What do you think?
Ghost Month
Full of wit, heart and charm, Ghost Month asks a timeless do we only value life when we are reminded that it will end?
Perhaps you've already noticed little things, strange details. A shadow not attached to anything. A face in a window which might be a trick of the light. They come at dusk. Today.
Every September, the spirits of the dead return before vanishing four weeks later in a puff of green ash.
The haunting has become a holiday - part Christmas, part Halloween. The ghosts aren't real in any way that can hurt you, but their presence unearths an annual reckoning with the past. It's hard to tell the silent spectres from ashen they linger on train platforms, they crowd buses, they take up space on your sofa. The proper term these days is 'people without pulses'.
This year, four strangers prepare for a visit from their dearly departed. The season forces them to confront all the things that haunt them, not just their dead. As suppressed truths emerge from the shadows, each of them will end Ghost Month changed in ways they never imagined. Happy Haunting.
Perhaps you've already noticed little things, strange details. A shadow not attached to anything. A face in a window which might be a trick of the light. They come at dusk. Today.
Every September, the spirits of the dead return before vanishing four weeks later in a puff of green ash.
The haunting has become a holiday - part Christmas, part Halloween. The ghosts aren't real in any way that can hurt you, but their presence unearths an annual reckoning with the past. It's hard to tell the silent spectres from ashen they linger on train platforms, they crowd buses, they take up space on your sofa. The proper term these days is 'people without pulses'.
This year, four strangers prepare for a visit from their dearly departed. The season forces them to confront all the things that haunt them, not just their dead. As suppressed truths emerge from the shadows, each of them will end Ghost Month changed in ways they never imagined. Happy Haunting.
- GenresFiction
357 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
May 20, 2026
Review of advanced copy from Netgalley
What if your loved ones were able to come back as ghosts? Not long term, but for a month every year? What if your judgemental mother is hung around you just watching? What if those people who really know what happened follow you around? What if your daughter won't even see you? That's what Ghost Month seeks to answer and I think it does a brilliant job.
Simon Wroe uses this a format to explore a range of different types of grief and how we respond to it. When you lose someone all you want is to see them again, but what would they think of you, and how would they fit into your progressing life?
The more serious elements of the novel are interspersed with comedy elements to keep you going; a favourite was "We are all in the gutter but some of us are looking at the cars" (I could make a joke here about murder your darlings but it feels a bit on the nose."
This was a sneaky one for me, on the surface of it Ghost Month is just a novel about ghosts disrupting the world temporarily, and I was expecting more of a comedy. There are also a range of intertwining characters who are introduced quite quickly so it took me a minute to work out who everyone was. But when I did, the novel unfurled as a touching story of helping one another through life and death.
Thanks again to Faber and Faber and Netgalley for this ARC.
What if your loved ones were able to come back as ghosts? Not long term, but for a month every year? What if your judgemental mother is hung around you just watching? What if those people who really know what happened follow you around? What if your daughter won't even see you? That's what Ghost Month seeks to answer and I think it does a brilliant job.
Simon Wroe uses this a format to explore a range of different types of grief and how we respond to it. When you lose someone all you want is to see them again, but what would they think of you, and how would they fit into your progressing life?
The more serious elements of the novel are interspersed with comedy elements to keep you going; a favourite was "We are all in the gutter but some of us are looking at the cars" (I could make a joke here about murder your darlings but it feels a bit on the nose."
This was a sneaky one for me, on the surface of it Ghost Month is just a novel about ghosts disrupting the world temporarily, and I was expecting more of a comedy. There are also a range of intertwining characters who are introduced quite quickly so it took me a minute to work out who everyone was. But when I did, the novel unfurled as a touching story of helping one another through life and death.
Thanks again to Faber and Faber and Netgalley for this ARC.
September 16, 2026
A very good, profound, well-written book that I highlighted and annotated, but wasn't super compelled by. I was never itching to pick it back up, and kind of forgot about it when I wasn't reading it. I think mostly it was a pacing issue, as all the separate characters/storylines didn't fully converge until almost 300 pages in.
Still, a very good and atmospheric read, an excellent autumnal (specifically September) read, full of profundity, humour, and wit. Slow going to start, but with excellent character writing, moments that moved me to tears, and sharp, cutting prose.
Still, a very good and atmospheric read, an excellent autumnal (specifically September) read, full of profundity, humour, and wit. Slow going to start, but with excellent character writing, moments that moved me to tears, and sharp, cutting prose.
May 17, 2026
Ghost Month is one of those rare novels that feels both eerie and tender, playful and profound—a story that slips between the living and the dead with a kind of quiet, uncanny grace. From the very first page, there’s this wonderfully strange normalcy to it: ghosts browsing shops, ghosts hogging the sofa, ghosts lingering at makeup counters like bored customers waiting for a shade that no longer exists. They can’t touch you, can’t speak, can’t harm you… and yet their presence unsettles everything.
What gives the book its real power is the way it treats these “people without pulses” not as horrors, but as mirrors. Every September, when the dead return and drift through the world for four brief weeks, the living are forced to reckon with the things they’ve buried—grief, guilt, longing, unfinished conversations. It’s a haunting in the emotional sense, not the supernatural one.
The novel follows four strangers preparing for their own spectral visitors, and each storyline carries its own quiet ache. Their ghosts don’t just stir memories; they tug at the threads of who they’ve become, unravelling secrets and suppressed truths with a gentle but relentless persistence. There’s something beautifully human in the way the book explores regret and connection, how the past lingers even when the people in it no longer can.
Despite the melancholy woven through it, the tone never feels heavy. Instead, it’s atmospheric, wry, and strangely comforting—like a ghost story told with a soft lamp on and a cup of tea cooling beside you. By the end, each character emerges changed, and you’re left with that lingering question: do we only truly value life when we’re reminded it will end?
A quietly luminous, inventive novel that blends the uncanny with the deeply human. It lingers like a whisper long after the final page.
With thanks to Simon Wroe, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
What gives the book its real power is the way it treats these “people without pulses” not as horrors, but as mirrors. Every September, when the dead return and drift through the world for four brief weeks, the living are forced to reckon with the things they’ve buried—grief, guilt, longing, unfinished conversations. It’s a haunting in the emotional sense, not the supernatural one.
The novel follows four strangers preparing for their own spectral visitors, and each storyline carries its own quiet ache. Their ghosts don’t just stir memories; they tug at the threads of who they’ve become, unravelling secrets and suppressed truths with a gentle but relentless persistence. There’s something beautifully human in the way the book explores regret and connection, how the past lingers even when the people in it no longer can.
Despite the melancholy woven through it, the tone never feels heavy. Instead, it’s atmospheric, wry, and strangely comforting—like a ghost story told with a soft lamp on and a cup of tea cooling beside you. By the end, each character emerges changed, and you’re left with that lingering question: do we only truly value life when we’re reminded it will end?
A quietly luminous, inventive novel that blends the uncanny with the deeply human. It lingers like a whisper long after the final page.
With thanks to Simon Wroe, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
May 8, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Faber and Faber for the ARC of this book!
***
I've come away from my reading of Ghost Month with pretty mixed feelings, ultimately landing at 3/5 stars.
What really worked for me was the structure: the multiple storylines, distinct characters, and the slow, careful reveal of how their lives were interconnected. I especially appreciated that the connections weren’t overly neat or forced, which made everything feel more natural. Each character was given just enough depth to keep me invested without overshadowing the others, and the differing writing styles helped each perspective feel unique. The subtle world building was another strength - it didn’t over-explain itself, which gave the story an atmospheric, slice-of-life quality that I enjoyed. Once I hit around the 75% mark, I genuinely didn’t want to put it down.
That said, the book took a while to hook me. The opening was quite slow, and if I hadn’t been reading this as an ARC, I’m not sure I would’ve pushed through the first quarter. The section breaks with chapter numbering resets also felt unnecessary and a little disruptive. My biggest disappointment was the use of ghosts themselves—they often felt passive or incidental rather than essential, which made their presence seem underutilised given the premise.
The ending was probably my biggest frustration. After investing so much in these characters, I was left wanting far more closure. So many storylines felt unresolved, with little real sense of justice, payoff, or emotional crescendo. An epilogue - perhaps set a year later - could have significantly strengthened the ending and offered the closure the book was missing.
Overall, Ghost Month had compelling characters, strong pacing in its latter half, and an intriguing narrative style, but its slow start and unfinished-feeling conclusion kept it from fully delivering for me. I enjoyed it enough to talk about it, but not necessarily enough to strongly recommend it.
***
I've come away from my reading of Ghost Month with pretty mixed feelings, ultimately landing at 3/5 stars.
What really worked for me was the structure: the multiple storylines, distinct characters, and the slow, careful reveal of how their lives were interconnected. I especially appreciated that the connections weren’t overly neat or forced, which made everything feel more natural. Each character was given just enough depth to keep me invested without overshadowing the others, and the differing writing styles helped each perspective feel unique. The subtle world building was another strength - it didn’t over-explain itself, which gave the story an atmospheric, slice-of-life quality that I enjoyed. Once I hit around the 75% mark, I genuinely didn’t want to put it down.
That said, the book took a while to hook me. The opening was quite slow, and if I hadn’t been reading this as an ARC, I’m not sure I would’ve pushed through the first quarter. The section breaks with chapter numbering resets also felt unnecessary and a little disruptive. My biggest disappointment was the use of ghosts themselves—they often felt passive or incidental rather than essential, which made their presence seem underutilised given the premise.
The ending was probably my biggest frustration. After investing so much in these characters, I was left wanting far more closure. So many storylines felt unresolved, with little real sense of justice, payoff, or emotional crescendo. An epilogue - perhaps set a year later - could have significantly strengthened the ending and offered the closure the book was missing.
Overall, Ghost Month had compelling characters, strong pacing in its latter half, and an intriguing narrative style, but its slow start and unfinished-feeling conclusion kept it from fully delivering for me. I enjoyed it enough to talk about it, but not necessarily enough to strongly recommend it.
August 18, 2026
I can’t say I have ever read a book like Ghost Month before.
After a number of weeks where I just could not get into any book I picked up, Ghost Month was a breath of fresh air and I was captivated straight away.
Each September for several years now, the dead have been returning for Ghost Month. Some go to extreme lengths to avoid the ghosts and some celebrate them. We view Ghost Month through the eyes of four characters as they navigate through the month, each of them left in an entirely different place by the time the ghosts disburse.
I could have given this book five stars for so many reasons; the intricate and clever plot; the way the writer illustrates a tapestry of grief in full technicolour though so many different experiences, the little hidden connections between the characters; the fact it made me laugh at the dark humour whilst scaring me on the next page; the character arcs and the satisfying ending.
First and foremost, I am giving it five starts because it made me care. Yes, the sense that I wanted to turn the page and see what happened next, but also about what happened to the characters. I wanted to scoop up several characters and look after them, given a stern talking to another one and at the very least a kick to the nether regions of another.
Needless to say, I am so glad I read the book. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes a speculative or spooky read or who wants to root for characters, or just a book to make you think on how you’d spend your ghost month.
Thanks for the author, publisher and NetGalley for a chance to review an advanced copy of the box in exchange for an honest review.
After a number of weeks where I just could not get into any book I picked up, Ghost Month was a breath of fresh air and I was captivated straight away.
Each September for several years now, the dead have been returning for Ghost Month. Some go to extreme lengths to avoid the ghosts and some celebrate them. We view Ghost Month through the eyes of four characters as they navigate through the month, each of them left in an entirely different place by the time the ghosts disburse.
I could have given this book five stars for so many reasons; the intricate and clever plot; the way the writer illustrates a tapestry of grief in full technicolour though so many different experiences, the little hidden connections between the characters; the fact it made me laugh at the dark humour whilst scaring me on the next page; the character arcs and the satisfying ending.
First and foremost, I am giving it five starts because it made me care. Yes, the sense that I wanted to turn the page and see what happened next, but also about what happened to the characters. I wanted to scoop up several characters and look after them, given a stern talking to another one and at the very least a kick to the nether regions of another.
Needless to say, I am so glad I read the book. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes a speculative or spooky read or who wants to root for characters, or just a book to make you think on how you’d spend your ghost month.
Thanks for the author, publisher and NetGalley for a chance to review an advanced copy of the box in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2026
It’s September and the ghosts are now lurking around like they own the town in London. Sort like a normal event since years of the appearance— they aren’t real in any way, can’t speak or physically hurt anyone but their presence forces the living to confront their grief, guilt and the unresolved relationships with those they’ve lost bringing back the sense of unease and regrets on the past memories they once shared.
Nothing that spookily horror on the tales despite having a bleak ghostly setting and was more emotionally driven, melancholic and much affecting in exploration following its multi POVs of four characters, all in different backgrounds dealing with their own definition of grief and loss; from an avoidance to confusion or drowning it out just to survive, a tale of each that gradually connected later unraveling the truth on the tragedy that intertwined their fates.
Bit slowburn on the pacing for me and it feels like the heartache, guilt and the unsettling pain from the loss been dragging too long before I could get the absolute revelation and resolution on how each decided to find a closure. There are a glimpse to poverty, one’s loneliness, a view on how the phenomenon affecting the communities as well a compelling thrill of mystery towards the worldbuilding of having those spirits lingered.
An appealing read overall if you enjoy literary and character-driven stories where horror and supernatural suspense are used to explore human emotions rather than just to create scares. Bittersweet, quietly haunting and I liked the idea of how these ghosts would just go vanishing away in a puff of green ash once the season ended. 3.5/5*
**Thank you Times Reads and Faber for the gifted review copy!
Nothing that spookily horror on the tales despite having a bleak ghostly setting and was more emotionally driven, melancholic and much affecting in exploration following its multi POVs of four characters, all in different backgrounds dealing with their own definition of grief and loss; from an avoidance to confusion or drowning it out just to survive, a tale of each that gradually connected later unraveling the truth on the tragedy that intertwined their fates.
Bit slowburn on the pacing for me and it feels like the heartache, guilt and the unsettling pain from the loss been dragging too long before I could get the absolute revelation and resolution on how each decided to find a closure. There are a glimpse to poverty, one’s loneliness, a view on how the phenomenon affecting the communities as well a compelling thrill of mystery towards the worldbuilding of having those spirits lingered.
An appealing read overall if you enjoy literary and character-driven stories where horror and supernatural suspense are used to explore human emotions rather than just to create scares. Bittersweet, quietly haunting and I liked the idea of how these ghosts would just go vanishing away in a puff of green ash once the season ended. 3.5/5*
**Thank you Times Reads and Faber for the gifted review copy!
August 17, 2026
3.75?? rounded up??
Thabk you so much for the proof!
This had me all iver the shop. Every emotion, fears bubbling up, grief hitting hard, sadness, happiness, anger all swirling about. Truly is an interesting read to read how different people would takr this situation and how they process their grief. At some points it felt just a tad too long for me as I think it would have hit me even harder if it was just abit shorter, and if the endings to each narrative was more rounded but I guess leaving them the way they did sort of makes sense with how this book is. It hurts but there's so much love, regret, emotion, and life within it just ooooof
Thabk you so much for the proof!
This had me all iver the shop. Every emotion, fears bubbling up, grief hitting hard, sadness, happiness, anger all swirling about. Truly is an interesting read to read how different people would takr this situation and how they process their grief. At some points it felt just a tad too long for me as I think it would have hit me even harder if it was just abit shorter, and if the endings to each narrative was more rounded but I guess leaving them the way they did sort of makes sense with how this book is. It hurts but there's so much love, regret, emotion, and life within it just ooooof
Read
August 3, 2026Received an ARC but I DNF it🥲maybe next time!
August 28, 2026
An unusual, curious book of interlocking stories, with a collective type of grief experienced from differing perspectives. Life, death, and the valiant attempts to piece shattered fragments back together again in the hope it will resemble something familiar, even if it's never quite the same. It's not what I expected, but it was good to experience something just that little bit different.
May 15, 2026
With thanks to NetGalley and Faber & Faber for the ARC.
