The Killing House by Claire McGowan is the sixth and final installment in the Paula Maguire series. The titular character, a forensic psychologist and missing persons expert, is drawn back home to Ballyterrin and becomes involved in a mystery that hits devastatingly close to home.

While the tale stands on its own, the mystery of Paula’s long-missing mother has been a common thread throughout the series. Here, it is drawn to a gripping conclusion. While I read it as a standalone, I do think the reader would benefit from reading the entire series and feel more connection to the characters as a result. I did not have the history of being invested in Paula’s search for answers regarding her mother or of being caught up in Paula’s melodramatic love triangle.

A dual storyline unfolds over the course of the book: Paula’s current investigation of bodies discovered at an old home connected to the IRA and her mother’s terrifying narrative set in 1993. Margaret’s storyline is the most intriguing and where the suspense is most riveting. Ms. McGowan paints a stunning, atmospheric picture of Ireland and never shies into portraying the land or people as caricatures. The writings style is intelligent and straightforward, the plot taut and well paced.

The strength of the story lies in the author’s sensitive handling of the long, haunting shadow of The Troubles. The complex, volatile history and politics benefit from being portrayed on a level that is both compassionate, relatively unbiased, and humane. Taking the tension, violence, and danger of The Troubles to the every day lives of common people gave the strife a human face in Ms. McGowan’s story, and the personal involvement explored on both sides makes for a powerful read.

Ms. McGowan’s characters were complex and authentic; the Irish setting was finely and vividly drawn; and the mystery was compelling. Laced with humor and history, atmosphere and palpable emotion, The Killing House is an engrossing, thought-provoking read.

Highly recommended for fans of crime thrillers, particularly ones set in Ireland and centered around The Troubles.