Ghost is a raw and emotionally charged YA novel that explores the haunting aftermath of violence and grief through the eyes of a teenage girl. Finbar Hawkins, known for his evocative prose and atmospheric storytelling, delivers another powerful narrative that lingers long after the final page.

The story follows Nat, a 15-year-old girl who is grappling with the traumatic loss of her mother, killed in a knife attack. Struggling with her emotions, Nat distances herself from her family and society, seeking control in a world that feels increasingly unsafe. She joins a group of girls who call themselves the Ghosts—an underground collective committed to acts of retribution and justice.

Hawkins does an excellent job of capturing the intensity of teenage emotion, especially grief, rage, and the desire for agency. Nat’s internal voice is both vulnerable and fierce, and her descent into the world of the Ghosts is portrayed with unsettling realism. The novel doesn't shy away from hard topics—violence, trauma, vengeance, and justice—but it approaches them with sensitivity and nuance.

One of the most striking aspects of Ghost is its exploration of girlhood and empowerment. The Ghosts are compelling in their mission, but Hawkins also questions the cost of vengeance and what true healing looks like. There are no easy answers, and that moral ambiguity gives the story real depth.

Stylistically, the writing is taut and atmospheric, with a rhythmic quality that reflects both Nat's disorientation and her growing clarity. The tension builds steadily, and the pacing keeps the reader engaged without sacrificing emotional depth.

This is a compulsive read, I genuinely couldn't put it down until I knew how this cross-historical supernatural story would end. Marie is mysteriously connected to two other teenage girls who lived at different times in history, Aine (enslaved by invading Romans) and Sarah (accused of witchcraft) and the fate of their souls are fatally intertwined. I always enjoy it when adults in stories for children and teens immediately take their young people seriously when there are supernatural forces involved, for me it ups the stakes when adults are aware of the danger and seriousness of the situation but reliant on the teens for solutions which is what happens in this story. In fact it's Marie's twin brother Ben who doubts the truth behind her fears at first. There's a rich seam of horror titles pitches at that illusive 'teen' 12+ market at the moment and this exciting and atmospheric book fits solidly into this (as do Stone and Witch).

Both previous Finbar Hawkins, Witch (2020) and Stone (2022) featured in my own YA Horror 400 almanac, so I was delighted to read his third novel, Ghost. Although it has more in common with his debut, it features the same type of earthy natural magic which threads through both his previous novels. There are also certain story overlaps with Witch, with authentic historical settings and in one of the three narratives a teenager who uses herbs to cure ailments is accused of being a witch. The story of Sarah Gibson, set in 1783, is only one of three interconnecting narratives, after the death of her mother she loses her home as a servant and ends up living in the woods which connects the three stories. Using the skills taught by her mother and her own resourcefulness she trades her skills with the locals, building a reputation as a wise woman.

However, Sarah can also feel the presence of other restless spirits, which take us back to the year 60AD and a Roman slave called Anna, who is captured from her family before going on the run in the same woods. Elsewhere the three narratives are interconnected in the present day by Marie, who has a host of personal problems, and after dropping out of art school goes to stay with her aunt who lives beside the woods. Marie sees images of the other two girls, as well as her dead uncle and feels the same presence in the woods as the other girls. Grounding the story in the present day, although steeped in old magic was skilfully done, as Marie realises only she can free the trapped spirits of the girls who preceded her and move on with her own life. A thoughtful and well structured fantasy drama with an ancient evil lurking in the background. AGE RANGE 12+

In my humble opinion this is a powerful piece of storytelling. I love that it is a tale of old magic, of folklore and that woven within the tapestry of words the story is also steeped in myth and legend, but is uniquely original.
As the tale unfolds, it is clear that Finbar has drawn on the power of three, interweaving the tales of Aine, Sarah and Marie - three girls who across the paths of time are drawn together to defeat dark magic. A beautiful tale to be shared as the nights draw in.
Huge thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for an early read.