Ghostwriter is a powerful read. Alessandra Torre has created a tortured, unbalanced, but somehow likable protagonist. Dying of cancer, bestselling author Helena has one final story to tell. It is a story that has the power to both condemn and redeem herself. Although slow at times, the shocking, suspenseful ending more than makes up for a few dull tangents along the way.

I fished #ghostwriter. I have never felt so utterly savaged after reading a book. It was compelling and devastating and I won’t forget this book ever. If you want a book to completely engulf yourself in, here it is. It isn’t a happily ever after, it isn’t really even a romance. It is however one of the Best novels I have read. Ever

There is something to be said about a book that you feel addicted to reading. Something to be said ever more so when it is a genre you never read. I almost struck rly only read romance novels. When I read the synopsis for this book I was intrigued. I have read ever other novel this author has written and though this one seemed a different I felt compelled to give it a shot.

Goodness, I am glad I did this was one of the most emotional and devastating novels I have read in years. It was thrilling and captivating and still utterly gutting.

This is a novel that made me hurt and truly cry as I read. It is a novel that challenges what you think and feel. It is a book that throws a character at you that you fall in love with while also leaves you to spend the whole novel trying to understand her.

I broke at the end of this. You are warned. You know what is coming, yet it still breaks you. It might not be a happily ever after, but this book gave closure and in the end I feel as if that was exactly what I needed while reading it.

I am actually shocked that I haven’t seen too many UK reviews for this book! Especially as The Ghostwriter has now shot onto my favourite books of 2017 list! It’s a stunning novel, best read without too much insight into what it’s about as the less you know the harder it’s going to hit you. So I will keep the plot details to a minimum here whilst trying to convey exactly how much I adored this book!!

Now you will probably recognise the name of the author Alessandra Torre and identify her with the contemporary erotica she normally writes. She also wrote one of my favourite books of 2015, the brilliant The Girl in 6E, which she wrote under the pseudonym A. R. Torre. But if you are expecting a sexy, deeply sensual romance here then you will be very disappointed indeed as this book is unlike anything I have read by this author before! The author herself describes it as “contemporary fiction but very suspenseful in nature” which is exactly what it is. But it is also an intense and deeply emotional book about one woman and the very raw and powerful story she needs to tell. But there is also a mystery there to be solved and Helena Ross is about to write the hardest book of her life as a best selling author, in the shortest amount of time. And to do that she is going to need the help of a ghostwriter…..

Helena isn’t always the most likeable protagonist but as her chosen ghostwriter starts to strip away the layers of her story we start to see the real Helena come to life and, although this feel strangely voyeuristic, you can’t help but watch and wonder what has happened to make Helena so shut down and defensive. There is a small cast of supporting characters who do take turns with their own points of view but this is totally Helena’s tale to tell and they are there as the catalysts to draw out her memories and observations. Behind the apathetic woman they see is a story that has to be told and that story is a harrowing and heartwrenching narration that will push both the characters and you, as the reader, to the edge.

So I do have to warn you, DO NOT READ THIS IN PUBLIC! I had a childfree day and decided to take this book to Costa and have a lovely afternoon with coffee, cake and a book. Another one of my many mistakes recently! I sobbed my way through the last few pages, my heart breaking into a million pieces and I defy anyone not to be overcome with emotion towards the end. This evocative and haunting masterpiece never gets too sentimental though, even though the author doesn’t pull her punches with the subject matter. Its a tough, intensely personal read at times but it retains it’s sensitivity throughout.

Books like this are why I blog. I want everyone to read this book and feel the same emotions I did. I want everyone to experience it and by featuring it on my blog I can hopefully reach as many readers as possible. But if just one person buys this book, and loves it as much as I do, because of my review then I will be a very happy book blogger. And that leads me to thank Janel at Keeper of Pages for her review of The Ghostwriter as it was her enthusiastic recommendation in her recent review that brought this book to my attention in the first place. I owe you one Janel!

Very highly recommended by me!

This is definitely a mystery/thriller I'm not going to forget, because it was very well-written and had a unique story. 

First off, for those of you who are familiar with other works by this author, this novel is not a romance. Yes, it deals with marriage and love, but it is not a romance novel. 

