Genre

Paranormal Urban Fantasy

Audience

Adult

Author’s Worldview

Catholic

Year Published

2024

Themes

Irish Mythology, Leprechauns, Zombies, Occult, Celtic Witches, Banshees, Paganism, Occultism, Occult, Ireland

 

Reviewed by

A.R.K. Watson

Hugh Buckley is an Irishman trying to leave a bad childhood behind by making it as a journalist in bustling cosmopolitan Edwardian London. When his editor hears of a murder and theft, with the main culprit being an Irish priest, he smells a story sure to please his English audience and sends Hugh and photographer, Freddie Jones, to investigate. What follows is a gothic paranormal fantasy that brings to life the spiritual battles of Irish culture and history. 

As Hugh begins to see his country with the eyes of an adult instead of those of an abused child, Freddie also begins to find that this so-called backwards and superstitious country might have more sense in it than he would like to admit. Then a certain English exorcist, Fr. Thomas Edmund Gilroy, comes into town, and their investigation begins to take a far weirder turn than either of them is ready for. Along the way, Hugh finds himself gradually smitten by a local girl, but he seems to put his foot in his mouth every time she is around. 

Nicholson has already cemented her gothic novels as a reliable source for those readers who wish to explore the original Christian fairy tales before the influence of Protestant and secular forces. This newest installment does not disappoint. What distinguishes it from the previous two is its departure from English culture to Irish. Leprechauns do not seem at all frightening to the modern mind, but it turns out that the original Irish tales of them have far more in common with current myths about undead zombies. A few other original Irish myths besides these show up. Unlike A Bloody Habit which focused on vampire myths and Brother Wolf which focused on werewolf myths , Wake of Malice explores the way that post-Christian pagans portray their mythology now versus how monstrous they originally were. 

I particularly enjoyed the women in this story. The O’Hara sisters, with whom Hugh becomes enamored, are particularly fun. The elder, Doirrean, is the stereotypical fiery red-headed Irish beauty with more gumption than sense, but her quieter, plainer sister, Edith, ends up revealing at least as much courage and far more wisdom despite not fitting the brash-heroine aesthetic so popular these days. This story shows a real understanding and display of feminine leadership in the Church that complements the masculine. The priests frequently discuss those women in the parish who hold special sway over the culture of the parish. I particularly appreciated a recurring background character who is a mother of a set of sons whose Mass-time rowdiness is a regular presence in the parish. Hugh, who grew up with an abusive mother, notes the difference between that woman’s children versus the quieter, more mannerly children with some concern. He knows that sometimes kids are controlled by abusive threats rather than by loving discipline. 

We see a bit more of Fr. Thomas Edmund Gilroy’s world in this book than we have in previous installments. Fr. O’Connor, the priest superior of the pastor of the beleaguered Irish town in the book is Jesuit, so as a Dominican, Fr. Gilroy lacks the necessary authority to tackle the town’s paranormal issues head on. Complicating matters is that Fr. O’Connor regards the old monsters as pure superstitious make-believe, and is more than a little distrustful of the whole branch of exorcism in general. He pits his will against Fr. Gilroy, preventing him from actually dispatching the forces of evil until things escalate out of control. This interesting conflict between the different priests reveals much about the complexities of Catholic life and culture that confuse even cradle Catholics.

As usual the atmosphere and worldbuilding and characters carry this story through. The identity of the murderer became painfully obvious about half way through the story, which could be a tad frustrating if you are looking for a clue-finding who-dunnit story. However, the strength of the romantic subplot, the creepy atmosphere and the exploration of original Irish mythology kept the story enjoyable. 

At the end of the book there is a big action scene that is full of both fun and creepy moments, although a bit chaotic. However, Nicholson’s venture into a more action-oriented story is very welcome and I hope to see more of this in subsequent books.

This novel will please fans of Edwardian paranormal fantasy and anyone who likes British wit. This book will go over best with Catholics, as it pulls no punches about the sacramental reality underpinning the world. However, the few Protestant characters who show up are basically good people and are not likely to offend Protestant readers. Probably the only group who would take serious offense are modern pagans. As a series that tackles the mischaracterization that pagan influences exert on storytelling, this is most likely to be a bit too confrontational as an opening discussion topic with such readers, but for everyone else it’s quite refreshing. 

A Life Such As Heaven Intended by Amanda Lauer

A chance encounter with an amnesiac soldier leads Brigid to discover the realities of the Civil War.

The Dunes by A.R.K. Watson

“The Dunes” raises questions that are relevant in any marriage: not just for the creepy, otherworldly couple who venture onto a lonely island to set up camp near prehistoric sand dunes for the last time.

The Haunted Cathedral by Antony Barone Kolenc                           

Xan is finally bringing his parent’s killer to justice, yet his guardian monk insists he must forgive the murderer

Do Not Be Afraid: A Review of Shane Leslie’s Ghost Book

A real-life paranormal investigation in light of Church teaching and tradition

City of Shadows by Declan Finn

St. Tommy uncovers a group of elites using an ancient artifact to destroy London.

Lance and the Veil by Kevin Rush

She was Christ’s comforter, he, his executioner. Can the two find love in each other’s arms?

The Singer not the Song by Audrey Erskine Lindop (AKA The Bandit and the Priest)

A priest and a bandit king face off for the fate of a small Mexican town in this thrilling western adventure.

St. Agnes and the Selkie by G. M. Baker

Cast up by the sea. Courted by the king. Followed by danger.

Hell Spawn by Declan Finn

What does it look like when an every-man saint battles a demon?

Messina: Book 1, The Casa Bella Chronicles By Liz Galvano

Romance blossoms in the midst of chaos. A historical romance set in 1901 Italy as a young American doctor proves herself to the haughty Italian lord who has forgotten his faith.

Crusader St. Tommy NYPD Book 5 By: Declan Finn

Detective Nolan embarks on a Crusade against demonic sex traffickers trying to raise a demon.

Death Cult by Declan Finn

St. Tommy continues his fight against the death cult, battling Voodoo priests and zombies along the way.

Murder Most Picante by Karina Fabian

The government can’t decide whether he is an illegal immigrant or invasive species. God expects a respectable dragon to find justice for others. This Dragon is not having a good time of it!

Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz

Odd Thomas is a fry cook who is haunted by Elvis, sees demons, fights evil and provides a remarkably grounded picture of a man on the path to sainthood.

How the Dragon Awards Could Uplift Catholic Fiction

If you don’t like current state of mainstream publishing and wish there were more widely available alternatives, this is your chance to help make that a reality.

Shadow in the Dark by Antony Barone Kolenc

An immersive mystery and an amateur sleuth set in the walls of a 12th century English monastery

Elfling by Corinna Turner

Serapia Ravena is on a mission to find and keep her father, but he has transgressed a boundary that no creature has the right to cross. Only the mercy of God can resolve this tension.

Books to Pray with: January The Gift of Diversity

Every month in 2024 Pope Francis has a monthly prayer intention. Every month we will release a book list that will draw your heart and soul deeper into prayer on these topics.
January starts the year off with praying for and in thanks of the gift of diversity to the church.

Best Books of 2021

2021 brought many changes but the effects these books had on us remains as stalwart as the rock of Peter.

Deus Vult By Declan Finn

Detective Nolan returns home for a well-deserved vacation only to find himself fighting hordes of gunmen, Lovecraftian monsters, and a demon straight from the pit.