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Ghosts Of The Missing
In the vein of The Lovely Bones and The Little Friend, Ghosts of the Missing follows the mysterious disappearance of a twelve-year-old girl during a town parade and the reverberations of this tragedy throughout the town.
On Saturday, October 28, 1995, a girl vanished. She was not a child particularly prized in town...When questioned by reporters, those who’d known Rowan described her as ‘quiet’ and ‘loner’ and ‘shy’ and even ‘awkward.’ Words for pity.
Culleton, New York has a long history—of writers, of artists, and of unsolved mysteries. It’s where Adair grew up before she moved to Brooklyn to try to make it as an artist. But after years away from her hometown and little to show for it, Adair decides to return. She moves back in to Moye House, the old mansion, and current writer’s retreat, imbued with her family's legacy.
Ciaran is a writer staying at Moye House in the hopes of finally solving the mystery of what happened to Rowan Kinnane—his sister, and Adair’s childhood best friend. As the two begin investigating, secrets long buried rise to the surface, complicating their sense of themselves and their understanding of what happened on that fateful day.
With her “knack for capturing heartbreaking moments with a gripping simplicity” (Village Voice), Kathleen Donohoe lures us into a haunting world of secrets and obsessions and shows just how far people will go in search of the truth.
On Saturday, October 28, 1995, a girl vanished. She was not a child particularly prized in town...When questioned by reporters, those who’d known Rowan described her as ‘quiet’ and ‘loner’ and ‘shy’ and even ‘awkward.’ Words for pity.
Culleton, New York has a long history—of writers, of artists, and of unsolved mysteries. It’s where Adair grew up before she moved to Brooklyn to try to make it as an artist. But after years away from her hometown and little to show for it, Adair decides to return. She moves back in to Moye House, the old mansion, and current writer’s retreat, imbued with her family's legacy.
Ciaran is a writer staying at Moye House in the hopes of finally solving the mystery of what happened to Rowan Kinnane—his sister, and Adair’s childhood best friend. As the two begin investigating, secrets long buried rise to the surface, complicating their sense of themselves and their understanding of what happened on that fateful day.
With her “knack for capturing heartbreaking moments with a gripping simplicity” (Village Voice), Kathleen Donohoe lures us into a haunting world of secrets and obsessions and shows just how far people will go in search of the truth.
320 pages, Paperback
First published February 11, 2020
37 people are currently reading
3111 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Donohoe
6 books107 followersKathleen Donohoe is the author of the novels Ghosts of the Missing and Ashes of Fiery Weather, which was named one of Book Riot’s 100 Must-Read New York City Novels.
Her stories and essays have appeared in The Recorder: The Journal of the American Irish Historical Society, Web Conjunctions, Washington Square Review, Irish America Magazine.
She grew up in Brooklyn, NY in a family of NYC firefighters, and still lives in Brooklyn, now with her husband and son.
Substack: Brooklyn, Writer
Instagram as @kathleenmdonohoe
Her stories and essays have appeared in The Recorder: The Journal of the American Irish Historical Society, Web Conjunctions, Washington Square Review, Irish America Magazine.
She grew up in Brooklyn, NY in a family of NYC firefighters, and still lives in Brooklyn, now with her husband and son.
Substack: Brooklyn, Writer
Instagram as @kathleenmdonohoe
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
June 9, 2020
This novel ought to have a list of characters in the beginning and an index at the end. I've never read another novel that could use an index. The index in "Pale Fire" is a delightful part of the text. This could benefit from an index and maybe footnotes too, like a nonfiction book. It's convoluted and boring, reading as it does like three-hundred-ish pages of exposition. It has much too much going on, which ultimately waters down or washes away plot and any sense of urgency in a book that's ostensibly about a missing girl. "Ghosts of the Missing" moves at a snail's pace while jumping back and forth to and from multiple time periods and to too many characters. I couldn't keep track, possibly because "Ghosts of the Missing" had me nodding off a lot which is why it took me so long to read. I really don't like to DNF an ARC, have only done it once and vowed not to again, although the author may wish I had.
Rowan is the missing girl, so a reader could reasonably expect her disappearance in 1985 to be unifying and central to the book. Functionally it isn't. This novel jumps around constantly and to so many characters and locations it's as if the author wrote it while abusing a TARDIS. There's no one unifying through-line, no suspense whatsoever and little of interest. It reads like a list of sentences. I know that sounds harsh but the pieces move around a lot but don't advance much, don't cohere and didn't hold my interest. The stories that I think are meant to be most important read as background since there is no foreground. Even towards the end new characters with new backstories keep on coming. It's too crowded in this book. I wanted to shake it so some fell out.
The supernatural element is the most intriguing, springing as it does from Irish mythology about the rowan aka quicken tree, but it's used when convenient and while the tree is organic, it's use doesn't seem so. The missing girl's story generates no suspense or intrigue. Much of the book takes place in 2010 (although even much of that is characters thinking back) and nothing much develops about her disappearance in 1985. There's a lot about HIV and AIDS in here that affects many of the too-many characters and it doesn't fit well with the missing girl pieces or the Celtic myths or the artists' colony or the former priest (who comes out of nowhere and goes back there) and the rest. Just thinking about it makes me weary. Add to this way too many unnecessary descriptions of the decor of locations within locations, some visited just a few times, which add nothing and was a major who cares for me. Give me a few well-described rooms in a book and I'm happy to live in them. Give me too many, spread all over time and place, and I have no place to settle in and get comfortable, which sums up my reaction to the book.
Rowan is the missing girl, so a reader could reasonably expect her disappearance in 1985 to be unifying and central to the book. Functionally it isn't. This novel jumps around constantly and to so many characters and locations it's as if the author wrote it while abusing a TARDIS. There's no one unifying through-line, no suspense whatsoever and little of interest. It reads like a list of sentences. I know that sounds harsh but the pieces move around a lot but don't advance much, don't cohere and didn't hold my interest. The stories that I think are meant to be most important read as background since there is no foreground. Even towards the end new characters with new backstories keep on coming. It's too crowded in this book. I wanted to shake it so some fell out.
The supernatural element is the most intriguing, springing as it does from Irish mythology about the rowan aka quicken tree, but it's used when convenient and while the tree is organic, it's use doesn't seem so. The missing girl's story generates no suspense or intrigue. Much of the book takes place in 2010 (although even much of that is characters thinking back) and nothing much develops about her disappearance in 1985. There's a lot about HIV and AIDS in here that affects many of the too-many characters and it doesn't fit well with the missing girl pieces or the Celtic myths or the artists' colony or the former priest (who comes out of nowhere and goes back there) and the rest. Just thinking about it makes me weary. Add to this way too many unnecessary descriptions of the decor of locations within locations, some visited just a few times, which add nothing and was a major who cares for me. Give me a few well-described rooms in a book and I'm happy to live in them. Give me too many, spread all over time and place, and I have no place to settle in and get comfortable, which sums up my reaction to the book.
February 9, 2020
3.5 Although this is being called a mystery, it crossed many different genres. Ghosts story, Irish folklore, Superstition, literary. , and although at itsheart it is about the repercussions of a missing girl, it is not at all graphic. It is a slower, quitter read, one where readers get to know the lead characters very well.
Adair, in her late twenties, comes home to Moye House in Culleton, NY, due to health and financial reasons. The house where her Uncle Michan raised her after the death of her parents. It is also where her only friend and distant cousin Rowan, went missing 15 years before.
The house now turned writers colony, is where she will make the aquaintance of Rowan's half brother from Ireland. Ciaran, is writing a book of unexplained disappearances, among them Rowan's.
The novel goes back and forward, showing us the legend of the Rowan tree and the origin of Quicken days. It takes us briefly to the 1800s and the secret, now known that the family line harbors. It mostly though, covers the time when Rowan and Adair become friends and the present.
It is done well, the prose is excellent and I recommend it to people who like a more literary slant in their novels.
Adair, in her late twenties, comes home to Moye House in Culleton, NY, due to health and financial reasons. The house where her Uncle Michan raised her after the death of her parents. It is also where her only friend and distant cousin Rowan, went missing 15 years before.
The house now turned writers colony, is where she will make the aquaintance of Rowan's half brother from Ireland. Ciaran, is writing a book of unexplained disappearances, among them Rowan's.
The novel goes back and forward, showing us the legend of the Rowan tree and the origin of Quicken days. It takes us briefly to the 1800s and the secret, now known that the family line harbors. It mostly though, covers the time when Rowan and Adair become friends and the present.
It is done well, the prose is excellent and I recommend it to people who like a more literary slant in their novels.
June 29, 2022
This novel was exciting, atmospheric, and thought-provoking. The characters were well-developed and worth the reader’s investment. The setting (admittedly in my backyard) was haunting and palpable. There were complex family dynamics, historic reminders, and not-a-little magic. Overall highly recommended!
February 18, 2020
No spoilers:
What a great story. The mood catches you right from the start and is consistent throughout, no matter if we are in 1855 or 2010, which gives the narrative a smooth feeling and an easy read. I don't like to give away the plot, so I'll just say that Adair's (the protagonist) storyline is unfurled with very smart and surprising reveals. This is a great read which reminds me of a cooler, darker, more nuanced "The Girl on the Train." I would love to see this movie! And so would you.
Eamon
What a great story. The mood catches you right from the start and is consistent throughout, no matter if we are in 1855 or 2010, which gives the narrative a smooth feeling and an easy read. I don't like to give away the plot, so I'll just say that Adair's (the protagonist) storyline is unfurled with very smart and surprising reveals. This is a great read which reminds me of a cooler, darker, more nuanced "The Girl on the Train." I would love to see this movie! And so would you.
Eamon
September 9, 2023
I’m really shocked by the low ratings this book has. I found it to be such a hauntingly beautiful book. The story weaves together mystery, folklore, myths, and more. The way we switch between timelines and perspectives was done really well in my opinion. It’s definitely a very character-driven story, so if you’re looking for a lot of action, this won’t be the book for you. Overall I was really drawn into the mystery of the missing girl, and I liked the way it ended.
January 21, 2020
This is a meandering tale, best suited to a reader who likes things slow and and quiet.
The bits of Irish folklore were engaging, and I found myself wishing the book had stuck to that - a melding of folklore and the modern world. Unfortunately, it tries to be too much - a ghost story, a mystery, a literary tale of small town gossip and culture.
And it lost me.
I made it three quarters of the way through before reluctantly acknowledging that this is not the book for me.
Three stars as I know it will suit other readers. I simply didn't have the patience for it.
Mood:
A cup of tea, a soft armchair, sounds of nature, and decades of time to wend your way through the story.
The bits of Irish folklore were engaging, and I found myself wishing the book had stuck to that - a melding of folklore and the modern world. Unfortunately, it tries to be too much - a ghost story, a mystery, a literary tale of small town gossip and culture.
And it lost me.
I made it three quarters of the way through before reluctantly acknowledging that this is not the book for me.
Three stars as I know it will suit other readers. I simply didn't have the patience for it.
Mood:
A cup of tea, a soft armchair, sounds of nature, and decades of time to wend your way through the story.
February 13, 2020
Culleton, New York is the home of writers, artists, and unsolved mysteries. After years of avoiding her hometown, Adair has been forced to return after being unable to make it as a successful artist in Brooklyn. She moves back into Moye House, her former home, as well as a well-known writer’s retreat steeped in family legacy and lore.
Ciaran is a writer staying at Moye House who seeks out Adair. It seems they have more in common than a residence. Ciaran is the brother of a girl who vanished back in 1995, a girl who was Adair’s best friend. Rowan was known around Culleton as being shy and awkward, but seemed to thrive through her friendship with Adair. When she went missing the police could not form a full picture of her actions on that fateful day. Rowan’s case has never been solved, so Ciaran has decided after years of researching missing children to come to the spot of the disappearance in an effort to solve the case. What really happened to Rowan all those years ago?
GHOSTS OF THE MISSING is an intricately layered story surrounding the disappearance of a young girl. The reader never hears directly from Rowan, but instead learns the story through Adair across alternating timelines, as well as additional related narratives. It took me a bit of time to find my footing in this story, as I was expecting to be thrown into a missing person’s case, but was instead given a much longer route to that disappearance.
Kathleen Donohoe has a wonderful ability for crafting an atmospheric setting. I instantly could feel the age of the Moye House, the creepiness of the surrounding woods, and the overall small town vibe of Culleton. Donohoe was able to transport me to these various locations through detailed descriptions of the various places featured throughout the book. While meticulously describing these places I never felt things become too wordy or overly descriptive, which I greatly appreciated.
When I initially opened the pages of GHOSTS OF MISSING I was expecting an intensely paced story, but what I found was much more of a slow burn. The reader is given so much history through narratives related to the past of Culleton in the beginning that it can feel a bit overwhelming. I highly recommend working your way through this dense material, as it does shed quite a bit of light on our main character Adair and her family history.
My favorite sections of this book were in present day, which for this story is 2010, and narrated by Adair. I love the layers Donohoe gave Adair’s character with her personal struggles, as well as emotional breadth. I found Adair easy to relate to and feel sympathetic towards, but what I loved most was the genuine care and love you can feel that Adair had for her long missing friend Rowan.
For me the second half of this book was truly more impactful of a read, but do appreciate the fully formed depth to the entire book. I love books with small towns and learning all of the strange secrets that those living there hold. I don’t think that this book will work for someone walking in thinking it’s a thriller, but if you’re open to an interesting, open-ended story steeped in history, this could really be an amazing addition to your TBR!
A huge thank you to TLC Book Tours and HMH Books for my free copy of this book!
Ciaran is a writer staying at Moye House who seeks out Adair. It seems they have more in common than a residence. Ciaran is the brother of a girl who vanished back in 1995, a girl who was Adair’s best friend. Rowan was known around Culleton as being shy and awkward, but seemed to thrive through her friendship with Adair. When she went missing the police could not form a full picture of her actions on that fateful day. Rowan’s case has never been solved, so Ciaran has decided after years of researching missing children to come to the spot of the disappearance in an effort to solve the case. What really happened to Rowan all those years ago?
GHOSTS OF THE MISSING is an intricately layered story surrounding the disappearance of a young girl. The reader never hears directly from Rowan, but instead learns the story through Adair across alternating timelines, as well as additional related narratives. It took me a bit of time to find my footing in this story, as I was expecting to be thrown into a missing person’s case, but was instead given a much longer route to that disappearance.
Kathleen Donohoe has a wonderful ability for crafting an atmospheric setting. I instantly could feel the age of the Moye House, the creepiness of the surrounding woods, and the overall small town vibe of Culleton. Donohoe was able to transport me to these various locations through detailed descriptions of the various places featured throughout the book. While meticulously describing these places I never felt things become too wordy or overly descriptive, which I greatly appreciated.
When I initially opened the pages of GHOSTS OF MISSING I was expecting an intensely paced story, but what I found was much more of a slow burn. The reader is given so much history through narratives related to the past of Culleton in the beginning that it can feel a bit overwhelming. I highly recommend working your way through this dense material, as it does shed quite a bit of light on our main character Adair and her family history.
My favorite sections of this book were in present day, which for this story is 2010, and narrated by Adair. I love the layers Donohoe gave Adair’s character with her personal struggles, as well as emotional breadth. I found Adair easy to relate to and feel sympathetic towards, but what I loved most was the genuine care and love you can feel that Adair had for her long missing friend Rowan.
For me the second half of this book was truly more impactful of a read, but do appreciate the fully formed depth to the entire book. I love books with small towns and learning all of the strange secrets that those living there hold. I don’t think that this book will work for someone walking in thinking it’s a thriller, but if you’re open to an interesting, open-ended story steeped in history, this could really be an amazing addition to your TBR!
A huge thank you to TLC Book Tours and HMH Books for my free copy of this book!
January 28, 2020
It’s right here in the title! “Ghosts of the Missing”, by Kathleen Donohoe, is a ghost story. BUT it's also MUCH more; it's a missing girl mystery, a story of friendships, a love story, and an HIV AIDS historical novel.
Donohoe is a spell-binding storyteller! I was immediately engrossed; this is a perfect book for a cold winter’s day in a favorite comfy-chair by a fire. It’s propulsive, atmospheric, mysterious, lyrical, and thoroughly satisfying.
