The River Ghost
Catherine Danaher’s rewarding, but sheltered, existence in the Order of the Sisters of Mercy in Pittsburgh is upended by news that her sister, Brigid, is dead and her brother-in-law needs her to come to New Mexico to tend to the children. Reluctant to leave the order and orphans under her care, Catherine must go when Mother Superior tells her, “Your sister’s children need you more.” Catherine’s travels open her eyes to a big land beyond the meager existence of her upbringing and the walls of the convent. She searches for answers about Brigid’s life and death and plunges into New Mexico’s melting pot of influences: Spanish, Indigenous, Mexican, Catholic, and white businessmen who exploit the land grant system to acquire great wealth at the expense of locals. One of them is her sister’s husband. Unraveling Brigid’s death proves elusive, and late at night Catherine hears strange noises and sees unsettling images. Her niece and nephew are troubled and distant, and revelations about her brother-in-law are repulsive. She relies on her daily prayers for strength and comfort. Is there an unexplainable force behind Brigid’s death?
The tale is inspired by a local New Mexico legend that persists even today and features a number of historical Santa Fe residents. Catherine’s first-person account is quick-paced and portrays her as an inquisitive, protective, and courageous female protagonist. Suspense builds chapter by chapter as her investigation deepens though Catherine’s emotional tone is even-keeled, even as she has new experiences in the secular world and mystical encounters. Scene settings portray life in the late 19th century effectively, and the author’s passion for the history of the New Mexico Territory is evident. A great read for fans of a historical mystery rooted in Santa Fe supernatural lore.
