In the beginning of The Neverending Story movie, the bookseller tells Bastian that the books he reads are safe. The books you’ll encounter in the four novellas that comprise Ghostwritten are most certainly not safe.

The Skin of Her Teeth

Gloria’s client, Davis McElroy, has been adapting a bestseller into a screenplay. He’s usually reliable but he’s missed his deadline and it’s up to Gloria to salvage the deal. This book doesn’t like change.

‘“The simplest thing,” Finter said, “is to give it what it wants.”’

The Dark Brothers’ Last Ride

Danny and Tommy Drake have been hired to deliver a package. There are specific rules they need to follow:

• Don’t open the briefcase.
• Don’t touch the contents of the briefcase.
• Follow the route that has been mapped out by the client to get to the drop off location.
• Ignore anyone who asks to see the book.

The rules are very important. This book is out of this world.

‘“How can a book be dangerous?”
“Because they contain all the powers of the universe.”’

This Book Belongs to Olo

Olo is having a birthday. He will be ten years old. At his party there will be cake, games, prizes and surprises. This book has no words.

‘“Well, everybody knows how to play hide and seek, I think,” said the girl. “It’s just that, it’s kind of a baby game.”
“Not the way I play,” he said, then tugged the clown mask back down over his face.’

The Story

Grady is determined to figure out what story Taryn was working on when she died. This book is Choose Your Own Adventure.

‘You have been approved to read the Story.’

The four novellas have common themes but there are other connections to be found between them. Your attention to detail will be rewarded and I expect a reread will help me discover crossovers I missed the first time around.

It’s difficult for me to choose a favourite story but I definitely had a favourite character, chronically lonely but ever enthusiastic Olo. I’m always a sucker for books about books and here I was treated to four compelling reads. This may only be my second read by this author but Ghostwritten has confirmed my suspicions that I’ve been missing out on something special. I have lots of catching up to do.

Content warnings can be found on my blog.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Titan Books for the opportunity to read this book. I’m rounding up from 4.5 stars.