The Ghostwriter

by Sarah Sheridan

A brand-new thriller by the bestselling author of Girl in Bed Three. A writer helps a victim of abuse tell her tale and finds herself becoming part of the story . . .

Single mother Polly has been struggling since work started to dry up, so she is hugely relieved when her sister contacts her about a potential ghostwriting job. And the woman who wants to hire Polly has a hell of a tale to tell. Sylvie was once trapped in a criminal underworld by her boyfriend who has since been jailed. She wants to share her story to help other women escape their abusive relationships . . . what could possibly go wrong?

Yet when Sylvie’s ex is paroled and she lets him back into her life, Polly wonders if the project is a mistake.

With more at stake than just a book, can Polly get out of a very dangerous situation with her life intact?

232 pages, Paperback

First published January 30, 2023

About the author

Sarah was born in London and now lives in a village in South Northamptonshire. She gained a Masters degree in Eighteenth-Century French and English art from the Courtauld Institute of Art, before teaching art in secondary schools for thirteen years. After working with human rights organisations that protect minority groups from institutional abuse, Sarah worked towards a PhD at The Open University, researching the effect of secrecy on marginalised people, specifically the biological children of Roman Catholic priests. She has spoken about her research on various news programmes for the BBC and other media outlets around the world. It was this sense of secrecy and silencing that became the inspiration for her first crime novel, The Convent.

Sarah is hugely obsessed with reading and is amassing such an unrealistically large book collection that some of it is now in storage. She is also addicted to writing, and after inventing stories (mostly in secret) from a young age and having various articles and short stories published, she wrote a children's book, The Top Secret Diary of Davina Dupree - inspired by her daughter - in 2013. Overjoyed to hear that young readers were enjoying the story, she went on to write a series about Davina Dupree.

When she is not looking after her three children and menagerie of pets, or going for long walks with her wonderful partner Rich, Sarah can be found writing, while consuming large amounts of chocolate.

Reviews

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too damn predictable. Adult characters who make decisions like three year olds. Cannot stand such “thrillers”.

[Louise Heys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and found it hard to put down.
I liked the inner monologue of the main character (Polly) throughout.

At times it is gritty and hard hitting especially when it talks about the pasts of some of the characters.

It is full of twists and turns, some of them you may guess as you read but others will come as a shock.

This was a really good thriller that kept me wanting to read on.

Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC in return for an honest opinion on the read.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book!

[Susan Blissett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book about a writer writing for a woman who has been through so much in her life, including some difficult topics including coercive control, domestic abuse and prostitution. I couldn’t put it down! Throughout, there are twists and turns, as well as lots of suspense. It puts chills through you and makes you concerned for the characters, whilst also making you think ‘what would I do in this situation?’ Throughout, I also kept thinking ‘don’t do that, don’t go there, that’s not a good idea.’ A very chilling read, that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

I received an ARC from BloodHound Books for an honest review, thank you, and all thoughts are my own.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Polly works as a ghostwriter but work is a bit thin on the ground. When her sister introduces her to a friend who has an interesting story to tell she thinks her prayers have been answered. Unfortunately for Polly all is not what it seems and alarm bells start to ring.
I’m a fan of this author but on this occasion I had to skim read a few pages because it got too scary. Having said that, it is a great book if you have a strong constitution.

[C.L. Jennison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writer Polly becomes embroiled in an unexpected and perilous situation when she takes on a new ghostwriting client.

This was the first novel I’ve read by the author and I raced through a lot of it. It was a really compelling story overall and I will definitely seek out the author’s other books!

[Aileen Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just couldn't put this book down. What starts off as writing the story of a Polish immigrant leads to an adventure that Polly wasn't expecting. The characters jump out the pages at you as you learn to love and hate them equally. This is not the first Sarah Sheridan book I've read and definitely won't be the last. Fabulous read

[Catriona Gilmour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down. A brilliant story with a few twists. It had me hooked from the start and I kept turning the pages.

[Keeley Ribchester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to bloodhound books for giving me the opportunity to read “The Ghostwriter” here is my honest review.
So having read “The girl in bed 3” and throughly loving it I was excited to dive straight Into this book and it did not disappoint!
Centring around single mum Polly the story begins with an opportunity thrown her way from her sister to ghostwrite the life of Sylvie a school mum friend.
Polly meets up with Sylvie and hears the horrific life she has lead having left Poland with and abusive partner and being caught up in drugs/ gangs/prostitute etc. Sylvie wants to write her story as a survivor but things take a turn part way through the writing process for Polly.
Not wanting to give away any spoilers Polly finds herself in a tricky spot and looks to her sister for advice and help but what follows is shocking and eye opening for Polly.
Excellent story, loved the character of Polly and her naivety in life and how she evolves through the book.
This is a must read book for anyone that reads this genre. Excellently written and good plot lines.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome physcological thriller about a single mother Polly struggling to make ends meet when her sister Marie contacts Polly about a potential ghostwriting job. Polly then meets with Sylvie who has a true story to tell about her life and connection to her partner who has just got parole. He is a dangerous criminal with gang connections. Àlthough I had predicted the ending of this by half way through, I still really enjoyed it and was unable to stop turning the pages as I had become invested in Polly's life. It is just so addictive and the pages practically turn themselves. It was a pleasure to get to know Polly and I loved how the plot was rather scary. Another winner by Sarah Sheridan.

[Jane Welchman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, this book took me by surprise! It starts off by building the scene and quickly reels you in and makes you care for the characters that you want to shout at them "Don't do it!"
An extremely well written thriller and page turner. I read it in two sittings. You won't be disappointed.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the ARC, and this is my honest opinion.

[Scott Parsons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Polly who is trying to make ends meet as a single mother has turned to ghostwriting books for others to earn a living. Business is slim as the story begins so Polly is delighted when her sister Marie introduces her to a potential client Sophie. Sophie is a Polish immigrant who was involved in an abusive relationship with an old-time boyfriend who had become a criminal and forced Sophie into prostitution for a while. Over time he had become quite abusive to Sophie and one incident led him to a prison sentence.

Polly becomes quite interested in Sophie's story and starts writing the book from Sophie's perspective. Then Sophie's boyfriend is released from prison. As far as the authorities are concerned he has become a model prisoner, completely reformed. But Polly soon learns this was a con job.

He comes back into Sophie's life and spends a lot of time with her. Then he tells Polly she has to spin the story to make him seem a lot better than he was and is. Polly's daughter disappears, abducted. Polly assumes that Antoni has done this to force her to write the story his way.

The author pulls a major twist as she ends the story.

I greatly enjoyed this novel.

Thanks to Bloodhound Books for an Advance Review Copy of this novel.

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled to get into the book, but it did improve. Polly, a single mother, is a ghostwriter living with her young son. The work isa bit sporadic and she is struggling, so jumps at the chance to ghostwrite Sylvie's story. Her sister got them in touch and encourages Polly to take the work.
Sylvie is Polish and has helped put her abusive ex in jail for attempted murder, but then he is released and is back in her life.
Polly gets caught up in their troubles and is scared for herself, her son, her sister and Sylvie.
The twists and turns continue but the way it goes comes as a complete surprise.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author so I went in with no expectations. I absolutely love the cover, from the colors to the telltale blood. Polly is a ghostwriter but dreams of becoming a published author of her own book one day. Polly is a single mother loving freelance paycheck to freelance paycheck so when her sister introduces her to someone to ghostwrite their story, she is thrilled.

The story is not what Polly thought it was and soon she and her family are in danger. Polly is a strong woman and will do anything to keep her family safe. My favorite part of the book was the twist at the end. I won’t say anything more but you will want to read until the very last page!

[Alison Cairns · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling read. This terrified me with the anticipation of what was to come. I wasn't expecting the ending at all, and thought it made the story even more powerful. Polly is a ghostwriter and is asked to take on an exciting new project, writing her sister's friend Sylvie's life story. Sylvie was caught up with a gangster boyfriend and wants to tell the story, but when Antoni is released from prison he gets involved, changes the story and forces Polly to write things his way. Afraid for her son's life, Polly has no option, especially when her sister, Marie, steps in and persuades her this is safest. The outcome is terrifying. #netgalley #theghostwriter

[Sue Wallace]

The ghostwriter by Sarah Sheriden.
Single mother Polly has been struggling since work started to dry up, so she is hugely relieved when her sister contacts her about a potential ghostwriting job. And the woman who wants to hire Polly has a hell of a tale to tell. Sylvie was once trapped in a criminal underworld by her boyfriend who has since been jailed. She wants to share her story to help other women escape their abusive relationships . . . what could possibly go wrong?
Really enjoyed this book. I liked Polly. Gripping and twisty. 5*.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main character, Polly, captured my attention from the beginning of the story because it intrigued me to know about what a ghost writer does and the inner monologue of hers as she listens to Sylvie tell her story made it even more intriguing. The plot unfolds events of abuse, control, and prostitution from a person who experienced it to someone who is going to write that person's book for them. The twist at the end was not quite expected. I voluntarily reviewed an advance readers copy of this book.