Every September the ghosts return to Earth for one month. They can’t speak to you and they can’t touch you. They can’t hurt you physically but they can hurt you emotionally. They force you to confront your demons and deal with things you would rather not have to face. Nobody knows why they started to return and nobody knows what they want.
As soon as I saw the blurb for this book, I knew I had to read it. I love all things spooky. I wasn’t prepared for how much of a rollercoaster of emotions this would take me on though. The book covers a lot of heavy issues – abandonment, grief, poverty, homelessness, guilt to name a few but this is dealt with in a human and sometimes humorous way.
I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy it when I first picked it up as it has a very slow start but it is one of those books that slowly sucks you in and takes over. I’m glad I am one of those people who can never stop reading a book as I would have missed out on something that turned out to be pretty special.
The main plus about Ghost Month is the clever way the lives of each of the main characters become more intertwined as the pages turn. The connections are not forced and have been delivered in a way that does not seem unbelievable. Some of the characters I hated (Gideon) and some I was fighting for the whole way through (Jane and Eddie). However, I ended up smiling at every single character’s ending once the ghosts disappeared. Lil’s story in particular had me sobbing – I was rooting for her the whole way through and her ending is so heartwarming.
The thing that lets the book down for me is the ending. It is very abrupt, but so is the end of Ghost Month itself so I felt that this may have been international on the part of the author. The storylines are neatly rounded up but I was still left with a few questions and I feel like Jane’s ending in particular could have been given a more in-depth description as she never uses the words she should have to let her mother’s ghost know who she really is – I do suspect that her mother knew this though and just wanted her daughter to finally open up to her.
Overall, Ghost Month is a beautifully written and original story. I really wanted to give it 5 starts but, due to the ending feeling a little flat, I ultimately settled on a solid 4.
I’d love there to be a sequel so we can see how each person has fared over the course of the year when the ghosts return (or if they return for some of them).
Every September the ghosts return to Earth for one month. They can’t speak to you and they can’t touch you. They can’t hurt you physically but they can hurt you emotionally. They force you to confront your demons and deal with things you would rather not have to face. Nobody knows why they started to return and nobody knows what they want.
As soon as I saw the blurb for this book, I knew I had to read it. I love all things spooky. I wasn’t prepared for how much of a rollercoaster of emotions this would take me on though. The book covers a lot of heavy issues – abandonment, grief, poverty, homelessness, guilt to name a few but this is dealt with in a human and sometimes humorous way.
I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy it when I first picked it up as it has a very slow start but it is one of those books that slowly sucks you in and takes over. I’m glad I am one of those people who can never stop reading a book as I would have missed out on something that turned out to be pretty special.
The main plus about Ghost Month is the clever way the lives of each of the main characters become more intertwined as the pages turn. The connections are not forced and have been delivered in a way that does not seem unbelievable. Some of the characters I hated (Gideon) and some I was fighting for the whole way through (Jane and Eddie). However, I ended up smiling at every single character’s ending once the ghosts disappeared. Lil’s story in particular had me sobbing – I was rooting for her the whole way through and her ending is so heartwarming.
The thing that lets the book down for me is the ending. It is very abrupt, but so is the end of Ghost Month itself so I felt that this may have been international on the part of the author. The storylines are neatly rounded up but I was still left with a few questions and I feel like Jane’s ending in particular could have been given a more in-depth description as she never uses the words she should have to let her mother’s ghost know who she really is – I do suspect that her mother knew this though and just wanted her daughter to finally open up to her.
Overall, Ghost Month is a beautifully written and original story. I really wanted to give it 5 starts but, due to the ending feeling a little flat, I ultimately settled on a solid 4.
I’d love there to be a sequel so we can see how each person has fared over the course of the year when the ghosts return (or if they return for some of them).
May 8, 2026
Ghost Month
Simon Wroe
Advance copy gratefully received from NetGalley and Faber and Faber.
Ghost Month is quite a difficult book for me to describe because, overall, I did enjoy reading it and found it extremely readable, but there were moments where my attention drifted and I had to reread sections in order to reconnect.
The premise itself is intriguing: those who have passed away return for a defined period of time during “ghost month.” Why this happens, why that particular amount of time is chosen, and what these entities actually experience during their return is never fully explained. Strangely, I don’t think those answers are the point.
What matters is the impact their presence has on the living.
Throughout the novel there is a shared tragedy connecting the characters, and much of the story explores how different people navigate grief, longing, guilt, avoidance, and redemption. Some desperately want to be visited. Others would rather be left alone entirely.
There are moments of genuinely beautiful writing throughout the book. Certain descriptions felt vivid and emotionally apt without becoming overworked, and there were passages that carried real literary weight.
What ultimately stopped this from becoming a four-star read for me was the ending. Everything was tied together neatly and most of the questions the reader might have had were answered, but emotionally I still felt slightly underwhelmed by it. I think even tidy endings need to leave the reader with something lingering to contemplate, and I personally didn’t feel gifted that final emotional resonance.
I also felt there was one missed opportunity involving a character expressing their sexuality to a family member. The emotional build-up to that moment was strong, which made the decision to gloss over the actual words feel slightly disappointing to me. Courageous moments of self-expression deserve their full emotional weight on the page, particularly when so much vulnerability has led up to them.
That said, I remained motivated to continue reading throughout and I’m glad I stayed with it.
A solid 3.5/5
Simon Wroe
Advance copy gratefully received from NetGalley and Faber and Faber.
Ghost Month is quite a difficult book for me to describe because, overall, I did enjoy reading it and found it extremely readable, but there were moments where my attention drifted and I had to reread sections in order to reconnect.
The premise itself is intriguing: those who have passed away return for a defined period of time during “ghost month.” Why this happens, why that particular amount of time is chosen, and what these entities actually experience during their return is never fully explained. Strangely, I don’t think those answers are the point.
What matters is the impact their presence has on the living.
Throughout the novel there is a shared tragedy connecting the characters, and much of the story explores how different people navigate grief, longing, guilt, avoidance, and redemption. Some desperately want to be visited. Others would rather be left alone entirely.
There are moments of genuinely beautiful writing throughout the book. Certain descriptions felt vivid and emotionally apt without becoming overworked, and there were passages that carried real literary weight.
What ultimately stopped this from becoming a four-star read for me was the ending. Everything was tied together neatly and most of the questions the reader might have had were answered, but emotionally I still felt slightly underwhelmed by it. I think even tidy endings need to leave the reader with something lingering to contemplate, and I personally didn’t feel gifted that final emotional resonance.
I also felt there was one missed opportunity involving a character expressing their sexuality to a family member. The emotional build-up to that moment was strong, which made the decision to gloss over the actual words feel slightly disappointing to me. Courageous moments of self-expression deserve their full emotional weight on the page, particularly when so much vulnerability has led up to them.
That said, I remained motivated to continue reading throughout and I’m glad I stayed with it.
A solid 3.5/5
August 11, 2026
Oh My Days - what a concept for a book... Ghost Month... Every September the dead have the choice to come back. They have no ability to interact with the living. Just be there as a presence... The living get to see their loved ones again. Cool huh?
Well... unless it's an ex and their coming makes your current partner a bit jealous. Or if it's a parent who is critical of your lifestyle. Or a big brother whose presence overshadows your own existence and drives a wedge between your parents. Or if it's someone you really really want to avoid...
OR on the flip side, imagine you really want to connect with someone and they don't come...
Well, this is what happens to Angie, Jane, Eddie, Gideon, and Lil... but I am going to let you get to know all of them and how Ghost month goes for each, as the author intended. Suffice to say, if you are like me, you will laugh, cry, cringe, worry, and all things in between as you get to know them, warts and all... Especially as more of their stories come out. Why the ghosts are appearing, how their paths start to cross and merge... Especially then... I repeat Oh My Days...
I loved this book. Comedy and tragedy. I loved the characters, which really did make it easy to connect to / emote with them. Especially Lil... And Gideon, well, how'd that work out for him eh!? Especially with the wee kick in the teeth bonus at the end! Don't worry, I won't spoil things... just tease!
And the way the author himself also teased at things along the way but brought the majority to conclusion at the end... sublime... enough resolution but also reflecting life as, not everything can be wrapped up in a bow. It's interconnected and, occasionally, convoluted but it never verged into confusing. The author ably managed to keep all the plates spinning all the way through. And, after the initial setup, and without any waffle or padding, the whole story got on with itself very well indeed.
In fact, I loved it so much that I am off to get the Audiobook so I can love it all over again! My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Well... unless it's an ex and their coming makes your current partner a bit jealous. Or if it's a parent who is critical of your lifestyle. Or a big brother whose presence overshadows your own existence and drives a wedge between your parents. Or if it's someone you really really want to avoid...
OR on the flip side, imagine you really want to connect with someone and they don't come...
Well, this is what happens to Angie, Jane, Eddie, Gideon, and Lil... but I am going to let you get to know all of them and how Ghost month goes for each, as the author intended. Suffice to say, if you are like me, you will laugh, cry, cringe, worry, and all things in between as you get to know them, warts and all... Especially as more of their stories come out. Why the ghosts are appearing, how their paths start to cross and merge... Especially then... I repeat Oh My Days...
I loved this book. Comedy and tragedy. I loved the characters, which really did make it easy to connect to / emote with them. Especially Lil... And Gideon, well, how'd that work out for him eh!? Especially with the wee kick in the teeth bonus at the end! Don't worry, I won't spoil things... just tease!
And the way the author himself also teased at things along the way but brought the majority to conclusion at the end... sublime... enough resolution but also reflecting life as, not everything can be wrapped up in a bow. It's interconnected and, occasionally, convoluted but it never verged into confusing. The author ably managed to keep all the plates spinning all the way through. And, after the initial setup, and without any waffle or padding, the whole story got on with itself very well indeed.
In fact, I loved it so much that I am off to get the Audiobook so I can love it all over again! My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
September 17, 2026
Thought this sounded quirky and it definitely is that… a cute, mostly enjoyable read exploring an alternate universe London where ghosts come back to haunt everyone for a whole month every year. This is a device used to explore different struggles with grief and we follow quite a few different characters who have lost someone and are reacting to Ghost Month in different ways, with quite a bit of humour thrown in as well. First there is Jane, a school teacher who is being haunted by her mother and is basically hiding who she is in a bid to seek approval from her mother’s ghost. She has hidden her sexuality and rented a husband, which in this universe is a pretty common thing people do to impress their mothers during Ghost Month, apparently. Secondly, there’s Eddy, whose older brother died a year ago and has left his mother devastated. Eddy’s story is pretty tragic as his mother veers further and further off the rails in a bid to try and get the ghost of her son to come back, as far as into a weird cult-y religious group. Then there’s Lil, who has sunk so deep into grief since her daughter died that she’s actually on the streets. Lil has a nice arc though she’s probably the character with the biggest trauma to deal with. We also follow Gideon, a piece of work who is being haunted by some of the ghosts of the other characters, for reasons which soon become clear. Jane’s sister Angie also features quite prominently due to the fact that she’s in a love triangle with her current boyfriend and dead boyfriend who keeps coming back to haunt her. Fun ideas, and good ideas, but felt a little bit too silly at times, and I didn’t always feel like I was enjoying reading it. There also seemed to be some pretty big loose ends, for example why did Sandra leave Jane? We know it was something connected to Lil and Eddy’s stories, but it’s never explained, which just seems to be a weird way to leave that particular thread.
My thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher, Faber and Faber, for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
My thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher, Faber and Faber, for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2026
I enjoy stories involving the paranormal and the concept of Ghost Month sounded so different that I was so intrigued to read.
I found the beginning of the story quite slow and it took me some time to adapt to the writing style. After about 40% I found myself wanting to understand how the characters story arcs were going to go, hoping for some characters to get their consequences, and wanting others to snap out of it. I found myself more emoted by this book than I anticipated. I read the second half of the book in one sitting.
I enjoyed the multiple POVs and the interlinking storylines. It's a shame that the ending of the book was abrupt as I wanted to find out what happened next for each of these characters. I guess the end of Ghost Month in the book happens suddenly, so that's where the reader is left off too.
We were left with some unanswered questions, which I do find frustrating, I tend to prefer when things have been explained. For example why did the ghosts start coming back 4 years ago? We never find out.
I thought the deep dive into the aftereffects of such a tragic accident, not only to the families but to the people surrounding them was interesting and well done.
⚠️ This book deals with some very hard topics, so check the trigger warnings before reading. Don't expect a fluffy happy ending, that isn't what this book is design to give.
Overall I think this leans to being a Paranormal Contemporary Fiction, which is a genre I don't often reach for. I tend to like more fantasy in my paranormal, and perhaps some comedy which this is missing (by design I'm sure!) so i'd recommend to readers who enjoy a more sobering investigation into grief and what could happen when your ghosts literally come back to visit you.
3.25 ⭐
Thank you to Netgalley and Faber & Faber for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
I found the beginning of the story quite slow and it took me some time to adapt to the writing style. After about 40% I found myself wanting to understand how the characters story arcs were going to go, hoping for some characters to get their consequences, and wanting others to snap out of it. I found myself more emoted by this book than I anticipated. I read the second half of the book in one sitting.
I enjoyed the multiple POVs and the interlinking storylines. It's a shame that the ending of the book was abrupt as I wanted to find out what happened next for each of these characters. I guess the end of Ghost Month in the book happens suddenly, so that's where the reader is left off too.
We were left with some unanswered questions, which I do find frustrating, I tend to prefer when things have been explained. For example why did the ghosts start coming back 4 years ago? We never find out.
I thought the deep dive into the aftereffects of such a tragic accident, not only to the families but to the people surrounding them was interesting and well done.
⚠️ This book deals with some very hard topics, so check the trigger warnings before reading. Don't expect a fluffy happy ending, that isn't what this book is design to give.
Overall I think this leans to being a Paranormal Contemporary Fiction, which is a genre I don't often reach for. I tend to like more fantasy in my paranormal, and perhaps some comedy which this is missing (by design I'm sure!) so i'd recommend to readers who enjoy a more sobering investigation into grief and what could happen when your ghosts literally come back to visit you.
3.25 ⭐
Thank you to Netgalley and Faber & Faber for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
September 8, 2026
This book took me completely by surprise! I don't think I've read a story like this before and I'm still thinking about it now long after I finished the final chapter. It's a really thought provoking and emotional read, full of little moments of humour - it's the perfect blend!
Every September the spirits return for 4 weeks to spend time with a family member, or friend, and this story explores the conflicting emotions around that. While some embrace spending time with a lost loved one, others see it as a way of not being able to move on from the grief of losing that person in the first place. It's beautifully done and explores sensitively the whole range of emotions felt around death and grief... and how you then try and move on without them.
Jane is a school teacher, whose Mum comes back to visit her, and Jane is stressed as she's trying to portray a life that she wants her Mum to approve of, even though it's not her actual real life now. She's on edge living a lie.
And then there's Eddie whose brother died, and his Mum gets overexcited to spend time with her son again, forgetting about the living especially that of Eddie and his Dad. And there's Gideon who hires doubles of himself so that the spirit following him will follow them instead. He's flash and arrogant and doesn't have time to show any real emotion. And there's also Lil who is in rehab trying to get clean but her troubled past is never far away.
The book gives each character the perfect amount of time for their story so you feel connected to each and every one and the story is crafted beautifully. It's not overly supernatural, or creepy, but it gives you that thought of how would you react if the same happened to you. I cannot recommend this highly enough as a book that is wonderfully different - definitely one of my books of 2026!
Every September the spirits return for 4 weeks to spend time with a family member, or friend, and this story explores the conflicting emotions around that. While some embrace spending time with a lost loved one, others see it as a way of not being able to move on from the grief of losing that person in the first place. It's beautifully done and explores sensitively the whole range of emotions felt around death and grief... and how you then try and move on without them.
Jane is a school teacher, whose Mum comes back to visit her, and Jane is stressed as she's trying to portray a life that she wants her Mum to approve of, even though it's not her actual real life now. She's on edge living a lie.
