The Ghost Beside Me

by Lee Hall

“Even in the deepest darkest of voids one can find something truly worth having in life, or death…”

The paranormal is a subject that E. Neville holds with the utmost content. Being an introvert by choice, he leads a lonely existence full of torment and anxiety for his affliction of preferred solitude. In this diary account Neville shares much of his woes and while settling into a new living space he begins to encounter a series of night-time disturbances like no other. Soon after he faces a battle of self-doubt and belief that something could be reaching out. Is this all a dream? Or is a soul of the ‘departed’ persuasion trying to make contact for a reason? Eventually they make an acquaintance which becomes much more as the barrier of life and death is broken by the power of love.

Genres: Short Stories, Horror, Fiction, Romance

60 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 29, 2019

About the author

Lee Hall has spent many years reading and writing. The fruits of such are multiple books crossing several genres. From occult thrillers with monsters, witches and vampires which eventually became known as the ‘Order of the Following Series’ to paranormal romance and even the tale of a drunken superhero looking for justice. All of his works carry a deeper meaning that tribute the events from real life, just with the names, places and details changed enough to avoid libel. Over the years thousands of readers have downloaded Lee’s works which you’ll find being promoted through an active social media presence but he prefers to talk about fellow authors works through reviews and blog interviews.

Reviews

[Rebecca Crunden]

If I could just break away from the shackles of that internal torment I have created that imprisons my confidence. Just the idea and thought of tackling this enigma of feelings spirals my own self into a deep sadness, hence my lack of entries in the past days.

I’ve been meaning to try one of Lee Hall’s books for a while now, and I don’t have the attention span for a long book right now, so this novella was just the right size! And I do love a good ghost story. Further, I kind of love the kismet of picking this one up now, because the writing style actually really reminds me of the start of Frankenstein, and I’ve been discussing Mary Shelley all week. ’Twas meant to be! Not that I would liken the story lines, that is, just the stylistic choice and tone.

We follow the musings of the main character and there was so much about his confessions that I could relate to. The loneliness, the insecurity, the introvertedness.

The hypothesis I am swaying towards consists of a man with an empty lonely heart creating an illusion of such to simply fill a void.

You know, now that I’m thinking about it, this book is like my favourite Tennessee Williams’ quote with a paranormal twist: (When so many are lonely as seem to be lonely, it would be inexcusably selfish to be lonely alone).

This is a great introduction to Hall’s works for sure, and I’m definitely going to be picking up another by him when I get a chance. I do love intensely quotable books with evocative prose and wonderful atmosphere building, after all!

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[Kristina Gallo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a vision of love. This is the illusion and dream of a perfect woman but also a medicine for introvert men. He fails in his ambition to be a senior clerk accountant so he asks his value through a relationship with a ghost. He is lonely but sensitive. She helps him to develop a better version of himself. I read this philosophy as a guideline. The author guides readers to sideways and teaches us to think about what is inside of us.

[E.H. Night · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lee Hall never fails to satisfy. I grabbed a copy of this yesterday, right when I saw that it was available. I'd been waiting eagerly for its release and actually finished reading it this morning.
I'm a fan of Mr. Hall's writing style, and this book reminded me of just why.
Definitely worth a read.

[Brooklynn Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

“‘All of this. What we have. It thrives on the basis of now and now only. Our pasts and perhaps even our futures carry no relevancy.”

Just wow. The prose work of Lee Hall is beautifully done here. He crafts with eloquence an immersive story not only by time and location but also within the mind of our introverted and isolated MC. There is more than an intriguing plot here. There is the elegance of language, the deeply human concepts, the universal feelings we all experience at some time or another, and much more.
I originally purchased this in ebook form but loved it so much I grabbed a paperback copy as well.
Most definitely it is worth the read! You will be immersed in the story AND the prose. Five stars for certain.

[Dan McKeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunting and beautiful!

This is a story that will stay with me for a long time. It is so beautifully written and so heartfelt. The author doesn’t state the year the story takes place, but the language suggests early 1900s, perhaps. The narrative flow is so authentic and powerful. The emotional depth I felt for Edward and the “ghost beside” him was impressively developed in a relatively short story. I read this in one sitting. I couldn’t stop myself from turning each page, yet I didn’t want the story to end. I absolutely loved this story!

