Chasing Ghosts: An Arctic Adventure

by Nicola Pierce

An enthralling novel of two stories that speak to each other across time and thousands of miles
Based on the real events of Sir John Franklin’s expedition to find the Northwest Passage

In 1845, two ships, HMS Erebus and Terror, are Arctic-bound. Commander John Franklin and second-in-command Francis Crozier hope to return within two years, but nobody really knows how long they will be gone. As time passes with no word from the expedition, the world fears the worst ...
In 1849, in Derry, little Weesy Coppin has died of a fever, but her spirit appears to her sister Ann and her brother William.
The two stories collide as Franklin’s crew struggle to survive, and Weesy seems bent on haunting her family.
Finally, one ghostly night Ann asks her sister the question on everyone’s lips: Where are the missing ships?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published March 9, 2020

About the author

Former ghost-writer, Pierce published her first book for children in 2011. 'Spirit of the Titanic' received rave reviews and ran to five printings within its first twelve months. In 2018 she wrote the nonfiction 'Titanic, True Stories'. Her second children's novel 'City of Fate' is set during WW2's Battle of Stalingrad. This was followed by 'Behind the Walls', about the Siege of Derry, and 'Kings of the Boyne', about the 1690 Battle of the Boyne. Her latest children's novel, 'Chasing Ghost' tells the story of doomed John Franklin expedition to the Artic in 1845. In 2021, Pierce brought out a history of Dublin's O'Connell Street. New children's novel due out 4 Sept 2023, 'In Between Worlds, The Journey of the Famine Girls'.

Reviews

[E.R. Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evocative settings, a seamless weaving of two unlikely stories (both based on real events), memorable characters, and a page-turning plot. Add to that Dickens, monkeys, ghosts, and a beautiful ending - this is a truly fantastic adventure with heart.

[MaryBrigid Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Nicola Pierce brings history to life. A wonderful story that weaves two tales together. I experienced the frustrations of the officers and crew of the ill fated Franklin expedition, and Ann's struggle to make her family listen and understand what was happening. I couldn't put it down.

[Mary Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicola Pierce returns with another eerie, haunting, sea-going historical fiction and it is stunning. The story is largely based on two historical events, separate, but forever linked in history. Told in two voices; that of Francis Crozier and of Weesys' sister Ann; the reader is taken on an intrepid and ill-fated mission filled with determination and mystery. The death of a little girl brings grief and heartbreak to her family that now has to deal with a situation they do not want to conceive of; that she has come back to haunt them. We see every possible emotion as they try to make sense of this. It is only through a sliver of belief in this supernatural calling; undeniable evidence that something weird is happening to them, that the fate of the Northwest Passage mission is revealed to the world. The tale is gripping, wrapping us in the chilling blanket of never-ending cold and ice to labour on with the adventurers, praying for a heroic, positive outcome. It calls us to suspend our disbelief and embrace the possibility of the other world. You may not want to believe any of this, but its' all there in history. Atmospheric, articulate and intelligent, wonderfully imaginative, impossibly true...this is historical fiction at its' very best.

[The Quill Hand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chasing Ghosts: An Arctic Adventure is a gripping new tale by Nicola Pierce that follows two series of true events that unfolded thousands of miles apart yet are inextricably linked. At the centre of the novel is the story of Ann Coppins, whose sister Weesy has recently passed away – but Weesy has not moved on, and her spirit remains in the family home. At the same time, a British Royal Navy expedition of two ships under the command of Captain Sir John Franklin and his second-in- command, Captain Francis Crozier, has gone missing in the Arctic Circle. Ann finds herself wondering if Weesy can tell them what has happened to the two ships.

Pierce creates a truly atmospheric depiction of Northern Ireland in the 1840s and
the unforgiving, harsh emptiness of the freezing cold Arctic, deftly balancing the gravity of the sailors’ situation with scenes of childhood innocence and mischief. Through her portrayal of complex
themes such as grief, family, love and friendship, Pierce brings new life to the story of Ann Coppins and the Franklin expedition, creating well-rounded fictional representations of real historical figures.

This account of the fate of HMS Erebus and Terror is both educational and captivating. The author’s notes at the end of the novel are a fascinating insight into the sources that Pierce consulted when writing this novel. At times amusing, endearing and heartbreaking, this book is guaranteed to have the reader hungering for the next page.

Thank you to Children’s Books Ireland for providing me with an advance review copy of this book.

This review was originally published in Inis Magazine Issue 60 (July 2020).

