My Review (5 stars out of 5)
Struggling with the demands of her work as a shop manager, part time storyteller, and witch-tour guide, Sarah Sutherland must also deal with looking after her elderly father. Living in a house once occupied by Alie Gowdie – a woman executed as a witch during the time of the English Civil War – Sarah is able to add a touch of realism to her stories as she leads groups of ghost-lovers around the town. While studying old manuscripts, Sarah uncovers a mystery surrounding Alie and her accuser. Meanwhile, Sarah’s father sees people in his house. Is it his imagination, the onset of dementia, or are people really walking into his house and stealing his possessions?
Set in the fictional town of Kilgour in Scotland, this is the third book I’ve read by this author. To begin with, I found the book difficult to get into due to the changing points of view (from first person to third person). I know several authors who use this technique, and it never makes any sense to me. However, knowing Ms Ireland to be a highly talented teller of tales (and pushing aside my petty irritations), I persevered. As the book progresses, we are presented with stories within stories – folklore, history and local legends combine to create an atmosphere of mystery as the heroine digs into the past. But could the past be repeating itself in the present? As a carer begins to work with Sarah’s father, he realises that the old man’s imagination may not be the only factor at work. As always with this author’s writing, the story creeps up on you, building tension and mystery as her characters search for the truth.
An engaging and highly entertaining story that will thrill anyone who loves folklore, legends, and spooky stories.
Colin Garrow 