This seems like it could never happen to you, but think how many stories are out there about people being ghosted online. This book is very timely and the story moved at a great pace.

I’m sorry this one wasn’t for me. Started off really strong but then I found myself too many times saying “what!? Yeah right”. I do appreciate the arc in exchange of an honest review.

Thank you to Orbit Books via NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own!

     Ghoster by Jason Arnopp is a fairly long book at 496 pages, but it reads super quickly. Kate meets Scott on Tinder and then at a social media retreat, and their relationship takes off running. It seems idyllic but rushed, and 4 months later Kate is moving in with Scotr...but he is gone. His stuff is gone. His phone was left behind. So the mystery of "where did Scott go" ends up entirely consuming Kate, and gets progressively weirder as ghosts and murderers and strange entities get involved.

     At first I thought it was just going to be a mystery, then there were thriller elements introduced, then the addition of ghosts and a horror/supernatural element made it all seem a little bit weird. I did like how everything was mostly tied together at the end, although I won't pretend to fully understand what happened with that cell phone! No spoilers though, that's rude!

     One fun part was reliving through Kate all of the silly social media things, like OK Cupid, Tinder, Whatsapp, etc. I don't remember what it was called, not sickfuxx, but there WAS a site we used to dare each other to go to as teens that showed everything from gunshots to porn, and I wonder if that's what Arnopp was nodding to. We are totally obsessed with our phones as a society and the book offers a really scary example of media addiction. 

     So yes, the book was long but I would still recommend it for fans of thrillers and light paranormal elements. I gave it 4 stars as I was personally not so much into the paranormal part, but 100% hooked while reading it anyway. The book releases 10/22 so check it out if it sounds up your alley!!!

https://onenursereader.wixsite.com/onereadingnurse-1/post/ghoster-by-jason-

Ghoster is a fun and creepy read for the month of October. Kate has been "ghosted" by her boyfriend, Scott. At least that's how it initially appears. But then strange things start to happen and she finds clues which indicate maybe everything isn't as she originally thought. Throughout much of the book you aren't quite sure who is to blame. Whether or not there is a human villain, a supernatural force or a combination of the two responsible for the shady events taking place. Intertwined within the mysterious vibe of this story is a message about our modern day obsession with social media and the various addictions that technology can enable.

This book may not be for everyone, but I definitely enjoyed its unique and spooky plot. Kudos to Jason Arnopp for his creativity.

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have been looking forward to reading Arnopp's second novel ever since finishing his impressive debut novel. I had some high expectations - and I really did enjoy this one! There are a few genuinely creepy moments that gave me the chills. The book really grips you from the get-go, too. Kate is due to move from Leeds in with her boyfriend in Brighton. But, in the 24 hours leading up to her move, Scott suddenly stops responding to her texts and phone calls. Committed to the move, and hoping nothing bad has happened, Kate moves forward and discovers Scott's apartment is empty. The only thing left behind, almost like an afterthought, is Scott's smartphone.

From there, the mystery gets weirder and weirder as Kate tries to use Scott's phone to puzzle out the truth. Along the way, the body count rises into a story filled with ghosts and a surprising amount about the horrors of addictions. It's definitely a horror novel, but one that has a firm grounding in reality while being genuinely thought-provoking. It's easy to become as addicted as Kate is in trying to uncover just what happened to Scott. I read the bulk of this in one sitting. The multi-media aspect and the bad and forth through time all works very well to make this a genuine page-turner. I really liked this one - although, I think that I still enjoyed this first book the most, I did like this, .If you take a step back from the storyline, there are some sillier parts to it, as well as some downright depressing parts, but it's a modern and yet still traditional horror novel that moves at a very fast-pace, delivers genuine chills and realistic characters, I really can't wait to see what his third novel will bring!

