Member Reviews
I really liked this preview. I actually like ghost hunting teams on tv and this was pretty much that. I look forward to more ghost hunting adventure with CJ Daley. Thank you Net Galley and CJ Daley for the copy of this novelette for an honest review.
"The world's best ghost hunters, the town's most haunted mansion, what could go wrong?"
BestGhost is a quick horror story about two friends who conduct a paranormal investigation at a creepy old mansion. This was a page turner from beginning to end and the author did a great job writing this one. The book was perfect for the Halloween season. I enjoyed reading this short story and would recommend this one to any reader who loves horror. Thank you to NetGalley and Publisher for this spooky read in exchange of my honest review of BestGhost by C.J Daley.
This was a lovely spooky read, a good taster story for the upcoming collection. I enjoyed the eerie atmosphere and the writing built up the tension really well. I look forward to reading more from this author.
This was an odd little story. I felt like it was maybe part of a series? A few things were referenced with no explanation, giving the impression that I'd missed a book or two. For the first part of the book the author seems to forget who's supposed to be the sceptic and who's supposed to be the believer. Then in the second part, they seem to remember, but by that point it didn't make sense for the sceptic to be a sceptic. The story was short and parts were confusing because of the references mentioned above. The ending was very rushed, unoriginal, and bland.
This was a super short read but it packed a punch. I absolutely loved this. A paranormal investigation is always a winner in my eyes and this one was no exception. I feel like the length of the story was perfect for it, and I'd honestly LOVE the author to actually revisit this location and show us another investigation team going in to find out what happened to the people in this one. I feel like this story really sets up a fantastic base for the author to revisit the world and do more with it, I've got everything crossed that this will be the case.
There was sufficient creep factor, which in 44 pages can be difficult, but hey, Daley did it! I loved the characters, and I REALLY want to find out more!!
If you're after a quick spooky read for Spooktober, give this one a crack. I freaking loved it, can you tell?
BestGhost is a super fun Halloween season read! Two ghost-hunting YouTubers venture into the most haunted house in the town of Cemetery, and find far more than thy anticipated. If you like ghost stories, you will enjoy this quick read!
This is such a fun read for the spooky season! Grab a cup of your favorite hot beverage, a blanket, some atmospheric ambiance and breeze through this! Very reminiscent of watching those old ghost hunting shows. My only real complaint is I wish it was maybe a tad longer. One more night with a little bit of more spook would’ve been cool! But I loved the characters. Very funny and spooky when it wanted to be. The author hinted at a collection of short stories in the town of Cemetery and I would definitely buy and read it!
A solid book to get you in the mood of spooky season. I'd consider it horror light and a good book to start with if you're trying to get into horror. In such a book that's a novelette, you get straight to the action and the characters actually feel like real people. I'd be very interesting in reading more books by this author.
#BESTGHOST #NETGALLEY #CJDALEY
I enjoyed this short story about a ghost hunter, his best friend and a strange house and what happens over two nights.
The description immediately reminded me of “Supernatural”, and as a huge fan, I was naturally intrigued. This should be a must-read for anyone wanting to relive the vibes from the show's early episodes.
The story is short, so it won’t take up much time. It's filled with suspense and mystery, keeping you eager to discover what happened in the house—and what will happen to the boys. Their interactions feel very genuine, just young boys filming a ghost-hunting trip, half-disbelieving and half-terrified. There are even some humorous moments.
Overall, it's a quick and enjoyable read. I’m excited to explore other short stories in the upcoming collection!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This was a short read but it felt like watching an episode of a ghost hunting show. Two best friends and the stars of ghost investigation channel BestGhost, Sean and Devon (aka Boomer), head out to the Old Mayor's Mansion to do an investigation. They find more than they bargained for.
I like that the book has a creepy atmosphere due to the dilapidated mansion on the outskirts of town and the dynamic between Sean and Devon.
When best friends Sean and Devon want to increase views on their ghost investigation channel, they know the mansion is the perfect spot to film.
Armed with a slew of new equipment, the buddies set out to capture the paranormal hotspot that will make them famous—just maybe not in the way they were hoping.
I'm a big fan of paranormal TV shows. Looking for ghost or stories of hauntings are my "go to" background noise any given night of the week.
So a story that involves ghost hunting would of course get my attention.
This is part of a upcoming novel, Tales from Cemetery.
It's well written though not terribly original. We get all the expected noises, bangs and groans that always seem to be heard on these ghost hunts. The author has all the equipment down pay, perhaps a fan of ghost hunting shows himself. What unfolds is what I always hope will happen on these shows.
Overall a good spooky story for the season, and I wouldn't mind reading the novel when it comes out to see where this goes.
Thanks to @netgalley and BestGhost Books for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
This was great, I'm excited to read the whole novel! This was definitely the perfect Spooky season read. Great haunted house vibes, made me want more.
BestGhost is functionally the perfect teaser trailer for what can be expected from the rest of this book. As a long-time fan of Buzzfeed Unsolved and Ghost Files, Daley perfectly encapsulates the banter of two guys exploring horrific places. This novelette was eerie, mysterious, and definitely had me looking over my shoulder a few times.
I can't recommend BestGhost enough and (once I put my big girl shoes on) am excited to tackle the full story! 5/5 stars.
This is a very fun, short read. What could go wrong when two ghost hunters go to stay in a haunted house? Apparently. everything. I enjoyed the whole set-up, and how the friends interacted with each other. I recommend this for people looking for a new scary read. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this.
A Novelette.
A short story. What better way to read a new author and dabble in an unfamiliar and less favoured genre.
Shops are already getting ready for the festival Halloween has become with ever more substance and decorations to capture a spooky trick or treat experience. What better time to read a ghost story and catch a chill or two running down my spine.
BestGhost is a sampler of a larger project, Tales From Cemetery!
Loved the quote about Scooby-Doo. But this isn’t some comic character driven ‘scare fest’ with explainable denouncements for the haunted fairground or mysterious circus. There is no logical explanations here, just a runaway ghost train of a ride with no driver or final destination.
The story builds slowly as two friends, Sean and Devon drive to an abandoned house to investigate a property with a gory past and a current reputation as a paranormal hotspot.
Armed with the latest gadgets and scientific equipment, the two intrepid ghost hunters aim to reach out to any trapped spirits and help them on their way. While feeding an ever growing fan base that tune in to their psychic presentations, blogs and podcasts.
The tension quickly ratchets up as they prepare for a long night in the old mansion. The writing is crisp and builds a sense of foreboding as the deserted house throws up unexplained events and possible encounters within the spirit realm.
The ending leaves the reader breathless and at a loss to fully comprehend what has happened over a couple of nights. Scope for the sceptics but room for an unexpected outcome, a deeper mystery and a legend to continue.
Wow. This is proof that you don’t need a lot of pages to sell a story. Daley’s novelette BestGhost entertains, grabs hold, and spooks you out! It’s definitely an homage to classic ghost stories and feels like something you’d tell over a campfire. The story follows two boys, Sean and Devon, who are filming content for their podcast/YouTube channel titled BestGhost. In their little town with its eerie cemetery, they decide to visit the haunted mayor’s mansion—known all throughout town as the place where the mayor, his wife, and their six children all died one tragic evening. There are rumors that the mayor was responsible, but no one really knows for sure.
As Sean (the believer) and Devon (the skeptic) hunt for the paranormal, they start to gather more and more evidence that makes them question everything. From flickering lights, weird noises, and strange audio, the tension slowly builds, and we feel the presence of something darker over the course of the two nights they spend in the mansion. Because this is a short read, I don’t want to spoil anything, but the balance between comedy and creep was perfect here.
What also stood out to me was how relatable the two boys felt. In such a short time, we’re able to easily get a sense of their friendship and see ourselves in both Sean and Devon. I really enjoyed the brevity of this read—it felt concise, with conversations that were to the point and contributed directly to the story’s end. Just know that BestGhost doesn’t end here. Do they live on to share their story, or do their experiences now become part of the haunted tale?
If you’re looking for a quick and spooky read, this is it. I’m glad I picked it up to kick off my spooky season. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more.
Thanks to Netgalley & the author for this digital arc.
*Best Ghost* is a delightful and spine-tingling read that sets the perfect tone for the Halloween season. This engaging debut sample from the forthcoming *Tales From Cemetery* introduces readers to the eerie charm of the Old Mayor’s Mansion, a place steeped in local lore and ripe for ghostly encounters.
The story follows best friends Sean and Devon, aspiring ghost hunters determined to boost their views by investigating this haunted hotspot. Their enthusiasm and camaraderie create an inviting dynamic that draws readers in from the start. The duo's excitement is palpable, making their venture into the mansion feel both relatable and thrilling.
The Old Mayor’s Mansion is vividly described, its creaky floors and shadowy corners coming to life with each turn of the page. The author masterfully builds suspense as the friends set up their equipment, cleverly blending humor with genuine moments of tension. Just when the audience thinks they know what to expect, the story takes unexpected twists that heighten the intrigue and keep readers guessing.
What truly sets *Best Ghost* apart is its ability to balance spookiness with lightheartedness. The banter between Sean and Devon adds a layer of fun that makes this tale suitable for a wide audience, from younger readers to adults looking for a quick thrill. The witty dialogue and relatable characters make the story engaging and enjoyable.
As a debut, *Best Ghost* lays a solid foundation for what promises to be an exciting series. It effectively combines elements of horror and humor, making it an ideal read for anyone seeking a quick scare or a lighthearted ghost story to enjoy this Halloween.
In summary, *Best Ghost* is a charmingly spooky adventure that will leave you eager for more. Whether you’re a fan of ghost stories or just looking for a fun way to embrace the Halloween spirit, this book is sure to entertain. Grab your flashlight, prepare for a few chills, and get ready to explore the mysteries of the Old Mayor’s Mansion—you won’t be disappointed!
A great short read for the Halloween season and for fans of spooky stories.
Two young ghost hunter influencers set out to investigate supernatural activity in an abandoned mansion. One believes in ghosts, the other is just in it for the money.
The story starts slow with an introduction to the characters, their history and the mansion they start to investigate. But the tension picks up rapidly fast once the first "odd" technical issues and noises occur. The author sweeps you off your feet with a sudden and terrifying force.
This story leaves you nervous and with questions. Many of which you don't know you want the answer to.
In the late hours of night I held my kindle tight in the dark, my blankets pulled up around my shoulders.
The blankets can’t stop the chills rolling through me as I read Bestghost and imagine there’s something in the dark with me. This story short yet incredibly effective in giving me the full blown creeps and then leaving me wanting more.
5 stars