Ghostwriter

When newly widowed thriller author Dennis Shore is stricken by paralyzing writer's block, he publishes a stolen manuscript in a desperate attempt to meet his deadline. But soon harassment from the true author---Cillian Reed---turns violent. The horror Dennis has spent years writing about has arrived on his doorstep---and he has nowhere to run! 272 pages, softcover from Faithwords.

For years Dennis Shore has thrilled readers with his spooky bestselling novels. Now a widower, Dennis is finally alone in his house, his daughter attending college out of state. When he's stricken by a paralyzing case of writer's block and a looming deadline, Dennis becomes desperate. Against better judgment, he claims someone else's writing as his own, accepting undeserved accolades for the stolen work. He thinks he's gotten away with it . . . until he's greeted by a young man named Cillian Reed--the true author of the stolen manuscript.
What begins as a minor case of harassment quickly spirals out of control. As Cillian's threats escalate, Dennis finds himself on the brink of losing his career, his sanity, and even his life. The horror he's spent years writing about has arrived on his doorstep, and Dennis has nowhere to run.

Born in Knoxville, TN, Travis Thrasher knew in third grade he wanted to be a writer and wrote his first novel in ninth grade. Tyndale House Publishers signed his first novel, The Promise Remains, which released in 2000. This is Travis's eleventh published novel. He and his wife, Sharon, live with their daughter in Chicago, IL.

[Warning: some spoilers in this review.] Ghostwriter has an amazingly different twist when Dennis Shore, a horror writer, comes down with a case of writer’s block after his wife dies and his daughter goes to college. With his agent asking him about the new novel he’s supposed to be writing, Dennis makes the bad decision to plagiarize the work of an unknown writer named Cillian Reed. After being warned that his new novel cannot be published because it is actually the true story of a young girl who appears to have been raped, Shore’s life turns into pages from his own horror novels. In the end, pain is felt, but lessons are learned.

At times, the book goes into a flashback that shows the relationship Dennis had with his wife. They had a strong one, but she believed in heaven, hell, and Christ, and he didn’t. The flashbacks show the tug-of-war between the two and their beliefs. Shore and his daughter, Audrey, also have a close relationship, even though she has beliefs like her mom. Shore’s neighbors are mentioned, because they play a key role in this horror story. For instance, Bob, his neighbor’s son, has become Cillian’s friend, and shows Cillian how things are done by letting him tag along and even help in murdering people. This way, Cillian will know how to write about these grisly matters, because, as mentioned earlier, he is an aspiring horror novelist himself.

But, Cillian Reed, the man who has been turning Dennis Shore’s life into one horror novel after another, is supposedly dead. He was chopped to pieces one night after failing to murder a young woman he and Bob had brought home. Only in the middle of the book does Shore figure out that Cillian Reed is dead and the events taking place are from his horror novels. As he tries to figure out a way to stop Cillian (dead or alive), things escalate to where his daughter is in danger.

Shore is a man who wants to control everything. He wants to protect everyone and direct his and their lives. This is why he writes his horror novels. He can control what happens in the novels, when he can’t control the bad things that happen in his own life. Dennis struggles with his faith versus his wife’s faith. He struggles with what is real in the spirit world and what is real in the natural world. One Scripture reference that might have been portrayed in this story is Mark 9:24, which says, “…help me overcome my unbelief!” Dennis struggles with believing, and the struggle is all the more evident when he is in the midst of his troubles. His wife is caring, but she gets a little frustrated with him at times. The relationships of the other characters is that of coworkers and friends, but they come off as realistic, even if secondary to the main plot focus.

I thought the book was amazing. Once I started, I couldn’t stop turning page after page. In the end, I felt satisfied. The book came to a logical conclusion with nothing lacking. I would recommend this book for anyone above the age of 18, simply because of some of the graphic content. It is a great book that touches on the subject of the spirit world, using characters that seem real, and also on the subject of faith and belief. – Mindy T. Kreilein, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com

This scary page-turner by Thrasher (Isolation) features a Stephen King–like author of bestselling horror novels who, paralyzed by writer's block and hard hit by the recent death of his wife, passes off writing sent by a fan as his own. Said fan gets upset, and all hell breaks loose. There's a deep love story between the author character and his late wife interleaved with lots of cinematically creepy scenes played out at ordinary places in upscale suburbia: a home-improvement store, restaurants, a Victorian house on the river. The deranged fan adds a plausible, ripped-from-the-headlines element that Thrasher mines for tension and depth. Horror is a great genre for examining good and evil; demons need not be metaphoric and salvation can be a natural part of the plot. Some shifting back and forth in time can be confusing, particularly at the beginning before emotional momentum is established, and allusions to Pink Floyd are just sophomoric. But those are quibbles about an emotional wallop of a book. Thrasher just keeps getting better. (May 28) Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.

