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Ghostwriter
When a writer’s haunting novels suddenly intersect with real life, he faces terror unlike anything he ever imagined.
For years Dennis Shore has thrilled readers with his spooky bestselling novels. Now a widower, Dennis is finally alone in his house, his daughter attending college out of state. When he’s stricken by a paralyzing case of writer’s block and a looming deadline, Dennis becomes desperate. Against better judgment, he claims someone else’s writing as his own, accepting undeserved accolades for the stolen work. He thinks he’s gotten away with it…until he’s greeted by a young man named Cillian Reed—the true author of the stolen manuscript.
What begins as a minor case of harassment quickly spirals out of control. As Cillian’s threats escalate, Dennis finds himself on the brink of losing his career, his sanity, and even his life. The horror he’s spent years writing about has arrived on his doorstep, and Dennis has nowhere to run.
For years Dennis Shore has thrilled readers with his spooky bestselling novels. Now a widower, Dennis is finally alone in his house, his daughter attending college out of state. When he’s stricken by a paralyzing case of writer’s block and a looming deadline, Dennis becomes desperate. Against better judgment, he claims someone else’s writing as his own, accepting undeserved accolades for the stolen work. He thinks he’s gotten away with it…until he’s greeted by a young man named Cillian Reed—the true author of the stolen manuscript.
What begins as a minor case of harassment quickly spirals out of control. As Cillian’s threats escalate, Dennis finds himself on the brink of losing his career, his sanity, and even his life. The horror he’s spent years writing about has arrived on his doorstep, and Dennis has nowhere to run.
368 pages, Paperback
Published May 28, 2009
10 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
Travis Thrasher
72 books419 followersNew York Times bestselling author Travis Thrasher has written over 75 books, from fiction in a variety of genres to memoirs and children’s books. He has collaborated with filmmakers, musicians, athletes, comedians and pastors. Travis lives with his wife and three daughters in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
July 11, 2014
It nearly kills me to give Thrasher a 3 instead of a 5. Why such a drastic rating from me? It wasn't because of the writing. The man knows how to put words together in such a way that you're totally sucked into the story world. At one point in time, I looked over my shoulder to make sure there weren't any ghosts in my closet.
It wasn't because of story structure, either. There's a great twist at the end when you're pretty sure a particular character is killed off but surprise! Don't worry. That's all I'll say.
Nor is it for lack of caring about the characters. Though hero Dennis Shore made a stupid mistake, I still rooted for him. The fella's dealing with a lot of pain in his life, making me willing to cut him some slack.
So why the 3 stars?
Theology.
If my only hope in heaven is reconnecting with a loved one, then forget it. I don't need to go there if that's the case. As much as I love my loved ones, they are human. Flawed. Sinful, even. **spoiler alert** Thrasher's glimpse of heaven is the hero reuniting with his dead wife and love conquering his issues here on earth. To which I blow a huge raspberry. Heaven is first and foremost about finally being in God's presence, not in a loved one's presence, made possible only by repentance and trust in Jesus. Is love involved? You bet, but, God's mercy and grace have to be part and parcel of the equation.
Don't get me wrong. I'm still a diehard Thrasher fan. I just politely agree to disagree with his views on heaven.
It wasn't because of story structure, either. There's a great twist at the end when you're pretty sure a particular character is killed off but surprise! Don't worry. That's all I'll say.
Nor is it for lack of caring about the characters. Though hero Dennis Shore made a stupid mistake, I still rooted for him. The fella's dealing with a lot of pain in his life, making me willing to cut him some slack.
So why the 3 stars?
Theology.
If my only hope in heaven is reconnecting with a loved one, then forget it. I don't need to go there if that's the case. As much as I love my loved ones, they are human. Flawed. Sinful, even. **spoiler alert** Thrasher's glimpse of heaven is the hero reuniting with his dead wife and love conquering his issues here on earth. To which I blow a huge raspberry. Heaven is first and foremost about finally being in God's presence, not in a loved one's presence, made possible only by repentance and trust in Jesus. Is love involved? You bet, but, God's mercy and grace have to be part and parcel of the equation.
Don't get me wrong. I'm still a diehard Thrasher fan. I just politely agree to disagree with his views on heaven.
June 10, 2009
Horror is not a genre I care to read. I should have been suspicious when the back of the book merely said "fiction" and nothing else. Hmmm... If there was any doubt in me before, this story proved my gut instinct was right on. Ghostwriter was indescribably terrifying. But that word is woefully inadequate so I'll try more on for size. Disturbing. Frightening. Horrific. Gory. Disgusting. Evil. Creepy. Ack! I couldn't stop reading this book and it scared me to death. One thing I know for sure is I'm never reading another one of Thrasher's books. This one was too much like a slasher film with bodies maimed, blundgeoned to death, cut into pieces, rotting, etc. everywhere and there were so many I lost count! Ick, ick, ick. It's like reading a Stephen King novel, only worse! I won't read those either.
Interestingly enough, my oldest son (who loves Dekker) was so disturbed by Thrasher's other book, Isolation, that he refused to read this one. He said Isolation felt "dark" and he didn't feel good after reading it. He's never said this about a book before, so I was intrigued. You think I'd be smart and take his advice? Um, no. Like an idiot, what does this stupid mother do? She reads the book Ghostwriter to review anyway because the premise sounded good. And while compelled to keep reading this book, a sick sense of dread filled me the entire time and my stomach hurt. And guess what? I felt that same "ick" feeling after I finished the story. Too dark. Not redemptive enough to make it worth my time reading any more of his books. Is the guy an amazing author? You bet. He did an amazing job with this story. Do I want to put myself through that type of horror again. NO WAY!
That's my review. Like it or leave it. I said my piece. It's up to you now if you want to be scared sick or not.
---
Interestingly enough, my oldest son (who loves Dekker) was so disturbed by Thrasher's other book, Isolation, that he refused to read this one. He said Isolation felt "dark" and he didn't feel good after reading it. He's never said this about a book before, so I was intrigued. You think I'd be smart and take his advice? Um, no. Like an idiot, what does this stupid mother do? She reads the book Ghostwriter to review anyway because the premise sounded good. And while compelled to keep reading this book, a sick sense of dread filled me the entire time and my stomach hurt. And guess what? I felt that same "ick" feeling after I finished the story. Too dark. Not redemptive enough to make it worth my time reading any more of his books. Is the guy an amazing author? You bet. He did an amazing job with this story. Do I want to put myself through that type of horror again. NO WAY!
That's my review. Like it or leave it. I said my piece. It's up to you now if you want to be scared sick or not.
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June 22, 2009
I'm just not too sure about this book...I don't get the genre of "christian horror." Those two words together don't go well with each other...in my opinion. It was a page turner though, and I just had to see how it was going to end. Definately not my favorite...not sure if I'll even try another Trasher novel.
June 10, 2009
Although Ghostwriter does have some truly suspenseful and haunting moments, Thrasher tried to incorporate a few too many horrors into the story, and the result is simply too busy and complicated to make it a satisfying read.
Read the full review at: http://www.nightsandweekends.com/arti...
Read the full review at: http://www.nightsandweekends.com/arti...
dnf
August 1, 2024DNFd at 13% out of general bordem, and my mind wandered so long I lost track of the story
March 10, 2010
I like Travis Thrasher. I got one of his books from the library a while back (Admission) and after finishing it, pulled all the titles we had at the bookstore into my hold pile. This is the second book I've read by him. It was entertaining, but not my favorite. I like suspense and mystery, but horror is really not my thing. Thrasher spins a good tale; he is definitely a skillful writer. Ghostwriter was scary, but a little too dark and gory for my personal taste.
Bestselling author Dennis Shore loses his wife and finds he cannot write anymore. He winds up selling a stolen manuscript, later that choice haunts him, literally. Cillian Reed, the author of the manuscript confronts Dennis and begins to stalk him. Throughout Dennis is searching for hope. I did not find a strong message of Christ, but rather images of heaven and his dead wife giving him that hope.
I have not given up on Thrasher as even in this novel, he proved he is a talented writer. I think I will stay away from any classified as horror for now. I'm not completely convinced that there is such a thing as "Christian horror," if you can suggest a book that would prove me wrong...Please do. I'll try it out and let you know what I think here!
Bestselling author Dennis Shore loses his wife and finds he cannot write anymore. He winds up selling a stolen manuscript, later that choice haunts him, literally. Cillian Reed, the author of the manuscript confronts Dennis and begins to stalk him. Throughout Dennis is searching for hope. I did not find a strong message of Christ, but rather images of heaven and his dead wife giving him that hope.
I have not given up on Thrasher as even in this novel, he proved he is a talented writer. I think I will stay away from any classified as horror for now. I'm not completely convinced that there is such a thing as "Christian horror," if you can suggest a book that would prove me wrong...Please do. I'll try it out and let you know what I think here!
December 15, 2015
It’s a low four stars. I’d say about 3.75.
The premise seemed really interesting, and for the most part it plays out well. Dennis Shore is haunted by a fan whose work he plagiarized, and everything he loves becomes a target. There’s also the problem that he hasn’t written a single thing since his wife died a year ago, which led to the plagiarizing that has resulted in one of “his” best-received horror novels.
My rating is so high because it’s quite a bit better than the last book I read about a horror writer [see: Boo by Rene Gutteridge]. Honestly, the first half of the book is barely three-star worthy. It was only after Bob was introduced about halfway through that things got good (and creepy). Then I couldn’t put it down.
But before it got to that point, Ghostwriter was just a cycle of: Dennis tries to write. Dennis can’t write. Dennis misses his wife. Dennis feels guilty. Dennis gets a supposed-to-be creepy threat from the guy whose unpublished book he plagiarized. Threat may or may not be carried out. Dennis thinks he is losing his mind. Go back to Step One, etc, etc, etc. Repeat about six times.
