Haunt Dead Scared

Will is killed in a road traffic accident; however, much to the initial consternation and bewilderment of his best friend Dougie, Will’s consciousness refuses to die. Dougie is the only person who is aware of Will’s spectral presence and at intervals throughout the book this causes him distress and dismay as it is assumed he is suffering some form of a mental breakdown following the death of his friend. The pair set about trying to investigate other hauntings so they are equipped with more knowledge and greater understanding of what it means and is to be a spirit.

Alongside the seriousness of death and the ideas around memory and life ambitions that tie with this, the book is genuinely extremely funny and sassily written and piercingly sharp. It is touching it its depiction of close male friendship and astutely observes the depths that often underpin seemingly innocuous remarks and actions. Strongly character led, this is a welcome, warm and – at times – achingly witty start to a new and highly promising series.