The Memory Tree by Heather Davey

(Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

A sinister Gothic folk horror from the bestselling author of The Ghosts of Merry Hall, in which a family in modern day England find their new home beset by the terrifying ghosts of the past. Ideal for lovers of gothic chillers by Laura Purcell, Susan Hill and Rebecca Netley.

When her husband, Ben, takes on his first parish in the rural community of Hope-Upon-Barrow, Kate Greenway feels like it could be a fresh start for the family. But from the moment they arrive, something just feels… off. It could be the mysterious housekeeper, Mrs Butterworth, so demanding and controlling of the family. It could be the locals, with their strange rituals and rites. Or it could be the yew tree which stands in their garden, whose presence brings headaches, visions and disturbing, unfamiliar memories that do not belong to Kate. 

As she investigates the strange things happening to her, Kate begins to delve into the history and memories of Hope-upon-Barrow, and the more she uncovers, the more she risks losing herself to something deadly and ancient. 

An extraordinary new Gothic chiller from the bestselling author of The Ghosts of Merry Hall.

my thoughts:

Wow! What a spooky story. Perfect for this holiday season. The Memory Tree by Heather Davey is dark, creepy, and chilling. It's got everything that a great horror story needs - dual timelines to tie the story together, because history always repeats itself and is rather dreadful at times. An old yew tree that is center stage. A small town filled with superstitions and secrets. And, of course, a bit of mystery to keep you on your toes. Oh, and did I mention the characters - unlikeable and unreliable - the exact kind you want in a story that is filled with weird and uncanny moments. How fun and frightful!

I would happily recommend this book to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read. You are going to LOVE this one! Make sure to grab a copy and dive right in. Happy reading!

Thank you Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Ghosts of Merry Hall by Heather Davey

(Thank you Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

A chilling ghost story in which a mother and daughter move into a crumbling house haunted by the ghost of a girl who performed in Victorian freak shows, through which wind whistles eerily, floorboards creak ominously and things go bump in the night.

It's Laura Purcell's The Silent Companions meets Alice Hoffman's The Museum of Extraordinary Things.

In the present day, following the break-up of a controlling marriage, single mother Nell moves into the crumbling Victorian Merry Hall with her teenage daughter, Fern. She's determined to make a new life but the noises, moving objects, and strange smells in her new home make her increasingly unsettled.

In the 1840s, showman Abel Wenham seduces Dolly, a talented albino girl and makes her the star of his performing collection of 'freaks'. But after she becomes pregnant with his child, he discards her and imprisons her at Merry Hall, where her only solace is the company of fellow performers Ada the Bear Lady and the Jack the Posturer. They plan to escape with Dolly and her child and set up in business, but Wenham has other ideas.

When Fern admits she, too, is pregnant, it seems as though history may be about to repeat itself. But is Dolly, just one of the ghosts that haunt Merry Hall, reaching out across the centuries to protect her own child?

Told in alternating chapters across two timelines – one in the mid-19th century, one in the present day – this page-turning gothic chiller is ideal for those who love The Whistling by Rebecca Netley, The Whispering Muse by Laura Purcell and The Wayward Girls by Amanda Mason.

My thoughts:

I love the book's cover - talk about holiday horror vibes, which are perfect for a spooky read during the fall season. And, of course, I love the sound of the story - a crumbling Victorian that has "creepy" emanating from the walls. Within the house we get two stories told in dual timelines - Dolly, a ghost who was forced to live at Merry Hall in the 1840s; and in the present day, Nell, recently divorced and trying to figure out her next steps, so that she can take care of herself and her teenaged daughter, Fern. This unlikely trio find themselves unraveling mysteries, battling an evil ghost, and searching for answers in the unlikeliest of places. All the while living in a haunted house. Talk about being ghosted! 

Suffice it to say, I really enjoyed spending time with Nell and Dolly. The Ghosts of Merry Hall is a fantastic ghost story! Atmospheric and entertaining, it makes for quite a thrilling read. I would happily recommend this book to anyone and everyone. You are going to enjoy this haunted house thriller to bits! Make sure to grab a copy!

Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with a copy of this book!