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Flaming Tree
In search of solitude in the wake of her son’s tragic death, recently divorced physical therapist Kelsey Stewart accepts an invitation to stay at her aunt Elaine’s seaside inn in Carmel, California. No sooner does Kelsey arrive than she becomes moved by another tragedy: On a bright sunny day, local boy Jody Hammond fell from the Point Lobos cliff into the pounding waves of the Pacific and was left with a devastating brain injury. He now stares into an empty void and hasn’t spoken a single word since the accident.
Compelled to aid in the boy’s recovery, Kelsey visits the Hammonds’ Flaming Tree ranch, where Jody’s tyrannical father, Tyler, has given up hope. Kelsey can offer that, and the effort might revive her own crushed spirit as well. But as she falls in love with the mysterious Tyler, she also begins to unravel the family’s secrets. When she begins to fear that Jody’s silence is coming from a very dark place, her mission will become one of life and death—because what’s buried in the boy’s memories could be murder.
Compelled to aid in the boy’s recovery, Kelsey visits the Hammonds’ Flaming Tree ranch, where Jody’s tyrannical father, Tyler, has given up hope. Kelsey can offer that, and the effort might revive her own crushed spirit as well. But as she falls in love with the mysterious Tyler, she also begins to unravel the family’s secrets. When she begins to fear that Jody’s silence is coming from a very dark place, her mission will become one of life and death—because what’s buried in the boy’s memories could be murder.
278 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1985
77 people are currently reading
352 people want to read
About the author
Phyllis A. Whitney
190 books569 followersPhyllis Ayame Whitney (1903 – 2008) was an American mystery writer. Rare for her genre, she wrote mysteries for both the juvenile and the adult markets, many of which feature exotic locations. A review in The New York Times once dubbed her "The Queen of the American Gothics".
She was born in Japan to American parents and spent her early years in Asia. Whitney wrote more than seventy novels. In 1961, her book The Mystery of the Haunted Pool won an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for Best Juvenile novel, and she duplicated the honor in 1964, for The Mystery of the Hidden Hand. In 1988, the MWA gave her a Grand Master Award for lifetime achievement. Whitney died of pneumonia on February 8, 2008, aged 104.
She was born in Japan to American parents and spent her early years in Asia. Whitney wrote more than seventy novels. In 1961, her book The Mystery of the Haunted Pool won an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for Best Juvenile novel, and she duplicated the honor in 1964, for The Mystery of the Hidden Hand. In 1988, the MWA gave her a Grand Master Award for lifetime achievement. Whitney died of pneumonia on February 8, 2008, aged 104.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
October 10, 2021
The Phyllis A. Whitney read-a-thon rolls on.
This gripping story takes place in Carmel, California of the 1980’s. I enjoyed the descriptions of the Pacific Ocean. I also learned a fascinating fact, there is more than one Carmel and each one has its own distinct name. The Carmel that everyone seems to be most familiar with is Carmel By The Sea.
One of the main plot lines is about TBI’s, Traumatic Brain Injuries. In reading this book you can see how far treating them has come since the 1980’s. If you know someone who is working through one, give all of their therapists a big kudos for everything they do.
This gripping story takes place in Carmel, California of the 1980’s. I enjoyed the descriptions of the Pacific Ocean. I also learned a fascinating fact, there is more than one Carmel and each one has its own distinct name. The Carmel that everyone seems to be most familiar with is Carmel By The Sea.
One of the main plot lines is about TBI’s, Traumatic Brain Injuries. In reading this book you can see how far treating them has come since the 1980’s. If you know someone who is working through one, give all of their therapists a big kudos for everything they do.
November 27, 2020
Second only to Columbella (to be reviewed later), this is my favorite Whitney novel. The ending is a complete shocker! You end up going back through the story looking for clues you missed when you discover the secret at the end. Jody Hammond and his mother Ruth suffer a terrible fall off the cliffs in Carmel, California. Ruth is crippled and Jody is severely brain damaged. Tyler, Jody's father wants him sent away, Kelsey Stewart (who specializes in working with brain damaged children) thinks there is hope. Once Jody's story begins to unravel the drama begins. Again, the ending is a total shocker. A wonderful example of Whitney's work. Adult themes.