I had mixed feelings up to a point about this book. At first, I found some of the snarkiness running through Kate's head a bit of a distraction form the thriller/horror aspect of the story and it annoyed me. However, the more I read, the more I found myself truly laughing out loud at times at Kate's internal dialogue. So Jason Arnopp won me over! There were times when I felt a bit like I was drowning in pop culture references and tech talk, but I realize that that was at least in part the point. What struck me was how difficult it was for me to put down the book, becoming rather addicted to this book about addictions. And for all the times I found myself thinking, "Why don't you leave the apartment?!" "Why don't you____?" I realized how judgmental we can be about the habits and addictions of others while we make allowances for our own.

Mr. Arnopp did a stellar job of painting a picture reflecting how so many of us waste precious time and resources on things that are fluff while the important things we tend to gloss over with an I'll-get-around-to-it attitude. We create our own hell and call it contentment. Well done, Mr. Arnopp.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this galley copy.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC of this book. I ended up not caring much for this story. The characters were not likable at all. The storyline just bored me senseless. Sorry to say, not recommended.

This horror thriller felt like reading an episode of the Black Mirror. Dark, smart and twisted, this novel hit so many of the notes that I love in that tv show. At its core, this novel explores our culture’s obsession with social media and the ways that those tools shape our lives.

With this focus on technology and social media, Ghoster felt like an ultra modern horror story. The book is saturated with references to Tinder, Instagram, What’s App and all the other forms of digital connectedness. Between the chapters, there were text message conversations between the main character and her best friend. I often do not enjoy reading these kinds of sections, but in this case, I felt that they fit well with the narrative style of the book.

The story starts out strong with a snarky tone that pulled me right into the narrative. While this is a fairly serious horror novel, there is quite a bit of tongue and cheek humour sprinkled throughout the narrative. To be clear, this novel is very adult. As a story about dating, the narrative revolves around topics from sexting to erections. The story is not overly dirty, but it is certainly mature with a healthy dose of f-bombs. I personally love a story that is decidedly written for an adult audience and does not shy away from these mature topics.

In terms of structure, this novel is constructed like a thriller. The narrative shifts between the past and present, as the full relationship history is slowly revealed to the reader. Yet, this book is horror at its core with the story eventually dipping into the realm of speculative fiction.

The novel clocks in just under five hundred pages and it did feel a bit longer than necessary. There was a lot of relationship talk in this middle section, which could have been cut down. When the novel finally shifted from thriller to horror, I found the transition to be a bit disjointed and disorientating. Yet, I did like the ending for most part. I had a feeling that the story would end that way, but I did not mind seeing my prediction come true.

Personally, I really enjoy this new emerging subgenre of horror that infuses modern technology into horror stories. I find it refreshing to read since horror stories are notorious for avoiding technology at all costs. The failure of technology has become an overused trope in the genre. However, the challenge of these modern narratives is that it can be difficult to make these stories feel atmospheric. This was the case here. The novel managed to be suspenseful in places, but I never found it scary or even creepy. Certainly, I do not need a book to be scary in order to enjoy it, but it would have added to the reading experience.

Overall, I would recommend this one to anyone who is looking for a fun, twisted thriller with a modern approach to the horror genre.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Orbit Books.

Ghoster is a book that you will either like or dislike. It is a strange book and is somewhat drawn out. I myself am torn and can say I enjoyed the horror parts but could pass on most of the other parts.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. Kate thought she was starting a new life with the love of her life till he disappeared. This is the premise of the book and while it took some supernatural turns the author stuck to this plot. In some ways I liked the book and the not knowing what was going on but in other ways if left me disappointed with the weird ending. The writing and setting were nice and it was an easy to read book. It felt a lot like a story from Black Mirror and of I had realized this going in I may have enjoyed it more but I was expecting a different story line and therefore was left disappointed. For some people this maybe a wonderful book just not for me.

Unfortunately, as much a I tried, I could not get into this book. Had a really difficult time with the writing style. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Kate quits her job and moves to a new city to live with her boyfriend Scott. When she gets to the apartment all of the furniture is gone and no word from Scott. She finds Scott's cell phone and starts looking into his past.
This book started out like a chick lit but half way in it turned dark.

