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Ghosting
Nat's sister Sandy speaks to the dead. It's a gift, and a good way to make a living. Only thing is, it isn't true. So imagine Nat and Sandy's surprise when the dead start to speak back. But it seems the dead are the least of their problems.
ebook
First published January 20, 2008
3 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Keith Gray
45 books57 followersKeith Gray grew up in and around Grimsby and Cleethorpes on the east coast of England and decided he'd better take his writing ambition seriously after achieving 0% in his accountancy exams. His debut, 'Creepers', was published when he was only 24 and was shortlisted for the Guardian Fiction Prize. Since then his books have either won or been shortlisted for awards all over the world including the Sankei Cultural Publishing Prize of Japan, the American Library Association Best Books (YA) and the Booktrust Teenage Prize. In the UK his bestselling novel 'Ostrich Boys' was shortlisted for the prestigious CILIP Carnegie Medal, the Costa Children's Book Award and won the Scottish Children's Book Awards, and has been adapted for the stage. Keith has been a reviewer for both the Guardian and Scotsman newspapers. In 2017 he moved to live in Vienna, Austria, with his partner, their daughter and a parrot called Bellamy. Keith is a co-founder of Sunday Writers’ Club.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 4, 2019
Wowww this short story is good. Kept me on my seat and i couldn't stop reading it until i finished it.
December 6, 2017
A ghost story in which the author skilfully uses atmosphere to build tension. Nate and his sister Sandy earn their living as fake mediums, but as a result of one particular ghosting session, they find themselves in an uncontrollable situation that gets uglier at every turn. Suddenly the ghosts are real and the deeds they expose are horrific.
Perhaps best suited for readers twelve years old and upward, but not for the overly sensitive reader of this age. An engaging read.
Perhaps best suited for readers twelve years old and upward, but not for the overly sensitive reader of this age. An engaging read.
July 1, 2021
Som vuxen och intresserad av död (och vad som händer efter) och andevärlden blev detta lite av en förutsägbar läsning.
För de i åldern 10-13 kan det nog upplevas som mer spännande och en aning läskigt om man tror att spökena ska komma efter en. Så lite nerver krävs och extra plats i sängen mellan mamma och pappa.
För säkerhets skull.
Betyg: 3 gruppseanser av 5
För de i åldern 10-13 kan det nog upplevas som mer spännande och en aning läskigt om man tror att spökena ska komma efter en. Så lite nerver krävs och extra plats i sängen mellan mamma och pappa.
För säkerhets skull.
Betyg: 3 gruppseanser av 5
January 29, 2020
Not scary at all but very cleverly written! Nate & Sandy are psychics, or so they appear. It’s a family trade of earning quick money. Until one day, it’s not so fake anymore...
January 4, 2019
Very easy read. Not at all scary though.
December 24, 2012
Thanks NetGalley for a free copy of this short story in exchange for a review! This did not influence my review in any way.
Ok, before I requested this book, I saw the disclaimer saying that this book was intended for young, "reluctant" readers, so I won't be reviewing this book in my usual way, instead, I'll be talking about this in the eyes of the intended audience. That's only fair, yeah?
Overall, I thought the writing and pace was good and easy to follow. There were enough descriptions to make the atmosphere unsettling and uneasy, and the dialogue or interaction amongst the characters didn't seem unnatural or forced. But because this is only a short story (37 pages only in my digital copy of the book), one shouldn't expect character growth or anything of that short. It's not intended for the reader to become attached or intimate with the characters in the book. I think readers who have little to no interest in reading would find themselves enjoying this novella with ease.
Ok, before I requested this book, I saw the disclaimer saying that this book was intended for young, "reluctant" readers, so I won't be reviewing this book in my usual way, instead, I'll be talking about this in the eyes of the intended audience. That's only fair, yeah?
