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In the Path of the Ghost #1

The Tools of the Ghost

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To track down a demon, FBI agent Kiran Patel must summon history’s most terrible monster to be her new partner AND make sure he doesn't kill her before they succeed. She's going to need all his muscle and all her brains to take on the demons, the cultists, and the dragon in their way.

Eleven children are missing, and Kiran's partner was just killed by something out of a nightmare while trying to find them. Before he dies, he informs her that there’s only one hope left—she’s going to have to summon the Ghost, a creature so disastrous that even the residents of Hell fear him.

But there are two rules she must never break.

Don’t promise the Ghost anything and don’t trust him for a second.

Heaven rejected him. Hell feared him. His crime was the only one that God could never forgive, but when evil is too powerful for anyone to confront, there’s only one solution left—to summon the Ghost.

Now one unlikely FBI agent and a creature worse than the demons of Hell are the only chance left to find the children.

Kiran’s got to solve the crime before more kids disappear or her new partner does her in.

312 pages, Paperback

Published November 15, 2022

198 people are currently reading
2943 people want to read

About the author

Hemant Nayak

3 books35 followers

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5 stars
111 (50%)
4 stars
61 (27%)
3 stars
35 (16%)
2 stars
6 (2%)
1 star
5 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Montzalee Wittmann.
5,214 reviews2,340 followers
March 12, 2023
The Tools of the Ghost
By Hemant Nayak
This is a fresh, exciting fantasy that drew me in right away and held me there til the very end. Then I was wanting the next book right away! I hope it will be out soon! Wonderful characters that may be far from perfect but I grew to like them, even the "bad" guys. Fun dialogue, great plot, love the dog, and need more now! Don't miss this hidden gem!
Profile Image for Hemant Nayak.
Author 3 books35 followers
July 2, 2023
I hope you enjoyed this book and if you did be sure to check out the prequel The Fist of the Ghost - many thanks
Profile Image for N.B. Saltsman.
Author 8 books16 followers
December 2, 2022
I was lucky enough to read this novel in its early days, and I’ve been obsessed with it ever since.

FBI agent Kiran makes for a compelling protagonist as she gets sucked into a horrible, desperate situation that never should have come to be, the lives of innocent children at stake. I found myself bonding with her very quickly as she struggled to get her bearings and navigate a new reality that she never knew existed.

As for the titular ghost…I don’t want to spoil anything, but the writing there was AMAZING. As much as I like Kiran, he completely steals the show, and I hope the author writes more novels about his previous exploits.

5/5 recommended. I will be reading it again.
Profile Image for Dagbjört Gísladóttir.
7 reviews1 follower
November 21, 2022
Highly recommend this novel! Such an exciting storyline and amazing characters that you’ll love. A mix of mystery, thriller, and a bit of comedy as well. You will not regret reading this one!!
Profile Image for J. Flowers-Olnowich.
Author 6 books6 followers
November 29, 2022
I think this is a great story, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it through. The characters were an absolute joy, the plot grabbed me quickly and kept a hold of me, and I found myself pretty emotionally invested by the story’s end. I enjoyed pretty much every area of this book. There's a strong balance between the gravity of the plot with the snark and lightheartedness of the cast, even while ensuring that each main character was fleshed out well. The plot begins strong and keeps that strength through and through. From beginning to end, it was an engaging read. I definitely recommend this story to anyone interested in tales of redemption, second chances, and just fun storytelling.
Profile Image for Klarina Usach.
Author 1 book17 followers
December 19, 2022
If you enjoy urban fantasy, you will enjoy this book. Opening with a scene out of a horror movie, the novel follows Special Agent Kiran Patel and dives into the supernatural underground of Seattle with twists and turns at each direction. Filled with mystery, humor, and witty banter, the story grips you from the beginning. There are plenty of surprises to keep you reading and the impending danger the characters face only makes you turn the pages for more.
Here's hoping to the sequel being released soon.
Profile Image for Kimberly Christensen.
Author 5 books10 followers
November 28, 2022
This was such a fun urban fantasy with a nice plot twist. I found the characters engaging, the dialogue humorous, and the religious angle interesting but not preachy.
Profile Image for Soniya Kulkarni.
81 reviews4 followers
December 30, 2022
What happens when a misanthrope from another world (dimension?)---certainly someone who isn't human---a smart as a whip and sarcastic FBI agent and team of forever underestimated street detectives who are so much more than they appear, join forces to save group of children from the powers of hell?

A hell of a lot of fun, that's what.

I loved The Tools of the Ghost! It's a fast-paced action adventure, where you get the unlikeliest team coming together to save the day. This action packed book is part-mystery, part-thriller but so much more. It's about finding your humanity, which can be a tall order when you are literally the undead.