What might convince me to knock this book down to a three (which may happen in the future, don’t be surprised) was the ending. My problems are all spoilers, so watch out.
But I still wanna read Isolation. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
The premise seemed really interesting, and for the most part it plays out well. Dennis Shore is haunted by a fan whose work he plagiarized, and everything he loves becomes a target. There’s also the problem that he hasn’t written a single thing since his wife died a year ago, which led to the plagiarizing that has resulted in one of “his” best-received horror novels.
My rating is so high because it’s quite a bit better than the last book I read about a horror writer [see: Boo by Rene Gutteridge]. Honestly, the first half of the book is barely three-star worthy. It was only after Bob was introduced about halfway through that things got good (and creepy). Then I couldn’t put it down.
But before it got to that point, Ghostwriter was just a cycle of: Dennis tries to write. Dennis can’t write. Dennis misses his wife. Dennis feels guilty. Dennis gets a supposed-to-be creepy threat from the guy whose unpublished book he plagiarized. Threat may or may not be carried out. Dennis thinks he is losing his mind. Go back to Step One, etc, etc, etc. Repeat about six times.
What might convince me to knock this book down to a three (which may happen in the future, don’t be surprised) was the ending. My problems are all spoilers, so watch out.
But I still wanna read Isolation. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
June 1, 2009
Ghostwriter
Travis Thrasher
Faith Words/Hachette Book Group
237 Park Avenue
www.faithwords.com
978-0-446-50558-1, $13.99, May 2009
Reviewed by (Laura Goodwin) for Reader Views (x/06)
A bone-chilling novel you cannot put down!
5 Stars for Amazon
Dennis Shore is a horror and mystery thriller author who is recently widowed and has a daughter who attends school out of state. In the past, Dennis has had some not so desirable fan/stalker run-ins. After the loss of his wife to cancer, the author has a severe case of writers block. In part due to his grief and maybe exhaustion and lack of sleep, he finds a manuscript that a fan had sent him to get his opinion on. He decides to use this as his own writing and publish a novel, Empty Spaces, and taking full credit for the work.
While at a book signing, Dennis is greeted by the author of his stolen work, a man named Cillian Reed. Cillian toys and badgers the author at first, and Dennis knows he should not have stolen his work. As the novel progresses, so do Cillian’s threats and actions. In turn, this makes Dennis question his own sanity thru the grief process. At one point in the book, Dennis comes home to find his own pages from his novel ripped up and soaked with blood writings strewn all about his yard. Cillian eventually takes his threats to the people closest to Dennis, his friend Hank and his own daughter, Audrey. Filled with this new sense of rage and vigilantism, Dennis goes after Cillian and beats him up.
The reader is introduced to a sinister man named Bob who lives next door to Dennis and is even more evil than Cillian. Almost like the devil himself, the reader learns that Bob is the one who had killed Cillian. Towards the end of the novel, Bob abducts Dennis and has him tied up to a chair in his barn. As Dennis is so close to death, he catches a glimpse of heaven and sees his wife Lucy. Hank comes to Dennis rescue and saves his life, killing Bob in the process.
Dennis finally makes his peace with the loss of his wife and is able to overcome his writers block and starts on his next novel, Us and Them. This idea actually came from a package his wife had sent and he uses this inspiration for his next novel. In the end, the reader is glad to see that Dennis has grown stronger and is able to overcome his hardships.
I highly recommend this book; it was well written and was full of suspense. I like how the author breaks it down into five sections, each titled words from a Pink Floyd song. The references to God, good and evil are excellent making his novel better than any Steven King one. Once you start reading it, it is hard to put down! This book is definitely geared towards the fans of the thriller/supernatural genre.
Travis Thrasher
Faith Words/Hachette Book Group
237 Park Avenue
www.faithwords.com
978-0-446-50558-1, $13.99, May 2009
Reviewed by (Laura Goodwin) for Reader Views (x/06)
A bone-chilling novel you cannot put down!
5 Stars for Amazon
Dennis Shore is a horror and mystery thriller author who is recently widowed and has a daughter who attends school out of state. In the past, Dennis has had some not so desirable fan/stalker run-ins. After the loss of his wife to cancer, the author has a severe case of writers block. In part due to his grief and maybe exhaustion and lack of sleep, he finds a manuscript that a fan had sent him to get his opinion on. He decides to use this as his own writing and publish a novel, Empty Spaces, and taking full credit for the work.
While at a book signing, Dennis is greeted by the author of his stolen work, a man named Cillian Reed. Cillian toys and badgers the author at first, and Dennis knows he should not have stolen his work. As the novel progresses, so do Cillian’s threats and actions. In turn, this makes Dennis question his own sanity thru the grief process. At one point in the book, Dennis comes home to find his own pages from his novel ripped up and soaked with blood writings strewn all about his yard. Cillian eventually takes his threats to the people closest to Dennis, his friend Hank and his own daughter, Audrey. Filled with this new sense of rage and vigilantism, Dennis goes after Cillian and beats him up.