February 26, 2023
One of her lesser efforts. Preachy,cheesy and with flat characters. I gave it a second star because of the ending, which I suppose got Whitney’s reader’s panties in a twist because of the sexual taboo central to the mystery.
August 18, 2022
I liked this one a lot! The ending wasn't expected although I had an inkling there was something going on that was stranger than usual. It didn't feel sensationalistic to me and made a lot of sense looking back.
The setting of Carmel was really nice and represents what the area was like in the early to mid 1980s. As this is a later Whitney novel, there are bits of New Age beliefs/practices here and there but nothing heavy handed. And props for a novel set in the USA which has at least a slightly (very slightly) racially diverse cast for once.
The setting of Carmel was really nice and represents what the area was like in the early to mid 1980s. As this is a later Whitney novel, there are bits of New Age beliefs/practices here and there but nothing heavy handed. And props for a novel set in the USA which has at least a slightly (very slightly) racially diverse cast for once.
July 25, 2022
For a book that meant so much to Phyllis A. Whitney—how much is clear from a note to her readers at its end—it is sad to relate that "Flaming Tree" is just not that good. After a devastating personal tragedy, rehabilitation therapist Kelsey Stewart is drawn into the unhappy family surrounding Jody Hammond, a little boy who's suffered a traumatic brain injury. Whitney is deeply interested in the therapeutic process and writes vividly and movingly about Kelsey's journey to help Jody, despite the roadblocks his parents throw up in her way. The mystery tends to be forgotten about for long stretches of time, and when it's resolved, it's both slighter and ickier than anything Whitney dealt with before, as if she felt she needed to make up for inattention with shock value. This is a shame, as Whitney seemed to be taking a chance with "Flaming Tree," including having a heroine who is older than her norm (30s rather than 20s). It's as if Whitney was trying to write two novels: an inspirational story about the power of hope and a traditional contemporary romantic suspense. Despite her best efforts, the two just don't mesh here. All in all, "Flaming Tree" is not the place for those curious about Whitney to begin reading her works.
December 28, 2008
This is old and pretty cheesy. It's by an author I've enjoyed in the past, set in the area I've just moved to, so I thought it was worth a read. Mostly the book was kind of preachy--an attempt to get the reader to listen about things the author thinks can/ should be done for brain injured children. lots of mumbo jumbo sounding lecturing about things I would normally be more sympathetic to. not one of Whitney's best novels--too didactic, not interesting enough. and the twist? I won't spoil it, but let's just say it was an unusual twist, because it's gross. most people don't write that into books for a REASON. :P if you want to read one of her books, read one of the other ones first.
June 2, 2012
Why did I bother to give Whitney another try? This was my third and last. I love gothic and romantic suspense, but there are so many better authors out there with out some sort of incest or sisters sharing lovers or husbands.
January 10, 2021
Really liked this book. I had forgotten how well Phyllis Whitney writes.
September 23, 2021
A more accurate title would have been Pity Party at Flaming Tree.
The only remotely likeable character was Jody -- and the dog when it was adopted. The rest of the characters were self-absorbed, glass almost empty, pathetic excuses. If I wanted to read a book on how to work with a comatose patient it would be a good choice. That Jody wakes up so quickly after Kelsey shows up is carrying fiction a little too far. At least it wasn't a miracle wake up. The reason for what happened, the histories of the characters bordered on sick. Not the Phyllis Whitney I usually read.
The only remotely likeable character was Jody -- and the dog when it was adopted. The rest of the characters were self-absorbed, glass almost empty, pathetic excuses. If I wanted to read a book on how to work with a comatose patient it would be a good choice. That Jody wakes up so quickly after Kelsey shows up is carrying fiction a little too far. At least it wasn't a miracle wake up. The reason for what happened, the histories of the characters bordered on sick. Not the Phyllis Whitney I usually read.
