A Haunting at Hawthorn and other ghostly tales

A Haunting at Hawthorn brings the Gallagher Sisters series to a thoughtful and engaging close, with a more deliberate focus on uncovering past wrongs and offering meaningful resolution. This installment emphasizes Nuala’s character and experiences while maintaining the sisterly dynamic as the trio navigates five interconnected yet standalone stories. Each story deals with a lingering injustice – some more hidden, others easier to see – with the goal of restoring truth and dignity to those who cannot speak for themselves.

This installment leans further into themes of accountability and emotional closure, still preserving the mystery element. Though slightly less suspenseful, this shift brings added depth to the overarching narrative. The novel remains firmly rooted in Irish culture – set primarily in Ireland and rich with its language, traditions, and tone, though with a little less emphasis on Irish history. Parks also expertly introduces elements from other cultural backgrounds, broadening the scope in a way that complements rather than competes with the strong Irish foundation that defines the trilogy.

Supernatural elements, particularly the presence of ghosts, continue to support the story without overwhelming it. However, in this novel, they play a more decisive role in resolving key plot points – occasionally simplifying what could have been more impactful if uncovered through character action or investigation. That said, the tone remains gentle and reflective, consistent with the series’ style, and the emotional weight behind the revelations lends each case a clear sense of purpose.

A few minor formatting and punctuation inconsistencies remain, and the narrative pacing at times feels compressed due to the number of storylines packed into a single volume. Still, A Haunting at Hawthorn offers a quietly satisfying conclusion – less about suspense and more about righting past wrongs. Readers who value mystery with emotional substance and a restorative focus will find much to appreciate here.