Ghostwriter: Some Stories Don’t Let You Walk Away...

by W.M. Leesman

Twenty years ago, a series of unsolved, unconnected brutal murders rocked the town of Livingston, Alberta.

Now, a city councilor is found crucified in a local church. A young woman is found dumped at the river’s edge.

Investigative reporter Xavier Bradshaw and his new partner, Jessi, need to find out who is behind these echoes of the past. Evidence points to Xavier as the prime suspect, and Livingston PD is intent on wrapping up the case. Xavier fears his mentor, a famed horror author, has too much interest in the deaths and could be the serial killer.

Bradshaw must find the truth before the killer strikes again and police seal his fate, making him the next headline.


"A slow-burn investigative thriller whose dark secrets and chilling revelations deliver a powerful final act."
—CHARLY COX, bestselling author of the Detective Alyssa Wyatt series

344 pages, Paperback

Expected publication September 15, 2026

About the author

Bill spent time in both Alberta and Oregon while growing up. The two divergent cultures led to a well-rounded view of the world.

Baseball was a passion with opportunity. Bill played in several national championships at different levels and at 18, pitched for a team representing Canada in a World Championship. A serious injury prevented him from continuing at the same level.

An independent, entrepreneurial spirit contributed to opening a bookstore in his early 20s. Later he was drawn into the numismatics world by a friend and baseball colleague, where he worked successfully for 10 years. During that time, he started writing a book and met the love of his life.

You can find Bill volunteering as a Special Olympics coach at many of the kids’ sports games.

He has also spent time studying the DISC personality protocol and has spoken to small boards and businesses about the importance of understanding and implementing it, to further benefit their business interactions.

Bill currently lives in Calgary, AB with his family, where they enjoy events centred around movies and sports.

Reviews

[Terri | Twist & Doubt | Bookstagram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twenty years after a series of brutal, unsolved murders shook the small town of Livingston, a city councillor is found crucified in a local church and a young woman is discovered dead at the river’s edge. Reporter Xavier Bradshaw and his new partner Jessi begin investigating, but when evidence starts pointing towards Xavier himself - and suspicion falls on his famous thriller author mentor - he must uncover the truth before the killer strikes again.

I have to admit, I really struggled to get through this one. I found myself putting it down more than I usually would, and at times I wasn’t sure when I was going to get back into the rhythm of the story. That said, I genuinely believe this was more of a “me problem” than anything to do with the book, because there was plenty here that I enjoyed.

The story itself was incredibly compelling, and I found the mystery surrounding the murders and their connection to events from twenty years earlier really intriguing. There’s a definite slow-burn quality to the investigation, with pieces of the puzzle gradually coming together as Xavier and Jessi dig deeper into Livingston’s dark past.

I also really enjoyed the characters. They felt believable and, more importantly, I actually cared about what happened to them. Xavier’s position as both investigative reporter and potential suspect added another layer of tension, particularly as the evidence against him continued to mount.

The twists were slow to arrive, but when they did, they packed a punch. I had theories along the way, but a twist at about 80% might have been my favourite, and the final twist completely caught me off guard.

While this wasn’t a standout read for me personally, I can absolutely appreciate it for what it is. If you enjoy slow-burn investigative thrillers, small-town secrets and serial killer mysteries, I think this one is well worth picking up.

[Lu thrillskillsandchills · Rating 5 out of 5]

I REALLY loved this. Such a strong start to a new crime series and one that absolutely got me with its final act.

Xavier Bradshaw is an investigative reporter and former cop looking into a series of present-day murders that seem to echo a string of unsolved killings from twenty years earlier. There are some great small-town vibes where everyone knows everyone & there are plenty of secrets buried within its bones.

The pacing of this one is kinda hard to explain because it sounds like a complete contradiction, but trust me when you read it 😂 It has short chapters, great character work & medium-fast pacing in all the right places, while the actual investigation itself is much more of a slow burn. It gave the story room to build without ever really feeling slow to read.

And then we hit the final 35%.

Chapter 47 dropped a reveal that completely changed where I thought this was heading and from there I genuinely couldn’t put it down. But what I loved even more was that the book STILL wasn’t finished playing with me. Eventually I accepted the reality of what had happened, settled into that being the answer and then right at the end THAT was flipped on its head too.

I also really liked Xavier himself, Jessi & the wider cast. The character work here was just as much a highlight for me as the mystery itself and, for the first book in a new series, it did exactly what I wanted it to do - made me want more.

A VERY easy 5⭐️ and I’m already really keen for Xavier Bradshaw: Heretic and whatever is coming next for these characters.