And then there's Eddie whose brother died, and his Mum gets overexcited to spend time with her son again, forgetting about the living especially that of Eddie and his Dad. And there's Gideon who hires doubles of himself so that the spirit following him will follow them instead. He's flash and arrogant and doesn't have time to show any real emotion. And there's also Lil who is in rehab trying to get clean but her troubled past is never far away.
The book gives each character the perfect amount of time for their story so you feel connected to each and every one and the story is crafted beautifully. It's not overly supernatural, or creepy, but it gives you that thought of how would you react if the same happened to you. I cannot recommend this highly enough as a book that is wonderfully different - definitely one of my books of 2026!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Imagine if, every September, the dead returned to the modern world. For one month only. Their ghosts wander around Boots, and take up seats on the tube. Sit with you as you eat your dinner, follow you to work, watch you as you go about your daily life. They can't hurt you (they can't even speak to you) but they're always there for a reason. Some of the dead return to the bosom of their families, others are perhaps drawn to a particular place that meant something to them ... but all of them are hoping to teach you something about yourself ...
GHOST MONTH focuses on four narrators, who each have a special reason for dreading September. There's Jane, who goes to great lengths to gain the approval of her dead mother. Nine year-old Eddie, who feels lost in a family still grieving for his older sibling. Lil, experiencing homelessness and alcoholism, since the death of her daughter, and Gideon, whose flashy lifestyle hides a very dark secret.
This is SUCH a clever story. It's incredibly poignant and exceptionally thought-provoking, not to mention being so superbly plotted that I was in complete awe ... yet it is also darkly humorous (the TfL announcements asking 'wait! think! could this person actually be alive?' The advertisers and marketers jumping on 'ghost month' in the same way they pounce on Valentines and Christmas. Brilliantly done, very funny, and it provides a beautiful balance in this profoundly moving novel.
I loved Simon's previous (award winning) books, and I knew this would be something very special. It's such a wise and moving story, and (if you are anything like me) when you reach the end, a tiny little part of you will wish ghost month was an actual thing ...
GHOST MONTH focuses on four narrators, who each have a special reason for dreading September. There's Jane, who goes to great lengths to gain the approval of her dead mother. Nine year-old Eddie, who feels lost in a family still grieving for his older sibling. Lil, experiencing homelessness and alcoholism, since the death of her daughter, and Gideon, whose flashy lifestyle hides a very dark secret.
This is SUCH a clever story. It's incredibly poignant and exceptionally thought-provoking, not to mention being so superbly plotted that I was in complete awe ... yet it is also darkly humorous (the TfL announcements asking 'wait! think! could this person actually be alive?' The advertisers and marketers jumping on 'ghost month' in the same way they pounce on Valentines and Christmas. Brilliantly done, very funny, and it provides a beautiful balance in this profoundly moving novel.
I loved Simon's previous (award winning) books, and I knew this would be something very special. It's such a wise and moving story, and (if you are anything like me) when you reach the end, a tiny little part of you will wish ghost month was an actual thing ...
July 22, 2026
Fans of Bat Eater are going to love this!
"There is a theory that the ghosts do not simply return for the month. That’s just when the living can see them. Some believe the dead are always here. Always watching."
Every September, the spirits of the dead return before vanishing four weeks later in a puff of green ash. It's known to cause chaos, hysteria and problems within society.
The story centers around 4 individuals who are each dealing with their own ghost but are interconnected.
Jane - who's mother haunts her and she can never be perfect in her eyes so she hires a fake husband and lies to herself about her true feelings.
Gildeon - An heir to a rich fortune and owner of clubs who's assigned body doubles this year to protect him from the past. He was probably my least favourite.
Lilly - a mother who lost her little girl and is now struggling with substance abuse to drown her sorrows. Her story broke my heart.
Eddie - A 8 year old child grappling with the first year of his brother gone. His parents aren't coping and his family is being torn apart with his mother neglecting her life and turning to religion. Seeing him slowly go from an innocent and sweet child to being forced to grow up too soon and having to look after himself made me really sad.
I absolutely loved getting to know each character and the ghosts they faced. It especially hit hard when you get the flashback to understanding how they're all interconnected.
The take on ghosts was rather simple with them looking like humans but something being off about them.
I also really loved the message about accepting the past and learning to grow with it.
This is for those who want a paranormal story with an interconnected storyline with a wide range of people.
"There is a theory that the ghosts do not simply return for the month. That’s just when the living can see them. Some believe the dead are always here. Always watching."
Every September, the spirits of the dead return before vanishing four weeks later in a puff of green ash. It's known to cause chaos, hysteria and problems within society.
The story centers around 4 individuals who are each dealing with their own ghost but are interconnected.
Jane - who's mother haunts her and she can never be perfect in her eyes so she hires a fake husband and lies to herself about her true feelings.
Gildeon - An heir to a rich fortune and owner of clubs who's assigned body doubles this year to protect him from the past. He was probably my least favourite.
Lilly - a mother who lost her little girl and is now struggling with substance abuse to drown her sorrows. Her story broke my heart.
Eddie - A 8 year old child grappling with the first year of his brother gone. His parents aren't coping and his family is being torn apart with his mother neglecting her life and turning to religion. Seeing him slowly go from an innocent and sweet child to being forced to grow up too soon and having to look after himself made me really sad.
I absolutely loved getting to know each character and the ghosts they faced. It especially hit hard when you get the flashback to understanding how they're all interconnected.
The take on ghosts was rather simple with them looking like humans but something being off about them.
I also really loved the message about accepting the past and learning to grow with it.
This is for those who want a paranormal story with an interconnected storyline with a wide range of people.
August 12, 2026
I picked this one, thinking it would be a fun start to spooky season. The premise is interesting from the outset: every September, ghosts return to the world for just four weeks, before disappearing again in a puff of green ash.
What would life look like, if for one month of the year, we could be reunited with departed loved ones? Then again, what if it's not only your late-loves that come to visit, but those whose unfinished business is, indeed, you and the wrongs you've committed against them? For the four central characters of Simon Wroe's 'Ghost Month', those questions are answered despite each of them wishing their ghosts would simply leave them alone, for one reason or another.
This was a profound exploration of grief and loss, evoking many other ghostly works (A Christmas Carol, Before the Coffee Gets Cold and Shakespeare's Macbeth, to name a few), as it dove into the idea of what it really is that haunts us. Is it the ghost or memory of a person, or is it the things we never told them? The wrongs we did them? The ways we let them down?
I expected this book to be somewhat introspective and at times dark, but I didn't expect to laugh out loud or engage so much with some of the characters that the ending brought me to tears. This was a brilliantly constructed book that served to remind us of how interconnected the human experience is, with even the tiny, seemingly incidental characters featuring in unexpectedly significant roles throughout the later chapters, as all of those connections came to light, making the reader realise how interwoven every single one of these characters was, and how artfully the author had laid the groundwork, earlier, to make this happen so seamlessly.
Each of the four main characters has a distinct voice on the page, with the author making use of various stylistic and formatting choices to emphasise this - something the literature graduate in me loved and appreciated. I was equally invested in their individual stories and the overarching narrative as everything came together too. Throughout the story we see into the minds of Jane, a middle-aged teacher avoiding her mother's ghost; nine-year-old Eddie, afraid to see the ghost of his older brother for the first time since his tragic death; and Gideon, an impossibly rich and morally grey nepo-baby, whose avoidance of his impending haunting has him hiring body doubles and drowning his fears in copious amounts of cocaine. I found myself most drawn, though, to Lil, an unhoused alcoholic woman who spent her days seeking complete oblivion at the bottom of a can of cider, in the interest of avoiding a ghost who hadn't even come to find her... yet. (Her ending was the one that made me cry, in case you were wondering.)
Ultimately, I think what I loved most about this one was that despite the ghostly nature of the material, this was not a book about death; it was instead a book about life and how easily we can take it for granted. This story was equal parts ugly and beautiful, a poignant narrative that I would strongly recommend and can see having great success.