Kate has met the perfect guy… Scott is witty, fun, and beautiful. They can sit together and not even say a word, and she will be happy forever. Yet, when she drops her life in Leeds to move in with him, poof, he’s gone. Without communication for 24 hours. No texts. No calls. She’s made her way down to Brighton with the movers just a few hours behind her. But his apartment is empty. What’s happened?

The narrative evolves several times as Kate’s character becomes drawn deeper into the obsession to find out where Scott Palmer has gone. It is revealed that she has an addiction to her smartphone and has abstained for several months. But the desire comes back when she finds Scott’s phone. Ghoster is a contemplation on modern courting, the screens we place in front of us, and our deep need for connection.

I describe this book as a horror-thriller because there as some aspects of the supernatural that creep into the dark atmosphere Arnopp draws. Did this element cause to maybe suspend my disbelief a bit more than I would in straight thriller? Yes, I sat back and enjoyed much of the book because I was ok with the jumps the author was making from time to time.

But one thing I couldn’t stop is wanting step into the pages and get in Kate’s face. She is as frustrating a character as they come. I definitely think there are people out there in our big world like this. They see a goal in front of them and take countless missteps over and through others, and themselves, to try to get there. She’s mindful and at times uses the skills to step back and acknowledge the craving and bad choices she makes, but will that be enough to help her get through this situation?

Although the book slowed a bit in the middle, I really liked the opening where Arnopp switches back and forth between the courtship stage of the relationship and what happens after Kate shows up to the empty apartment. And the last 25% of the book is lightning fast. So many things happening and threads crossing, it’s great!

A good thrill ride that made me think about my own click, swipe, and like habits… In Arnopp’s Ghoster, dopamine kills!

4 out of 5 stars.

Thank you to Orbit books and the author for an advanced copy for review.

Ghoster is a compelling thriller with impeccable writing, hard-hitting reality checks and a terrifying mystery that’s way too close to today’s society. It had a science fiction feel with heavy doses of emotion and mystery throughout. At times the story did seem to take a backseat for the main character’s (MC) own narration of the events as they unfolded which made the story have a slow start. But all that being said this was an interesting and original new concept for this genre and I liked the spin on social media here. It made the plot less inconceivable and only made it that much scarier. I think many of us can relate to one or more themes in this novel and that will make this novel successful. I definitely recommend this book for anyone who likes a story with unforeseen twists, anyone who likes mysteries that have a tech edge or for people who enjoy snappy and emotional characters.

I want to thank Netgalley and the publishers at Orbit Books for the chance to review an early copy of this book.

“I fell in love with not being alone.”

You’ll find something to like in Ghoster and one more really great quality is how each character is flawed. No one by any means is perfect in here and that propelled Arnopp’s writing even further making their feelings and emotions easy for the reader to feel and sympathize. Raw emotions are running high and tense in Ghoster and the plot only forces them to solve life’s many problems. Tragedy and sadness await, so prepare yourself.

“That’s absolutely fair enough,’ I say, cursing these rather stiff words. Then I move in for an air-kiss and wince as I make the exaggerated Mwah! Sound. Jesus! Definitely bedtime for me.”

It has a conversational and entertaining narrative brought to you by the MC Kate and she is hilariously self-deprecating. Even with the British slang I found myself laughing my ass off more than a few times throughout. She’s so relatable and she thinks like a real person would. She asks all the questions that usually leave us hoarse after yelling at the tv in frustration. She’s rational and despite overthinking at times, I valued her approach in finding her missing boyfriend. This did make the story heavier in terms of narration and at times I think it wasn’t all needed but I don’t think the story suffered too much. Arnopp fixed it with all his twists and turns that will definitely leave your head spinning and potentially have you stuttering in shock wondering what just happened. I know I had a few of those moments, not going to lie haha. Kate’s relationship with her brain in an effort to show us her thoughts was brilliant and acted much like the typical angel and devil confliction commentary used a lot in television.

