Ghostface Returns (2008 novel)

In the Scream film series fictional universe, Ghostface Returns (published 2008) is the likely fifth book and first fictional novel by Gale Riley (née Weathers), based on the life of Sidney Prescott and the Ghostface murders that surround it (the original book based solely on her mother's murder).

It is the basis for Stab 4, 5 and 6. The book appears in Scream 4 (2011 film) as an Easter egg prop at Gale's desk, and also on the book stall before she enters Sidney's book signing for Out of Darkness. Serial killer Jill Roberts has also purchased and likely read the book, according to her own book shelf.

Other books
The order of Gale's published books, as seen on her desk in Scream 4. In overall chronological order:
 * 1) Wrongly Accused (Pre-Ghostface release. Unseen in Scream 4, but mentioned during Scream and Scream 5)
 * 2) The Woodsboro Murders (Most famous book; seen/mentioned in Scream 2, 3 and 4; 1997 book; spawned the Stabfranchise)
 * 3) College Terror (Mentioned in Scream 3; Easter egg on Gale's desk in Scream 4; 1998 book; adapted into Stab 2 released in 1999)
 * 4) Hollywood Horror (Easter egg on Gale's desk; 2000 book; adapted into Stab 3: Hollywood Horror released mid-late 2000s)
 * 5) Ghostface Returns (Fiction; Easter egg on Gale's desk and in Jill's room; released 2000s decade)
 * 6) Knife of the Hunter (Fiction; Easter egg on Gale's desk; the most recent according to the order on Gale's desk lineup).

Trivia

 * Non-Canon: Two other book props, Knife of Doom and Clock of Doom were produced by the props department, but are unseen in Scream 4 (2011) and rendered non-canon.
 * This is likely because the release of Stab 3: Hollywood Horror was delayed (due to the controversy of the previous planned Stab 3: Return to Woodsboro cast dying), thus Gale would release less books within the time frame of Stab 4 onwards.
 * Since Knife of the Hunter is the basis for 2010's Stab 7, it is most likely Ghostface Returns substitutes both Doom books, and is actually the basis for Stabs 4-6.
 * The delayed release is evidenced by Rebecca's dialogue that Dewey and Gale are married for ten years in the third and final chapter of the trilogy.
 * Courteney Cox stated in a Scream 4 interview that Gale has released six books, which aligns with all books presented on-screen.
 * First known Ghostface book by Gale Weathers released as a married woman. She uses her maiden name as her pen name.

Other books
The order of Gale's published books, as seen on her desk in Scream 4. In overall chronological order:
 * 1) Wrongly Accused (Pre-Ghostface release. Unseen in Scream 4, but mentioned during Scream and Scream 5)
 * 2) The Woodsboro Murders (Most famous book; seen/mentioned in Scream 2, 3 and 4; 1997 book; spawned the Stabfranchise)
 * 3) College Terror (Mentioned in Scream 3; Easter egg on Gale's desk in Scream 4; 1998 book; adapted into Stab 2 released in 1999)
 * 4) Hollywood Horror (Easter egg on Gale's desk; 2000 book; adapted into Stab 3: Hollywood Horror released mid-late 2000s)
 * 5) Ghostface Returns (Fiction; Easter egg on Gale's desk and in Jill's room; released 2000s decade)
 * 6) Knife of the Hunter (Fiction; adapted into Stab 7; Easter egg on Gale's desk; the most recent according to the order on Gale's desk lineup).

Non-Canon Books
These fictional books were created by the props department, but are not seen in Scream 4.
 * Knife of Doom
 * Clock of Doom