"Isolation proved that Thrasher has what it takes to scare the wits out of his audience while challenging them at the same time. Ghostwriter takes Thrasher's writing to a whole new level of terror and heart. . . . Ghostwriter is the kind of gem that comes along far too seldom; displaying the kind of writing that deserves to be devoured by the masses."

"Thrasher just keeps getting better."

"Thrasher . . . demonstrates a considerable talent for the horror genre. Like Stephen King, Thrasher pits flawed but likable characters against evil forces that at first seem escapable but gradually take on a terrifying ubiquity."

"Honest . . . driven by authentic, engaging characters."

"Sky Blue entertains, it makes you think, and it makes you feel."

"Powerful and impacting. Thrasher has done it again."

"Give Thrasher credit: his debut novel, The Promise Remains, was one of the nicest surprises in CBA fiction last year, and this second offering is a notch above the first."

Average Rating:

7 of 7 Reviews Showing:

Reviewed by Denise (Indiana), January 10, 2010

This is a book that will stay on your mind long after you are finished reading. I think it's important to keep an open mind as you are reading! I could not put this book down! A wonderful illustration of overcoming evil with good, as well as God using the wicked to bring about His purposes. Evil is real, and bad things happen to us all.

Reviewed by Norma (Kansas), December 29, 2009

Very little redeeming quality about this book and isn't that what "Christian" is all about? Yes, in the final chapters Dennis changes his mind about the realities of heaven and hell, yetit was more because of his dead wife's "guidance" than from an experience with Jesus Christ. The author tip-toed around salvation. I've enjoyed many of Thrasher's books (haven't read Isolation), but this one tipped the scale. I'll not read any others. I keep going to God's Word in Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." I couldn't and wouldn't recommend this book to a friend as it doesn't meet any of the qualifications laid out in God's Word.

Reviewed by Deborah (Reston, VA), July 28, 2009

Ghostwriters are interesting characters as it's hard to imagine the thought of working hard on something and then letting another person take all the credit for it. This story manages to grab the reader from the get go, with material that pushes the edge and makes you cringe and squirm but keeps drawing you in. One thing I really did enjoy about this book was the tidbits it told about what life is like for an author. Just all the daily goingons of writing, touring, marketing, fan mail were very interesting to read and it made me wonder how many authors are struggling with these issues every day. The story builds up slowly but once it does it's like a non stop roller coaster. I've been reading other reviews and have seen that other readers have found this book too gory, very dark, and quite scary. To be honest, I didn't feel that way at all. I have read other Christian fiction books that are way more gorier than this one. In fact, compared to books I've read that have people being gored up on doors or having their skin peeled off, this book paled in that factor. I will admit the storyline is very creepy. Cillian's character is one that gets under your skin and makes you very uncomfortable due to his obsession with having Dennis tell the truth. However on the other hand Dennis is also a character that you could despise because of his actions. To me that is more the horror of the story, the fact that you get so desperate that you do anything to save someone you love, even if it means going against everything you believe in. I really enjoyed reading this book as it is a page turner and kept me on the edge of my seat. If you're in the mood for a thriller and you're looking for a new author to try, you must read this book. I'm looking forward to reading Travis' back list and whatever new he's cooking up.

Reviewed by Gina Hendrix (Greenville, SC), July 04, 2009

“Yikes” is the one word I would use to describe Travis Thrasher’s newest novel “Ghostwriter“. A supernatural thriller that goes nose to nose with any Stephen King novel I’ve read. Not a genre for squimish, but for those who enjoy a ‘thriller’ this one tops the list. The main character, Dennis Shore is living la dolce vita (the very good life). He is a best selling author with the ideal marriage. Lucy, his wife, is not only is his best friend but provides the inspiration for all his novels. Together with their teen-age daughter, Audrey, they live in a beautiful home, and have another home as well. But then, Lucy dies. Lucy was Dennis’ connection to all things good. Now that she is gone, Dennis develops paralyzing writer’s block. Success comes at a cost. Once his talent for weaving catchy phrases and memorable scenes is made known, his public demands more. As his deadline looms over him, Dennis does the unthinkable. He claims a novel, written by another, as his own. Enter Cillian Reed, the groupie type author-in-waiting that demands Dennis’ attention and the literary acclaim that Dennis is accepting as his own. As you read more and more of Cillian’s torments and tortures, Dennis descends to the place we all reach in our lives, a moment of Truth. Armed with memories of Lucy and with other gifts as well, Dennis begins to face and overcome the evil that has consumed his life. A gripping tale, with a redemption quality, this is a story you will not forget. Travis Thrasher has excelled in this genre proving that a christian can indeed create a novel work without unnecessary vulgarity or profanity. I am looking forward to more of his work.

Reviewed by Sonshine (Us), June 13, 2009

I love Travis Thrasher. I consider myself one of his biggest fans, but I have to agree with the other reviewer. This book is just too dark. We do not need all this gore and evil, descriptive details. It is just sick. I didn't even finish the book. I also felt the weighted down feeling while reading. I should have knew to trust that something was wrong. I read Isolation too, and yes it was dark. It was getting close to being on the edge for Christian fiction to me, but it was a good book. This one is just too "out there and dark" for Christian fiction. Christian authors need to be a little more careful in my opinion. I used to love gory, evil, twisted books/movies/music before getting saved. I just do not feel right partaking of those things now. Sorry Travis, you are one talented author. I love your different styles, but this one is just too over the top.

Reviewed by Michelle Sutton (AZ), June 10, 2009

I am seriously praying I don't have any nightmares after reading this story. Horror is not a genre I care to read. I should have been suspicious when the back of the book merely said "fiction" and nothing else. Hmmm... If there was any doubt in me before, this story proved my gut instinct was right on. Ghostwriter was indescribably terrifying. But that word is woefully inadequate so I'll try more on for size. Disturbing. Frightening. Horrific. Gory. Disgusting. Evil. Creepy. Ack! I couldn't stop reading this book and it scared me to death. One thing I know for sure is I'm never reading another one of Thrasher's books. This one was too much like a slasher film with bodies maimed, blundgeoned to death, cut into pieces, rotting, etc. everywhere and there were so many I lost count! Ick, ick, ick. It's like reading a Stephen King novel, only worse! I won't read those either. Interestingly enough, my oldest son (who loves Dekker) was so disturbed by Thrasher's other book, Isolation, that he refused to read this one. He said Isolation felt "dark" and he didn't feel good after reading it. He's never said this about a book before, so I was intrigued. You think I'd be smart and take his advice? Um, no. Like an idiot, what does this stupid mother do? She reads the book Ghostwriter to review anyway because the premise sounded good. And while compelled to keep reading this book, a sick sense of dread filled me the entire time and my stomach hurt. And guess what? I felt that same "ick" feeling after I finished the story. Too dark. Not redemptive enough to make it worth my time reading any more of his books. Is the guy an amazing author? You bet. He did an amazing job with this story. Do I want to put myself through that type of horror again. NO WAY! That's my review. Like it or leave it. I said my piece. It's up to you now if you want to be scared sick or not.

Reviewed by Christy Lockstein (Oconto Falls, WIsconsin), June 08, 2009

Ghostwriter by Travis Thrasher is a gut-wrenching, spine-tingling story of suspense and horror. Dennis Shore has been facing writer's block since the death of his wife over a year ago. That's trouble for any writer, but when you are the next best thing since Stephen King, it could be career ending. Dennis took the extreme step of turning in a manuscript sent to him by a fan and claiming it as his own work, and on the eve of its release, the real author, Cillian Reed, has come calling to claim what's owed him...in flesh. Congratulations Travis, you are the first author to give me a wake up gasping and shaking nightmare in a really long time! Thrasher keeps Dennis and the reader guessing as Cillian amps up the stakes in his quest for recognition. And the twists, when they start coming, are switchback curves taken at breakneck speeds. There's an unexpected depth to this novel in Thrasher's dissection of the life and work of an author. Dennis' writing helps him process personal tragedies, but when he steals someone else's work, he brings a whole new tragedy not only on himself, but on his loved ones as well. Thrasher doesn't give in to horror movie/book cliches, and the hero at the climax is very unexpected. This is definitely not a book to read late at night (like I did!). Save it for on the beach on a sunny day when you are completely surrounded by people!

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