September 14, 2024
Possibly my least favorite Whitney novel. While her inspiration may have been both tragic and hopeful, her fictional version is tedious and unrealistic. The MC is the most obnoxious MC the author has ever written and spends large chunks of the book shoving her nose into a stranger's tragedy and forcing them to let her have her way with a child's care. In another book, she is easily the villain and the fact that her methods are so immediately and unrealistically successful just makes her a more annoying presence. The main mystery is shoehorned in, frequently shoved aside, and needlessly tawdry.
If this had been my first Whitney novel I never would have made it to a second.
Even completists should consider skipping this one.
If this had been my first Whitney novel I never would have made it to a second.
Even completists should consider skipping this one.
December 15, 2024
I said I wasn't going to read anymore Phyllis Whitney, and then Libby notified me that another was available, so I read it, and I am disappointed in my lack of resolve in this matter.
Whitney's books (at least the ones I've tried) read like 1980s made-for-TV dramas. Complete with shoulder pads. I had her pegged as someone around my mother's age, but she was actually born the same year as my maternal grandparents — 1903. I do wonder if some of her earlier works feel more like mid-century films, but I'm going to be strong this time and not go find out. It's not that they're really terrible books (the writing's not spectacular, but there's nothing morally repulsive about them); they're just dull. Not every meal needs to be a nutritious powerhouse, but snacks should at least be tasty and enjoyable. On the soul food scale, Whitney regularly serves up plain rice cakes. Which are as '80s (and as flavorful) as the shoulder pads.
Whitney's books (at least the ones I've tried) read like 1980s made-for-TV dramas. Complete with shoulder pads. I had her pegged as someone around my mother's age, but she was actually born the same year as my maternal grandparents — 1903. I do wonder if some of her earlier works feel more like mid-century films, but I'm going to be strong this time and not go find out. It's not that they're really terrible books (the writing's not spectacular, but there's nothing morally repulsive about them); they're just dull. Not every meal needs to be a nutritious powerhouse, but snacks should at least be tasty and enjoyable. On the soul food scale, Whitney regularly serves up plain rice cakes. Which are as '80s (and as flavorful) as the shoulder pads.
July 22, 2021
As a teen, I loved Phyllis Whitney's books because they were about places I hadn't been and had just enough mystery and light romance to keep you engaged. As with most of her books that I've read, the storyline isn't overly complex, but not entirely predictable either. Whitney was an excellent researcher, and always brought the geographical settings to life. This book is no different, and provides interesting tidbits about Carmel-by-the-Sea and the Monterey Peninsula. As I've gotten older, and life has grown more complicated, I've enjoyed rediscovering Whitney's works and retreating once more into her storylines.
July 15, 2019
Excellent
Love Ms Whitney’s stories. I’m rereading them and I think I’m finding a lot more books I didn’t know about.
I started reading her books when I was in school and for some reason stopped when I started a family. Since they’ve grown up I’m starting to read a lot by authors I read ‘back then’. I love the fact her books are some of the best out there.
If you’re looking for this genre and want detailed stories that make you feel like you’re there, you have to read Ms Whitney’s stories. They’re all very good reads.
Love Ms Whitney’s stories. I’m rereading them and I think I’m finding a lot more books I didn’t know about.
I started reading her books when I was in school and for some reason stopped when I started a family. Since they’ve grown up I’m starting to read a lot by authors I read ‘back then’. I love the fact her books are some of the best out there.
If you’re looking for this genre and want detailed stories that make you feel like you’re there, you have to read Ms Whitney’s stories. They’re all very good reads.
June 12, 2013
An older book of the romantic suspense type that is set in Carmel, California and the surrounding area. I picked it up to read as I was heading on a vacation to California with a planned stop in Carmel. I saw many things mentioned in the story which made it come alive. Story involves a therapist working with a young boy who has lost his speech because of a tragic accident. Needless to say all works out in the end with a romance to boot.
April 30, 2022
A riveting book. The ending will blow you away. I did not anticipate it until about a minute before a read it. Ms Whitney has acute insight into human nature and all it variations. The character of Jody is based on her grandson who suffered a similar tragedy. She says that one of her goals in writing is to help people understand each other. It is easy to see why she won the Grand Master Award. I had read books by Whitney years ago and am so glad I found this tucked away on my book shelf.
