Women are being encouraged to walk the Cailleach Way – a little know walk across Scotland, from Oban to a sacred site dedicated to the Bone Mother, or Cailleach, an ancient Celtic goddess – in order to find themselves. But one such woman, Emma, disappears after staying with Martha Strangeways’ friend Orla, only to found ritualistically murdered, with an ear missing – an ear that is discovered miles away on a railway line with a distinctive Celtic earring.

Martha Strangeways, finding her way back into a normal life following the events of Crow Moon, finds herself investigating the disappearance of a second woman, in part for her newspaper, in part because she is convinced that there is something sinister at the heart of this. But when the darkness gets close to home, and menaces the heavily-pregnant Orla, Martha finds herself in a race against time to both save her friend and find the terrible truth behind the Cailleach?

As you might recall, Crow Moon walked away with the Puzzly in August. It was a happy accident that I came across it on my way to my Scottish holiday. It clicked with me in part because I recognise some of the locations, but mainly because it was a beautifully crafted, creepy mystery that grabbed my attention and never let it go. And I was delighted to discover there was a sequel already published – and even more delighted when Suzy Aspley sent me a signed copy!

I’m always a little wary when it comes to a second book in a series, especially when the lead character resolves a good chunk of their trauma in the first book. Suzy wisely switches the primary focus, in terms of spooky goings-on at least, to Orla, Martha’s best friend. Martha is still healing from the previous book, but while the darkness is maintained, moving it onto a new focus makes sense and works well.

This is one of those books where you’re constantly wondering what exactly is going on. I am curious about the identity of the villain – I thought it was pretty obvious when we learn something, but would be very curious to know if anyone else thought it. There is a bit of a dearth of suspects, but I can see how people might overlook it. Regardless, it’s still a very satisfying reveal.

All in all, it’s a very satisfying book. The plot keeps moving forward at a good rate, and there’s the right amount of unexplained creepy stuff – some, but not too much. I’d heartily recommend reading Crow Moon first, as there are enough things here to spoil the first book. Suzy does a good job of avoiding second-book syndrome. Threads are laid for the next stage of Martha’s journey, and I can’t wait to see what happens next…

Many thanks to Suzy for the review copy – and for doing Five Books. I’ll be checking out one of her suggestions soon…