Notes from Ghost Town (ARC)

Notes from Ghost Town by Kate Ellison
 

Genre: Young Adult – Contemporary/Mystery
Publication Date: February 12th 2013 by EgmontUSA
Publisher:  EgmontUSA
Age Range: Young Adult
Pages: 336
Book Source: ARC for review from Publisher
 

Synopsis (via Goodreads): They say first love never dies...

From critically acclaimed author Kate Ellison comes a heartbreaking mystery of mental illness, unspoken love, and murder. When sixteen-year-old artist Olivia Tithe is visited by the ghost of her first love, Lucas Stern, it’s only through scattered images and notes left behind that she can unravel the mystery of his death.

There’s a catch: Olivia has gone colorblind, and there’s a good chance she’s losing her mind completely—just like her mother did. How else to explain seeing (and falling in love all over again with) someone who isn’t really there?

With the murder trial looming just nine days away, Olivia must follow her heart to the truth, no matter how painful. It’s the only way she can save herself.

Scoot’s Review:

Growing up on the Miami seashore Liv and Stern were best friends for life.  Individual, talented and artsy their close bond was like no other and on the verge of turning into something more. But disaster struck; Stern was murdered and Liv’s mother was to blame.  Now time is running out, and Olivia is struggling to keep sane while being visited by her lost love and discovering the truth of that tragic night.  Notes from Ghost Town had me hooked from the first page.  The story has a strong opening sequence that leaves you wanting to know more. Kate Ellison’s writing style made it easy to connect her characters emotions.  Ellison has a way of wording things so you feel like you are watching it all happen right before your eyes.  This story was different from my usual read, but I enjoyed it.  With rich storytelling and strong characters you were easily pulled along the plotline.  The mystery of the novel was intriguing and I didn’t have it all put together until near the end.  The plot was fast paced and I didn’t get bored reading it.  The story kept you questioning and worried for characters. Notes from Ghost Town had plenty of romance and mystery, but at the same time it dealt with a few deeper issues such as mental illness and parents getting remarried.  I believe this is a stand alone novel and I was satisfied with the ending.  I would recommend it for older teens or adults because it did have underage drinking and some sensual scenes.  I have never had a chance to read Kate Ellison’s other novel, The Butterfly Clues, but after reading Notes from Ghost Town I am going to have to check it out. 

Notable Quotable:

“If I could stay there, in that moment before everything changed, I would stay there forever.”

            -          Kate Ellison, Notes from Ghost Town

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