In Once There Were Wolves, Charlotte McConaghy delivers a hauntingly beautiful tale centered around Inti Flynn, a biologist leading a project to reintroduce wolves into the Scottish Highlands. As she works to restore the balance of nature, tensions flare among the local townspeople who view the wolves as a threat. But Inti’s connection to the wolves runs deeper than her work—her own traumatic past and her troubled twin sister, Aggie, make her fiercely protective of the creatures she’s trying to save. But when a local farmer is found dead, suspicion turns toward the wolves—and to Inti herself.

This novel is a masterful blend of environmentalism, mystery, and psychological drama. McConaghy’s prose is lyrical and raw, capturing the fierce beauty of nature and the complexities of human relationships. Inti is a deeply flawed but relatable protagonist, and her bond with the wolves is both beautiful and heartbreaking. While the story is, at its core, about the reintroduction of wolves, it’s also a powerful exploration of trauma, healing, and the thin line between protection and destruction. I loved the atmosphere, the tension, and the emotional depth woven throughout the pages. I couldn’t stop reading, and I felt genuinely connected to the wolves and the wild landscape McConaghy brought to life.

There were moments when the pacing slowed slightly, but the beautifully written prose and compelling characters more than made up for it. If you love stories that explore the delicate balance between humanity and nature, with a touch of mystery and heart-wrenching drama, I highly recommend Once There Were Wolves.

AMAZON | GOODREADS |BOOKSHOP | ★★★★

Once There Were Wolves is available now. Huge thank you to Macmillan Audio and Flatiron Books for my copy in exchange for my honest review.  If you liked this review please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my Instagram @speakingof_books.