Grace

By A. M. Shine

Review

Adopted at 4-years-old, Grace, now an adult, receives a phone call telling her that her biological mother has died. She decides to visit the remote Irish island, Croaghnakeela, where her mother lived. There's only one boat in and the same boat out yet the captain has never stepped foot onto its land. Surprised by the island's bleakness, Grace notices that most of the houses have fallen into disrepair and there doesn't appear to be any children. Something very strange is happening here. Grace has no idea what awaits in the darkness. . . 

Having read and enjoyed two of the author's previous books — The Watchers and Stay in the Light — I was very keen to see where his new book would take me. Based on Irish folklore, it was extremely dark and creepy with an unsettling evil vibe. Let's just say don't even attempt to read it if you're of a nervous disposition! Yes, I did enjoy it but less so than the other two books I mentioned. I didn't connect with it in quite the same way. Although the folklore was exceptionally good, I wasn't so keen on how the story was delivered.

★★★☆☆

• Print Length: 279 pages
• Publisher: Head of Zeus
• Publication Year: 2026
• Author: A. M. Shine
• Genre: Horror

Synopsis

TO LEARN THE TRUTH
WOULD YOU DESCEND INTO HELL?

Off the west coast of Ireland lies a lonely island, isolated and wilfully forgotten. Some say there hasn't been a child born on the island for thirty years. Others speak of strange deaths there, decades ago. But no one really knows what happened. Locals believe that the dark times are behind them.

They are mistaken.

Grace, adopted at four years old, has never known where she came from. A mysterious phone call leads her back to the island where she was born – and where a terrible evil has been disturbed.

As the evil starts to spread, Grace finds herself dragged back into a living nightmare that threatens to engulf anyone who steps into its path.