[Angie Battle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Xavier Bradshaw: Ghostwriter is a slow-burn psychological thriller with true crime components that connects a series of murders that happened in Livingston, Alberta twenty years ago to a new string of murders happening in current day. Xavier Bradshaw and his new partner Jessi are investigative reporters for a local newspaper and are on the case, both with their own connections to crimes that they are unaware of that tie into a famous thriller author.

For the most part, I really enjoyed the audio of this book. All except for the female voice being done by a man. It just never sounds good and I think Jessi was present enough in the book that they could have used a woman for her part.

The story started out a little slow for me, but once Jessi came in and the murders started happening and we got more of a backstory on Xavier and Jessi, I really began to enjoy the book. Funny enough, with the pacing, I thought the slow burn of it all worked incredibly well for this specific story. I usually want things to move faster, but this plot just gave itself to a slower buildup and reveal at the end.

If you like slow burn, investigative thrillers with a whodunnit murder plot line then you would enjoy this one!


Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for an advanced listener copy of this book.

[Eunice Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost, I have to give a massive shoutout to the author’s dedication to his wife. They say behind every great man stands a woman, and I’m so glad he listened to her advice to write this thriller! If he hadn’t, this incredible story might have never seen the light of day.
Right from the very first chapter, the book dives straight into the action without wasting any time. It grips you instantly, delivering raw, intense thrills that actually made me wince and feel like I was standing right there in the room. The pacing is excellent, especially with the short chapters, which kept me telling myself, "Just one more chapter," late into the night.

What I Loved
-One of my favorite aspects of the book is how the author handles the little details. The descriptions of the surroundings are never overemphasized; they are just right. For instance, watching Xavier write his reports, grab a burger, and switch up fonts for his editor brought a wonderful, grounded balance to the story. Also, the food descriptions are incredibly vivid,fair warning, if you are fasting or reading on an empty stomach, this book will make you hungry😄! On the flip side, the gruesome details of the crimes are delivered perfectly. They aren’t overly exaggerated, but they are realistic enough to make you grimace.
-The character work is fantastic and deeply immersive. The workplace banter and the way best friends talk to each other felt incredibly relatable. I also loved how realistic the side characters felt. Joe’s complex psychological portrayal, alternating between a paranoid persona and an articulate voice of reason, was brilliant. Similarly, the character of Scott was deeply moving and handled with a touch of sensitivity that reminded me of classic, emotional cinematic performances. The dialogue is snappy, making you laugh one minute and go "aww" the next.
-There are tiny, realistic gestures, like a character taking off his shoes before going into someone's house that felt incredibly respectful and relatable (where are my Asian readers at)☺️. It’s a small detail, but one that many readers will deeply appreciate and smile at


To keep this review fair, there were a couple of minor things that didn't totally resonate with me:
-The Nickname: I love the name Xavier, but whenever characters called him "X," it felt a little jarring for a gritty thriller and gave off more of a rom-com vibe.
-The Sports Scene: There is a baseball sequence that dragged a bit for me. If you aren't a sports fan, you might find your attention wandering during this part.
-The Name "Rosario": Coming from my cultural background where Rosario is typically a female name, it took me a brief second to adjust to it being used for a male character, though it’s just a minor personal observation!
-The Police Interrogation: When the police first turned their suspicions toward Xavier, the evidence initially felt a little forced to me. However, by the time I reached the very end of the book, the author's narrative choices completely clicked. As a big thriller reader, I ended up really appreciating how the author structured everything it makes perfect sense for the story he is trying to tell!



Mind-Blowing Twists!
This book is a wonderfully crafted slow-burn, but what makes it unique is that it steers away from the typical police procedurals we see all the time. Instead, it leans heavily into Xavier’s perspective as a journalist. (Also, can we appreciate a thriller protagonist who isn't a heavy drinker for once?😆 He's just a guy who loves good food!)

Now, let's talk about the ending. Wow. The author is an absolute master of mind games. Just when you think you have predicted the mystery and figured out the connections from the past, the author pulls the rug out from under you. The ultimate revelation is incredibly wild, intense, and absolutely mind-boggling. I was reading late into the night, promising myself I’d sleep at chapter 47, but a massive bombshell dropped and my eyes went wide. I ended up staying up until nearly 4:00 AM just to finish it!
If I could rate this higher than 5 stars, I would. The twists are absolute fire. If this turns into a long-running thriller series, I will definitely be first in line to read the next book. Hands down, the author completely got me!