This is definitely an adult thriller/mystery novel and is not suited for anyone under 18. There are references to sex, addiction and foul language. It is not one or two scenes either so if any of this is not your cup of tea I would suggest looking for a different book. This is so much more than a thriller and it does deal with some very heavy, real life struggles. Like I said the emotions are very raw and for most characters they are coming from a place of instability and find their strength through the plot. The story forces them to deal with the ugly sides of life that can be too close to many people’s real lives as well. So be warned there can be multiple triggers in here. Its descriptive! The MC is also a paramedic so there are scenes with blood and gore.

I absolutely loved the use of text message between Kate and her best friend, Izzy. It helped show the MC telling someone about everything that’s happened without reiterating the events leading up to her discovery which created no daunting overlap to read. It served as a creative and realistic outlet for the MC to vent and gain support. It was brilliant! And helped ease up on heavy scenes of description and dialogue.

“Still on the toilet, she says, ‘So what’s the latest? And what’s going on? I can only tell so much from texts. I’ve really wanted to look you in the eye and make sure you haven’t gone mental.”

I love Izzy. She’s the charming and blunt best friend with the best dialogue like this one. She was incredibly refreshing and balanced Kate’s turmoil.

“Rage makes a statue of me. My hands are stone gargoyle claws. Can’t move, can’t make a sound.”

I LOVED this quote! Such a great example of Arnopp’s talent. This is an original thought written and executed with perfection. It’s got emotion! Bravo!

At one point there was a scene with a band called, ‘The Shit Monkeys’ and I don’t know if they’re real or imagined but it was a great addition and worked seamlessly with this new British mystery! The name sounds undignified and outrageous but I think that’s why it worked so well because it captured a rough, gritty edge to this story. Plus it just seemed very British to me. A great atmospheric nugget!

I love the access into Scott’s thoughts through his Trooself journal. It gave a voice to a character whose very essence remains a mystery and this was the perfect gateway to incorporate this missing piece into the story. Bloody brilliant!

I could never guess what was going to happen and for any mystery/thriller isn’t that the goal? To keep readers on their toes and to keep them guessing? Well Ghoster is one that you will never see what’s coming but once you finish, you will definitely be satisfied. The entire plot is explained and comes full circle to complete an idea. No loose ends. No questions unanswered. I’m not saying that the ending is a happy one, only that its one that makes a complete story. It’s what you call an open ended story with the potential of more.

Overall, this was a great book! A little sci-fi, some suspense and a plot that will keep you guessing until the very end! And prepare for a certain amount of tragedy. I can’t give you any more than that without spoiling.

I will leave you with one of the best lines of pop culture reference I’ve seen in a while.

“Fuck you, Gandalf. My quest ain’t over yet.”

Hilarious and unexpected for the genre but appreciated all the same.

Thank you Netgalley and Orbit for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. It was good to kick off my October horror and mystery reads with this British supernatural story!

Synopsis

Kate Collins is excited and ready to move in with her boyfriend Scott, even if means relocating 300 miles away from her friends and life.

That is, if he will answer his phone.

When Kate arrives at their apartment in Brighton, she finds it entirely empty. No Scott, and all of his stuff is gone. The power has even been cut off.

And then she finds that he’s left his cell phone.

Kate knows she shouldn’t look through his phone, but she has to know what is going on and where Scott went. But then she starts getting strange phone calls with weird static marks and deep scratch marks on the door frame. And she just cannot shake the feeling she’s being watched.

Rants, Raves, and Reviews

This is a weird book! I definitely couldn’t put it down, and at its base level I enjoyed it. It is a slow burn mystery — Scott has ghsoted Kate, and as the reader we also want to know why. This book alternates back and forth between present day and the past, seeing how Kate and Scott’s relationship started. It is an interesting set up as the flashbacks are supposed to be Kate actually remembering the moments — her originally seeing Scott on Tinder, then at a technology detox retreat. They’re occasionally short and fractured, which makes it work better?

