An intriguing, atmospheric mystery novel from the author of The Temple House Vanishing. Set in Galway and Dublin, the novel focuses on a pair of sisters and their friends, under the shadow of a famous philosopher father with repugnant views who apparently died in a fall. The time is mainly the 1960s, narrated by one of the sisters, Aisling, but there is a criminal investigation element in the 1990s written in the third person. I found the latter much less compelling and if it wasn’t for an essential part of the sisters’ history being addressed, I could have dispensed with it because the writing style was not as interesting.

There is a gothic feeling to the book, with its isolated Irish setting, windswept house, strange visitors and the feeling of doom. It’s about family secrets, loss, memories and guilt. Quite a sad, dark read which is moving and lyrical. I’d recommend it.

Thank you to the publisher Corvus for the advance copy via NetGalley. Publication date 6th February.