Thank you to NetGalley and CamCat Books for this opportunity to read rage and review this arc which will be available October 10,2023!

Would you sell your hand for a million dollars?

Well Rox would and she did as well as to ensure safety from her unhinged ex boyfriend. Desperation after losing her casino job, owing rent and having to pay her roomie back for a destroyed dress Roz agrees to do this.

Except she is having wicked bad phantom limb pain so she enrolls into an experimental drug trial which has peculiar side effects. The Phantom strangler is using her hand to murder people. Again desperation does mean you make great decisions.

I dug the story even if I wanted to yell at the top of my lungs that Roz was being stupid. It was fairly predictable but still a fun read

Thanks to NetGalley and author Helen Power for the opportunity to review Phantom. What would it take to make you willing to sell one of your hands? Roxy finds herself in a desperate need and her art just isn’t enough to keep the money flowing so when a stranger makes her an unexpected offer she can’t afford to refuse it. However she soon has debilitating phantom pain and decides she will sign up to join a experimental drug program that has some serious side effects that connect her to the person who has her donated hand—too bad he’s not a good person. I will not say more, I would hate to give up all the twists and turns that make this a good psychological thriller.

I really liked this story, but there were some parts that didn't make sense. I hope they explain them in a sequel. The ending leaves you hanging, so I hope there's more to come. There's a weird romantic part that feels unnecessary. On the other hand, it could turn into something interesting.

I don't want to spoil too much, but if you're into easy thrillers, check this out when it's out in a few months. It's a unique story. When I read the summary, I couldn't believe someone wrote something like this. I was curious because it seemed so tricky. The idea got me right away, and I liked how the author ended everything. I won't say too much since the summary tells a lot. Going in blind is best. It's a great horror novel for October. It's intense, scary, exciting, and even funny (the main character's humor is cool). It's everything I like in this type of story.

The ending is good, but the last chapter could've been smoother. "Phantom" is about Roz, an artist who's offered money to give up her hand. Things get weird from there. The story gets pretty graphic, so be careful if you're not into that. The writing, especially the talking parts, is great. You learn more about the characters as things get crazier.

The book is about a missing child, and belief is a big deal. The dad's strong belief keeps the tension high. The story gets really dark and creepy.

There are lots of surprises, but I won't ruin them. The beginning was a bit slow, but the idea kept me reading. Around 25% in, I was hooked. I couldn't stop. I'm writing this and remembering stuff, reacting strongly because it's so gripping. The best part is you can't trust the person telling the story. Roz's medicine makes her see things, and she drinks coffee and alcohol with it, which makes it worse. This makes you wonder, "What's really happening?!"

I liked the scary killer and Roz, even though she made frustrating choices. The side-romance is nice without taking over the scary part. To be clear, this is more of a thriller or suspense book, with a bit of sci-fi, not horror. That's not bad. I'm a fan of this type of book, and this one is strange and fun. It's a quick, well-rounded read. I'm giving it 4 stars because I don't love heavy sci-fi. I liked the characters and pacing and moments that made me question what's real.

This book introduced me to the author, and I want to read more. It's different and a good read. A struggling artist makes a weird deal and starts feeling weird pain. This thriller is sometimes over-the-top but keeps you interested.

I didn't like Roz, the main character. She seemed kind of shallow and didn't have much understanding. The story could be tighter, but it works. Just know the beginning is slow.

Heart pounding thriller that left me on the edge of my seat. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. Definitely one of the best books this year.

I really enjoyed this book! The characters were well developed and the story was engaging. I recommend that others try this book as well. Well done!

💎 Summary 💎
In "Phantom," broke artist Regan "Roz" Osbourne sells her left hand for a million dollars and protection from her violent ex-boyfriend. After amputation, she suffers from crippling phantom limb pain. She participates in an experimental drug trial to eliminate the pain, only for the drug to psychically connect her to the hand's new owner: The Phantom Strangler of Chicago.


🏆 What I Loved 🏆
- The plot for this book is easy to follow, and the action was paced well enough to keep my attention from chapter to chapter.
- The author did a good job of creating a protagonist that's easy to root for and is sometimes relatable despite being frustrating and snarky.
- The hallucinations Roz experiences while participating in the experimental drug trial were naturalistic. Rather than absurd visions of walls melting or yetis roaming around, Roz experiences visions of discussions and interactions that could plausibly happen, so they're not immediately recognized as hallucinations. I can only imagine how disturbing that experience is.
- The author did a great job describing Roz's initial reaction to losing her hand. From the emotions Roz felt to her struggle operating without her dominant hand, I felt like this was one of the stronger scenes in the book.


❌ What Fell Short ❌
- Prior to making the deal, it seemed like the protagonist never seriously took into consideration just how much losing her dominant hand would affect her life or how she'd explain the loss to others. I'm also surprised she didn't demand more money in exchange for it. She's determined to be a successful artist and creating her sculptures seems to be the only thing that brings her joy. Losing her dominant hand would definitely make that process more difficult. She was lowballed with that one million offer.
- It takes a few weeks for the amputation wound to heal, so I found it odd that Roz was essentially MIA for that length of time without anyone (e.g., her roommate, her ex-boyfriend, etc) looking for her or questioning her absence.