July 22, 2016
I was really surprised at the ending but liked the day to day struggle to help Jody recover from his injuries (spinal and brain)! Not a vegetable! a rather frightened little boy. When I was three quarters of the way through I reached the can't stop reading point and finished just after midnight this morning.
May 17, 2011
In the past I was an avid Phyllis Whitney fan. So it has been awhile since I re read the ones I own. I was curious to see if my appetite for her had changed. So far it hasn't, she is well worth reading for her ability to put you there with the story.
May 5, 2014
Meh, I didn't much care for this one. It was alright for a romance, but it felt cheesy in places. I'm hoping her other books are more interesting.
September 11, 2024
Flaming Tree by Phyllis Whitney is a 1985 publication.
Well, my goodness-
This was not Whitney’s best book by a long shot! I’m not even sure where to start here. In the beginning there is a slow burn drama surrounding a tragic accident that left a mother unable to walk and her young son comatose. Kelsey, a woman who is recovering from her own tragic loss, is commissioned to work with the boy, which puts her into the middle of a strange family dynamic where secrets and deceptions keep her emotions on edge as she searches for answers that could aide in her treatment of the child…
While the thread involving the child making progress under Kelsey’s tutelage is compelling- Kelsey didn’t spend that much time with the boy. Instead, she’s more interested in an old murder mystery, in unearthing family secrets and trying to deny her attraction to the boy’s father- all of which was fairly boring and very slow moving.
‘Gothic’ novels by the mid-eighties had fallen out of favor- but Whitney continued to write beyond that trend- sticking to a romantic suspense formula. (This book has some Gothic labels- but there aren't enough Gothic elements here for that label to apply.) When this book was published, PW was in her early eighties- (she lived to be 104!). Though the paranormal elements associated with the Gothic novels of the sixties and seventies had waned significantly, Whitney forced some ‘perceptions’ and ‘fortune telling’ into the book, perhaps thinking her readers expected those elements, at least to some extent- but it added nothing to the story whatsoever and was mostly a distraction.
Not until the last few chapters did things get interesting and then it turned into an illicit, forbidden drama that I suppose might have shocked some audiences back in the mid-eighties- especially for those used to reading standard RS with more straightforward crime elements. Mostly, I was just ticked off that I’d patiently put up with a subpar story only to have it end on that note.
Overall, I have a nice little collection of PW’s novels and will certainly feel the urge to read one of them again sometime in the future, so this experience won’t deter me. That said, this is the most disappointing effort I’ve encountered from this author.
*Note: There is an emotional author’s note at the end of the book. The author expresses the need to consider alternative therapies for traumatic events and to never give up hope. This storyline and the therapies used in the treatment of comatose patients was sadly a very personal one for Whitney. Her remarks and the content in this book did prompt me to do a little research on the topic of nutritional therapies, which I found very interesting- and helpful for those patients-even if they aren’t as effective as Whitney believed them to be.
1.5 stars
Well, my goodness-
This was not Whitney’s best book by a long shot! I’m not even sure where to start here. In the beginning there is a slow burn drama surrounding a tragic accident that left a mother unable to walk and her young son comatose. Kelsey, a woman who is recovering from her own tragic loss, is commissioned to work with the boy, which puts her into the middle of a strange family dynamic where secrets and deceptions keep her emotions on edge as she searches for answers that could aide in her treatment of the child…
While the thread involving the child making progress under Kelsey’s tutelage is compelling- Kelsey didn’t spend that much time with the boy. Instead, she’s more interested in an old murder mystery, in unearthing family secrets and trying to deny her attraction to the boy’s father- all of which was fairly boring and very slow moving.
‘Gothic’ novels by the mid-eighties had fallen out of favor- but Whitney continued to write beyond that trend- sticking to a romantic suspense formula. (This book has some Gothic labels- but there aren't enough Gothic elements here for that label to apply.) When this book was published, PW was in her early eighties- (she lived to be 104!). Though the paranormal elements associated with the Gothic novels of the sixties and seventies had waned significantly, Whitney forced some ‘perceptions’ and ‘fortune telling’ into the book, perhaps thinking her readers expected those elements, at least to some extent- but it added nothing to the story whatsoever and was mostly a distraction.
Not until the last few chapters did things get interesting and then it turned into an illicit, forbidden drama that I suppose might have shocked some audiences back in the mid-eighties- especially for those used to reading standard RS with more straightforward crime elements. Mostly, I was just ticked off that I’d patiently put up with a subpar story only to have it end on that note.
Overall, I have a nice little collection of PW’s novels and will certainly feel the urge to read one of them again sometime in the future, so this experience won’t deter me. That said, this is the most disappointing effort I’ve encountered from this author.
*Note: There is an emotional author’s note at the end of the book. The author expresses the need to consider alternative therapies for traumatic events and to never give up hope. This storyline and the therapies used in the treatment of comatose patients was sadly a very personal one for Whitney. Her remarks and the content in this book did prompt me to do a little research on the topic of nutritional therapies, which I found very interesting- and helpful for those patients-even if they aren’t as effective as Whitney believed them to be.
1.5 stars
June 15, 2024
I really liked this book. Great story with a bit of a mystery & a bit of romance, but not too sappy! The audiobook narrator, Anne Fields was outstanding. The pace was just right and the story moved along with a natural progression. I usually read historical fiction, but this was a nice detour into contemporary fiction for a change for me. The setting of Carmel & Monterey Peninsula was interesting to me because I live in the area. . .which was what drew me to the book in the first place.
September 8, 2019
This is an older book, but I enjoyed its setting and felt transported to its location. I liked the Gothic feel - there is definitely a Wuthering Heights vibe to the characters. It's funny seeing some of the older reviews because people were shocked by the story's twist. After Game of Thrones, I don't think readers nowadays will find it as shocking. Either way, a quick read that I found hard to put down.
May 24, 2020
This is the second book I’ve read by Phyllis Whitney. I enjoyed reading it but I enjoyed the other book, Sea Jade, more. The characters seemed awfully similar from book to book and there was a definite parallel in storylines as well. I may wait awhile before I read something else from the same author in hopes that the storyline won’t be so predictable if I put some time in between readings.
July 25, 2020
Phyllis Whitney writes yet another exciting book.
I've been a fan of Ms Whitney since high school. Her books are always fascinating and full of great detail of the books' locations. This one was very good, with a surprising climax. I would highly recommend it for any fan of romantic suspense and mystery.
I've been a fan of Ms Whitney since high school. Her books are always fascinating and full of great detail of the books' locations. This one was very good, with a surprising climax. I would highly recommend it for any fan of romantic suspense and mystery.
January 20, 2022
I loved this one! What I like the most was how the treatment given to a boy that was in a serious accident and who was pronounced a "vegetable" came out of it by the healing touch, acupuncture, nutrition and other means. Very very interesting! I love Whitney's novels. Very suspenseful and cool to read.
September 16, 2025
I think I read about 40% of this book. I felt like it was a tour guide or promotion for Carmel and that the storyline was secondary to talking about the trees in the mountains in the past and whatever in Carmel. I normally do at least a book a day And I tried for two days to read this book and just couldn’t finish it, which was another way I knew it just wasn’t a good fit for me.
June 14, 2019
I was annoyed with the storyline throughout the book. I felt the plot moved slowly and there was a lot of repetitiveness (especially for a shorter book). And then the end was terrible and disturbing. I do not recommend anyone reading this book.
September 19, 2019
Gave it one star because of style. There was way too much description and not much story line. The plodded along and didn’t hold my interest. Now I know why I stopped reading Phyllis Whitney novels.
January 24, 2020
Another well written mystery by a master
Phyllis Whitney always pleases with her well researched locales. She puts you in the picture seeing what she is writing about and building suspense with her excellent twists.
Phyllis Whitney always pleases with her well researched locales. She puts you in the picture seeing what she is writing about and building suspense with her excellent twists.
November 3, 2019
Another excellent gothic by the master!
October 11, 2021
Rather unsettling book. Not quite what I expected from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews