The Girl in the Bog by Keith Donohue

I’ve read all of Keith Donohue's novels and really liked them, except for June which was just okay. But this one was such a disappointment. And it’s strange, because I like all the individual components like the archaeology aspect and the use of the Irish historical and mythological figures. And I enjoy Donohue’s writing too. But altogether the book just really didn’t work for me.
Despite the lovely writing, the book was sluggish, by turns dreamy or rambly. The characters were interesting, but at times ridiculous, saying wildly out of character/place/time  things like “tushy”, which is just one of the ways in which this book has hit upon some really awkward raunchiness. The plot is busy, muddled, overdone. The book reads like a slog through a bog.
It is no wonder that Donohue, whose books used to be released by top publishers with lovely covers and all, has done this one with the low-tier press like Crooked Lane and a cheap-looking cover. Let’s hope it’s a one off for a talented author and not a sign of things to come. Thanks Netgalley.