[Despoina Kemeridou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hauntingly beautiful!

I loved how the story was written as a journal. It seemed more realistic that way. Lee Hall managed to surprise me in a very good way.

Edward and Molly seem to be very different from each other, but one can't deny that they are both lonely.

I love anything paranormal, but this one exceeded my expectations! Well done.

[Beth Roger aka Katiebella_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short read

Very much has Poe vibes!! Loved this short Gothic ghost love story. I've never been much for a romance, but this story gripped me in a way I can't describe. As the teller falls in love with a ghost, his whole outlook on life changes, as does the person he is. Beautifully written. Remarkably well done. A five-star read!

[Megan Hinde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, enduring and unique. I enjoyed the diary or journal style entries. It helps illustrate Edwards thoughts and perception of his experience. Also the description of room 4 is perfect, it sucks you in, so that you are there with them in that little quaint room. Full of moving descriptions, believable dialogue and heart, a must read, anytime of year.

[Mia Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was nervous about reading this one as I am not much of a Horror or paranormal reader, but this blew all my doubts out of the water!

The spooky beginning was all I needed to fully lose myself in this story. I also appreciated the diary-style writing as it made the story more personal and enjoyable to me. The language at times was a bit harder to understand as English is not my first language, but the interesting story pulled me back into the book every time.

Edward had several introvert struggles which as an introvert myself, I could relate to and hence loved reading his story. His inability to be comfortable in social situations and thus his friendship with Molly made him a very relatable character.

Molly was written so amazingly. I was interested yet terrified of her and what she was. But her friendship with Neville made my heart stutter, and thus I was left somewhat heartbroken after reading the ending.

This was a fascinating read as it introduced me to a world I generally never think too much about. I am glad the author also discussed important concepts like loneliness and introvert issues throughout the story. Overall, it was a fantastic short story.

If you like short paranormal romance stories, give this one a try. It was amazing!

[Janelle Schiecke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! The atmosphere is so cozy, and I purposely went to the comfortable reading nook in my house each time I sat down to read it because I knew I would be delightfully absorbed by the atmosphere. It's a beautiful story, and a testament that love can come in so many different forms. We also carry those we love with us after our relationships have ended, and their character can have such a profound impact on us as individuals. It was nice to be swept away to London as well, and I felt I was walking the streets with the vividness provided in Lee Hall's writing. It's wonderful to see E. Neville's character shift throughout and become more open to the possibility of the paranormal realm instead of strictly facts and figures.

Excellent book - now I'm excited to read Hall's other books, especially The Teleporter!

[Sophie Bowns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

Lee Hall has a brilliant writing style. The book was both fascinating and well penned. I look forward to reading more of his work!

[Sukanya Bora · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect read for Introverts! Adding to that not a typical ghost story. You can learn so much from this book. I enjoyed reading this book. Being an introvert myself and facing difficulties with social anxiety and loneliness my whole life I could totally relate to the main character Edward Neville’s characteristics. A beautiful touching paranormal romance between Edward Neville and The Silver Lady of Martha’s House, Molly. I just loved reading this. I so wanted to buy the paperback but unfortunately it’s not available in my region so I have the ebook.
I loved how different the style of writing was in the form of a journal entry. I loved the Author’s Note “Everyone is stronger”. This is the first book I have read of the author and I would definitely want to read more books.

Favourite Lines from the book: 1. Introversion shouldn’t have any relevance in the subject or the ability I possess in the profession of accounting.
2. My inability to keep up with this journal is due to the truly wonderful distraction her soul has provided me with. 💜
3. Every night feels like another fresh insight into this now blossoming relationship of mostly conversation (aww ☺️)
4. Every meaningful relationship finds a working formula and we have found ours.
5. You are too good to spend your existence in just one room.
6. Even in the deepest darkest of voids one can find something truly worth having in life, or death.

My rating is 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Feed The Crime · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful story!
Paranormal Romance is not usually my jam, however Lee Hall keeps pushing me out of my comfort zone and I absolutely love his work!
This is such a short book and it's told from the diary of E. Neville, the innocence of his 'relationship' with Molly is heartwarming. I really recommend reading the authors note at the end as this touches upon the topics of social anxiety, isolation and depression which may have missed when first reading. I know that it definitely made me really appreciate the story and want to reread it with my new perspective.

