Title: Ghost Roast
Author: Shawneé and Shawnelle Gibbs
Publisher: Versify
Publication date: January 2, 2024
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Summary
Chelsea Grant has been trying to distance herself from her father’s ghost hunting business. It always put a target on her back and made her an outcast. But when a night of trouble lands her in jail, she finds herself required to work with her dad for the summer as punishment.
While out on a job at an historical manor in New Orleans, Chelsea discovers that she can see ghosts. It’s there that she meets a friendly spirit, Oliver, who her dad is trying to get rid of. As Chelsea gets to know Oliver, she realizes that there’s more to the story than they realize. And in order to get to the bottom of it, she has to save his afterlife.
Review: Ghost Roast
Thanks to Versify and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Ghost Roast by Shawneé and Shawnelle Gibbs to review! You know I’m always on the lookout for new graphic novels to read, and this one caught my eye! If you like ghost hunting mixed with hidden history, this is definitely the book for you.
Let’s start with the art because the art in this is gorgeous. I loved the way that the ghosts were incorporated, and the way that emotions were portrayed with simpler drawings throughout. It all worked so well together to portray the story and to bring these characters to life. Emily Cannon (the illustrator) does an excellent job throughout, and I’d definitely read other stuff she works on.
And the story! At the surface, you have a ghost hunting story, but with a little bit of history and mystery added in. The characters are all well-developed, even the ghostly ones. Oliver’s backstory reflects the history of the south, and it was nice to see him get some recognition. Chelsea gives him a moment to shine.
There’s a bit of light romance in the story, as well as a focus on Chelsea’s bonds with both her dad and mom. We get to see growth in both throughout the story, and their interests are intertwined with Chelsea’s own story. They all connected by the end, and it all worked so well together overall.
If you’re looking for a YA ghost hunting book to start your 2024 off with, definitely check out this graphic novel!