-lines I’ve read in a while. When this storyline is paired with the events and characters at the mental facility Faith is admitted into, then this might be one of the most ridiculous stories I have ever read. I guess the author thought that a doctor who could turn a normal person temporarily into a mass-murderer using a mysterious medication and a data bank of everything known about the killer was a “good idea” for a book. Needless to say I couldn’t make my brain suspend common sense long enough to get into the book or to care about its characters . This is the third book by Christopher Greyson I have read, and in my opinion, by far the worst. Greyson’s strong pacing cannot overcome both the ridiculous plot as well as poorly written dialogue that both made this story impossible to enjoy. Throw in one of the most implausible endings ever printed in book form, then you know what I had to rate this book. In all honesty, I might have been a little harder in my review of this book than others I have read because I loved the first book in the series so much. The fact that the author decided to write a sequel that was so similar in some ways and so ridiculous in others really set me off. (Sorry😵‍💫).

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good plot

Interesting story with a few holes. I never understood the extent of AI in the story and what its hoped for use entailed. Give this a try. Runs along nicely plot wise.

[Melissa Widener · Rating 5 out of 5]

fickleness

The Girl who Lived 2 by Christopher Greyson
4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 0/5
Cursing: min-
Format/Source: ebook from KU
Genres/Tropes: Thriller, suspense, twisty
Settings: Marshfield
Audience: Adult
Characters: Faith, Robert, Dr Carter, Tommy, Lionel, Grace, Karen, Jeremy, Rud, Mrs Henderson,
👍 short chapters, psych rep, addiction rep, twists, idea of VR used in therapy, little cursing, twists
👎 so many people "take advantage" of Faith

[Mary Schilling · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Girl Who Lived 2 is a delightfully chilling book. Christopher Greyson has produced another well-written thriller! The book is psychologically twisted and scary. Greyson is a wonderful storyteller who brings creepy surprises and terrors throughout. He has introduced new well-crafted characters that you love, fear, and cheer for. The emotional depth of Faith’s character keeps you turning pages into the night! Excellent book!

[Frank T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will there be a book 3?

Reading book 2 was harrowing. I just couldn't stop reading. Although the AI counseling seemed a tad over-the-top and unbelievable. And I had to wonder why all those people would go to so much trouble and expense to try to drive one woman over the edge? The ending left me with questions. What really happened to Jeremy? Will Robert and Faith ever be able to stop looking over their shoulders? How did they find out that she didn't die?

[Heidi Reinecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great!! I wasn’t sure starting out if I was going to like the second book, but I was really pleased with the twists and turns! Great read!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 stars out of 5

I enjoyed this book a lot. I can not recall reading the first book, but this was not an issue keeping up this this storyline. I enjoyed the suspense, plot twist, and character dynamics. My only issue was that, personally, the ending of the book seems to be somewhat incomplete. Once the mystery was solved, there was not enough storyline to relate with, leaving the ending stale. I would highly recommend d this book to anyone looking for a suspenseful thriller.

[Kendra Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book

This was a good sequel to follow the first one. It kept me on the edge the entire time. There were a few quotable funny moments as well as sad ones that made me want to bawl my eyes out. The ending almost made me rage, but it changed at the last second. The last page also makes me think there may possibly be a 3rd. I'd love it if there was another book because I am totally in love with this series and want even more now. I would definitely reread both books.

[Elizabeth Guinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ this sequel kept me on my toes just like the first in the series! loved reading more about faith and finding out more about the people she’s gotten close to since the last book. enjoyed the hospital setting and am so glad it’s setting up for another in the series! my only qualm is that some unanswered questions purposely left out to set up for the next book should have been answered to make this feel more complete rather than purely a setup, but i still enjoyed it a lot!

[Mary Zaleski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have no words for the way this book ended. It started very slow and really kicked up at the end. I loved the writing and being back with these characters and seeing them a year later, however I felt like the story was almost predictable. That didn’t take away from the joy I had reading it though.

[Nadine Younger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful, Quick Read

Christopher Greyson does good work. Twists, turns, likeable protagonists, evil antagonists, and not many words wasted on superfluous characters. Faith is in big trouble… has she broken from reality, or is something really going on? But how can dead people keep showing up in her reality? Or is it really real? (Good news, it isn’t aliens!)

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gir Who Lived!

looks like we may get a third installment of the Girl Who lived! I am so hooked so bring it on! I love this writing style and the characters and crazy posifions they getinto. Moreplease!

[Hannah Hale Manis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was almost a DNF for me, but I loved the first one so much I had to see where it went. The ending brought this rating up for a 2 to a 3, because I did NOT see it coming.
If you read the first, you should read this one, too!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great sequel

I really enjoyed the first book in this series and I felt this was just as good. I loved the twist at the end and I was bought into caring about what happened to Faith .

[Brian R. O'Callaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story... Greyson did it again;

Story lines were crisp clean and moved well. As a reader, you were routing for The Girl Who Lived from beginning to end. Tense Thriller with some comic relief kept you turning pages. Faith is a terrific character, Greyson a great Author.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the first book book and really loved it. I loved the idea of it but toward the end, it just didn’t hit the way the first book did. I feel like it could have had a way better ending. I did love Lionel and his mother’s parts of the book so much. My favorite parts involved them.

[Elizabeth Hays · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping

The 2nd book did not disappoint. Pulled you in and made you read and read and read. Full of twist and surprising turns. Can't wait for number 3. Highly recommend reading this book. I wonder when it will be a movie or series?

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read!

This was a good book.

I don't know how I missed that it was the second book in a series, but I read it anyway. Turns out, it was just fine as a stand alone.

I was entertained throughout the book and am intrigued as to where the story could go from here!

[Melissa Scruggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a minute to get back into the story since it’s been a while since the first book. Not quite as gripping as the original, but I loved the virtual reality twist on her trauma. The ending was satisfying, even if the big twist was a bit predictable!

[Penny Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! A great suspenseful page turner! Christopher Greyson does not disappoint with this extension of Faith Winters saga! Worth the read!!

[edward pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced

Edge of your seat kind of book. It only took me two days to read. I want to read all of the sequels immediately.

[Susan Stadnicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! Loved this!

Christopher Greyson never disappoints!! Don’t know how he does it but I’m trying to patiently wait for his next book.

[Betty Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing writer.

What an amazing story. Its a must read. It keeps you in suspense. Can't wait to read more of this story.

[Dean Klinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

[Sara Coletti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as good as the first, could not put down. Definitely did not expect the peak of the plot to go down the way it did but it was super interesting!

[Deborah Ricupero-Bess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful

Enjoyed another thriller by Christopher Greyson! Enjoyed the mix of suspense, loyalty and love! A true whodunit mystery! Anxiously awaiting his next book in the series!

[Rebeca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceded my expectations!

I was so inmerse reading that I did not noticed time flying by. I loved this part 2 so much. Thank you for giving us this Mr. Greyson.

[Lisa Touma · Rating 5 out of 5]

great sequel

Loved this sequel to the first book. It was just as rivoting. Didn’t see this ending coming! Well wrritten. One of my favorite authors. His books never disappoint.

[Valerie zazueta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

Great story, I loved it. I definitely recommend this series. It's funny and interesting and keeps you turning the pages .

[Brenda Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this!

Great book. One of the best I have read this year. Nine words required for five six seven eight nine