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Under the Ghost Moon: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 4 Aug 26From the martial law era of Taiwan to present-day Kauai, a woman uncovers her family’s secrets in a moving multigeneration saga by the author of The Fourth Daughter.
When Joey Zhang’s brother, Sam, drowns off the coast of Kauai, she must return to the island to piece together the clues he left behind. In the process, Joey unearths secrets Sam had kept from her all her life, along with their mother’s journal, which reveals what really happened the night their parents died when Joey was only eleven.
With the help of Sam’s best friend Ethan, Joey embarks on a journey to unveil long-buried family trauma that reaches back to a Taiwan plagued with mass violence and totalitarian rule during the White Terror. Moved by her mother’s heartbreaking confessions and following the cherished mythology of the Old Man Under the Moon, who unites all predestined couples with a silken cord, Joey becomes a witness to a past she never imagined.
Sweeping across decades, continents, and lifetimes of impossible choices that still echo into the present, Joey must decide whether she is strong enough to face the horrifying truth about her parents’ lives and discover who she truly is, or turn her back on the only family she has left.
When Joey Zhang’s brother, Sam, drowns off the coast of Kauai, she must return to the island to piece together the clues he left behind. In the process, Joey unearths secrets Sam had kept from her all her life, along with their mother’s journal, which reveals what really happened the night their parents died when Joey was only eleven.
With the help of Sam’s best friend Ethan, Joey embarks on a journey to unveil long-buried family trauma that reaches back to a Taiwan plagued with mass violence and totalitarian rule during the White Terror. Moved by her mother’s heartbreaking confessions and following the cherished mythology of the Old Man Under the Moon, who unites all predestined couples with a silken cord, Joey becomes a witness to a past she never imagined.
Sweeping across decades, continents, and lifetimes of impossible choices that still echo into the present, Joey must decide whether she is strong enough to face the horrifying truth about her parents’ lives and discover who she truly is, or turn her back on the only family she has left.
- GenresHistorical
331 pages, Paperback
Expected publication August 4, 2026
About the author
Lyn Liao Butler
9 books455 followersLyn Liao Butler was born in Taiwan and moved to the States when she was seven. Before becoming an author, she was a professional ballet and modern dancer, and is still a personal trainer, fitness instructor, and yoga instructor. She is an avid animal lover and fosters dogs as well as volunteers with rescues.
When she is not torturing clients or talking to imaginary characters, Lyn enjoys spending time with her FDNY husband, their son (the happiest little boy in the world), their three stubborn dachshunds, sewing for her Etsy shop, and trying crazy yoga poses on a stand-up paddleboard. So far, she has not fallen into the water yet.
When she is not torturing clients or talking to imaginary characters, Lyn enjoys spending time with her FDNY husband, their son (the happiest little boy in the world), their three stubborn dachshunds, sewing for her Etsy shop, and trying crazy yoga poses on a stand-up paddleboard. So far, she has not fallen into the water yet.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Under the Ghost Moon by Lyn Liao Butler is a quiet, atmospheric family saga that focuses on the deep-seated need for belonging and the long-reaching consequences of domestic betrayal.
While the concept has immense potential and the writing beautifully captures the surrounding landscapes, the narrative moves at a deliberate, slow pace that may feel stagnant for fans of fast-paced thrillers.
Spanning both the present and the historical timeline, the story explores the "normality" of family secrets rather than high-stakes excitement. While the emotional core and the exploration of heritage are nicely handled, the central mystery lacks the gripping tension needed to maintain a sense of urgency.
A well-written, reflective 3-star read that is perfectly suited for fans of gentle, character-driven family dramas.
While the concept has immense potential and the writing beautifully captures the surrounding landscapes, the narrative moves at a deliberate, slow pace that may feel stagnant for fans of fast-paced thrillers.
Spanning both the present and the historical timeline, the story explores the "normality" of family secrets rather than high-stakes excitement. While the emotional core and the exploration of heritage are nicely handled, the central mystery lacks the gripping tension needed to maintain a sense of urgency.
A well-written, reflective 3-star read that is perfectly suited for fans of gentle, character-driven family dramas.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.75 stars (round up to 4 stars)
Joey has suddenly lost her brother and with his death deep family secrets have come to the surface. This was a touching multigenerational family story. Loved the writing style.
Joey has suddenly lost her brother and with his death deep family secrets have come to the surface. This was a touching multigenerational family story. Loved the writing style.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews