Ghost Tamer by Meredith Lyons

A fun, yet meaningful read! You’ve got to love it when a book sends your emotions on a roller coaster of a ride. I found my responses running the gamut from laughter to tears and everything in between. Along with the protagonist, Raely, I experienced her feelings as her life changed in one split second.

Raely’s snarky attitude lends itself well to her life as an aspiring comedian. But her life off-stage is anything but funny. Already dealing with the repercussions of a dysfunctional childhood and several unhealthy relationships, Raely’s world comes crashing down when she is the only survivor of a train wreck. Waking in the hospital to learn about the loss of her best friend, Joe, Raely discovers she has come back from her near-death experience with a friendly ghost. As ‘Casper’ follows her, Raely sees other ghosts, including one particularly malicious apparition. The humorous banter between Raely and Casper off-sets the terrorizing by the demon that is out to claim her soul. It’s a classic tale of good vs. evil fought in more than one dimension.

Seeking ‘ghost buster’ assistance, Raely encounters both charlatans and the real deal, eliciting anger and doubt as she is plunged further into danger. Throughout her ordeal, Raely learns that she must reach deep inside to rid herself of the darkness threatening to take over. With the help of family and friends, she comes to terms with the overwhelming grief of Joe’s loss and discovers why she survived the train crash. Author Meredith Lyons tackles the topic of grief with understanding and empathy, allowing the reader into Raely’s head with a first-person point-of-view to experience her physical and emotional recovery as she strains to find hope amidst despondency.

More than just a paranormal tale involving ghosts, The Ghost Tamer is the story of a young woman finding her purpose in life. I thoroughly enjoyed taking this journey of self-discovery with Raely and all her ghosts.