Cassius Moye was a young man who may have seen a ghost and who, after returning from fighting in the American Civil War, wrote a story about that ghost. Eventually his home became a writer's retreat called Moye House. Adair McCrohan, a young woman, an artist, an orphan, grew up in Moye House. Adair's best friend Rowan disappeared 1995, when they were twelve years old. Fifteen years after Rowan's disappearance, Ciaran Riordan, a writer from Ireland, wants to interview Adair about Rowan. Those are the bare bones of a story that is very rich and complex. Through Donohoe's detailed and beautiful descriptions, Moye House is a character itself, the way Hill House, Manderley, and Thornfield are. Treat yourself to this lovely "ghost" story!
Donohoe is a spell-binding storyteller! I was immediately engrossed; this is a perfect book for a cold winter’s day in a favorite comfy-chair by a fire. It’s propulsive, atmospheric, mysterious, lyrical, and thoroughly satisfying.
Cassius Moye was a young man who may have seen a ghost and who, after returning from fighting in the American Civil War, wrote a story about that ghost. Eventually his home became a writer's retreat called Moye House. Adair McCrohan, a young woman, an artist, an orphan, grew up in Moye House. Adair's best friend Rowan disappeared 1995, when they were twelve years old. Fifteen years after Rowan's disappearance, Ciaran Riordan, a writer from Ireland, wants to interview Adair about Rowan. Those are the bare bones of a story that is very rich and complex. Through Donohoe's detailed and beautiful descriptions, Moye House is a character itself, the way Hill House, Manderley, and Thornfield are. Treat yourself to this lovely "ghost" story!
October 4, 2021
Adair McCrohan has lived her life on the outskirts of companionship. She finds work through a temp agency and spends most of her free time sketching. But when circumstance returns her to the writer’s retreat that is Moye House where she grew up, Adair finds herself investigating the disappearance of Rowan Kinnane, her friend who disappeared when she was twelve. Along with Rowan’s half brother Ciaran, Adair begins to unravel the case, looking for clues to what happened to her last real friend. Told with elements of a family saga, Ghosts of the Missing is an examination of what is left behind when someone goes.
Beautifully written, with pieces of magical realism, this book was a wonderful read. The description of the book doesn’t cover half of what it’s about: the inner conflict and struggle that Adair faces every day of her life. It’s really two stories in one, overlapping and twisting around each other until they come to a satisfying conclusion. I’m happy with where the book left me: the questions and ideas still floating around in my mind. There are a few points in the book that I felt could’ve been a little more clear, though it seemed a little of it was left ambiguous for a reason. The setting in which the story takes place is so thorough and enriched with history. There are parallels drawn and references made that matter later on in the story. This was a great read, and I will be looking into more works by the author. Four stars.
Thanks to Mariner Books and Goodreads for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Beautifully written, with pieces of magical realism, this book was a wonderful read. The description of the book doesn’t cover half of what it’s about: the inner conflict and struggle that Adair faces every day of her life. It’s really two stories in one, overlapping and twisting around each other until they come to a satisfying conclusion. I’m happy with where the book left me: the questions and ideas still floating around in my mind. There are a few points in the book that I felt could’ve been a little more clear, though it seemed a little of it was left ambiguous for a reason. The setting in which the story takes place is so thorough and enriched with history. There are parallels drawn and references made that matter later on in the story. This was a great read, and I will be looking into more works by the author. Four stars.
Thanks to Mariner Books and Goodreads for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 6, 2020
I absolutely loved this story! It is almost ephemeral and so beautiful. As I put it away for awhile now, it is destined to be one of a very few books I will reread. Ghosts of the Missing is splendid story telling from a generations-deep dreamscape that is steeped in superstition and ritual, then set in modern times with modern tragedies. The human-ness of it is as deep as anything I have ever read.
January 21, 2020
I DON'T like books without closure. The biggest question in Ghosts of the Missing is "What happened to Rowan Kinnane" 308 pages later we STILL don't know.
Was she kidnapped & murdered?
Did her mother or stepfather murder her & hide the body?
Did she die lost in the local woods?
We. Don't. Know.
Was she kidnapped & murdered?
Did her mother or stepfather murder her & hide the body?
Did she die lost in the local woods?
We. Don't. Know.
January 22, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley for a Kindle ARC of
Ghosts of the Missing.
I was excited when my request was approved because the premise sounded so intriguing; the disappearance of a young girl named Rowan in the early 90s has far reaching effects for her only friend, Adair, and Rowan's half brother, Ciaran, 20 years later.
This isn't a straightforward mystery, but more a story about the Moye family and its descendants.
It's about the ghosts of our ancestors and the stories they brought from their ancestral homeland; ghosts of the missing that forever haunt our lives and affect our actions, wishes, dreams and nightmares, and the ghosts we carry with us as we grow up; the people we love, the people we lose, and the person we hoped to be.
It's also about love, love between two friends, lonely souls who found each other at a time when friendship was so desperately needed; the love between parents and children; the love that extends back through the generations.
There are secrets, family drama, tragedy and illness, and a curse.
The author writes well, and draws the reader into the Moye family background, providing just a taste of the family curse. I would have loved more exposition about the curse, more details, more of the supernatural, since those were my favorite scenes in the book.
Adair is an interesting main character; I didn't dislike her, but I wanted to like her more.
That might have been due to her character; she grew up treating people at a distance because of her illness so she appears aloof and standoffish in print. The author did this well.
I would have liked more time spent on the mystery of Rowan's disappearance itself; more clues, more subterfuge or an elaboration on the time slip theory mentioned later in the book.
But, then I'm drawn to the supernatural.
Ghosts of the Missing is a poignant look at the Moye family; their origins, their secrets, and how Adair, one of the few remaining descendants, will continue to live her life, when so many before her are gone, including her own parents.
I was excited when my request was approved because the premise sounded so intriguing; the disappearance of a young girl named Rowan in the early 90s has far reaching effects for her only friend, Adair, and Rowan's half brother, Ciaran, 20 years later.
This isn't a straightforward mystery, but more a story about the Moye family and its descendants.
It's about the ghosts of our ancestors and the stories they brought from their ancestral homeland; ghosts of the missing that forever haunt our lives and affect our actions, wishes, dreams and nightmares, and the ghosts we carry with us as we grow up; the people we love, the people we lose, and the person we hoped to be.
It's also about love, love between two friends, lonely souls who found each other at a time when friendship was so desperately needed; the love between parents and children; the love that extends back through the generations.
There are secrets, family drama, tragedy and illness, and a curse.
The author writes well, and draws the reader into the Moye family background, providing just a taste of the family curse. I would have loved more exposition about the curse, more details, more of the supernatural, since those were my favorite scenes in the book.
Adair is an interesting main character; I didn't dislike her, but I wanted to like her more.
That might have been due to her character; she grew up treating people at a distance because of her illness so she appears aloof and standoffish in print. The author did this well.
I would have liked more time spent on the mystery of Rowan's disappearance itself; more clues, more subterfuge or an elaboration on the time slip theory mentioned later in the book.
But, then I'm drawn to the supernatural.
Ghosts of the Missing is a poignant look at the Moye family; their origins, their secrets, and how Adair, one of the few remaining descendants, will continue to live her life, when so many before her are gone, including her own parents.
August 24, 2020
I picked this up randomly at my library as the cover looked gothic and the title felt like the story would surround a mystery. I did like the uneven pages style the papers were bonded in and the inside jacket of the cover was nicely designed too.
At times, I was confused on whether this book would be paranormal. Time travelling, mysterious noises and possibly magic?
I did not quite like how the present and the past was laid out. The past chapters were necessary only to give some context into the characters mentioned in passing later in the present. The idea of a writer's retreat sounded so cool. But I could hardly keep up who was related to who.
Adair is an artist but she is cursed with a blood disorder. In the past, the curse seemed supernatural and scary since sons died while daughters lived. But as modern medicine progresses, the reader learns that it is just the genetics of the family. The concept of death was sombre and the author touches upon how gay AIDs victims feel in comparison to children who have HIV.
As the book, gets past the halfway mark, I am hoping for a breakthrough like most thrillers and mysteries do. What really happened to Rowan?
The writing was not bad but I found it hard to get through the book. In the end, I felt like what is revealed is not unbelievable but I wonder why I had to go through that whole book just to get here. It does touch on human suspicion in a small town and the failure of memory. A disappointing read and if you are looking for a mystery and thriller, this is not it.
