Scan barcode
thebrunettebookjunkie's review against another edition
5.0
I'm currently campaigning to be the president of the Julia Heaberlin Fan Club! Vote for me;)
I found the plot of Paper Ghosts to be ridiculously exciting. So much so that every time I fell asleep after reading it before bed, I dreamt vividly of the characters. I mean, what's more exciting yet anxiety inducing than a road trip with a suspected serial killer. Well, that's what our main character finds herself doing as she's pinpointed Carl, an acquited, maybe serial killer with dementia, as the man responsible for her sister's disappearance and probable murder, years ago. However, Carl has a list of demands and he's brought along a few passengers only he can see. Will she be able to untangle his mind and find answers once and for all or has Carl been playing her all along?
Witty writing, intense storytelling, characters that feel real, mixed with a little bit of dark and twisty puts Paper Ghosts ahead of other thrillers but on par for Julia's other books. I felt like I was reading the plot for a really bizarre ID Channel show. Woman goes on a road trip with an aging and befuddled serial killer in search of answers to her sister's long ago disappearance. I mean, with a tagline like that, who wouldn't watch ... Or read. So do it! You won't be disappointed.
I found the plot of Paper Ghosts to be ridiculously exciting. So much so that every time I fell asleep after reading it before bed, I dreamt vividly of the characters. I mean, what's more exciting yet anxiety inducing than a road trip with a suspected serial killer. Well, that's what our main character finds herself doing as she's pinpointed Carl, an acquited, maybe serial killer with dementia, as the man responsible for her sister's disappearance and probable murder, years ago. However, Carl has a list of demands and he's brought along a few passengers only he can see. Will she be able to untangle his mind and find answers once and for all or has Carl been playing her all along?
Witty writing, intense storytelling, characters that feel real, mixed with a little bit of dark and twisty puts Paper Ghosts ahead of other thrillers but on par for Julia's other books. I felt like I was reading the plot for a really bizarre ID Channel show. Woman goes on a road trip with an aging and befuddled serial killer in search of answers to her sister's long ago disappearance. I mean, with a tagline like that, who wouldn't watch ... Or read. So do it! You won't be disappointed.
booklovewithmelanie's review against another edition
4.0
The premise of this book hooked me from the beginning. Loved the introduction of Barfly, it made our narrator develop deeper feelings for everything (and everyone) around her. The pictures throughout the book are lovely and eerie at the same time. I absolutely loved the way it ended and was pieced together of what and who she became in life because of all of this.
Thank you to Random House publishing -Ballantine books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Random House publishing -Ballantine books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
shkrueger1's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
mfrabbiele's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
"Rachel always said she wouldn't marry anyone without good teeth or a six pack. My dad teased her that she'd never get married. I'm sure he regretted that." p. 151
I loved where this story was going after two chapters. While the writing took some getting used to, the short chapters kept me both energized and engaged.
It doesn't end how you think it will!
I loved where this story was going after two chapters. While the writing took some getting used to, the short chapters kept me both energized and engaged.
It doesn't end how you think it will!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Blood, and Dementia
ashlyreadsevrythg's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
kilosmom7's review against another edition
5.0
okay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
this took so many twists and turns i was BAFFLED by the ending.
I really cannot even put into words how much i enjoyed this read. Quick. something i seriously HAD to finish.
The story was very suspenseful, and while there were times that i really didn't think the author stayed on topic - IT ALL CAME BACK AROUND! full circle. tied up pretty with a bow.
I especially liked the way Carl helped Grace in the end. in more than one way!
this took so many twists and turns i was BAFFLED by the ending.
I really cannot even put into words how much i enjoyed this read. Quick. something i seriously HAD to finish.
The story was very suspenseful, and while there were times that i really didn't think the author stayed on topic - IT ALL CAME BACK AROUND! full circle. tied up pretty with a bow.
I especially liked the way Carl helped Grace in the end. in more than one way!
emswantree's review against another edition
4.0
This book was not what I thought it would be so in the middle I got a little frustrated. But then I adjusted my expectations and I really ended up liking this book which is weird to say. To explain I think this book was marketed as a thriller/ who done it but this book is more of a journey. Mainly focusing on a woman whose sister disappeared years before and how that loss has been the defining and shaping force in her life. The rest is her taking a road trip with the old guy that she thinks killed her sister. There are answers in this book but really the answers end up not being the most important part. Instead the book really looks at how grief and wanting truth or justice can consume us to the point where we will break ourselves.
The relationships in this book are unique and interesting and the writer is extremely insightful. And I loved the animals ♥️
The relationships in this book are unique and interesting and the writer is extremely insightful. And I loved the animals ♥️
sus7's review against another edition
4.0
A death wish or a brave wish? Sometimes I didn't know which of these two characters was crazier.
Complex characters, roller coaster plot and very satisfactory ending.
I thought this book was very well written and look forward to reading more by this author.
Complex characters, roller coaster plot and very satisfactory ending.
I thought this book was very well written and look forward to reading more by this author.