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The Ghost of Gracie Flynn
Two deaths, eighteen years apart. A tension-filled mystery by debut author Joanna Morrison.
Gracie Flynn may be dead, but she's not gone. Three university friends are divided by a tragic death. Eighteen years later, chance reunites them. Robyn is still haunted by memories of her best friend Gracie, and Cohen's heart has never healed. Only Sam seems to have moved on and found success and happiness. But death rocks their lives again when Sam's body is found in mysterious circumstances. And the ghost of Gracie Flynn has a story to tell about the night that changed their lives forever.
Gracie Flynn may be dead, but she's not gone. Three university friends are divided by a tragic death. Eighteen years later, chance reunites them. Robyn is still haunted by memories of her best friend Gracie, and Cohen's heart has never healed. Only Sam seems to have moved on and found success and happiness. But death rocks their lives again when Sam's body is found in mysterious circumstances. And the ghost of Gracie Flynn has a story to tell about the night that changed their lives forever.
218 pages, Paperback
First published October 5, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
October 5, 2022
EXCERPT: 2019 Monday, 18th February
The first person to know your father was dead was a woman. A young woman. Early twenties. Emerald eyes and a dark mass of hair.
Image her eyes now closed - eyelashes dark against her pale skin. She's lying on her back, her hair spread out around her head.
When she wakes, there's a gurgling sound and a briny smell coming in on the breeze. She opens her eyes and a throb of pain spreads from the back of her head to the front.
Slowly a shape comes into focus, white in a sea of darkness.
The moon.
A mast reaches into the night sky, sails furled up tight.
The woman sits up and the throbbing intensifies - a blinding flare behind her eyes. Through the ache, she sees lights over on the shore, rising and falling with the rocking of the boat. Their reflections slip in and out of the water's skin.
Not that far away.
She pulls herself onto her knees, and that's when she sees it: a shoe. A black shoe, on someone's foot, pointing up at the sky. Fear moves through her like a slow, augmented arpeggio. Barely breathing, she studies the shape of him. He's long. His clothes are dark. On his left hand, which is pale and still, a wedding band catches the light from the shore intermittently. Like a lighthouse. A warning pulse.
She recognizes him then. It's Sam. Sam Favier.
Yes, your father.
ABOUT 'THE GHOST OF GRACIE FLYNN': Two deaths, eighteen years apart. A tension-filled mystery by debut author Joanna Morrison.
Gracie Flynn may be dead, but she's not gone. Three university friends are divided by a tragic death. Eighteen years later, chance reunites them. Robyn is still haunted by memories of her best friend Gracie, and Cohen's heart has never healed. Only Sam seems to have moved on and found success and happiness. But death rocks their lives again when Sam's body is found in mysterious circumstances. And the ghost of Gracie Flynn has a story to tell about the night that changed their lives forever.
MY THOUGHTS: I read The Ghost of Gracie Flynn in one sitting. Couldn't put it down.
This is not your normal supernatural/paranormal novel. There's nothing spooky or creepy. There's no hauntings, no moving things around, no wanting revenge for an untimely death.
The story is narrated by Gracie, speaking to Sam's baby daughter Isla.
Sam is one of the original four: Sam and Robyn; Gracie and Cohen. Gracie was taken from them, eighteen years before this novel begins; the circumstances surrounding her death never resolved.
But, over the years, Gracie has kept a benevolent watch over them, never quite able to let go of her friends, just as none of them have ever been able to come to terms with her death.
And now there is the perfect storm of events when chance finally reunites the three survivors. Will the circumstances surrounding Gracie's death finally be revealed?
I loved this book. I loved the characters, even the ones that I didn't particularly like. They are real: you, me, our friends. I loved the plotting: clever, clever plotting. Just as real as the characters. Fallible people falling into situations where, due to their emotional imbalance, they make the wrong choices. I was completely absorbed in the storyline. I just sat and read until I was finished. Dinner was exceedingly late . . .
I don't know that I have ever given five stars to an author's debut novel before. It's usually four and a half - where merited - to give them room for improvement. But there is absolutely no way that The Ghost of Gracie Flynn could be improved upon. It is word perfect. Every line, every nuance is orchestrated into a symphony; an absolute delight.
The Ghost of Gracie Flynn is definitely in my top ten reads of 2022.
My favourite line: 'No other species swings from idiocy to genius like we do. We're uniquely mental.'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#TheGhostofGracieFlynn #FremantlePress
I: @jomorrisonauthor @fremantlepress
T: @JodijoMo @FremantlePress
#australianfiction #contemporaryfiction #crime #friendship #mystery #paranormal
THE AUTHOR: Joanna Morrison has a background in journalism and a PhD in creative writing. Her short fiction has appeared in Australian literary journals and anthologies. Joanna lives in Perth with her husband, two sons and a miniature schnauzer.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Fremantle Press for providing a copy of The Ghost of Gracie Flynn by Joanna Morrison for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
The first person to know your father was dead was a woman. A young woman. Early twenties. Emerald eyes and a dark mass of hair.
Image her eyes now closed - eyelashes dark against her pale skin. She's lying on her back, her hair spread out around her head.
When she wakes, there's a gurgling sound and a briny smell coming in on the breeze. She opens her eyes and a throb of pain spreads from the back of her head to the front.
Slowly a shape comes into focus, white in a sea of darkness.
The moon.
A mast reaches into the night sky, sails furled up tight.
The woman sits up and the throbbing intensifies - a blinding flare behind her eyes. Through the ache, she sees lights over on the shore, rising and falling with the rocking of the boat. Their reflections slip in and out of the water's skin.
Not that far away.
She pulls herself onto her knees, and that's when she sees it: a shoe. A black shoe, on someone's foot, pointing up at the sky. Fear moves through her like a slow, augmented arpeggio. Barely breathing, she studies the shape of him. He's long. His clothes are dark. On his left hand, which is pale and still, a wedding band catches the light from the shore intermittently. Like a lighthouse. A warning pulse.