And yes, they meet at a technology detox. Kate has gone back to a Nokia pre-smart phone, phone after something horrible happens. She’s trying to fight her addiction to social media, to the point that she’s not checked her email even. In some ways, I understand Kate. I do sanity checks occasionally. I mute people on facebook, unfollow people, even block if I need to, in order to keep from obsessively checking on something.
I think it’s something many readers can relate to.

That being said, I think the actual horrible accident is a bit down played? There’s a good bit of build up to it, and later you kind of get a better feel about how bad it is, but when Kate actually admits what she did, I think I actually said “that’s it?” out loud. I think it’s just not detailed enough, or something…. I’m not sure. But basically, I think the book suffers a bit from not showing enough of Kate’s actual addiction. Most of the flashbacks are post Scott. There’s not even a lot of discussion of Kate wanting ot check Scott’s social media while they’re doing the long distance dating.

The actual mystery of where the heck is Scott is great though. Is he a terrible dude who played the long game con? Did he freak out and run at the last minute? Or has something happened to him? And as the book goes on, is he a killer?

Kate chooses to stay in Scott’s gorgeous apartment, despite the weird vibe and there not being any power. Honestly, the apartment creeped me out the most. WHO stays in an apartment that you can’t turn a light on in? No joke, there is always a light on in my apartment, whether it’s just the tv or the hallway light. Part of it is that I am too klutzy to wonder around in the dark. But if being honest, the dark is an oppressive force that I’m never not going to fear a little bit. I just kept wanting to yell at Kate to get out!

Final Thoughts

Overall I think anyone looking for a quick and an addictive read, they’ll enjoy this book. I think the topic of addiction to social media and phones is a bit overdone in this day and age, but this book takes a fresh look at it. It takes a moment to go from feeling like a book about a woman dating to a horror book, but give it some time!

Ghoster by Jason Arnopp was a book I really liked for the first quarter. Kate meets Scott on a social media detox retreat, and they start a relationship. Things seem to be going well, and Kate and Scott are due to move in together. The day this is due to happen, Scott disappears. Kate is left with an empty apartment where she finds Scott's phone. She's sworn off social media due to her addiction, but she also knows this could have the answers of why she's been seemingly ghosted. So, that sounds like an intriguing premise, right? Well, that's where the focus starts. Then, the book just went all kind of directions, and it just didn't gel with me at all. I found myself doing lots of "Wait, what" and "Really?!? REALLY?!?!" as I read. I found I was then reading not so much because I was captivated, but I just wanted some resolution, and that took a minute given this one was nearly 500 pages. The premise of this one was really intriguing to me, but what actually went down was just so far from what I was hoping to get out of reading. Thanks to NetGalley for the early look in exchange for my (always) honest review.

Here’s a novel that’s relatable to anyone who pretty much lives online. However it’s drawn out and based on other reviews, people ghosted on this book.

I’ve received an ARC from Netgalley and it’s publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own and are completely unbiased.

I really wish I could have went against the census and thoroughly enjoyed this book- I didn’t dislike it however, it was just something I could dive into and get lost. it absolutely had its suspenseful moments and twists. I still say it deserves credit and 3.5 stars rounded to a 4. In saying it’s not my favourite kind of read, simply means that there are other readers who would devour this book!!
Thank you Netgalley, the author and it’s publisher.

3-3.5 stars

If you can suspend your need for credibility in a believable plot, this story was a lot of fun. I'll admit I've never been a part of the online dating scene, as my husband and I started dating before that really took off, but it still fascinates me to no end. The real driving factor to this tale is the question of whether Kate is being subjected to some sort of vila prank, or whether a supernatural entity is at work. I won't tell you which it is, but I found myself shocked by the ending. After thinking it over a bit, I'm happy with the abrupt closure; it's a thinker, and a disturbing read that is being released just in time for Halloween. Cautiously recommended to the reader looking for an irreverent, sometimes comedic, romp.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.


I ended up dnfing this book, I couldn't get into the story. The writing was very bland in my opinion. The characters were one dimensional.

I think this was just a book not for me, I'm sure other people will enjoy it.