[Ellen Khodakivska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant and deep novella!

BOOK REVIEW / “The Ghost Beside Me”/ Lee Hall
 ___
☺️If you are an introvert, if you believe in ghosts and that one encounter can turn a life upside down, you’ll enjoy reading this glorious novella.
___
Genre: paranormal/mystery novella   
Pages: 60
Language: English
Release date: 2019
 
💙The Plot:   Edward Neville is an introvert. His only passion, as well as a profession, is numbers. He lives his lonely life as an accountant who prefers Robinson Crusoe’s lifestyle. Being not communicative, he usually brushes people off and prefers staying on his own. But one day, Edward meets someone who used to be like him. This someone is a ghost who tries to help the lonely accountant to glance at the world outside from a different perspective. But the problem is that Edward doesn’t believe in ghosts. Whether beautiful ghost Molly can persuade Edward and save his soul, you can find out reading this brilliant novella.

💙The Writing Style: This is my first book by this writer. Having adjusted to his extraordinary and peculiar writing style, I could not tear off my eyes from this book. The novella is written in the form of a journal, where slow-paced writing mixes with heartbreaking scenes that made my heart galloping and acerates the reading pace. It sounds controversial a bit, but that’s how it was for me – slow and fast at the same time. I adored how the writer managed to describe an introvert's inner world – so accurately, delicately, respectively, and with a note of love and an adventurous inner spirit.

💙The Characters: The number of characters is minimal. The writer succeeded in focusing and holding the attention stuck to the main character perfectly. I was glued to pages following his musings, inner battles, and decision-making. I loved how carefully and gradually the writer introduced the female character and how slowly but surely their relationship with the main character flourished.

🤫Warnings: Anxiety, loneliness

💙My Favorite Quote: “Even in the deepest darkest of voids one can find something truly worth having in life, or death.”

👋Would I read other books by this author: Certainly yes!

☀️My humble rating is: 5.5/5

[Emma Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an engaging paranormal short story, perfect for fans of 19th Century fiction, especially Edgar Allan Poe. Was gripped from Ed's journey from the first train journey through to the boarding house. Great character development from Lee Hall in The Ghost Beside Me.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

E. Neville has carefully crafted his life to keep social interactions to a minimum. He works as an accounts clerk, leads an introverted life, boards in lodgings where he can very much keep to himself as he desires. His only friend Humphry Hardwick, is very much the opposite. Loud, brash, jolly, outgoing, and always asking if Neville has met that special lady yet. Hardwick is convinced a lady in his life is all Neville needs to turn from solitary loner who hides among numbers, into a social butterfly.

Neville keeps a diary of his wearisome and dreary life. Particularly as his new lodgings seem to become that little bit less wearisome, and certainly a little less dreary. He begins to question if his self enforced life of solitude has sent him on a downward spiral of insanity. Or is something more at play? Surely as a rational, sensible, by the books (literally) man he has to be imagining the odd occurrences, disruptions, and flitting sensations while he tries to sleep. As the disturbances begin to increase and his sanity is pushed to the brink, he has a glorious revelation.

The Ghost Beside Me is a story that will resonate with most. At its forefront it is a ghost story and a love story. However, deeper than that, it is an examination of self, and how we see ourselves, and portray ourselves to others. How we choose to live in this world. How we choose to live our life, or merely be a passenger to it. The power of love, of connections with others and how self worth determines the life you live. A short read, but deep and powerful.

*I received a beta version of this book for review but all opinions are my own.

[Susana Imaginário · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was looking for a quick read to clear my mind of epic fantasy tomes with dozens of characters and world ending stakes. Something simple and introspective with one or two characters. The Ghost Beside Me fit the bill.
Beware reader, this is not a story about vengeful ghosts in the attic, haunting the sanity out of the living but a fleeting tale of self-discovery, loneliness and longing for connection that many introverts will relate to.
E. Neville reminds me of a romanticised version of Bernardo Soares, and there's something almost Lovecraftian about the writing itself, which could have been greatly improved with another editing pass or two.
Overall, the ghost beside me is worth the read, whether or not you believe in ghosts.

