I received this book for free from the publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
You'd Look Better as a Ghost by Joanna WallaceNarrator: Fiona Hardingham
Published by Penguin Audio, Penguin Random House Audio on March 26, 2024
Genres: Fiction / Humorous / Black Humor
Length: 9 hours 37 minutes
Pages: 336
Format: ARC, Audiobook
Source: Publisher
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National bestseller
“Refreshingly original and laugh-out-loud funny.” —Clare Mackintosh, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Party
A comic thriller following the trials and tribulations of Claire, a part-time serial killer, who is keen to keep her favorite hobby a secret—despite the efforts of a determined blackmailer
The night after her father's funeral, Claire meets Lucas in a bar. Lucas doesn't know it, but it's not a chance meeting. One thoughtless mistyped email has put him in the crosshairs of an extremely put-out serial killer. But before they make eye contact, before Claire lets him buy her a drink—even before she takes him home and carves him up into little pieces—something about that night is very wrong. Because someone is watching Claire. Someone who is about to discover her murderous little hobby.
The thing is, it's not sensible to tangle with a part-time serial killer, even one who is distracted by attending a weekly bereavement support group and trying to get her art career off the ground. Will Claire finish off her blackmailer before her pursuer reveals all? Let the games begin . . .
This was fun! I have a rather dark sense of humor at times and this book fit my mood perfectly. This book was incredibly funny at times and I wondered how Claire would be able to keep her hobbies out of the spotlight. Claire is someone that you don’t want to wrong because if you do, you may get a chance to see those hobbies up close. I was initially intrigued by the spectacular title (someone needs a gold star for this title) but fully entertained by the story within the pages.
Claire joins a bereavement support group after losing her father. Claire’s inner monologue which runs throughout the book was equally observant and comical. It becomes clear to the reader quickly that Claire is not overly impressed by the rest of the group members. When she has to deal with a blackmailer, Claire does what she needs to do to keep things under control. It was fun watching Claire trying to balance both aspects of her life.
I listened to the audiobook and thought that Fiona Hardingham did an excellent job with this book. Claire was complicated but I thought that this narrator somehow brought all of the aspects of her character to life seamlessly. She delivered the more comedic parts of the story perfectly. I found her voice to be quite pleasant and wanted to listen to this book for hours at a time. I am certain that her performance added to my enjoyment of this story.
I would recommend this book to others. I thought that this was a rather unique story that featured a character that I wanted to know more about. I liked the way that we get to learn about Claire’s past as we work our way through this novel, which was rather important to the overall story. I couldn’t wait to see how things would work out in the end. I will be keeping my eyes open for more of this author’s work in the future.
I received a review copy of this book from Penguin Books and Penguin Random House Audio.
This title really is amazing. I think I’d like this one!
Can you be a part-time serial killer? That’s something that feels like either you are one or you’re not. ;D
I really enjoy this narrator. I also like humor in my books.
The title is attention catching so I’m glad to know the book lived up to it! I will have to give it a try!
I have listened to Fiona, She always does a good job