In terms of the actual book, I have to say that the writing is fantastic. From the very first sentence, I was hooked. The author has this really great style where she doesn't overly describe anything but still manages to deliver the full picture. I love how the author managed to perfectly switch between different voices and time points to create such a cohesive story. I also absolutely adored the main character. Helena is not your typical protagonist; she carries a lot of suspicion and anger and hate but somehow I still felt drawn to her. I cared about her story and I cared about her and what she was going through. In this story, Helena is an author who has serious writing skills .... and it showed in her character; the way Helena dragged out her story and gave little tidbits was tantalizing! I really liked the other characters that were involved and the way they influenced Helena's life. The ending was definitely a surprise and it was one I wasn't expecting. I think that there could have been more clues leading to the ending to ground it a bit more, but I thought that the way the author described the end events was amazing. This novel isn't a happy one but I wouldn't want it any other way. Compared to most of the thrillers I have read recently, this is definitely in the top 10 and it was "unputdownable". I would recommend this to anyone looking for a really good thriller that is written superbly! 4.5/5 stars from me!

Wow...just WOW!! This left me completely speechless!!

I don't think I have ever finished a novel and felt as speechless as I do now.

I've read plenty of Alessandra Torre's novels, but I don't think any of them have touched me this much. If you're looking for romance (which is her usual genre), you won't be getting that with this book. The originality of the story has touched me in a way I can't even describe in words. Somehow I feel overcome with emotions and numb all at the same time. This has got to be one of the best stories I've read this year. I don't even know how to clearly explain how I felt reading this book. This is certainly one of those books that you just have to open and experience for yourself.

I will say that this has got to be the author's best work to date. Hands down...this story was stunning, sorrowful, captivating, intriguing, emotional and utterly brilliant!

The Ghostwriter has an enticing blurb. It's chilling and taunting so I expected a sinister, suspense read set within a contemporary story. And it kind of was, but it kind of wasn't.

Most of the focus was on the relationship between two writers and their struggle to work together. Their banter and issues were nothing out of the ordinary but sprinkled throughout were Helena's chilling utterances like "I killed my husband and now I want to come clean". Those teasers were great and kept me reading (and I was impressed with one early twist) but it isn't until more than three-quarters of the way through the book that the tension finally gets going. Until then there's a lot of them writing, re-writing, arguing and a cow. Yes, a cow.

The story centres around Helena who is a complicated character. And man, was she ever a hard gal to like. She's prickly, rude and loves things done her way but, for a woman in her early 30's, her dialogue felt like she was much older -- more like an old curmudgeon. But she's also a complicated character who goes through a metamorphosis and if readers are patient, Helena will share snapshots of her earlier life to give reasons why she is the way she is.

I liked this book - it had a good premise and creepy one-liners but it needed a better building of suspense throughout, a stronger contemporary story and a better blend of the two genres. It was more focused on the writers' relationship with most of the suspense ramping up right at the end yet leaving readers with an ending that some readers will be able to predict.

This story is about a woman who has lost everything and wants to finally confront her demons and come clean. While it's focus was different than I had expected, it had its moments - both suspenseful and touching.

Disclaimer: This Advanced Reading Copy was generously provided by the publisher, DCA, in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks so much to NetGalley, the publisher and Alessandra Torre for the opportunity to read this amazing book - a great suspense/psychological read. This is the first book I've read by this author so I had no preconceived notions on what to expect. I don't want to give much away because this book deserves to be read and discovered the way the author intended!

Helena Ross is a best-selling romance novelist with a reputation for a nasty tongue and her lists of rules. But when she discovers she has only months to live, she knows she has to write one last book. With her illness, she knows she'll need help so she contracts with her rival - Marka Vance. Marka is known for her best-selling erotica books, ones that Helena lambastes at every opportunity. The two go on a journey that the reader follows to reveal the secrets Helena did not want to take to her grave.

You must read this book - highly recommended!

So I actually haven't read that many Alessandra Torre titles, but this one sounded super intriguing and omg it was amazing. I was impressed with how the storyline unfolded. It really kept me on the edge of my seat!

It is no secret that Alessandra Torre is one of my favourite authors. I think she is an extremely talented writer with her ability to seamlessly switch genres and deliver a brilliant read each time and The Ghostwriter is no exception.

This suspense/ mystery / psychological thriller was superbly executed. The main character Helena Ross was a very unique and strange character, one that many would find hard to like let alone love and connect with, but by the end of the book, I cried for this eccentric, slightly unhinged woman.

This book is very unique and definitely a must read for lovers of mystery and anyone who appreciates a great story and fantastic writing.

Bravo Alessandra Torre!! Another fantastic book and needless to say as always I wish it was longer.

ARC provided by Publisher via Netgalley for honest review

I laughed, I sighed and I devoured the entire book. This in my opinion is not the best book of hers I've read. I did enjoy reading and I felt the characters were three dimensional and at least relatable. So in that respect this book was good. I have to say the cover though looks pretty damn good!

I've read and liked one other of Torres books and now I can say that I thoroughly enjoy her writing. She definitely has skills and not just as a romance writer.

The Ghostwriter is a departure from her normal genre, but this didn't hinder her at all. The characters are multi-faceted and the story rich and in depth.

Helena is not the most likable character; even her own agent, Kate, finds her difficult to handle. But this makes her feel so much more real and even relatable. I grew to secretly love Helena and all of her flaws as well as another character who shares a large portion of her present time (intentionally vague).

The premise is this: a famous romance writer finally decides to tell the truth about her life and marriage. I hesitate to say a lot more about this book, because I think it's best that you go in blind. I did and I loved the way the story slowly unravels. There are a few twists and I can honestly say I didn't see them coming. Torres injects just enough suspense to keep you turning the pages, eager to find out more.

I have no words how unusual is this book. Mysterious, addictive and full of tension. Certainly will be in your head for long days after reading.

This is not a romance. This is a very moving and unique story of a woman, a bestsellers author, who is writing her last book, the most difficult because of her life. And it was not easy, you have no idea.

You know Alessandra Torre of romances, but it’s quite different. Not count here for a sweet word, funny moments, and smoking hot heroes without a shirt. It’s quite something else. Let yourself be caught up with unexpected story line and real emotions.

I need time to think about it before I will write more words about this book.

That is how life is, it gives us burdens to carry and doesn't give a damn about the weight. We shoulder it or we break.

I went into this book with extremely high expectations. Besides the fact that Alessandra Torre is amazing, I keep hearing that this is the best book of the year, and how incredible everyone thinks it is. To be honest, the first half of the book seemed pretty slow to me, and I had a difficult time getting into it the way I heard everyone else did. I knew this wasn't going to be a happily ever after type of book, I think I was just expecting more of Helena's past then present. I'm not really sure when it happened, but eventually I was completely hooked. I devoured the second half of the book, unable to put it down and needing to know her secrets. When I finished I wasn't sure how I felt about the book, and needed some time to get my thoughts together before writing this review.

It's now almost two days later, and I have had time to absorb what I've read and I can now honestly say I loved this book. The Ghostwriter is definitely different than anything I've ever read. My heart broke for Helena throughout, her words full of emotion as she struggled to tell her story to the world. She was written as a character to hate, yet I loved her from the beginning. After years of alienating herself from the world, she is forced to work alongside Mark in order to fulfill her dream. What starts as hatred grows to understanding and ultimately, friendship. They are both what the other needs without realizing it, and their relationship was a perfect layer to the story.

Was there a Happily Ever After? I told you, early on in this book, the chances of that.

While Helena's story is ultimately full of shock and heartbreak, I actually felt she did get the happily ever after she insists doesn't exist. I'm sure plenty of people will disagree with me on that fact, and it took me some time to process before coming to that conclusion. Alessandra Torre brilliantly wrote a book inside of a book, and I have to agree that it was amazing.

This book/ARC is one of the best I’ve received so far. I’m not saying this because I received this as a free copy for in exchange of an honest review; but I just didn’t expect that this novel would exceed my expectations. I’m not really into mystery or suspense genre, but this is one of those novels that will make you anticipate what is really happening and what would happen next. It will make you realized some things or lessons as you read the book, and will make you adore also some characters such as Kate and the “Marka Vantly.”

Readers just need to prepare themselves for the revelation that Helena exposed near the end, as this is the vital point of the story. The life story of Helena will also make you pity her for a lot of reasons; particularly on how she felt that she was not loved and she shouldered the entire burden even after several years. Moreover, the quote, “If you lie enough times, no one believes your truth,” is one of the remarkable messages that this book instilled in reader’s mind.

The story of The Ghostwriter is truly completely engrossing and will make you feel an assortment of emotions while reading this. If you love mystery and suspense novels, don’t miss the opportunity to read this magnificently written novel by Alessandra Torre.

The Ghost Writer is the very first book I have read by Alessandra Torre ,however I have heard fantastic things about this authors book so when I got the chance to read it I was thrilled and I dived into it as soon as I got the chance . I thought this book was fantastic. This book is definately a darker read and to be honest I don't think I have read anything quite like this book .We follow Helena Ross and she writing her final book , however it is a lot more than just fiction it is more of a confessional than it is fiction, so as we get deeper into this story it slowly answers all of the questions you have lingering in your head until it leads to big shocking reveal that no one could have seen coming . This book was so addicting , honest brutally honest and even though this book can get very dark at times you see glimmers of hope and justice and I loved that . If you are looking for a thriller that will me keep your eyes glued to the story you should definately pick up The Ghost Writer as soon as you can.

I've long been a fan of Alessandra Torre. I know her as a romance writer. With the release of The Ghostwriter she has displayed a stunning level of creative diversity. She's delivered one of the most clever suspense stories that I've read. I'm a binge reader so it's not a stretch for me to read a book in one sitting. But with the The Ghostwriter, this wasn't an option for me. I had real life duties that got in the way, but I'm not sure I've ever been clamored more to get back to a book.

The genius in this story is the main character, Helena Ross. She's obsessive and persnickety, not altogether very likable, but she's a character that is easy to feel compassion for. When we meet her she's just been delivered news of her immanent death, and she's finally ready to expose a secret, to tell a story that no one but her knows, to expose the bitter truth of her marriage, her role as a wife and as a mother.

The story is vetted out to us through her diary like entries, but she doesn't have enough time to tell the tale. What's more is she needs a confessor and who better to do this to then with a carefully chosen ghostwriter. What follows is the unlikely friendship that provides her with a sense of belonging she's never known. As time passes, and the end draws near, she's faced with reckoning and absolution.

The Ghostwriter is this years' most surprising release and certainly Alessandra Torre has a lot to be proud of. A #MustRead and 5 ++ Stars recommendation!

Helena is a successful author in the romance genre. She's given three months to live, and decides that now is the time to tell her final story. She struggles on her own with her sickness making things difficult, and enlists the help of a ghostwriter. The ghostwriter being her author rival in the romance community. Someone who she has had a feud with for many years now. Helena's story is interesting. Without spoiling it, I will say that Torre does a fantastic job of showing how sometimes the unexpected in life changes every little thing completely.

When I see Alessandra Torre's name. I know to expect something edgy. A book that will most likely keep me guessing until the very end. The Ghostwriter was no exception.

Extremely well written. Some lines I highlighted that seemed to mean very little at the time they are read, end up turning into huge pieces of the ultimate puzzle. Now at times the story did feel like it was a bit slow, BUT once you get to the end you realize how important that slow build was. I will say that the pay off at the end is WORTH sticking it out.

This story is so much more than just Helena's. It is so much more than the story that's actually told. There are moments and sections filled with purpose and lessons we could all learn from. Whether that was Torre's intent or not, I gained a bit of compassion and empathy for the book world through this story.

All in all a great read. If you're looking for romance, you won't find it in this book. You will find love in different aspects though. If you're looking for intense suspense, that's not here either. It's a slow build with a huge pay off. Highly recommend to fans of Torre who also enjoy general fiction/contemporary fiction.

4 Redemptive CROWNS

It is so hard to articulate my reactions for a book like this. It isn't romance, so there isn't the standard chemistry and steam. It isn't a trope that one loves or hates. It isn't filled with alpha heroes and swooning heroines. What it is a story of woman seeking a type of redemption through the stories she tells.

