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!

3 people found this helpful

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.

2 people found this helpful

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.

1 person found this helpful

Really Good!

What did you love best about Ghost?

Super good story with a unique idea that kept me on the edge of my seat

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Totally! I was guessing until the end

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

Really good reading, good emotion.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There were quite a few...I honestly can't pick just one.

1 person found this helpful

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

2 people found this helpful

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.

2 people found this helpful

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.

3 people found this helpful

Good Adult story

I love Wayne’s books I read them as a young girl through junior high and fell instantly in love. A few years ago I found out he was getting this published and got so excited and then realized how mature themed it was. So decided to stick to the stuff that came out at that point. This was a wonderful story and touching in many ways like he always does write.

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.

Exciting supernatural adventure

Loosely based on Christian cosmology Wayne Thomas Batson writes a compelling supernatural adventure. Batson does an excellentjob of not reaviling too much too soon and keeps you hooked throughout the adventure.

Warnings: Not for children. Some possible trigger warnings regarding abussive situations (physical, mental, verbal) as well as hostage (kidnapping, trafficking) situations are depicted.