Thank you to Netgalley for providing an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All opinions are entirely my own.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Xavier Bradshaw: Ghostwriter is a taut, atmospheric psychological crime thriller that pulls you straight into the uneasy space between truth, identity, and the stories people tell to survive. Xavier Bradshaw, an investigative reporter already carrying the weight of past failures, finds himself thrust into a case that feels both eerily familiar and dangerously personal. When a city councillor is found crucified in a church and a young woman turns up dead by the river, the echoes of Livingston’s unsolved murders from twenty years ago begin to stir — and Xavier is suddenly standing in the middle of a pattern he can’t ignore.

The tension builds quickly as evidence starts pointing in the wrong direction: toward Xavier himself. The Livingston PD is eager to close the case, and the pressure on him tightens with every chapter. His partnership with Jessi adds a sharp dynamic to the investigation — she’s steady where he’s spiralling, curious where he’s cautious, and their interplay gives the story a grounded emotional thread.

The most compelling element, though, is Xavier’s relationship with his mentor, a famed horror author whose fascination with the killings feels increasingly unsettling. The novel plays beautifully with the idea of influence — who shapes a story, who controls the narrative, and how easily admiration can turn into suspicion. As Xavier digs deeper, the possibility that the man he once trusted could be orchestrating the violence becomes impossible to ignore.

The writing is crisp and atmospheric, with a psychological edge that keeps you questioning every motive and every memory. The murders are chilling without being gratuitous, and the sense of being watched — or manipulated — gives the book a steady, unnerving pulse. The theme of control runs through every layer of the story, culminating in a finale that forces Xavier to confront exactly how much truth he’s willing to uncover, and what it might cost him.

Dark, gripping, and cleverly constructed, Xavier Bradshaw: Ghostwriter is a thriller about identity, obsession, and the dangerous price of knowing too much. A compelling read that keeps its secrets close until the very last page.

With thanks to WM Leesman, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[Amy Appleby · Rating 3 out of 5]

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Hmmmm… I am not really sure where to start with this one. I was hoping for more of an intense thriller going by the blurb but it left me feeling a bit flat.

This is the first book in the series featuring Xavier Bradshaw (or X as his friends and family call him), set in the Canadian town of Livingston. X is an ex-police officer turned investigative journalist. He is the archetypal “bad ass” who likes to work alone. I didn’t really warm to him for a while as he came across as a sulking child who didn’t want to share his toys but, as the novel progresses, he does redeem himself and becomes quite likable once his new partner, Jessi, comes into the picture. The sparring between the two of them brings in some much-needed energy.

The premise of the novel makes it sound like X is in the frame for a series of murders; however, this only takes up a small section of the book. The rest plods on making it an okay, middle of the road thriller.

Leesman does a fantastic job building a dark, eerie atmosphere but the pacing was far too slow for my liking meaning it didn’t grip me as much as I wanted it to. The tension is also halted with too many repetitive internal monologues. It is also not clear why X is investigating a string of murders rather than the police – maybe I would have enjoyed this a bit more if X had stayed police officer as the book would have made more sense.

Overall, this has all the ingredients of a top-tier thriller but it doesn’t quite live up to its potential. While some of the plotting is sluggish and predictable, Leesman has given us a decent introductory novel in the Xavier Bradshaw series, and I would be willing to pick up book two to see if the series finds a sharper stride.

[Julie (JuJu) · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be published September 15, 2026

“Xavier Bradshaw: Ghostwriter” by W.M. Leesman
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5/5

Ready for a new obsession? “Xavier Bradshaw: Ghostwriter” launches the Xavier Bradshaw Crime Files with a bang. We’re talking personal struggles, power plays, and secrets meant to stay 6 feet under.

Welcome to Livingston, Alberta. A small town with big baggage. Twenty years after some seriously creepy murders, everyone’s still suspicious of their neighbors. And this place is drowning in secrets.

Then boom: a city counselor turns up crucified in a church, and a young woman’s body pops up by the river. Suddenly, all those old wounds are wide open again.

Enter Xavier “X” Bradshaw. He’s the kind of reporter who pokes the bear and then asks for seconds. The cops want him gone, but X just digs in harder. He’s got baggage and a lot of attitude, and now he’s grudgingly got Jessi as his new partner. Together, they start pulling at threads that lead straight back to those old, unsolved murders.

But plot twist: suddenly X is the one everyone’s watching. Is he chasing the killer, or is he about to get framed for the whole mess? Now it’s not just about justice. It’s about not ending up in a cell, or worse.

