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Ghost  By  cover art

Ghost

By: Wayne Thomas Batson
Narrated by: Brandon McKernan
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Publisher's summary

Protector and punisher…

Hunter and hunted…

Down-to-earth and otherworldly…

John Spector, aka GHOST, isn’t your ordinary investigator.

He carries a shiny badge, a billfold ID, and a mysterious silver suitcase. His mission? Seek the forgotten ones, the abandoned ones, the ones no one else can or will help. Visit blunt force trauma upon the world’s blackest souls and deny the devil his day by any means necessary. And never stop. Never.

For more than a decade, the "Smiling Jack" killer has been posting photos of his victims on the Web, daring anyone to catch him, daring anyone to care. But when no missing person files match and no victims are ever found, the FBI closes the case.

Years later, a digital camera washes up on shore, and GHOST finds it. Each macabre photo becomes a clue that will lead GHOST and FBI Special Agent Deanna Rezvani on the trail of one of the most diabolical killers of this world…or beyond.

"No one gets away with murder. Not for long."

NOTE: This audiobook is intended for mature reading audiences. The appropriate listener age is: 16+

©2013 Wayne Thomas Batson (P)2014 Wayne Thomas Batson

What listeners say about Ghost

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Get ready to meet a new kind of superhero

Some call him 'Ghost', a few call him 'Horseman', he is on assignment in Florida to find a serial killer. He carries a silver case with fantastic tools but no cell phone. His detective work is familiar to Phillip Marlowe, Sam Spade, Inspector Linley, and Kinsey Milhone, as well as the FBI and local law enforcement. But he is dramatically different from all of them. Just ask FBI Special Agent Deanna Rezvani, some crooks, and a whole lot of supernatural bad guys. See the publisher's summary for more hints. No spoilers here. I was fortunate to get this one super cheap courtesy of Book Gorilla, but it is worth real money. Excellent imagery and characterization make this a fine urban fantasy with a twist.
Brandon gives a remarkable performance with just the right touch.
Hope that there are more John Spector books coming soon!

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3 people found this helpful

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    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Anti-Abortion Urban Fantasy

Would you be willing to try another book from Wayne Thomas Batson? Why or why not?

I definitely would not be willing to listen to another book by this author.

What does Brandon McKernan bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Regardless of the subject mater I though the narrator did a wonderful job.

Any additional comments?

I don't even know where to begin. It harps endlessly on abortion and uses urban fantasy as a thin disguise.

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3 people found this helpful

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    1 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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This book has a hidden agenda

This book was clearly written to push the author’s opinions on abortion and gays. The book starts off well, but it soon starts preaching the authors clear views on abortion. I buy books to enjoy good stories, and I don't want the author pushing their points of views down my throat. It's okay if the author has an opinion, and it's okay to write a book about those opinions, but don't try and disguise your intentions.
I will be asking audible for my money back.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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I Loved This Book. Can't Wait for the Next One!

I really enjoyed this book and the audiobook just made it that much more enjoyable.

The narrator was perfect for this book!

The chemistry between John Spectre, aka Ghost aka Horseman, and FBI Special Agent Reznazi,aka Rez, was fantastic.

When a pro-choice serial killer known as Smiling Jack reappears after a four year hiatus, Ghost and Rez team up to track the killer down before he kills again. Rez's goal is to stop these killings and bring the killer to justice. Ghost, on the other hand, is seeking a more permanent and lethal end to the killer.

At first the FBI refuses to reopen the Smiling Jack case believing it to be a hoax. However, when a body turns up in Florida this time they can no longer deny that Smiling Jack is real, and they must take the case seriously if they are to catch the killer. Rez is pulled from the investigation that she started on her own time, and Ghost is threatened with federal jail time unless he backs off the case and lets the FBI handle things from here on out.

None of this stops Ghost and Rez from doing whatever they have to do to catch the killer. There are some supernatural events that slow Ghost down and make his life more difficult, but in the end Ghost overcomes all obstacles.

Brandon McKernan does a wonderful job as narrator. Only one time did I hear him mispronounce a word that I thought was a rather common word. His timing and pacing were very nearly perfect for this story. I never had a problem keeping up with who was doing the talking in any conversation. I think that I have found a new narrator to love.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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Brandon made this book come alive! Great book

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes-great story and even better audio. Brandon becomes each character.

Would you be willing to try another book from Wayne Thomas Batson? Why or why not?

Yes only if Brandon McKernan has narrated the book. He has such a easy listening sound.

Which scene was your favorite?

When I figured out that Ghost was an angel

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A very compelling story

What made the experience of listening to Ghost the most enjoyable?

The story was engaging and the narration was easy to listen to.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Ghost?

I enjoyed the story as it unfolded and secrets were revealed.

Have you listened to any of Brandon McKernan’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This was my first by Brandon McKernan

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes

Any additional comments?

I look forward to the other books in the series.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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A "page turner" that is also thought provoking

I did not read any reviews before I read this book. Wayne Batson has been one of my favorite authors since I read his "Door Within" trilogy about 10 years(?) ago. With that being said I was not expecting this story to unfold the direction it did. It has kept me on the edge of my seat as I listened to the incredible performance of the story teller, while also feeling the meaning behind Mr. Batson's message. I was not sure how the abortion angle would fit into the story at first, and I found it an interesting choice to be one of the main driving points behind the story. At times I thought it was a little bit harsh, but sometimes that is what people need to hear. I am not sure if I agree with it, but I will know for sure once I finish the last couple hours of it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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Is he a man, a monster or something more?

I recently came across this book and as a fan of Mr Benson I was quite intrigued. I’m pretty sure it was the title that caught my eye. At first, it is easy to believe this story will just be another secret agents or private detective or police procedural story but as the plot unfolds and more and more is revealed the story becomes much more than that. Of course, I will not be giving away any spoilers here but just imagine private eye and police procedural needs more supernatural elements and you have some idea of this story. The character of John Spector a.k.a. ghost is one of the most epic characters I have come across in recent memory. He is a mystery that is slowly revealed and trust me when I say the reveal is worth the wait. Plus, the narration in this book is awesome. It’s easy to follow and it feels 100% real when you are listening. I would recommend this book to anyone who was looking for a new take on the classic detective story.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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Appealing Plot

I read reviews before I started listening to this. A lot of reviewers said the author, Wayne T. Batson, was heavy-handed with his pro-life message. I disagree. That's like saying Dickens was preachy when Scrooge renounced materialism. Chapters 40-41 present some coherent arguments for women's rights. Though there is a clear call to evaluate abortion from a life-valuing viewpoint, the work is not without nuance--it's art with a message, not a club. Even pro-choice readers can enjoy this book as it will give them the opportunity to understand those who hold opposing viewpoints. The pro-life message is often censored from the media--so evaluate this author as a person of courage; he won't disappoint. The work could become a platform for thoughtful discussion.

On to the plot--I enjoyed that Ghost had human and supernatural foes; the author kept the action and pace of the story electric. I found Ghost's use of money interesting twist. At first I was annoyed with the silver case, but I grew fond of it by the end of the story. I did wish the FBI was a tad smarter.

The performance was strong, especially in the John Spector persona. Some of the accents were overdone, but not so bad as to cause cringes. He also did a great job with Smiling Jack's character--to give more detail will spoil the plot. Since I listen while doing housework, I very much appreciated Brandon McKernan's clear enunciation. I NEVER had to replay to understand what was going on.

Overall this book is a solid addition to the urban fiction genre. I'm hoping there's a book 2. I like John Spector.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

If you like urban fantasy, this is a must!

Would you listen to Ghost again? Why?

I would listen to Ghost again, and I have, multiple times. The story itself is perfectly structured, with the suspense flowing seamlessly into character revelation. The action and dialogue were of the utmost quality. I am a long time fan of urban fantasy, and this was no disappointment.

What other book might you compare Ghost to and why?

Ghost belongs alongside urban fantasy greats, especially the Dresden Files and the Iron Druid Chronicles. As a Christian, I deeply appreciated a Christian author who was unafraid to venture into dangerous territory. I read a lot of books considered evil by Christian standards, and to see a Christian author write a story like this, with incredible action and fantasy but not compromising any moral standards, was an encouragement to me.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

The narrator was the weak point of this book. His delivery felt unnatural to the tone of the book, and his voices often did not fit the characters he portrayed. To be fair, however, I listened to this after I had listened to the Dresden Files audiobooks. James Marsters is nearly incomparable as a narrator, especially in that series. So I probably had my expectations set too high.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Multiple points in this book made me laugh out loud. It is not a terribly emotional book, but neither is it straight action/fantasy with no depth. It has incredible moral points and discussions, along with incredible characters of depth and personality.

Any additional comments?

Anybody who loves urban fantasy should love this novel, and ought to give it a try. It is definitely in my library of greats, and likely to stay there. I cannot wait to read the second one, if it ever comes out.

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