[Colette Palsgraaf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Irish author Nicola Pierce is back with another terrific children's novel.
Like Nicola's previous historical novels, "Chasing Ghosts" is based on real events. We are transported back to the 1840's, when Sir John Franklin's Arctic expedition leaves England. His second-in-command Francis Crozier keeps a journal, which tells us about the adventures of the two ships and the crew's struggles in the Arctic waters. Meanwhile in Ireland young Weesy Coppin dies and leaves behind a grieving family. But soon Weesy's spirit appears to her sister Ann and brother William. Do Weesy and Ann have the answer to the two missing ships whereabouts?
Although this book is written for children it is not written in a childish way. There are ghostly and unexplained things taking place in the Coppin home, while gruesome and sad things happen to the crew of the two ships. As an adult I never felt I was reading a children's book. The desperation of the crew of the ships and those back home is heartbreaking at times and the description of the ships' isolation is terrifying.
Well done to Nicola Pierce for writing yet another brilliant historical novel for children! This is a book that adults will enjoy just as much a children will. I highly recommend this book.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A historical fiction book that weaves two apparently disparate tales in alternate chapters.

The story begins with Ann Coppin and her family as they deal with the loss of her little sister Weesy. The sense of loss is acute, as is the shock that maybe little Weesy hasn't entirely left.

The second tale is of the ill-fated Arctic exploration under Commander John Franklin and his second Francis Crozier. These chapters are written mainly in diary format from Crozier's point of view and detail the slow disintegration of the expedition as their situation becomes more perilous.
Based on actual events Ms Pierce weaves both tales together with aplomb as tensions grow. In the last few chapters hints and connections are revealed that throw new light on both stories.

A gripping tale of grief and tenaciousness, this is a gorgeous historical tale of which at least this reader was unaware. The author's historical notes at the end are welcome and certainly would encourage further research. I can highly recommend this book for those who love historical fiction and mystery.

Cover by Jon Berkley and inside illustrations by Eoin O'Brien.

[Kirsty McCracken · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have lived in Banbridge my whole life. This was a joy to read! To see a book - and not an academic one - not only talking about the man I have heard stories of my whole life, but actually written in part from the perspective of Crozier, who's statue I have seen almost every day when I go through town, was utterly wonderful.
Pierce doesn't shy away from the dark and brutal nature of Arctic Exploration, or the tragedy in just how close Franklin and Crozier's expedition were to finding what they set out for.
I remember reading the articles on the discovery of the ships in 2014, and seeing the pictures last year, and this book - borrowed from one of our journalists (cheers Francois!) (I work for the Banbridge Chronicle) who was given a copy by the author - was almost nostalgic for me.
Highly recommend - tragedy, humour, heart, loss, fear, and family.

[Ann Murtagh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This skilled storyteller beckons her readers to glide back and forth between two stories which she enables us to do with ease. I particularly enjoyed the story from the point of view of Ann, the young girl from Derry. The grief and loss of her family after losing a little child are palpable but her narration also abounds with humour, innocence and wonder. The second story revolves around the Franklin expedition to the Arctic in 1845. Here the characters reflect the attitude of the British Navy tradition but behind that stiff upper lip mentality, we are privy to their foibles and humanity. I thought this was one of the most imaginative children's stories I have read in a long time.

[Lauren Redmond · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent enough children's story involving the Franklin expedition, interwoven with Belfast family, the Coppins overcoming the death of a young family member. it takes a long time before a reader might realize why exactly these two stories are interwoven with each other. When it does reach it's conclusion, there isn't much of a reveal, as it is a real tragedy the story is based on. It has a decent pace but I struggle to think what a child might find interesting in the logbook and diary entries of Francis Crozier. To me they came off as a little bit dull for a child, but because of a personal fascination with the real life voyage, I found them the most interesting part of the book.

[Paula O'sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wasn’t sure how this book would hold my attention as i think it is marketed as a Children’s book. I needn’t have worried. I was hooked from the start. It’s made me to want to read more about this expedition. Have recommended to my daughter and nephew both teenagers (16 and 20) who have read everything they could over the years on Tom Crean.

[Eve McDonnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this haunting, beautifully written story. Another captivating novel by Nicola Pierce - a master of historical fiction. Two entirely separate worlds intertwine, each story transporting the reader back in time. Fact and fiction blended perfectly. Loved this.

[Samara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed alot of it. Although found it really disappointing It didn't delve into the side of the cannibalism that took place. There was no mention of it and I found that highly disappointing it would have made the story so much more interesting. Would reccomend for a younger audience.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells two exciting stories mysteriously entwined. There are some great characters and it is a real page-turner. I felt as if I was there in the story. (Review by Rachel, aged 14)

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

'Ask me no secret and I will tell you no lies.'

It gave me hope in vain that at least some of the people were saved..