The Last Will of Moira Leahy

General Fiction

By Therese Walsh

Publisher : Shaye Areheart Books, Random House

ABOUT Therese Walsh

Therese Walsh
Therese Walsh's debut novel, The Last Will of Moira Leahy, will be published on October 13th, 2009 by Shaye Areheart books (Random House). She is the co-founder of Writer Unboxed, a blog for writers about the craft and business of genre fiction. Before turning to fiction, she was a researc More...

Description

This haunting debut novel explores the intense bonds of sisterhood—and the legendary powers of an ancient dagger—as a grieving twin searches for her own identity in the ruins of her sister’s past.

It was November, the month I'd lost my twin, when I found it at an auction house. The ancient dagger, a keris, reminded me of childhood—full of pirate dreams and music and my sister, Moira. I had to have it, and recklessly raised the stakes until the blade was mine. That’s when it all began.

A book on Javanese weaponry nailed to my door.

A cryptic note in a foreign tongue that made me bleed memories of my sister.

A resurrection of the music I’d long since buried.

When a mysterious invitation to Rome appeared, enticing me to visit and learn more about the keris, I found myself—for the first time in years—heeding the call of adventure that had once defined me. Defined us. Oh Moira, could an old piece of metal possibly bring me closer to the memory of you?

Some journeys lead to more than a place. Some take you to a vast interior you never imagined, where the line between reality and dreams blur, where you face your past, where you learn truth, where you conquer your fears.

This is my story. This is her story.

"A hauntingly beautiful story about grief, the language of twins, and the healing power of a bond that is stronger than death. The characters of Moira and Maeve will linger long after you finish this amazing first novel."

- Brunonia Barry, New York Times and internationally bestselling author of The Lace Reader

"The Last Will of Moira Leahy is haunting, exotic and romanticthe way Gothic tales are romantic, wrapped in luscious, dark atmosphere.  It's a magical debut and I can't wait for more from Therese Walsh.  She's one to watch."

- Sarah Addison Allen, New York Times bestselling author of Garden Spells

"Tender and transcendent, Therese Walsh’s debut novel, The Last Will of Moira Leahy, is a captivating look at the truths we conceal, the scars we bear, and the journeys we all must take in order to find our way back home, back to ourselves. I loved every magical page."

- Allison Winn Scotch, New York Times bestselling author of Time of My Life

"Is there anything more worthwhile than being taken by the hand by a true and gifted storyteller and shown a world that is at once mysterious, mesmerizing and filled with characters who deeply touch your heart? A dark psychological tale of secrets and betrayal, suspense and passion, The Last Will is a book that makes you forget everything and just spend the rest of the day and night reading. Like Rebecca, this is a tale so well told that it keeps you in its grip and doesn't let go, haunting you long after you've turned the last page. If it were written by a seasoned novelist, The Last Will would be a feat. That it is a debut makes it all the more amazing. Bravo!"

- M.J. Rose, international bestseller, author of The Memorist

"An original, intriguing tale about the ways that love can break us or bind us, and the triumph of the spirit that's possible only through letting go."

- Therese Fowler, author of Souvenir

"This book made me want to ignore my work and neglect my children. The Last Will of Moira Leahy offers an irresistible combination of mystery, romance, psychological complexity, and lovely writing. I devoured it."
- Leah Stewart, author of The Myth of You and Me