Helena is a hard character to endure, especially at the beginning. Cold, abrasive, and curt, her behavior does nothing to endear the reader to her character. The author does, however, make her more sympathetic as the moments from her past are revealed through the written word. We begin to understand the broken and weary writer. We understand her struggle, and we get her apprehension to tell this story. Often times, the hardest person to face is yourself, and Helena is the epitome of this belief.

This story is a hard one to read, especially as more and more about the past is revealed. It truly becomes hard to fault her for her choices and her beliefs. It becomes too hard not to sympathize with her, and readers find themselves at the end of the novel nodding their head in agreement with ghostwriter who completes her story.

The Ghostwriter is a fantastic break from the world of romance. Watching the a woman face her past in the only way she knows, emanating a strength she doesn't even know she has, was fascinating, and the journey is heartbreaking and redemptive, leaving readers with so many emotions with the conclusion of the book.

When I first heard about The Ghostwriter I was so excited. I read Hollywood Dirt and really enjoyed it and a few of her other books also. I knew it would be a little different since Alessandra warms you right off the bat that "This book is not a romance." I had mixed feelings throughout reading this book. The first half of the book was a bit slow for me. Even though I was forewarned that this was a bit different, I don't think I was fully prepared when the book started to unravel. I was greedy with interest to find out what happened to Helena and her family. We are so quick to judge but this taught me that your judgment isn't always the correct one. As I was reading, I judged Helena to be a neglecting mom and wife because of her obsession to writing. When Helena finally writes her story it broke my heart to know that someone had to go through that and live through what she lived through. This book was dazzlingly written. I'm at a loss for words on how to write this review and give it the praise that it deserves.

O. M. G.
I need to think about this. Da'am. It's a miracle, I think that I'm speechless. Brilliant writing.
Here's my review:
I grabbed this on Amazon KU. I requested and received an ARC. I'm happy to say that I have my own copy!
I knew that this would be intense. I stayed away from spoilery reviews. I skimmed the book blurb.
I had a sense that this would be a paradigm in story telling. It is. Not a light comedy-in any way.
Is this a romance? I will be honest. No. I knew that this was in the contemporary fiction category.
That helped me set my expectations. After a couple of pages-within the first chapter, I knew that I needed to have patience.
Helena, the protagonist, tells her story in first person POV. The prologue is in talics, and are the flash-backs, roughly 4-5 years prior to present day.
Chapter 1, the first sentence: "I'm dying".
This wasn't a comedy. Obviously.
Helena is a highly successful romance novelist. She's living alone in a large house in New England.
She's looking for a ghost writing to help pen her last novel. She's determined to get it completed before she dies.
Why? What happened to her husband and daughter?
She wants to tell HER story. What happened to her loved ones. It is told her novel. I got her story as she wrote her novel- with her ghostwriter.
The supporting characters' POV is 3rd person. It took me a couple of chapters to adapt to the multi- POV.
I have to stop with my usual re-cap. It's better to go in blind.
Helena is hardly a sympathetic character. If I'd met her, I don't think that I'd like her.
Kate, Helena's agent walks on egg shells around her. Helena is very rigid with her "rules"
The writing is terrific. I don't skim books and this was a bad time to start. I had to keep my focus. I never wanted to put this down, but each page, chapter and sentence had SO much to it. I took at least an extra day to read this.
I did find the middle of the book to be a little slow. Nothing can be skipped. Nothing. I had no idea what would happen next. Helena could be a bitch on wheels. She wanted to be loved. How did she get so aloof? I have some opinions: (view spoiler)
Would she change? What happened to her 4 years ago?
The flash backs (in italics) told her story - with the help of her ghostwriter. Read this book to find out who!
The last 1/3 is especially intense & then there's a major shocker. OMG. This book is so relevant to what is going on today.
Ms Torre should be very proud of herself. I'm envious of her talent. This is a book that I will need some time- and then re-read it. I'm sure that there are buddy read groups & book clubs grabbing this for their next read & discussion. Wow, do I have some opinions!
I'm giving 4.5 stars but rounding up to 5. I have a book hangover. Now I know what that means.
Going on my favorites shelf.