Paper Ghosts by Sarah Addison Allen

Rating: 3 of 5 stars 

Pages: 304 pages
Published: September 2026

I received an uncorrected advanced reader's copy of Paper Ghosts by Sarah Addison Allen via NetGalley. After absolutely loving Other Birds, I was eager to dive into Sarah Addison Allen’s latest novel. The story is about three generations of peculiar, reclusive women who live in a fictional North Carolina town. For many years, the Wester women have harbored secrets that have fueled intrigue, rumors, and fear within their community. When the estranged Wester granddaughter returns home, even more questions surface and long-buried truths begin to rise. 

While Allen brings her signature writing style with a touch of magical realism, the story still, unfortunately, didn’t land for me in the same way as Other Birds. This story had an intriguing premise with a vacillating timeline, but the plot felt rushed, and the connection between the earlier time period and the current storyline was not tied together well, leaving many details for me to piece together on my own.

I also struggled with the characters. They felt underdeveloped, and I never found myself root for, or even liking, any of them. The inclusion of a same-sex relationship had the potential to add depth, but instead it felt more like a diversity checkbox than an integral part of the story or the character’s growth or the story arc. 

I really wanted to love this book, especially given how much I enjoyed the author’s previous work. I did appreciate her Other Birds easter egg. However, in the end, Paper Ghosts fell flat. Here’s hoping the next release brings back the magic I know Sarah Addison Allen is capable of creating!

Recommendation: While I wouldn't highly recommend this novel, I would definitely recommend the author. Allen's body of work is worth exploring, even if this one missed the mark for me. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.