She recognizes him then. It's Sam. Sam Favier.
Yes, your father.
ABOUT 'THE GHOST OF GRACIE FLYNN': Two deaths, eighteen years apart. A tension-filled mystery by debut author Joanna Morrison.
Gracie Flynn may be dead, but she's not gone. Three university friends are divided by a tragic death. Eighteen years later, chance reunites them. Robyn is still haunted by memories of her best friend Gracie, and Cohen's heart has never healed. Only Sam seems to have moved on and found success and happiness. But death rocks their lives again when Sam's body is found in mysterious circumstances. And the ghost of Gracie Flynn has a story to tell about the night that changed their lives forever.
MY THOUGHTS: I read The Ghost of Gracie Flynn in one sitting. Couldn't put it down.
This is not your normal supernatural/paranormal novel. There's nothing spooky or creepy. There's no hauntings, no moving things around, no wanting revenge for an untimely death.
The story is narrated by Gracie, speaking to Sam's baby daughter Isla.
Sam is one of the original four: Sam and Robyn; Gracie and Cohen. Gracie was taken from them, eighteen years before this novel begins; the circumstances surrounding her death never resolved.
But, over the years, Gracie has kept a benevolent watch over them, never quite able to let go of her friends, just as none of them have ever been able to come to terms with her death.
And now there is the perfect storm of events when chance finally reunites the three survivors. Will the circumstances surrounding Gracie's death finally be revealed?
I loved this book. I loved the characters, even the ones that I didn't particularly like. They are real: you, me, our friends. I loved the plotting: clever, clever plotting. Just as real as the characters. Fallible people falling into situations where, due to their emotional imbalance, they make the wrong choices. I was completely absorbed in the storyline. I just sat and read until I was finished. Dinner was exceedingly late . . .
I don't know that I have ever given five stars to an author's debut novel before. It's usually four and a half - where merited - to give them room for improvement. But there is absolutely no way that The Ghost of Gracie Flynn could be improved upon. It is word perfect. Every line, every nuance is orchestrated into a symphony; an absolute delight.
The Ghost of Gracie Flynn is definitely in my top ten reads of 2022.
My favourite line: 'No other species swings from idiocy to genius like we do. We're uniquely mental.'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#TheGhostofGracieFlynn #FremantlePress
I: @jomorrisonauthor @fremantlepress
T: @JodijoMo @FremantlePress
#australianfiction #contemporaryfiction #crime #friendship #mystery #paranormal
THE AUTHOR: Joanna Morrison has a background in journalism and a PhD in creative writing. Her short fiction has appeared in Australian literary journals and anthologies. Joanna lives in Perth with her husband, two sons and a miniature schnauzer.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Fremantle Press for providing a copy of The Ghost of Gracie Flynn by Joanna Morrison for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
October 10, 2022
*www.onewomansbbr.wordpress.com
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
The Ghost of Gracie Flynn by Joanna Morrison. (2022).
**Thank you to Fremantle Press for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 5 October 2022**
Gracie Flynn may be dead, but she’s not gone. Three university friends are divided by a tragic death. 18 years on, chance reunites them. Robyn is still haunted by memories of her best friend Gracie, and Cohen’s heart has never healed. Only Sam seems to have moved on and found success and happiness. But death rocks their lives again when Sam’s body is found in mysterious circumstances. And the ghost of Gracie Flynn has a story to tell about the night that changed their lives forever.
I quite enjoyed this Western Australia based mystery. Robyn, Cohen and Sam have lost touch but are forever connected by the death of their friend Gracie Flynn, the circumstances of which is gradually revealed. The narrative alternates between several point of views, including the three main characters. Interestingly, the perspectives include that of the deceased Gracie – a nice touch that I thought worked well as it was something different. We learn at the beginning that Sam is now also dead and the mystery is to how and why both Gracie and Sam died years apart. At just a touch over 200 pages this is a book that can be enjoyed in just a couple of reading sessions, perfect for a weekend read.
Overall: I would happily recommend this novel for those that enjoy mystery books.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
The Ghost of Gracie Flynn by Joanna Morrison. (2022).
**Thank you to Fremantle Press for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 5 October 2022**
Gracie Flynn may be dead, but she’s not gone. Three university friends are divided by a tragic death. 18 years on, chance reunites them. Robyn is still haunted by memories of her best friend Gracie, and Cohen’s heart has never healed. Only Sam seems to have moved on and found success and happiness. But death rocks their lives again when Sam’s body is found in mysterious circumstances. And the ghost of Gracie Flynn has a story to tell about the night that changed their lives forever.
I quite enjoyed this Western Australia based mystery. Robyn, Cohen and Sam have lost touch but are forever connected by the death of their friend Gracie Flynn, the circumstances of which is gradually revealed. The narrative alternates between several point of views, including the three main characters. Interestingly, the perspectives include that of the deceased Gracie – a nice touch that I thought worked well as it was something different. We learn at the beginning that Sam is now also dead and the mystery is to how and why both Gracie and Sam died years apart. At just a touch over 200 pages this is a book that can be enjoyed in just a couple of reading sessions, perfect for a weekend read.
Overall: I would happily recommend this novel for those that enjoy mystery books.
September 30, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, even though I think the synopsis is a little misleading. I was expecting it to be a bit more supernatural, but I enjoyed this story a lot anyway.
Gracie and Cohen. Sam and Robyn. There was the four of them, and they lived and loved until that night when Gracie died. It tore them apart and they went their seperate ways. Eighteen years later Cohen, Sam and Robyn meet up by chance. Sam is a successful author, Robyn is an international journalist and Cohen has created a financial mess that cannot be hidden forever.
Then Sam is found dead on his boat. Robyn feels obligated to tell the story in a way that will protect his family and Cohen is starting to hatch a plan to cover his tracks.
