What Happens at Nightfall
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Title: What Happens at Nightfall
Published by: William Morrow
Release Date: October 6, 2026
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 384
ISBN13: ISBN-13 : 978-0063306172
ASIN: B0GF93YH6J
New York Times bestselling author Lauren Willig returns with What Happens at Nightfall, a delightfully spooky contemporary romance about love, haunting, and a little bit of demon-hunting.
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 bunch of terrified boys and a strange, ancient key. Both lead to 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, still dealing with 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. Sparks fly between Jess and Adam—and the unquiet spirits of Green-Wood begin to stir.
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 lies hidden in the Green-Wood’s splendid Vanderwilt mausoleum?
As 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.
Praise & Awards
Add on Goodreads“Mystery, history and demons, oh my! Lauren Willig's latest novel is an enormously clever romp through new story-setting territory for Ms. Willig, yet her trademark style and immersive writing are on full display here. At times humorous and poignant, the witty and sometimes snarky banter of the main players along with breath-catching plot hangers at the end of each chapter will keep the reader (and taphophiles) fully engaged and turning pages. From the vivid descriptions of cemetery statuary to the charming central romance and everything in between, I loved every page.”
– Karen White, NYT bestselling author of the Tradd Street series“WHAT HAPPENS AT NIGHTFALL is a wild and wonderful ride, filled with immortal demons, ghostly heiresses, and a very sexy arborist. Lauren Willig has created a world that's atmospheric and unique, with surprising emotional depth and a romance to root for. It's a little bit spooky and a whole lot of fun.”
– Laura Hankin, bestselling author of One-Star Romance
“Exactly the book I needed to read. A delicious mix of humor, horror, Gothic romance and ghosts, this book is an absolute winner. With her characteristic intelligence and humor, Lauren Willig has written a Gothic romp that is both laugh-out-loud funny and just creepy enough. I loved it. Only Lauren Willig could pull off a Gothic ghost story that's hilarious, adorable and terrifying all at once.”
– Kristan Higgins, NYT bestselling author of The Me I Used to Be