Tainted Ground: An O'Brien Tale

by Stacey Reynolds, Joyce Mochrie (Editor)

Leamaneh Castle is rumored to be the most haunted castle in Ireland. Nestled on an unassuming country lane in the Burren, the dark history surrounding its O’Brien mistress is legendary.

In the mid-seventeenth century, Elspeth MacDougall finds herself taken under the wing of noblewoman Mary McManus O’Brien. Or as she is known by the villagers, Máire Rua. Red Mary. Elspeth must try to navigate the politics and dangers of the war with Cromwell’s forces, and the threat of Mary discovering just what secrets and abilities her new young companion is hiding.

Cora Murphy is haunted by visions of a young woman who looks as though she could be her sister. She instinctively knows that her brother Colin's problems are related to this mysterious ancestor and the eerie ruins of a castle abandoned for centuries.

Amid these strange occurrences, a person from her past reenters her life, making her question everything she thought she knew about herself and her abilities.

546 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 25, 2025

About the author

Stacey Reynolds began writing after a trip to Europe, where she was bewitched by the coastal counties of Western Ireland. She lives on the coast of North Carolina with three of her five children and her dashing husband, a retired Marine Officer. To learn more about the author check these resources: www.staceylreynolds.weebly.com
facebook.com/staceyreynoldsauthor/
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/staceyreyno...#

Reviews

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of My Top Five Reads of the Entire Year

🌟 5 Stars 🌶️ 1 Chili Pepper
Tainted Ground – Stacy Reynolds (O’Brien Series, Book 13)
One of My Top Five Reads of the Entire Year

I’ve read every single book in the O’Brien series, and somehow Stacy Reynolds still manages to break me open in the best way possible. I am fully invested in these characters at this point, but this book? The writing was next-level. The story was absolutely phenomenal. I finished the last chapter in literal tears.

And I have to give major credit to Justine Eyre, the sole narrator — she was phenomenal.
While I usually love duet narration for romance and emotional-heavy chapters, her performance was so strong, so nuanced, and so beautifully delivered that I honestly didn’t miss it. She captured every shift in tone, every moment of tension, every heartbreak and triumph with absolute precision. This audiobook landed the way it did because of her talent.

While you could technically read this as a standalone, I truly don’t recommend it.
The emotional weight of this story is so much more powerful when you’ve read the entire series. The main characters in Tainted Ground begin as small children, and following their growth over multiple books makes their journey in this installment hit on an entirely different level. Their long-term development is one of the best parts of the O’Brien universe, and this book honors that beautifully.

I’m a sucker for stories that move through time, weave in historical layers, and tie meaning across generations. Add in a paranormal/spiritual thread that honors God instead of glamorizing darkness (which some fantasy books unfortunately do), and I was all in. The good-versus-evil arc, the found family moments, the fated-mate tension, the full-circle reveals, and the hints at future storylines — it all blended together flawlessly.

This book was powerful, emotional, and deeply meaningful — a standout in an already exceptional series.

#ImStillCrying

[Stephanie Mei · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be the best book in the series yet. such an intricately woven story across timelines & characters. I couldn't put this down.

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author like no other!!!

[MARGARET MCMILLEN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I love this series so much and have read every book in it. The story is great and the characters seem so real and you can't help to fall in love with them. I don't know how she does it but Ms. Reynolds writing makes you feel like you are in the story with the characters. I can't wait until she release her next book.

[Sue Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love Stacey Reynolds's books, and this is no exception. Warning: You really need to start with the 1st book to engage with this book. It's not a stand-alone book. Within the series, books 12 and 13 have really held my attention. There were times when I was holding my breath, fearful of what was coming next. I don't know when it will be, but I can't wait for book 13.

[Nancy Walls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book

I think this is my favorite
Have been wanting to read about Cora and hope there is more to her story
Loved the historical story in this book also
Can't wait for the next book!

[noreen benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The O’Brien tales book 13

13 is the perfect number for this book, the most frightening, beautiful and best of all her wonderful books. Stacy Reynolds needs to learn to write faster. It seems forever between books. They are all wonderful.

[Catherine Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful Huanting tale

Haunting, gripping story that will toss you back and forth with its who? No cant be! Like her other tales of this family, it definitely is worth the read! Waiting for audio to come out so I can listen to the entire series again for the 4th time.

[Stacey Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally unbiased, as always.

[Tami O'neil hildebrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

another wonderful story

Damn I cried the last 2 chapters! I hope we’ll see more of Cora & Garryth, Colin and Cass! PLEASE!!!

[Marie V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely marvelous!!! Best narrator for this epic storyline! I wish I could give you more than 5 stars.

[Taylor Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

chef's kiss as always!! Now give me the next one!!