The Ghosts We Know

by William Dean

SUNNY SLOPE was long touted as northern Oregon’s “friendliest neighborhood.” But that was before a predator moved in. Soon, a young teenage boy would take his own life. Another would disappear without a trace. As fear took hold of the community, the playground at its heart became suddenly deserted. Friends Harry Bolden and Fred Von Stiller knew they had to do something. The aging veterans launched an investigation of their own – only to find themselves in the crosshairs of a sinister organization.

The Ghosts We Know is the harrowing yet heartwarming story of an unlikely friendship forged in the fires of a community under siege.

314 pages, Paperback

First published November 19, 2021

About the author

WILLIAM DEAN is an award-winning writer and editor who had a lengthy career as an investigative journalist before becoming a novelist. He is the author of four suspense novels: The Have-Nots; Militia Men; Dangerous Freedom; and The Ghosts We Know. He lives in Astoria, Oregon, where he can hear sea lions barking at night. They always make him smile.

Reviews

[Perry Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was well-written and the two main characters, Harry and Fred, who are both veterans of World War II (albeit on opposite sides) have interesting back stories that come to light as the story progresses. Harry, now in his 70s is an ex-cop, and he and Fred become unlikely friends, joining forces to investigate the suicide of one teen and the disappearance of another. As the story unfolds, the two discover there is a child pornography ring operating in the small town.

If I had one complaint about this otherwise fine story, it would be that I felt that the ending was a bit of a letdown; but that might be because the author has a sequel planned.

I would read more books by this author.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ghost We Know is a novel by William Dean. I felt that this story was well written, had strong characters, I felt strong emotions, and The Ghost We Know is more than a fictional thriller, this story could be taken right off the front page of today's newspaper. A teenage boy has committed suicide and shortly after that another boy goes missing. Harry and Fred decide to find out why and who might be involved. William Dean takes the reader on a journey into terrible child abuse. Powerful men with ties to crime are manipulating boys to do terrible things. The book is excellent, but, very emotional to read. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[pawsreadrepeat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first novel by William Dean. I picked this book because I live in Oregon and love reading books located in my state. This book did not disappoint, I was engaged from start to finish and had to know what would happen.

The characters are well developed and likable. I really liked that this book is written from multiple POVs. I loved how devoted Harry and Fred are to their friendship.

Trigger warning - Child pornography and suicide.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you, Booksierns.

[Annemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harry and Fred, two of the most unlikely friends you could ever meet.
Both war veterans; one American, one German.
Both widowed.
Both lovers of chess.
Their world is rocked by a child's suicide which was quickly followed by a child's disappearance.
Could their little town be harboring a paedophile? Harry and Fred know the truth but can they convince the local police before another tragedy occurs?
Extremely well written with believable characters and scenarios.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of The Ghosts We Know free through BookSirens and have chosen to leave a review.

[Aleece · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the book, although the ending felt rushed, and it felt like it was a part of another story. Perhaps it could have been expanded into another novel.

[Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written but not my favorite plot.

A little too much history for me. Made the story a little choppy in my opinion. Not a bad story. Just not my cup of tea.