This Plague of Souls marks the return of Mike McCormack, the Booker-listed author of the literary sensation Solar Bones. In this terse metaphysical thriller, we follow the story of Nealon, a man stepping back into the world after a stint in prison, only to find his home devoid of warmth, light, and the presence of his family. As if existence itself has chosen to ignore or erase him, Nealon is left to grapple with the void.

However, mysterious calls from a stranger claiming to know the fate of his missing loved ones set Nealon on a path of discovery. A meeting is arranged against the backdrop of a looming terrorist attack, where Nealon engages in a conversation riddled with hidden truths and deliberate omissions. This verbal chess match takes him on a journey through his past, his childhood, and into the heart of international crimes committed in the name of revenge against a world deemed beyond redemption.

McCormack weaves a brooding exploration of the ties that bind rural Ireland to the atrocities of the 21st century. This narrative offers a sharp portrayal of a young family's struggle and a relentless probe into our responsibilities towards our kin and the wider world.