At times, I was confused on whether this book would be paranormal. Time travelling, mysterious noises and possibly magic?
I did not quite like how the present and the past was laid out. The past chapters were necessary only to give some context into the characters mentioned in passing later in the present. The idea of a writer's retreat sounded so cool. But I could hardly keep up who was related to who.
Adair is an artist but she is cursed with a blood disorder. In the past, the curse seemed supernatural and scary since sons died while daughters lived. But as modern medicine progresses, the reader learns that it is just the genetics of the family. The concept of death was sombre and the author touches upon how gay AIDs victims feel in comparison to children who have HIV.
As the book, gets past the halfway mark, I am hoping for a breakthrough like most thrillers and mysteries do. What really happened to Rowan?
The writing was not bad but I found it hard to get through the book. In the end, I felt like what is revealed is not unbelievable but I wonder why I had to go through that whole book just to get here. It does touch on human suspicion in a small town and the failure of memory. A disappointing read and if you are looking for a mystery and thriller, this is not it.
February 1, 2020
The title and description presuppose yet another one of those female driven female authored suspense thrillers that are so immensely popular right now. And yet…from the beginning this one was different. It read like a proper literary novel, albeit one with a disappearance mystery at its center. And it read so well, too. Most impressive, especially for a debut. But then as the reading progressed, the initial effects began fading. And I say progressed because this one took me an uncharacteristically long time (some of three days) to finish, not the book’s fault really, just life and such. But it did give me something of a different perspective on the book and mainly it seems that despite all the initial promise and all the eminently present quality, it ended up somewhat disappointing. And here’s why and how…So your basic plot involves a protagonist, young woman named Adair from a tragic family line that favors women (genetically as it is understood in the modern age, but bewilderingly magically to the generations past). Adair is an artist, after becoming orphans at a young age she was raised by her only surviving family, an uncle, in a writing colony. There she met a friend, another young girl, who disappeared at the age of 12. Now some 14 years later that girl’s brother comes to the writing colony to write a book about that disappearance and try to investigate it after all this time. So far sounds like a fairly standard mystery plot, right? Well, it isn’t, though. It’s all about the delivery and the delivery here heavily concentrates on Adair’s family, past and present, the narrative jumps around decades and eras, plotlines and lifetimes to follow a myriad of characters, connected by tainted blood. Generations upon generations of an Irish family. It’s really very much a family saga. And the thing is, it probably should have stayed that way, instead of revolving it around a mystery that doesn’t get enough merit and doesn’t get a proper resolution. And maybe as a family drama it might have used some streamlining too, instead of the exhausting jump around (jump around, jump up, jump up and get down) approach. The overall effect is busy, cluttered even. Which is frustrating, because the novel has so much potential otherwise. The writing is absolutely lovely, like a hauntingly sad melody…well, an Irish tune, certainly. Albeit performed by a traditional music ensemble that’s seemingly trying to go for jazz. All in all, approach this one patiently and no matter what do not go in expecting a mystery thriller. Family drama, exclusively. Slow, melancholy, character driven kind. There, now you’re ready to read this one. My job’s done. Thanks Netgalley.
March 2, 2020
GHOSTS OF THE MISSING is set in the fictional town of Culleton, New York, which is located about two hours outside of New York City. With most of the action taking place in the Hudson Valley, Kathleen Donohue’s second novel has the ideal setting for a mystery that is fueled by the ancient lore of the region and just a hint of the supernatural thrown in for good measure. Each chapter is presented from the viewpoint of a different character while also jumping in time from the 1800s through 2010.
The Prologue introduces us to Cassius Moye of Moye House, who experiences a ghostly sighting in the woods while singing Irish songs. Cassius learned all of this from the various young Irish women who have come to work at Moye House each year. They hang bells in the branches of the trees in a ritual meant to carry on a prayer. To this day, it is said that the chiming of a bell can still be heard in those woods at night, as well as the apparition of a woman who haunts there.
In 2010, we meet Adair, who is sitting on a bench in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, and talking to a co-worker who admires her artwork and sketching skills. Adair may be living by herself in a Brooklyn apartment, but it was her time spent at Moye House that defines her and drives the narrative of this haunting novel. We learn much about Adair as the story moves forward. An above-average artist, she is HIV-positive and continues to take medication to regulate her illness. She was best friends with Rowan Kinnane, a young Irish girl who disappeared without a trace in 1985, on the day that Culleton was celebrating Quicken Day.
Just as the title of the novel speaks of the missing, everything that happens at Moye House and the Culleton region seems tied to a history of loss. This is represented in the stories passed down through the centuries, as well as the ghostly lore that the superstitious still abide by. Moye House also becomes a home for various artists who are looking to work on their craft. Visitors are taken in by the legacy that has been passed down through the family members who are still there.
It was Cassius who wrote a book of short stories that became infamous in the area, The Lost Girl and Other Stories. Was it purely irony that bound the title of the Lost Girl to Rowan’s disappearance more than a century later? Questions like this still haunt Moye House. Perhaps that is why things begin to get creepy again when a writer named Ciaran Riordan arrives there, especially when we discover his personal connection to Rowan.
GHOSTS OF THE MISSING is the sort of novel that slowly sucks you in until you find yourself reading more and more and not able to stop until you reach the end. It's no surprise that Kathleen Donohoe serves on the board of Irish American Writers & Artists because she has a masterful way with words. Early on in the book, she references a proverb that stuck with me throughout the story: “if you cannot sleep, it means you are lost in someone else's dream.” I often felt like that as the narrative jumped back and forth, infused with Irish folklore and colorful characters, right up to the finish.
But is it possible that one of these characters was responsible for Rowan’s abduction, or worse? This is a mystery that readers will just have to find out for themselves.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
The Prologue introduces us to Cassius Moye of Moye House, who experiences a ghostly sighting in the woods while singing Irish songs. Cassius learned all of this from the various young Irish women who have come to work at Moye House each year. They hang bells in the branches of the trees in a ritual meant to carry on a prayer. To this day, it is said that the chiming of a bell can still be heard in those woods at night, as well as the apparition of a woman who haunts there.
In 2010, we meet Adair, who is sitting on a bench in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, and talking to a co-worker who admires her artwork and sketching skills. Adair may be living by herself in a Brooklyn apartment, but it was her time spent at Moye House that defines her and drives the narrative of this haunting novel. We learn much about Adair as the story moves forward. An above-average artist, she is HIV-positive and continues to take medication to regulate her illness. She was best friends with Rowan Kinnane, a young Irish girl who disappeared without a trace in 1985, on the day that Culleton was celebrating Quicken Day.
Just as the title of the novel speaks of the missing, everything that happens at Moye House and the Culleton region seems tied to a history of loss. This is represented in the stories passed down through the centuries, as well as the ghostly lore that the superstitious still abide by. Moye House also becomes a home for various artists who are looking to work on their craft. Visitors are taken in by the legacy that has been passed down through the family members who are still there.
It was Cassius who wrote a book of short stories that became infamous in the area, The Lost Girl and Other Stories. Was it purely irony that bound the title of the Lost Girl to Rowan’s disappearance more than a century later? Questions like this still haunt Moye House. Perhaps that is why things begin to get creepy again when a writer named Ciaran Riordan arrives there, especially when we discover his personal connection to Rowan.
GHOSTS OF THE MISSING is the sort of novel that slowly sucks you in until you find yourself reading more and more and not able to stop until you reach the end. It's no surprise that Kathleen Donohoe serves on the board of Irish American Writers & Artists because she has a masterful way with words. Early on in the book, she references a proverb that stuck with me throughout the story: “if you cannot sleep, it means you are lost in someone else's dream.” I often felt like that as the narrative jumped back and forth, infused with Irish folklore and colorful characters, right up to the finish.
But is it possible that one of these characters was responsible for Rowan’s abduction, or worse? This is a mystery that readers will just have to find out for themselves.
Reviewed by Ray Palen
February 26, 2020
This book finely layers Irish Lore with early American Hudson River life creating a delicious treat for readers.
The title would lead one to believe that this is a mystery-haunting, and I've seen some comparisons to Lovely Bones. I feel that is a shabby treatment. This book is about storytellers and storytelling—family, love, and females—women as a conduit for history, prophecy, warning, and knowledge because they are loved more by nature than their male counterparts. Ghosts of the Missing is a much pulling from a far richer vein of inspiration than Lovely Bones.
One thing that goes hand in hand with knowledge is mysteriousness. Questions and wisdom can obfuscate and clarify something at the same time. Kathleen Donohoe handly does this with her readers by juggling stories and timelines. But there is one common theme; there is a strange beauty in our living memories, and an upsetting sense incompletion when we don't know how another person's story ends.
'"She is a thief or she is what was stolen," Helen said. "Believe what you will, but either way, she's the girl who was lost."
"But why is she here if this happened in Ireland?"
"I'm all that's left of the family. She goes with me."'
One of my favorite quotes of the book, and pretty much the brick and mortar Kathleen Donohoe builds her story upon, we can believe what we want of a story told. We take away from what we hear or read what we want, and it goes with us afterward because frequently, that is all we have left.
Adair McCrohan has spent most of her life divulging her secrets regardless of her wishes. She's never had the luxury of being a mystery. But she came very close as a child of touching a mystery when her childhood friend Rowen vanished. In every other way, she's been a painfully open book of violated privacy even when it was no longer publically necessary for her life to be public notice.
Rowan Kinnane was larger than life in Adair's life for a short time before Rowan disappeared. Years later, Ciaran Riordan shows up to shake up the dust and raise the dead because he wants to know what happened the day Rowan went missing.
But Kathleen Donohoe illustrates to her readers, no story is linear, no one's life is as simple as one would see initially on paper, and asking questions leads to even more questions rather than it does answers.
Donohoe is a storyteller, and she shuttles along several threads from the Old World to present, living to the dead, she braids the stories together and then pulls them apart.
I'm a word nerd; Ghosts of the Missings is a treasure trove of subtleties and lovely passages. One of the things I loved was that she very hidden wilderness of fertility and womanhood: Rowan, Willow, Hazel, Adair (Oak), and Evelyn, our matron of a garden.
Or the care is taken in the name of the residents at Moye House tending to have names of creatives: Cecilia, Michan, Janus, Jorie, and Lissa. These things are indulgencies.
The real beauty is in the crafting of Adair as our heroine and her journey. It has everything to do with hanging your bell in an oak tree rather than an ash tree and making a wish that the story you believe and the true story are the same.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary advance copy of this book.
The title would lead one to believe that this is a mystery-haunting, and I've seen some comparisons to Lovely Bones. I feel that is a shabby treatment. This book is about storytellers and storytelling—family, love, and females—women as a conduit for history, prophecy, warning, and knowledge because they are loved more by nature than their male counterparts. Ghosts of the Missing is a much pulling from a far richer vein of inspiration than Lovely Bones.
One thing that goes hand in hand with knowledge is mysteriousness. Questions and wisdom can obfuscate and clarify something at the same time. Kathleen Donohoe handly does this with her readers by juggling stories and timelines. But there is one common theme; there is a strange beauty in our living memories, and an upsetting sense incompletion when we don't know how another person's story ends.
'"She is a thief or she is what was stolen," Helen said. "Believe what you will, but either way, she's the girl who was lost."
"But why is she here if this happened in Ireland?"
"I'm all that's left of the family. She goes with me."'
One of my favorite quotes of the book, and pretty much the brick and mortar Kathleen Donohoe builds her story upon, we can believe what we want of a story told. We take away from what we hear or read what we want, and it goes with us afterward because frequently, that is all we have left.
Adair McCrohan has spent most of her life divulging her secrets regardless of her wishes. She's never had the luxury of being a mystery. But she came very close as a child of touching a mystery when her childhood friend Rowen vanished. In every other way, she's been a painfully open book of violated privacy even when it was no longer publically necessary for her life to be public notice.
Rowan Kinnane was larger than life in Adair's life for a short time before Rowan disappeared. Years later, Ciaran Riordan shows up to shake up the dust and raise the dead because he wants to know what happened the day Rowan went missing.
But Kathleen Donohoe illustrates to her readers, no story is linear, no one's life is as simple as one would see initially on paper, and asking questions leads to even more questions rather than it does answers.
Donohoe is a storyteller, and she shuttles along several threads from the Old World to present, living to the dead, she braids the stories together and then pulls them apart.
I'm a word nerd; Ghosts of the Missings is a treasure trove of subtleties and lovely passages. One of the things I loved was that she very hidden wilderness of fertility and womanhood: Rowan, Willow, Hazel, Adair (Oak), and Evelyn, our matron of a garden.
Or the care is taken in the name of the residents at Moye House tending to have names of creatives: Cecilia, Michan, Janus, Jorie, and Lissa. These things are indulgencies.
The real beauty is in the crafting of Adair as our heroine and her journey. It has everything to do with hanging your bell in an oak tree rather than an ash tree and making a wish that the story you believe and the true story are the same.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary advance copy of this book.
March 19, 2021
This is a tough one. The bones of the story are excellent. I would have given it a high 5 if its potential had been realized. Sadly...it wasn't.
The rendering of what could have been a touching, timely tale fell prey to writing that was disorganized, unfocused, splintered, filled with too many characters and plot lines that failed to integrate. As I read, I was cursing whatever editor sat back and let something with promise slide by and get sucked into a morass of messy bits. It read like a rough draft that desperately needed an experienced hand to give it some discipline. The timelines and characters jumped back and forth until you wanted to, well, abandon the book entirely.
Then, when I saw in the acknowledgements that this was the result of multiple, editor-guided drafts, I could only shake my head. Good writer with a good idea meets bad or lazy or inexperienced editor.
It's a shame. I hope Ms. Donohoe has something else in her to write about and that she finds the proper place in which to grow it.
I know what it's like to have a bad editor. Writers who are just too thrilled to have anything or anyone at all validate them, fall prey. Better luck next time.
The rendering of what could have been a touching, timely tale fell prey to writing that was disorganized, unfocused, splintered, filled with too many characters and plot lines that failed to integrate. As I read, I was cursing whatever editor sat back and let something with promise slide by and get sucked into a morass of messy bits. It read like a rough draft that desperately needed an experienced hand to give it some discipline. The timelines and characters jumped back and forth until you wanted to, well, abandon the book entirely.
Then, when I saw in the acknowledgements that this was the result of multiple, editor-guided drafts, I could only shake my head. Good writer with a good idea meets bad or lazy or inexperienced editor.
It's a shame. I hope Ms. Donohoe has something else in her to write about and that she finds the proper place in which to grow it.
I know what it's like to have a bad editor. Writers who are just too thrilled to have anything or anyone at all validate them, fall prey. Better luck next time.
December 20, 2024
Edited 12/19/24 - 2.5/5
Unfortunately this one was a let down. I was drawn in by the concept of Adair drawing things from her visions, but in the end Also, Ciaran is a non-entity of a character.
Also, for a family filled with artists and writers- I was surprised we never get to read any excerpts or see any sketches. I would have loved to read Michan’s poetry, for example, or see Adair’s drawings.
If the book wanted to focus in more on - I don’t think it needed Rowan at all? Her disappearance is really underutilized.
Unfortunately this one was a let down. I was drawn in by the concept of Adair drawing things from her visions, but in the end Also, Ciaran is a non-entity of a character.
Also, for a family filled with artists and writers- I was surprised we never get to read any excerpts or see any sketches. I would have loved to read Michan’s poetry, for example, or see Adair’s drawings.
If the book wanted to focus in more on - I don’t think it needed Rowan at all? Her disappearance is really underutilized.
February 23, 2020
In Kathleen Donohoe's novel GHOSTS OF THE MISSING, the small town known as Culleton, New York, is located about 2 hours outside of New York City. Curious readers who look this fact up will realize that no such town actually exists. Right away, this gives me a chill as I recognize that the author now has full control of where this fictional story goes. Whether it be a psychological thriller or ghost story, Kathleen Donohoe is firmly at the wheel and readers are ready to go along for the ride.
With most of the action set in New York State's Hudson Valley, GHOSTS OF THE MISSING has the ideal setting for a mystery that is fueled with ancient lore of the region and just a hint of the supernatural thrown in for good measure. Each chapter is presented from the viewpoint of a different character while also jumping in time from the 1800s through 2010.