I adore books about found families, so this was a huge plus for me. The highlight of the writing in my opinion was the crackling dialogues. There were so many laugh-out-loud moments. The characters have great chemistry between them, which makes for a very immersive reading experience. By the end, I couldn't wait to embark on another adventure with this team!

Bonus points to Hemant for showing the complicated dynamic between Indian mothers and their daughters with so much humor and pathos. I would love to see Kiran's mom join the team in future books! She would be a great addition!
Profile Image for Jess.
100 reviews14 followers
December 20, 2022
“The Lord may forgive your sins, but the Dead remember, and the Tools of the Ghost are without number.”

Everyone needs to read this book at least once in their lifetime! “The Tools of the Ghost” is an adventurous, fast-paced novel full of humor and heart. It’s set in the beautiful city of Seattle, and follows the story of Special Agent Kiran Patel as she enlists the help of an unusual ally to solve the mystery of eleven missing children. The characters are perfectly imperfect, sassy, diverse, and endearing. I loved each and every one of them, but the Ghost in particular… I’m hoping that there could be a spin-off novel about his life before the events in this book took place.
This is a story about righting history’s wrongs. It’s about not underestimating the pawns. It’s for the anti-heroes and those who choose to walk in the sunlight especially when the shadows are calling. The whole time I was reading this I was picturing it playing up on the big screen. Maybe one day…
I can’t wait to see what this author writes next! Word.✌️
Profile Image for Sabrina Gibson.
42 reviews3 followers
March 15, 2023
Ok this novel is amazing! Ok of you love fantasy mixed with mystery and thriller,with just a splash of comedy,then this is the novel for you! It's fresh,and exciting and has amazing characters. You get pulled into the story and before you know it you've read the whole book and you're left hungry for the next installment? I highly recommend this book! Would give 10 stars if I could!
117 reviews
January 22, 2023
Wow!!

It has been a long long time that a book has piqued me. Putting this book together had to take talent. Fascinating, continuing a pace that was incredibly intriguing.
52 reviews2 followers
January 18, 2023
Different. Good Different.

Sad book two isn't out yet. One ends the book with every flaw exposed yet the only win is in precisely those flaws. An interesting blend of religious ideas across many religions, bringing a twist to an exciting tale.
Profile Image for Sathya22.
9 reviews
February 25, 2023
From the witty banter to high stakes plot, this book had me from page one and I’m eagerly awaiting the next one in the series! WOW!! The author has spun a fresh story and I couldn’t get enough of the complex characters and adored Kiran and her inner workings!! I high recommend!!
Profile Image for Angie McCullagh.
Author 2 books38 followers
December 4, 2022
The Tools of the Ghost is a rollercoaster of a book that follows FBI agent Kiran Patel as she tries to save a group of eleven children who have disappeared in an otherworldly version of Seattle. In a story that takes you literally into the city's underground and spits you out after an insane ride, this is an urban fantasy you should definitely pick up. Shot through with dark humor, it's a fast-paced, fun read.
Profile Image for Kris.
64 reviews3 followers
December 10, 2023
More please. The story totally obliterates any reading fatigue that might be generated by urban paranormal adventure clones. May the wait for the next incarnation be brief. Thanks!
Profile Image for Sara Henry.
275 reviews2 followers
June 30, 2023
This is a tough one to review. First of all, it requires an IMMENSE amount of suspension of disbelief. The book treats it like it's some big reveal, who The Ghost is. Like people have been trying to figure it out for generations, and failed. Some of those people had decades with him. But, I literally was certain who it was in the opening scene. But the 'big reveal' didn't happen until the 80% mark. And, lo and behold, I was correct. There is a 0% chance no one got that right. Especially Anatol, who was with The Ghost prior to this story, and had him for decades. But, shockingly, when the reveal does happen, our MC, who isn't even from the same belief system as The Ghost, suddenly knows details I didn't even know or need about him. Which brings me back to, there is a 0% chance someone didn't get it before now. ZERO.

Additionally, the degree to which our primary antagonist is shown to be "a genius" is over-the-top and stupid. He cannot have planned for everything you do, when you are clearly not doing what he expected you to do. He cannot set traps for you at every single turn if you aren't taking the expected turns in the first place. Literal quote from another character about him: "How Krol figured it all out, is still a mystery, but he did." Never explained by the way. He just magically knew things he couldn't have known. Set things in motion he couldn't have possibly had the pieces or knowledge for in time. It got a little silly.

However, I do find the rest of the stuff about the world interesting and the characters are reasonably compelling as well. Like, I think this is a well done book if you can suspend your disbelief enough to enjoy it.

And the ending was real wonky. Like, it didn't end in the right place and didn't set up enough for the next thing for me to feel like I need to read the next book. I didn't dislike this book, but I wouldn't re-read it and I don't feel at all compelled to get the next one. So... a 3 feels like the correct score for this thing.
Profile Image for Anne Brownlow.
Author 5 books
March 17, 2024
A Masterful Tapestry of Narrative

From the moment I turned the first page of Hemant Nayak’s “Tools of the Ghost,” I knew I was embarking on a literary journey unlike any other. Nayak’s prose weaves a rich tapestry that captures the essence of storytelling with exceptional elegance and depth.

The narrative is crafted with such finesse that each character resonates with a life of its own, and the plot unfolds with a precision that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. It’s a book that doesn’t just tell a story—it invites you to live within its pages, among the shadows and lights of its world.

For those who appreciate the art of writing, “Tools of the Ghost” is a testament to what literature can achieve. Nayak’s work is a beacon of excellence in contemporary storytelling, and this book has earned its place as a standout title in my library.
Profile Image for varena manion.
136 reviews
April 6, 2023
Not what I expected

Not a terrible read but I doubt if I'll attempt book two. Perhaps I should not have read it in one setting because some parts were tedious. I figured out the identity of Ghost fairly early which gave the story an interesting perspective.
Author 2 books2 followers
June 18, 2023
masterful

Nayak has woven a masterful tale using a diverse range of characters. His character development and plot building is on par with the best crime writers with the ending being set up beautifully. His world building was brilliant. Definitely worth my time reading.
3 reviews
December 26, 2022
What a treat to discover a new book that is wonderfully original, slyly transgressive, cartoonishly violent, and by turns humorous, gross, and empowering. The Tools of the Ghost is much deeper than it seems, and fathoms more profound than many other books in its genre (sword and sorcery/urban fantasy). I was thrilled when the author, who is a friend, announced its publication.

At the outset, we're plunged into a frightening scene in a cathedral a half-century ago in Poland. An otherworldly being has arrived to obliterate everyone present for reasons unmentioned, but one altar boy earns a life-saving escape for the children. Notably, he doesn't save his priest; it's understood that the priest doesn't deserve to live.

The book re-opens as a young Indian-American woman in the FBI, Kiran Patel, is caught between her unstoppable desire to search for and save a group of kidnapped children, and the clear orders from her boss to stand down. She's already been failing at work, and she's reconsidering her career options at the recommendation of her boss and her mother. Then, ailing after an attack in their last mission together, Kiran's mentor-partner unexpectedly bequeaths his supernatural powers to her.

Action ensues as this ordinary woman crosses over into a supernatural subterranean world, a bit like Alice going through the looking-glass. Details of the myriad injuries that characters subsequently suffer are fantastical in nature, but quite realistic in their descriptions, likely due to the author's real-life experience as an emergency room doctor.

The pacing wavers a bit in the gooey center of this cookie, but keep eating. This book is packed with insights about the discovery of friendship, the lasting guilt of betrayal, the nature of honesty, the intersection of different religious beliefs, and more. Corny comments and one-liners keep the the writing at a faux-dark level and prevent it from ever becoming truly scary, so I would call this book appropriate for teens and tweens as well as adults, despite the plentiful curse words and graphic fight scenes. Woven throughout are references to multiple faiths from the perspective of other faiths. The three main characters were brought up Hindu, Muslim and Catholic; they are Americans of Indian (from India), African, and Mexican-Zapotec descent. It's particularly worth mentioning that this book holds a story that predates all three religions as its foundation.

Nayak roguishly mixes graphic depictions such as, "The Ghost twisted and there was a sickening crack. The man screamed as his left shoulder popped out of its socket and hung limp at his side," with cheesy meme-worthy wisecracks in the dialogue, and undeniably cute memorable little sentences like, "She had no doubt the papers, left to their own devices in a dark drawer, would conspire against her and have little paper babies to further waste her time."

The novel, set in Seattle, seems ready-made to be turned into a movie, complete with spectacular scenes of the Space Needle ablaze and crumbling, demon fights deep in the bowels of the Underground passageways of Pioneer Square, severed hands, fire-breathing toads, guitar-wielding warriors, and gelatinous tentacles. Its caressing introduction to Seattle's topography makes it a perfect gift choice for a Seattle native or tourist.
Profile Image for Deedle.
53 reviews26 followers
March 19, 2023
In the heart of the picturesque city of Seattle, a group of underrated street detectives and a smart, snarky FBI agent join forces with an unlikely, dangerous ally from another world, to save eleven children from the powers of hell. Nayak's "The Tools of the Ghost" is a fast-paced urban fantasy that skillfully weaves together strands of mystery, thriller, and comedy, with a smidge of family relationships thrown in.

