What do you think?
Rate this book
We Are Shadows: An Irish Ghost Story
"We Are Shadows is a thrilling read … (It) has an appealing writing style and a captivating plotline with many unpredictable twists."
—Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite 5-Star Review 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Moira Gallagher has been conversing with ghosts since she was five. Now as an adult, she’s finally putting that ability to good use.
Moira’s ability to talk with the dead gives her detective agency, Gallagher Investigations, an edge in uncovering secrets the past has buried. With the help of her sisters, Nuala and Deirdre, she assists those unsettled spirits in finding peace by righting the wrongs done to them before they found themselves on the Other Side. The past collides with the present as these Irish sisters solve cold-case murders and mayhem through their dreams, paranormal visitations, and spunk.
If you enjoy a cozy mystery, ghosts of the friendly and not-so-friendly variety, or anything Irish, you’ll love We Are Shadows.
—Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite 5-Star Review 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Moira Gallagher has been conversing with ghosts since she was five. Now as an adult, she’s finally putting that ability to good use.
Moira’s ability to talk with the dead gives her detective agency, Gallagher Investigations, an edge in uncovering secrets the past has buried. With the help of her sisters, Nuala and Deirdre, she assists those unsettled spirits in finding peace by righting the wrongs done to them before they found themselves on the Other Side. The past collides with the present as these Irish sisters solve cold-case murders and mayhem through their dreams, paranormal visitations, and spunk.
If you enjoy a cozy mystery, ghosts of the friendly and not-so-friendly variety, or anything Irish, you’ll love We Are Shadows.
- GenresParanormalMystery
370 pages, Paperback
Published October 13, 2023
18 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Gail Grant Park
6 books13 followersGail received her BA in history from Brigham Young University and her MLIS from Syracuse University. Now a retired librarian, Gail and her husband, Richard, reside in Boise, Idaho, with their Anatolian Shepherd, Loki. When not writing her Gallagher Girls mysteries, Gail tends her medicinal herb garden, does landscape and portrait painting and traces her family history.
You can find her at http://gailgrantpark.com
You can find her at http://gailgrantpark.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 5, 2023
Absolutely loved this book. My first Gail Grant Park book (not the last!) Where to start… first I was somehow hesitant to read this book, I thought it would be confusing with all the Irish spellings,etc. however, once I got started, I quickly fell in love with the way each chapter started with Irish lores, sayings, blessings and so on… loved the characters and how they grew/evolved throughout the book. At the end I felt connected to the characters and was sad that I finished the book. It’s the type of story that had me wanting spare time so I could curl up and continue reading! Most of all I absolutely loved how the story was told… Four mysteries rolled into one with a touch of ghostly magic with each story somehow connected. They were just the right length to tell the tale, keep you guessing and have you eagerly waiting to see what happens next! In the end I was happy that I didn’t let my reservations keep me from enjoying this novel… I happily found a new author, got a good mystery fix and learned a wee bit of Irish lore.
January 6, 2024
This book was incredible! It truly has the ability to capture you into the book as if you are one of the shadows watching this beautiful and thrilling story unfold. I felt like every time I picked it up, I didn’t want to put it down because it let me escape reality and kept me on my toes each page turn! Highly recommend, even if this is not your normally preferred genre. You will love it.
April 14, 2024
An interesting concept about two Irish sisters who help solve mysteries by communicating with the dead. It's actually a gentle cozy with three different mysteries; an easy read and a bit heart warming also.
January 19, 2024
This book was my first ever "ghost mystery". I really enjoyed the dynamic between the sisters. I also appreciated the authors take on ghosts and how they communicate. They spoke and communicated as plainly as the living. There was one character that I felt was under represented. I would have loved to hear more from Alex, James grandson. That is what made this book so good, it left you wanting more!
January 1, 2026
I had high hopes for this but I felt like the story felt a little unfocused, and I’m not sure who the intended audience was but I did have to check partway through to see if this was considered a children’s book, because at times it certainly had that tone.
August 2, 2025
It did take me a minute to get through the first chapters. That's why it took me longer to get through the books. I really enjoyed the paranormal. If had time, id definitely get the rest of the series.
November 5, 2023
Great characters and a great setting made this a fantastic read. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I will definitely be looking for more. I reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via Voracious Readers Only.
October 29, 2023
I received a free copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only. This is the best book I've read for a while! Such a great story, relateable characters, love that it's set in Ireland and feels authentic. It's written more like 4 short stories that link together which I enjoyed.
October 27, 2023
While this read is fiction based on very true life fact for the period in history and emigration inspired by the author’s ancestral Irish Family history. She excels at recreating a vivid imagination and the ability to portray the human experience felt and lived by the emigrants told through the history of Irish folklore and poetry. It is an enjoyable read with a twist of the paranormal.
October 28, 2023
This was an excellent book! I enjoyed that the sisters’ gifts were all so very different and they complement each other beautifully. I enjoyed that each individual they helped became a part of the sisters’ lives. I only wish the book had been longer since I was having so much fun reading it!
November 16, 2023
Unputdownable
I've always thought that "unputdowmable" was a made-up word, but I realize that it totally fits this series.
If a book doesn't capture my interest within the first two pages, i've set it aside. There are too many great books to read without slopping through mediocre ones, but this one captured my interest at the very beginning and kept it through the very end with me wanting even more after.
The scenes flowed well, the dialogue also.
As far as the dreams and visitations, there have been so many times that I have experienced similar things. I know of things that others have experienced that it becomes second nature to accept the possibility, even probability of communicating with those who have gone before. It was when the h'oponopono mantra was expressed that I knew the writer and I were on the same page.
Am extremely enjoyable read, and I can't wait for what she releases next.
I've always thought that "unputdowmable" was a made-up word, but I realize that it totally fits this series.
If a book doesn't capture my interest within the first two pages, i've set it aside. There are too many great books to read without slopping through mediocre ones, but this one captured my interest at the very beginning and kept it through the very end with me wanting even more after.
The scenes flowed well, the dialogue also.
As far as the dreams and visitations, there have been so many times that I have experienced similar things. I know of things that others have experienced that it becomes second nature to accept the possibility, even probability of communicating with those who have gone before. It was when the h'oponopono mantra was expressed that I knew the writer and I were on the same page.
Am extremely enjoyable read, and I can't wait for what she releases next.
December 29, 2023
***I won a copy of this book through a LibraryThing Early Reviewer's Giveaway. My review is strictly voluntary.***
Even though this was a book about ghosts and hauntings, the word that comes to mind to describe the overall feeling I got while reading it is heartwarming. The Irish are famous for knowing how to tell a good tale and this book is no exception. In fact, in this book, I was pleasantly surprised to get not one, but four intertwined tales to relish and enjoy. Reading this was akin to sitting down with a nice cup of tea and a scone and having a long chat with a warm and friendly group of friends and family. I definitely looked forward to each moment spent immersed in this world and hope to rejoin them again someday soon.
Even though this was a book about ghosts and hauntings, the word that comes to mind to describe the overall feeling I got while reading it is heartwarming. The Irish are famous for knowing how to tell a good tale and this book is no exception. In fact, in this book, I was pleasantly surprised to get not one, but four intertwined tales to relish and enjoy. Reading this was akin to sitting down with a nice cup of tea and a scone and having a long chat with a warm and friendly group of friends and family. I definitely looked forward to each moment spent immersed in this world and hope to rejoin them again someday soon.
May 23, 2024
This was a quick and engaging read. I must admit at times it felt like it was written by a teenager, but it still kept me interested. Probably the fact that I'm interested in the topic of paranormal helped. I also loved reading where the author found inspiration for certain events in the book. All in all it's not a literary masterpiece, but it's an interesting and quick read.
November 20, 2023
First time reading anything by this author and loved the book. The stories flowed very easily and gave good details on what was going on. Emjoyed getting to know the characters and learning some of the Irish Slang.
