Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this advance copy.

Ghostwriter was a real surprise and one I thoroughly enjoyed. It’s a slower burn mystery, but I found myself becoming more invested with every chapter as Xavier Bradshaw was drawn further into a web of secrets, lies and hidden agendas.

Xavier is such a likeable lead. His background as a writer really influences how he looks at people, and I enjoyed watching him uncover the truth by listening as much as questioning. The supporting cast are equally well drawn, and I was never completely sure who I could trust. I enjoyed the character development as much as the plot line, and the humour was refreshing.

I really liked the way the mystery unfolded. Rather than relying on constant twists, the clues are revealed gradually, making the ending feel well earned and completely satisfying.

The narration was excellent and suited the story perfectly. Each character had a distinct voice, and it was easy to become immersed in both the investigation and Xavier’s journey.

A clever, character driven mystery with an original premise and a narrator who really brought the story to life. I’d happily listen to more featuring Xavier Bradshaw.

I listened to the audiobook Xavier Bradshaw: Ghostwriter by author W.M. Leesman.

Ex-police, now journalist Xavier Bradshaw is investigating. It’s what he does. In his DNA from both careers. When a horrific murder happens in the otherwise mostly quiet Livingston, Alberta he plans to be like a dog with a bone to get the story. Partnered with a
new to the paper writer, Jessica, as yet another brutal death is discovered, they begin to see confusing similarities between these killings and decades old and forgotten murders. How to make sense of seemingly unconnected deaths? Is what seems like fiction possibly fact? Leads pointing in multiple directions…including at Xavier. Time is running out…and who remains safe is a mystery.

Dang….this was fabulous. I was all in…in record time. The narration is perfection. The multilayered characters are well developed, believable and so easy to invest in. There are secrets…everywhere! Putting the pieces of this who-done-it would seem to be a hill to climb yet the author does just that while never losing energy or suspense. His attention to detail is impressive. From a door knocker, to the sound of logs on a fire, the descriptions of the barely noticeable physical things people under stress do unconsciously. It all placed me right in the story.

I love a great gripping murder thriller with police vs reporter tension, past and present connections, strong relationships and of course…surprises. This story has them all. (And he mentions Tim Hortons twice so his taste in coffee is already a score.)

Definitely recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for providing an advanced copy. This is my voluntary and honest review.

Ghostwriter was the perfect road trip thriller novel, that held my attention from the start. The storyline was interesting about three murders that were like one's decades ago; was it the same murderer or was it a copycat? I had that light bulb, who-done-it moment only to be thrown another plot twist near the ending. I enjoyed the two main characters of X and Jessie, and Scott’s character was portrayed amazingly. This author has earned his right to my auto-read author list, and the narrator set the scene extremely well. I normally struggle with the tone and volume of male narrator’s but his was easy to listen to that held my interest throughout. Highly recommend this murder thriller novel.

I enjoyed this book a lot. Protagonist is interesting, and would definitely be a good character for a series of mysteries. Very well written and setting is unusual. I enjoyed the sections from the "killer's mind", and it did not give away who the killer was. Narration is excellent. Strongly recommend!