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

What started as a lifeline job for single mother Polly, to ghostwrite a book for a battered Polish immigrant woman turns into a nightmare of life or death in this psychological thriller by Sarah Sheridan. If you have ever read a book by this author you know you are going to be grabbed by the story since the beginning and this book wasn't the exception.
I was hooked from beginning to end. The story has a lot of twists and turns and surprises you don't see coming.
I am looking forward to read more books from this author.

[Rebecca Charlesworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book I’ve read by this author and it wont be my last. A fast paced, well written storyline. There were characters to love and characters to hate and I have to say I was on the fence with Slyvie’s character sometimes I felt sorry for her but sometimes (dare I say it) every now and again she grated a little on my nerves, but for me this is the sign of a good author when they evoke feelings in you for one of their characters. I wont write about the storyline as I feel the blurb does this well enough without me re-writing it.

[Sarah Westfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to bloodhound books for my ARC, this was my first book I’ve read by Sarah Sheridan and it certainly won’t be the last. I enjoyed every part and was hooked from the start. Really loved Polly and Sylvie… felt like screaming into my kindle at Sylvie at times but still really liked her character. Wasn’t keen on Marie from the start.
If you like fast paced books that you can’t put down then I’d definitely recommend this one. I will be looking forward to reading more books by this author

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Polly is in desperate need of work and jumps at the chance of ghostwriting a book for someone her sister knows. Once she hears the story, she is sucked in... and plenty of twists and turns follow. I was a huge fan of another book of Sarah's, 'the girl in bed 3'. However, I am sad that I didn't enjoy this book more, but I know plenty of people will love it. Thanks to Bloodhound Books for this ARC in return for my honest review.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Once I started reading, I just couldn't put it down, till I finished.
A clever, different, approach, to a gripping storyline and plot, with very strong characters, plenty of twists and surprising revelations.
I was certainly, captured, into this gripping, on the edge of your seat thriller. Absolutely fabulous.
My thanks, to Bloodhound books for the copy. This is my honest and unbiased review.

[Toothpick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me from the very beginning. Compelling, scary, thrilling, heart-pounding are just some words that come to mind to describe how I felt while reading this story. It was hard to put down as I wanted to know what happened next. There were definitely some surprises I did not expect.

This is the first book by Sarah Sheridan I have read. She is one I will be following now. I received an ARC and gladly give my honest review.

[mandy sinclair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Struggling ghostwriter Polly finds herself in a dangerous situation when she takes on a new client introduced to her by her sister.
The book covers a range of difficult topics such as coercive control and domestic abuse and there were times when i thought the main characters acted in a naive way. That being said it’s a very fast paced book with lots of twists and turns.

[Amy Gee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well what can I say!

A quick read with some interesting plot twists. Personally I thought it was somewhat predictable in places however I enjoyed the character of Polly and her monologue throughout.

An exciting read for those who enjoy a who done it storyline.

Thanks Bloodhound ARC for the book. Looking forward to receiving more.

[Jill Coates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was excited to read this book as I loved Girl in Bed Three. It didn't disappoint, I absolutely loved it. It was unputdownable, from start to finish, totally gripping. If you've not read any of Sarah's books then you're missing a treat. Absolutely fabulous.
My thanks, to Bloodhound books for the copy. This is my honest and unbiased review.

[Sharon Rimmelzwaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I always find with any book from Bloodhound Books this is a well written tale. I found the characters well fleshed out and believable. So believable I couldn't put it down!
So twisty and tense this is a story that had me on the edge of my seat at times. I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC to write this honest review.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Polly is asked to ghostwrite Sylvie's story, telling how she survived violent and controlling treatment by her ex, notorious gangster Antoni.

Unfortunately, Antoni is soon back on the scene and up to his old tricks, dragging Sylvie, Polly, and Polly's family along for the ride. How can Polly get everyone she loves out of such a dangerous situation?

This is a great, fast-paced story. The action fairly rattles along, with some twists in the tale.

Thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for the eARC of this book.

[Michelle Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story with plenty of twists and turns - some easier to spot than others. The writing flowed well, and i whizzed through the book. This is the first book of Sarah Sheridan's that I've read, but I'll definitely be reading more.

[Shaz Mcdill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good thriller that had me eager to find out what was going to happen next I put it down then picked it up 5 minutes later to keep reading as I just had to know what was going on I will definitely look out for this author