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NewCon Novellas Set 4: Strange Tales
Ghost Frequencies
Susan MacDonald is desperate. Unless she makes a breakthrough soon, Ashford, the millionaire businessman financing her project, will shut it down and disband her research team. She knows she’s close – that she’s on the verge of proving her theory of Retrocausality, which will enable her to harness quantum mechanics to produce a revolutionary new form of instantaneous communication – but results are proving frustratingly elusive.
The last thing Susan needs is a team of ghost hunters moving into her base of operations, Ashford Hall – a building with a troubled past. Nor does she need the odd sounds – snatches of random conversation and even music – that are hampering her experiments; but does this interference represent the presence of ‘ghosts’ as some claim, deliberate sabotage as suggested by others, or is there an even more sinister explanation?
The last thing Susan needs is a team of ghost hunters moving into her base of operations, Ashford Hall – a building with a troubled past. Nor does she need the odd sounds – snatches of random conversation and even music – that are hampering her experiments; but does this interference represent the presence of ‘ghosts’ as some claim, deliberate sabotage as suggested by others, or is there an even more sinister explanation?
110 pages, Paperback
Published June 20, 2018
6 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Gary Gibson
52 books421 followersGary Gibson's first novel, Angel Stations, was published in 2004. Interzone called it "dense and involving, puzzling and perplexing. It's unabashed science fiction, with an almost "Golden Age" feel to it ..."
His second novel was Against Gravity in 2005; the Guardian described it as "building on current trends to produce a convincing picture of the world in 2096."
Stealing Light was first published in 2007, and garnered a wide range of positive reviews. The London Times called it: "A violent, inventive, relentlessly gripping adventure ... intelligently written and thought-provoking".
Stealing Light is the first volume in a four-book space opera, the final volume of which, Marauder, was published in 2013.
To date, Gary has written ten novels, most recently Extinction Game and its sequel, Survival Game.
His second novel was Against Gravity in 2005; the Guardian described it as "building on current trends to produce a convincing picture of the world in 2096."
Stealing Light was first published in 2007, and garnered a wide range of positive reviews. The London Times called it: "A violent, inventive, relentlessly gripping adventure ... intelligently written and thought-provoking".
Stealing Light is the first volume in a four-book space opera, the final volume of which, Marauder, was published in 2013.
To date, Gary has written ten novels, most recently Extinction Game and its sequel, Survival Game.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 11, 2020
Part of the NewCon Press Novellas line, bought because I really enjoyed the others I've read and the plot sounded promising. It's great – a really entertaining blend of ghost story, sci-fi and mystery, clearly intended as an homage to The Stone Tape. It follows a scientist based at an old country house, where she's conducting an experiment intended to prove that instantaneous communication is possible by sending information backwards in time. The place is reputedly haunted, though she doesn't know that until a team of ghost-hunters arrive... and discover inexplicable links between Susan's work and a murder that happened at the house more than 30 years earlier. Ghost Frequencies is good old-fashioned fun, with several intertwined plotlines (all satisfyingly untangled by the end) and lots of characters chasing clues (something I really love reading about). I also learned that 'spooky action at a distance' is a legitimate scientific term, which is delightful.
TinyLetter | Linktree
TinyLetter | Linktree
January 22, 2019
This is a thoroughly enjoyable novella that very nicely subverts the premise it sets up. It's very well written: the outwardly straightforward prose is deceptive in the way it sweeps you into the story. Characters are well developed for a short book, with a sympathetically observed central character, and there are enough twists and details to keep you interested.
So, why not five stars? My one complaint is that I thought it would have made an absolutely ripping full-length novel. There were ideas, characters and situations in here I felt were begging to explored in greater detail and depth with the elbow-room a chunky novel would have provided. That said, it's the best novella I've read for quite a while.
So, why not five stars? My one complaint is that I thought it would have made an absolutely ripping full-length novel. There were ideas, characters and situations in here I felt were begging to explored in greater detail and depth with the elbow-room a chunky novel would have provided. That said, it's the best novella I've read for quite a while.
January 27, 2019
I stupidly didn't realise this was a novella when I started reading it so when it came to the end I was simultaneously gutted at not getting to spend more time with the characters and delighted at how neat it was and how it didn't try to drag the story out just for the sake of it. Having said that, I'd very happily have read a novel length version.
It's a well written page turner and absolutely perfect for a train or plane journey, especially if you like hints of the paranormal but without too much bullshit!
