The House of Ashes

Sara Keane has just moved into a new home with her Husband Damien. They are trying to leave a troubled past behind in their relocation. They relocated to Northern Ireland, looking for a fresh start after Sara attempted suicide. However, the issues Sara has are more deeply rooted. Damien exercises an inordinate amount of control over Sara and it has caused alienation from Sara and her friends, family. Damien reassures her with the new home, stability is sure to follow. Soon, an encounter with the former owner of the house has raised alarm within Sara.

Mary, a much older and troubled woman, wants strangers out of her house. She asks about the children. Sara is puzzled but curious about the woman and the previous ownership. While Sara’s tale plays out, we learn the tragic circumstances that played out with Mary and the previous residents in the house.

The House of Ashes is the spellbinding new release from Stuart Neville (The Ghosts of Belfast, The Final Silence). Neville hooks his reader with the opening sequences of his story, mystery, and horror emerging prominently. The multi-narrative structure that plays out is effective and gripping. Impressive just begins to describe Neville’s latest offering.