The only book that scared me and made me even consider the existence of ghosts- in 30 years, 11 Aug 2008
I am a pretty synical guy and believe me this book will leave you astounded. An excellent narrative trying to bridge the gap between science and the paranormal. Must read for the scientifically inclined synicist.

A rare dose of deep rooted fear!! , 13 Jun 2007
Apparently this book is based (loosely) around events that took place in Toronto in the ealry 1970s and has been widely written about in Parapsychology literature.

I stumbled upon this book merely by chance decided to give it a go as I love horror but struggle to find books or films that are scarey.

A couple of researchers recruit a group of volunteers to test out the hypothesis that it would be possible to create a poltergeist. Needless to say the group create an identity for a ghost between them and then proceed to use a Ouija board to interact with it.

As you might expect things don't quite go to plan and they soon realise they have started something that they do not have the power to stop.

Unlike many, many horror books I've read this seriously unnerved me! Once things take a turn for the worst, the descriptions of telekinetic and poltergeist activity turned nasty, really tapped into some primevil fear and I was on really on edge!

There is a fabulous twist in the plot that turns everything upside down and greatly adds to the sense of panic and fear. I will not spoil it here.

Some of what happens to the characters shook me up badly and in some ways undermined my sense of reality. For me Superstition not only scared me, it also questioned my perspective, my supposed grip on reality.

Somehow Dabid Ambrose manages to tap into not only overt fear, but also a more instinctual and vague sense of dread in Superstition.

It is a rare occassion that I am frightened or on edge after reading or watching horror, but Superstition frayed my nerves! So much so, that as a certified adrenaline/fear junkie I've bought some of his other books!! LOL





Genuinely frightening, 19 Nov 2001
I found this book to be a rare thing: something its cover says. It is disturbing and frightening. I had weird dreams based on it. It was scarey, I hasten to add, because of blood, sex, shock, and gore; there's none of that. (Well, perhaps a teeny bit.) Yet the whole thing is wonderfully paced, convincing, nail-biting stuff. Very readable, very well-written, this is Ambrose's yet. (I don't want to give anything away about the plot; don't read the adverts or back, don't cheat and turn to the last few pages, just buy it and read it.)

Nicely potted, interesting premise, not-very-deep characters, 16 Oct 2000
Suppose you are a parapsychologist and you decide to create an imaginary ghost, which will help prove your theory that "ghosts" are really some kind of psychokinetic Jungian construct, put together by a collective unconscious? Now, further suppose that you succeed in your experiment and this ghost seems to start acting of its own accord. Does this make the ghost real or a construct of its creators?

This is the basic hypothesis of David Ambrose's "Superstition", and the horrors that follow are based on the struggle between the wills of the group that created an imaginary ghost, and the will of the imaginary ghost that seems to think that he is real. As one of the characters observes, this leads to certain "incompatibilities" which, somehow, have to be resolved. Either the ghost must die, or its creators must.

Readers of this book who know their SF will be irresistibly reminded of Ursula Le Guin's "Lathe of Heaven" rather than the more obvious candidate when it comes to shifting perceptions of reality -- Philip K Dick. There is, though, one moment that also has echoes of an incident in "The Man In The High Castle".

Superstition is more, therefore, than your average UK horror shocker involving the supernatural. It poses fundamental questions about the natures of reality and time, of cause and effect. And, in a fashion, it comes up with possible answers. Ambrose can also write with admirable fluidity, which made this an easy book to read in a day and a hard one to put down without doing so.

Notwithstanding this, most of the characters come across as channels for the plot rather than individuals in their own right. We have the stereotypical rich philanthropist, sleight-of-hand "mediums", love affair between the two leading characters, and so on. None of them ever really jump off the page and have the reader saying "Yes, I know this person, they seem real to me".

Curiously, the most real character is the imaginary ghost. Was this perhaps deliberate on Ambrose's part, or am I giving him too much credit?

Good idea badly written, 02 Apr 2000
The writing style is clumsy, as if the idea was to create a good plot to be turned into a screenplay. And a good plot it certainly is: he prepares the ground thoroughly, pre-empting scepticism and building credulity before really letting fly with the seriously strange plot twists. All in all, despite thin characterisations and careless language (would an American ever really say "dirty old sod" unless talking about a worn patch of grass?), the ideas behind this novel, together with the tight plotting, are enough to keep it going, and keep you reading. And it is certainly good enough to give you the creeps.

The only book that scared me and made me even consider the existence of ghosts- in 30 years, 11 Aug 2008
I am a pretty synical guy and believe me this book will leave you astounded. An excellent narrative trying to bridge the gap between science and the paranormal. Must read for the scientifically inclined synicist.

A rare dose of deep rooted fear!! , 13 Jun 2007
Apparently this book is based (loosely) around events that took place in Toronto in the ealry 1970s and has been widely written about in Parapsychology literature.

I stumbled upon this book merely by chance decided to give it a go as I love horror but struggle to find books or films that are scarey.

A couple of researchers recruit a group of volunteers to test out the hypothesis that it would be possible to create a poltergeist. Needless to say the group create an identity for a ghost between them and then proceed to use a Ouija board to interact with it.

As you might expect things don't quite go to plan and they soon realise they have started something that they do not have the power to stop.

Unlike many, many horror books I've read this seriously unnerved me! Once things take a turn for the worst, the descriptions of telekinetic and poltergeist activity turned nasty, really tapped into some primevil fear and I was on really on edge!

There is a fabulous twist in the plot that turns everything upside down and greatly adds to the sense of panic and fear. I will not spoil it here.

Some of what happens to the characters shook me up badly and in some ways undermined my sense of reality. For me Superstition not only scared me, it also questioned my perspective, my supposed grip on reality.

Somehow Dabid Ambrose manages to tap into not only overt fear, but also a more instinctual and vague sense of dread in Superstition.

It is a rare occassion that I am frightened or on edge after reading or watching horror, but Superstition frayed my nerves! So much so, that as a certified adrenaline/fear junkie I've bought some of his other books!! LOL





Genuinely frightening, 19 Nov 2001
I found this book to be a rare thing: something its cover says. It is disturbing and frightening. I had weird dreams based on it. It was scarey, I hasten to add, because of blood, sex, shock, and gore; there's none of that. (Well, perhaps a teeny bit.) Yet the whole thing is wonderfully paced, convincing, nail-biting stuff. Very readable, very well-written, this is Ambrose's yet. (I don't want to give anything away about the plot; don't read the adverts or back, don't cheat and turn to the last few pages, just buy it and read it.)

Nicely potted, interesting premise, not-very-deep characters, 16 Oct 2000
Suppose you are a parapsychologist and you decide to create an imaginary ghost, which will help prove your theory that "ghosts" are really some kind of psychokinetic Jungian construct, put together by a collective unconscious? Now, further suppose that you succeed in your experiment and this ghost seems to start acting of its own accord. Does this make the ghost real or a construct of its creators?

This is the basic hypothesis of David Ambrose's "Superstition", and the horrors that follow are based on the struggle between the wills of the group that created an imaginary ghost, and the will of the imaginary ghost that seems to think that he is real. As one of the characters observes, this leads to certain "incompatibilities" which, somehow, have to be resolved. Either the ghost must die, or its creators must.

Readers of this book who know their SF will be irresistibly reminded of Ursula Le Guin's "Lathe of Heaven" rather than the more obvious candidate when it comes to shifting perceptions of reality -- Philip K Dick. There is, though, one moment that also has echoes of an incident in "The Man In The High Castle".

Superstition is more, therefore, than your average UK horror shocker involving the supernatural. It poses fundamental questions about the natures of reality and time, of cause and effect. And, in a fashion, it comes up with possible answers. Ambrose can also write with admirable fluidity, which made this an easy book to read in a day and a hard one to put down without doing so.

Notwithstanding this, most of the characters come across as channels for the plot rather than individuals in their own right. We have the stereotypical rich philanthropist, sleight-of-hand "mediums", love affair between the two leading characters, and so on. None of them ever really jump off the page and have the reader saying "Yes, I know this person, they seem real to me".

Curiously, the most real character is the imaginary ghost. Was this perhaps deliberate on Ambrose's part, or am I giving him too much credit?

Good idea badly written, 02 Apr 2000
The writing style is clumsy, as if the idea was to create a good plot to be turned into a screenplay. And a good plot it certainly is: he prepares the ground thoroughly, pre-empting scepticism and building credulity before really letting fly with the seriously strange plot twists. All in all, despite thin characterisations and careless language (would an American ever really say "dirty old sod" unless talking about a worn patch of grass?), the ideas behind this novel, together with the tight plotting, are enough to keep it going, and keep you reading. And it is certainly good enough to give you the creeps.

A parallel Universe to make you wonder, 18 Oct 2007
Rick Hamilton rushes to the scene of his wife's car crash. Barely alive, she calls him Richard instead of Rick, she denies that they have a son, she's in Rick's car - not her own, and Rick's clothing has changed since he made the dash to the scene.
Conundrums galore and a parallel universe, and for those of us who bathe in such confusion, it's a quite enjoyable little read.


