This is a compulsive read, I genuinely couldn't put it down until I knew how this cross-historical supernatural story would end. Marie is mysteriously connected to two other teenage girls who lived at different times in history, Aine (enslaved by invading Romans) and Sarah (accused of witchcraft) and the fate of their souls are fatally intertwined. I always enjoy it when adults in stories for children and teens immediately take their young people seriously when there are supernatural forces involved, for me it ups the stakes when adults are aware of the danger and seriousness of the situation but reliant on the teens for solutions which is what happens in this story. In fact it's Marie's twin brother Ben who doubts the truth behind her fears at first. There's a rich seam of horror titles pitches at that illusive 'teen' 12+ market at the moment and this exciting and atmospheric book fits solidly into this (as do Stone and Witch).

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.

Ghost by Finbar Hawkins – out 6th November • Age 12+
From the very first page this story is steeped in atmosphere and intrigue.
It follows three girls, bound across time by something mysterious: a spark, a gift, a curse—a strength. Call it what you will, it shines brightly and is hunted by an ancient evil.
Aine and Sarah live in different eras of the past, while the main protagonist, Marie, is a modern-day twin. Though separated by centuries, their lives are inextricably linked, their stories woven together as intricately as the herbs in one of Sarah’s remedies.
Ghost is as beautiful as it is eerie, a magical, hard-to-put-down read. A must for anyone who loves mystical tales, witchcraft, or ghostly encounters.

The many fans of Finbar Hawkins’ WITCH and STONE will not be disappointed! GHOST is wonderfully atmospheric - spookily and seamlessly blending the modern day with ancient myth and magic. Follow the blackbird to fight the forces of evil! #middlegrade #ghoststories

This chilling and sensitive story is an amazing coming-of-age story, one that is perfect for a young adult book. The story centres around three young women who see each other, though they are from different timelines in history. The most recent character, Marie, will have to use all the skills she has at her disposal to save everything she holds dear, with the aid of the women from the past. Sometimes magic can be dangerous and evil, and it needs a pure soul to defeat it. A must-read.

I absolutely love a timeslip novel, it's my favourite genre and this one didn't disappoint. A thrilling tale across three time lines with them all coming together to vanquish the beast, the perfect read for autumn