City of Ghosts (Ghostwriters, #1)

by J.H. Moncrieff

[kimbacaffeinate]

Moncrieff delivered a compelling tale with government cover-ups, hauntings and interesting characters. When he is picked up the next day he is curious about the real story of Hensu and that of the strange woman he encountered but things quickly turn weird when the woman begins following him.

While Jackson is the main protagonist another character on the tour named Kate, is a medium. Through her, Jackson discovers he is in trouble. As Yuèhai insistence Jackson questions their tour guide. This places him in danger.

The tale that unfolds is captivating and filled with suspense, intense pursuits, and an urgency to uncover the truth. I easily slipped into the story and while occasionally it slipped into "tell" not "show" moments I was just as anxious as Jackson to learn what happened. Being American and traveling abroad added to the suspense, since the government seemed determined to thwart Jackson's efforts.

I enjoyed the setting from the descriptions of the tour to the food. I can assure you I will not be booking a similar tour anytime soon.

While this is a ghost story, and some classified it as horror, aside from a few scenes this wasn't scary and fell more in the realm of paranormal suspense. Fans of the Experiment in Terror series will liken it to the first two books by Karina Halle. It shares the same vibe. I enjoyed the nightmares and Moncrieff's descriptive voice.

The ending wrapped up nicely and it looks like  THE GIRL WHO TALKS TO GHOSTS, the next book offers a new setting and Kate as the protagonist. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer