A multi-layered story set partly in Australia and partly in the UK, with stories inside stories and lots of freaky goings-on. Hard to describe--suffice it to say, it's very suspenseful and very difficult to put down particularly in the early going. With elements of suspense, Gothic horror, mystery, and fantasy, I selected it as my 'spooky read' for October 2006. It wasn’t what I'd call out-and-out 'scary' but definitely a bit spooky and an inspirer of weird dreams. I can see it being made into a very suspenseful movie if done right!

While it was compelling, at the same time, there were moments when I felt the story bogged down and just got too convoluted especially towards the end--despite that, I had pretty much figured out the thing way before the end so it wasn't a huge surprise. I thought the main character was--I don't know. A bit of a dip? Way too gullible to be believed? But still, very inventive storytelling and enjoyable nonetheless.

A fairly gripping plot about a man who has had a penpal since childhood, whom he has never met, but with whom he has fallen in love. There is some mysterious connection between the penpal and other aspects of the main character's life; the secrets are revealed as the book goes on. Reminded me a bit of "Shadow of the Wind." The final reveal is a bit predictable and therefore disappointing, but on the whole a good read.

Gerard, a lonely boy living in Australia, begins a life-long relationship with a penpal when he is thirteen. However, his penpal, a beautiful girl named Alice, refuses to send him pictures or to meet him even after years of correspondence. His schizophrenic mother does not want Gerard to have a penpal. Does this have something to do with her mysterious life before coming to Australia and some strange pictures and ghost stories that Gerard found in her room?

This book was very interesting. Not only do you get the story of Gerard, but the author also intersperses three Victorian-style ghost stories in the book. These stories (which Gerard discovers were written by his aunt) give clues to the greater mystery of his his mother's earlier life. The end was a little difficult to follow, but in all a creepy story worthy of a read!

I read Harwoods, debut novel, "The Ghost Writer" based on an "If you liked" recommendation after reading "The Thirteenth Tale" and overall was not disappointed. Harwood has ingeniously created three subplots in one book: first, the tale of the protagonist, Gerard, a lonely young man and his quest to unravel the mysterious past of his mentally unstable mother, Phyllis. Gerard relocates to England hoping to find her childhood home and piece together the events that unraveled her relationship with her older sister, Anne.

The second story within the book, revolves around Gerard's grandmother, an aspiring author who wrote ghost stories. Gerard discovers her stories hidden in his mother's room and at her childhood home in England. These tales are satisfyingly creepy, mysterious, and intriguing.

In the third story, Gerard has corresponded with a pen-pal, Alice, for over a decade and fallen in love even though they have never met. Besides investigating his family's history, Gerard hopes to meet Alice with the hopes of having their long-distance relationship change into one more romantic and physical.

Gerard is mousey, bookish, and emotionally withdrawn, much like Margaret in The Thirteenth Tale, which creates such a sharp contrast when compared to other flamboyant, creepier characters. I also agree with other reviewers comments that the ending Hardwood wrote has it's faults: a bit awkward, confusing, and ultimately, not that surprising.

If any of the creepiness of The Thirteenth Tale had the hair on the back of your neck standing up, The Ghost Writer offers much more. This book offers you suspense, paranoia, fantasy, unrequited love, deceit and murder. For a gothic horror read, I was not disappointed.

A young man compulsively searches for the truth about his emotionally remote mother and falls in love with a mysterious "pen friend."

The best ghost story I've read in about 20 years. Totally original plot that really keeps you guessing until the end. If you're a fan of old fashioned ghost stories without blood, gore, dismembered bodies, etc., you'll enjoy this immensely.

Indeed this is a ghost story. It's also a mystery, a thriller and a tale of family love/hate/secrets. Very well written

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As a college student I find myself craving some one-on-one me time. This book was a great way to indulge myself. It is suspenseful without being cheesy and with a plot that wasn't too easy to figure out, this book is, as they say, a thrilling page-tuner.

Fun and fast paced with twists.

Literary mystery - Australian author

Stories within stories keep the reader guessing.

Very well written. A really good ghost story. It will keep you guessing.

Really started out good and creepy. I thought the ending was a let down, though.

Interesting storyline and the characters were intriguing. I did think, however, that the story dragged on a little longish and the ending left me feeling let down. Guessed part of the plot about 60 or 70% through but some of it was a surprise. That said, it was still an enjoyable, intriguing read.

An interesting book. I wish I would have read it quickly, in a few days!

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