It's a well written page turner and absolutely perfect for a train or plane journey, especially if you like hints of the paranormal but without too much bullshit!
March 11, 2022
Sobre la búsqueda de palabras para escribir.
Siempre me he preguntado cuál es la palabra correcta para el ruido que escuchamos de los cortocircuitos (ya sé cuál es) y también para el ruido que escuchamos cuando la televisión está en un canañ sin señal (también la encontré, pero no estoy cien por cien seguro). Por estos motivos leí esté libro.
Sé que uno puedo buscarlo en internet, pero a mi en lo personal me ha costado y creo que un filtro editorial es más fiable para dar con las palabras correctas para lo que uno busca. Ghost Frequencies, escrita por Gary Gibson, de Glasgow, es una novella que empecé ayer y termié hoy porque es realmente corta. Se lee en poco más de dos horas, y la verdad es que no era lo que esperaba, pero me he llevado un buen rato con un desenlace bastate descente. El epílogo fue un poco más de lo mismo, pero en general la idea me gustó pese a que es ciencia ficción y no terror de fantasmas.
La historia trata de unos científicos que hacen experimentos en una antigua casa (en ruinas) donde hubo un asesinato. El experimento trata de estudiar ciertas ondas atrapadas digamos en el tiempo entre las que destacan los sonidos de gente muerta. Esto no se describe así, sino con unas siglas que le da la figura científica, pero como no escribo ciencia ficción, me ha dado pereza revisar el libro.
La historia es una investigación sobre el asesinato de una joven relacionado con el inversor que financia a los científicos y con una teoría de una de las científicas sobre enviar trozos de frecuencias al pasado. A mi me pareció una buena historia, aunque ahora me parece un poco confuso lo que plantea científica protagonista de la novela, en el libro es bastate creíble, por lo menos para alguien como yo que no tiene idea de estos temas dentro del estudio de lo paranormal.
Lo mejor de la historia son los diálogos. Si quieres aprender a escribir diálogos creíbles o reforzarlos, leed a este tipo.
Ghost Frequencies se lleva 7 brazaletes de 10 posibles y una calificación de bien.
Siempre me he preguntado cuál es la palabra correcta para el ruido que escuchamos de los cortocircuitos (ya sé cuál es) y también para el ruido que escuchamos cuando la televisión está en un canañ sin señal (también la encontré, pero no estoy cien por cien seguro). Por estos motivos leí esté libro.
Sé que uno puedo buscarlo en internet, pero a mi en lo personal me ha costado y creo que un filtro editorial es más fiable para dar con las palabras correctas para lo que uno busca. Ghost Frequencies, escrita por Gary Gibson, de Glasgow, es una novella que empecé ayer y termié hoy porque es realmente corta. Se lee en poco más de dos horas, y la verdad es que no era lo que esperaba, pero me he llevado un buen rato con un desenlace bastate descente. El epílogo fue un poco más de lo mismo, pero en general la idea me gustó pese a que es ciencia ficción y no terror de fantasmas.
La historia trata de unos científicos que hacen experimentos en una antigua casa (en ruinas) donde hubo un asesinato. El experimento trata de estudiar ciertas ondas atrapadas digamos en el tiempo entre las que destacan los sonidos de gente muerta. Esto no se describe así, sino con unas siglas que le da la figura científica, pero como no escribo ciencia ficción, me ha dado pereza revisar el libro.
La historia es una investigación sobre el asesinato de una joven relacionado con el inversor que financia a los científicos y con una teoría de una de las científicas sobre enviar trozos de frecuencias al pasado. A mi me pareció una buena historia, aunque ahora me parece un poco confuso lo que plantea científica protagonista de la novela, en el libro es bastate creíble, por lo menos para alguien como yo que no tiene idea de estos temas dentro del estudio de lo paranormal.
Lo mejor de la historia son los diálogos. Si quieres aprender a escribir diálogos creíbles o reforzarlos, leed a este tipo.
Ghost Frequencies se lleva 7 brazaletes de 10 posibles y una calificación de bien.
May 26, 2024
Ghost Frequencies by Gary Gibson is a nice time filler. It is a short novella that runs through its paces and comes to satisfying conclusion. An attentive reader should be able to spot the answer midway into the book, but it is still worth reading for the characters and mystery element.