And the title “Ghostwriter” cuts deeper than it seems. X’s mentor, Robert Smithson, the horror legend and also Jessi’s uncle, might be tangled up in this mess. The killer could be copying his mentor’s stories, which means every clue hits way too close to home. Each murder is a twisted message. The killer’s playing puppet master, and X is dragged into a psychological game where fiction and reality blur.

This dark, twisty crime thriller dares you to feel every ounce of dread, suspense, and hope. Staged murders, a haunted town, and a reporter who refuses to quit. It’s a crazy ride for the truth, and I loved every minute of it. I’m ready for the sequel!

[Sharon Valler: Live Love Read Review · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had really high hopes for this book, having seen so many glowing reviews for it, so please take my thoughts with a pinch of salt, as I'm clearly in the minority here. Unfortunately, I really didn't enjoy it.

The premise had a lot going for it. Investigative reporter Xavier Bradshaw finds himself dragged back into a string of murders that first shook the town of Livingston, Alberta two decades earlier, and with a city councillor turning up crucified in a church and a young woman left by the riverbank, the echoes of the past become impossible to ignore. On paper, it's exactly the kind of psychological thriller I'd usually devour and the setting of Alberta sounded amazing too.

In practice though, I struggled to get into it from the start. The pace was painfully slow, almost coming to a standstill at points, and I just couldn't connect with the characters. Xavier felt dull, his partner Jessi was like an afterthought, and there was no real connection between them, so the investigation felt disjointed.

The final few chapters did pick up and were actually rather good, but by that point I'd lost interest and just didn't care anymore.

As I mentioned, I think I'm an outlier on this one, and I suspect a big part of my struggle came down to listening to it as an audiobook rather than reading it. The narrator was so monotone that it reminded me of one of those YouTube videos with an AI voiceover over drone footage, no personality, no nuance, just completely flat delivery throughout. I do think if I'd read the physical book instead, I might have had a very different experience, but as an audiobook, this one just didn't work for me at all.

2 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

[After The Last Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review ❣️

There is only one word describing my state of mind currently as I finish this book....... Mind blowing🤯

This one is a great thriller, 😵‍💫 my mind is still reeling with the ending hence I'm not able to out the proper words down here

I loved how Leesman has been very descriptive throughout the book, it's the small details which makes him different from the other authors and I love this in his writing because since it is descriptive even for tiniest things happening around, I can visualize the whole book while reading which made my experience 10 times better 🤍

And coming to the story I felt it slow at the beginning like first 3-4 chapters just slow not boring.... Even I felt it slow I felt intrigued about the scenes, the thrill ran through me and hence I took off day from work to finish this off 🤣 books are first compared to office 😁

The story took pace after 4 chapters and I'm not able to stop myself and while continuing I'm kind of guessing who might be the killer but the ending has blown me away and I never thought the killer would be that person 🤯

I loved all the characters, each and everyone has a place in the story and an important one...The ending was as I said mind blowing🤯 it really stayed with me and I still can't bring my mind around it and this one comes in the list of books which make me rethink the scenarios, descriptions, scenes and the story even after many day and even after the last page ❤

As I said if you are interested in reading psychological thrillers with unexpected twists and if you are a fan of twist revealing to the end of the book like literally the last 1% of the book, then I definitely recommend to read this❤

[BookishDogMamaKate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook Xavier Bradshaw: Ghostwriter by author W.M. Leesman.

Ex-police, now journalist Xavier Bradshaw is investigating. It’s what he does. In his DNA from both careers. When a horrific murder happens in the otherwise mostly quiet Livingston, Alberta he plans to be like a dog with a bone to get the story. Partnered with a new to the paper writer, Jessica, as yet another brutal death is discovered, they begin to see confusing similarities between these killings and decades old and forgotten murders. How to make sense of seemingly unconnected deaths? Is what seems like fiction possibly fact? Leads pointing in multiple directions…including at Xavier. Time is running out…and who remains safe is a mystery.

Dang….this was fabulous. I was all in…in record time. The narration is perfection. The multilayered characters are well developed, believable and so easy to invest in. There are secrets…everywhere! Putting the pieces of this who-done-it would seem to be a hill to climb yet the author does just that while never losing energy or suspense. His attention to detail is impressive. From a door knocker, to the sound of logs on a fire, the descriptions of the barely noticeable physical things people under stress do unconsciously. It all placed me right in the story.

I love a great gripping murder thriller with police vs reporter tension, past and present connections, strong relationships and of course…surprises. This story has them all. (And he mentions Tim Hortons twice so his taste in coffee is already a score.)

Definitely recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for providing an advanced copy. This is my voluntary and honest review.

[Rae B Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some stories are carried by their ending, and Xavier Bradshaw: Ghostwriter is one of them.

What begins as a murder investigation gradually evolves into something much more layered. As the mystery unfolds, long-buried secrets, family ties, and decades-old tragedies begin to surface, leading to a finale that recontextualizes much of what came before.

The strongest aspect of this novel was its emotional core. The final revelations added weight to the investigation and transformed the story from a straightforward thriller into one centered on grief, manipulation, generational trauma, and the sacrifices people make to protect the people they love.

While I enjoyed the journey, the pacing wasn’t always consistent. The middle section slowed down at times, and there were moments where I wanted the investigation to move with a greater sense of urgency. Even so, the final act rewarded the investment by tying together the major storylines in a satisfying way.

Xavier was a solid protagonist, and I appreciated how the mystery steadily grew beyond a simple “whodunit.” By the end, the emotional revelations surrounding the characters became just as compelling as uncovering the killer’s identity.

Overall, this was a solid thriller that I’d happily recommend to readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries with layered backstories and satisfying conclusions.

If you enjoy:

* 🔎 Investigative mysteries
* 📰 Journalist protagonists
* 🧩 Long-buried secrets
* 👨‍👧 Family revelations
* 📖 Character-driven thrillers

…this one is worth checking out.

⭐ Rating: 4/5

[Wany Rozaly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
.
Thank you @netgalley & @wmleesmanauthor for the review copy.
This book will be published on 15 Sept 2026
.
Xavier Bradshaw: Ghostwriter follows Xavier "X" Bradshaw, an ex-cop turned reporter, who is pulled into investigating a series of brutal murders. As he digs deeper, he realizes the killer seems to be leaving messages behind, turning the investigation into a dangerous game where every clue brings him closer to the truth.
.
I really enjoyed reading Xavier's character. As a former cop, he has a sharp mind and notices things that other people might miss. His partnership with fellow reporter Jessi was another thing I liked. I enjoyed watching their bond grow as the story went on.
.
This is definitely a slow-burn thriller, but it never felt boring or dragged. The short chapters and the writing kept me turning the pages because I always wanted to know what would happen next. I also liked that we get a few chapters from the killer's point of view. It was creepy but really interesting to see what was going on inside the killer's mind.
.
Some scenes were a bit gruesome, but if you know me, that's exactly the kind of thriller I enjoy. The ending was satisfying and left me excited to see where this series goes next. If you're a fan of Chris Carter, Karin Slaughter, or Tana French, I think this one is worth checking out. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Bo.reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

An investigative journalist, a small town haunted by decades-old murders and a mystery tied to those events all sounded right up my alley, and Ghostwriter seemed like exactly the kind of thriller I'd have no trouble getting into. Unfortunately, despite its promising premise, I came away feeling a little underwhelmed.

I did enjoy the idea of following a journalist rather than a detective, and there were moments where the atmosphere really worked for me. However, I always felt a step removed from both the mystery and the characters, and the pacing never seemed to build the momentum I was hoping for.

After finishing the audiobook, I actually let it sit for a while because I wasn't quite sure how I felt about it. I even went back and listened to sections again, wondering if it would click the second time around, but my overall thoughts remained much the same.

This definitely wasn't a bad book, and I can see why it's worked so well for other readers. For now, I'm still on the fence about continuing this particular series, although I'd be open to picking up another of W.M. Leesman's books in the future. I experienced this one entirely on audio, and while Chris Brinkley's narration was great, I can't help wondering whether I'd have connected with the story more through an immersive read.

Thank you to Audio ARC by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this ALC in exchange for my honest feedback

[Gema (hem-a) | thrillerswithgems · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is Xavier connected to the murders because he is the killer or because he is next?

Ghostwriter captives me with a unique premise that had me questioning why exactly was happening from the beginning. Xavier Bradshaw is a journalist who becomes inter-winded with a series of murders occurring in his town. The problem? Somehow, he has a connection to the victims.

And that’s where the psychological mind games begin.

This is definitely a slow-burn psychological crime thriller, but the mystery surrounding Xavier kept me invested. Is he somehow responsible of what’s happening? Is someone setting him up? Or is he about to become the next victim? I love trillers that makes me suspicious of the main character while also wondering whether I would be worried for him?

I read this one via audiobook, and the narration really elevated the characters for me. The narrator was engaging and used distinct voices for the different characters, which I always appreciate because it minimizes confusion and makes it so much easier to stay immersed in the storyline.

If you enjoy slow-burn pschological thrillers, questionably characters, and series that keep you wondering on who to actually trust, Ghostwrite is one to check out.

