Whispering Hollow: A creepy tale perfect for fans of Stranger Things and Sophie Anderson aged 9+

by Rachel Burge

If you go down to the woods today . . . you're in for a scary surprise. Creepy and atmospheric, join Pippa as she battles to overcome the dark powers lurking in the forest around her Grandpa's cottage. Perfect for readers aged 9+ and fans of Sophie Anderson.

Pippa Newton loves nature and being outdoors, and she's looking forward to visiting her grandfather in his cottage in the forest. If only her older brother was an enthusiastic about it as she is.

But their holiday soon turns into a dark and strange adventure when Pippa realises that malevolent forces are lurking in the trees - forces that watch, wait, and mean them great harm.

Why are twig-woven figures appearing all over the cottage? And why does their grandfather seem so afraid all the time? What secrets linger in Whispering Hollow? And will Pippa be able to rekindle her friendship with her brother?

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy

187 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 12, 2024

Reviews

[Rojda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispering Hollow gave me THE BEST "Goosebumps" vibes. A creepy and interesting tale for young horror fans (and for adults as well!). 🍃☺️

[Reem · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

A deliciously spooky, quick read!
I really missed how Rachel Burge makes you dive into the eerie side of folklore and myths.

I loved the chilling atmosphere, folklore and nature elements, the chatacters.. and everything! You'd think the book would be another story about evil faeries taunting humans and abducting children, but it had a lot more twists than the usual faerie stories.
Mamm Spriggan was such a cool and interesting character, and I would've loved to see more of her. Her chapters were very lyrical.

[Rebecca Dee Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pippa and her brother, Jed, are being taken to stay at their grandfathers house whilst their parent sort out moving house

They haven't visited the cottage in the forest in sometime, after their Grandad took them home unexpectedly during their last trip

Pippa and her brother haven't been as close, but she hopes to be able to spend time with him and explore, however it doesn't take long for events to take a darker turn

There are Hidden Folk in the Forest and are creeping closer to their home, all because of a mistake Pippa made before during their last visit

Can she set things right and save her family...

I really enjoyed this, geared at younger readers (9+) means it is a very easy read (not a critism, I really like Rachels writing style) but definitely darker tones so I have no doubt older kids/adults (like me) will enjoy too!

Great wee standalone read for spooky season, out now. Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette for the review copy, all opinions my own

[Lynden Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deliciously creepy tale in which Pippa is dropped – almost literally – into a world of watching eyes and creeping dread. She and her brother Jed have been left with Grandpa while Mum and Dad organise their house move. But Grandpa’s home is full of sinister twig figures, and he himself is a nervous wreck. What’s going on? When Pippa disobeys Grandpa and goes out at night and looks inside the stone monument at the bottom of his garden, thing spiral out of control. It’s up to her to fight the creatures who are taking over her brother.

I like a bit of creepiness and folklore, but I want a triumphant outcome and not a lot of violence, so children’s folk horror is right up my street. And you’d think that with so many children’s novels out there that deal with faerie abductions, they’d all start to sound the same. Yet here’s another that succeeds in putting an original twist on an old tale, with delightful details like what the fairy elders wear. I really enjoyed the weaving of the two points of view, Pippa and Mamm Spriggan, with Mamm Spriggan’s scenes being full of rich, lyrical prose that reminded me of Angela Carter, guiding us expertly to change our minds gradually about what she is.

[Megan Wintrip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly I bought this for the cover because it's gorgeous 😍. I also have a few Rachel Burge books though!

Pippa and Jed go and stay with the grandad for a week, and Pippa can't wait to go and explore the woods, but she isn't allowed to enter. He lives in the woods, but something is off, something is not right. Stick men hanging from the ceilings in the rooms, mushrooms growing on the doorframes, acorns and leaves in the house... What could this be? Or who could this be? What in the witchy/Faerie hell is happening? What was the weird dream Pippa had the last time she was there, and did it mean anything?

It took me a while to get into the story because I really wanted to read other books at the same time. This is a me problem though, not the book. The story was really good and I enjoyed where it went. Especially great for this time of year. Once I got going I couldn't stop reading and I definitely had a soft spot for Mamm 😔.

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to get an advance copy of this and predict it will be hugely popular. A gripping tale of dark faerie magic that turns the scare factor up to 11 (while keeping it suitable for younger readers). A sister and brother travel to their grandpas's house on the edge of the woods and it's immediately clear that something wicked is afoot. The children are being watched and they're in danger from ancient dark forces. Can they work out exactly what's happening and stay safe? Of course, you'll have to pick up a copy to find out what happens next! Beautifully written with engaging characters and a page turning plot that will keep you happy over Halloween.

[Jen Nishi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderfully creepy book. I loved the villain story in this and the atmospheric writing. The sibling dynamic was wonderful. I do wish the friends were a little more fleshed out but honestly, it does not deter from the novel at all. I loved how the Fae in this aren’t cute sparkly fairies but creatures that will kill you and laugh over your corpse. And can we just take a moment to enjoy that wondrous cover? All around a great fast paced read that has just the right amount of creepiness for this age group. My student will love this.

[Babet Oktoberdots · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't often read middle grade books, but so far I've loved everything Rachel Burge has written and this one was no exception! Definitely keep in mind this book is for a younger audience, but kid-me would've DEVOURED this book! It's so well written, the hauntings in this book are super original and overall the vibes are just perfect.

[Kate Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author writes so beautifully that even dark, decay seems alluring. Evocative, creepy and intriguing. Perfect upper middle grade read for those who like a the tension of creepy creatures that lurk in the night.
A real talent and a must read.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very lucky to beta read this book and it's absolutely brilliant. So creepy and atmospheric and populated with folktale creatures that are sinister and complex. Really lost myself in this story, and will be forever wary of what lurks in the woods!

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet and spooky story, absolutely beautifully written, it feels like magic. (4.5)

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

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