The theme of found family runs strong, and the chemistry between the characters is engaging. The author shines brightest in snappy dialogues and lovely comic timing. "The Tools of the Ghost" is a story about justice, power, and never underestimating anyone. With a sparkly cast of imperfect yet intriguing characters, The Tools of the Ghost demands a quick and equally entertaining sequel. That cover is stunning, and the story more than fulfills its promise. Bring on the next!
Profile Image for W. L..
Author 2 books5 followers
July 2, 2023
I got the honor of originally beta reading this book and now I get the honor of reading it as a published book as well! Like in the novella to this I enjoyed the Ghost! I don’t actually see him as a villain or someone who did something wrong but I find him numerous and charming!

The main characters that create the trinity I think start out all kind of unlikeable in their own way but grow a bit as the book moves forward. If you play chess there’s a lot of references to it as well in the book, I do not so I found it a bit confusing but got the overall message.

I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen into book two. This is a great paranormal book that’s adventurous for the characters! I kind of hope the main character and the ghost somehow get together since he’s never truly hated her since the beginning, but I think it’s wishful thinking in my part. I also can’t wait to see how the characters grow even more.
Profile Image for Rikki.
5 reviews2 followers
March 17, 2024
Audiobook was A NO.

I'm bummed because I think I would really like this book if there was a different narrator. The narrator of this book mumbles at times when she's reading, and her way of reading just completely irritated me. It's hard to explain it, but it was like this, for example. She would....... read a few words.....in the......sentence....and.......... then read some more........ only to....... start...... the next sentence......... with you........ realizing........it.  I tried increasing the speed but it didn't help. 

Every character, regardless of their accent, sounded basically the same. The only character that had a distinct voice was The Ghost. 

I also want to add that I wasn't a fan of Kiran's either, but I think that is because when the narrator was talking as Kiran, she always sounded nervous and unsure of herself. 

Maybe reading the actual book will be a better way to enjoy this book because the audiobook didn't do it for me.
Profile Image for Melody.
118 reviews
April 28, 2023
Disclaimer: I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I really enjoyed this book overall. The concepts were fantastic, and the characters were great. The dialogue was fun, especially between the buddy cops. The spiritual world in this book was well thought out, which made it better to read than most.

My only issue was that it needed a bit more editing. I read paragraphs a few pages apart that were nearly identical. There were missing quotations around when someone was speaking. It was hard to remember what people looked like because there was none of the fun descriptive flair throughout the book. These items really took me out of the fantasy.

All that being said, if you like spiritual fantasy novels, this one is really fun. Don’t let the bad stuff deter you. Content wise, this book was a solid 4.5.
Profile Image for KMart Vet.
1,540 reviews82 followers
April 27, 2023
Thank you to the author for sending me a review copy so that I could leave an honest review.

The Ghost, a demonic-like entity from somewhere in history, fights for the bearer of the mark. When eleven children are kidnapped from their homes and taken by a cult, this mark ends up passing to Kiran. Suddenly, the Ghost has to work with a rookie FBI agent and two SPD officers to save the children across an urban fantasy landscape tangled with different cultures and religions.

This was delightful and hilarious. The humor was irreverent, there were puns and dad jokes, and I deeply enjoyed all of the characters. This is a book unlike any other that I've read and Nayak is a refreshing new voice in the genre.

I hope there is more to come.
Profile Image for Jessie Hager.
43 reviews1 follower
September 27, 2023
Thank you Goodreads and the author for the free e-book. I loved every minute of reading this! I rate it a 4.5. I was engaged throughout and hooked from the beginning. It has humor, a story line that I fell into instantly and sooooo much action!! The book reminded me much of the guardian of the galaxies, I can’t pin point why exactly but that is exactly how I felt while reading this! I feel adults and young adults will love this. I can’t wait for the next book. Please see the notes I left while reading !!
6 reviews
February 14, 2023
What as amazing book! I assure you it's one of the books you can't put down. I read this book in 2021 and it has stayed with me since. Often some rogue scenes come to my mind and makes me smile.

It is such a fun read. The characters are bold and speak for themselves. Since a lot of reviews already share a summary, I am not going to go into that. If fantasy, humor, and strong emotions are your cup of tea, then you are going to adore this novel!
4 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2023
Exciting from beginning to end! This novel starts with a bang and doesn't let up until the thrilling conclusion. The dynamic cast of characters set against the gritty Seattle Underground provides enough conflict and humor to propel the story forward at a fast pace and the deeper themes will have you coming back for Book Two.
Profile Image for Robert Rozell II.
145 reviews
January 22, 2024
What a wonderful ride. I really like the plot.
This book had my attention in the first few pages and the action never stops.
The characters are fantastic and you get to see them become what they always were. I figured out who the ghost was early, but that only added to the enjoyment.
I highly recommend this book.
2 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2023
Non Stop Action

This book is action filled and is an enjoyable read. Great intertwining of the characters. Some humorous parts lightens up the situation. FBI Agent Patel has her inner conflicts but is able to pull it together to save the children. Very entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews

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