The story is set in Ashford Hall, a historic English house with a reputation for being haunted. Susan McDougall and her team have been hired by Christian Ashford, the multi-millionaire owner of the house, to research quantum entanglement from the perspective of time travel. The idea is that quanta become entangled because they are communicating with each other now by going back to then, when the two quanta were in contact.
Then, Ashford hires a team of paranormal investigators to explore the ghost angle. This is particularly important to him because he can’t keep security staff employed for longer than a month or two.
The physicists protest bringing the paranormal investigators into their research area, primarily out of snobbery, although the investigators are bona fide scientists. The circus act of ghost hunters could taint the credibility of their findings.
But the ghost hunters have receipts. Something is haunting the Ashford Hall.
Could the two research programs have a common denominator?
It is a short, enjoyable read. I don’t think anyone’s worldview is going to be changed.
The story is set in Ashford Hall, a historic English house with a reputation for being haunted. Susan McDougall and her team have been hired by Christian Ashford, the multi-millionaire owner of the house, to research quantum entanglement from the perspective of time travel. The idea is that quanta become entangled because they are communicating with each other now by going back to then, when the two quanta were in contact.
Then, Ashford hires a team of paranormal investigators to explore the ghost angle. This is particularly important to him because he can’t keep security staff employed for longer than a month or two.
The physicists protest bringing the paranormal investigators into their research area, primarily out of snobbery, although the investigators are bona fide scientists. The circus act of ghost hunters could taint the credibility of their findings.
But the ghost hunters have receipts. Something is haunting the Ashford Hall.
Could the two research programs have a common denominator?
It is a short, enjoyable read. I don’t think anyone’s worldview is going to be changed.
April 23, 2020
When I finished listening to the audiobook version of this, I sighed contentedly and thought "what a cool concept, what an unlikely duo." And I went on with my day. But maybe it's because of my amateur liking for physics, or my aspiration for sound engineering, that this story found its way back into my mind several times in the following weeks. It's just— so damn cool. I loved the chemistry of the leading ladies, the 'faction' rivalries, and the tastefully sciency bits too cuz I'm a big nerd. And I love the duality of paranormal vs. science explored in this novel.
One review said this could be a full length novel, and I agree, but I do like concise prose and a quick pace so that's not an issue for me. 4 stars because I wanted to get to know the antagonist more before they started being more apparent as an antagonist. But that doesn't stop me from loving this book!
One review said this could be a full length novel, and I agree, but I do like concise prose and a quick pace so that's not an issue for me. 4 stars because I wanted to get to know the antagonist more before they started being more apparent as an antagonist. But that doesn't stop me from loving this book!
January 1, 2020
I received a free copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Gary Gibson came to my attention recently through the great science fiction podcast Podside Picnic, and I'm glad he did. Between this and his short story collection Scienceville available by signing up for his newsletter I've been able to get my toes wet with his work for free, and I'll definitely be reading more.
Ghost frequencies mixes urban fantasy and hard sci fi in a way reminiscent of the early laundry files works while being completely different in tone and scope. It's very much worth checking out.
Gary Gibson came to my attention recently through the great science fiction podcast Podside Picnic, and I'm glad he did. Between this and his short story collection Scienceville available by signing up for his newsletter I've been able to get my toes wet with his work for free, and I'll definitely be reading more.
Ghost frequencies mixes urban fantasy and hard sci fi in a way reminiscent of the early laundry files works while being completely different in tone and scope. It's very much worth checking out.
October 9, 2020
WOW! This book is a real 'page turner' from the beginning to the end! I couldn't put it down! I have personal interest in parapsychology and have participated in using equipment for spirit energy detection; and this story aligned with my natural curiosity for this realm of study. The author has written a gripping and suspense filled plot, realistic characters with true 'twists' at every corner. It would be fabulous if this book was developed into a movie!! I am watching to see if Gary Gibson writes another adventure between the 2 main characters!!
Bravo!
Bravo!
February 9, 2021
I rarely give 5-star reviews, but I couldn't think of a single reason not to, because this ticks all the boxes for me! A pacey, page-turner of a story with engaging characters, a satisfying mix of science and the supernatural, and all set in a spooky old mansion. What's not to like? This homage to 'The Stone Tape' is a great piece of writing and spurs me on to seek out more of Gibson's work. What more can I say?!
July 22, 2021
This is one of those books that absolutely cannot be stuck in one genre. The author has done a wonderful job of crossing science fiction with the paranormal and making it feel real. Well written and thoroughly engrossing, this one kept me reading long into the night. Good plot line and character development makes the story believable. This book offers something for the sci-fi buff, the ghost seeker, and the mystery connoisseur. You can't go wrong.
June 24, 2020
Great paranormal/science fiction crossover. This is original, very interesting and entertaining, with great characters, and a very original premise. The narrator has a charming voice, and reads very well.
I received a free review copy of the audio version of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free review copy of the audio version of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2020
What a wonderful job on a Ghost? book or is it really a scientific Quantum theory?? This story really kept me interested throughout with the different ideas and happening. I highly recommend this story to any with a interest in understanding Ghosts. Narrator has a Great voice and does the production proud!!
October 29, 2020
What a wonderful job on a Ghost? book or is it really a scientific Quantum theory?? This story really kept me interested throughout with the different ideas and happening. I highly recommend this story to any with a interest in understanding Ghosts. Narrator has a Great voice and does the production proud!!
November 21, 2020
I enjoyed this book. It's well written and the narrator did a great job on the different characters. The story is intriguing and kept my interest. I was definitely trying to figure out what was really going on, and didn't' predict the outcome. This isn't really my favourite genre, but I still enjoyed the whole story, so that's a very good sign!
September 11, 2020
Fantastic story!
Sometimes things aren't as they appear. As a scientist works on a theory of quantum retrocausality, she thinks it has failed and is ready to concede defeat. Then strange things begin to happen and new discoveries are made. Gripping thriller from beginning to end!
Sometimes things aren't as they appear. As a scientist works on a theory of quantum retrocausality, she thinks it has failed and is ready to concede defeat. Then strange things begin to happen and new discoveries are made. Gripping thriller from beginning to end!
June 26, 2018
A very interesting read.
November 12, 2018
Simple and great story but lacks subtlety.
June 2, 2020
Wonderfully creepy.
October 6, 2020
A creepy ghost story with some excellent ideas, science experiments and the supernatural combined with a healthy dose of the creeps to produce an intelligent storyline.
I was given a ARC copy
I was given a ARC copy
June 24, 2018
It's a 3-5 hour read depending on your pace.
Christ I hate reviewing books. It's so hard to know what is and isn't a spoiler.
Let's do it this way..
Gary Gibson is a GOD at hard sci-fi. BUT this is a little different from his previous novels. The setting is contemporary world. There's dark mystery, drama, sci-fi, "retro causality", and a plot that moves back and forward at a relentless pace.
This is all propped up by genuinely good character dialogue. It's a novella right? So Gazz doesn't spend a bucket of pages on describing the world. What do Beauty and the Beast look like? That's left up to your imagination. It's all about the characters and moving them forward through the plot.
Ghost Frequencies kinda reminds me a little bit of James Herbert's "The Dark" in it's efficiency, but without the The Dark's gore and naive characters.
End of the day - a fantastic and inexpensive read.
I hope that spoils nothing. :-)
Christ I hate reviewing books. It's so hard to know what is and isn't a spoiler.
Let's do it this way..
Gary Gibson is a GOD at hard sci-fi. BUT this is a little different from his previous novels. The setting is contemporary world. There's dark mystery, drama, sci-fi, "retro causality", and a plot that moves back and forward at a relentless pace.
This is all propped up by genuinely good character dialogue. It's a novella right? So Gazz doesn't spend a bucket of pages on describing the world. What do Beauty and the Beast look like? That's left up to your imagination. It's all about the characters and moving them forward through the plot.
Ghost Frequencies kinda reminds me a little bit of James Herbert's "The Dark" in it's efficiency, but without the The Dark's gore and naive characters.
End of the day - a fantastic and inexpensive read.
I hope that spoils nothing. :-)
July 15, 2020
I'm a fan of Gibson's novel-length fiction and this has been on my radar for a while. It's an interesting and engrossing story, blending the supernatural with science fiction very well, and with enough questions raised to keep you guessing through to the end. Also a fantastic performance by the narrator, Seylan Baxter.
November 21, 2019
Ghost Frequencies treads the line between science and the supernatural, the known and the unknown, and explores the reality underpinning both.
This novella is a loving homage to the works of Nigel Kneale, which makes me the ideal audience. It's smart and creepy and sinister and a damned good read.
This novella is a loving homage to the works of Nigel Kneale, which makes me the ideal audience. It's smart and creepy and sinister and a damned good read.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews