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The Ghost
How deep would you dig to keep your secret buried?
Dorian Cook is a jaded film critic, haunted by a horrific prank that defined his impoverished childhood. When an old acquaintance resurfaces, seeking revenge, Cook finds himself the reluctant hero of a real-life movie, where he’s forced to protect his family and fight for his life.
“Someone wants to hurt us.”
The action cuts between Cook’s working life in contemporary London and his primary school days in 1970’s industrial England, where a dire decision, taken on the hottest day of the year in the summer of ‘76, changes his life forever.
In the present day, as Cook’s public and private worlds collapse around him, he struggles to shut away the shame of the past. Pursued by a deadly aggressor, he must finally step out of the shadows and lay his demons to rest.
Love and hate. Retribution and redemption. Death and rebirth. The Ghost is a chilling, compulsive thriller which shows how an ordinary man can be driven to do extraordinary things.
Dorian Cook is a jaded film critic, haunted by a horrific prank that defined his impoverished childhood. When an old acquaintance resurfaces, seeking revenge, Cook finds himself the reluctant hero of a real-life movie, where he’s forced to protect his family and fight for his life.
“Someone wants to hurt us.”
The action cuts between Cook’s working life in contemporary London and his primary school days in 1970’s industrial England, where a dire decision, taken on the hottest day of the year in the summer of ‘76, changes his life forever.
In the present day, as Cook’s public and private worlds collapse around him, he struggles to shut away the shame of the past. Pursued by a deadly aggressor, he must finally step out of the shadows and lay his demons to rest.
Love and hate. Retribution and redemption. Death and rebirth. The Ghost is a chilling, compulsive thriller which shows how an ordinary man can be driven to do extraordinary things.
223 pages, Paperback
First published April 13, 2015
444 people are currently reading
398 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Lowe
15 books55 followersAndrew Lowe was born in the North of England, back when it was okay to play outside and people ate trifle a lot.
He has written for The Guardian and Sunday Times, and contributed to numerous books on film, music, TV, videogames, sex and shin splints.
The Ghost is his first novel.
He has written for The Guardian and Sunday Times, and contributed to numerous books on film, music, TV, videogames, sex and shin splints.
The Ghost is his first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 2, 2017
Very disappointed
Poorly written story that was hard to follow. I didn't even finish reading it. Main character was not interesting to read about.
Poorly written story that was hard to follow. I didn't even finish reading it. Main character was not interesting to read about.
June 16, 2015
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from Trobador Publishing and NetGalley for an honest review. The official release date is June 28th.
Thankfully this book was short, because it wasn't enjoyable to me at all. After reading several good reviews on it, I figured I would take a chance and sadly, it didn't turn out so good.
At just over 200 pages, THE GHOST is a mystery/thriller about a man that had a prank go wrong during his childhood that comes back to haunt him just as his personal and professional life are falling apart.
The story started off decent, but started to go downhill quickly, never recovering and just kept getting worse and worse as it went along. The writing - as in the words used and the descriptions - were good, but the structure, layout and scenarios of the story were not good at all. Everything felt very clunky, sloppily paced and/or overly long, despite it being such a short book.
Not only that, but there were no likable characters to be found in this book. Dorian Cook is the lead protagonist and is nothing more than a pompous, self centered, and bitter failed film critic that is impossible to root for in any way.
I didn't necessarily regret reading this book, but I also couldn't wait for it to be finished. I give this one a 2/5.
Thankfully this book was short, because it wasn't enjoyable to me at all. After reading several good reviews on it, I figured I would take a chance and sadly, it didn't turn out so good.
At just over 200 pages, THE GHOST is a mystery/thriller about a man that had a prank go wrong during his childhood that comes back to haunt him just as his personal and professional life are falling apart.
The story started off decent, but started to go downhill quickly, never recovering and just kept getting worse and worse as it went along. The writing - as in the words used and the descriptions - were good, but the structure, layout and scenarios of the story were not good at all. Everything felt very clunky, sloppily paced and/or overly long, despite it being such a short book.
Not only that, but there were no likable characters to be found in this book. Dorian Cook is the lead protagonist and is nothing more than a pompous, self centered, and bitter failed film critic that is impossible to root for in any way.
I didn't necessarily regret reading this book, but I also couldn't wait for it to be finished. I give this one a 2/5.
June 23, 2015
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from Trobador Publishing and NetGalley for an honest review. The official release date is June 28th.
It was an okay book but not the type I normally read. There was too much back forth to my liking and I had to reread several sections before getting on with the story. Everything does tie in at the end which is the reason I gave it three stars.
It was an okay book but not the type I normally read. There was too much back forth to my liking and I had to reread several sections before getting on with the story. Everything does tie in at the end which is the reason I gave it three stars.
May 13, 2015
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Troubador Publishing Ltd!
The Ghost is not really the kind of book I read. There are dark secrets and crimes, but the real star is the writing. Dorian Cook, a jaded film critic, is forced to confront events in his past that shape who he is now. The plot unfolds slowly, and mixes Dorian's past with his present. The disappearance that starts everything is almost in the background, and it is not easy to guess how it will all mesh together. Dorian is not a likable character but you still feel for him because he is just the product of his upbringing. He is not a bad person, but he is not a good person either. He does things that made me think he was a monster (small things at first, cruelty toward insects for instance), but then he redeems himself, just to be cruel again. I liked the sense of humor that permeates the book, especially the inside jokes about movies (or, as a character pretentiously calls it "film"). I am pretty sure I've seen the Ukrainian movie about the murdering taxidermist, or some insufferable film in that vein (in college, when I was trying to be as pretentious as most of the critics portrayed in this book). I loved the whole resolution, and how everything ends with a bang. A very good read.
The Ghost is not really the kind of book I read. There are dark secrets and crimes, but the real star is the writing. Dorian Cook, a jaded film critic, is forced to confront events in his past that shape who he is now. The plot unfolds slowly, and mixes Dorian's past with his present. The disappearance that starts everything is almost in the background, and it is not easy to guess how it will all mesh together. Dorian is not a likable character but you still feel for him because he is just the product of his upbringing. He is not a bad person, but he is not a good person either. He does things that made me think he was a monster (small things at first, cruelty toward insects for instance), but then he redeems himself, just to be cruel again. I liked the sense of humor that permeates the book, especially the inside jokes about movies (or, as a character pretentiously calls it "film"). I am pretty sure I've seen the Ukrainian movie about the murdering taxidermist, or some insufferable film in that vein (in college, when I was trying to be as pretentious as most of the critics portrayed in this book). I loved the whole resolution, and how everything ends with a bang. A very good read.
February 23, 2016
I'm not quite sure what I expected from this book, but it wasn't what I expected. I think, perhaps, I had a vague idea of it as a fast-paced, plot-driven thriller that I'd consume a little like junk food, but I was wrong. The Ghost surprised me: with its depth, its sensitivity, and with the quality and eloquence of the writing. I wouldn't describe it as a thriller as such, nor as a ghost story - except, perhaps, in how we're haunted by the people we've been in the past. I would describe it as a courageous book, in that it tackles several difficult issues: bullying, cruelty and kindness, friendship, the complexity of family relationships, expectations and the anticlimax of reality, guilt and the possibility of redemption. And it does so in a refreshingly matter-of-fact way, without making a big deal out of it because these things, as dramatic as they may seem, are actually part of our everyday lives. So I may have been a bit unsure when I started reading The Ghost, but I enjoyed it more and more as the story unfolded - because yes, there is a solid story, and a mystery, and tension that builds up and questions to be resolved - and I particularly liked the way everything came together in the end in a way that, again, I wasn't expecting. Andrew Lowe is a good writer, and I think he'll be writing many good things in the future. And I will read them.
June 25, 2017
When I started reading The Ghost I was a bit unsure about it, but that soon changed. Yes, the characters were not the typical, there was not the wonderful good guy to idealize and the horrible bad guy to hate. Instead at different times I found myself rooting for the main character, although in a refrained manner, while at others my distaste for him was high. Yet, that kept me moving on and wanting to know more.
The stories back and forth between the past and the present gradually built up this thriller in a way I have not experience before and it really allowed me to feel for, whether good or bad, the characters involved and made the twists and turns along the way even more exciting.
I doubt you'll guess the ending to this book quickly, and that's a good thing. It keeps you wondering and wanting to read more. I loved it, and look forward to Lowe's next novel!
The stories back and forth between the past and the present gradually built up this thriller in a way I have not experience before and it really allowed me to feel for, whether good or bad, the characters involved and made the twists and turns along the way even more exciting.
I doubt you'll guess the ending to this book quickly, and that's a good thing. It keeps you wondering and wanting to read more. I loved it, and look forward to Lowe's next novel!
August 3, 2017
I could hardly wait to get to the end of this book, mainly because I couldn't stand the book. Normally I would have just deleted the book from my ebooks after about ten pages, but I wasn't paying attention to how far I had read, and had gone beyond that, at which time I feel obligated to finish a book, but I definitely couldn't read it straight through, like I read most books. I didn't mind the going back and forth in time. I usually like that form of writing. But I continued to get the characters mixed up, and I just didn't like them, some of them at all. No redeeming qualities whatsoever, even given their ages or circumstances in life. A bunch of whiners. I got totally lost at the end and wasn't sure what had happened at all, who it had happened to, and why. I just wanted to be done.
September 29, 2017
It's not a good sign when every time you put down the book you're reading, you completely forget what you've read and have to go back to catch up. And it's not my mind that's failing. The book is simply that forgettable. I read about 20% of the book and i called it quits. Don't ask me what it was about. I don't know. I don't care. Don't waste your time.
May 1, 2015
While well written this story was a bit too dark for me.
August 21, 2017
If you are looking for a faced-paced thriller, this is not it. Until you get into the second half of the book, there is no indication as to where the book is heading. Even when it becomes apparent the main character’s past is coming back to haunt him and his childhood friends, the story is not exactly a page turner.
I don’t mind a story that is told with a great detail or at a slow pace if the events and people involved are interesting or likeable. This book moved at a glacial pace until well into the second half of the book but none of the characters were likeable and, worst yet, none of the characters were particularly interesting. This makes for a boring, tough read.
I don’t have to love a character to be interested in a character, but I must care about what and why the character did or did not do. The main character was mean, lacked empathy and was bland. Just being mean doesn’t make a character interesting. Why he became the person he became? The was no evolution into him becoming a bad person. He grew up poor, but lots of kids grow up poor and don’t mean people. Every child makes a bad decision and this does not make them a bad person or, may even prod them into becoming a good person to make up for that one bad decision. In this case, he did number of bad things, but there was little evidence of any remorse. The bad behavior of his youth, especially the “prank” that comes back to haunt him, did not turn him into a monster or gangster nor did it prod him into fighting to become a good person or make up for what he did. He simply went on with his life until someone else seeks revenge for the prank.
So, what was the point of the story? The bad guy stays bad, continues to lack empathy and only cares when someone else seeks revenge? Even then he continues to only care about himself, takes no responsibility for his actions and it is doubtful that he will use this experience to attempt to become a better person.
It may have been a better story to have made the person seeking the revenge the main protagonist of the story. We really don’t know a lot about him but from what we do see I think there is more interesting character to follow showing how the victim of this prank, went from a week victim to an assertive person seeking revenge against those how wronged him.
I do think that the writer is talented. He paints a vivid picture with words and I think the plot had a lot of potential for an interesting psychological thriller. Unfortunately, it just didn’t work for me the way he chose to write it.
While I didn’t particularly like this book, I do believe the author has the potential to write a really good book (especially since this was his first book), so I would give this author another chance.
I don’t mind a story that is told with a great detail or at a slow pace if the events and people involved are interesting or likeable. This book moved at a glacial pace until well into the second half of the book but none of the characters were likeable and, worst yet, none of the characters were particularly interesting. This makes for a boring, tough read.
I don’t have to love a character to be interested in a character, but I must care about what and why the character did or did not do. The main character was mean, lacked empathy and was bland. Just being mean doesn’t make a character interesting. Why he became the person he became? The was no evolution into him becoming a bad person. He grew up poor, but lots of kids grow up poor and don’t mean people. Every child makes a bad decision and this does not make them a bad person or, may even prod them into becoming a good person to make up for that one bad decision. In this case, he did number of bad things, but there was little evidence of any remorse. The bad behavior of his youth, especially the “prank” that comes back to haunt him, did not turn him into a monster or gangster nor did it prod him into fighting to become a good person or make up for what he did. He simply went on with his life until someone else seeks revenge for the prank.
So, what was the point of the story? The bad guy stays bad, continues to lack empathy and only cares when someone else seeks revenge? Even then he continues to only care about himself, takes no responsibility for his actions and it is doubtful that he will use this experience to attempt to become a better person.
It may have been a better story to have made the person seeking the revenge the main protagonist of the story. We really don’t know a lot about him but from what we do see I think there is more interesting character to follow showing how the victim of this prank, went from a week victim to an assertive person seeking revenge against those how wronged him.
I do think that the writer is talented. He paints a vivid picture with words and I think the plot had a lot of potential for an interesting psychological thriller. Unfortunately, it just didn’t work for me the way he chose to write it.
While I didn’t particularly like this book, I do believe the author has the potential to write a really good book (especially since this was his first book), so I would give this author another chance.
August 28, 2017
UK. Dorian “Dor” Cook (45, husband/father, film critic) always was able to pass through the BFF Screening Rooms.
He is an associate Editor (Film) of Widescreen, a national monthly that specializes in cinema & TV shows.
Christina Collins (deskbound fixer) now has a baby to take care of also.
The Widescreen editorial conference room was filled to capacity.
Henry Gray (Editor-In-Chief), Nigel Smith (freelance), Alison Truman (sub-editor), Jennifer Croucher (editor), Mark Harford (review editor), Warren Plant (30+, art director), Daisy Hillman (writer, online editor, Wes Anderson, Leah Barton (picture editor, asset mgr.), Brigitte French, Laura Porter (35+, marketing), & Dorian.
Mark Holt (editorial/advertising advisor) was introduced to the group.
BBC news flash: Eleanor Finch (38) is presumed missing.
DCI John Barrett is on the MP case.
What happened to Dennis Mountford (47, father) & Jake Mountford (7, son)?
What happened to Leslie Whittle (17)?
Mrs Mr Dr (.)
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. It was just OK for me so I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Redpoint Books; ebookStage; Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
He is an associate Editor (Film) of Widescreen, a national monthly that specializes in cinema & TV shows.
Christina Collins (deskbound fixer) now has a baby to take care of also.
The Widescreen editorial conference room was filled to capacity.
Henry Gray (Editor-In-Chief), Nigel Smith (freelance), Alison Truman (sub-editor), Jennifer Croucher (editor), Mark Harford (review editor), Warren Plant (30+, art director), Daisy Hillman (writer, online editor, Wes Anderson, Leah Barton (picture editor, asset mgr.), Brigitte French, Laura Porter (35+, marketing), & Dorian.
Mark Holt (editorial/advertising advisor) was introduced to the group.
BBC news flash: Eleanor Finch (38) is presumed missing.
DCI John Barrett is on the MP case.
What happened to Dennis Mountford (47, father) & Jake Mountford (7, son)?
What happened to Leslie Whittle (17)?
Mrs Mr Dr (.)
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great mystery movie, or better yet a mini TV series. It was just OK for me so I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Redpoint Books; ebookStage; Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
September 22, 2017
This is a haunting tale of how peer pressure can drive youngsters to cruel things. Switching between the 70s and now, the difference between the two eras is carefully mapped out with expert attention to detail. Weary film critic Dorian Cook has largely forgotten an incident from his childhood until he is contacted by an ex-schoolfriend through social media. He explains that the victim of a particularly cruel prank in their past - a pale-skinned youngster they called The Ghost - may have returned to haunt them and is sending him cryptic messages. As the old gang gets back together their tormentor ups his game - and the murders begin. Determined to find out who is behind them, Dorian packs in his job, leaves his family and enlists the help of a surveillance expert to get to the bottom of the mystery. The book starts a little slowly, but Lowe ramps up the pace as it progresses. Can Dorian find the culprit before the culprit finds him?
October 1, 2017
One of the best things about this book was that it was short. Although the prose was poetic and enjoyable the story was abysmal.
The protagonist, Cook, was neither likeable or annoying. In truth he felt rather like a side story to the none existent plot line.
The plot line itself revolved around a bullying incident back in the 70s which was now coming back to haunt the gang. However, this only became clear after sifting through chapters upon chapters of film reviews, chickenpox, first days at school and random meetings between old friends where it was never clear what was happening. I honestly struggled to become engrossed in this story. I read books to propel myself elsewhere and I could never really lose myself; it was neither thrilling nor entertaining but confusing and lacklustre.
I cannot recommend this book. It was found wanting.
The protagonist, Cook, was neither likeable or annoying. In truth he felt rather like a side story to the none existent plot line.
The plot line itself revolved around a bullying incident back in the 70s which was now coming back to haunt the gang. However, this only became clear after sifting through chapters upon chapters of film reviews, chickenpox, first days at school and random meetings between old friends where it was never clear what was happening. I honestly struggled to become engrossed in this story. I read books to propel myself elsewhere and I could never really lose myself; it was neither thrilling nor entertaining but confusing and lacklustre.
I cannot recommend this book. It was found wanting.
February 27, 2019
The Ghost
Very jumbled IMHO. Really struggled with this one, but unfortunately I’m one of those that has to carry on reading to see if it gets better.
This flits between past and present but the issue for me was that the present time was showing that someone from the past was sending worrying messages, but when going back to the past the author didn’t let on what had actually happened until very late on in the book so it was very hard to feel apprehensive when you didn’t know what was going on!
Also I didn’t like the use of the C word. There was no need for it in the story and didn’t really fit in with the people saying it.
There were no exciting parts for me or twists that you don’t expect. Lots of over-describing that had me skipping paragraphs or zoning out. Think I can safely say I really didn’t enjoy it.
Very jumbled IMHO. Really struggled with this one, but unfortunately I’m one of those that has to carry on reading to see if it gets better.
This flits between past and present but the issue for me was that the present time was showing that someone from the past was sending worrying messages, but when going back to the past the author didn’t let on what had actually happened until very late on in the book so it was very hard to feel apprehensive when you didn’t know what was going on!
Also I didn’t like the use of the C word. There was no need for it in the story and didn’t really fit in with the people saying it.
There were no exciting parts for me or twists that you don’t expect. Lots of over-describing that had me skipping paragraphs or zoning out. Think I can safely say I really didn’t enjoy it.
August 18, 2017
DNF. The writing wasn't awful, hence not stooping to a one star, but after reading over 25% I still haven't reached anything that resembles the synopsis. Instead of a page turning thriller I'm reading blow by blow accounts of Doctor visits for heamarrhoids! There just seemed to be chapter after chapter of pointless observations and griping that I started to skim read before long. The main character was wholy unlikeable, his internal monologue just a constant moan. I found myself really not caring one way or the other for him and what may befall him if I ever reached the advertised thread of the book. Judging from the other reviews it does improve but for me a quarter of the book is just far too long to still see no sign of the main plot. Sorry, just not coherent enough for me.
August 2, 2017
The Ghost
Honestly, I struggled with the beginning chapters. Not being British myself, it was hard to connect with some of the story detail. The bullying and violence is not something I can relate to either. However, as the story progresses I am drawn into the action, waiting to see what unfolds. The main character stirs up my curiosity about what drives him, how he thinks. Now that the story is finished, I find myself wondering what happened to the other characters. Somehow through the course of the story, they became real, like my own neighbors and classmates.
Honestly, I struggled with the beginning chapters. Not being British myself, it was hard to connect with some of the story detail. The bullying and violence is not something I can relate to either. However, as the story progresses I am drawn into the action, waiting to see what unfolds. The main character stirs up my curiosity about what drives him, how he thinks. Now that the story is finished, I find myself wondering what happened to the other characters. Somehow through the course of the story, they became real, like my own neighbors and classmates.
July 16, 2022
Fast moving
This book is different from the books I normally read. It's fast moving and I got lost a few times and had to go back over what I'd read. It was like a well packed pie. Lots going on. I enjoyed it. Not my usual choice but good. I'm glad I read it. I think most people will enjoy reading this.
This book is different from the books I normally read. It's fast moving and I got lost a few times and had to go back over what I'd read. It was like a well packed pie. Lots going on. I enjoyed it. Not my usual choice but good. I'm glad I read it. I think most people will enjoy reading this.
August 17, 2017
Good relaxing beach read
The writing is a bit difficult to follow in places, with too detailed descriptions. The names of characters was also a bit confusing for a while. However, I enjoyed the story line. It is very unique.
The writing is a bit difficult to follow in places, with too detailed descriptions. The names of characters was also a bit confusing for a while. However, I enjoyed the story line. It is very unique.
April 9, 2018
A good read, I thought that I had reviewed this book earlier as I read it some time ago and the story is not fresh in my mind. However, what I do remember is the danger that post hypnotic suggestions may pose as the barriers in the mind begin to weaken.
October 3, 2018
Awful
I slogged through this in the vain hope it would get better.
Boring plot, boring unbelievable characters boring, tedious writing style, what more can I say?
Unfortunately there is not an option to leave NO stars
I slogged through this in the vain hope it would get better.
Boring plot, boring unbelievable characters boring, tedious writing style, what more can I say?
Unfortunately there is not an option to leave NO stars
February 25, 2019
This was an extremely well written book and the author has a good command of the written word. However, the main character was rather unlikeable and the story was very slow. I did like the little twist at the end.
August 9, 2017
Different
I enjoyed the jump from past to present. Well written and certainly worth a read. Ending felt slightly rushed, but all in all, a Goodyear.
I enjoyed the jump from past to present. Well written and certainly worth a read. Ending felt slightly rushed, but all in all, a Goodyear.
September 5, 2017
Can't finish this
I just don't care what happens to these characters. I've read 30% but I just can't trudge through any more of it.
I just don't care what happens to these characters. I've read 30% but I just can't trudge through any more of it.
November 8, 2017
Not good
I read most of the book not very interesting. Book jumped around a lot I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone.
I read most of the book not very interesting. Book jumped around a lot I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone.
October 20, 2019
Poorly Written
I almost DNF because this book is so poorly written. The first 30 chapters are virtually pointless, there are too many inconsequential characters, everything in the 70s flashbacks is 'primary coloured' and Lowe is ridiculously over fond of hyphens. Young Dorian is too different a character from adult Dorian. They don't come off as the same person at all.
The most annoying feature, however, is how Lowe refers to everyone by their surname in the narration but in the dialogue all characters are referred to by their first names or nicknames. It's needlessly confusing.
The Ghost is described as a chilling compulsive thriller on its back cover. Well, it certainly left me cold but the only thrill was finally reaching the end.
I almost DNF because this book is so poorly written. The first 30 chapters are virtually pointless, there are too many inconsequential characters, everything in the 70s flashbacks is 'primary coloured' and Lowe is ridiculously over fond of hyphens. Young Dorian is too different a character from adult Dorian. They don't come off as the same person at all.
The most annoying feature, however, is how Lowe refers to everyone by their surname in the narration but in the dialogue all characters are referred to by their first names or nicknames. It's needlessly confusing.
The Ghost is described as a chilling compulsive thriller on its back cover. Well, it certainly left me cold but the only thrill was finally reaching the end.
May 26, 2016
This self-assured first novel is a psychological thriller centred around a film critic called Dorian Cook. The book fluctuates between 12-year-old Dorian in the steamy days of 1976 and present-day disillusioned failing film-critic Dorian. Into his current miserable life a threat from the past slowly wrecks havoc on his life and on the lives of his childhood friends.
In this tightly constructed novel, the story simmers throughout, the tension tangible but not glaringly obvious at the start. This slow-burner effect is highly effective for the most part, especially when serious plot twists are revealed with disarming execution. If you are looking for a constant fast-paced book this might not be for you as Andrew Lowe takes time to create detailed characters and settings.
DSC00260The summer of 1976 is brilliantly captured and as a young child in the 70s I could easily relate to the mood and atmosphere of the time. Likewise the brooding cynicism of current day film journalism seems utterly plausible and this should come as no surprise as some of the settings and situations are, according to the writer, semi-autobiographical.
The main character Dorian Cook is a flawed and unsympathetic character and even when he is a child I could feel nothing but disdain for him and his friends who are portrayed in equally uncompromising terms. Having said that they are well written, sketched in fine detail through ‘showing’ and not ‘telling’ and as the book progressed I became accustomed not to having to support or identify with any one specific character in the book.
The one aspect of the book that I struggled with to start with was its slow pace and progression of the story, however I quickly understood that this was deliberate and central element to the novel. In the midst of the ordinary, the extraordinarily unnervingly unfolds, with the horrific quietly introduced in between the banality of life. On numerous occasions this would cause me to stop and reread a paragraph to make sure I hadn’t misunderstood exactly what was happening. At times I felt myself bordering on confusion before I was pulled onto the road of shocked comprehension.
100_0340I cannot say too much about the story line of the book as this would easily reveal too much, however the boys as young play a prank on a fellow school pupil, I hesitate to use the word friend. A prank that goes wrong and now reconnects the three friends as the consequences of that day return to haunt them.
‘The Ghost’ is an unusual book, not your run by the mill thriller and not at all what I expected. It’s very well-written and it delivers on character, setting and plot, with the tension mounting incrementally. Every time I went to put the book aside I felt that ‘just one more chapter’ tug.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
I am a member of Netgalley
In this tightly constructed novel, the story simmers throughout, the tension tangible but not glaringly obvious at the start. This slow-burner effect is highly effective for the most part, especially when serious plot twists are revealed with disarming execution. If you are looking for a constant fast-paced book this might not be for you as Andrew Lowe takes time to create detailed characters and settings.
DSC00260The summer of 1976 is brilliantly captured and as a young child in the 70s I could easily relate to the mood and atmosphere of the time. Likewise the brooding cynicism of current day film journalism seems utterly plausible and this should come as no surprise as some of the settings and situations are, according to the writer, semi-autobiographical.
The main character Dorian Cook is a flawed and unsympathetic character and even when he is a child I could feel nothing but disdain for him and his friends who are portrayed in equally uncompromising terms. Having said that they are well written, sketched in fine detail through ‘showing’ and not ‘telling’ and as the book progressed I became accustomed not to having to support or identify with any one specific character in the book.
The one aspect of the book that I struggled with to start with was its slow pace and progression of the story, however I quickly understood that this was deliberate and central element to the novel. In the midst of the ordinary, the extraordinarily unnervingly unfolds, with the horrific quietly introduced in between the banality of life. On numerous occasions this would cause me to stop and reread a paragraph to make sure I hadn’t misunderstood exactly what was happening. At times I felt myself bordering on confusion before I was pulled onto the road of shocked comprehension.
100_0340I cannot say too much about the story line of the book as this would easily reveal too much, however the boys as young play a prank on a fellow school pupil, I hesitate to use the word friend. A prank that goes wrong and now reconnects the three friends as the consequences of that day return to haunt them.
‘The Ghost’ is an unusual book, not your run by the mill thriller and not at all what I expected. It’s very well-written and it delivers on character, setting and plot, with the tension mounting incrementally. Every time I went to put the book aside I felt that ‘just one more chapter’ tug.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
I am a member of Netgalley
May 16, 2015
The premise to Andrew Lowe's debut novel sounds pretty exciting. When I saw it on Netgalley I was instantly intrigued and wanted to check it out. The problem is that the premise makes the book sound more exciting than it actually is. This is one of those novels that show a great deal of promise but never gains a great deal of momentum. I've read books with the same themes and they're executed a lot better than this one is. Don't get me wrong. Andrew Lowe is a talented writer, but the book limps along and I really felt obligated to finish it just to see what happens. The book is just boring and the end left me feeling as if I had just wasted three days of my life.
The main character isn't all that exciting. He's a bit flawed and we watch as his life slowly unravels but it isn't really because of his past. It's because he's such a flawed person. This is a character that really has no depth and you don't really care about him at all. Every other character in the novel is supposed to create this big climax but you don't get to find out what it is until the book's nearly finished. If the book had been set up differently it could have been an exciting novel but Lowe is all about creating the atmosphere and what led up to the current events. This could have been explained a lot sooner and even strengthened the story, but that never happens. The book is called Ghost and when I finally I found out why I just didn't care.
This is Lowe's first novel it shows a lot of promise but it's still a first novel and one you can't really classify. Yes, we all know that boys can be cruel, and I can see the need for revenge, but when I'm reading a novel like this I want characters that I can relate to. I want something to excite me, and pull me in. Lowe has the talent to do that, but in Ghost there really is no momentum. If there's a message somewhere I must have missed it, and who knows maybe someone else reading it can tell me what I may have missed.
Ghost for what it's worth is just an okay novel. You could do worse I guess, but if you're a fan of stories that interweave the past and present this one's for you. I do know that if Lowe releases another novel I'm going to read it just to see if he's improved. I wanted to like Ghost but in the end it just frustrated me.
The main character isn't all that exciting. He's a bit flawed and we watch as his life slowly unravels but it isn't really because of his past. It's because he's such a flawed person. This is a character that really has no depth and you don't really care about him at all. Every other character in the novel is supposed to create this big climax but you don't get to find out what it is until the book's nearly finished. If the book had been set up differently it could have been an exciting novel but Lowe is all about creating the atmosphere and what led up to the current events. This could have been explained a lot sooner and even strengthened the story, but that never happens. The book is called Ghost and when I finally I found out why I just didn't care.
This is Lowe's first novel it shows a lot of promise but it's still a first novel and one you can't really classify. Yes, we all know that boys can be cruel, and I can see the need for revenge, but when I'm reading a novel like this I want characters that I can relate to. I want something to excite me, and pull me in. Lowe has the talent to do that, but in Ghost there really is no momentum. If there's a message somewhere I must have missed it, and who knows maybe someone else reading it can tell me what I may have missed.
Ghost for what it's worth is just an okay novel. You could do worse I guess, but if you're a fan of stories that interweave the past and present this one's for you. I do know that if Lowe releases another novel I'm going to read it just to see if he's improved. I wanted to like Ghost but in the end it just frustrated me.