The Prologue introduces us to Cassius Moye of Moye House, who experiences a ghostly sighting in the woods while he is singing Irish songs --- the first language. Cassius learned all of this from the various young Irish women who came each year to work at Moye House. They hung bells in the branches of the trees in a ritual meant to carry on a prayer. It is said to this day that the chiming of a bell can still be heard in those woods at night as well as the apparition of a woman who haunts there.
In 2010, the present time for this novel, we meet Adair who becomes the main character in this novel. She is sitting on a bench in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, talking with a co-worker at the place where she temps who admires Adair's artwork and sketching skills. Adair may currently be living by herself in a Brooklyn apartment, but it was her time spent upstate at Moye House which defines her and drives the narrative in this haunting novel. We learn much about Adair as the story moves forward. She is HIV-positive and continues to take medication to regulate this illness. She is an above-average artist. She was also best friends with a young Irish girl named Rowan Kinnane who, in 1985 on the day that Culleton was celebrating Quicken Day, disappeared without a trace.
Just as the title of the novel speaks of the missing, everything that happens at Moye House and the Culleton region seems tied to a history of loss. This is represented in the stories passed down through the centuries as well as the ghostly lore that the superstitious still abide by. Moye House also became a home for various artists to live and work on their craft. All those who come there are taken in by the history and the legacy that has been passed down through the family members who still are there. It was Cassius Moye who wrote a book of short stories that became infamous in the area entitled The Lost Girl and Other Stories. Was it purely irony that bound the title of the Lost Girl to the disappearance of Rowan Kinnane more than a century later? It is questions like that which still haunt Moye House. Perhaps that is why things begin to get creepy again when a writer by the name of Ciaran Riordan comes to Moye House. Especially when we learn that Ciaran is Rowan's brother.
GHOSTS OF THE MISSING is the sort of novel that slowly sucks you in until you feel yourself reading more and more and not being able to stop yourself until the end comes. It's no surprise that Kathleen Donohoe serves on the board of the Irish American Writers & Artists because she has a masterful way with words. Early on in the novel she references a proverb that stuck with me throughout the story: 'if you cannot sleep, it means you are lost in someone else's dream'. I often felt like that as the narrative jumped back and forth, infused with Irish folklore and colorful characters, right up to the finish. But is it possible that one of these characters was responsible for the abduction or worse of Rowan Kinnane? That is a mystery readers will just have to find out for themselves.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
With most of the action set in New York State's Hudson Valley, GHOSTS OF THE MISSING has the ideal setting for a mystery that is fueled with ancient lore of the region and just a hint of the supernatural thrown in for good measure. Each chapter is presented from the viewpoint of a different character while also jumping in time from the 1800s through 2010.
The Prologue introduces us to Cassius Moye of Moye House, who experiences a ghostly sighting in the woods while he is singing Irish songs --- the first language. Cassius learned all of this from the various young Irish women who came each year to work at Moye House. They hung bells in the branches of the trees in a ritual meant to carry on a prayer. It is said to this day that the chiming of a bell can still be heard in those woods at night as well as the apparition of a woman who haunts there.
In 2010, the present time for this novel, we meet Adair who becomes the main character in this novel. She is sitting on a bench in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, talking with a co-worker at the place where she temps who admires Adair's artwork and sketching skills. Adair may currently be living by herself in a Brooklyn apartment, but it was her time spent upstate at Moye House which defines her and drives the narrative in this haunting novel. We learn much about Adair as the story moves forward. She is HIV-positive and continues to take medication to regulate this illness. She is an above-average artist. She was also best friends with a young Irish girl named Rowan Kinnane who, in 1985 on the day that Culleton was celebrating Quicken Day, disappeared without a trace.
Just as the title of the novel speaks of the missing, everything that happens at Moye House and the Culleton region seems tied to a history of loss. This is represented in the stories passed down through the centuries as well as the ghostly lore that the superstitious still abide by. Moye House also became a home for various artists to live and work on their craft. All those who come there are taken in by the history and the legacy that has been passed down through the family members who still are there. It was Cassius Moye who wrote a book of short stories that became infamous in the area entitled The Lost Girl and Other Stories. Was it purely irony that bound the title of the Lost Girl to the disappearance of Rowan Kinnane more than a century later? It is questions like that which still haunt Moye House. Perhaps that is why things begin to get creepy again when a writer by the name of Ciaran Riordan comes to Moye House. Especially when we learn that Ciaran is Rowan's brother.
GHOSTS OF THE MISSING is the sort of novel that slowly sucks you in until you feel yourself reading more and more and not being able to stop yourself until the end comes. It's no surprise that Kathleen Donohoe serves on the board of the Irish American Writers & Artists because she has a masterful way with words. Early on in the novel she references a proverb that stuck with me throughout the story: 'if you cannot sleep, it means you are lost in someone else's dream'. I often felt like that as the narrative jumped back and forth, infused with Irish folklore and colorful characters, right up to the finish. But is it possible that one of these characters was responsible for the abduction or worse of Rowan Kinnane? That is a mystery readers will just have to find out for themselves.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
March 20, 2020
In 1995 Adair's friend Rowan went missing. Decades later, no clue or trace of the missing girl has ever been found.
After trying to make a go of it in New York City, Adair has decided to return to her small hometown. There she meets Rowan's brother, Ciaran, who is determined to find out what happened to his sister all those years ago. Adair, who may have been the last person to see Rowan before she went missing, has been haunted by her friend's disappearance, has wondered what happened all those years ago. Not is her chance, maybe, to find out. But as they dig deeper into the cold case, it becomes clear that the clues have become tangled by time and what one person may have witnessed isn't exactly how another person might remember it.
This was an interesting read. A slow burn for sure and one that bounces around through various timelines even beyond the 1995 and 2010 storylines.
Culleton's history is a fascinating one woven by immigrants and folklore. Even as late as 1995, the locals participated in a tradition called Quicken Day and there are bits about the history of that event in the book. There are also bits about the early settlers of Culleton, all spread throughout the book and Adair's and Ciaran's investigation.
Ultimately, this wasn't the mystery I was expecting. It was much more of a dramatic and heartbreaking read about secrets and the people who tried to cover up those secrets for so long. And yes, the mystery of Rowan's disappearance spurs the discovery of these, but it's more of a foil for a larger story than I'd expected. Which I guess is my way of saying this is much less of a suspenseful and creepy read than I'd prepared myself for diving into.
Not bad, simply different and not at all what I thought I was getting into!
Kathleen Donohoe's writing is lyrical, the kind that sweeps you up. And the story is, as mentioned, heartbreaking. This is the perfect kind of book club read, one that sparks lots of discussion!
After trying to make a go of it in New York City, Adair has decided to return to her small hometown. There she meets Rowan's brother, Ciaran, who is determined to find out what happened to his sister all those years ago. Adair, who may have been the last person to see Rowan before she went missing, has been haunted by her friend's disappearance, has wondered what happened all those years ago. Not is her chance, maybe, to find out. But as they dig deeper into the cold case, it becomes clear that the clues have become tangled by time and what one person may have witnessed isn't exactly how another person might remember it.
This was an interesting read. A slow burn for sure and one that bounces around through various timelines even beyond the 1995 and 2010 storylines.
Culleton's history is a fascinating one woven by immigrants and folklore. Even as late as 1995, the locals participated in a tradition called Quicken Day and there are bits about the history of that event in the book. There are also bits about the early settlers of Culleton, all spread throughout the book and Adair's and Ciaran's investigation.
Ultimately, this wasn't the mystery I was expecting. It was much more of a dramatic and heartbreaking read about secrets and the people who tried to cover up those secrets for so long. And yes, the mystery of Rowan's disappearance spurs the discovery of these, but it's more of a foil for a larger story than I'd expected. Which I guess is my way of saying this is much less of a suspenseful and creepy read than I'd prepared myself for diving into.
Not bad, simply different and not at all what I thought I was getting into!
Kathleen Donohoe's writing is lyrical, the kind that sweeps you up. And the story is, as mentioned, heartbreaking. This is the perfect kind of book club read, one that sparks lots of discussion!
February 9, 2020
Ghosts of the Missing by Kathleen Donohoe is a so-so tale of loss, memory, and traditions.
