British author Robert Harris, noted for his historical thrillers set in the World War II era and ancient Rome, writes his first novel with a modern setting. In "The Ghost," Harris spins the tale of a former British prime minister whose memoirs are delayed when his ghostwriter dies suspiciously. A new ghostwriter steps in to deliver the manuscript to the publisher on time, but his curiosity leads him to investigate the death, during which he learns that the former primer minister has secrets that others are willing to do anything to protect.

Artie Lang, the former prime minister, is a thinly veiled Tony Blair. Indeed, the entire narrative centers around the question of determining how a British prime minister could be so pro-American, almost reflexively and unthinkingly pro-American. In seeking to answer this real-world political question regarding Blair, Harris has dreamed up a sinister answer for the fictitious Lang.

It is difficult to say if Harris personally believes that the political intrigue behind "The Ghost" in any way describes the real world loyalties and decisions of Blair as prime minister. It is easier to say that Harris skillfully spins another thriller which blurs the lines between fact and fiction. Intriguingly, and probably playfully, Harris' greatest accomplishment might be that he tells the entire novel while never revealing the new ghostwriter's identity, a rather charming literary conceit.

However, that skill alone does not make up for the fact that the novel is not particularly shocking; in fact, the political secrets don't really necessitate the plot twists of the story. So the novel pales in comparison to Harris' other work, particularly "Fatherland." Still, an average thriller from Harris is superior to many other novels. ( )

Very British. A "Ghost" writer finds out more of his subject than he expected.

This political thriller about a thinly-veiled Tony Blair (with an uncredited cameo by Robert McNamara) is my favorite of Harris' novels so far. The suspense builds nicely as it goes along, and the twist at the end is very well done. ( )

This is a story about a ghost writer contracted to complete the memoirs of a former British Prime Minister. Once he starts working on the book, he finds that his predecessor died in mysterious circumstances, and becomes involved in a political intrigue.

Mr. Harris is a good writer, especially when it comes to creating an atmosphere. And, he's got a subtle but wicked sense of humour. The plot is fast-paced but, like most books of this genre, stretched things a bit too far for my willing suspension of disbelief to work seamlessly. ( )

Definitely a good read about an ex-British PM. All written by the ghost, the ghostwriter of his autobiography. Lots of twists and turns. Very enjoyable. ( )