June 9, 2015
Firstly, I want to thank the author for a wonderful trip down memory lane. I was a child of the 70s too and some of the things that were described in the flashback parts of this book really took me back to those days.
I have been used to reading fast paced thrillers recently and so it made for a pleasant change to read a book that didn't go off all guns blazing. This book is a slow burner. For the majority, I really didn't know where it was going but that only made me hunger for more information making this book quite hard to put down.
The book flits between Dorian as now, married with a child holding down a job as a film critic and as he was a child growing up in the 70s. We follow him, in the present, as his life starts to crumble and unravel and we learn that what is happening now is linked to his childhood.
The writing is evocative, almost poetic in parts and this adds to the tension and suspense. The characterisation was good. I really didn't like Dorian, but I have learned that it's not important to like characters as long as I can connect to them in some emotional way. In fact, apart from Dorian's son, I really didn't like any of the characters.
As already mentioned, for most of the book I had no idea where we were going, how some of the stuff we learned in flashback was relevant but, slowly slowly catchy monkey and my patience was rewarded with a climax that brought everything together to my satisfaction.
All in all, a good debut novel and one that will move Mr Lowe onto my watch list.
I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I have been used to reading fast paced thrillers recently and so it made for a pleasant change to read a book that didn't go off all guns blazing. This book is a slow burner. For the majority, I really didn't know where it was going but that only made me hunger for more information making this book quite hard to put down.
The book flits between Dorian as now, married with a child holding down a job as a film critic and as he was a child growing up in the 70s. We follow him, in the present, as his life starts to crumble and unravel and we learn that what is happening now is linked to his childhood.
The writing is evocative, almost poetic in parts and this adds to the tension and suspense. The characterisation was good. I really didn't like Dorian, but I have learned that it's not important to like characters as long as I can connect to them in some emotional way. In fact, apart from Dorian's son, I really didn't like any of the characters.
As already mentioned, for most of the book I had no idea where we were going, how some of the stuff we learned in flashback was relevant but, slowly slowly catchy monkey and my patience was rewarded with a climax that brought everything together to my satisfaction.
All in all, a good debut novel and one that will move Mr Lowe onto my watch list.
I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2015
Dorian Cook is a film critic whose life and career are spiralling down. It is not a good time for a horrible prank from his youth to pop back into his life. Just as he feels his life tumbling out of control, a childhood friend tries to contact him. He and another friend are being cyber-threatened and they suspect the source of the threat is that prank that went terribly wrong in the summer when Dorian was 11. Things escalate when first one friend and then the other are murdered.
He also learns that a "groupie" who fancied him at the start of his career but whom he kept at a distance has disappeared. While he is not a suspect as he never communicated back to her, he is intrigued by what happened to her.
The book bounces back and forth from his youth to the present as the various threads of the story weave together. The book does an admirable job creating the worlds in which Dorian lives and while it is hard to like him, the reader does care about what happens to him.
There are some really unexpected twists to the story. Just don't go there if you are looking for a light summertime treat. It is dark and it is gritty, it is unsettling and it is good.
He also learns that a "groupie" who fancied him at the start of his career but whom he kept at a distance has disappeared. While he is not a suspect as he never communicated back to her, he is intrigued by what happened to her.
The book bounces back and forth from his youth to the present as the various threads of the story weave together. The book does an admirable job creating the worlds in which Dorian lives and while it is hard to like him, the reader does care about what happens to him.
There are some really unexpected twists to the story. Just don't go there if you are looking for a light summertime treat. It is dark and it is gritty, it is unsettling and it is good.
June 16, 2015
The Ghost reads like a book the writer had to write. For this reader, it was also a book the reader had to read to the end – despite the story it tells being harrowing at times. Dorian Cook had a childhood that didn’t lack love but was poor in material terms (though I never did fix the location – Manchester? Stoke? where?). As an adult he mostly presents to the world the appearance of a successful life – but buried in his past is an act of unspeakable barbarity committed by him and two other boys and it comes back to haunt and threaten him. The story effectively interweaves past and present and we get to know who and what Dorian is and how he became that person and to care what happens to him. The denouement is satisfying the way a good white burgundy you haven’t tasted in a while satisfies – you think, “Yes. Of course. That’s how it’s supposed to be” and I admired the way Andrew Lowe had given plenty of clues but still surprised me at the end. A first rate piece of writing by someone I hope we will hear more from.
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