I'm so grateful to have been selected by Faber and Faber as a NetGalley ARC reader.
5⭐
What would life look like, if for one month of the year, we could be reunited with departed loved ones? Then again, what if it's not only your late-loves that come to visit, but those whose unfinished business is, indeed, you and the wrongs you've committed against them? For the four central characters of Simon Wroe's 'Ghost Month', those questions are answered despite each of them wishing their ghosts would simply leave them alone, for one reason or another.
This was a profound exploration of grief and loss, evoking many other ghostly works (A Christmas Carol, Before the Coffee Gets Cold and Shakespeare's Macbeth, to name a few), as it dove into the idea of what it really is that haunts us. Is it the ghost or memory of a person, or is it the things we never told them? The wrongs we did them? The ways we let them down?
I expected this book to be somewhat introspective and at times dark, but I didn't expect to laugh out loud or engage so much with some of the characters that the ending brought me to tears. This was a brilliantly constructed book that served to remind us of how interconnected the human experience is, with even the tiny, seemingly incidental characters featuring in unexpectedly significant roles throughout the later chapters, as all of those connections came to light, making the reader realise how interwoven every single one of these characters was, and how artfully the author had laid the groundwork, earlier, to make this happen so seamlessly.
Each of the four main characters has a distinct voice on the page, with the author making use of various stylistic and formatting choices to emphasise this - something the literature graduate in me loved and appreciated. I was equally invested in their individual stories and the overarching narrative as everything came together too. Throughout the story we see into the minds of Jane, a middle-aged teacher avoiding her mother's ghost; nine-year-old Eddie, afraid to see the ghost of his older brother for the first time since his tragic death; and Gideon, an impossibly rich and morally grey nepo-baby, whose avoidance of his impending haunting has him hiring body doubles and drowning his fears in copious amounts of cocaine. I found myself most drawn, though, to Lil, an unhoused alcoholic woman who spent her days seeking complete oblivion at the bottom of a can of cider, in the interest of avoiding a ghost who hadn't even come to find her... yet. (Her ending was the one that made me cry, in case you were wondering.)
Ultimately, I think what I loved most about this one was that despite the ghostly nature of the material, this was not a book about death; it was instead a book about life and how easily we can take it for granted. This story was equal parts ugly and beautiful, a poignant narrative that I would strongly recommend and can see having great success.
I'm so grateful to have been selected by Faber and Faber as a NetGalley ARC reader.
5⭐
September 15, 2026
Every September, the spirits of the dead return for one month, before vanishing into a cloud of dust. The haunting has become a holiday of sorts, known as Ghost Month, which people either treasure or dread, depending on who has come back to visit them. This year, four strangers prepare to be visited and are forced to confront their secrets and pasts, changing them in ways that they could never have imagined.
I really loved the concept of this book. The thought of being visited by the dead, whether that be loved ones, family members, or those you may have wronged in life, poses a lot of interesting questions. Covered in this book are those who do not want to be visited, those who are desperate to be visited but are not, and those who are hiding from their past and willing to do so at any cost. A range of different types of grief are explored, interspersed with comedy elements to keep things bearable.
It took quite a long time to see how all the characters and stories were linked, and I thought this aspect of the book was particularly well done. It’s quite slow paced, but you can really see the thought and effort behind it when it all begins to pull together.
My main frustration is that nobody seemed to try to answer the question of why their ghost was returning, or do anything to stop it. It is generally acknowledged in the book that only those with unresolved issues of some kind return, and yet they do absolutely nothing to try to resolve said issues and therefore allow the spirit to rest. This was weird to me. I feel like it’s the entirety of what I would focus on if I were in the same situation, particularly if I didn’t want to be haunted.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I really loved the concept of this book. The thought of being visited by the dead, whether that be loved ones, family members, or those you may have wronged in life, poses a lot of interesting questions. Covered in this book are those who do not want to be visited, those who are desperate to be visited but are not, and those who are hiding from their past and willing to do so at any cost. A range of different types of grief are explored, interspersed with comedy elements to keep things bearable.
It took quite a long time to see how all the characters and stories were linked, and I thought this aspect of the book was particularly well done. It’s quite slow paced, but you can really see the thought and effort behind it when it all begins to pull together.
My main frustration is that nobody seemed to try to answer the question of why their ghost was returning, or do anything to stop it. It is generally acknowledged in the book that only those with unresolved issues of some kind return, and yet they do absolutely nothing to try to resolve said issues and therefore allow the spirit to rest. This was weird to me. I feel like it’s the entirety of what I would focus on if I were in the same situation, particularly if I didn’t want to be haunted.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June 8, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and Faber for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
This is the first of Simon's books I've read, but the advanced praise and beautiful cover had me very excited to read it. But it didn't meet all my expectations.
I struggled with it at first. There are a lot of characters and stories to keep up with and so it took me a while to get into it.
It takes a different view on things. A lot of cultures (UK especially) have a "let's not talk about it" view on death, but then you get other cultures who celebrate death. This is something in between. It's not celebrating the dead, if anything it's almost the opposite, but it's also putting it front and centre.
I believe in ghosts, always have, so the idea of ghosts visiting doesn't frighten me, but Simon has achieved an ominous feeling around them.
I did like his way of exploring different forms of grief, how we all react to death differently, and none are better or worse than others. And it's about helping others through loss and bereavement.
I am on the fence with this. I enjoyed it but I didn't love it. I think it would have been better with fewer substories because at times I had completely lost who we were talking about.
It was very slow to begin with, to the point where I was considering DNF-ing it, but I had heard such positive things about it and I wanted to know how it played out. This was one of my most anticipated reads and I was a little disappointed. It wasn't bad but it wasn't good, it was just a bit...meh.
This is the first of Simon's books I've read, but the advanced praise and beautiful cover had me very excited to read it. But it didn't meet all my expectations.
I struggled with it at first. There are a lot of characters and stories to keep up with and so it took me a while to get into it.
It takes a different view on things. A lot of cultures (UK especially) have a "let's not talk about it" view on death, but then you get other cultures who celebrate death. This is something in between. It's not celebrating the dead, if anything it's almost the opposite, but it's also putting it front and centre.
I believe in ghosts, always have, so the idea of ghosts visiting doesn't frighten me, but Simon has achieved an ominous feeling around them.
I did like his way of exploring different forms of grief, how we all react to death differently, and none are better or worse than others. And it's about helping others through loss and bereavement.
I am on the fence with this. I enjoyed it but I didn't love it. I think it would have been better with fewer substories because at times I had completely lost who we were talking about.
It was very slow to begin with, to the point where I was considering DNF-ing it, but I had heard such positive things about it and I wanted to know how it played out. This was one of my most anticipated reads and I was a little disappointed. It wasn't bad but it wasn't good, it was just a bit...meh.
September 22, 2026
I don't think I've ever read a book quite like this, and I hope I don't again for some time - I want this one to stay with me and stand alone for a while.
The concept is fantastic. Every September, ghosts return to the land of the living to exist alongside us for the month. No-one knows why, how it started, or if it can be prevented. The story is told through the POVs of four characters, each haunted by their own ghosts - Lil (homeless and alcohol dependent), Jane (single, middle-aged primary school teacher, Gideon (wealthy, arrogant and lacking in empathy), and Eddie (9 years old and dealing with too much for a child).
Each navigates 'ghost month' in their own way, and through them the reader gets to see a huge range of emotions and experiences. Although this is fundamentally a story of grief and love; it also highlights how close we all are to our fortunes changing and life becoming unrecognisable. There are some genuinely funny moments of dark humour in this, and some very poignant moments of reflection - I honestly think everyone will recognise something of their own personality in this book.
The pacing is spot on and the characters all relatable one way or another, which I think adds to the very human feel of the book despite how other-worldly and ridiculous the idea of living alongside ghosts for a month seems at the outset. Genuinely uplifting without trying to preach or answer the unanswerable, I hope this book finds a wide audience.
- Thanks to NetGalley for granting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review -
The concept is fantastic. Every September, ghosts return to the land of the living to exist alongside us for the month. No-one knows why, how it started, or if it can be prevented. The story is told through the POVs of four characters, each haunted by their own ghosts - Lil (homeless and alcohol dependent), Jane (single, middle-aged primary school teacher, Gideon (wealthy, arrogant and lacking in empathy), and Eddie (9 years old and dealing with too much for a child).
Each navigates 'ghost month' in their own way, and through them the reader gets to see a huge range of emotions and experiences. Although this is fundamentally a story of grief and love; it also highlights how close we all are to our fortunes changing and life becoming unrecognisable. There are some genuinely funny moments of dark humour in this, and some very poignant moments of reflection - I honestly think everyone will recognise something of their own personality in this book.
The pacing is spot on and the characters all relatable one way or another, which I think adds to the very human feel of the book despite how other-worldly and ridiculous the idea of living alongside ghosts for a month seems at the outset. Genuinely uplifting without trying to preach or answer the unanswerable, I hope this book finds a wide audience.
- Thanks to NetGalley for granting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review -
August 28, 2026
This novel has several characters it's follows, so I did spend most of the book wondering when these characters were all gonna link up. This works for the most part but there is one character is barely a link, but still a game 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon could be played or my prefer game of a circle of connections and by favourite, the game I play in my head sometimes.
I do wonder why the choice of September when it's not a traditional ghost month. That's actually November and December. Maybe because that's the last month of the year where the chance of dying of exposure isn't a concern. Well, now thanks to global warming. Though, I do remember summer always decided to show up the last week of August, just in time to mock school children.
This book deals with grief, and different reactions that people can have. We mainly follow four people who have all haunted, with a death hanging over them.
I think my biggest problem is that people treat ghosts like they would have the knowledge of people. I mean when we talk of ghosts, they get to be all knowing or the possibility that they learn our secrets. In this story that seems to not be the case, or they are capable of communicating with each other. People also do go extremely loopy. I do believe it to some extent but it is pushed very far in this.
This book throws around suicide a lot, which does make sense but honestly, my suicide ideation would probably have disappeared the month where I was reminded the most that taking myself out wouldn't end the pain. Haunting people sounds the worse vs just bed rotting for the month.
I do wonder why the choice of September when it's not a traditional ghost month. That's actually November and December. Maybe because that's the last month of the year where the chance of dying of exposure isn't a concern. Well, now thanks to global warming. Though, I do remember summer always decided to show up the last week of August, just in time to mock school children.
This book deals with grief, and different reactions that people can have. We mainly follow four people who have all haunted, with a death hanging over them.
I think my biggest problem is that people treat ghosts like they would have the knowledge of people. I mean when we talk of ghosts, they get to be all knowing or the possibility that they learn our secrets. In this story that seems to not be the case, or they are capable of communicating with each other. People also do go extremely loopy. I do believe it to some extent but it is pushed very far in this.
This book throws around suicide a lot, which does make sense but honestly, my suicide ideation would probably have disappeared the month where I was reminded the most that taking myself out wouldn't end the pain. Haunting people sounds the worse vs just bed rotting for the month.
July 26, 2026
4.5 Stars
Thank you to Faber and NetGalley for the ARC.
This was a lesson in never judging a book by its cover. It was one of my earliest NetGalley requests and, if I’m honest, I don’t think I paid much attention before requesting it. I convinced myself it was going to be a light, quirky story about friendly ghosts, so it sat on my shelf far longer than it should have.
I couldn’t have been more wrong.
Set during Ghost Month, when the dead return to walk among the living, this is a deeply emotional and beautifully layered novel. As the stories of multiple characters gradually intertwine, it becomes clear that the ghosts aren’t just the supernatural kind—they’re the grief, trauma, regret and burdens we all carry with us.
I loved the shifting narrative between the different characters and how seamlessly their stories came together. Lil’s storyline, in particular, stayed with me. Her journey through addiction and trauma was handled with such compassion and honesty.
The writing is exceptional. It reminded me of Five (which I’ve read recently) in the way seemingly separate lives slowly connect, and it also brought to mind Kate Atkinson’s character-driven storytelling. Really thoughtful and far more profound than I ever expected.
Thank you to Faber and NetGalley for the ARC.
This was a lesson in never judging a book by its cover. It was one of my earliest NetGalley requests and, if I’m honest, I don’t think I paid much attention before requesting it. I convinced myself it was going to be a light, quirky story about friendly ghosts, so it sat on my shelf far longer than it should have.
I couldn’t have been more wrong.
Set during Ghost Month, when the dead return to walk among the living, this is a deeply emotional and beautifully layered novel. As the stories of multiple characters gradually intertwine, it becomes clear that the ghosts aren’t just the supernatural kind—they’re the grief, trauma, regret and burdens we all carry with us.
I loved the shifting narrative between the different characters and how seamlessly their stories came together. Lil’s storyline, in particular, stayed with me. Her journey through addiction and trauma was handled with such compassion and honesty.
The writing is exceptional. It reminded me of Five (which I’ve read recently) in the way seemingly separate lives slowly connect, and it also brought to mind Kate Atkinson’s character-driven storytelling. Really thoughtful and far more profound than I ever expected.
August 22, 2026
I really liked the premise of Ghost Month. The idea of the dead returning every September, not to hurt anyone but simply to exist alongside the living, was such an interesting concept. I was expecting something quite spooky and scary, so I was a little surprised to find that the book is much more focused on the characters.
I did struggle to get into the book at first, as I found the pacing a bit slow. It took me a while to really get invested in the stories and characters. However, once I got into it, I found myself enjoying the different stories and seeing how the presence of the ghosts affected each of the characters.
The characters and the overall premise were definitely my favourite parts. There were some really interesting ideas about grief, regret, relationships and how we choose to live when we're reminded that life is temporary.
Overall, I liked the concept and the characters, and once I got into the story I enjoyed it much more, but I think my expectations of a spooky ghost story probably affected my enjoyment. A really interesting premise and I can definitely see why other readers would enjoy the more character-driven approach, but unfortunately, just not quite the book for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Faber and Faber Ltd for this ARC
I did struggle to get into the book at first, as I found the pacing a bit slow. It took me a while to really get invested in the stories and characters. However, once I got into it, I found myself enjoying the different stories and seeing how the presence of the ghosts affected each of the characters.
The characters and the overall premise were definitely my favourite parts. There were some really interesting ideas about grief, regret, relationships and how we choose to live when we're reminded that life is temporary.
Overall, I liked the concept and the characters, and once I got into the story I enjoyed it much more, but I think my expectations of a spooky ghost story probably affected my enjoyment. A really interesting premise and I can definitely see why other readers would enjoy the more character-driven approach, but unfortunately, just not quite the book for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Faber and Faber Ltd for this ARC
August 26, 2026
Once a year there is a month when all the ghosts of the dead return to earth; they cannot speak, but they do follow around those they knew in life. It sounded a cracking read.
We follow four main characters: Eddie, a young lad, terrified of everything who's mother is so concerned about the ghost of her dead son, she ignores the one still living. Jane, afraid to let her dead mother know she is gay, always seeking her approval. Gideon, a high living, idle, drug taking and irresponsible man with dark secrets. And Lily, who's daughter died and her world fell apart and she has been hiding in a bottle ever since.
The stories aren't told particularly well, in fact in parts its so dreary I nearly gave up. It really needs tightening up in places as it has the makings of a good read, albeit fairly depressing; there's not much humour to balance things out. And there are hints of things that are never really explained, like a 'conclave' of ghosts, plotting who knows what. Maybe he's hoping for a sequel.
Overall its plodding, with a few good elements and potential, but not the exciting ride I was expecting. Thank you to NetGalley and Faber & Faber Ltd for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
We follow four main characters: Eddie, a young lad, terrified of everything who's mother is so concerned about the ghost of her dead son, she ignores the one still living. Jane, afraid to let her dead mother know she is gay, always seeking her approval. Gideon, a high living, idle, drug taking and irresponsible man with dark secrets. And Lily, who's daughter died and her world fell apart and she has been hiding in a bottle ever since.
The stories aren't told particularly well, in fact in parts its so dreary I nearly gave up. It really needs tightening up in places as it has the makings of a good read, albeit fairly depressing; there's not much humour to balance things out. And there are hints of things that are never really explained, like a 'conclave' of ghosts, plotting who knows what. Maybe he's hoping for a sequel.
Overall its plodding, with a few good elements and potential, but not the exciting ride I was expecting. Thank you to NetGalley and Faber & Faber Ltd for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 27, 2026
For a whole month each September, the dead return to the land of the living to haunt places and people. The ghosts don't talk, they can't touch, but they can make the living look at previous choices and actions whether they want to or not.
In Ghost Month, we follow four distinct characters who go through no little turmoil during this relatively new — and mostly unwelcome — event in the world. The four stories, at first seemingly unconnected, come together in a natural and rather heartbreaking manner.
This novel was rather surprising. Wroe lured the reader in with a great deal of humour and quiet world-building before taking a harder look at grief and the devastation it leaves in its wake. While it would have been easy for Wroe to have the characters spiral into a pit of despair on many occasions, the author skilfully peppered those moments with levity, which made them far more impactful.
Poignant and deeply human, overall I was thoroughly impressed by Ghost Month and look forward to more of Wroe's work on the back of it.
Worth a look.
With thanks to Faber and Faber for the ARC.
In Ghost Month, we follow four distinct characters who go through no little turmoil during this relatively new — and mostly unwelcome — event in the world. The four stories, at first seemingly unconnected, come together in a natural and rather heartbreaking manner.
This novel was rather surprising. Wroe lured the reader in with a great deal of humour and quiet world-building before taking a harder look at grief and the devastation it leaves in its wake. While it would have been easy for Wroe to have the characters spiral into a pit of despair on many occasions, the author skilfully peppered those moments with levity, which made them far more impactful.
Poignant and deeply human, overall I was thoroughly impressed by Ghost Month and look forward to more of Wroe's work on the back of it.
Worth a look.
With thanks to Faber and Faber for the ARC.
July 4, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley.
Rating:⭐⭐⭐.5
Firstly a huge thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC of Ghost Month.
I really wanted to love this book but I’ve finished it with hugely mixed feelings, hence the 3.5 star rating.
I really enjoyed the overall structure of Ghost Month, with its multiple storylines, entirely distinct characters, and the purposefully slow and careful way their interconnected lives were revealed to us. I felt that each character was given their own moment in the spotlight so that they didn’t overcrowd one another. The world building was brilliant, not over complicated and just enough to immerse you.
The book in general took me a good while to get into which was frustrating, I didn’t want to give up on it though so I persevered. The ending was super frustrating as I felt a lot of the stories were left feeling a little unresolved. Maybe an extra chapter set some time in the future could have helped round things up a little and offered a little more closure.
In summary Ghost Month is full of interesting and compelling characters but fell down a little at the end.
Rating:⭐⭐⭐.5
Firstly a huge thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC of Ghost Month.
I really wanted to love this book but I’ve finished it with hugely mixed feelings, hence the 3.5 star rating.
I really enjoyed the overall structure of Ghost Month, with its multiple storylines, entirely distinct characters, and the purposefully slow and careful way their interconnected lives were revealed to us. I felt that each character was given their own moment in the spotlight so that they didn’t overcrowd one another. The world building was brilliant, not over complicated and just enough to immerse you.
The book in general took me a good while to get into which was frustrating, I didn’t want to give up on it though so I persevered. The ending was super frustrating as I felt a lot of the stories were left feeling a little unresolved. Maybe an extra chapter set some time in the future could have helped round things up a little and offered a little more closure.
In summary Ghost Month is full of interesting and compelling characters but fell down a little at the end.
July 25, 2026
Every September, the spirits of the dead return before vanishing four weeks later in a puff of green ash.
The haunting has become a holiday - part Christmas, part Halloween. The ghosts aren't real in any way that can hurt you, but their presence unearths an annual reckoning with the past. It's hard to tell the silent spectres from ashen they linger on train platforms, they crowd buses, they take up space on your sofa. The proper term these days is 'people without pulses'.
This year, four strangers prepare for a visit from their dearly departed. The season forces them to confront all the things that haunt them, not just their dead. As suppressed truths emerge from the shadows, each of them will end Ghost Month changed in ways they never imagined.
This had some engaging scenes and characters but was slow to develop and a little chaotic at times. I enjoyed the way the stories linked together and it's an interesting albeit macabre premise but overall I failed to engage and found myself losing interest and scanning over pages.
My thanks to NetGalley and Faber and Faber for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
The haunting has become a holiday - part Christmas, part Halloween. The ghosts aren't real in any way that can hurt you, but their presence unearths an annual reckoning with the past. It's hard to tell the silent spectres from ashen they linger on train platforms, they crowd buses, they take up space on your sofa. The proper term these days is 'people without pulses'.
This year, four strangers prepare for a visit from their dearly departed. The season forces them to confront all the things that haunt them, not just their dead. As suppressed truths emerge from the shadows, each of them will end Ghost Month changed in ways they never imagined.
This had some engaging scenes and characters but was slow to develop and a little chaotic at times. I enjoyed the way the stories linked together and it's an interesting albeit macabre premise but overall I failed to engage and found myself losing interest and scanning over pages.
My thanks to NetGalley and Faber and Faber for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
August 5, 2026
I think the fact that it took me almost three weeks to read this book speaks for itself. I started reading with really high hopes — the idea of ghosts returning for one month each year is such a fascinating premise. Would they be welcomed? Would they bring comfort or pain?
I began 'Ghost Month' with so many questions and was genuinely intrigued by where it might go. Unfortunately, I struggled to engage with the story. The beginning felt quite disjointed, which made it difficult for me to connect with the characters or become fully invested in what was happening.
As the story progressed and a pattern began to emerge, the pace did start to pick up, but by then I felt I had already lost interest and found it difficult to re-engage.
I appreciate that I may be a bit of an outlier with this one, as I can see that the book has been enjoyed by many other reviewers. The premise is certainly original and thought-provoking, and I’m sure it will find many readers who connect with the story and its characters. Unfortunately, it just didn’t quite capture my attention in the way I had hoped.
My thanks to NetGalley and Faber & Faber for providing an ARC in return for an honest review.
I began 'Ghost Month' with so many questions and was genuinely intrigued by where it might go. Unfortunately, I struggled to engage with the story. The beginning felt quite disjointed, which made it difficult for me to connect with the characters or become fully invested in what was happening.
As the story progressed and a pattern began to emerge, the pace did start to pick up, but by then I felt I had already lost interest and found it difficult to re-engage.
I appreciate that I may be a bit of an outlier with this one, as I can see that the book has been enjoyed by many other reviewers. The premise is certainly original and thought-provoking, and I’m sure it will find many readers who connect with the story and its characters. Unfortunately, it just didn’t quite capture my attention in the way I had hoped.
My thanks to NetGalley and Faber & Faber for providing an ARC in return for an honest review.
August 15, 2026
I absolutely loved this concept. What would you do if every September, the ghosts of the dead were visible to everyone. Some might be loved ones who just visit, others might be those who you have wronged who are looking for justice, and some might just gather with other ghosts to party. This is what happens to the four main characters in this book. They have all lost either people or themselves (or both!) in some way and the ghosts that come back to them all have different purposes. But the stories are interlinked and this month has a devastating impact (good and bad) on them all.
While I didn’t feel quite as strong an emotional connection with all of the characters by the end of this book as I’d hoped I would at the beginning, I still really enjoyed it. The way the author interweaved their stories without the characters always realising was really clever. And I did think that the characters were well fleshed out (sorry - terrible ghost joke!) and some were heartbreaking. I read another reviewer who said that this book would stay with them for a long time and I think it will for me too.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
While I didn’t feel quite as strong an emotional connection with all of the characters by the end of this book as I’d hoped I would at the beginning, I still really enjoyed it. The way the author interweaved their stories without the characters always realising was really clever. And I did think that the characters were well fleshed out (sorry - terrible ghost joke!) and some were heartbreaking. I read another reviewer who said that this book would stay with them for a long time and I think it will for me too.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
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