I decided to listen to the audio version of this book and I found the beginning of the book to be very promising. However, somewhere along the way, I found myself getting more and more bored with the story. Also, I found myself not really caring for the Carys. I think the major problem for me was that I felt just like Carys did when she found out that her client's obsession was all about King Arthur. And, after that, unlike Carys did I not find myself taken with the hunt for the tomb of Arthur. The pacing got slower and slower, and the bad guy's hunt for the document felt like a rehash of so many other books I read. Powerful men that also want the treasure. I just didn't care anymore. When the obvious love interest for Carys steps into the scene did I bid goodbye to the book.

I love hunt for treasure books, with secret documents and wild hunts like in Dan Brown's books. This book just didn't rock my boat. I think the main problem was just the fact that I did not find the book enjoyable, the characters were a bit too plat and everything was too predictable.

I decided to listen to the audio version of this book and I found the beginning of the book to be very promising. However, somewhere along the way, I found myself getting more and more bored with the story. Also, I found myself not really caring for the Carys. I think the major problem for me was that I felt just like Carys did when she found out that her client's obsession was all about King Arthur. And, after that, unlike Carys did I not find myself taken with the hunt for the tomb of Arthur. The pacing got slower and slower, and the bad guy's hunt for the document felt like a rehash of so many other books I read. Powerful men that also want the treasure. I just didn't care anymore. When the obvious love interest for Carys steps into the scene did I bid goodbye to the book.

I love hunt for treasure books, with secret documents and wild hunts like in Dan Brown's books. This book just didn't rock my boat. I think the main problem was just the fact that I did not find the book enjoyable, the characters were a bit too plat and everything was too predictable.

This was an interesting read, and for that reason I stuck with it. I wish the main character had more redeeming qualities, was more likeable. Just a couple of "nits" to pick that should have been caught by an editor: (1) a Ph.D. in computer science does not qualify you as a hacker, or having skills that a hacker would have, and (2) 1,500 years does not equate to "hundreds" of generations. ( )

The Ghost Manuscript by Kris Frieswick
Source: NetGalley and Post Hill Press
Rating: 2½/5 stars

**MINI-REVIEW**

The Bottom Line: By the time I finished this book, a book I truly wanted to LOVE, I found myself somewhat angry and feeling as if I just read a book I have already read many times over by other authors. Make no mistake, I am not suggesting plagiarism or any nefarious issue, just a rehashing of a story line and theme that has already been done. At its core, this is the story of the hunt for King Arthur via clues, hints, history, and sleuthing. There is the requisite bad guy pulling all the strings in the background, the sexy intelligent hunter (Carys), the ultra-rich benefactor, the sexy male companion, and the expected pitfalls and dangers that come along with such searches. As if to reinforce my own feelings about the book, several characters throughout the read openly scoff and note how cliché the search for the legendary King Arthur is at this stage in history. While I was in no way impressed with the plot line, I didn’t dislike everything about this book. In fact, I liked Carys and her best friend, Annie quite a lot and would love to see those two feisty women in a very different story and/or setting. Additionally, there is nothing to complain about in terms of the technical aspects of this read. The author is clearly a competent and capable writer, she just needs a more original story to allow her skills to shine through and not dull her abilities and craft. ( )

Man oh man, I was so dubious going into this. I am a History buff and love anything to do with King Arthur and the legend surrounding him. I do love the paranormal but in the right context. I did read some reviews and DNF's so was prepared for the worst...
I was blown away by this book and I ended up trying to read slower to make it last longer. Any book lover will know what I mean.
Carys Jones is an expert rare book/manuscript authenticator who is reluctantly (at first) drawn into her firms biggest clients obsessive search for the real King Arthur's tomb and the treasure it holds. She is just one step ahead of others who would not hesitate to kill to take what she is searching for.
As I said, I was prepared for the worst when I started reading this and was surprised at how much I enjoyed the book.
I like accurate details and I took a break from time to time to research some things in the book from types of clothing and mold spores to types of flowers. Needless to say, I was impressed by the author's dedication and preparation.
Some might be disconcerted by a possible paranormal theme in the book but rest assured that there might just be a logical explanation so don't let that dissuade you from picking up the book. Also, I understand it might be possible for some to be offended as to where the novel leads but at the same time, it is no different than Roanoke theories and the author did not mention a specific tribe. I don't usually give spoilers but I felt it was important here.
I was not keen on Carys but then again at the end of the novel, I got a distinct impression that there might be a book two someday (please say there is). Her character was opening up and it seemed like there was a bit of a cliff hanger.
I think this is going to be one of those books you either love or hate. I loved it because of the subject matter and the matter of fact details. I am really hoping this is a series that will continue in a book two... ( )