Only Gracie knows everything that has happened, then and now.
I loved the way this story was narrated by Gracie. It felt like we were privy to secrets that nobody else knew, and I loved they way she commented on things at times.
I was hooked on this story from the beginning and read this in two days. It is smartly written and the momentum of the story is paced really well. I felt drawn to these characters despite their personal flaws and insecurities. A great first novel and it will be interesting to see what the author does next.
Gracie and Cohen. Sam and Robyn. There was the four of them, and they lived and loved until that night when Gracie died. It tore them apart and they went their seperate ways. Eighteen years later Cohen, Sam and Robyn meet up by chance. Sam is a successful author, Robyn is an international journalist and Cohen has created a financial mess that cannot be hidden forever.
Then Sam is found dead on his boat. Robyn feels obligated to tell the story in a way that will protect his family and Cohen is starting to hatch a plan to cover his tracks.
Only Gracie knows everything that has happened, then and now.
I loved the way this story was narrated by Gracie. It felt like we were privy to secrets that nobody else knew, and I loved they way she commented on things at times.
I was hooked on this story from the beginning and read this in two days. It is smartly written and the momentum of the story is paced really well. I felt drawn to these characters despite their personal flaws and insecurities. A great first novel and it will be interesting to see what the author does next.
June 17, 2023
https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp...
I raced through this book! It is such a great read!
Don't let the title deter you, The Ghost of Gracie Flynn is not a paranormal story.
Narrated in second person by Gracie's ghost as she is telling the story to baby Isla, the daughter of her onetime friend Sam.
Gracie's second person omniscient point of view did take me a couple of chapters to get used to but I quickly became immersed in the story.
The novel opens with a death, but it's not Gracie, so I was immediately thrown into a double mystery.
A chance meeting of old college friends Sam, Cohen and Robyn brings up old memories and reopens old wounds. They haven't seen each other since Gracie died and they each went their own separate ways almost two decades ago. The four friends were inseparable at Uni.
Through the dual timeline narration we get a sense of how the three are now and how close they all were when younger.
The plot is easy to follow, even though it jumps between then and now, it is easy to read and flows well. The mystery of Gracie's death kept me invested and gives an extra layer of connection when narrated by Gracie herself.
Each of the three friends went on to be quite successful in life, but not in love, and the chance meeting comes at a time when their lives seem to be falling apart.
With themes of love, happiness, loss, unrequited love and obsession The Ghost of Gracie Flynn is a story full of simmering menace. Compulsive reading!
*I received my copy from the publisher
I raced through this book! It is such a great read!
Don't let the title deter you, The Ghost of Gracie Flynn is not a paranormal story.
Narrated in second person by Gracie's ghost as she is telling the story to baby Isla, the daughter of her onetime friend Sam.
Gracie's second person omniscient point of view did take me a couple of chapters to get used to but I quickly became immersed in the story.
The novel opens with a death, but it's not Gracie, so I was immediately thrown into a double mystery.
A chance meeting of old college friends Sam, Cohen and Robyn brings up old memories and reopens old wounds. They haven't seen each other since Gracie died and they each went their own separate ways almost two decades ago. The four friends were inseparable at Uni.
Through the dual timeline narration we get a sense of how the three are now and how close they all were when younger.
The plot is easy to follow, even though it jumps between then and now, it is easy to read and flows well. The mystery of Gracie's death kept me invested and gives an extra layer of connection when narrated by Gracie herself.
Each of the three friends went on to be quite successful in life, but not in love, and the chance meeting comes at a time when their lives seem to be falling apart.
With themes of love, happiness, loss, unrequited love and obsession The Ghost of Gracie Flynn is a story full of simmering menace. Compulsive reading!
*I received my copy from the publisher
November 12, 2022
“What do you care about these things, Isla? The light and the shadows of the human heart? Nothing yet, I know. But you will, one day. And that’s what this story is about—the light and the shadows.”
After the shocking death of Gracie Flynn, her closest friends- Robyn, Sam, and boyfriend Cohen drifted apart. Eighteen years later they are reunited, and Gracie watches wistfully from the ether as they stumble around each other.
The narrative unfolds from the ghostly perspective of Gracie, who is speaking to the Sam’s infant daughter, Isla. Shifting between the past and present, Gracie reveals how the foursome was formed at university, and the dynamics of their relationships, as friends, lovers and something in between. Eighteen years later none of the three are where they once imagined they would be, and Gracie’s unsolved murder still haunts them all, though in different ways. Their reunion is uncomfortable, especially as each of them are at a crossroads in their own lives. And then Sam is killed and Robyn is determined that this time she’ll find answers.
The twin mysteries unravel slowly over the course of the novel. Morrison makes good use of red herrings and well timed revelations. My suspicions regarding Grace’s killer were confirmed, but the manner surprised me. Of the multiple suspects in Sam’s murder, I couldn’t decide who was more likely to be responsible.
Gracie’s omniscient viewpoint creates an intimacy that reveals the complexity of Morrison’s characters. All of them, major and minor, are portrayed with authenticity, as are the bonds between them.
There’s a dreamy, meditative quality to Morrison’s lyrical prose. The narrative tone is imbued with a mix of longing, sorrow, and inevitably. Though quite short at just over 200 pages, the novel is well paced and feels complete.
A poignant story about friendship, longing, love, loss, and betrayal, The Ghost of Gracie Flynn is an impressive debut from Joanna Morrison.
After the shocking death of Gracie Flynn, her closest friends- Robyn, Sam, and boyfriend Cohen drifted apart. Eighteen years later they are reunited, and Gracie watches wistfully from the ether as they stumble around each other.
The narrative unfolds from the ghostly perspective of Gracie, who is speaking to the Sam’s infant daughter, Isla. Shifting between the past and present, Gracie reveals how the foursome was formed at university, and the dynamics of their relationships, as friends, lovers and something in between. Eighteen years later none of the three are where they once imagined they would be, and Gracie’s unsolved murder still haunts them all, though in different ways. Their reunion is uncomfortable, especially as each of them are at a crossroads in their own lives. And then Sam is killed and Robyn is determined that this time she’ll find answers.
