A review by ristretto
BestGhost by C.J. Daley

dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

BestGhost follows some young ghost investigators as they encounter more than they bargained for in a well known haunted house in the town of Cemetery. It definitely delivers a spooky atmosphere and is a fun concept. But it’s very straight forward and there is not much to offer in terms of something unique or an interesting twist. I feel like this could have benefited from being a bit longer exploring more of the characters or the house and its history. 

However, in the acknowledgements it does mention that it is part of a novel centered around the town of Cemetery, and within that concept I think it probably works better. There are moments when a character, one of the members of their ghost hunting group, is mentioned and reflected upon that goes nowhere in the story but I wonder if one of the short stories in the collection centers around that character and ties the stories together. The same with the disappearance of the pizza delivery person. All in all a fun read but one that I would have liked fleshed out a bit more.

For those looking for a short spooky read this novelette delivers and would be fun for spooky season. 

Thank you very much to NetGalley and the publisher. I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.