Would you trust Xavier or you immediately have him on the suspect list?

Pub Date 09/15/2026, thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for a gifted ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook of Ghostwriter by Xavier Bradshaw and came away with mixed feelings. The premise immediately pulled me in, and the mystery surrounding the ghostwriter and the secrets buried in the past kept me listening. As the investigation unfolds, the story steadily reveals hidden motives, unexpected connections, and enough twists to make me question where it was all leading.

The plot is definitely the book's biggest strength. It does a good job of building suspense and drip-feeding clues without giving everything away too early. I enjoyed trying to piece the mystery together alongside the characters, even if a few of the later revelations felt a little rushed.

The characters were believable enough to keep me invested, although I never felt particularly attached to them. The protagonist was easy to root for, and the supporting cast all had reasons to be suspected at one point or another, which added to the tension. I just wish some of them had been developed a little more, as a few relationships and motivations felt underexplored.

Overall, it was an entertaining audiobook with a clever central mystery. While it didn't completely stick the landing for me, the engaging plot and steady suspense made it worth the listen. I'd recommend it to mystery and thriller fans who enjoy unraveling secrets and don't mind a few loose ends.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

W.M. Lessman brings a refreshing dynamic to the investigative protagonist with his character Xavier Bradshaw. As an ex-cop turned reporter, Xavier operates with the sharp mind of a detective but without the red tape of law enforcement. He isn't much of a rogue wildcard yet, but staying grounded makes him a solid anchor for the story, and I am curious to see if his personality develops in that direction as the series continues. The supporting cast adds a lot of value too, particularly Stephanie and Bobby, who are great side characters and really help Xavier and Jessi bond with each other.
The story has a slower pace, but it never drags or gets boring. Momentum stays alive thanks to the short chapters, and the author’s wonderful writing. There is a sizable cast to keep track of, but the background provided for each major player is distinct and thorough enough that I never felt lost or confused about who was who.
This leans much more into traditional suspense and mystery territory rather than a high-octane thriller. It builds to a genuinely good twist. The ending, however, wrapped up quickly, leaving the fates of some characters rather vague.
If you like character-driven mysteries, ex-cop protagonists, and methodical pacing, then you will enjoy this book.

[Nesa Jimenez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had such a hard time putting this book down. Every time I thought I had the mystery figured out, something happened that made me question everything all over again. I really liked how the story took its time building the suspense instead of rushing from one twist to the next. Xavier was a main character I actually enjoyed following, and I found myself wanting him to uncover the truth just as much as he did. The small town setting made everything feel tense because it seemed like anyone could be hiding a secret. I also liked that the characters felt like real people with flaws instead of being perfect. The ending completely surprised me and tied everything together in a way that made the slower moments worth it. Looking back, there were little clues hidden throughout the story that I didn't notice until everything clicked into place. That's the kind of mystery I really enjoy. This is one of those books that stays in your head after you finish because you keep thinking about everything that happened. If this is the start of a series, I'm already excited to see where Xavier's next investigation goes. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who enjoys character driven thrillers with clever twists and an ending that delivers. Definitely a five star read for me.

[Eva Edge · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Xavier Bradshaw Ghostwriter by W.M. Leesman is an eerie, compelling, and beautifully written thriller that kicks off an exciting new series with snappy dialogue, fantastic characters, and a shocking finale.

The story pulls you in immediately with a dark atmosphere surrounding a fresh string of murders tied to sinister events from twenty years past. Rather than feeling like a dry police procedural, the narrative flows effortlessly as Xavier and Jessi uncover Livingston’s dark history piece by piece. The real star of the show is the stellar character work—from the hilarious, relatable workplace banter to the deeply realistic side characters, like Joe’s brilliant psychological portrayal balancing paranoia with razor-sharp logic. The snappy dialogue will have you laughing out loud one second and gasping in disbelief the next.

W.M. Leesman strikes the perfect balance with a smooth, engaging pacing that never feels rushed or bogged down. The cold-case mystery keeps you completely hooked, building toward a fantastic end twist that leaves you desperately craving the next book. Delivering electric character dynamics, top-tier dialogue, and a deeply satisfying mystery, this book earns 5 dark, flawless stars! 👻✍️🔍

[Book My Imagination · Rating 4 out of 5]

Xavier an ex cop turned reporter has more people dislike him than like him.
When a murder happens in his town, he is right there for the story. But this murder is grisly and extreme.
With one good friend still on the force, he manages to get information that others don't.
Within a short period of time, another murder, this time a young woman.
Different style, different killer?

