Book Review: What Happens at Nightfall by Lauren Willig

Pages: 384

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: October 6, 2026

Publisher: William Morrow

Source: Publisher for review

Other Books By Author: Band of Sisters, The English Wife,

 The Ashford Affair, The Other Daughter, The Girl from Greenwich Street, and The Passion of the Purple Plumeria

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "In the sprawling, beautifully Gothic expanse of Brooklyn’s Green-Wood Cemetery, some secrets refuse to stay buried.

Recently laid off and searching for purpose, Jess reluctantly joins her best friend on a supposedly fun nighttime cemetery tour. Separated from her group by accident, she discovers a group of terrified boys and a strange, ancient key. Both lead to the Green-Wood’s surprisingly handsome resident arborist, Adam Chervinsky.

Recently widowed, Adam has more to protect than the leafy residents of Green-Wood. His children, stricken by grief at the loss of their mother, are acting strangely. Why is his savvy tween daughter so taken with Jess, and why is his quiet son suddenly so popular—and so good at Latin? A haunting is afoot, and Jess seems to have more answers than she’s letting on. Despite the undeniable sparks flying between her and Adam, things are about to get very spooky indeed.

As Jess and Adam delve deeper into the cemetery’s haunted history, they uncover a Gilded Age curse, a ghostly socialite, and a demonic pact that stretches across generations. What lays hidden in the Green-Wood’s splendid Vanderwilt marble mausoleum? The line between the living and the dead blurs, and the shadows of Green-Wood begin to stir with malevolent intent. Jess must confront not only the supernatural forces but a shocking connection to the past if she and Adam truly want to live happily ever after."

 

Jess takes a nighttime cemetery tour in New York City as a fun activity with a friend, and as any good adventure begins, she loses her group. While lost, she runs into some boys acting strangely, who lead her to the cemetery's arborist, Adam. Recently widowed, Adam has to take care of his kids on his own now, but something is amiss at Green-Wood Cemetery. Things are not as they seem in this historic cemetery, which leads to a mystery that Adam and Jess are determined to solve. The mystery dates back to the Gilded Age, and it's up to them to figure out what is going on. Lauren Willig's paranormal romance has all the elements of a wonderful autumnal story: there are ghosts, demons, Gothic vibes, and more in What Happens at Nightfall.

One of the main elements that drew me to What Happens at Nightfall is Willig's ability to paint a historical picture. I have enjoyed her historical novels in the past, and the setting of this one did not disappoint. Green-Wood Cemetery is an real-life historical cemetery in Brooklyn and Willig brought it to life. The descriptions were atmospheric and eerie - a perfect setting for this time of the year. I adored the Gothic vibes and all the historical details throughout.

The paranormal elements in What Happens at Nightfall were also a nice touch. This is a departure from what Willig normally writes, and I enjoyed it. So, if you are looking for a compelling paranormal romance as we close out spooky season, look no further, especially if you appreciate historical details, too. Are you a fan of Lauren Willig? Let me know in the comments below.