The Hanging Tree

by Joseph J. Dowling

Detective Craig Cornell is called to a triple-murder at an isolated house near Exeter, New Hampshire, the latest in a sequence of gruesome deaths which stems back 300 years. A White Oak at the rear of the property may hold the key. According to local legend, a woman was accused of witchcraft and hanged from it.

As the bodies pile up, Cornell is haunted by horrific visions. Is it his past catching up with him, or does the tree really hold an ancient, evil spirit? Staley grimaced and said, “We’ve got three bodies. Hope you haven’t eaten breakfast yet.” Cornell shook his head. Days like this were supposed to be a bad memory, abandoned in Miami with the rest of his past life. “It’s four in the goddamn morning. Not even had coffee.” Staley beckoned him into the darkened lounge. It smelled like a slaughterhouse. “Good, because I’ve seen some shit down the years, but nothing like this.” Both men flicked their flashlights on and scanned the room. Bloody handprints covered the cream-colored walls, sticky black in the harsh white light. Staley flashed his beam towards a slumped heap on the divan. The shapeless form resembled a bag of butcher’s offcuts, reminding Cornell of a messy roadkill he’d seen years ago, with a wide tire mark across its flank. The impact had pushed the animal’s guts out of its asshole. The matted fur could’ve belonged to any beast. Somehow, he’d known it was a canine. But this was no stray dog....

Genres: Horror, Novella

88 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2023

About the author

Joseph always knew he would write seriously one day. That moment arrived in 2020, when his thriving hospitality business was temporarily shuttered. With time on his hands, he quickly fell into an obsession and became a keen student of the craft.

Since finding the passion, Joseph can't imagine life without stories rattling around his head. Eager to make up for lost time, he's been fairly prolific, and his short stories have appeared in several anthologies and literary magazines. Even better, his rejections are getting nicer by the week.

Joseph lives in London with his wife and their Scotty dog. Mandate: THIRTEEN is his first published novel.

Reviews

[Haly · Rating 4 out of 5]

4☆
I have two criticisms for The Hanging Tree. (1.) I want more! More details about Eliza Cromwell and her life, as well as more about the lives and deaths of previous owners of the house would flesh a well written story out even more. (2.) The beginning of chapter 6 is a repeat of the last pages of chapter 5. Publishing error? Not a big deal for me.

The Hanging Tree is easily read in under two hours. Although it is a quick read the pacing is spot on without any lag or boring sections.

Thank you to Mr. Dowling, the publisher and Bookfunnel for a free copy of the book!

[Debbie DiFiore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hated ending. It was a four star book until the end

I really liked this but the ending ruined it for me But it was good up until that 95 percent mark. it was about a haunted tree that caused people to do acts of extreme violence and then kill themselves. It was a little gory. But it was interesting and short. Very short. More like a novella. But I read it on KU. Ordered by accident but I did like it!

[Chantelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book. I wish there was more.

[Jerricka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Keeps you guessing until the last page

[Honey Dy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 but only due to the ending it was rather ambiguous and made me go huh?

[Shelly Neinast · Rating 4 out of 5]

Past sins will haunt you forever

This book was quite the ghost story. The author knew how to spin a century old witch story that kept the reader on the edge of their seats. It was a short read but packed a wollap,
especially at the end. I wasn't expecting that.
The book was definitely intense and moving and a great little short read when you want something to do.

[sierra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a good novella for a refresh. Although the story didn’t feel rushed and was better than most I’ve read, it was an underwhelming read and ending.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished in a couple hours

This book was entertaining. Kind of gross at first but ultimately was really interesting. Want a short read this one would be a good one.

[Colleen Bursley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Very good read. Lots of graphic scenes so not for the really faint at heart but let’s you use your imagination to envision the crime scenes. It’s based on old witch craft folklore and the evil that lingers from over 300 years ago. The book does exhude an air of creepiness and can get somewhat spooky as Cornell sets to destroy the tree and the evil that resides within it’s heart. It’s a shorter story and well worth the time to read it.

[Indie Horror Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hanging Tree by Joseph Dowling


I enjoyed this story!. I got to know the main character well, but the other characters were not as fleshed out. The sense of foreboding built and had me glancing out my windows at our trees with a little paranoia. If you want a quick story with a witch, possession, and a centuries old curse. Not to mention the hanging tree itself, definitely pick up this book!

[Cheyenne Lacanlale · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌳🌳Short Story Review🌳🌳
@josephjdowling
Even during Xmas season I love a scary story. When your past comes to haunt you in your new life, beware The Hanging Tree. The only way to truly conquer is to believe.

#shortstory #booksta #bookstack #bookreviewersofinstagram #bookreview #booknerdigans #bookmom #horrorfan #horrorstory

[Megan Diedericks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joseph J. Dowling's writing is very descriptive and atmospheric, it had me feeling like I was right in the middle of it all.

In that same vein, The Hanging Tree is beautifully horrific and haunting. I have so much love for how the characters have a moral grayness to them, and how the moments of reflection and forgiveness play into the centuries-old terror.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up.
The writing was good, but not captivating. The story could have been longer and the characters more fleshed out. Making the house and the tree more of a main character would have made for a more creepy read.

[havocwithhales · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short read for all my little scream queens that love their horror/thriller genre. All 88 pages had me enthralled. Definitely grotesque and gruesome. Storyline was good. We all enjoy a little detective mystery, a throw in a witch that was scorned by men and it’s a party. 10/10 recommend.

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good witch story and witch trials brought into the present.

[Shannon Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

that ending sucked

[Laualei Pratt]

Great read

This book is a good read. It is an easy read and keeps you hooked up to the end. I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next

[MaKenzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very easy read and keeps your interest throughout. The story is good, but I feel that the author could have gone so much further with the characters. I enjoyed it but wish it would have been longer!

[Heather Duvall · Rating 2 out of 5]

i keep reading things and keep being disappointed.

[Jennifer Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this would be a good read for this month.. And I enjoyed it for the most part. Up until it got to the end. I did not like the way that it ended.

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars

[Constance M. · Rating 2 out of 5]

received this book from the author through Book Funnel

didn't finish
just couldn't get interested in it successfully