⚡️ Personal Thoughts and Opinions ⚡️
"Phantom" is the first book I've read by Helen Power, but it definitely will not be the last. What initially drew me to the book was the inclusion of phantom limbs syndrome and the reversal of the concept of a transplant donee having an unexplained connection to their donor. The author manages to touch on both topics adequately throughout the book without being hamfisted about it. I kept reading because I enjoyed the author's cheeky tone and how well she conveyed the mood of the darker scenes in the books.

I will note that the plot includes themes of dysfunctional parent-child relationships and addiction, with the latter playing a large part in how Roz's life spiraled in the story. I was initially frustrated by the poor decisions that the character kept making. However, after re-reading, her decisions make sense for a character that was struggling with alcoholism and gambling.


🙌 Thank you, NetGalley and CamCat Books, for providing a digital copy of this book to me in exchange for an honest review! 🙌

Thank you to CamCat Books, Helen Power, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review an ARC of Phantom.

Synopsis: Regan is desperate…and broke. Her art has received rejection after rejection from even the worst of galleries, and her ex-boyfriend refuses to let her go. When a mysterious stranger approaches her and offers one million dollars and to get rid of her ex in exchange for her left hand, she at first rejects him. But as things keep getting worse, she takes him up on his offer. And that is when the real danger begins. Strange sensations lead her to believe that her hand is being used by Chicago’s newest serial killer- the Phantom Strangler. But the deeper she digs, the more dangerous it becomes. Will she find the truth before it’s too late?

Review: I would rate Phantom by Helen Power 4 out of 5 stars. I loved the unreliability of the narrator and how that led to various plot twists, though some were not entirely believable. I also found the main character fairly annoying, as she tended to be overly antagonistic and self-defeating. However, the plot was very interesting and thrilling. I was on the edge of my seat trying to guess what would happen next. I think that if you like thrillers with out-of-the-blue endings, then this is the book for you. I hope Power releases more books as well, because I feel that this would be a great series.

This book releases on October 10, 2023.

𝘗𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘰𝘮 by Helen Power ✋🏻⁣
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⁣
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This book had me *𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘥* right from the beginning. Absolute perfection. So unique it just sucks you in. I cried when I finished it because I didn't want it to be over. I didn't want to lose the characters or the story I just fell in love with. ⁣
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Have you ever watched a movie and the whole thing is so dark, even if it's daylight, it's just this dark mood the whole time? Well that is exactly how I pictured this book. ⁣
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Unfortunately this book doesn't publish until October and a huge thank you to Netgalley for introducing me to one of my favorite books of the year and allowing me to read it early ❤️

I recently picked up Helen Power's book "Phantom" expecting a thrilling horror story, but unfortunately I found myself losing interest as soon as I started reading it. The premise of the book was intriguing, but the execution wasn't quite up to par.

This is a difficult one to review. The premise hooked me in and I was very excited to start reading, and yet I found I was somewhat bored whilst reading.

The start is pretty good, as is the end, but the middle was a slog. I enjoyed the twist, but I think Roz worked out what was going on with her hand way too quickly. Plus, the hallucinations complicated the plot quite significantly by the end.

A struggling young artist makes a shocking deal; her limb for a million dollars. Soon she is having Phantom Pain and the Phantom Strangler is killing again…. Coincidence or kismet?

This was an interesting thriller, a little over the top, but it mostly keeps the reader interested.

I wasn’t a fan of the character Roz, she seemed superficial and had a lack of depth and empathy. I think the plot could’ve been patched up and solidified in some areas, but overall, it works. Just be aware it’s a slowish start as well.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and CamCat Books for a copy!

I really enjoyed this book! It sucked me in from the very beginning. The twist had my jaw dropped! The timing of release is perfect for the kind of story this is! Will definitely be purchasing a physical copy.

Thanks to NetGalley & Publisher for an eARC copy of this book. Bravo!

This book was a major letdown. I loved the cover and the synopsis sounded fun. I usually let a lot slide in horror and thrillers and suspend my disbelief, but I could not with this. The author is from Canada, and there were some things that just did not make sense due to the way the American health care and legal system are set up, but I would have ignored that because of the genre. If not for the fact that Chicago is talked about sooooo wildly frequently and so inaccurately. Even then. I maybe would have given this three stars for being an interesting idea for a book with writing that I didn’t love. But there is rampant ableism, and an obvious ignorance to classism and the racism brought by classism as well as no mind paid to make effort at social correctness or empathy when it comes to mental health.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC

I was fortunate to receive this as an ARC Copy from NetGalley (Thanks to NetGalley and CamCat books for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.)

Oh boy where to start!

Well first off I feel that the genre for this book fits more in the "Thriller" or "Suspense" genre (also a smidge of "Sci-Fi" as opposed to "Horror"... totally not a bad thing. I have been obsessed with reading these types for a really long time now. I thoroughly enjoyed how strange and odd it was. I enjoyed the fact that it was a nice well rounded quick read (a couple days for me - I read fast).

I am rating it 4 stars because I did enjoy the book, however I prefer a little less Sci-Fi when reading. I loved the character and story development and speed of the story (especially good to get out of a reading slump). I also loved how there were those moments where I just had to put the book down and wonder/question myself "Did that just happen??" - in a great way!

This book was my introduction to this author and i look forward to see what else they have in store for their readers! Extremely unique, would definitely recommend as a nice read!

Not exactly horror or what I was expecting at all. I read the premise and was hoping for a bit more. I do think this may have been better if it was shorter but for now we can just say what if.

I like the story idea, but to me it felt too much sci-fi, which I usually don't like much.. If it was shorter I might have like it more, but the writing Is steller.

So, I recently got back into NetGalley, and guess what! I got auto-approved for an ARC for the first time. With that being said, here’s my thoughts (without spoilers, despite how badly I want to share EVERYTHING about this book with you all.

Initially I thought this was going to be a Phantom of the Opera retelling of sorts, and while there are some similar themes, I was super wrong. Also, pleasantly surprised with this. I was hooked from reading the synopsis because it was different than anything I’ve been reading lately and just what I needed as a palate cleanser.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. However, I did feel like there were some plot holes that hopefully get answered should this become a series. Which I hope it does, especially with how the ending is left. There’s also this weird romance that gets kind of thrown into the story that I felt was unnecessary. On the flip side of that coin thought it does have potential to become something.

Anyway, I’m trying not to give too much away but I think if you’re looking for an entry level thriller book you should pick this up when it comes out in a few months! I know I’ll be picking up a physical copy.

Everyone say “thank you NetGalley!”

Phantom by Helen Power hits the shelves October 10th 2023!

(Crossposted on Goodreads and Instagram.)

Fans of Chelsea G. Summers’ A Certain Hunger might also enjoy Helen Power’s Phantom. The narrative voice and female protagonist are markedly similar; I can see this finding an audience with readers of the unhinged-woman subgenre.

However, I found Phantom unfortunately lacking. It’s marketed as horror, but reads more as a mystery or thriller, and would do better with audiences of those genres, expecting those tropes.

Regan “Roz” Osbourne, struggling twenty-something sculptor, agrees to sell her hand for a million dollars, and at first, life is sweet. But things soon take a turn when her phantom limb pain turns out to be all too real; the previously-inactive serial killer, the Phantom Strangler, is on the loose once more, now using her amputated hand to commit their dark acts.

The concept is fun, if a little ridiculous. But rather than being the adventurous romp I was hoping for, this book reads like a series of boxes being checked. Roz needs to share the physical characteristics of the Phantom Strangler, who is an artist, so she’s an artist. Roz needs to have hallucinations in order for parts of the plot to work, so she ends up in an experimental drug trial for a drug which causes hallucinations.

But what does it actually mean for Roz to be an artist? What does her art mean to her? We never get to see her create; we hear about her attempts, once or twice, in the past tense, but gain no real understanding of her craft. How does she cope with the loss of her hand, her prize possession as a sculptor? How is she coping with with day-to-day tasks? Is she really committed to her art, to being a career artist? Was she ever? Or was she just hoping for fame and fortune?

Also - Roz is an alcoholic. She gambles away most of her million-dollar payout. She starts as an awful, mean-spirited, selfish person with a substance abuse problem, and much of the novel revolves around her character development. But even at its end, she speaks with disdain and disregard for others with similar problems: for alcoholics, addicts, for fellow members of her support group. She refers to total strangers as “drugged-up lunatics”, to dealers as “thugs”. Where was the growth? Where is the nuance?

The plot itself flounders for most of the novel as Roz and her love interest track down the individual(s) responsible for taking and transplanting her hand. We’re never given much of an explanation of the technologies that make such a sophisticated black market organ trade possible. Despite these holes, some of the latter twists and turns are interesting, and I think fans will be satisfied with the resolution.

As for me: I wanted to like this, and I hate to criticise a small author’s sophomore release, published by an indie press. It’s clear that Helen Power can write. But I felt that Phantom had so much more potential than it delivered on.

Thanks to NetGalley and CamCat books for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars

This had a slow start but definitely picked up at about 1/4 of the way. It is a fun, weird, and unique story. I love the genre bend here. I’m not one really for romance, so I could’ve done with less, but I k ow also a lot of people will love that aspect. Overall this was such a fun read!

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book for free and give my honest feedback and review.

Phantom was such an odd book but in the best way! The plot was incredibly original and it felt like I was watching a crime thriller movie unfold. The main character was a bit hard to like but her personality made sense for the situation she was in. I enjoyed the added romance to give this thriller a little more. Some things that didn’t add up for me were how this company was able to have the tech to make the stump heal and transplant a hand onto another person. It felt disjointed because there was no true explanation. There was also no explanation for how she felt the actions of her hand when it was on another person’s body. It felt too sci-fi and unexplained, even though it was crucial to the plot. I just felt like it was a bit unbelievable.
However, I did enjoy this read and finished it rather quickly. I would give it 3.5 stars and recommend it to those who like a quick thriller read