Both previous Finbar Hawkins, Witch (2020) and Stone (2022) featured in my own YA Horror 400 almanac, so I was delighted to read his third novel, Ghost. Although it has more in common with his debut, it features the same type of earthy natural magic which threads through both his previous novels. There are also certain story overlaps with Witch, with authentic historical settings and in one of the three narratives a teenager who uses herbs to cure ailments is accused of being a witch. The story of Sarah Gibson, set in 1783, is only one of three interconnecting narratives, after the death of her mother she loses her home as a servant and ends up living in the woods which connects the three stories. Using the skills taught by her mother and her own resourcefulness she trades her skills with the locals, building a reputation as a wise woman.

However, Sarah can also feel the presence of other restless spirits, which take us back to the year 60AD and a Roman slave called Anna, who is captured from her family before going on the run in the same woods. Elsewhere the three narratives are interconnected in the present day by Marie, who has a host of personal problems, and after dropping out of art school goes to stay with her aunt who lives beside the woods. Marie sees images of the other two girls, as well as her dead uncle and feels the same presence in the woods as the other girls. Grounding the story in the present day, although steeped in old magic was skilfully done, as Marie realises only she can free the trapped spirits of the girls who preceded her and move on with her own life. A thoughtful and well structured fantasy drama with an ancient evil lurking in the background. AGE RANGE 12+

In my humble opinion this is a powerful piece of storytelling. I love that it is a tale of old magic, of folklore and that woven within the tapestry of words the story is also steeped in myth and legend, but is uniquely original.
As the tale unfolds, it is clear that Finbar has drawn on the power of three, interweaving the tales of Aine, Sarah and Marie - three girls who across the paths of time are drawn together to defeat dark magic. A beautiful tale to be shared as the nights draw in.
Huge thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for an early read.