The reader is introduced to a sinister man named Bob who lives next door to Dennis and is even more evil than Cillian. Almost like the devil himself, the reader learns that Bob is the one who had killed Cillian. Towards the end of the novel, Bob abducts Dennis and has him tied up to a chair in his barn. As Dennis is so close to death, he catches a glimpse of heaven and sees his wife Lucy. Hank comes to Dennis rescue and saves his life, killing Bob in the process.
Dennis finally makes his peace with the loss of his wife and is able to overcome his writers block and starts on his next novel, Us and Them. This idea actually came from a package his wife had sent and he uses this inspiration for his next novel. In the end, the reader is glad to see that Dennis has grown stronger and is able to overcome his hardships.
I highly recommend this book; it was well written and was full of suspense. I like how the author breaks it down into five sections, each titled words from a Pink Floyd song. The references to God, good and evil are excellent making his novel better than any Steven King one. Once you start reading it, it is hard to put down! This book is definitely geared towards the fans of the thriller/supernatural genre.
July 10, 2011
Well I have enjoyed about half of Travis Thrashers novels. This one was good but it was kinda weird. From the back of the book you think you are just going to get your normal thriller book. But halfway through it turns paranormal. It starts out about a guy named Dennis, who's wife died. He is a top horror fiction writer that has lost his drive and has a huge case of writers block. He ends up doing something stupid and steals another guy's story. The book is becoming a huge sucess, best he has ever had published. There is only one problem, the real author isn't very happy about it and starts to stalk the guy who stole his story. I read the whole book but when it started getting all paranormal on me halfway through i just started thinking it was weird. I finished this book in about 4 or 5 days so that's a pretty fast read for me. People who like Ted Dekker would like this book. I only like about half of Ted's work.
December 23, 2017
*Make note: This book the Ghostwriter is not the one that everyone is talking about this year. Its another novel of the same name published in 2009. I went to order it from the library, and it turns out that the book I was looking for hasn't yet been published, and there are two others of the same name. But here we are, The Ghostwriter by Travis Thrasher, from 2009.
This is my 100th book of 2017 - will likely finish 102.
Back to the review. Dark, strange, and macabre. Thrillers like this are not generally my sweet spot. I didn't hate it, and there were parts that kept me engrossed and trying to figure it out. I thought I knew what was going on at various points, and none of those avenues proved correct. It had a spiritual theme to it, and I liked that. Normally mystery thrillers don't interweave that component so well. Ultimately, this was a book about love. Nobody can beat that. 3.2 stars.
This is my 100th book of 2017 - will likely finish 102.
Back to the review. Dark, strange, and macabre. Thrillers like this are not generally my sweet spot. I didn't hate it, and there were parts that kept me engrossed and trying to figure it out. I thought I knew what was going on at various points, and none of those avenues proved correct. It had a spiritual theme to it, and I liked that. Normally mystery thrillers don't interweave that component so well. Ultimately, this was a book about love. Nobody can beat that. 3.2 stars.
December 15, 2009
so far this book is terrible! seems like it wasn't edited well, and the beginning is DRAGGING...I've completed my mandatory pages but I will give it another twenty or so to see if it picks up**********************
okay, the book got better after the 70 page mark or so...but it got worse at the end again...not that i hate books with a religious ending, but this book had a god/heavenly ending that i wasn't expecting or happy with. then i read some author interview at the end and it turns out, that's what he writes. odd to read a 'christian' book with murder and rape in it. i will not be reading any more of thrasher's work.
okay, the book got better after the 70 page mark or so...but it got worse at the end again...not that i hate books with a religious ending, but this book had a god/heavenly ending that i wasn't expecting or happy with. then i read some author interview at the end and it turns out, that's what he writes. odd to read a 'christian' book with murder and rape in it. i will not be reading any more of thrasher's work.
November 15, 2015
Total ripoff from Stephen King's story "Secret Window, Secret Garden"
September 2, 2016
This book is cathartic. Emotional, a bit creepy, suspenful, but at the end: beautiful.
I'm out of words, so by now I'll only write those.
I'm out of words, so by now I'll only write those.
July 14, 2020
Did not finish - too violent
February 1, 2018
Usually, I am an advocate for Travis Thrasher. With that being said though, I wasn't that impressed with this book. Personally, I have a hard time reading books about writing books, if that makes sense. I understand that authors are told to write about what they know; however it left me feeling completely disconnected from the main character. Furthermore, there was a total of 3 animal deaths in this book and I simply do not like to read about animal deaths. You can kill off people (that's expected) but animals are to be left out of it. There is even a section of this book that talks about writing about animal deaths. Ironic!
One thing I did like about this book though is the style it's written in. I have never read a book where the chapters have "subchapters". It was kind of cool, actually.
One thing I did like about this book though is the style it's written in. I have never read a book where the chapters have "subchapters". It was kind of cool, actually.
July 11, 2019
I enjoy a good thriller but this one wasn’t what I expected. The summary is what caught my attention. I kept trying to figure out if Dennis was going crazy or if Cillian was real. I wanted to stop several times because I don’t like gory stories, and there weren’t really that many, but it wasn’t so gory that I couldn’t finish. AND I HAD TO KNOW IF DENNIS WAS GOING CRAZY OR NOT! I thought for sure Dennis was going to be the one doing all the killings, so glad he wasn’t and it ended on a good note. WOW! That was a crazy ride!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2020
I really wanted to like this. The plot sounded intriguing, and I was hoping for a scary read. A cat getting killed is a deal breaker for me. The way it happened made me sick to my stomach. I've read plenty of horror, so this just wasn't my type of book.
December 1, 2020
The first half was very good. The second half was awful. I did not know it is a Christian writer; and the ending got all into religion. I read horror, suspense. mystery, spy novels. This was not for me.
July 3, 2018
I would give this 3.5 stars. It was a book with a lot of weird twists and turns and was a page turner for sure. Love that it takes place in Geneva IL.
August 5, 2019
Great read kept me coming back if you like thrillers this is a must read
September 12, 2022
Confusing
May 5, 2023
DNF at about 50%. Got tired of hearing about his wife Lucy. Very repetitive and too gory for me.
October 23, 2009
Dennis Shore is a writer who specialises in spooky writing. He has always enthralled his readers with his writing which deals with the dark..ghosts, supernatural elements and the deep dark sides of human mind. After his wife Lucy dies and his daughter leves for college, he finds himself alone and with a writer's block. With massive medical bills and deadline of his book coming up, he does the unthinkable. He publishes an unclaimed manuscript in his possession as his own and gets lots of praise for it.
And from there his trouble start. Cillian Reed, the writer of the book turns up, stalking him at every step. Uncannily, Dennis finds himself in the midst of nightmares like the one he created in his own books. At times, it seems as if the characters he created in his own books have come out to play with his mind. Dennis almost loses it all, his reputation, sanity and of course his life. Yet, he can't talk about it in fearof getting caught for his plagiarising someone else's work. However, when it comes to his daughter, he knows he has to do something to protect her.
Cillian Reed teams up with a serial killer to scare Dennis Shore. That serial killer is someone who has never left any clues, never got caught and kills people with impunity, showing no mercy. When Dennis tries to find out more about Reed, he hits a dead end. It seems exactly like one of his books where there is no apparent explantion for ghostly presence, supernatural elements and horror. Dennis Shore, the creator of spooky novels doesn't believe in those elements. And here, he is forced to believe in those very elements. I really liked Dennis friend Hank, who might be a bit thick in the head but is always there for his friend.
It is my first book by Thrasher. I am going to look out for more books by him. He can totally captivate the reader. The mystery element is throughly maintained along with the right amount of intrigue needed for such novels. Dennis' thoughts are so palpable that they come out of the pages. Hope that makes sense!
Thanks Marcia of printed page for this book. She sent it to me as here June Read I Forward book!
And from there his trouble start. Cillian Reed, the writer of the book turns up, stalking him at every step. Uncannily, Dennis finds himself in the midst of nightmares like the one he created in his own books. At times, it seems as if the characters he created in his own books have come out to play with his mind. Dennis almost loses it all, his reputation, sanity and of course his life. Yet, he can't talk about it in fearof getting caught for his plagiarising someone else's work. However, when it comes to his daughter, he knows he has to do something to protect her.
Cillian Reed teams up with a serial killer to scare Dennis Shore. That serial killer is someone who has never left any clues, never got caught and kills people with impunity, showing no mercy. When Dennis tries to find out more about Reed, he hits a dead end. It seems exactly like one of his books where there is no apparent explantion for ghostly presence, supernatural elements and horror. Dennis Shore, the creator of spooky novels doesn't believe in those elements. And here, he is forced to believe in those very elements. I really liked Dennis friend Hank, who might be a bit thick in the head but is always there for his friend.
It is my first book by Thrasher. I am going to look out for more books by him. He can totally captivate the reader. The mystery element is throughly maintained along with the right amount of intrigue needed for such novels. Dennis' thoughts are so palpable that they come out of the pages. Hope that makes sense!
Thanks Marcia of printed page for this book. She sent it to me as here June Read I Forward book!
June 17, 2009
From Amazon.com:
Okay I admitted yesterday that I am addicted to Travis Thrasher's books and this one is great. I received this as an ARC from Faithwords (and thank you so much) and it is an amazing book.
Suspenseful, Creepy and even heartfelt, this book has it. Dennis Shore obviously is a flawed character, but you learn why and you learn all about the harassement of Cillian. The story's pacing is perfect, it keeps you turning the pages and wondering what the heck will happen next. Everytime I though I had this book figured out, it took a new turn and by the last 100 pages I did not want to put it down for one second.
