"The Dead Fathers Club" by Matt Haig (336 pages)

If you have ever lost someone close to you then you know exactly how Philip Noble feels…except for the fact that his loved one has come back from the dead and is looking for revenge. In this modern retelling of Hamlet, the past refuses to rest when Philip’s father returns from the dead as a ghost to inform him that he was murdered by Philip’s uncle—the loud, greasy, intoxicated Uncle Alan—in an elaborate plot to steal his job and family.  The spirit of Philip’s father explains that he will be unable to rest until his murderer is killed, and if revenge is not exacted within two months, he will be forced to suffer “Terrors” which cause him constant pain.  To save his father from the horrific “Terrors” of being a ghost, Philip is charged with one dangerous task: to kill his uncle Alan.

Written in the simple, naïve point of view of an eleven year-old boy, The Dead Father’s Club is a fast-paced, witty story - perfect for mystery lovers that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

When I first picked up this book I was a little concerned that it would be a typical ghost story, but I was pleasantly surprised. Haig’s unique use of language and dynamic storyline drive the story forward and demand your attention. I found myself laughing one moment and near tears the next. This is a quick, easy read and an interesting spin on one of the most famous stories in history.

Reviewed by Aubrie L.

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