The Winter Ghosts by Kate Mosse

Published by Orion Fiction ISBN 978-1-4091-0339-4
Price £7.99
Reviewed by Dianne Blashill

Although this book is called ‘Winter Ghosts’ it is eminently suitable for reading during the summer holidays in your tent, campervan or around the camp fire, but maybe not on your own if you’re of an overly nervous disposition. I read it in one sitting in a supposedly haunted building – and what a deliciously scary experience it was.

Apparently The Winter Ghosts came about whilst Kate Mosse was researching one of her other books, she is the number one best selling author of Labyrinth and Sepulchre amongst other books, she presents an arts programme on Radio 4 and is the Co-Founder of the Orange Prize for Fiction.

The story is set 10 years after Armistice day, Freddie, on the advice of his doctor is taking in some mountain air in the French Pyrenees whilst trying to address his grief over his elder brother who was lost in the war and presumed dead.

Whilst driving across the mountains he has a car crash in the heavy snow almost loosing his life as the car hangs on a cliff edge. When he regains consciousness he hears a voice which guides him to a small village, although he never quite sees the owner of the voice.

The village looks deserted, all the shops are closed and he can’t see any people, he finds a guesthouse and tries to explain his bruised and bloody appearance. The owner, Madame Galy welcomes him in and explains it is the evening of the most important celebration in the village, the feast of St. Stephen and invites him to join the celebrations. After a hot bath and a drink Freddie returns to his room to find a costume and a map has been left for him, so he sets off in search of food and convivial company.

At the celebration he cannot find Madame Galy but finds himself seated beside a beautiful young woman, Fabrissa but instead of flirting he finds himself telling her of George and his desperate feelings of loss. Whilst they talk he realises the voice which guided him down the mountain was that of Fabrissa.

Suddenly the party is interrupted by a band of intruders who, although are dressed in costume seem hell bent on spoiling the party, Freddie thinks this is part of the celebrations and is shocked to see how scared his companion is. Together they escape the fight and I cannot reveal any more of the story from this point.

It is a haunting story, sending shivers down the spine whilst reading it, and long after the light has been turned out – but not in a Hollywood gratuitous manner, this is a gentle, old fashioned ghost story, as well as a heartbreaking love story.

There is a section at the back of the paperback edition with a series of bookclub discussion suggestions, notes from the author, suggestions for further reading and an extra story; La Tombe De Pyrène.

If you enjoyed this try Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger.

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