Well. It sounded interesting. And it started off interesting: a 12-Step Group for Ghostwriters, those unsung heroes and heroines of the publishing world who write without their own names. And it could have been a look into a cozy mystery whodunit for bibliophiles.

Sadly, though, it began to fall into a guidebook for New York City (does everyone take taxis??), its different streets in the borough: "that walk from 71st and First to 59th and Third" is a typical bit of information that really doesn't seem to matter to the plot, only to the guidebook style that bugs me. And the amount of time spent with Jake, our heroine and sleuth, as she frets with her make-up and hair made me do too many eyerolls.

There were interesting characters, though too many to make an effective plot, and lent the plot an air of being scattered. The mystery is solved, but it was too sloggy for my taste. ( )

Jake O'Hara is a New York City ghostwriter who specializes in whodunits. In this, the apparent first installment of the Jake O'Hara Mystery series, unexpected and violent happenings hit close to home as several of Jake's friends are murdered. With the aid of numerous colorful personalities, Jake attempts to figure out the whos and whys behind all of the killing.

I found the ghostwriting aspect very interesting and fresh, having never read a series with a ghostwriter as a main player. I also enjoyed the lightness of the overall story, and the descriptions of the New York City neighborhoods. The pacing was also very effective.

Jake is surrounded by a great many long-term friends with varying personalities, which at times confuse the story rather than enhance it. Accompanying the mundane ghost-writing aspect is a strong element of spiritual ghosts assisting the plot, which was not portrayed in a way that seemed plausible. I am generally not opposed to the presence of spirits in a story. In this case, it just did not sit comfortably in my mind.

Overall an enjoyable read.

**eARC netgalley** ( )

Ghostwriter Anonymous by Noreen Wald is the first book in A Jake O’Hara Mystery series. Jacqueline Grace O’Hara was nicknamed Jake by her father. Jake’s is a ghostwriter by profession which means she does the work, but she does not get the credit. Jake belongs to a support group for ghostwriters (called—wait for it—Ghostwriter Anonymous) and they help each other. Jake is excited about her latest job. She is going to write for Kate Lloyd Connors, the mystery writer. Her friend and fellow ghostwriter, Barbara is a little worried about her current writing gig (Mafia Don’s daughter spilling secrets). Jake tried to reassure her, but maybe Barbara had a right to be nervous. Barbara soon turns up dead. And she is only the first victim. Jake tries to find the culprit with the help of her (unhelpful) friends. Will Jake be able to find the killer before Jake ends up a ghost?

I was not a big fan of Ghostwriter Anonymous. It was alright. It is an easy to read novel with a mystery that I solved immediately. My favorite part of the book was the last line (it gave me a good laugh). I would love to share it, but the last line is a major spoiler. I felt that the book spent more time of Jake's newly whitened teeth (she mentions it quite frequently) and the ghostwriter group than on the mystery. I give Ghostwriter Anonymous 2.5 out of 5 stars. The book does have a good pace which makes the book easier to read. I guess I am just not a fan of the silly, humorous type of novels. I like mystery books for the mystery and this novel was very light on that subject. This is just not my type of book (of course, my mother says I am lacking in the humor department)! I believe I will skip the other books in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of Ghostwriter Anonymous from NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel. ( )

This book was a great read. It is a light, fun cozy mystery that made me laugh and kept me engrossed until the end. Good, fun read. ( )

http://joannesbooks.blogspot.com/2016/03/ghostwriter-anonymous-jake-ohara.html ( )