- Hardcover: 224 pages
- Publisher: Macmillan (22 Oct 1993)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0333601831
- ISBN-13: 978-0333601839
- Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 3,486,402 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Synopsis
His name is John, though some call him Ghost, or nothing at all. He's a killer, a loner, protected from the world by the hard armour of cynicism and bitter indifference. Then he meets Shella, a strip-dancer and the first person to see behind his steely mask. By the author of "Sacrifice".
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I read a lot of crime novels and some of them can be pretty dark. I think that 'Shella' has taken the award for darkest. We follow a man named Ghost as he searches for his ex Shella after getting out of jail. Ghost is a one man killing machine but is not the cleverest of assassins so is often used by others for their own means. He has to kill for the knowledge he seeks but will the answers he finds be what he wants?
This is a short novel and can be read pretty quickly. The narrative is a bit strange jumping from the present to the past with abandon. The best element of the novel was the middle where the story settled down describing Ghost's time in a right wing camp. However, the beginning and end really lacked cohesion imo.
The characters are likeable enough but the conclusion left me deflated. Add to this the sheer rudeness of the book and a surreal and uncomfortable time was had. I caution those that read this to make sure they do not mind dark and rude books, but if they enjoy the likes of Palahniuk, this could be the choice for them.
An interesting novel let down by narrative flaws and an overdependence of rude words and actions. I look forward to reading more by Vachss as it is obvious there is more to offer.
This is a short novel and can be read pretty quickly. The narrative is a bit strange jumping from the present to the past with abandon. The best element of the novel was the middle where the story settled down describing Ghost's time in a right wing camp. However, the beginning and end really lacked cohesion imo.
The characters are likeable enough but the conclusion left me deflated. Add to this the sheer rudeness of the book and a surreal and uncomfortable time was had. I caution those that read this to make sure they do not mind dark and rude books, but if they enjoy the likes of Palahniuk, this could be the choice for them.
An interesting novel let down by narrative flaws and an overdependence of rude words and actions. I look forward to reading more by Vachss as it is obvious there is more to offer.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
We follow events thru the eyes the damaged & yet highly evolved protagonist, Ghost or John (or whatever), as he searches for his lost partner Shella. Vachss's pared-to-the-bone prose drives the narrative; a lot happens & not a word is wasted. Ghost operates in a cruel, violent subworld where lust, avarice, fear, hate & anger are the shaping forces. This is as good as this type of fiction gets, compelling & intriguing. As soon as the story had me hooked -- after a few paragraphs, that is -- I deferred all other activities except reading it until I'd finished it. Highly recommended to fans of modern noire.
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is my favourite Vachss novel because I love its bitter sweet love story haiku. As the main character is named Ghost so the whole novel has a spectral, haunted atmosphere. We only get to know the things that we need to know and there's not an ounce of fat on these bones. I've read it at least three times now and each time, even though I know the ending, it still has an emotional kick. Ghost is Burke without his family. Readers of Burke novels will know exactly what I mean by this.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Vachss- story without Burke
Andrew Vachss is my favourite detective story writer. His style is unique, very realistic and tough. This book is not one of his best. Read more
Published on 11 Nov 2003 by Momi
v good
tho it's not a Burke story, this is probably my favourite of Vachss' novels, who is my favourite crime writer. So, highly rated.
Published on 11 April 2003
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