So if you like your suspense mixed with a little horror and supernatural with a small dose of Christianity (and no it does not show any character as perfect in this book - the characters all have their flaws) then this is the book for you. If you haven't read Travis Thrasher before I recommend this one - it's a wild creepy suspenseful ride that I am actually eager to take again.
Oh and I also like his references to music. I follow him on Twitter and he is often talking about music. I always seem to have a soundtrack in my head so I like that his books have somewhat of a soundtrack to them. It really helps you get the feel of the book and what is going on at the moment.
For years Dennis Shore has thrilled readers with his spooky bestselling novels. Now a widower, Dennis is finally alone in his house, his daughter attending college out of state. When he's stricken by a paralyzing case of writer's block and a looming deadline, Dennis becomes desperate. Against better judgment, he claims someone else's writing as his own, accepting undeserved accolades for the stolen work. He thinks he's gotten away with it . . . until he's greeted by a young man named Cillian Reed--the true author of the stolen manuscript.
What begins as a minor case of harassment quickly spirals out of control. As Cillian's threats escalate, Dennis finds himself on the brink of losing his career, his sanity, and even his life. The horror he's spent years writing about has arrived on his doorstep, and Dennis has nowhere to run.
Okay I admitted yesterday that I am addicted to Travis Thrasher's books and this one is great. I received this as an ARC from Faithwords (and thank you so much) and it is an amazing book.
Suspenseful, Creepy and even heartfelt, this book has it. Dennis Shore obviously is a flawed character, but you learn why and you learn all about the harassement of Cillian. The story's pacing is perfect, it keeps you turning the pages and wondering what the heck will happen next. Everytime I though I had this book figured out, it took a new turn and by the last 100 pages I did not want to put it down for one second.
So if you like your suspense mixed with a little horror and supernatural with a small dose of Christianity (and no it does not show any character as perfect in this book - the characters all have their flaws) then this is the book for you. If you haven't read Travis Thrasher before I recommend this one - it's a wild creepy suspenseful ride that I am actually eager to take again.
Oh and I also like his references to music. I follow him on Twitter and he is often talking about music. I always seem to have a soundtrack in my head so I like that his books have somewhat of a soundtrack to them. It really helps you get the feel of the book and what is going on at the moment.
July 1, 2009
I am somewhat ambivalent on the topic of faith - I believe, but I have not immersed myself into all the complexities - and I seem to have a bias against faith-based music and raise an eyebrow with skepticism when I am confronted with other faith-based media. This is a bias, and, like all biases, I would like to correct it. That being noted, had I known this was a book [very loosely and tangentially:] related to faith, I probably wouldn't have checked it out from the library. Again, that's not a criticism, it's a personal flaw. Someone prepared for it may feel differently, I don't know. I note this because any recognized bias or "lean toward" should probably be acknowledged as a matter of full disclosure, as it may impact the context of the review/opinion.
The book was solidly okay. I think it's well written in terms of prose and has decent character development, but for me, I just wasn't really engaged in the story itself. A good portion of it seemed too contrived and, while I like a good thriller, I didn't particularly care (nor was prepared) for how graphic the novel was. On the one hand, the genre is "horror," albeit Christian horror, for which I was wholly unprepared and don't completely understand. On the other hand, the best horror comes from a light handed, subtle mind. I think this is a matter of personal preference. Part of the plot involved the supernatural, which is not really my thing. The "Christian-ness" of the novel isn't a huge part of the book, but it is there in subtle overtones and has an especially large impact on the ending. Again, personal preference.
Overall, I'm not exactly sorry I picked it up, nor do I feel I wasted my time reading, but I did find myself skimming a lot of the book just to finish it. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys horror and who doesn't mind if it is graphic; also, I'd recommend this to someone who can appreciate and enjoy matters supernatural. I would advise against reading it to anyone who seeks a "realistic" plot or more of a thriller bent than horror.
The book was solidly okay. I think it's well written in terms of prose and has decent character development, but for me, I just wasn't really engaged in the story itself. A good portion of it seemed too contrived and, while I like a good thriller, I didn't particularly care (nor was prepared) for how graphic the novel was. On the one hand, the genre is "horror," albeit Christian horror, for which I was wholly unprepared and don't completely understand. On the other hand, the best horror comes from a light handed, subtle mind. I think this is a matter of personal preference. Part of the plot involved the supernatural, which is not really my thing. The "Christian-ness" of the novel isn't a huge part of the book, but it is there in subtle overtones and has an especially large impact on the ending. Again, personal preference.
Overall, I'm not exactly sorry I picked it up, nor do I feel I wasted my time reading, but I did find myself skimming a lot of the book just to finish it. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys horror and who doesn't mind if it is graphic; also, I'd recommend this to someone who can appreciate and enjoy matters supernatural. I would advise against reading it to anyone who seeks a "realistic" plot or more of a thriller bent than horror.
February 17, 2011
Reason for Reading: Ever since reading Ted Dekker, I'm wide open to the Christian Fiction/Horror/Thriller genre and this sounded right up my alley.
Dennis Shore has enjoyed a successful career as a horror writer but now, a widower, with his daughter off to college he is suffering a terrible case of writer's block and can't start his next book. In the meantime, his latest book has just hit the shelves and is as popular as ever. This is when he starts receiving e-mails from a crazed fan accusing him of plagiarizing that book from him. The emails turn into text messages and phone calls. Then parcels start arriving and other more threatening events happen as he meets his accuser, who just happens to really be the true author of Shore's latest bestseller. Dennis's imaginary world of horror is turning into a real life horror story.
This wasn't bad, not great, but okay. The Christian fiction angle of it is really not a big deal within the story and is stuck into the climax and denouement of the book's plot. This, I guess, is a way to appeal to both mainstream and Christian audiences but it feels forced, stuck on at the end. I'm a Christian reader of the book but I found myself shaking my head at the corny conversion. That aside, the horror story was quite well-written. An interesting and creepy story that is hard to make sense of at first. The reader is as confused as the main character wondering whether he is being stalked by a madman, visited by the supernatural, loosing his mind or a combination of all three. There are some fairly gruesome bits not for the faint of heart. The writing style does leave a lot to the imagination but enough details are given that you know exactly what happened and of course, being CF, there is no cursing. A decent horror story that I certainly enjoyed enough to have read the whole thing, but it feels as if the book is trying too hard to be Christian fiction that can crossover into mainstream fiction, and not quite succeeding. Thrasher has written several other books in this genre, though, and I'm willing to give him another try.
Dennis Shore has enjoyed a successful career as a horror writer but now, a widower, with his daughter off to college he is suffering a terrible case of writer's block and can't start his next book. In the meantime, his latest book has just hit the shelves and is as popular as ever. This is when he starts receiving e-mails from a crazed fan accusing him of plagiarizing that book from him. The emails turn into text messages and phone calls. Then parcels start arriving and other more threatening events happen as he meets his accuser, who just happens to really be the true author of Shore's latest bestseller. Dennis's imaginary world of horror is turning into a real life horror story.
This wasn't bad, not great, but okay. The Christian fiction angle of it is really not a big deal within the story and is stuck into the climax and denouement of the book's plot. This, I guess, is a way to appeal to both mainstream and Christian audiences but it feels forced, stuck on at the end. I'm a Christian reader of the book but I found myself shaking my head at the corny conversion. That aside, the horror story was quite well-written. An interesting and creepy story that is hard to make sense of at first. The reader is as confused as the main character wondering whether he is being stalked by a madman, visited by the supernatural, loosing his mind or a combination of all three. There are some fairly gruesome bits not for the faint of heart. The writing style does leave a lot to the imagination but enough details are given that you know exactly what happened and of course, being CF, there is no cursing. A decent horror story that I certainly enjoyed enough to have read the whole thing, but it feels as if the book is trying too hard to be Christian fiction that can crossover into mainstream fiction, and not quite succeeding. Thrasher has written several other books in this genre, though, and I'm willing to give him another try.
July 4, 2009
“Yikes” is the one word I would use to describe Travis Thrasher’s newest novel “Ghostwriter“. A supernatural thriller that goes nose to nose with any Stephen King novel I’ve read. Not a genre for squimish, but for those who enjoy a ‘thriller’ this one tops the list.
The main character, Dennis Shore is living la dolce vita (the very good life). He is a best selling author with the ideal marriage.
Lucy, his wife, is not only is his best friend but provides the inspiration for all his novels. Together with their teen-age daughter, Audrey, they live in a beautiful home, and have another home as well.
But then, Lucy dies.
Lucy was Dennis’ connection to all things good. Now that she is gone, Dennis develops paralyzing writer’s block. Success comes at a cost. Once his talent for weaving catchy phrases and memorable scenes is made known, his public demands more.
As his deadline looms over him, Dennis does the unthinkable. He claims a novel, written by another, as his own. Enter Cillian Reed, the groupie type author-in-waiting that demands Dennis’ attention and the literary acclaim that Dennis is accepting as his own.
As you read more and more of Cillian’s torments and tortures, Dennis descends to the place we all reach in our lives, a moment of Truth. Armed with memories of Lucy and with other gifts as well, Dennis begins to face and overcome the evil that has consumed his life.
A gripping tale, with a redemption quality, this is a story you will not forget. Travis Thrasher has excelled in this genre proving that a christian can indeed create a novel work without unnecessary vulgarity or profanity. I am looking forward to more of his work.
The main character, Dennis Shore is living la dolce vita (the very good life). He is a best selling author with the ideal marriage.
Lucy, his wife, is not only is his best friend but provides the inspiration for all his novels. Together with their teen-age daughter, Audrey, they live in a beautiful home, and have another home as well.
But then, Lucy dies.
Lucy was Dennis’ connection to all things good. Now that she is gone, Dennis develops paralyzing writer’s block. Success comes at a cost. Once his talent for weaving catchy phrases and memorable scenes is made known, his public demands more.
As his deadline looms over him, Dennis does the unthinkable. He claims a novel, written by another, as his own. Enter Cillian Reed, the groupie type author-in-waiting that demands Dennis’ attention and the literary acclaim that Dennis is accepting as his own.
As you read more and more of Cillian’s torments and tortures, Dennis descends to the place we all reach in our lives, a moment of Truth. Armed with memories of Lucy and with other gifts as well, Dennis begins to face and overcome the evil that has consumed his life.
A gripping tale, with a redemption quality, this is a story you will not forget. Travis Thrasher has excelled in this genre proving that a christian can indeed create a novel work without unnecessary vulgarity or profanity. I am looking forward to more of his work.
June 8, 2009
Ghostwriter by Travis Thrasher is a gut-wrenching, spine-tingling story of suspense and horror. Dennis Shore has been facing writer's block since the death of his wife over a year ago. That's trouble for any writer, but when you are the next best thing since Stephen King, it could be career ending. Dennis took the extreme step of turning in a manuscript sent to him by a fan and claiming it as his own work, and on the eve of its release, the real author, Cillian Reed, has come calling to claim what's owed him...in flesh. Congratulations Travis, you are the first author to give me a wake up gasping and shaking nightmare in a really long time! Thrasher keeps Dennis and the reader guessing as Cillian amps up the stakes in his quest for recognition. And the twists, when they start coming, are switchback curves taken at breakneck speeds. There's an unexpected depth to this novel in Thrasher's dissection of the life and work of an author. Dennis' writing helps him process personal tragedies, but when he steals someone else's work, he brings a whole new tragedy not only on himself, but on his loved ones as well. Thrasher doesn't give in to horror movie/book cliches, and the hero at the climax is very unexpected. This is definitely not a book to read late at night (like I did!). Save it for on the beach on a sunny day when you are completely surrounded by people!
May 31, 2009
Dennis Shore is a best selling horror novelist. He has given many readers nightmares with his stories. Shore has had no problems coming up with inspiration for his stories till now. Recently Shore experienced writer's block, which is a terrible situation for any writer. It is made even worse with a fast approaching deadline. Shore panics and does the unthinkable...he steals someone else's work and passes it off as his own. The book titled Empty Spaces becomes the latest best seller for Shore.
While at one of his book signing, Shore meets a young man named Cillian Reed. Mr. Reed happens to the true author and he is pissed off. Reed seeks redemption against Shore as all of the glory Shore has been receiving should be his. Anything Shore could have ever imagined could not prepare him for the nightmare he is about to experience, where only the strong will survive.
This story reminded me of the movie Window with Johnny Depp. It was dark, suspenseful, and had a really good plot. Though I suspected there was someone odd about Cillian, I never could have guessed the ending would end the way it did. I liked this supernatural feel that the story had. It kept my interest. Mr. Thrasher is a very creative and exciting writer. I hope to check out more of his work.
While at one of his book signing, Shore meets a young man named Cillian Reed. Mr. Reed happens to the true author and he is pissed off. Reed seeks redemption against Shore as all of the glory Shore has been receiving should be his. Anything Shore could have ever imagined could not prepare him for the nightmare he is about to experience, where only the strong will survive.
This story reminded me of the movie Window with Johnny Depp. It was dark, suspenseful, and had a really good plot. Though I suspected there was someone odd about Cillian, I never could have guessed the ending would end the way it did. I liked this supernatural feel that the story had. It kept my interest. Mr. Thrasher is a very creative and exciting writer. I hope to check out more of his work.
November 28, 2010
A Stephen King-esque writer struggles with grief, writer's block, an obsessed, psychotic fan, and loses his grip on reality in this ho-hum story. The main character, Dennis Shore, is a horror writer who is struggling with the death of his wife. As the one-year anniversary of her death approaches, his mind begins to mix story and reality in an unnervingly fluid way. An angered psycho fan also begins to stalk him. The stalking leads to gore. These scenes were the most interesting for me. The rest of the book, however, was tedious to read through. I just got tired of all the grief. Perhaps that was the point. Sprinkled throughout the book are Pink Floyd references, which I thought was juvenile. I picked this up because it was in a display at one of the local public library branches. This wasn't really worth it for me.
Note: I didn't realize that FaithWords is a Christian genre publisher. Had I known that, I probably would not have picked up this book. I've got nothing against reaching out to genres outside of my comfort zone. However, faith-focused writing is generally not my thing.
Note: I didn't realize that FaithWords is a Christian genre publisher. Had I known that, I probably would not have picked up this book. I've got nothing against reaching out to genres outside of my comfort zone. However, faith-focused writing is generally not my thing.
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