Winner of the 2024 Story Trade Book Award.
The cold war has ended, but the world is more dangerous than ever. In the tiny Indonesian province of East Timor, a storm is about to burst. The world needs a man to go to the burnt-out Timorese capital of Dili. But the only one it has is drowning in heartache a thousand miles to the south. Can Christian Holland rise from his morass to be the man of the hour, and who is the Ghost of Timor?
In the sweat-soaked satin sheets of an exclusive hotel, Captain Christian Holland retells the tale of his extraordinary adventurous life. Former paramour, Alison Benaud, newly liberated from her loveless and uneventful life, listens with intent. As Christian unfurls the post-cold war thriller story of the Ghost of Timor, Alison’s long repressed desires reassert themselves. Is Christian the man to rescue her from a lifetime of boredom, or is he hiding something?
“Ghost of Timor combines a wealth of storytelling with well thought out romantic scenes and a multilayered narrative structure. It delivers an intriguing reading experience. The storytelling is a definite highlight. The author’s ability to create a complex narrative that weaves together different timelines and perspectives is commendable. This approach adds depth and intrigue to the story.
“Where Ghost truly shines is in its execution of love scenes. These moments are well conceived and skillfully written, catering to those who seek sensuality and passion in their reading. The author’s attention to detail and the chemistry between characters in these scenes adds a level of authenticity and enjoyment. It is a unique story, and will appeal to readers looking for something different. It is a book that will benefit from a second read as its complex structure may reveal new layers and connections missed the first time.
“The twists and subplots are masterful as it engrosses the reader in the historic cliff-hanger and the jealous nature of the love interest in the present. There is a fantastic love scene built around an impending arrest. Not only does it have you on the edge of your seat, but the characters in the book are compelling.
“The Ghost of Timor will take you to the edge of what is possible from romantic fiction.”
-ATFD Podcast
“Ghost of Timor is wonderfully written. It has a heavy focus on the conflict in Timor and goes into on Christian’s military career. However, it never feels like a dry history book or biography. Every scene in the book is engaging and holds your attention easily. Throw in the spicy bits, and it’s a great tale. It’s the perfect mix of spice and business.
“It’s fun to watch Alison change from some semi-repressed woman, to someone who’s choosing to embrace her newfound freedom, instead. She was obviously open to experimenting and was a sexually free woman in her youth. Her path in life led her down a more closed and repressed avenue. Reuniting with Christian, however, she realizes she can regain herself, and even starts to with Christian’s help.”
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