The Murder Tree

by Alan Veale

Chrissie Fersen desperately wants to know how she is connected to the death of a servant woman in Glasgow in 1862. Enlisting the aid of local librarian Billie Vane, she is determined to clear the name of the woman originally convicted of the crime. But her chief suspect appears to be alive and well - and it looks like he still has murder on his mind... The Murder Tree introduces an unlikely pair of the American daughter of a wealthy businessman and a Manchester-born librarian working in Glasgow. Each have their share of domestic strife to deal with, while sharing a thirst to find out the truth about a 150 year-old murder. But deaths are still taking place today as far afield as New York, and trying to dig through the roots of this unique family tree becomes more hazardous than either Chrissie or Billie could have foreseen... The Murder Tree is based on the true story of Jessie McLachlan, convicted of murder in 1862, but who famously accused an old man of the crime after being found guilty at her trial. Elements from the writing of Clive Cussler, Dan Brown and Ian Rankin are evident in the book, which will appeal to fans of crime and thriller fiction.

Genres: Historical Fiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2013

About the author

The Importance of Being Independent : I am one of many writers who are not tied to a single publisher, genre, or even just one outlet for my creativity. I have described myself as a “creative writer” for long enough, but I recognise that such a description may be interpreted as someone who specialises in “Creative Writing”, possibly after taking an online course with a dubious educational facility.
So, as Goodreads is primarily a source of information for readers, let me clarify how I would describe what I do:
First and foremost, my background is the theatre. Scriptwriting for the stage focuses on dialogue-led scenes, and after writing for over fifty years I still tend to be inspired by snatches of conversation. I hear lines in my head and think “that could lead somewhere”. For the benefit of anyone who hasn’t read my debut novel from 2013 (The Murder Tree), my early inspiration came from an imagined discussion between a girl and a librarian where she said something like “So, you’re saying one of my ancestors was a murderer?” There was a hell of a lot of work went into developing the manuscript after that, but it does illustrate how my creative mind can be encouraged.
Two thrillers, a memoir and a travelogue later, you can tell that I also like to diversify!
Right now, I am taking a break from “long” fiction, but my theatrical bent still allows me to write short stories – and then adapt them for broadcast as audio dramas. You can currently catch up with my work online through Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other platforms in The JAPE Collective. You will find more information on my website: alanveale.com.

Reviews

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

'The Murder Tree' is based on the real-life murder of Jessie McPherson, a servant in the city of Glasgow in 1862.

The author has used statements given at the trial of the accused (Jessie Mclachlan) and woven a fictional tale around them. The story flits between 1862 and the present day. American Chrissie, and Manchester born Billie,(a librarian working in Glasgow) are the unlikely pair who team up, looking into how Chrissie may be connected to that murder of long ago. Digging into her family roots throws up a lot more than Chrissie bargained for, and ultimately puts her life in danger.

The story combines a touch of the supernatural, with genealogy, mystery, crime, and some historical facts, making for a compelling and enjoyable read.

[Cleopatra Pullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great genealogical mystery underpins The Murder Tree with a very determined Chrissie Fersen on the trail in Glasgow determined to find out what links her to the murder of a servant Jessie McPherson, in 1862.

Having suffered a great loss in her life the seemingly tenuous link between her family and the terrible murder that took place at 17 Sandyford Place appears to be just the right kind of focus she needs to take her mind off recent events. Billy Vane a local librarian also needs a distraction in his life and so when wealthy Chrissie meets him with a fantastical tale of ghosts they decide to solve the mystery together.

This really is a unique book, mainly set in the present, with a murder, a family mystery twisted by lies both past and present, ghosts along with a smattering of madness all carefully mixed to produce an engaging read. I'm not a lover of the supernatural and early on I did wonder if this would undermine the book for me; it didn't I couldn't wait to find out, well... everything!

I like books based on true stories and although the author makes it clear that this is a work of fiction the inclusion of some of the statements from the trial added a layer of intrigue for me.

The Murder Tree website set up by the author is a great addition to this book with pictures of 17 Sandyford Place, a family tree as well as notes about the author. In answer to the author's question, this reader would certainly love to read a second book.

The Murder Tree

I received a free copy of this book from via Netgalley in return for this honest review

[Kerry Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fictional story but based off true events. I love true crime so thought this would be a great read and I was right I really enjoyed it. Chrissie suffers some major emotional trauma losing her love and her baby so heads to Scotland to escape. She begins to wonder if she is related to the death of a young woman in Glasgow and seeks help from a librarian. Things become confusing as strange happening occur to her and she begins to wonder if the killer could be alive still.

Wow this was quite a journey. It start out quite sadly then becomes very spooky. You can't help but feel for Chrissie with all she's gone through and can see how she could easily be dragged into this.

It could easily have gone over the top but it was very well done and I live the fact it comes from a true story. The ending was brilliant and I would definitely recommend.

[Kim Peacock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the Murder Tree with the basis in a historical murder. I liked how it goes in between the present and the murder as it took place in it's own time. I will be looking for more good reads from Mr Veale in the future

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and the publishers for making this novel available through NetGalley.
This novel covered many matters that I have an interest in: crime fiction, historical facts and family tree research. It took a couple of chapters for me to get into it but once I did I enjoyed it and the last quarter of the book I didn't want to put it down.
I read on TheMurdertree website that the author would like to write a follow up depending on reviews and would like to say that I for one would another book.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was very well written. I would recommend this book for anybody to read.