Whilst he still has to report on the crimes, murders and general news, he can't help but to look into this killer or killers.
When he is partnered with new reporter Jessi, things start to get dangerous for them.
Meanwhile, he is trying to write a book, but is finding it way too hard.
Until Jessi connects him with her author uncle.
A reclusive thriller writer that seems more than a little eccentric.


The first chapter went straight in and punched.
The middle had a bit of a lag for me, mainly whilst the book introduced the characters etc, but after that, it was all senses on.
I loved how this killer sat in the book, with a few chapters dedicated to that side of the story.
And the connections that Xavier was led through and how they all came together.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5

Xaivier Bradshaw: Ghostwriter is a slow-burn psychological thriller following journalist Xaivier Bradshaw and his new partner, Jessi, as they investigate a series of murders in their small town. As they dig deeper into the case, the investigation becomes personal for both of them, raising the stakes along the way.

I really enjoyed the author’s writing style. The story flowed well and kept me wanting to continue reading, even with the slower pace. Xaivier was definitely a standout character for me. He brought so much personality to the story and, honestly, made the book for me.

I also really enjoyed the true-crime feel of the story. That element pulled me further into the investigation and kept me curious about where everything was going.

Overall, this was an enjoyable psychological thriller with an intriguing investigation, memorable characters, and a writing style that kept me turning the pages. If you enjoy slow-burn thrillers with a true-crime feel, this one may be worth checking out.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review

[Eva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley, for letting me listen to Xavier Bradshaw: Ghostwriter.

Honestly, I wasn't quite sure what I was signing up for when I accepted this one, but I do enjoy books by John Grisham and Steve Cavanagh, so I thought this might be a fun mix of both—and I wasn't wrong!

The book started incredibly strong. The first chapter immediately grabbed my attention and had me excited to see where the story would go.
Unfortunately, the middle slowed down for me. There were a lot of characters and storylines being introduced, and I found myself struggling to keep track of everyone. Around the halfway point, I seriously wondered whether I should continue.
I'm very glad I did.

Once the story caught back up to the present and the mystery really started unfolding, the pace picked up considerably. From there, I was fully invested and really enjoyed watching everything come together.

And that ending? Perfect. It wrapped up the story in a way that left me very satisfied.

Overall, this was a bit of a slow burn for me, but the payoff was absolutely worth sticking around for. If you enjoy legal thrillers, mysteries, and stories with a Grisham/Cavanagh feel, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a chance.

[Trvlgirl788 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐
First of all thank you Netgalley for this ALC.
I am always down for a good thriller, and I found Ghostwriter to be pretty solid. The story follows Xavier, an investigative reporter who is trying to piece together the puzzle of two recent murders in town alongside his new partner Jessi. When similarities start to pop up between the recent murders and some that happened years ago, he quickly finds himself in the middle of things. Who can he trust? And when the opportunity arises to be mentored by a famous author, are things too good to be true?
I really enjoyed the first half of the book. The character arcs and storyline were built up well, but then things started to get a little too predictable for me personally. Don't get me wrong the second half of the book was also a great listen, but I like more twist and turns that aren't as easy to connect the dots to.
This audio was single narration, and I thought Chris Brinkley did a great job. I would easily listen to one of his narrations again.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love investigative thrillers with a slow burn pace this one is for you.

X is a journalist who typically works alone, but his boss has him training with one of the newer journalists, Jessi, who just joined the team. X is investigating a recent murder that may be connected to another murder that took place a few days later. Once Jessi came on board, I feel like her character brought in some humor as X character could be a bit dry at times. I really enjoyed how complex the characters were. As the journalists continued digging into these murders, it was later discovered that they may be connected to some cold cases. An intriguing whodunnit with interesting characters that kept you guessing who was behind the murders.

The narrator, Chris Brinkley did a wonderful job portraying the male voices. The tones and inflections were great. For the women's voices, he kept his voice a bit light, but it was fine and I didn’t find it distracting.

“You can’t be afraid to search for the truth despite how uncomfortable it makes you.”

A very special thanks to @bonechillingbooks and author for the ALC.

[Shannon pumpkinqueen73 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Xavier is an ex cop, who is now a journalist, that gets caught up in researching a current crime, that connects to crimes from 20 years ago. He gets drawn into the investigation, trying to solve the case in order to clear his name.