[Perillai Perillai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Initially, considering that I'm reading a ghost story, I was a bit scared to read this at night, so I kept this to read over the weekend in daylight. But this is totally a different ghost story.

[Christopher Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ghost Beside Me is a fun read, a novella that mixes some of the atmosphere of an Edgar Allan Poe with the diary-entry format of classical literature. The story speeds along, the characters are evocative, and the ending feels earned. Overall, definitely worth the time you'll spend with it, and you'll soon want to read more by the same writer.

[Ellie Yarde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edward Neville is a very secluded soul, finding anxiety and discomfort in social situations, and so preferring to walk through life alone. Focusing on his accountancy job, Edward works hard to try and achieve the promotion that would give him the title 'senior accounts clerk' while he moves into his new rooms at Martha's House. Edward is not a believer in the supernatural, and does not have time for the silly stories that he simply does not believe in. However, his residence in room 4 may just change that outlook.

When Edward's sleep is continuously interrupted, night after night, he tries desperately to find some logic in his situation. But he can't shake the feeling of being watched, of a presence joining him in room 4 at night. When he overhears the other residents of the building talking about the 'Silver Lady', Edward slowly starts to realise just what might be haunting his sleep.

This book may only be a short read, but there is nothing missing – in fact, there is more to this book than there can sometimes be in full length novels. Edward's aversion to human conversation, while relatable, forces him into a very sheltered life, and although he doesn't quite realise it, he is plagued by loneliness. So, when his somewhat monotonous life is interrupted by this strange new experience, Edward seems to obsess over it.

The style of this book is, in my opinion, incredibly unique, and reminiscent of Bram Stoker's Dracula. There is an introduction and a conclusion, as if the character, Edward, has written the book, but the rest of it, the actual story, is written in the form of diary entries. The style of these entires is written unlike most modern books, and it gives the book the feel of one of the classics, the description incredibly vivid, with the very formal language used. Once again, there is a nod towards Dracula, and I can't help but think there was a little inspiration drawn from the classic horror story.

This book has a very important theme, of how loneliness and being alone can affect a person, that human contact, or at least having someone to talk to, can positively affect your life. As Edward starts to learn more about the presence in his room, he starts to grow more outgoing in his day to day life, as well. Slowly, he starts to overcome his fears, and to live his life in a way he would love to be comfortable with, but has never had the courage to do so before. Edward found someone who could bring out the best in him, and he clings to them.

This is not a scary story. There are some times where there is tension, when Edward isn't sure what is going on, and grows rather concerned about what might be going on in his room, but it quickly grows to curiosity, rather than fear. This is not a book about a vengeful ghost, but a paranormal romance, a story of learning how to be the best you can be, and of helping someone else to do so.

This is not a particularly long book. I read it within an hour and a half, although that itself went against the suggested guidelines that Edward himself sets at the beginning:

'To achieve the true authenticity of my experience it is recommended that this account be read in a gradual manner by candlelight in the dead of winter."

It is the kind of idea that makes you wish you bought the paperback, when you only have the ebook version. But, I can attest, if you read a little of this book at a time, a diary entry an evening, it would certain create the kind of atmosphere that is the perfect lead in to both the spooky season and the winter months.

[Jimena Novaro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Lee Hall for providing me a free copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.

This is an atmospheric, historical ghost story and character study. Hall captured the protagonist's voice amazingly well, even managing to make nineteenth-century-style diction sound natural and engaging.

Since it is a short story, secondary characters are pretty sparse, with the story focusing mostly on the protagonist. The protagonist's character development is fantastic and poignant: even though it hits a few familiar tropes of opening yourself up to love and coming out of your shell, it does so in a way that feels genuine and relatable.

It's a quiet, character-focused story, so not much happens, but the plot isn't as important as the atmosphere of the setting and the main character's growth.

I do wish more time had been spent developing the relationship between the two leads. The love interest is not very fleshed out, and their relationship happens mostly in summary, so I found it hard to connect to them. Still, since it is a short story and not strictly a romance, I was fine with it.

If you enjoy historical fiction, ghost stories, and character studies all rolled into one quick read, you'll love this book.

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

“...what do you know of the forces that stretch beyond the boundaries of our own mortality?”

Part ghost story and part love story, the Ghost Beside Me is a beautifully written novella about the lonely M. Neville and his quest for companionship.

Initially, I was a little thrown by the formal tone of the language, but it worked with the setting and the story. I appreciated the book’s overall message. I just wish it had been a little longer with more character development.

Once again, Lee Hall proves that he is a versatile writer. I enjoyed the sneak peek of The Teleporter that was included with this book and will be reading that one soon as well.

For more book reviews, visit my blog www.bookpicksandpics.com.

[Bibiana Krall · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ghost Beside Me by Lee Hall has a vintage appeal with a romantic heart.

A loner tucks themselves away from society to muse away their nights in a rooming house until, they meet a likeminded soul who becomes friend, companion, and something much more.

The way this was written with a light and thoughtful pen was lovely and just enough to keep me reading as I wondered what the gossips in the story were referring to. I expected terror and instead met a more humanistic ideology to something many people fear.

It immediately made me think of Algernon Blackwood, one of my favorite ghost story writers.

If you are a romantic and long for a more classic style of story filled with yearning, hope and an ethereal haunting. This short read is an excellent choice.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ed Neville, an introverted number oriented guy who wants to become a senior accounting manager meets the mysterious "Silver Lady" in Room No 4 of Martha's Boardinghouse. Well, this story could have taken all directions as Paddington Station is often mentioned but it turned out to be a slow burning commuter ghost story. Will Ed find a girl in the end? Does he get the promotion he's looking for? If you're interested in solving those questions this might absolutely worth a look. The storytelling is old fashioned, literary and the horror is very mild for my liking. Somehow I expected a bit more than this shadowy love story with a ghost. Maybe I was too focused on Fritz Leiber's Our Lady of Darkness filling my thoughts. Otherwise the ideal read for the season. Recommended!

[Simon Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella was the perfect thing to cheekily get me over my reading target line, and a great way to be introduced to Hall's work. I've been a follower on social media for a while, so thought it was about time I read something by him. As the author explains by way of a note at the end, he approached this book differently than he did his others. Whatever he did, it worked. Hall's writing has an effortless, classic feel, with heart and warmth without ever being cheesy. A serious message about self esteem that's wrapped up in a poignant ghost story, this is a short, satisfying read and I'll definitely be checking out the author's other work.

[Adiela Akoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tale of two lonely souls, the transcendent power of love and transformation.

I always find tales where the power of love overcomes the differences between the characters appealing, and Molly and Ed are as different as life and death!

At a deeper level, stemming from my formative years raised in Apartheid South Africa, where prejudice was written into law, this story speaks of looking beyond outward appearances, of interacting with others at a soul level, and of love and healing. A powerful message to the world!

[Shiulie Ghosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A haunting (pun intended) tale of love and friendship, the type of connection that can cross physical and spiritual boundaries. The story is told as a series of diary entries, in a style of writing evocative of creeping shadows, tendrils of mist and flickering candles. It’s all very atmospheric – and the setting for a most unlikely love story. Two lonely souls brought together by circumstance, who help each other overcome their isolation and anxiety. An enjoyable short read, and so much more than a simple ghost story.

[Michelle Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in one night. There was something truly enchanting about this story. I felt drawn into it. Everything felt so real. It reminded me of authors such as Washington Irving in his ability to captivate my mind in this world and experience it as if it's really happening. The level of intelligence behind the story is on par with timeless literature such as Don Quixote. If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would. I am an author, and this level of writing is what I strive to emulate. I hope that just a little bit of the author's talent rubs off on me for having read this.

[Angus Silvie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book, even though there was no plot to speak of and only one theme to the story. The writing was elegant and quite Victorian, which appeals to me. However, I did come across a fair few grammatical mistakes, minor typos, and sentences that didn't quite make sense. If these were fixed it would help the flow of the narrative, which overall I still found to be interesting and very readable.

[Irene Pylypec · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are many layers to Lee Hall’s writing, this book is no exception. The Ghost Beside Me is not your typical ghost story. Rather, it’s a paranormal romance, skillfully written so that you believe such an event is even possible.

The month of November, because of its bleakness, is my least favourite. Hall agrees. He describes it as “the month of grey” but writes, “…internally I am enduring the summer months…”

An enjoyable short read. Highly recommended.