Ghost

In 60 AD, Aine finds herself captured and enslaved by the Romans. Fleeing her new master, she hides in a tunnel where she finds an altar and unwittingly unleashes something dark. Centuries later, Sarah Gibson takes refuge in the woods after the death of her mother. Seeking to help others with her knowledge of healing, she is at ease with nature, sensing Aine’s restless spirit and wishing to help her. In the present day, Marie has ‘burned out’, dropping out of art college. She goes to stay with Jen, her aunt, following the death of her much loved Uncle Matty and senses that there is something wrong in the woods and yet is drawn to them by the connection she feels with the girls from the past.

‘Ghost’ is one of those books which is really hard to offer a summary for! Inspired by legends surrounding ‘Sally in the Woods’ in Wiltshire, it is an evocative read, celebrating connections through time and place, the beauty of the natural world and family love.

Perfect for anyone looking for something a little bit different, Finbar Hawkins effortlessly weaves together the stories of Aine, Sarah and Marie, creating a slightly eerie and compelling narrative, steeped in folklore and old magic. Each girl has lost loved ones and each finds courage in the face of adversity, combining across time to overcome evil and find peace. Each girls’ voice is heard in turn as the reader discovers more about their individual background before their stories merge and they vanquish the spirit haunting the woods.

Mesmerising is an excellent word to describe this story which is hard to do justice to in a review! It is more than ‘just’ a ghost story- it is a book which just has to be read!

Ghost

Finbar Hawkins

Zephyr ISBN: 978-1837933075

The Whisperling

There’s no such thing as ghosts…unless you need their help.

Peggy Devona is a Whisperling. She can talk to those who have passed, should they wish it, during ‘the burn’, the moment when their spirit is at its most powerful. However, in the small English village where she lives, there are many who are afraid of such people so she hides her ability. However, when her best friend, Sally, is accused of murdering Lady Stanton, the rich lady she works for, Peggy knows she must use her gift to save Sally from the gallows.

I absolutely adored this story and found the note from the author at the end of the book really fascinating. Compelling from the outset, the story has a wonderful gothic feel as it explores Victorian attitudes to death and the afterlife as well as the harsh realities of punishments and labour conditions at this time.

Peggy is a wonderful character. Fiercely loyal, her friendship with Sally means the world to her and she shows great courage, determination and resilience as she works to solve the mystery surrounding Lady Stanton’s death. Sent from her home for her safety when the villagers discover that she is a Whisperling, she escapes to Bristol to live with her Uncle Bletchley, who runs seances at his Psychic Emporium. Here, she meets Cecily and Oti, the girls who work for her uncle, and learns to trust them as they help her in her quest to save Sally.

There is so much to love about this story…but I would hate to spoil it for anyone so am reluctant to say too much. The references to Bristol are fascinating and there are moments of great poignancy and love throughout. Highly recommended to one and all!

The Whisperling

Hayley Hoskins, illustrated by Kristina Kister

Puffin Books ISBN: 978-0241514504