More Than Us

Jo O’Neill crafts a deeply unsettling yet profoundly moving tale in More Than Us, a story that proves ghost fiction can be far more than fleeting chills or supernatural scares. At first glance, the premise seems straightforward—young women vanish, and their restless spirits return—but O’Neill takes this familiar setup and transforms it into a layered, haunting exploration of resilience, justice, and the unbreakable strength of unity. The missing women form the emotional core of the novel. Though they exist as ghosts, O’Neill refuses to let them be reduced to mere shadows or plot devices. Instead, each one is given a voice, a history, and a powerful sense of agency. Their decision to come together in the afterlife adds a unique dimension to the story, as what begins as horror evolves into something far richer—an almost defiant reclaiming of their identities in the face of violence and erasure. The question of whether it’s too late for their voices to be heard keeps the tension simmering throughout, pulling the reader forward with equal parts dread and hope. What sets this novel apart from many ghost stories is the balance between the supernatural and the deeply human. O’Neill layers the eerie atmosphere with emotional resonance, crafting scenes that feel both chilling and heartbreakingly real. The ghosts’ plight is terrifying not just because of the otherworldly elements, but because it mirrors the all-too-real struggles of women whose stories are silenced. That connection to reality gives the book a raw edge, elevating it above typical genre boundaries. The pacing is masterful—slow enough to allow the weight of the story to sink in, but taut with suspense so that every chapter demands to be read. O’Neill’s prose is evocative without being overwrought, painting just enough detail to create a sense of dread while letting the reader’s imagination fill in the rest. The atmosphere feels heavy, almost oppressive at times, mirroring the characters’ experiences while building toward a climax that is both devastating and cathartic. Even for readers who don’t typically enjoy ghost stories, More Than Us offers something unique. It’s a ghost story, yes, but it’s also a tale of solidarity, justice, and the refusal to be forgotten. The supernatural serves as a powerful lens through which O’Neill explores themes of memory, identity, and collective strength. The result is a narrative that lingers long after the final page, both chilling in its execution and deeply moving in its message. Dark, atmospheric, and unforgettable, More Than Us is more than a ghost story—it’s a testament to survival, unity, and the unyielding power of women’s voices. Fans of psychological suspense, gothic fiction, or emotionally charged thrillers will find themselves captivated by O’Neill’s vision and storytelling skill.

this book was excellent. this book was tense in parts because the author really takes you in and gets to know the characters within it. so you are even more invested in whats going to happen to them. and where this story will lead is everything you need in a book like this and the themes it covers. it doesn't shy away from them but does the themes justice too. its not there to be ghastly its a very real and nasty portrayal which is exactly as it should be. the plot unravels as you read it. you know a lot but then not a lot at all as it turns out because it just keeps coming and coming until you are tense with what will come next and tense because of what you already know. the way Jo writes this serial killer and his awful and manipulative ways was shiver making and gave that unsettled feeling you should get from a character like him. this is a whole different but just as strong that a book like this can bring to its reader. this sinister unsettled fear is so strong and so well done in this one. how hes described and getting his point of view makes you even more worried for the victims and those that cross paths with him. it makes you even more invested in how this guy must be stopped or just who will be next. the unique way in which Jo gives voices to the victims was incredible. id like to think somewhere somehow this might be happening. they aren't lost, certainly not forgotten and in this book they come together in the most spectacular way. i find this element ad how Jo tells it just stunning and a wonderful idea. it made me tear up for so many victims out there. many who don't get a voice anymore be it for permanent or other reasons why they cant. this book was so much more than a thriller. it feels actually like a really powerful and important read. it could have impact on many. and it certainly did on me. im so grateful i got the chance to read it. it gave m something i didn't even know i was needing. the themes are definitely something people need to be aware of it it doesn't shy away from them and are woven through the entire plot and characters. its ok to be triggered and its ok to step away from a book that might do that. thats bravery to know when something will harm you and avoiding it.

This book was not what I expected going in, so I don't want to say too much and give anything away. But I loved it, so so good! A very different take on a story that has been done many times before. That epilogue... wow. I need more. I actually just sat here in stunned silence for a minute after finishing this book. I was picking it up every chance I got. The story, the writing and the characters were all great. This is a new release book that I haven't seen a lot about but I cannot recommend it enough. I really don't want to spoil anything so please go read. Thanks so much to Netgalley, Jo o'Neill and The Book Guild for this advanced review copy.

Wow! This book was amazing! It had every single thing that's important to me. Characters were very well described. I just know I made a bunch of different faces while reading this book. Angry, shocked, ended up caring for a few people in this book. It takes you on a ride of shocking, disgusting, deception, vengeance, and sisterhood and family. I loved this book! Would be nice to see more Authors creating books like this. I rarely ever give 5 stars but this book deserves it.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This book gave me the creeps the details the way everything played out omgggg can’t give anything away but it was very gripping but I loved the storyline and I can not wait till other can read this author did their thing being this story to life felt like a movie.