Book Review | Ghostwritten by Ronald Malfi

A cursed novel drives people to their deaths. A delivery job turns deadly for two brothers. A lonely child has dangerous control over an unusual pop-up book. A choose-your-own adventure game spirals into an uncanny reality. Four stories in a shared universe where the horror lies in the pages.

“Don’t say it. Don’t say it. It’ll hear you.”

“The… book? The book will hear me?”

“You,” he said. “Me. Everyone. Anyone.” He lowered his voice and said, “It listens.”

Ghostwritten is a collection of four chilling novellas in the same universe, all revolving around peculiar books. Yes, books are cursed here! I thought the stories are brilliantly constructed, the characters stand out and the visuals are memorable. After the devastating Come With Me, the author goes on a more fun journey that is still emotionally resonant. I can see each one being an episode of The Twilight Zone in its uncanny explorations.

In The Skin of Her Teeth, screenwriter McElroy is adapting a book to the screen. But he encounters a terrifying hurdle. His agent Gloria tries to help, but the book seems to have a mind of its own. This is a pulpy, witchy read that is set in the world of publishing and movie-making.

Two brothers are tasked by their mob boss to deliver a book in The Dark Brothers’ Last Ride. There are strict rules to follow, but one of them goes rogue. Their road trip turns into a surreal nightmare that challenges the idea of our universe. Great characters and a mind-bending ending make this a fantastic literary journey.

Ten-year-old Olo is smart, creative, and a little strange. In This Book Belongs to Olo, he invites the neighborhood kids to his birthday party at home. But it’s clear he has other plans involving his very special book, and no one is safe. A sad, brilliant story about the horrors of neglect and privilege from the eyes of a disturbing child.

Grady is shocked when his friend Taryn is found dead in The Story. He feels worse when he sees the confusing state of her house which is filled with inexplicable writings. He’s soon pulled into a dizzying choose-your-own-adventure story with terrible consequences. A perplexing tale that brims with atmosphere and surprising twists.

Ghostwritten is perfect for lovers of books and horror. Recommended for a spooky Halloween read!

I received a copy from the publisher and Netgalley for review purposes.

About the author: Ronald Malfi

Photo by Ioann-Mark Kuznietsov