A crime thriller debut series with mind blowing twists. The short chapters fluctuate between medium pace to slow pace. I was drawn into each character; they were well developed; once I found out Xavier had a cabinet with rum, I instantly liked him. There was a really good twist at the end however, it just seem to move really fast in comparison to the rest of the book. I think I would’ve enjoyed everything coming together at a slower pace. The audio version was done well by Chris however, I do believe that adding in a female narrator for Jessi would add more depth to the story. This is definitely one that I would like a physical copy of and interested in seeing how the rest of the series plays out.

Thanks to Net Galley and the author for the advanced audio copy

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Xavier is a former cop turned investigative reporter who becomes involved when multiple murders start to plague the town of Livingston which have an eerily similar pattern to old cold cases. With the help of some bookish clues, a new reporter mentee, a cop best friend, Xavier uses his talents to go down the rabbit hole to piece it all together.

Really well written, twisty book that kept me flipping pages in the night. I had to find out the connection between the bodies piling up. Xavier’s confidence allows us to enter this world easily. He’s so guarded but sarcastic that I instantly trusted and rooted for him. But found it equally satisfying when he gets put in his place, especially by new reporter Jessi. I liked the inclusion of chapters in “the mind of a killer.” I loved that this book focused on the ‘why’ rather than the ‘who.’ Definitely gave me vibes of some of Charlie Donlea’s books.

[Kim Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the advanced audio ARC!

When I first started listening, I was slightly afraid I wouldn't end up liking it. But wow what a ride this was! I really enjoyed the narration, it was super easy to follow the story. My only negative about the narration was hearing all of the food scenes when I was working and unable to eat. I did not expect so much detail about food in something like this! But man, I sure hope I get a burger soon.

I really enjoyed hearing the names Jessi and James repeatedly, especially since I just recently played Pokemon. But I really love investigative thrillers where they're unraveling the mystery as we're reading. Getting to know the characters and their backstories really made me feel connected to them, even if everyone seemed to be hiding something! This was a great story and listen. I'm glad I didn't quit at the beginning and strapped myself in for this wild ride.

[Sase Fleenor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I listened to the audiobook and LOVED the narrator!! I personally had a lot going on when I started it, so I did have to restart it several times, realizing that I had not paid attention.

What’s to love: The narrator is phenomenal. I simply loved his voice. The storyline is stellar. Not one that’s often used as I feel like so many other plots are just on repeat!!

Fuck that: I generally love books that bounce between past and present. However, I didn’t even figure out it was written like that. Now, maybe that’s an audiobook issue; maybe I wasn’t paying attention the first time a transition hit; maybe it was me. However, I prefer it be VERY obvious when this is happening. To me, had I realized it, I would have gotten much more enthralled.

Overall, I loved the storyline, the storytelling, and the style! Thanks for the advanced reader in an audiobook. I absolutely love when an author chooses to release in text and audio!!!

[Marilena EchoHawk · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's something really confident about the way W.M. Lessman tells this story. From the beginning, it feels like every detail has a purpose, even if you don't realize it until much later. The unreliable narrator was brilliantly handled, that’s not easy to pull off. It never felt like the twist came out of nowhere.
The pacing is the only thing that kept this from being a five-star read for me. I'm not naturally drawn to slow burns, so there were moments when I wanted things to move a little faster …but with that ending , I definitely appreciate why the story took its time… the payoff wouldn't have landed the same way.
This is a smart, thoughtfully written novel.

I received a digital ARC from Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op in exchange for an honest review . All thoughts are my own .
Publish date Sept 15 2026

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a much slower burning mystery than I usually read and it did take a little to get into for me. It is also more character driven than I am used to. I enjoyed listening to this book, the narrator did a great job with all the different characters and parts he had to play.

X was a character that gets better as you go through the story. I wasn’t a fan to begin with but as the story progressed I started to like him more and more. The newbie to the paper, Jessica was a great character, trying to learn the ropes and do the best she can while caring for her son with special needs. The two of them worked well together, eventually.

I liked that there was a link to these murders that was not immediately clear. While the murders are gruesome I didn’t feel that it was over the top in details.

Thank you to the author for sharing this book with me on NetGalley, out on September 15th

[Jani Hamm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Xavier Bradshaw: Ghostwriter was a fast-paced, engaging thriller that kept me hooked from the very first chapter. The story is easy to read and moves along quickly, making it hard to put down once I started.

I really liked Xavier Bradshaw as the main character. As an ex-cop turned reporter, he’s determined to uncover the truth behind two murders in his hometown, and I enjoyed following his investigation. The mystery unfolds at a steady pace, with plenty of twists and unexpected turns that kept me guessing throughout.

I haven’t read any of this authors books before and really enjoyed it. I look forward to reading more in the future and would recommend it to fans of fast-moving crime mysteries and thrillers.