When the first thing protagonist, Nan, tells us is that she doesn’t believe in ghosts, I immediately do, and by paragraph two, I already know this is going to be a really fun ghost – a “temperamental, egotistical, rude, smart, funny, aggravating, self-centered loveable” one.

Maximilian Alexander Murdoch is not a creepy, scary spirit. Max, who invisibly resides in the cottage Nan just inherited from her distant Aunt Netta, was a famous British writer in his earthly time. He is delightfully pompous in his enterprising schemes to persuade Nan, a laid off “techie,” to complete his unfinished magnum opus - what appears to be a flowery romance novel - on his behalf.

Max doesn’t take no for an answer, especially when he can’t move on in the spirit world until this task is accomplished. As Nanette discovers, it’s not easy to dismiss a “ghost with a mission,” and the two most unlikely partners embark on a unique journey of discovery for both of them.

Ghost Writer is an engaging, entertaining story written with wit and warmth. Smart, skeptical, practical Nan is perfectly characterized and completely believable for a woman who has no choice but to believe in ghosts.

But if I ever have to live in a cottage with a post-Victorian, British ghost, I sure hope it’s Max.

Ann K. Howley