Cast a Cold Eye

Probably the best "ghost" novel of recent years, and all the better for it for having a rarely seen setting. Ryan sets his tale on a remote corner of Ireland, and captures the feeling of desperation in the community perfectly. It starts with a meeting with a phantom by the roadside, then steadily ratchets up the tension as the protagonist finds out the true cost of living in the community, and what must be done to placate those who don't sleep easily in their graves. There are many genuinely suspenseful scenes, well developed characters, and sympathetic ghosts who are only doing what has to be done. Creepy as hell, well constructed, beautifully written. It's a great pity that Ryan didn't write more in the genre.

The story revolves around a writer that goes to Ireland to immerse himself in the culture while researching and writing a historical novel about the irish potato famine. Settling in a small town on the southwestern coast, the writer quickly discovers the ghosts that inhabit the hauntingly beautiful countryside. The first thing this book did was make me want to visit Ireland. The setting really was the star of this novel. It set the stage for some genuinely creepy moments. The romantic interest, while not bothersome, left me feeling a bit indifferent. Strange occurances and mysterious discoveries drive the plot. The mystery is revealed as the story steadily builds to a low-key, yet satisfying conclusion.