Overall, I thought the writing and pace was good and easy to follow. There were enough descriptions to make the atmosphere unsettling and uneasy, and the dialogue or interaction amongst the characters didn't seem unnatural or forced. But because this is only a short story (37 pages only in my digital copy of the book), one shouldn't expect character growth or anything of that short. It's not intended for the reader to become attached or intimate with the characters in the book. I think readers who have little to no interest in reading would find themselves enjoying this novella with ease.
August 21, 2017
This was the first audio book Ive ever done and it was a truly enjoyable experience.
It was a lot like other thriller books Ive read where the person(s) don't believe in ghosts and then meet or encounter them,.
It was an enjoyable read and it was very fast paced.Right away i could tell something wasnt tight with the old man.
It did end on quite a cliff hanger but it wasn't too bad.
I would (like its intended) recommend this to reluctant readers or younger reader or tweens as it is quite basic.
It was a lot like other thriller books Ive read where the person(s) don't believe in ghosts and then meet or encounter them,.
It was an enjoyable read and it was very fast paced.Right away i could tell something wasnt tight with the old man.
It did end on quite a cliff hanger but it wasn't too bad.
I would (like its intended) recommend this to reluctant readers or younger reader or tweens as it is quite basic.
November 22, 2017
A nice short story about 2 fake mediums scamming people into thinking they are talking to their deceased loved ones for money until one client changes everything. if your looking for a quick and simple read this is ok. not very novel or groundbreaking in the narrative, and the narrator is a bit annoying, but overall it was good
February 7, 2019
Was short definitely not what I thought it was going to be about after reading the back. Its about a girl who fakes being able to speak to the dead and meets a guy who is a murderer and feels strange in his house and one of his victims takes over her body and kills him yep thats it 😂.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2025
I was really getting into this book and then boom finished.
I felt it was a bit short as I felt it could of been longer but in the end, I did enjoy it and the characters that were introduced a liked then too.
Will feature into this author a hit more.
I felt it was a bit short as I felt it could of been longer but in the end, I did enjoy it and the characters that were introduced a liked then too.
Will feature into this author a hit more.
January 23, 2019
Seriøst skummel lettlest bok om søsknene Nat og Sandy som er falske medium. Forretningen går strålende, fram til den dagen de møter Mr. Coil...
October 22, 2019
A well written and thought out book, especially for the intended audience - thoroughly enjoyed it
October 9, 2020
A pretty good short story, that delivers the creep factor and originality.
Not really scary though - still worth a read.
Not really scary though - still worth a read.
July 3, 2021
3.5/5
Good story, simple, would be scary if I was a child, I think!
Good story, simple, would be scary if I was a child, I think!
October 18, 2021
A good little horror book but nothing very special
October 11, 2025
Really fun spooky quick read. Great for halloween time!
December 11, 2012
Ghosting is a "reluctant reader" story of a brother and sister who talk to ghosts for a living. Or do they?
It's an interesting book, but there was a lack of the type of tension that makes horror novels so successful. Everything just felt a tad flat, and I never felt fully invested in any of the characters. I didn't *care* about them or what they did. I know that Ghosting is written for (roughly) 11 year old with a Grade 4 reading comprehension, but that doesn't negate the fact that you need *something* to make the reader want to continue reading. Something that makes them want to turn the page to see if their favorite character will be okay, or see if the mystery will be solved. That essential element was, in my opinion, lacking in this book.
It actually felt as if the entire story of Ghosting was a segment of a longer work; a piece that had been hacked out of a long novel and set up as a stand-alone story. If it wasn't, this is a story that definitely would benefit from a full novelization. In the 70+ pages it is now, there's no tension, no character development, and only the barest of plots. A longer work would give room to develop the characters and to answer questions I had at the end such as, How did Sandy and Nat start ghosting (other than with their mother)? What drove Mr. Coil? Who was Billy to Emma?
Ghosting is probably best suited for younger girls; boys will most likely find the story boring, with little action to hold their interest.
Overall, it's a 3 star book - kind of the reading equivalent of eating a white bread sandwich. Filling, but boring.
It's an interesting book, but there was a lack of the type of tension that makes horror novels so successful. Everything just felt a tad flat, and I never felt fully invested in any of the characters. I didn't *care* about them or what they did. I know that Ghosting is written for (roughly) 11 year old with a Grade 4 reading comprehension, but that doesn't negate the fact that you need *something* to make the reader want to continue reading. Something that makes them want to turn the page to see if their favorite character will be okay, or see if the mystery will be solved. That essential element was, in my opinion, lacking in this book.
It actually felt as if the entire story of Ghosting was a segment of a longer work; a piece that had been hacked out of a long novel and set up as a stand-alone story. If it wasn't, this is a story that definitely would benefit from a full novelization. In the 70+ pages it is now, there's no tension, no character development, and only the barest of plots. A longer work would give room to develop the characters and to answer questions I had at the end such as, How did Sandy and Nat start ghosting (other than with their mother)? What drove Mr. Coil? Who was Billy to Emma?
Ghosting is probably best suited for younger girls; boys will most likely find the story boring, with little action to hold their interest.
Overall, it's a 3 star book - kind of the reading equivalent of eating a white bread sandwich. Filling, but boring.
November 24, 2016
I came across this small book (and I’m talking tiny, it’s only 69 pages long and has huge writing) while looking for another of Gray’s books and thought it looked interesting. I like small horror stories and used to enjoy Goosebumps and Midnight Library books. I expected this to be similar to those.
I have to say that I wasn’t too impressed; the blurb was a bit misleading. Nat and Sandy are not real mediums but fake the whole process.
The first thing that it says in the author’s note is ‘I hope this story scares you.’ Well it didn’t, it didn’t even mildly worry me. At. All. I am now wondering if this book was aimed at children, even though it was in the adults section of the library.
Okay, so after some searching online, it turns out that the publishers of this book, Barrington Stoke, are specialists in getting people to read who find reading difficult, such as those with dyslexia. This would explain the different format of the book.
Overall this book receives three stars, I thought that the overall plot idea was a good one, but so much more could have been done with it.
I have to say that I wasn’t too impressed; the blurb was a bit misleading. Nat and Sandy are not real mediums but fake the whole process.
The first thing that it says in the author’s note is ‘I hope this story scares you.’ Well it didn’t, it didn’t even mildly worry me. At. All. I am now wondering if this book was aimed at children, even though it was in the adults section of the library.
Okay, so after some searching online, it turns out that the publishers of this book, Barrington Stoke, are specialists in getting people to read who find reading difficult, such as those with dyslexia. This would explain the different format of the book.
Overall this book receives three stars, I thought that the overall plot idea was a good one, but so much more could have been done with it.
October 30, 2012
Since their mother, a séance medium, passed away, Nat and Sandy have carried on the family’s tradition of “ghosting.” Seventeen-year-old Sandy is the medium, and younger brother Nat is her assistant. He is also the first person narrator of the concise story. Preying on the credulous, Sandy has no difficulty fooling her clients and taking their money; Nat has some conscience, but does not rebel, since the siblings need the income.
The story opens with a typical séance, followed by a description of how Nat and Sandy “pulled it off.” The next séance, however, is different from any either teen has experienced, with several unexpected, unwanted, and unpleasant consequences. The open ending offers the possibility of future sequels. This would be welcome, as the reader gets the impression that this work of fiction was part of a longer work, a fully-realized novel, and this is just a glimpse of larger arc or story.
This book is deliberately targeted for “reluctant or struggling readers or children with dyslexia. The interest level is 11 and up while it is at a 4th grade reading level.” The disclaimer is important, as a younger crowd may be drawn to this intense novella which contains more violence and creepy atmosphere than some may be comfortable with at an elementary level.
The story opens with a typical séance, followed by a description of how Nat and Sandy “pulled it off.” The next séance, however, is different from any either teen has experienced, with several unexpected, unwanted, and unpleasant consequences. The open ending offers the possibility of future sequels. This would be welcome, as the reader gets the impression that this work of fiction was part of a longer work, a fully-realized novel, and this is just a glimpse of larger arc or story.