The Man Who Turned Into Himself., 24 Jun 2006
At first the storyline seemed a little bizarre and far fetched but after the first few pages this book really began to get going; I couldn't put it down.

Ambrose explores the possibilities of parallel universes and the workings of the mind in an imaginative yet user friendly way, which, at the end leaves you wanting more.

An amazing and interesting science fiction tale., 09 May 2000
I would recommend this book to anybody who enjoys totally absorbing and staggeringly clever storylines. The ideas explored in this book and the way the twist in the storyline is revealed is ingenious, its gripping from beginning to end.

FANTASTIC! Best book I've ever read, 29 Nov 1999
Exciting, yet easy to follow dip into the world of parallel universe's. Intriging. Everyone should read this book.

The only book that scared me and made me even consider the existence of ghosts- in 30 years, 11 Aug 2008
I am a pretty synical guy and believe me this book will leave you astounded. An excellent narrative trying to bridge the gap between science and the paranormal. Must read for the scientifically inclined synicist.

A rare dose of deep rooted fear!! , 13 Jun 2007
Apparently this book is based (loosely) around events that took place in Toronto in the ealry 1970s and has been widely written about in Parapsychology literature.

I stumbled upon this book merely by chance decided to give it a go as I love horror but struggle to find books or films that are scarey.

A couple of researchers recruit a group of volunteers to test out the hypothesis that it would be possible to create a poltergeist. Needless to say the group create an identity for a ghost between them and then proceed to use a Ouija board to interact with it.

As you might expect things don't quite go to plan and they soon realise they have started something that they do not have the power to stop.

Unlike many, many horror books I've read this seriously unnerved me! Once things take a turn for the worst, the descriptions of telekinetic and poltergeist activity turned nasty, really tapped into some primevil fear and I was on really on edge!

There is a fabulous twist in the plot that turns everything upside down and greatly adds to the sense of panic and fear. I will not spoil it here.

Some of what happens to the characters shook me up badly and in some ways undermined my sense of reality. For me Superstition not only scared me, it also questioned my perspective, my supposed grip on reality.

Somehow Dabid Ambrose manages to tap into not only overt fear, but also a more instinctual and vague sense of dread in Superstition.

It is a rare occassion that I am frightened or on edge after reading or watching horror, but Superstition frayed my nerves! So much so, that as a certified adrenaline/fear junkie I've bought some of his other books!! LOL





Genuinely frightening, 19 Nov 2001
I found this book to be a rare thing: something its cover says. It is disturbing and frightening. I had weird dreams based on it. It was scarey, I hasten to add, because of blood, sex, shock, and gore; there's none of that. (Well, perhaps a teeny bit.) Yet the whole thing is wonderfully paced, convincing, nail-biting stuff. Very readable, very well-written, this is Ambrose's yet. (I don't want to give anything away about the plot; don't read the adverts or back, don't cheat and turn to the last few pages, just buy it and read it.)

Nicely potted, interesting premise, not-very-deep characters, 16 Oct 2000
Suppose you are a parapsychologist and you decide to create an imaginary ghost, which will help prove your theory that "ghosts" are really some kind of psychokinetic Jungian construct, put together by a collective unconscious? Now, further suppose that you succeed in your experiment and this ghost seems to start acting of its own accord. Does this make the ghost real or a construct of its creators?

This is the basic hypothesis of David Ambrose's "Superstition", and the horrors that follow are based on the struggle between the wills of the group that created an imaginary ghost, and the will of the imaginary ghost that seems to think that he is real. As one of the characters observes, this leads to certain "incompatibilities" which, somehow, have to be resolved. Either the ghost must die, or its creators must.

Readers of this book who know their SF will be irresistibly reminded of Ursula Le Guin's "Lathe of Heaven" rather than the more obvious candidate when it comes to shifting perceptions of reality -- Philip K Dick. There is, though, one moment that also has echoes of an incident in "The Man In The High Castle".

Superstition is more, therefore, than your average UK horror shocker involving the supernatural. It poses fundamental questions about the natures of reality and time, of cause and effect. And, in a fashion, it comes up with possible answers. Ambrose can also write with admirable fluidity, which made this an easy book to read in a day and a hard one to put down without doing so.

Notwithstanding this, most of the characters come across as channels for the plot rather than individuals in their own right. We have the stereotypical rich philanthropist, sleight-of-hand "mediums", love affair between the two leading characters, and so on. None of them ever really jump off the page and have the reader saying "Yes, I know this person, they seem real to me".

Curiously, the most real character is the imaginary ghost. Was this perhaps deliberate on Ambrose's part, or am I giving him too much credit?

Good idea badly written, 02 Apr 2000
The writing style is clumsy, as if the idea was to create a good plot to be turned into a screenplay. And a good plot it certainly is: he prepares the ground thoroughly, pre-empting scepticism and building credulity before really letting fly with the seriously strange plot twists. All in all, despite thin characterisations and careless language (would an American ever really say "dirty old sod" unless talking about a worn patch of grass?), the ideas behind this novel, together with the tight plotting, are enough to keep it going, and keep you reading. And it is certainly good enough to give you the creeps.

A parallel Universe to make you wonder, 18 Oct 2007
Rick Hamilton rushes to the scene of his wife's car crash. Barely alive, she calls him Richard instead of Rick, she denies that they have a son, she's in Rick's car - not her own, and Rick's clothing has changed since he made the dash to the scene.
Conundrums galore and a parallel universe, and for those of us who bathe in such confusion, it's a quite enjoyable little read.


The Man Who Turned Into Himself., 24 Jun 2006
At first the storyline seemed a little bizarre and far fetched but after the first few pages this book really began to get going; I couldn't put it down.

Ambrose explores the possibilities of parallel universes and the workings of the mind in an imaginative yet user friendly way, which, at the end leaves you wanting more.

An amazing and interesting science fiction tale., 09 May 2000
I would recommend this book to anybody who enjoys totally absorbing and staggeringly clever storylines. The ideas explored in this book and the way the twist in the storyline is revealed is ingenious, its gripping from beginning to end.

FANTASTIC! Best book I've ever read, 29 Nov 1999
Exciting, yet easy to follow dip into the world of parallel universe's. Intriging. Everyone should read this book.

Dazzling exploration of identity in thriller form, 31 Jan 2000
Ambrose has cornered the market in combining classical three act thrillers with mind-bending speculations on intelligent scientific possibilities. He is now unique in a genre entirely his own. (see THE MAN WHO TURNED INTO HIMSELF and SUPERSTITION.) THE DISCRETE CHARM OF CHARLIE MONK grips from its opening chapter through unguessable twists to a satisfyingly rich climax. Ranging through speculations upon virtual reality and philosophical issues of personal identity, the novel is also simply a terrific thriller. Hitchcock meets Hawking. James Bond meets Bunuel. I enjoyed it immensely.

The only book that scared me and made me even consider the existence of ghosts- in 30 years, 11 Aug 2008
I am a pretty synical guy and believe me this book will leave you astounded. An excellent narrative trying to bridge the gap between science and the paranormal. Must read for the scientifically inclined synicist.

A rare dose of deep rooted fear!! , 13 Jun 2007
Apparently this book is based (loosely) around events that took place in Toronto in the ealry 1970s and has been widely written about in Parapsychology literature.

I stumbled upon this book merely by chance decided to give it a go as I love horror but struggle to find books or films that are scarey.

A couple of researchers recruit a group of volunteers to test out the hypothesis that it would be possible to create a poltergeist. Needless to say the group create an identity for a ghost between them and then proceed to use a Ouija board to interact with it.

As you might expect things don't quite go to plan and they soon realise they have started something that they do not have the power to stop.

Unlike many, many horror books I've read this seriously unnerved me! Once things take a turn for the worst, the descriptions of telekinetic and poltergeist activity turned nasty, really tapped into some primevil fear and I was on really on edge!

There is a fabulous twist in the plot that turns everything upside down and greatly adds to the sense of panic and fear. I will not spoil it here.

Some of what happens to the characters shook me up badly and in some ways undermined my sense of reality. For me Superstition not only scared me, it also questioned my perspective, my supposed grip on reality.

Somehow Dabid Ambrose manages to tap into not only overt fear, but also a more instinctual and vague sense of dread in Superstition.

It is a rare occassion that I am frightened or on edge after reading or watching horror, but Superstition frayed my nerves! So much so, that as a certified adrenaline/fear junkie I've bought some of his other books!! LOL





Genuinely frightening, 19 Nov 2001
I found this book to be a rare thing: something its cover says. It is disturbing and frightening. I had weird dreams based on it. It was scarey, I hasten to add, because of blood, sex, shock, and gore; there's none of that. (Well, perhaps a teeny bit.) Yet the whole thing is wonderfully paced, convincing, nail-biting stuff. Very readable, very well-written, this is Ambrose's yet. (I don't want to give anything away about the plot; don't read the adverts or back, don't cheat and turn to the last few pages, just buy it and read it.)

Nicely potted, interesting premise, not-very-deep characters, 16 Oct 2000
Suppose you are a parapsychologist and you decide to create an imaginary ghost, which will help prove your theory that "ghosts" are really some kind of psychokinetic Jungian construct, put together by a collective unconscious? Now, further suppose that you succeed in your experiment and this ghost seems to start acting of its own accord. Does this make the ghost real or a construct of its creators?

This is the basic hypothesis of David Ambrose's "Superstition", and the horrors that follow are based on the struggle between the wills of the group that created an imaginary ghost, and the will of the imaginary ghost that seems to think that he is real. As one of the characters observes, this leads to certain "incompatibilities" which, somehow, have to be resolved. Either the ghost must die, or its creators must.

Readers of this book who know their SF will be irresistibly reminded of Ursula Le Guin's "Lathe of Heaven" rather than the more obvious candidate when it comes to shifting perceptions of reality -- Philip K Dick. There is, though, one moment that also has echoes of an incident in "The Man In The High Castle".

Superstition is more, therefore, than your average UK horror shocker involving the supernatural. It poses fundamental questions about the natures of reality and time, of cause and effect. And, in a fashion, it comes up with possible answers. Ambrose can also write with admirable fluidity, which made this an easy book to read in a day and a hard one to put down without doing so.

Notwithstanding this, most of the characters come across as channels for the plot rather than individuals in their own right. We have the stereotypical rich philanthropist, sleight-of-hand "mediums", love affair between the two leading characters, and so on. None of them ever really jump off the page and have the reader saying "Yes, I know this person, they seem real to me".

Curiously, the most real character is the imaginary ghost. Was this perhaps deliberate on Ambrose's part, or am I giving him too much credit?

Good idea badly written, 02 Apr 2000
The writing style is clumsy, as if the idea was to create a good plot to be turned into a screenplay. And a good plot it certainly is: he prepares the ground thoroughly, pre-empting scepticism and building credulity before really letting fly with the seriously strange plot twists. All in all, despite thin characterisations and careless language (would an American ever really say "dirty old sod" unless talking about a worn patch of grass?), the ideas behind this novel, together with the tight plotting, are enough to keep it going, and keep you reading. And it is certainly good enough to give you the creeps.

A parallel Universe to make you wonder, 18 Oct 2007
Rick Hamilton rushes to the scene of his wife's car crash. Barely alive, she calls him Richard instead of Rick, she denies that they have a son, she's in Rick's car - not her own, and Rick's clothing has changed since he made the dash to the scene.
Conundrums galore and a parallel universe, and for those of us who bathe in such confusion, it's a quite enjoyable little read.


The Man Who Turned Into Himself., 24 Jun 2006
At first the storyline seemed a little bizarre and far fetched but after the first few pages this book really began to get going; I couldn't put it down.

Ambrose explores the possibilities of parallel universes and the workings of the mind in an imaginative yet user friendly way, which, at the end leaves you wanting more.

An amazing and interesting science fiction tale., 09 May 2000
I would recommend this book to anybody who enjoys totally absorbing and staggeringly clever storylines. The ideas explored in this book and the way the twist in the storyline is revealed is ingenious, its gripping from beginning to end.

FANTASTIC! Best book I've ever read, 29 Nov 1999
Exciting, yet easy to follow dip into the world of parallel universe's. Intriging. Everyone should read this book.

Dazzling exploration of identity in thriller form, 31 Jan 2000
Ambrose has cornered the market in combining classical three act thrillers with mind-bending speculations on intelligent scientific possibilities. He is now unique in a genre entirely his own. (see THE MAN WHO TURNED INTO HIMSELF and SUPERSTITION.) THE DISCRETE CHARM OF CHARLIE MONK grips from its opening chapter through unguessable twists to a satisfyingly rich climax. Ranging through speculations upon virtual reality and philosophical issues of personal identity, the novel is also simply a terrific thriller. Hitchcock meets Hawking. James Bond meets Bunuel. I enjoyed it immensely.

Have you asked YOUR computer how it feels today?, 05 Jun 1997
You may as well start. No knowing what it may do to you if you irritate it ... David Ambrose has written one of the best books I have read this year. His style is different, and his language intricate yet easy to understand. Throughout the book there is a feeling of intense action taking place, and I think there is little point in describing the incredible twists the plot takes. Be warned though: after reading this book you may very well be tempted to unplug your computer for good ...