The Ghost Network

Starred review from March 16, 2015
Wrapped in the form of pseudohistorical, multilayered investigative journalism full of footnotes from a skewed world that resembles our own, columnist Disabato’s first novel is a paean to the modern urban landscape. In it she relishes questions about pop
culture’s relationship to intellectual culture jamming, the persistence of the ephemeral under the gaze of the obsessed, and the secrets behind public personas and public transportation. Equal parts unfolding suspense and literary treasure hunt, Disabato’s document claims to be her completion of journalist Cyrus Archer’s abandoned investigation of the search for Molly Metropolis, a rising pop music diva who disappears suddenly in Chicago while on tour at the height of her popularity. Archer’s interviews reveal the story of music journalist Cait Taer, who seeks out Gina Nix, her old friend and Molly’s personal assistant, after Molly vanishes. Together they discover Molly’s secret notebook and solicit the aid of her Molly’s dangerous friend, Nick Berliner, in their search. Archer traces the mystery through journals, maps, and interviews—and underground into the B-sides of personality and art. The net effect is simultaneously breathlessly exhilarating and beautifully haunted.

March 15, 2015
A probing investigation into the disappearance of a rising pop star and the subsequent death of an obsessive fan goes awry in this thrilling debut novel.Journalist Cyrus Archer is in dogged pursuit of the connection among a 1960s anarchist political sect known as the Situationists, a map of a hypothetical transit system underneath Chicago named the Ghost Network, and the disappearances of singing sensation Molly Metropolis and her assistant's lover, Caitlyn Taer. For 15 months, armed with a collage of newspaper articles, interviews, computer files, and journals, Archer attempts to reconstruct the months preceding Molly's and Taer's mysterious fates. He makes several interesting discoveries, but it's hard to tell what he thinks: is he surprised? Is he fascinated or horrified? His voice feels monotonous for someone who's trying to solve a mystery. Then he suddenly disappears himself, leaving his unfinished manuscript to "Catie Disabato," his former writing student, who cleverly inserts herself into the text to verify his research, add her own footnotes, and, though she's conflicted about it, finish his book: "I had begun to face the reality that putting my name on this book would be the end of something for me....What is my role in the narrative supposed to be?" Disabato's engaging, robust voice, though scarce, revives the tale. Ultimately, the novel, with its intricate structure and agile pacing, adds up to a layered, well-executed story within an inventive story. Artistic ambition, cultural critique, and a revolutionary philosophy drive the mysteries underlying this complex, charismatic novel.

April 1, 2015

In search of a missing pop star, two young women--the singer's personal assistant and a journalist--use journals and songs to determine what happened and manage to fall in love along the way.

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2015

Victims in Chicago are little more than statistics for the rest of the country. When famous, ostentatious pop star Molly Metropolis, or "Metro," goes missing, however, the world takes notice. Journalist Cyrus Archer finds links between Molly's disappearance and that of another young woman, Caitlin Taer, and subsequently vanishes himself. He sends all of his journals, interviews, and research documents about the cases to former student Catie Disabato who then continues Archer's quest to find the pop star and Taer. Disabato includes footnotes to detail her own conclusions and opinions as she polishes and produces Archer's complete research. Betrayal, lust, violence, and conspiracy enshroud the disappearances, but will the question be answered: Where is Molly Metropolis? This debut novel is both ambitious and methodical in its metafictional techniques; the journalistic-style prose adds originality but may be off-putting to some readers. In this smart read that also feels like a well-written crime novel, the intense combination of researched information and creative input sets this title apart from more commercial fare. VERDICT Adventurous readers and mystery fans looking for something different will enjoy discovering a new writer. [See "New LGBT Fiction: Titles To Consider Before June, LGBT Pride Month," LJ 4/1/15.--Ed.]--Jennifer Funk, McKendree Univ. Lib., Lebanon, IL

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.