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Caesar's Ghost
Dead Again meets Julius Caesar today...with a sharp twist of The Sting.
In this standalone Fast and Furies thriller...The legendary Roman's ghost is granted the chance for a comeback. But it objects to being 'thrown' into an unlikely host: Jules See, a mild-mannered loser with a passion for the Classics. With some spirited help from JC, and a bogus resume, Jules lands a plumb teaching job at a prestigious college. Unknown to him, or JC, he's just been trapped in a dangerous scam. And when he starts probing too deeply, he's beaten half to death.
JC, now trapped in the comatose Jules, learns a trick the gods have kept secret till now: he can jump from one host to another--instead of allowing them to throw him where they will. He does, and continues to do so, as he pursues his three-part plan: to find a way to heal Jules...to rip off the mobsters who beat him...and to rule the world again--if he can only find Cleo.
Trivia
In this standalone Fast and Furies thriller...The legendary Roman's ghost is granted the chance for a comeback. But it objects to being 'thrown' into an unlikely host: Jules See, a mild-mannered loser with a passion for the Classics. With some spirited help from JC, and a bogus resume, Jules lands a plumb teaching job at a prestigious college. Unknown to him, or JC, he's just been trapped in a dangerous scam. And when he starts probing too deeply, he's beaten half to death.
JC, now trapped in the comatose Jules, learns a trick the gods have kept secret till now: he can jump from one host to another--instead of allowing them to throw him where they will. He does, and continues to do so, as he pursues his three-part plan: to find a way to heal Jules...to rip off the mobsters who beat him...and to rule the world again--if he can only find Cleo.
Trivia
--This story came to me in an entirely different way. In March, 2015 I went to San Francisco to relax before starting work on my next Boss MacTavin mystery. In S.F. I met a friend and, on a walk through Chinatown, he said something that struck me: He dug the Boss MacTavin books but loved the Fast and Furies series--short, stylish thrillers into which, he felt, I had poured my real soul. And, as we continued walking, the seed idea for Caesar's Ghost came to me and I knew I had to run with it, writing again from the heart.
--For the first time in my writing life, I worked without an outline. The story cried out to be written 'on the hot and hot'. Though I reviewed where I was every day and had a clear sense of the plot line, I took each day's work as it came. And I loved the freedom of working with no net.
--I came to know the tactical weapons that play in the book far better than I'd meant to. While testing the stun gun, I failed to notice that my fingers touched the terminals--and got the shock of my life. And then wondering what it must have felt like for Caesar to have been stabbed 23 times, I set out to jab myself, in a controlled way, with a very sharp tactical pen. I managed 12 jabs before I fell down, agonized and unable to continue. The experience led me to see, though, that my ghost was driven by two things: the desire to rule once more--and to avoid, at all costs, a death like the old Caesar's.
147 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 23, 2015
1 person want to read
About the author
Reb MacRath
14 books136 followersPlease see my Amazon Author Page at
amazon.com/author/rebmacrath
I had a long apprenticeship as a freelance journalist and reviewer before publishing my first novel, The Suiting, with Tor in 1988. Because of the supernatural twist, I was pegged as a horror writer and contractually bound to write one more. And those two led to still two more, these published with Dell Abyss. In 1993 I retired from the genre and went to The Desert to learn how to write the sort of books I love to read: thrillers as strong on style and wit as they are on suspense.
From 1993-2012 I completed eight books that fell into three camps: short Christmas chillers; crime tales starring Boss MacTavin, a Southern Scot, and inspired by Have Gun Will Travel; and, finally, a pair of books about writing and trad publishing. From now through the end of 2013, I'll release the lot as ebooks while completing a new tale starring Big Bad Boss.
amazon.com/author/rebmacrath
I had a long apprenticeship as a freelance journalist and reviewer before publishing my first novel, The Suiting, with Tor in 1988. Because of the supernatural twist, I was pegged as a horror writer and contractually bound to write one more. And those two led to still two more, these published with Dell Abyss. In 1993 I retired from the genre and went to The Desert to learn how to write the sort of books I love to read: thrillers as strong on style and wit as they are on suspense.
From 1993-2012 I completed eight books that fell into three camps: short Christmas chillers; crime tales starring Boss MacTavin, a Southern Scot, and inspired by Have Gun Will Travel; and, finally, a pair of books about writing and trad publishing. From now through the end of 2013, I'll release the lot as ebooks while completing a new tale starring Big Bad Boss.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 31, 2015
Quirky, different, action-packed and sometimes violent this dramatic story of a ghost entering the host of someone still alive was riveting . Can you imagine having a known larger-than-life historical figure co-inhabiting your brain and sometimes just grabbing the reins? Julius Caesar has come back and he wants to make a HUGE comeback! What he is willing to do to assume a major role on earth once again leads him to many people and through much trouble. Not your usual story but definitely worth reading!
Thank you to the author for the copy of this book to read and review.
Thank you to the author for the copy of this book to read and review.
January 21, 2016
Caesar Augustus returns vividly to life in this highly imaginative and well-written story of Karmic misadventures, played out in an atmosphere of supernatural suspense.
It's a tale with a surprise every few pages about the former Emperor's ambitions now that he has a second lease on life right here in the twenty-first century.
Julius See is just trying to convey his love for the classics when the spirit of the legendary Julius Caesar descends on him one day. His first impassioned lecture to a hall full of enrapt junior college students leads to a mysterious plot twist that lands him in the hospital, comatose and barely clinging to life.
