Shuffled Off

A Ghost's Memoir #1

by Robert J. McCarter

Sometimes death wakes you up...

Death comes for us all, but when JJ Lynch dies, it's one hell of a wakeup call. He's forced out of the rut of his going-nowhere meat-life and must embrace his new after-life. With a gallows sense of humor, JJ fights his way through the five stages of grief on a journey you will never forget.

Along the way he has to confront the bardo (his own personal hell) and delicately tie up his loose ends. If he's not careful, one of his loved ones will die.

Life is not easy, even when you're a ghost.

Using technology developed at the University of Arizona, JJ communicates from beyond the veil to tell his mind-bending story of life beyond death in his own words.

Genres: Paranormal, Ghosts

316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 2, 2011

About the author

Robert J. McCarter is the author of seven novels, three novellas, and dozens of short stories. He is a finalist for the Writers of the Future Contest and his stories have appeared or are forthcoming in The Saturday Evening Post, Pulphouse Fiction Magazine, Fiction River, Andromeda Spaceways Inflight Magazine, and numerous anthologies.
 
His latest effort is a serialized novel called Woody and June Versus the Apocalypse, a story of adventure and love and taking things (even the apocalypse) in stride. Of his novel, Seeing Forever, Kirkus Reviews says, “Sci-fi as it should be: engaging, moving, and grand in scope.”

He lives in the mountains of Arizona with his amazing wife and his ridiculously adorable dog.

Find out more at RobertJMcCarter.com

Reviews

[Cherei · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was spellbound by, 'Shuffled Off: A Ghost's Memoir'! It was a very fast read. The reader is transported to the spirit world in a totally unique way. I found the story to be so believable.. It makes one "want to believe" that it's true. I loved how JJ deals with the living beings as "meat". It just cracked me up. This story is not a scary tale.. Personally, I would recommend it to anyone dealing with a recent death of a close loved one. Hopefully.. the loved one is not 'Bardo brained'! lol.

Now that I've discovered this series.. I find myself utterly compelled to purchase the next two books in the series. I cannot wait to see what happens to JJ now that he has learned to deal with his own passing. I found it so interesting to have a ghost experiencing the same stages of grief as the living. JJ's total anger at the man who caused his death in a car wreck and wanting revenge. One totally gets it. The first half of the book is about JJ dealing with his own death and how he learns to communicate his all consuming anger at the couple who were involved in JJ's death.

A very unique perspective of the other side! I totally recommend, Shuffled Off (A Ghost's Memoir Book 1) by Robert J. McCarter!! (no relation). One truly hopes that the author has captured what is happening on the other side of the curtain.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was a really enjoyable read. Thanks for picking me for the goodreads first read giveaway. From the first page to the last i amazed. The veiw of his death that wasn't a death at all. The characters were so memorable and compelling. I would recommend this book to anyone. You definetly won't go wrong with this page turner. I can't wait to read what else he has to offer. The writing was remarkable. It was a easy book to fly through.

Thanks again.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I wanted to read it the moment I saw the word ghost.

[Jennifer* · Rating 5 out of 5]

For author Robert J. McCarter's first novel, this one is well written and absolutely wonderful! I gobbled it up in one day and wished there was more! Such a compelling and engaging and completely absorbing story. All the characters, especially JJ and Nate, just grab you - in a good way. I wanted to know everything I could about them, beyond what was written in the story. I literally could not put the book down. Wow. I've got a number of friends I will pass it along to.

Robert J. McCarter has a real talent for writing. I look forward to and await with giddy anticipation his next novel.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a hoot! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Transitioning to the afterlife from the point of view of the ghost.

He writes using a high-tech system that works on electromagnetic energy, but the story is really about coping with grief and changes outside your control, and making things right in your life. In contrast to the true story Kitty Cornered that I just read, this story is not whiny in the least, even though it is also a self-examination, albeit fiction.

I highly recommend this book!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! From the moment I picked it up I did not want to put it down. Robert's imaginative tale of JJ's death (which turns out not to be much of a death at all) and his experiences on the other side of the veil were fascinating and thought provoking. I loved how the lessons of life continued for JJ, but with such an unusual twist. I'm very much looking forward to the next book in the series... there were so many things I still wanted to know! It really feels like this adventure has just begun.

[Georgeanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an entirely unique and enjoyable story. The characters were solid and believable. The emotions felt true and the dialog was realistic. I flew through this book and will happily read more of Mr. McCarter's work.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT an excellent book!! I can't believe I've had this little gem on my book shelf for almost two years and overlooked it. When I finally found it again, while looking for something to read to fit the Hallowe'en season, I devoured it in almost one day.
Very well written with well rounded characters, its a can't-put-down book because you want to know what will happen next. It's funny, heart warming, heart breaking and sometimes fun, but not really what could be called "dark". This is what those who are grieving the loss of a loved one wish they could have with the loved one; a communication from the other side.
If you like ghost stories, this one is absolutely for you. I can't wait to read the next one!!
I highly recommend this book.

[Trish Goodgame · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating first story

Shuffled Off - the first book in A Ghost's Memoir series - had me drawn in from the first page. As a fan of ghost/paranormal stories, this one kept my interest all the way through. The premise of the ghost communication was a little different but well thought out, in that it made the possibilty of ghosts communicating using physics almost believable!

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found "Shuffled Off" a very entertaining book. This puts all of our human fears about death into perspective. I read the book in one session as I could not put it down. Will be reading more! Thank you.

[Vicki Scullion · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book that explores the topic of what happens to you after you die. JJ’s character was well-developed and very likable. The plot moved along nicely and kept me interested in finding out what happened next. Good read!

[Dell Goeke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the story line and the way it played out. Getting ready to start the next in the series. I find the take on the afterlife intriguing.

[Melanie Izzo picciotti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable and if you’ve had unique experiences, this book is relatable as well. I can’t wait to read book 2.

[stormiedog · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it as a light read....

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

* Read for the '2019 PopSugar Reading Challenge' task: A ghost story

[Leslie Wiederspan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting concept and wonderfully written!