January 6, 2024
This was a great story. Ghost stories are my favorite kind, and this was an excellent one. I couldn't put it down. Looking forward to more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 10, 2024
Slow start for me. But I am glad I pushed through because it got pretty good in the second half
January 22, 2024
Deirdre, Moira, and Nuala Gallagher are sisters who are not only very close to each other, but each has a remarkable gift for communicating with the dead in, “We Are Shadows: An Irish Ghost Story” by Gail Grant Park. Each sister has her own unique way of communicating with some good, and some not-so-good spirits. Because of their special abilities, they have opened a business together called Gallagher Investigations in Dublin, Ireland, offering services to people who need mysterious deaths resolved, proof of maternity to gain rightful ownership of estates, and even locating unmarked graves of deceased people to name a few. With their abilities, they will stop at nothing until they can solve each case, even if they must use their paranormal abilities to do so. Are the sisters able to solve all the cases that come to them?
The first thing that grabbed me about this ghost mystery story was that it was set in Ireland. My dream is to one day travel there. So, I am absolutely drawn to stories that are set in Ireland. When I found out that this story was also wrapped around paranormal phenomena, my second love, I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to review this book.
Right from the start, I was pulled into the story as the first case unfolded early on. When the sisters were gathering information to determine if Sean should be the rightful heir to his deceased biological mother’s estate, I was right next to them reading the paperwork and doing the online and in-person inquiries. I felt that I was another member of the Gallagher Investigations team. As a matter of fact, I felt as if I was another Gallagher sister because I was investing just as much of my time in their cases as they were. I found myself planning the next course of action to help Sean rightfully gain his inheritance, along with trying to solve other investigations that came to them as well.
As each investigation unfolded, I loved the descriptions the author wrote regarding the Irish countryside or even the native language the locals used. She included a glossary of common Irish terms used throughout the book so any reader could easily follow along and understand the slang used. To me, this made the book even more authentic, and I truly felt that I was standing on Ireland’s soil and living among the local people. Plus, her natural way of explaining the Irish-related things as the story unfolded, just made this story so much more believable to me. I had to keep reminding myself that this was a fictional story and not a nonfiction account of the Gallagher sisters’ lives.
This is the first book in a new series, A Gallagher Girls Mystery. Overall, I really enjoyed “We Are Shadows: An Irish Ghost Story” by Ms. Grant Park, and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future. I can definitely see the Gallagher sisters appearing in more books in this entertaining paranormal mystery series. I highly recommend it!
The first thing that grabbed me about this ghost mystery story was that it was set in Ireland. My dream is to one day travel there. So, I am absolutely drawn to stories that are set in Ireland. When I found out that this story was also wrapped around paranormal phenomena, my second love, I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to review this book.
Right from the start, I was pulled into the story as the first case unfolded early on. When the sisters were gathering information to determine if Sean should be the rightful heir to his deceased biological mother’s estate, I was right next to them reading the paperwork and doing the online and in-person inquiries. I felt that I was another member of the Gallagher Investigations team. As a matter of fact, I felt as if I was another Gallagher sister because I was investing just as much of my time in their cases as they were. I found myself planning the next course of action to help Sean rightfully gain his inheritance, along with trying to solve other investigations that came to them as well.
As each investigation unfolded, I loved the descriptions the author wrote regarding the Irish countryside or even the native language the locals used. She included a glossary of common Irish terms used throughout the book so any reader could easily follow along and understand the slang used. To me, this made the book even more authentic, and I truly felt that I was standing on Ireland’s soil and living among the local people. Plus, her natural way of explaining the Irish-related things as the story unfolded, just made this story so much more believable to me. I had to keep reminding myself that this was a fictional story and not a nonfiction account of the Gallagher sisters’ lives.
This is the first book in a new series, A Gallagher Girls Mystery. Overall, I really enjoyed “We Are Shadows: An Irish Ghost Story” by Ms. Grant Park, and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future. I can definitely see the Gallagher sisters appearing in more books in this entertaining paranormal mystery series. I highly recommend it!
November 15, 2023
We Are Shadows: An Irish Ghost Story by Gail Grant Park delves into the captivating world of three sisters: Moira, Deidre, and Nuala Gallagher. Each sister possesses a unique gift – Moira can see ghosts, Deidre is passionate about herbal healing, and Nuala has a knack for experiencing distinctive dreams. Stemming from a childhood incident where Moira witnessed a tragic event, she, along with her siblings, embarks on investigations into paranormal happenings. As readers journey with them, they encounter eerie entities, mysterious haunted homes, and the eternal struggle of light versus dark.
Moira stands out as an optimistic beacon of courage, while Deidre's inquisitive nature keeps her intrigued by Moira's spectral encounters. Nuala, talented in the kitchen, also navigates the intricacies of love with her love interest, Sean. It's refreshing to see a narrative where sisterly bonds are cherished and not tainted by constant conflict. Grant Park emphasizes the importance of family, a sentiment further bolstered by the role of the sisters' mother, whose research aids them immensely. The story is painted against the scenic backdrop of Ireland, giving the narrative an added layer of mystique, making one wonder about the secrets concealed within its age-old residences.
The story is engaging with its suspense-laden atmosphere and gripping action sequences. Each chapter beckons readers further into the heart of the tale, with unexpected twists ensuring they remain on their toes.
While I enjoyed the story, I think it would make the narrative more enjoyable if there were stronger adversaries challenging the sisters, providing them with more formidable obstacles to overcome. However, fans of paranormal fiction and family-centered stories will undoubtedly find this book to be a delightful read.
The story serves as a testament to the power of family and the mysteries that lurk in places both familiar and foreign. The book is a memorable journey that any reader with a penchant for the supernatural should not hesitate to embark upon.
Moira stands out as an optimistic beacon of courage, while Deidre's inquisitive nature keeps her intrigued by Moira's spectral encounters. Nuala, talented in the kitchen, also navigates the intricacies of love with her love interest, Sean. It's refreshing to see a narrative where sisterly bonds are cherished and not tainted by constant conflict. Grant Park emphasizes the importance of family, a sentiment further bolstered by the role of the sisters' mother, whose research aids them immensely. The story is painted against the scenic backdrop of Ireland, giving the narrative an added layer of mystique, making one wonder about the secrets concealed within its age-old residences.
The story is engaging with its suspense-laden atmosphere and gripping action sequences. Each chapter beckons readers further into the heart of the tale, with unexpected twists ensuring they remain on their toes.
While I enjoyed the story, I think it would make the narrative more enjoyable if there were stronger adversaries challenging the sisters, providing them with more formidable obstacles to overcome. However, fans of paranormal fiction and family-centered stories will undoubtedly find this book to be a delightful read.
The story serves as a testament to the power of family and the mysteries that lurk in places both familiar and foreign. The book is a memorable journey that any reader with a penchant for the supernatural should not hesitate to embark upon.
April 27, 2025
'We Are Shadows: An Irish Ghost Story' by Gail Grant Park is a captivating debut that hooks readers from the start, blending paranormal mystery with themes of family, memory, and belonging. The story follows three sisters – Moira, Deirdre, and Nuala Gallagher – who use their spiritual gifts to help the dead find peace while uncovering long-buried truths. Set in the heart of the Irish countryside, the novel draws richly from Irish culture, language, and folklore, creating an atmospheric and vibrant setting.
Structured around four interconnected mysteries, the book deepens character development while contributing to a broader narrative arc. This inventive format keeps the pace brisk without sacrificing emotional depth. Although some readers may find the first section concludes more abruptly than expected and a few early events feel slightly repetitive, these are minor issues in an otherwise confident and well-paced story. The result is a multi-layered, accessible read that feels rich without being overly complex.
The cultural elements are handled with care and accessibility. Readers unfamiliar with Irish traditions will find the glossary and contextual clues helpful, while those with an interest in folklore will appreciate the depth it adds. Park’s storytelling strikes a satisfying balance between the mystical and the heartfelt, grounding the paranormal in everyday emotion and human connection.
Overall, 'We Are Shadows: An Irish Ghost Story' is a well-paced and thoughtfully crafted read with little to fault. It’s a promising start to a new series that will appeal to fans of cozy mysteries, ghost stories, and character-driven fiction alike.
Structured around four interconnected mysteries, the book deepens character development while contributing to a broader narrative arc. This inventive format keeps the pace brisk without sacrificing emotional depth. Although some readers may find the first section concludes more abruptly than expected and a few early events feel slightly repetitive, these are minor issues in an otherwise confident and well-paced story. The result is a multi-layered, accessible read that feels rich without being overly complex.
The cultural elements are handled with care and accessibility. Readers unfamiliar with Irish traditions will find the glossary and contextual clues helpful, while those with an interest in folklore will appreciate the depth it adds. Park’s storytelling strikes a satisfying balance between the mystical and the heartfelt, grounding the paranormal in everyday emotion and human connection.
Overall, 'We Are Shadows: An Irish Ghost Story' is a well-paced and thoughtfully crafted read with little to fault. It’s a promising start to a new series that will appeal to fans of cozy mysteries, ghost stories, and character-driven fiction alike.
October 26, 2023
This is my first book by this author which I enjoyed and look forward to seeing what is next for them. This is a well written cozy mystery with ghosts that are good and some that are bad. I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into their story and kept me turning pages fast just to see what would happen next. They are connectable, relateable, engaging characters that add so much to the entertainment value of the story. This is a fast paced, hard to put down story that you don't want to miss. I really enjoyed this story and I highly recommend it.
November 19, 2023
What a thrilling read! We Are Shadows: An Irish Ghost Story is a fast-paced paranormal mystery. With Moira at the helm and sisters Nuala and Deirdre joining in, each with their unique paranormal ability, they form Gallagher Investigations. They are determined to help ghosts and solve the questions that have left them earth bound. I love the storyline and the sisters’ interactions with each other, and others make for a great story. I am looking forward to their next adventure. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 2, 2024
Three sisters, supernatural talents, family issues, ghostly issues and a small detective agency set the backdrop for this wonderful story. The interaction between the sisters as well as their clients is so well delivered that you feel like you've known them all along. No matter what kind of problem these ghosts have that is keeping them earthbound, these feisty sisters will find a way to help them get released. I chuckled more than once and find myself eagerly awaiting the next installment of the girls and their adventures.
March 8, 2024
This has everything that I was hoping for from a ghost story. The characters felt like they belonged in the world and worked with the supernatural elements. It does a great job in creating the world and characters. It had a strong start to the Gallagher Girls Mystery series and left me wanting more.Gail Grant Park has a great writing style and I'm glad I was able to read this.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 8, 2025
This book was amazing! I was drawn right in by great characters and great writing. I felt like I came to know these sisters personally. It's creepy and spooky but it also is inspiring. The mysteries were captivating and kept me turning pages. It's a quick, fast-paced read that made me want more. I havent' read a ghost story quiet like this one before and I'm glad I read it. I highly recommend We Are Shadows to anyone who enjoys a spooky ghost story, and I will read more by this author.
January 17, 2024
This was a great Irish ghost story that gave me the creeps! It was neat to know that the author has Irish ancestry, which helped with her story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 22, 2025
I loved the pronunciation and definitions of Gaelic words were at the beginning of the book instead of the end. Each story was engaging and easy to read. I like that there was nothing explicit so I could recommend it to anyone regardless of age or what they think is appropriate.
November 15, 2023
3.5 stars
It was different from what I thought it would be. It was cozy and had paranormal happenings.
It was different from what I thought it would be. It was cozy and had paranormal happenings.
August 19, 2025
This obviously a YA book. I enjoyed it for the mysteries and Irish lore.
November 2, 2025
I love coming across local authors when I travel. I live in Idaho and thought it would be great to find a local author close to home. I do wish that some of 4 stories were their own books.
November 14, 2023
A first read of a story by this author for me and I found it very amusing. I loved the sisters and appreciated the way they had different talents that complimented each other.
The ghosts weren't over done, they were relatable with the girls helping them to move on after getting justice for them.
I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
The ghosts weren't over done, they were relatable with the girls helping them to move on after getting justice for them.
I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews