"Exit Ghost" Book Review

Exit Ghost is a novel that stays with the reader, from the first page to the last. Jennifer Donohue seeks to retell Hamlet in a modern witchy setting, a dark fantasy retelling centered on New Jersey witch Juliet Duncan. Unwilling to accept her father is gone without retribution, Juliet summons up the specter of her father. He promptly reveals that the killer was his best friend Hector, Juliet’s mother’s new fiancee.

Teaming up with her friends and fellow witches, Juliet is left to investigate the truth of the allegation. Struggling with doubts, darkness, and vengeance while she hunts for nothing less than justice. Donohue is no stranger to those who read short stories. Her works have appeared in numerous publications, the author well known for her witty, concise, emotional, and intelligent writing. In Exit Ghost, she brings these talents to the forefront for a sterling book.

What makes the novel shine is its narrator. Juliet is a terrific lead. With the novel told entirely from her perspective, Juliet has a sensational personality. She is sympathetic, flawed, occasionally ruthless, and intelligent. The true joy of the book is her relationships with those around her.

Donohue captures fantastic female friendships—deep bonds in the face of ghosts and vengeance. Magic keeps them together, even through the darkest of times. Donohue keeps the plot going at a firm and brisk pace, injecting Exit Ghost with her humor and humanity all the way through.

A great novel from an accomplished writer.