This book is deliberately targeted for “reluctant or struggling readers or children with dyslexia. The interest level is 11 and up while it is at a 4th grade reading level.” The disclaimer is important, as a younger crowd may be drawn to this intense novella which contains more violence and creepy atmosphere than some may be comfortable with at an elementary level.
January 6, 2013
Intended for Reluctant Teen Readers. Great Creepy Fun for Everyone
What a fantastic page turner! Ghosting starts out with a spooky edge and builds from there. Even the most resistant reader will want to know what happens next.
Stoke Books offers titles for older, reluctant readers. They have action and are presented at a lower reading level. Ghosting is such a great option. I can see teachers using this title for units on setting and atmosphere. This author provides great subtle detail - all senses are brought into play in this short read.
I received a complimentary copy of this title for review proposes from NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you.
Please keep books like this coming. Non reluctant readers looking for a quick, creepy read should also try Ghosting. Fantastic. Highly enjoyable.
What a fantastic page turner! Ghosting starts out with a spooky edge and builds from there. Even the most resistant reader will want to know what happens next.
Stoke Books offers titles for older, reluctant readers. They have action and are presented at a lower reading level. Ghosting is such a great option. I can see teachers using this title for units on setting and atmosphere. This author provides great subtle detail - all senses are brought into play in this short read.
I received a complimentary copy of this title for review proposes from NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you.
Please keep books like this coming. Non reluctant readers looking for a quick, creepy read should also try Ghosting. Fantastic. Highly enjoyable.
October 17, 2012
I think this book is well suited to the teenage reluctant readers to which it is targeted. The story is about a sister and brother pair that works with adults to contact their loved ones that have passed away.
MILD SPOILER: While initially they needed to fake that they were being contacted by those that have passed on, as the book progresses it becomes clear that no acting is required anymore.
I thought the plot was concise and it was intriguing to keep the reader interested to find out what happens next.
This is a great book for kids to read as we are moving into the Halloween season.
Please Note: I received a digital ARC copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review of the book.
MILD SPOILER: While initially they needed to fake that they were being contacted by those that have passed on, as the book progresses it becomes clear that no acting is required anymore.
I thought the plot was concise and it was intriguing to keep the reader interested to find out what happens next.
This is a great book for kids to read as we are moving into the Halloween season.
Please Note: I received a digital ARC copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review of the book.
October 20, 2012
Book provided by publisher.
This book is aimed at struggling or reluctant readers or children with dyslexia. Age level 11, while at a grade 4 reading level.
I thought it was a great little read. The writing was simple enough for a child and didn't suffer for it. It was an interesting read that kept me interested. I would be really interested in reading a longer, YA version of this.
This book is aimed at struggling or reluctant readers or children with dyslexia. Age level 11, while at a grade 4 reading level.
I thought it was a great little read. The writing was simple enough for a child and didn't suffer for it. It was an interesting read that kept me interested. I would be really interested in reading a longer, YA version of this.
September 7, 2015
I wasn't aware that this is a dyslexia friendly book with just 96 pages which probably falls very much into the young adult readers group. As such the book is probably great. But as a grown up without reading difficulties this book didn't fill my needs. There just wasn't enough substance to it. It was just a novella.
October 28, 2013
2.5*
This book is a short story for reluctant readers and readers with dyslexia.
It was was a quick read that was predictable and didnt have much suspense but had an interesting storyline if it was bulked up a bit a more tensio added.
This book is a short story for reluctant readers and readers with dyslexia.
It was was a quick read that was predictable and didnt have much suspense but had an interesting storyline if it was bulked up a bit a more tensio added.
September 27, 2010
Good quick read :)
June 12, 2011
I really liked it especially the ending...
hmmm
January 31, 2013Hmmmmmm.... Sounds like Haunting Violet...
March 16, 2015
good for children
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews