I have a gift. I see people as ghosts before they die.
Of course, it helps that I’m the one killing them.
Claire meets Lucas in a bar the night after her father’s funeral. Lucas may not know it but it’s not a chance meeting. A mistyped email has brought Lucas to the attention of a very upset serial killer. But even before the couple make eye contact, before Claire accepts a drink from Lucas then takes him home – even before she chops him up into little bits, something about the night is wrong.
Because Claire’s not the only one who’s stalking her prey – someone is watching Claire too. And when they find out about Claire’s interesting little pastime, things are going to get messy.
It’s probably not the best idea to mess with a serial killer, though, not even one who’s taken her eye off the ball thanks to her bereavement support group and the fact that she’s trying to make something of her art. Despite having lots on her plate, Claire’s pretty determined to keep her secrets hidden – including the bodies in her garden…
Who will win out?
‘You’d Look Better as a Ghost’ is a funny, fresh novel featuring a vigilante who sees her next victim as a ghost before acting on her impulses. If you enjoyed ‘Dexter’ or ‘Killing Eve’, you’ll really enjoy Joanna Wallace’s debut.
Despite this being a funny novel at times, there are some really serious themes including grief, abuse and how society treats its most vulnerable members dealt with throughout the story.
The set pieces are excellent and the characters are vividly imagined. The dialogue is witty, fast-flowing and peppered with wry observational humour.
Given the main character’s proclivities, it is gruesome at times with some torture so do consider this a warning! As long as you can stomach some violence, there’s a lot to enjoy about this highly original debut.
‘You’d Look Better as a Ghost’ by Joanna Wallace is available now in Hardback, Kindle and on Audio from Viper.
Vic Watson, Sept 2023.