DigeeBooks



When Ghosts Come Home: A Novel

When Ghosts Come Home: A Novel

by Wiley Cash (Author)

I loved it and devoured it with fury, straight to its blazing end.” —Lily King, author of Writers & Lovers

“An unputdownable knock-out.” —Lauren Wilkinson, author of American Spy

The eagerly awaited novel from the New York Times bestselling author of A Land More Kind Than Home, a tender and haunting story of a father and daughter, crime and forgiveness, race and memory

When the roar of a low-flying plane awakens him in the middle of the night, Sheriff Winston Barnes knows something strange is happening at the nearby airfield on the coast of North Carolina. But nothing can prepare him for what he finds: a large airplane has crash-landed and is now sitting sideways on the runway, and there are no signs of a pilot or cargo. When the body of a local man is discovered—shot dead and lying on the grass near the crash site—Winston begins a murder investigation that will change the course of his life and the fate of the community that he has sworn to protect.

Everyone is a suspect, including the dead man. As rumors and accusations fly, long-simmering racial tensions explode overnight, and Winston, whose own tragic past has followed him like a ghost, must do his duty while facing the painful repercussions of old decisions. Winston also knows that his days as sheriff may be numbered. He’s up for re-election against a corrupt and well-connected challenger, and his deputies are choosing sides. As if these events weren’t troubling enough, he must finally confront his daughter Colleen, who has come home grieving a shattering loss she cannot fully articulate.

As the suspense builds and this compelling mystery unfolds, Wiley Cash delves deep into the hearts of these richly drawn, achingly sympathetic characters to reveal the nobility of an ordinary man struggling amidst terrifying, extraordinary circumstances. 

In the captivating novel "When Ghosts Come Home" by Wiley Cash, the reader is transported to the small town of Biltmore, North Carolina, where long-buried secrets and unresolved grief collide with present-day struggles. The story centers around the ghosts that haunt the town, both literal and metaphorical, and how they impact the lives of its inhabitants.

The protagonist, Weston King, returns to Biltmore after a lengthy absence, seeking to reconnect with his roots and find solace from the pain of his past. However, upon his arrival, he discovers that the town is still haunted by the unsolved murder of his childhood friend, Anna. As Weston delves deeper into the mystery surrounding Anna's death, he uncovers a web of long-hidden secrets, betrayals, and unrequited love.

Cash's storytelling prowess shines through as he weaves together the past and present in a seamless narrative. The ghosts that roam Biltmore are more than just apparitions; they are tangible representations of the town's troubled history and the lingering pain of its inhabitants. Each character is meticulously crafted, with their own distinct voice and motivations, making them feel like real people grappling with their own demons.

The novel explores the complexities of human relationships, the power of forgiveness, and the enduring impact of past tragedies. Cash delves into the themes of guilt, redemption, and the search for closure with sensitivity and depth. His writing is both evocative and haunting, creating an atmospheric and emotionally charged reading experience.

"When Ghosts Come Home" is a poignant and thought-provoking tale that lingers long after the last page is turned. Cash's skillful storytelling and exploration of universal themes make this novel a must-read for fans of Southern Gothic fiction and anyone seeking a powerful and emotionally resonant story.

Rating:

Pages:
300 pages
Language:
English