R J Ellory's Ghost Heart by Susan Moore

I opened this book with some reservations. I had read that R J Ellory was British, and wondered how he could write a novel set mostly in Manhattan, and make it work. However, my doubts soon disappeared.

The opening paragraph was so descriptive; I could smell the atmosphere of Manhattan 'awakening' for another day. The sounds, smells, were tangible - 'The smoke and steam crawling like tired ghosts from the subway below' I think this first paragraph was one of the best I have ever read, on a par with 'Rebecca' by Daphne Du Maurier. I always feel that if a book 'grabs' you in that first parargraph, then it's going to be a good read.

The characters seemed totally believeable - Annie in her little dusty book shop, longing for a real romance, and thinking she had found it in David. I found myself envious of the wonderful relationship she had with Jack Sullivan, the hard-drinking journalist in the next appartment. he was always there for her - best friend, brother, father, rolled into one. (He would have been her lover I think - if he'd been younger!) A wonderful colourful character. Annie had other friends, but to me, she seemed a lost soul, and but for Sullivan, would have had a vary sad and lonely life. Her father's death when she was a child had left an empty space within.

From what initially appears to be a 'loneliness to love' story soon turns into something completely surprising and unexpected.. The stranger named Forrester who enters her shop one day claims to have known her father well. He leaves 'stories' for Annie to read in instalments, and this makes for compulsive reading. What were these stories really about, and who was Forrester? Did he - and the stories- have any real relevance to Annie?

R J Ellory beautifully describes Annies life with Sullivan, who was always there watching over her, the shop, and her romance with David. This starkly contrasts with the stories given to Annie by Forrester, which were extremely violent, ruthless and shocking in places. But like Annie, I found myself impatient for Forrester's next visit - and the next instalment of these 'stories'. Would my particular hunches about the ending be right?

From start to finish, there were twists, turns and shocks. This is a great read - brilliantly written, and full of mystery, love, crime, with a fascinating mix of characters, and an amazing finale! What more could you ask for in a book?

The vivid descriptions of Manhattan, New York, and especially the people who live and work there, were excellent, and at times, very poetic. (I noticed that R J acknowledged Anita Shreve amongst others, and I could feel her influence on his writing.) Ellory has certainly done his research very thoroughly.

I look forward to reading the rest of Roger Ellory's books - he is an author I am so glad to have found. Thanks to Manx Litfest Reading Club and the Book Club of Onchan Library!