Adair McCrohan has long been haunted by the unsolved mystery of the disappearance at age twelve of her best friend girl, Rowan Kinnane, on October 28, 1995, in Culleton, New York. She returns to her family home, the Moye House, an old mansion that is currently a writer's retreat to stay with her poet uncle, Michan McCrohan. A writer currently living there, Ciaran Riordan, has a personal connection to Rowan and hopes to solve what happened to his sister. Adair joins forces with Ciaran to try and discover what happened to Rowan. In the process of investigating they uncover some hidden secrets and ghosts of the past.
In this very slow moving novel the chapters alternate between Adair in the present and in 1995, as well as various other people who have lived in Cullenton since the 1800s. Mixed into the melancholy, atmospheric tale is Irish folklore, legends, conspiracies, mysticism, rumors, murder, and science. While the plot is supposedly focused on solving what happened to Rowan, it really isn't at all. This may be as problematic for many other readers as it was for me. There is no closure in solving a mystery. This is more of a character driven family saga that jumps around in time between decades and characters.
The quality of the actual writing is quite alluring. It is beautifully rendered and poetic. The problem is twofold. The jumping around between time periods and characters detracts from the novel rather than creating interest and becomes distracting. The second is the premise that a mystery is to be solved. It isn't a true focus of the plot at all. This really wasn't a good choice for me, but may be a better fit for others.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of HMH Books.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2020/0...
Adair McCrohan has long been haunted by the unsolved mystery of the disappearance at age twelve of her best friend girl, Rowan Kinnane, on October 28, 1995, in Culleton, New York. She returns to her family home, the Moye House, an old mansion that is currently a writer's retreat to stay with her poet uncle, Michan McCrohan. A writer currently living there, Ciaran Riordan, has a personal connection to Rowan and hopes to solve what happened to his sister. Adair joins forces with Ciaran to try and discover what happened to Rowan. In the process of investigating they uncover some hidden secrets and ghosts of the past.
In this very slow moving novel the chapters alternate between Adair in the present and in 1995, as well as various other people who have lived in Cullenton since the 1800s. Mixed into the melancholy, atmospheric tale is Irish folklore, legends, conspiracies, mysticism, rumors, murder, and science. While the plot is supposedly focused on solving what happened to Rowan, it really isn't at all. This may be as problematic for many other readers as it was for me. There is no closure in solving a mystery. This is more of a character driven family saga that jumps around in time between decades and characters.
The quality of the actual writing is quite alluring. It is beautifully rendered and poetic. The problem is twofold. The jumping around between time periods and characters detracts from the novel rather than creating interest and becomes distracting. The second is the premise that a mystery is to be solved. It isn't a true focus of the plot at all. This really wasn't a good choice for me, but may be a better fit for others.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of HMH Books.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2020/0...
February 12, 2020
A mystery that had so much potential, but with a slow start that fell flat for me.
Adair spent her childhood in Culleton, New York, a town with a lot of history. She moved to Brooklyn to leave her past behind and try and make it as an artist. It doesn’t take long though before she decides to return to the old Moye House, a writer’s retreat, to see what she can accomplish. However, she is not the only one staying at the Moye house; Ciaran is staying at the house with hopes to solve the mystery of what happened to her sister, Rowan Kinnane who also happens to be Adair’s best friend. Together they work to investigate what really happened.
I wanted to like this, I really did, but after the first hundred pages of crossover between time periods and characters, I just found it less and less interesting. The mystery itself was intriguing but the set up just didn’t come off the way as intended in order to enjoy the story. I really wanted it to start off with a bang and quickly draw me in, but it takes a while to really get traction. Some readers will likely enjoy this book as they may enjoy a slower beginning that builds up tension in the story to the end. I feel that if Donohoe would have gone with less switches between time periods and points of view, it would have been easier to follow and connect with the story and characters. The mystery was what pulled me in, and I love mysteries, but unfortunately this just wasn’t my cup of tea. I recommend it to readers that enjoy the journey throughout the book instead of the final destination.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
Adair spent her childhood in Culleton, New York, a town with a lot of history. She moved to Brooklyn to leave her past behind and try and make it as an artist. It doesn’t take long though before she decides to return to the old Moye House, a writer’s retreat, to see what she can accomplish. However, she is not the only one staying at the Moye house; Ciaran is staying at the house with hopes to solve the mystery of what happened to her sister, Rowan Kinnane who also happens to be Adair’s best friend. Together they work to investigate what really happened.
I wanted to like this, I really did, but after the first hundred pages of crossover between time periods and characters, I just found it less and less interesting. The mystery itself was intriguing but the set up just didn’t come off the way as intended in order to enjoy the story. I really wanted it to start off with a bang and quickly draw me in, but it takes a while to really get traction. Some readers will likely enjoy this book as they may enjoy a slower beginning that builds up tension in the story to the end. I feel that if Donohoe would have gone with less switches between time periods and points of view, it would have been easier to follow and connect with the story and characters. The mystery was what pulled me in, and I love mysteries, but unfortunately this just wasn’t my cup of tea. I recommend it to readers that enjoy the journey throughout the book instead of the final destination.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
July 26, 2024
This book was a 3.5 star book that I was going to round up to a 4 in the end, because I honestly really enjoyed it despite its flaws. Adair, Rowan and Ciaran were all interesting and very likeable characters. The cast wasn’t the worst to keep track of despite it being truly massive in tandem with the time/character hopping, as long as you paid close attention to the times listed in the chapter breaks.
What really dragged this book down was randomly springing on the reader on page 264, and then explicitly in the last chapter in the entire book, that our main character Adair was getting groomed by a pedophile the entire time and she and Leo had been in a relationship. Adair was 12 and Leo was 19 when they met. Looking at the book EXTREMELY charitably, this relationship started when he was 25 and she was 18 in highschool (her going to college is why she initially broke up. Spoilers, they get back together by the way at the very end). Looking at the book realistically, she was likely even younger than that when they got together. This relationship is especially ironic when you consider Leo’s rage at being accused of being a pedophile.
The author skirts this (and also breaks continuity) by trying to say she hasn’t used the key to his house since she was 21 and he was 30, but in the timeline it doesn’t make sense since she left him to go to college, and has been working for several years in brooklyn after college eliminating the possibility of gap years.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that this alone ruined the book for me, between the pedophilia, grooming, and continuity errors.
What really dragged this book down was randomly springing on the reader on page 264, and then explicitly in the last chapter in the entire book, that our main character Adair was getting groomed by a pedophile the entire time and she and Leo had been in a relationship. Adair was 12 and Leo was 19 when they met. Looking at the book EXTREMELY charitably, this relationship started when he was 25 and she was 18 in highschool (her going to college is why she initially broke up. Spoilers, they get back together by the way at the very end). Looking at the book realistically, she was likely even younger than that when they got together. This relationship is especially ironic when you consider Leo’s rage at being accused of being a pedophile.
The author skirts this (and also breaks continuity) by trying to say she hasn’t used the key to his house since she was 21 and he was 30, but in the timeline it doesn’t make sense since she left him to go to college, and has been working for several years in brooklyn after college eliminating the possibility of gap years.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that this alone ruined the book for me, between the pedophilia, grooming, and continuity errors.
February 11, 2020
This is my first experience with this author - I was drawn in by its title and synopsis - a book that revolves around a missing child certainly intrigued me. But, I wouldn't categorize this book as a thriller - I would say that this falls more firmly in the literary fiction genre. The plot may surround a mystery, but this unfolds like literary fiction and features a lot of vignettes.
Donohoe has a modern storyline set in 2010 with Adair as its narrator, an artist in New York City. but alongside this, is the history of Adair's hometown in upstate New York and the her family line. These vignettes span hundreds of years, but are interesting and add to the mystique and magic of this New York town built largely by its Irish workforce. The natural progression of the town really adds a layer of realism to the story, alongside its less plausible parts.
Adair's not-so secret secrets add unexpected levels to this book that I didn't expect. The ending, isn't as satisfying as I had hoped for, but I do think that this book would be a good discussion starter. It would make for a great choice for book clubs and discussion groups. It's an original story and one that really didn't remind me of anything else. It feels fresh, unique and while it may not conclude as tightly as I wanted, I still enjoyed it.
Donohoe has a modern storyline set in 2010 with Adair as its narrator, an artist in New York City. but alongside this, is the history of Adair's hometown in upstate New York and the her family line. These vignettes span hundreds of years, but are interesting and add to the mystique and magic of this New York town built largely by its Irish workforce. The natural progression of the town really adds a layer of realism to the story, alongside its less plausible parts.
Adair's not-so secret secrets add unexpected levels to this book that I didn't expect. The ending, isn't as satisfying as I had hoped for, but I do think that this book would be a good discussion starter. It would make for a great choice for book clubs and discussion groups. It's an original story and one that really didn't remind me of anything else. It feels fresh, unique and while it may not conclude as tightly as I wanted, I still enjoyed it.
April 3, 2020
Rowan Kinnane was just a shy, awkward, peculiar child. She was nothing extraordinary until she disappeared from her Culleton, New York home on October 28, 1995. The theories and accusations started flying.
It is also in Culleton where Adair grew up. Culleton, known for its writers and its mysterious history, is where Adair grew up sketching everything. She was a distant cousin of Rowan and her best friend…probably her only true friend. Adair’s family owns the mysterious Moye House that is currently open as a retreat house for writers. When Adair’s parents die, she returns to Culleton, after having moved to Brooklyn to become a famous artist. When Ciaran, a writer investigating the disappearance of Rowan 15 years before shows up for a writing retreat at Moye House, the secrets start to reveal themselves.
This book is sometimes a bit foggy, but, if you have patience, it is worth it. The author tries to be mysterious, and often succeeds. However, sometimes, she loses the reader. It is a great idea to stick by this book, though. It has a lot to offer. It has great characters and a great mystery. It has haunting settings and a mystical quality. Enjoy!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
It is also in Culleton where Adair grew up. Culleton, known for its writers and its mysterious history, is where Adair grew up sketching everything. She was a distant cousin of Rowan and her best friend…probably her only true friend. Adair’s family owns the mysterious Moye House that is currently open as a retreat house for writers. When Adair’s parents die, she returns to Culleton, after having moved to Brooklyn to become a famous artist. When Ciaran, a writer investigating the disappearance of Rowan 15 years before shows up for a writing retreat at Moye House, the secrets start to reveal themselves.
This book is sometimes a bit foggy, but, if you have patience, it is worth it. The author tries to be mysterious, and often succeeds. However, sometimes, she loses the reader. It is a great idea to stick by this book, though. It has a lot to offer. It has great characters and a great mystery. It has haunting settings and a mystical quality. Enjoy!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
May 9, 2020
Thanks to the publisher for the free copy in exchange for my honest review
GHOSTS OF THE MISSING was my introduction to Kathleen Donohoe and I will say that I did enjoy the writing. I will warn you that this is on the slower side of the thriller/suspense genre – so don’t go into this anticipating a really fast paced read. This is perfect for those looking for a slower building mystery, one that you can cozy up with.
While I did enjoy the mystery and the added bits of Irish Folklore, I feel like some of the elements fell a little flat for me. The pacing did slow down for me where I found it harder to concentrate and easier to set the book down for a little bit. A big thing that is good to know before starting, if you don’t like ambiguous endings or no real resolutions, then this one might be a good one to skip. I know some readers love that and others can’t stand it.
Overall, I did really like the writing. It was well-written and plenty of detail. I just didn’t really find myself too engaged in the mystery and jumping timelines. I will for sure be giving Donohoe another read. This was one I enjoyed, but it wasn’t my favorite. Still one I would recommend if you want a slower building mystery with some supernatural elements tied in.
GHOSTS OF THE MISSING was my introduction to Kathleen Donohoe and I will say that I did enjoy the writing. I will warn you that this is on the slower side of the thriller/suspense genre – so don’t go into this anticipating a really fast paced read. This is perfect for those looking for a slower building mystery, one that you can cozy up with.
While I did enjoy the mystery and the added bits of Irish Folklore, I feel like some of the elements fell a little flat for me. The pacing did slow down for me where I found it harder to concentrate and easier to set the book down for a little bit. A big thing that is good to know before starting, if you don’t like ambiguous endings or no real resolutions, then this one might be a good one to skip. I know some readers love that and others can’t stand it.
Overall, I did really like the writing. It was well-written and plenty of detail. I just didn’t really find myself too engaged in the mystery and jumping timelines. I will for sure be giving Donohoe another read. This was one I enjoyed, but it wasn’t my favorite. Still one I would recommend if you want a slower building mystery with some supernatural elements tied in.
September 14, 2019
I received an ARC of this book and was not familiar with the previous novels of Kathleen Donohoe. I had to take my time reading and remember that the disappearance of young Rowan Kinnane in October 1995 is the central theme of the story. Adair, her friend was one the last to see her before her mysterious disappearance. It haunts her and others in the small community of Culleton, New York. Adair now a young adult has returned to Culleton to work at the Moye House, a writers colony that was part of her family heritage. Ciaran, one of the resident authors is working on a book of missing children and Rowan is among the missing in his research. His connection to her as his half sister brings a great urgency to discover all he can from those who knew her.
Donohoe does a wonderful job of building the background of Adair and Rowan becoming friends and then the efforts of trying to discover what happened to Rowan. There are mystical elements involved and I recommend rereading the prologue.
Donohoe does a wonderful job of building the background of Adair and Rowan becoming friends and then the efforts of trying to discover what happened to Rowan. There are mystical elements involved and I recommend rereading the prologue.
March 7, 2020
Ghosts of the Missing is a little bit mystery, a little bit history, and a little bit human interest. It was a very interesting read, but if you like a linear book this is not for you. It jumps from past to present (though in this book present is 2010). The mystery doesn’t even really start until about a third of the way through the book.
There is also a lot of history. The book moves to the past frequently, some times to give more insight into the mystery and other times to give the backstory of a character. I have to admit that while I find these historical trips interesting, a lot of them, especially the backstories weren’t necessary to the overall story.
The characters were all very interesting. All had their quirks and their issues. But I didn’t really care for any of them. The mystery is a large part of the story, but it really isn’t the purpose of this book. This book is more of a character study than anything else.
If you looking for something a little more intellectual with a bit of a mystery then I recommend this one.
There is also a lot of history. The book moves to the past frequently, some times to give more insight into the mystery and other times to give the backstory of a character. I have to admit that while I find these historical trips interesting, a lot of them, especially the backstories weren’t necessary to the overall story.
The characters were all very interesting. All had their quirks and their issues. But I didn’t really care for any of them. The mystery is a large part of the story, but it really isn’t the purpose of this book. This book is more of a character study than anything else.
If you looking for something a little more intellectual with a bit of a mystery then I recommend this one.
March 7, 2020
This is the first book I've read by Kathleen Donohoe so I had no idea what to expect. What I received was so much more! Not only was I mesmerized by the story of Rowan but there are others that went missing in this small town where seemingly everyone knows everyone else's business. (If you've never experienced that, let me assure you, growing up in a hamlet of 450 people, it's not unusual for someone to know what you had for your last meal if you were to pass gas) This is a mystery with small-town gossip, Irish folklore, romance, and the dysfunction of family. Kathleen Donohoe has taken all this and given her characters the inquisitiveness to ask all the questions that were going through my mind and taking me on a journey the likes of which I hadn't experienced in some time. This was an exceptional read.
July 30, 2022
I don’t really know how to feel about this book… Was I reading a murder mystery or a “woe is me” drama? The actual plot didn’t really begin until the middle of the book.
The Irish lore was very well done and I enjoyed all of the characters, especially Adair. However, I wish that we could have spent more time on Helen and Cassius as Adair’s story gets very disjointed and the focus on her HIV status was at times overbearing, to the point that I wasn’t sure what the actual story was.
What I really didn’t enjoy was how sad the ending is. Granted, many missing children are never found and I respect the way how the story ends with the feeling that it will never be finished, but it still broke my heart.
The Irish lore was very well done and I enjoyed all of the characters, especially Adair. However, I wish that we could have spent more time on Helen and Cassius as Adair’s story gets very disjointed and the focus on her HIV status was at times overbearing, to the point that I wasn’t sure what the actual story was.
What I really didn’t enjoy was how sad the ending is. Granted, many missing children are never found and I respect the way how the story ends with the feeling that it will never be finished, but it still broke my heart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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