Description
When Father Michael Walsh, a Jesuit priest on the western coast of Ireland, faces a charge of embezzlement, a London newspaper sends expatriate Irish reporter Hugh Buckley home to deliver a story—or else. Buckley and his photographer colleague Frederick Jones arrive in the village of Doolin to find themselves embroiled in a tangled mess of parish politics, occult practices, and bloody murder. By night, as wicked things rise from the earth, Buckley faces his own long-repressed struggles with his country, his abandoned faith, and his dead family. By day, he finds help, both professional and personal, from English Dominican friar Father Thomas Edmund Gilroy, OP, who has come to Doolin to support his friend Father Michael and to aid in the spiritual battle against the occult.
Can Hugh and Freddie save their employment—and their skins—as the grotesque violence intensifies? Or will they and the rest of the village of Doolin be consumed by dark powers lurking within the mysterious landscape of Ireland?
laknermegan –
I really enjoyed this book! This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect as its genre is part horror/part historical Christian fiction. After having finished the book I can gladly say it was excellently done. I loved how it immersed me in early 20th century Ireland. The characters were all so well done, I especially loved good old Hugh Buckley. He’s a wonderful character, and his side-kick Freddie is equally wonderful.
I appreciated how the author never strayed from the horror elements that are required in this kind of story that deals with malevolent supernatural type happenings. Anchoring with the Catholic/Christian faith gave it real hope that evil would not win in the end. Father Thomas Edmund and Father Michael were such charming characters too. The whole cast of characters, really, was wonderfully done.
This book is reminiscent of an Agatha Christie or Sherlock Holmes style of writing, its rather like a lovely warm cup of tea. It’s soothing and yet draws you in, leaving you always wanting more.
The highest recommendation I can give a book is when, after I’ve finished it, I want to go and read other things by this author. This book is one of those types. I didn’t want it to end, but when it did I’d be more than happy to enter this authors works again. I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a good mystery with a touch of the supernatural, while keeping it in check by recognizing that its God alone who can expel such evil.
I received a free advanced copy of this book from the publisher/author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
katie.r.fitzgerald –
I don’t normally read much fantasy, or any horror, but this historical mystery with Catholic themes and a paranormal twist is one of the most entertaining books I’ve read this year.
The dialogue is clever, believable, and so pitch-perfect I felt like I could hear the characters speaking in my mind. All the Irish names and phrases added wonderful local color to the story that made me feel like I was part of the village community.
Faith and horror were threaded together beautifully. The gore was minimal, and the role of the evil creatures who terrorize the town was couched in a Christian battle between good and evil, with priests leading the charge. Demonic powers are never glorified; rather the book highlights the appropriate way to subdue them and never suggests that these are forces to be trifled with or amused by. Most of the story is very light and funny, and nothing like a modern horror novel.
The historical details, too, were used perfectly. It was fun to see the main characters communicating with their editor via telegram and to see them taking a bit of advantage of how long communications take to pass back and forth to London. I also loved the hints of Latin and references to the old Mass.
This was just a delight from beginning to end, and I’m so thankful to Chrism Press for sending me a complimentary copy. (I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)