Rating: 
Summary: A solid and atmospheric mystery
Review: This story works on a variety of levels, and as a first novel, I thought it was extremely accomplished, not only as a mystery thriller, but also as a good, solid piece of literary fiction with a nice easy relaxed style that isn't too simplistic. I'm only giving the book four stars, however, because I guessed who the murderer was about three quarters of the way through, and I just felt that the story kind of petered out towards the end. I also didn't think that the love story between the main protagonists Nora and Cormac was convincing and well developed enough; it felt "tacked" onto the end of the story. The only other problem was I felt that the chapters were a little short, which had the unintentional effect of having the novel read more like a series of short vignettes.Generally though, Haunted Ground has everything that one could want from an Agatha Christie novel or a PBS mystery - a vast, impersonal manner house, with a spooky, dysfunctional and non-communicative family wondering around in it; an ancient priory; a fire in an abandoned tower; ancient and deserted underground passage ways, two unsolved murders, mysterious lights at night, and the angst ridden neighbour with a chip on his shoulder. Oh, and lets not forget, lots of overcast weather with rainy, stormy nights! Hart's achievement with this book should be applauded - as she's managed not only to achieve the atmospheric mystery, but she's also managed to paint a vivid portrait of rural Ireland that is pretty genuine and also include a lot of Irish history. It's very interesting to read a novel set in a country like Ireland but written by an American. Hart's ties to the country and her love of the country are really exemplified in this work. I would recommend this novel to anyone who likes reading about Ireland or likes stories that are set in Ireland, just don't take the outcome of the story too seriously, as I'm sure you'll guess pretty early on what happened to Mina Osborne and her son. A good start for Hart, and even though this story does have its faults, I'll still look forward to reading more of her material. Michael
Rating: 
Summary: Must Read
Review: This was a wonderfuk book. I could not put it down. It has a little of everything in it. It kept me going through the whole book.
Rating:
Summary: Satisfying Read
Review: Very impressed with this debut novel. Intelligent and engaging read. Didn't want to put it down, and didn't want it to end. Initially wary of a non-Irish author writing a novel taking place in Ireland, I must say the author did a splendid job. Having a Yank as one of the main protagonists helped. I look forward to future novels.
Rating:
Summary: modern day rendition of the HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES
Review: While working his land cutting up peat, farmer Brendan McGann uncovers the well preserved severed head of a red hair woman. Apparently the local peat conserved what later proves to be a three-century-old head. Since "Bog Bodies" are a popular pastime in Western Ireland, Archeology Professor Cormac Maguire is asked to look at the precious find. He quickly enlists anatomy expert Irish-American Nora Gavin to accompany him to evaluate the head. Near the McGann farm in Dunbeg, townsfolk discuss the disappearance two years ago of the wife and toddler of wealthy Hugh Osborne. The spousal vanishing reminds Nora of the murder of her sister, killed in her mind by her brother-in-law. As Nora and Cormac work together, their attraction for one another grows. While they explore the peat find, Detective Devaney continues to investigate the missing Osbornes over the objection of his superior who demands his inquiry ends as a cold case. Though the lead protagonists are more equals and begin falling in love, HAUNTED GROUND feels like a modern day rendition of the HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES with forensic science replacing Holmesian logic. The two professional visitors are a delightful pair trying to solve the peat mystery, but unable to resist involvement in the Osborne case especially Nora due to her sibling connection. The villagers with their suspicious nature of the outside invaders add a gothic atmosphere to a strong suspense thriller. Readers will appreciate this suspense tale that combines modern day forensic science with a three hundred-year-old murder and a current mystery that might be "buried" in the HAUNTED GROUND of the bogs. Harriet Klausner
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