This was a thoroughly enjoyable collection of novellas all focusing on the dangers of stories and books. I loved the way the elements from each novella would pop up in others, giving the book as a whole a solid through line linking apparently disparate elements. I thought the characters were necessarily larger than life, which made the reading experience lots of fun and overall, I had a great time with this collection. This is the second Malfi offering I have read and enjoyed and I will definitely continue exploring his work.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

A collection of four disparate novels focusing on the perils of books. You may ask: unless in a demagoguery like Nazi Germany, or a seriously skewed Dystopia like the setting of FAHRENHEIT 451, what earthly danger can a book be? Well--here's four finely tuned examples in which nothing and no one is truly safe...

Prepare for truly spine-chilling considerations as you ponder: when IS it SAFE to handle a book?

Initially I really didn't click with this, and I didn't like the first three novellas. The last one, however, I loved! So creepy and atmospheric. If it had just been that last novella I'd be giving it 4.5 stars, but as it is I have to spread the rating out over the whole book. I will read more Ronald Malfi in the future.

Huge fan of Malfi’s work and this is no different. Highly recommend. It’s the same quality as his other works and one of the best collections I’ve read

"Ghostwritten" by Ronald Malfi is a collection of four horror novellas, each exploring the sinister and deadly aspects of books, stories, manuscripts, and the power of the written word. These standalone novellas are set in a shared universe, creating a cohesive and chilling reading experience.

An excellent collection of four novellas all centred around a book.

Each of these stories was compelling and brilliantly crafted. I was immediately transported into the world of each one, in which the characters were brought to life so well by Malfi.

I’d really recommend this if you’re looking for something short and spooky. I myself will be checking out more of Malfi’s work.

True rating is a 3.5, rounded down to 3.

As much as I enjoy Malfi's writing, nothing about this collection of short stories really struck me, aside from the last one. Each story was enjoyable enough, but I didn't find any of them truly un-put-down-able. I definitely enjoyed the last story the most, but even that one is weaker than a lot of Malfi's other offerings.

All of that being said, it's not a bad read overall, and you could pick up a lot worse than this.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Ghostwritten is a collection of 4-novellas by one of the most compelling voices in Horror Fiction.

All four stories are equally compelling. They were so dark, fast-moving and creative. The fact that this particular horror quartet is all about books only elevates it.

I don't want to write more about the individual stories but suffice it to say that all of them are compulsively readable, horrifying and so so good. Creepily fantastic!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for sending a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A fantastic horror book from a modern legend of the horror story game! Always creepy and always nightmare inducing!

A very strange, creepy grouping of stories. I couldn't put it down. Not the best i have ever read, but enjoyable

Ghostwritten was such a great collection of four horror novellas. I loved how all of the stories were centered around a book. It was so interesting to see how many stories the author could come up with. They were all so unique and different.

Overall I had a really great time with this story collection. I would definitely recommend Ghostwritten to anyone who loves horror novellas.
3.5/5 Stars

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for sensing me an arc copy in exchange for my honest review.

Malfi does it again! I love his writing and this one I loved as well. It was dark and atmospheric. It made me want more!

Malfi’s writing currently has me in a chokehold, there’s a lot of emotion in each story. The way he builds his characters makes me feel as if I’ve known them my entire life. Can’t wait to grab his next work.

Reading a Ronald Malfi always feels like you are in good hands. I have enjoyed previous novels of his because of their diligent crafting and balancing of plot, creeps, and writing skill. Ghostwritten is no different. Each story is an interesting exercise and each of them make reference to the other in some way.

The first story about a book that appears to be cursed and refuses to be adapted in any way speaks to the way that many works are being consumed by media and often only used loosely. It was more an interesting idea than a great story that stuck with me. The second story is what really stood out to me in the book. A super creepy execution where two brothers are asked to carry a book along a strange path. They are followed by strange people wanting to see the book and then keep finding strange ghost towns that give off heavy Twilight Zone vibes. Many of these towns are facades and nothing in them is real, which appears to be another commentary on the film industry. The story ends up in a sort of Mad Max community.

The third story felt a bit of a switch in comparison to the first two, but still commented on facades and reality vs. perceived reality, but after the strength of the third story, it didn't feel as strong. The tone changed pretty rapidly from the second to the third story and I lost steam while reading it. I can say I didn't even get to the fourth story, but will hopefully pick it up again when the weather turns colder.

From the review in the link -

The stories get progressively more impressive and end with my favorite of the four.

This collection of 4 novellas is my first taste of this author’s work. Now I can’t wait to read more. Smart, original, atmospheric, and very creepy!

Ronald Malfi has been one of my favorite horror authors for a few years now. He really brings a special voice to the horror novel community, and Ghostwritten was no different. I loved this one, and look forward to more of his in the future.

Featuring a collection of 4 novellas, Ghostwritten has a little something for every book lover. The thread tying these all together? BOOKS! And if you are reading this review, or this book, there is a good chance you are a book lover. Not a bad place to start, Mr. Malfi!


The Skin of Her Teeth is about a screenwriter attempting to turn a well-received book into a screenplay. You know how book lovers generally loathe movie adaptations?

Of COURSE the book is always better. Well, did you ever take into account what the BOOK wants? No, you only think about yourself! Well, this book does not want to be ruined by being butchered into a screenplay. And it WILL get its way.

I believe this should be require reading in screenwriting courses at colleges everywhere.


The Dark Brothers’ Last Ride sends us for a drive with a couple of reprobates – Danny and Tommy Drake or “Dark” - who must deliver a special package for their client. And what is in the package? Drugs? Money? Guns? None of the above. It's just a book in a locked briefcase. But there are a list of strict rules that must be followed: you must turn off your GPS, follow a convoluted route drawn out on a map, ignore anyone asking about the book, and do NOT touch the book.

Danny has no trouble following the rules but his obnoxious brother just can't help himself. Too bad he never learned to follow instructions...


This Book Belongs to Olo is the story of Bartholomew, or Olo, is about to turn 10 and wants to invite the neighborhood kids to his birthday party. Problem is, Olo doesn’t go to school like the other kids. He lives in the Helix House, a big house with corkscrew-shapes throughout the home. He is a lonely kid with no friends, that is until he makes his own pop-up book of Helix House, complete with rotating staircase and locked rooms...


The Story begins with the suicide of Taryn Donaldson: friend and former co-worker of Grady Russo. Grady has lost touch with her over the previous months, but is blown away. After looking at her loft, it appears that she has lost her mind over the last few months. Notes are written everywhere, including on the walls. But how could she have changed so quickly? In several places is the ominous message:

Then Grady finds out about The Story. It is an electronic, interactive book that exists solely online. No one knows who created it, maintains it, or how long it’s been out there. It’s not for sale at any bookstore. It's not even on the dark web, but rather BEHIND the dark web. It's like a choose your adventure book for real life. When Grady receives an alert on his laptop with: “You have been approved to read the Story” and a BEGIN button, he can't help himself. Too bad he didn't listen to Taryn.


These were all really good. My faves were The Skin of Her Teeth as well as This Book Belongs to Olo, but they were all fun reads. Looks like another Malfi win!

Another genuinely superb title by Ronald Malfi. Four brilliant novellas, packed together with the same deft touch one can expect of the absolute master.

Here we have four captivating novellas from the strong talent of Ronald Malfi. My favorite in this collection is "This Book Belongs to Olo" which is like a dark fairy tale. The whole book was a fascinating read which I really enjoyed. I've never read a bad Malfi book!