But, hey, no worries. Caesar's spirit slips seamlessly into a new host -- a handsome private investigator who is on the trail of See's assailants. The author's deft description of the murderous thugs is indicative of the novel's superior writing:
"Pancho was stouter by, say, eighty pounds with a gut that rolled over the waistband a good half-foot under his navel. Handsome but stern features were lost in lard and blubber; too much pasta and booze had undone a good face. O-Ring was shorter, of average looks except for the small puckered mouth that looked like an anus in heat."
From there, the story twists skillfully through situations of increasing amusement, as Caesar's spirit is forced to adapt -- often at a moment's notice -- to new circumstances, always in relentless pursuit of the masterminds behind the nefarious teaching scam being perpetrated nationwide.
Author Reb MacRath delivers a totally believable story that will keep readers guessing as to where the oversexed demigod will turn up next. Thoughts of his beloved Cleopatra, however, are never far from him.
"In my divided state," Caesar observes, "my memories grow erratic. I know I was with Cleo, not Elizabeth Taylor, that night on the barge. Yet I could swear that I'd gone down on Liz, who in turn had Lovelaced me."
This superb novel is a satiric triumph -- an intriguing supernatural mystery with complex characterizations and a storyline that will keep you involved right up to the last page.
Five stars to Caesar's Ghost. It's easily the best story of its kind I've come across in years, and held me completely enthralled to its surprising conclusion. Download a copy today!
It's a tale with a surprise every few pages about the former Emperor's ambitions now that he has a second lease on life right here in the twenty-first century.
Julius See is just trying to convey his love for the classics when the spirit of the legendary Julius Caesar descends on him one day. His first impassioned lecture to a hall full of enrapt junior college students leads to a mysterious plot twist that lands him in the hospital, comatose and barely clinging to life.
But, hey, no worries. Caesar's spirit slips seamlessly into a new host -- a handsome private investigator who is on the trail of See's assailants. The author's deft description of the murderous thugs is indicative of the novel's superior writing:
"Pancho was stouter by, say, eighty pounds with a gut that rolled over the waistband a good half-foot under his navel. Handsome but stern features were lost in lard and blubber; too much pasta and booze had undone a good face. O-Ring was shorter, of average looks except for the small puckered mouth that looked like an anus in heat."
From there, the story twists skillfully through situations of increasing amusement, as Caesar's spirit is forced to adapt -- often at a moment's notice -- to new circumstances, always in relentless pursuit of the masterminds behind the nefarious teaching scam being perpetrated nationwide.
Author Reb MacRath delivers a totally believable story that will keep readers guessing as to where the oversexed demigod will turn up next. Thoughts of his beloved Cleopatra, however, are never far from him.
"In my divided state," Caesar observes, "my memories grow erratic. I know I was with Cleo, not Elizabeth Taylor, that night on the barge. Yet I could swear that I'd gone down on Liz, who in turn had Lovelaced me."
This superb novel is a satiric triumph -- an intriguing supernatural mystery with complex characterizations and a storyline that will keep you involved right up to the last page.
Five stars to Caesar's Ghost. It's easily the best story of its kind I've come across in years, and held me completely enthralled to its surprising conclusion. Download a copy today!
September 18, 2016
I grabbed this book from the stack because I was looking for something shortish (it's novella length) and a change of pace. It was both of those. What I didn't anticipate was how much I'd like it. It's fast-paced, with short chapters that keep the story hopping and skipping along. The premise and the plot keep the tension high, but it is also full of humor. Along with being entertained by Caesar making his way through the modern world, maybe you'll even pick up a few historical tidbits. Or maybe not. It doesn't matter either way because that Caesar, once you get to know him, is a funny guy. I'd love to hang out with him. But first, he'd have to promise not to take over my body.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
January 26, 2016
Caesar’s Ghost is a well-written mystery or mhistory (mystery + history—-do you see what MacRath did there?) with a splash of the speculative. What would happen if Julius Cesar returned—-could live again in our current time? A man with that type of ambition and cunning would surely set his sights on some amazing conquest, wouldn’t he?
Along the way, Caesar is reunited with Cleopatra (Cleo), and teams up with some colorful characters, including a college professor, a private investigator, and even a mob boss. Yes, as you will see, they all become very close as Caesar works out a grand scheme to the benefit of all… Well, maybe not all. But—-at least—-to some!
Along the way, Caesar is reunited with Cleopatra (Cleo), and teams up with some colorful characters, including a college professor, a private investigator, and even a mob boss. Yes, as you will see, they all become very close as Caesar works out a grand scheme to the benefit of all… Well, maybe not all. But—-at least—-to some!
January 3, 2016
Quirky and dark but full of surprises
In this crazy "ghost" story, I learned more about Julius Caesar than any of those boring history classes in high school. It's difficult to explain much about the plot without giving away too many secrets, but the author takes an ordinary "haunting" and turns it around multiple times. Caesar becomes a hero to his devoted acolytes, but not without a convoluted series of events. The author once again shines by delivering quirky humor, dark characters, and surprises. The story makes us all want to shout, "Hail Caesar!" in the end. Good job!
In this crazy "ghost" story, I learned more about Julius Caesar than any of those boring history classes in high school. It's difficult to explain much about the plot without giving away too many secrets, but the author takes an ordinary "haunting" and turns it around multiple times. Caesar becomes a hero to his devoted acolytes, but not without a convoluted series of events. The author once again shines by delivering quirky humor, dark characters, and surprises. The story makes us all want to shout, "Hail Caesar!" in the end. Good job!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews