I went into Ghost Roast expecting a cute and quick read about a young girl seeing ghosts while her dad tries to find them, and I got that and so much more in this unexpectedly deep graphic novel. 

Our main character Chelsea is introduced as a pretty common teenager facing the balance between popularity, parental expectations, and being true to yourself. I immediately hated her friends as we are, at least in part, expected to. The story picks up when Chelsea starts a job at her father’s ghost elimination business, starting a big paranormal job on an old plantation.

Ghost Roast doesn’t hesitate to delve into the racist history of the rebranded “manor” and its previous owners while still remaining overall a story of youth and hope. The book approaches the idea of ghosts head on, with the lead girl asking one of the ghosts if he used to enslave people like her.

As a white person, it’s not my place to give the final say if this is ultimately done right, but you can see all of the time and consideration that went into this story being what it is.

I rooted for everyone (okay except maybe the friends) in this story and wish them the best. The book felt complete, like it didn’t miss any context or need to be expanded upon, which I often struggle with in the genre. I’m excited to see what everyone in this team does next!