The Girls and the Ghosts of The Old Manse Revisited: An Australian Fugue Novel

by Ruth Skilbeck.

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Back cover description:

When Roxanne and her family move into The Old Manse, a former 19th century manse in the countryside in Northern Ireland, a new chapter of exciting adventure and peril opens for the almost-thirteen year old budding writer. The Girls and the Ghosts of The Old Manse Revisited by Ruth Skilbeck will take readers on a journey with Roxy, her family, her new friend Margy, and girls from earlier times; over three years from the conflict of the early 1970s Troubles, at home and on road trips including a near fatal van crash in a Swedish blizzard. [Back cover description]

What is most scary is not the ghost story Roxy and her family are told about the old manse but the mysterious impact of the traumas of war and conflict, bereavement and accidents revealed by former inhabitants of the site.

A historical coming-of-age novel of ghosts and holidays with environmental, psychological, and supernatural themes.

Reviews:

“I have been so immersed in The Girls and the Ghosts of The Old Manse Revisited by Ruth Skilbeck. It is so vivid. I was transported and could really see what her protagonist, Roxanne/‘Roxy’ was going through. The parts that really stand out for me are when Roxy evaluates migrating to Australia, which I can relate to, and the van accident, I've never read anything like it before, it's so well written. But also how Roxy was impacted by that, and how back then people just brushed it off as almost nothing. What Roxy had to go through! Also, the characters, like Roxy's mum and her sister Lily, they really come to life, and it's an absolute joy to imagine them as well. Whatever happened to Margy? Did they stay in touch? And Elvis? That was so sad about the bombing in Ireland. But what a 'romance'. And all the historical connections to the story…amazing! Skilbeck is a great writer. It's a great read. I’m going to buy and read Sayonara Baby (the second book in the series, to find out what happens next). It sounds intriguing.” – VEE MALNAR, award-winning playwright. Edna Ryan Award for Creative Feminism in the Arts winner. Literary Manager, Short + Sweet International.

“With an intriguing premise, this novel brings Irish history vividly to life, told with an arresting voice through the eyes of a 15-year-old girl.”– ERINA REDDAN, author of novels Deep in the Forest and The Serpent’s Skin. Walkley Award winner.

The Girls and the Ghosts of The Old Manse Revisited by Ruth Skilbeck will take readers on a journey from the 1970s Troubles, to the 19th century Irish Famine, to the 1798 Rebellion, with the girls who were there.

Edition: First Edition; Series Edition

Date of publication: 28 August 2025 (paperback)

ISBN: 9780645194135 Paperback 218 pages. $32.99 plus $16.99 premium delivery postage. Out now, in stock. Aims to ship and deliver within 3-12 business days. Please see information on postage when ordering from this website, further below.*

Publisher: Borderstream Books

Place of publication: Australia

Australian Fugue Series, Book 3 is also a standalone novel as are the others in Ruth’s series.

Novel, cover design and image by Ruth Skilbeck Copyright ©2025 Ruth Skilbeck

*Australia-wide deliveries. $32.99 RRP. $16.99 freight (premium tracked delivery) will be added to your order.

Outside Australia deliveries please send an email for shipping costs and details of how to buy the book from Borderstream Books via bank deposit; alternatively ask your local bookshop if they can order it in for you.