Manhattan Ember by Olive Collins

 Manhattan Ember by Olive Collins

Manhattan Ember by Olive Collins was published on 2nd February 2023. My thanks to Olive for sending me a copy to review and Random Book Tours for inviting me to take part on the tour.

Synopsis

Marguerite Kelley’s childhood home was dominated by the disappearance of her uncle 

who vanished into thin air.

On a windy morning in November 1905, 

she is the first to hear about the discovery of a skeleton tucked under the eaves of

 St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Manhattan.

Suspecting the remains are that of her uncle who worked on the construction of the Cathedral,

 she wants to be the first person to break the news to

 Roisin, his widow, and to her father Patrick Kilbane.

She hopes the discovery will solve a mystery

 that has dominated her family for a quarter of a century.

My Review

What an incredibly gripping read this was and my first time reading a novel by Olive Collins. This is a deeply powerful story of Friendship, Rivalry and Betrayal centred around the Irish migration to America where the streets were purported to be paved with gold.

The story follows the close links between Roisin Gallagher ( The Orphan Gallagher), Patrick Kilbane and his two brothers and Marguerite Kelly, Patrick's daughter. Manhattan Ember is told over fifty years from when they left Ireland in 1867 to November 1905 when a skeleton was discovered under the eaves of St Patrick's Cathedral, Manhattan.

The twists and turns within the story are very clever and even when you are sure that you know who is responsible for the killing of Ger Kilbane, the man who reportedly " fell off the face of the earth", you are taken down different avenues with more cleverly constructed connections.

Olive weaves a story showing the complex relationships between the Irish in Five Points and the mystery and intrigue that surrounds them along with some shocking moments when you ask yourself " Why didn't I realise this ?"

If you have never read any on Olive's books this will definitely leave you wanting to read more of her novels. A definite 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 read and one I would whole heartedly recommend.

About the Author

Olive Collins in an award winning and bestselling historical fiction writer. Olive grew up in the irish Midlands. She has travelled extensively and lived abroad for many years before returning to her roots in Thurles, County Tipperary. Her novels have remained high in the book seller charts, received critical acclaim and her stories resonate with book clubs around the world.

If you'd like to read more, please feel free to sign up to her newsletter for updates, new releases, background stories and much more https://olivecollins.com/