The twin mysteries unravel slowly over the course of the novel. Morrison makes good use of red herrings and well timed revelations. My suspicions regarding Grace’s killer were confirmed, but the manner surprised me. Of the multiple suspects in Sam’s murder, I couldn’t decide who was more likely to be responsible.
Gracie’s omniscient viewpoint creates an intimacy that reveals the complexity of Morrison’s characters. All of them, major and minor, are portrayed with authenticity, as are the bonds between them.
There’s a dreamy, meditative quality to Morrison’s lyrical prose. The narrative tone is imbued with a mix of longing, sorrow, and inevitably. Though quite short at just over 200 pages, the novel is well paced and feels complete.
A poignant story about friendship, longing, love, loss, and betrayal, The Ghost of Gracie Flynn is an impressive debut from Joanna Morrison.
October 7, 2022
Gracie Flynn is dead, and is speaking to us from somewhere. She is observing and recounting events for us. Back in time, Gracie, Robyn, Sam and Cohen were friends. Eighteen years later, three of them are reunited, and it is Gracie’s voice that is used to tell us the tale of what this encounter sets off. Robyn is always looking for answers about Gracie’s death, Cohen is still longing for Gracie, and Sam seems to have moved on … but has he? We hear about all three friends through Gracie’s eyes, without any ability to influence the present. She tells us the story of what is happening, recounting moments for Isla, a young baby, the daughter of Sam. Isla has a whole life ahead of her; with a future tinged by what is happening in the present.
We are also given insight into Sam and Coen’s relationship, which stems into their childhood. There are pivotal moments in these recounting of the past that seem to explain Sam and Cohen’s behaviour, and then again, they don’t. There are lots of questions from this book, which I loved: why is Gracie speaking to us, and to Isla? What happened to Sam? What is that pivotal thing that breaks the connection between Robyn, Sam and Cohen? The portrayal of both Sam and Cohen is perplexing: they are characterised in a particular way, where their actions in the present have been rained by their actions of the past. Their flaws ar pivotal to how their characters evolve to us.
Although there are no ghostly interventions, there is an eeriness to the narration by Gracie. She is all knowing, all seeing. It is like she is whispering into your ear, the story of her younger years, and what we are witnessing today, and her three friends converge one last time to find answers to questions they don’t really want answered. Highly recommend this debut novel by a wonderful Australian author.
We are also given insight into Sam and Coen’s relationship, which stems into their childhood. There are pivotal moments in these recounting of the past that seem to explain Sam and Cohen’s behaviour, and then again, they don’t. There are lots of questions from this book, which I loved: why is Gracie speaking to us, and to Isla? What happened to Sam? What is that pivotal thing that breaks the connection between Robyn, Sam and Cohen? The portrayal of both Sam and Cohen is perplexing: they are characterised in a particular way, where their actions in the present have been rained by their actions of the past. Their flaws ar pivotal to how their characters evolve to us.
Although there are no ghostly interventions, there is an eeriness to the narration by Gracie. She is all knowing, all seeing. It is like she is whispering into your ear, the story of her younger years, and what we are witnessing today, and her three friends converge one last time to find answers to questions they don’t really want answered. Highly recommend this debut novel by a wonderful Australian author.
November 27, 2022
Beautiful writing with a twisty story! Gracie is the narrator telling the story for Sam’s daughter to read one day. It took me a little bit to figure that out when I started reading.
(I read this in the midst of packing/traveling and kept losing the story thread. I recommend reading this when you have time to curl up and read.)
(I read this in the midst of packing/traveling and kept losing the story thread. I recommend reading this when you have time to curl up and read.)
February 1, 2024
I try to find positives in all books but struggle to with this. Poorly written, thinly defined characters with nothing to distinguish them, no tension in the writing, despite familiar Perth locations there setting too was thin. But it was the ghost of Gracie Flynn as narrator for me just did not work. It was confusing, not sure of the point of it as it did not build empathy or offer anything that a 3rd person narration would provide.
Disappointing
Disappointing
April 25, 2024
3 1/3 star. Loved that this was set in Perth and I loved the narrative style.
It just was very very predictable.
It just was very very predictable.
October 30, 2025
A wonderful read written by a wonderful WA author.
So many throwbacks to old haunts and what Perth was like in the early 2000s. A mysterious narrator takes you along on a journey, to discover what happened to her, and her friends.
Read as part of the Hadapptor bookclub, selected by Aranda!
So many throwbacks to old haunts and what Perth was like in the early 2000s. A mysterious narrator takes you along on a journey, to discover what happened to her, and her friends.
Read as part of the Hadapptor bookclub, selected by Aranda!
January 26, 2024
I thought this book was poorly written with very limited character development and very unlikeable characters. There seemed little point to it.The only thing I liked was the Perth setting. I’m very surprised that Fremantle Press even published the book, let alone that it was shortlisted for an award!
December 16, 2023
I found this really hard to get through. Slow and boring and not that surprising an ending at all.
October 2, 2022
With the word Ghost being in the title I thought this book might be scary or spooky but its not at all. The story is told from Gracie's view as she shares her memories up until she dies and then her observations after her death as she watches over her friends. Cohen who was her boyfriend, Sam who she felt attracted to and Robyn his girlfriend. Gracie shares all her knowledge with Isla who is Sams baby daughter. Sam adores his daughter but he is mistrusting of his wifes on going connection with an old boyfriend of hers. So much so that he risks his marriage to have an affair.
When Sam is found dead 18 years after Gracies death the question is are these two friends deaths connected and if they are how and why? Robyn is now a journalist but she finds herself cloer to the case then she would have liked.
I found the characters in this book to be very real and the way the story flowed and kept you guessing was awesome. You think you know your friends but do you really?
Excellent long weekend read.
When Sam is found dead 18 years after Gracies death the question is are these two friends deaths connected and if they are how and why? Robyn is now a journalist but she finds herself cloer to the case then she would have liked.
I found the characters in this book to be very real and the way the story flowed and kept you guessing was awesome. You think you know your friends but do you really?
Excellent long weekend read.
April 11, 2023
Engaging. Keeps you guessing right up to the end.
“The Ghost of Gracie Flynn” by Joanna Morrison is the tale of four friends and two untimely and deeply suspicious deaths. Flatmates and best friends Gracie and Robyn meet Cohen and his childhood friend, Sam, at a university student function. The four become fast friends, with Gracie and Cohen forming a strong partnership, and Robyn and Sam a typical student-style dating relationship. When Gracie dies unexpectedly, the grieving friends drift apart and embark on separate lives, new careers, and new relationships.
Eighteen years later, and purely by chance, the three remaining friends find each other again. Robyn, a successful International Correspondent for a major media outlet has returned to Perth to put some mental space between her and the horrors of the stories she has presented in her role. Cohen has settled down with his social influencer wife and is trying to make a living in finance. And Sam, now a successful author, has moved back to Perth with his British wife and newborn. All are at a turning point in their lives and are once again confronted by the mystery surrounding Gracie’s death.
When Sam is unable to manage difficulties in his marriage, he turns to another woman and embarks on a brief but passionate affair. Within hours of separating from his wife, he winds up dead. Another mysterious demise of one of the group of friends.
The plot moves between the time of the death of Gracie (2001) and the death of Sam (2019). The narrative is presented in first person, taking the form of a conversation between the ghost of Gracie Flynn and Isla, the newborn daughter of the second victim, Sam. Gracie explains as simply and clearly as she can, how the friends met, how their relationships developed, what happened in between, and what happened after the friends reunited. It takes a little while to adjust to the changes in time, but the narrative flow carries you through. You are kept on your toes, wondering who is responsible for the death of each of the characters, and what will happen to the remaining friends, and of course, to Isla.
The characters are brilliantly presented and believable with their mix of likeable (some more than others), friendly demeanours, their totally human inability to manage their grief and many, many flaws. Especially delightful is Gracie’s description of her love for Cohen and her occasional and fleeting lust-driven sparks of interest in others.
It is great to read a book set in Western Australia (mostly around Perth). The descriptions of place are well-rounded, and you can easily visualise the locations and atmosphere of the scenes.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and loved pretty much everything about it. It is completely engaging, and I can guarantee that you will find it hard to put down.
“The Ghost of Gracie Flynn” by Joanna Morrison is the tale of four friends and two untimely and deeply suspicious deaths. Flatmates and best friends Gracie and Robyn meet Cohen and his childhood friend, Sam, at a university student function. The four become fast friends, with Gracie and Cohen forming a strong partnership, and Robyn and Sam a typical student-style dating relationship. When Gracie dies unexpectedly, the grieving friends drift apart and embark on separate lives, new careers, and new relationships.
Eighteen years later, and purely by chance, the three remaining friends find each other again. Robyn, a successful International Correspondent for a major media outlet has returned to Perth to put some mental space between her and the horrors of the stories she has presented in her role. Cohen has settled down with his social influencer wife and is trying to make a living in finance. And Sam, now a successful author, has moved back to Perth with his British wife and newborn. All are at a turning point in their lives and are once again confronted by the mystery surrounding Gracie’s death.
When Sam is unable to manage difficulties in his marriage, he turns to another woman and embarks on a brief but passionate affair. Within hours of separating from his wife, he winds up dead. Another mysterious demise of one of the group of friends.
The plot moves between the time of the death of Gracie (2001) and the death of Sam (2019). The narrative is presented in first person, taking the form of a conversation between the ghost of Gracie Flynn and Isla, the newborn daughter of the second victim, Sam. Gracie explains as simply and clearly as she can, how the friends met, how their relationships developed, what happened in between, and what happened after the friends reunited. It takes a little while to adjust to the changes in time, but the narrative flow carries you through. You are kept on your toes, wondering who is responsible for the death of each of the characters, and what will happen to the remaining friends, and of course, to Isla.
The characters are brilliantly presented and believable with their mix of likeable (some more than others), friendly demeanours, their totally human inability to manage their grief and many, many flaws. Especially delightful is Gracie’s description of her love for Cohen and her occasional and fleeting lust-driven sparks of interest in others.
It is great to read a book set in Western Australia (mostly around Perth). The descriptions of place are well-rounded, and you can easily visualise the locations and atmosphere of the scenes.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and loved pretty much everything about it. It is completely engaging, and I can guarantee that you will find it hard to put down.
November 28, 2022
When I started reading this book, I really admired the descriptive language of the book. I was so interested I kept reading but midway I had a feeling this may be this writers first novel which is fine but then I started seeing some flaws that if attended to could make future books for this author much better. Firstly the characters didn’t really have a lot of depth except for one which was a character I thought should be disliked. Anyways there was one grammatical error on page 270. The flashbacks weren’t clear enough which can be seen on page 271 and the romance scene on page 265 was very bland and not something to be envied. ‘Give us another go?’ Isn’t a romantic statement. I also found the ending a bit confusing at first and when I realised it, it didn’t make sense. I know this is fiction but it should still be convincing and I didn’t find this ending convincing.
I did really like the descriptive language but there was a line that I felt was over explained where something was said that didn’t make sense to a character. I think it didn’t need any adjective there because it was already believable that what was said would put that character in a state of shock.
I liked the fact that this writer used 2 types of narrative styles but I also think using first person narrative for all the characters would have made it easier to connect with the characters and make me care about them more. I think this would of made the book more emotional and this is something the book really lacked is emotional prose. There was a scene that was very sad but didn’t make me cry because it was written more intellectually. Writing intellectually and with heart is what I think makes for successful writing.
I would however read books by this author in the future because I think she has great potential as a writer and as an Australian writer myself, I am keen to support other Australian writers.
I did really like the descriptive language but there was a line that I felt was over explained where something was said that didn’t make sense to a character. I think it didn’t need any adjective there because it was already believable that what was said would put that character in a state of shock.
I liked the fact that this writer used 2 types of narrative styles but I also think using first person narrative for all the characters would have made it easier to connect with the characters and make me care about them more. I think this would of made the book more emotional and this is something the book really lacked is emotional prose. There was a scene that was very sad but didn’t make me cry because it was written more intellectually. Writing intellectually and with heart is what I think makes for successful writing.
I would however read books by this author in the future because I think she has great potential as a writer and as an Australian writer myself, I am keen to support other Australian writers.
December 29, 2023
This book was a unique experience for me.
First off, I would like to start with good things. I really liked that this was an Australian novel, and I liked that the audiobook was read by an Australian as well. I’ve been trying to read more Australian based books and was very happy with this with one.
I liked that I didn’t see the ending coming. I tend towards reading romance and fantasy novels, and I’ve read so many of them now that I admit I can often identify tropes or the ending. I didn’t feel that way with this novel, and ultimately that’s what kept me going and why I finished it. I really like the authors writing/ writing style. I felt like the characters were very fleshed out, and very different to each other. I felt like they made real choices, and I cringed in pain with some of them.
I was surprised how much I liked hearing the story from Gracie‘s perspective. I wasn’t expecting it, so it took me by surprise initially, and it did take probably a chapter to get used to the ghost element.
It felt like we learned a lot of things that we wouldn’t have learned if we were reading it from the other characters perspectives, so it had enough mystery to keep me going, and I felt like I was on “the inside” and yet knew more than the other characters.
My major gripe, or perhaps my only gripe - was that it felt a little slow and took me two months to read as a result. Some of this is my own mental state, but it did drag on in places. I wound up listening to a fair amount of it on double speed to help me finish.
I think this book was very well written, and overall a book worthy of reading - especially for a book club, but it was kept from 5 stars for me due to the pacing. However I acknowledge that this is a personal preference and I think that all parts of the book complemented each other well.
First off, I would like to start with good things. I really liked that this was an Australian novel, and I liked that the audiobook was read by an Australian as well. I’ve been trying to read more Australian based books and was very happy with this with one.
I liked that I didn’t see the ending coming. I tend towards reading romance and fantasy novels, and I’ve read so many of them now that I admit I can often identify tropes or the ending. I didn’t feel that way with this novel, and ultimately that’s what kept me going and why I finished it. I really like the authors writing/ writing style. I felt like the characters were very fleshed out, and very different to each other. I felt like they made real choices, and I cringed in pain with some of them.
I was surprised how much I liked hearing the story from Gracie‘s perspective. I wasn’t expecting it, so it took me by surprise initially, and it did take probably a chapter to get used to the ghost element.
It felt like we learned a lot of things that we wouldn’t have learned if we were reading it from the other characters perspectives, so it had enough mystery to keep me going, and I felt like I was on “the inside” and yet knew more than the other characters.
My major gripe, or perhaps my only gripe - was that it felt a little slow and took me two months to read as a result. Some of this is my own mental state, but it did drag on in places. I wound up listening to a fair amount of it on double speed to help me finish.
I think this book was very well written, and overall a book worthy of reading - especially for a book club, but it was kept from 5 stars for me due to the pacing. However I acknowledge that this is a personal preference and I think that all parts of the book complemented each other well.
October 9, 2022
The Ghost of Gracie Flynn is an intriguing and highly atmospheric literary mystery that simultaneously feels old-fashioned, modern and original.
Set in Perth, WA, a verdant, waterside town that's both sleepy and hedonistic, this is the story of Gracie Flynn who died in mysterious circumstances eighteen years ago. Gracie tells this story herself, recounting both the events leading up to her death, and her observations of her friends since her death. The four people in Gracie's friendship group from university are made up of two couples: Robyn and Sam, Gracie and Cohen. Once close, they are now living separate lives. Realistically and warmly drawn, these people are flawed and heartwrenchingly recognisable. When Sam is found dead on a boat called Stargazing, the tragedy highlights the fractures in their once close knit group, and raises questions about the circumstances of Gracie's death. The truth about what happened to Gracie Flynn is slowly and hauntingly revealed.
This is not a supernatural story, despite the author's decision to use an omniscient ghost as the narrator. Rather, Gracie is a thoughtful, watchful, observant narrator, who is able to see things with a fluid, insightful, rather eerie perspective. Gracie is a restless spirit, a kindly ghost who watches over her friends as they grieve. It's a powerful narrative choice, for it not only subverts the dead girl trope by writing from the perspective of the usually silenced victim, but it anchors a potentially violent story in more contemplative, deeper waters, giving this tale a poetic, gentle cadence that makes for a lovely read. It's a story about people, and the range of consequences our choices have. An emotional and poignant story about longing, loss, betrayal and the uneasy nature of redemption.
Set in Perth, WA, a verdant, waterside town that's both sleepy and hedonistic, this is the story of Gracie Flynn who died in mysterious circumstances eighteen years ago. Gracie tells this story herself, recounting both the events leading up to her death, and her observations of her friends since her death. The four people in Gracie's friendship group from university are made up of two couples: Robyn and Sam, Gracie and Cohen. Once close, they are now living separate lives. Realistically and warmly drawn, these people are flawed and heartwrenchingly recognisable. When Sam is found dead on a boat called Stargazing, the tragedy highlights the fractures in their once close knit group, and raises questions about the circumstances of Gracie's death. The truth about what happened to Gracie Flynn is slowly and hauntingly revealed.
This is not a supernatural story, despite the author's decision to use an omniscient ghost as the narrator. Rather, Gracie is a thoughtful, watchful, observant narrator, who is able to see things with a fluid, insightful, rather eerie perspective. Gracie is a restless spirit, a kindly ghost who watches over her friends as they grieve. It's a powerful narrative choice, for it not only subverts the dead girl trope by writing from the perspective of the usually silenced victim, but it anchors a potentially violent story in more contemplative, deeper waters, giving this tale a poetic, gentle cadence that makes for a lovely read. It's a story about people, and the range of consequences our choices have. An emotional and poignant story about longing, loss, betrayal and the uneasy nature of redemption.
April 13, 2023
This book might be the best book I've read in a couple of years. I enjoyed it so much I DEVOURED it in one sitting. The Ghost of Gracie narrating the story, being present in some flashbacks, all for the infant's sake, is absolute artwork. The characters are better than Villain, Hero or even Protagonist and Antagonist. They are REAL. That is the beauty of this, that it feels completely real and relatable.
It's not a murder-mystery, crime-solveit, or any of that. It's WAY better. It's an intricate and intimate look at friends, lovers, trauma, history and the indomitable power of a charismatic narcissist.
As for reviews, same as on Amazon, I'm basically offended at people that purport to have enjoyed this book but give it 2 and 3-stars. There's some Aria Joshes person that left a 2-star review criticising grammar and using the word "anyways" immediately after, then claims she's "keen to support other Australian writers". Think you're doing it wrong, sister. Think I'll go to all your arty YT vids and leave critical comments "in support".
I also don't understand people that write a review on here that's basically just the blurb from the book jacket. Is there a word-count minimum or something when you get a free copy?
Anyway, this book should have won the Hungerford hands-down instead of being runner-up. Go read Jo's short stories too, they are each amazing. I feel like I'm THERE no matter what she's writing. Clearly she speaks my language.
It's not a murder-mystery, crime-solveit, or any of that. It's WAY better. It's an intricate and intimate look at friends, lovers, trauma, history and the indomitable power of a charismatic narcissist.
As for reviews, same as on Amazon, I'm basically offended at people that purport to have enjoyed this book but give it 2 and 3-stars. There's some Aria Joshes person that left a 2-star review criticising grammar and using the word "anyways" immediately after, then claims she's "keen to support other Australian writers". Think you're doing it wrong, sister. Think I'll go to all your arty YT vids and leave critical comments "in support".
I also don't understand people that write a review on here that's basically just the blurb from the book jacket. Is there a word-count minimum or something when you get a free copy?
Anyway, this book should have won the Hungerford hands-down instead of being runner-up. Go read Jo's short stories too, they are each amazing. I feel like I'm THERE no matter what she's writing. Clearly she speaks my language.
November 16, 2022
Thank you to Fremantle Press and Beauty and Lace Club for my copy.
The story is mostly narrated by Gracie who is dead and been watching her friends live their lives for the last eighteen years since she died. Sometimes it is told from the perspective of the other characters then switches back to Gracie. This is not a supernatural, creepy or scary book, but is gripping because you don’t know how Gracie has died until later in the book or why she is watching over her friends.
Gracie mostly tells things to baby Isla who is Sam’s daughter, though I never really understood what the point of that was.
Told over three different time periods of 1998, 2001 and 2019/present day and each different time line has a heading so you know where you are in the story which makes it easy to follow.
The story is set in Perth, WA in the affluent suburbs of Nedlands and Cottesloe. I found this part relatable as I live in Perth and know most of the streets and places.
Not bad for a debut novel and most of the story flowed well and I read it quite quickly as I wanted to find out how Gracie died and why she was so invested in hanging around watching her friend’s lives.
The story is mostly narrated by Gracie who is dead and been watching her friends live their lives for the last eighteen years since she died. Sometimes it is told from the perspective of the other characters then switches back to Gracie. This is not a supernatural, creepy or scary book, but is gripping because you don’t know how Gracie has died until later in the book or why she is watching over her friends.
Gracie mostly tells things to baby Isla who is Sam’s daughter, though I never really understood what the point of that was.
Told over three different time periods of 1998, 2001 and 2019/present day and each different time line has a heading so you know where you are in the story which makes it easy to follow.
The story is set in Perth, WA in the affluent suburbs of Nedlands and Cottesloe. I found this part relatable as I live in Perth and know most of the streets and places.
Not bad for a debut novel and most of the story flowed well and I read it quite quickly as I wanted to find out how Gracie died and why she was so invested in hanging around watching her friend’s lives.
October 10, 2022
✍️ This is the story of Gracie, Cohen, Sam and Robyn. Four university friends who fell apart after the death of Gracie. Many years later they reunite only to be met with tragedy again. This is the story told by the ghost of Gracie Flynn.
I have to say this is one of my favourite books I have read so far this year! The first thing that caught my attention when commencing this book was the beautifully mesmerising and graceful writing style. I was absorbed from start to finish. I found the narrative to be quite clever and captivating by which Gracie is speaking to Sam's baby daughter Isla.
I enjoyed the different time lines and disposition of the story. The unique storyline kept me captivated and engrossed. I couldn't put it down. The characters were incredibly well developed and consistent throughout.
This beautiful book will be released on October 5th. Highly recommend!!
I have to say this is one of my favourite books I have read so far this year! The first thing that caught my attention when commencing this book was the beautifully mesmerising and graceful writing style. I was absorbed from start to finish. I found the narrative to be quite clever and captivating by which Gracie is speaking to Sam's baby daughter Isla.
I enjoyed the different time lines and disposition of the story. The unique storyline kept me captivated and engrossed. I couldn't put it down. The characters were incredibly well developed and consistent throughout.
This beautiful book will be released on October 5th. Highly recommend!!
October 4, 2022
I enjoyed reading this book. I’m a bit scared at first because I thought there is a ghost in the story. The story is set in 2019 and the period when Gracie, Cohen, Sam, and Robyn started their relationship. They are good friends and after Gracie was found dead, her friend went separated way. Sam, Cohen, and Robyn met a few years later by chance. Sam is an author, a family man with a baby daughter while Cohen is in a relationship and Robyn just returns to Australia as a journalist. When Sam is found dead on his boat, it mysteriously opens up the missing puzzle of Gracie’s cause of death. It’s a good plot and the novel format is good for my eyes. Thanks to the Better Reading team for my free copy.
March 17, 2023
I really like the way this book is written. I like the concept of writing from the perspective of a deceased person.
There are some things that left me a little disappointed
Firstly it’s narrated as if it’s a message to Isla, but it isn’t really explained how Isla would receive this message. Or is it just meant to be Gracie’s thoughts directed at Isla? I was expecting Isla to maybe show signs that she could see or hear Gracie.
Also, I feel like it ended so abruptly, without a resolution. We find out some information about what happened to Gracie, and to Sam, but there’s no justice, no explanation of what Cowans plan was when he got to that special place. I felt a bit blue balled, for lack of a better term.
Overall though, I loved the writing and the concept.
4/5 stars.
There are some things that left me a little disappointed
Firstly it’s narrated as if it’s a message to Isla, but it isn’t really explained how Isla would receive this message. Or is it just meant to be Gracie’s thoughts directed at Isla? I was expecting Isla to maybe show signs that she could see or hear Gracie.
Also, I feel like it ended so abruptly, without a resolution. We find out some information about what happened to Gracie, and to Sam, but there’s no justice, no explanation of what Cowans plan was when he got to that special place. I felt a bit blue balled, for lack of a better term.
Overall though, I loved the writing and the concept.
4/5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2022
When I heard the title ‘The Ghost of Gracie Flynn’, I was expecting a ghost story. There wasn’t a ghost in the literal sense, but the story flows in such a haunting manner that you would really enjoy reading this book.
The story is about four friends, Sam, Cohen, Robyn, and Gracie. One unfortunate night Gracie dies, and soon these friends part ways. After 18 years, Robyn moves back to her hometown and reconnects with Sam and Cohen. While Cohen is still struggling with Gracie’s death. Sam is living a happy life with his wife and daughter. Tragedy strikes again, and one of them is now dead. All this while, Gracie has been watching them all. She tells her story to Sam's daughter Isla, leading up to revealing the mystery surrounding her death all those years ago.
I loved the immersive narration of the story. It kept me hooked all the way to the end. I also admired how well the characters were developed, you could believe they are real people and relate to their feelings and actions.
This is Joanna Morrison’s debut novel and I am already excited to see what she is going to write next.
Thank you, @fremantlepress and @jomorrisonauthor, for my gifted copy of this book.
The story is about four friends, Sam, Cohen, Robyn, and Gracie. One unfortunate night Gracie dies, and soon these friends part ways. After 18 years, Robyn moves back to her hometown and reconnects with Sam and Cohen. While Cohen is still struggling with Gracie’s death. Sam is living a happy life with his wife and daughter. Tragedy strikes again, and one of them is now dead. All this while, Gracie has been watching them all. She tells her story to Sam's daughter Isla, leading up to revealing the mystery surrounding her death all those years ago.
I loved the immersive narration of the story. It kept me hooked all the way to the end. I also admired how well the characters were developed, you could believe they are real people and relate to their feelings and actions.
This is Joanna Morrison’s debut novel and I am already excited to see what she is going to write next.
Thank you, @fremantlepress and @jomorrisonauthor, for my gifted copy of this book.
October 20, 2022
I really loved this book and look forward to reading Joanna Morrison's next book! It was a smooth, easy read with the intriguing plot and beautiful, lyrical writing keeping me hooked. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and the places in the book, I can imagine enjoying the social scene and the natural beauty of this slice of WA. Gracie as the narrator and her focus on Isla was original and fresh, and also kept you guessing as to what had happened and how it was all going to pan out. I highly recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a well written, good solid mystery.
February 27, 2023
This book was mysterious and interesting to read. Easy to follow along with the character’s paths and captivating.
The ending was wild and had me so shocked. I only wish there was more at the end. I felt like it was a bit unfinished. I want to know what happened to certain characters.
I definitely recommend giving this book a read. It was captivating and will have you on the edge of your seat wondering what is about to happen.
The ending was wild and had me so shocked. I only wish there was more at the end. I felt like it was a bit unfinished. I want to know what happened to certain characters.
I definitely recommend giving this book a read. It was captivating and will have you on the edge of your seat wondering what is about to happen.
January 13, 2023
This book has got to be one of the best books that I have ever read. I'm not always a big fan of horror style, but the flow of her writing, and I just love the unique idea with the ghost narrator, and the three different time settings. I won't give away too much more, but I would seriously recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading in general.
March 26, 2023
It only just got to 3 stars. This is not a creepy supernatural book at all, a watered down mystery at best. The story is told by Gracie who is a ghost to one her friends babies and there is no reason for it!!! What was the connect between Gracie and the baby. Weak plot, weak characters… I actually think this is a 2.5 for me. Disappointing.
April 22, 2023
Although this was a mostly enjoyable read, I wanted to love it so much more. Love the idea, however the jumping back and forth in years is something you have to focus on to ensure you stay on top of the story. It is told by Gracie (dead) which I liked but it was more a light mystery than supernatural so I had different expectations.
Overall, would suggest reading it, it was a good story.
Overall, would suggest reading it, it was a good story.
October 29, 2022
The one thing I thought was a little disappointing about the book was I thought it could have been told through the eyes of Gracie Flynn more but apart from that it was a enjoyable read and it’s definitely worth reading 📖
August 1, 2023
Not very mysterious :( more of a suburban drama with a tiny bit of mystery lightly sprinkled on. The payoff for what happened to Gracie was also pretty lacklustre for me. Liked the characters though and great to read an Australian fiction novel.
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