'A dark, thrill-a-minute tale.' Craig Hallam - International Bestselling Author
‘A haunting journey through atmospheric prose and cinematic imagery.’ Laura Kincaid – Ten Thousand
In the shadowed heart of the Scottish Highlands lies a village bound by a chilling secret. When Adam and his friend arrive for a wild swimming competition, they unwittingly step into a world where folklore and reality entwine.
In “The Washerwoman,” a haunting tale unfolds as Adam is drawn into the legend of the Bean Nighe, a spectral figure seen washing the blood-stained clothes of those destined to die. His nights are plagued by unsettling dreams that echo the village’s dark past, a past that seems inexplicably linked to his own family history.
As Adam delves deeper, aided by a number of allies, he unravels a tapestry of tragedy that dates back to 1833, when a woman’s death in childbirth gave birth to a curse. With each step closer to the truth, the Bean Nighe’s presence grows more ominous, and the villagers’ whispers turn to silence, hiding a pact sealed in shadow and fear.
But the waters of the past are deeper and more treacherous than Adam could have imagined. The closer he gets to uncovering the mystery, the more he realises that the Bean Nighe’s mournful washing is not just a sign of death but a herald of a legacy that he is bound to.
From the misty lochs of the Highlands to the hidden secrets of a secluded village, “The Washerwoman” weaves a tale of supernatural horror, ancestral curses, and the inescapable grip of fate. Adam must confront the ghostly echoes of a long-forgotten history, or risk becoming another thread in the Bean Nighe’s morbid tapestry.
Adam and his friend Ethan travel to the quaint Scottish village of Culraith, for a wild swimming competition. They are charmed by the beauty of the place, but as they get to know it better, they learn more about the legends of the Scottish Hughlands, particularly the Bean Nighe, a ghostly washerwoman who is said to be found by the river banks, washing the clothes of those destined to die.
When Adam starts having dreams and flashbacks and the oppressive presence of the Bean Nighe grows closer, it becomes evident that tragedy is imminent. Can Adam do something before it’s too late?
This was an interesting tale, delving deep into Scottish folklore. The language is incredibly descriptive, adding atmosphere and depth to the tale. The village setting feels creepy and ominous, despite the villagers being welcoming. The story build slowly then wham, there’s a huge denouement which I did not see coming at all.
Let's first of all just appreciate this amazing front cover! This is absolutely a book that I'd spot and instantly know that I was going to love it! There a really dark and sinister vibe to it - and I love it!!
When I read the blurb and discovered that this was indeed packed with folklore with a supernatural presence - a real haunting tale of the darkness within a seculded Highland village - I was completely hooked before even opening the book!
I'm really getting back into my horror reads and this was the perfect choice.
Right from the start, I was immersed in the mystery and the ominous atmosphere. The setting was perfect and really helped create that shiver down my spine.
The storyline was really intriguing and I honestly couldn't stop reading - I needed to know what was going on and really, it felt like I couldn't even blink throughout.
I absolutely raced through this and it really felt like such a quick read. Although a standard number of pages for a novel, it really flew by and I could easily have read more - although I might have had to stay up all night!
My first read by this author...but definitely won't be my last - loved this!!
The Washerwoman is an impressive mix of folklore, suspense, the supernatural and mystery.
Set in a secluded village in the Scottish Highlands, we follow Adam and his friend Ethan, who travel there to take part in a wild swimming competition. While there, Adam becomes drawn into the legend of Bean Nighe (Scottish Gaelic for 'washerwoman' or 'laundress', Bean Nighe is a female spirit in Scottish folklore, regarded as an omen of death and a messenger from the Otherworld. She is a type of banshee that haunts desolate streams and washes the clothing of those who are about to die ).
Want to find out more? Be sure to pick your copy up.
It's a read full to the brim with rich, spine-tingling, ominous atmosphere, strange characters and eerie landscapes.
It's imaginative, it's sinister, it's haunting. It's dark, it's intriguing and I read this in two sittings. The storyline flowed well, the characters were well fleshed out and the author's writing style was just right for this type of read.
Not a straightforward, clear cut horror. This book is so much more. Historical elements, mystery and suspense are mixed in with the supernatural horror aspects and blended very well, making for an interesting, intriguing and chilling read. Set against a backdrop of a small, remote highland village in Scotland. I particularly enjoyed the historical parts of the story and learning about past characters that are linked to the main character. I also enjoyed the journey of Adam goes on, a spiritual and emotional journey of self discovery, answering questions of who he really is, even Ethan, changing who they are as people. A fascinating read with the mysterious and a deep insight into the local folk lore, illuminating the crossover of past and present and the two worlds colliding. A story with an end goal, a past wrong that must be put right.
If you love the paranormal and enjoy the mystery of folk tales, you will enjoy this book.
A very slow burn that was creepy in places but seemed to lack the tense feeling overall.
The opening was harrowing showing how the Washerwoman came about and the author paints a vivid picture - I wish more of the book had this tone.
I felt there were some unexplained bits - given the aim and people involved, I don't know why the Washerwoman acted as she did?
I guessed something but wasn't prepared for the main ending, that was a total shock but fitted perfectly. The very end of the book was brutal, you'll have to read to find out why...
Overall, a good story with some gruesome deaths.
*I received a complementary copy of the book from RandomThingsTours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The Washerwoman is a great read about the legend of the Bean Nighe, a ghostly figure seen washing the blood-stained clothes of those destined to die.
Adam and his friend Ethan travel to this beautiful Scottish village for a wild swimming competition. Adam starts having dreams about Bean Nighe, and Adam believes a tragedy is about to strike. Can he prevent it by finding out more about his family history?
I enjoyed the writing style, and a lot of research has gone into this work. I loved the eerie feeling throughout the book, and I couldn't put the book down. This is definitely a must-read.
The Washerwoman is a masterful blend of suspense, mystery, and the supernatural. From the very first page, it wraps its spectral fingers around your imagination and refuses to let go.
Set in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Adam, and his friend Ethan, travel to a secluded village to participate in a wild swimming competition. Adam is drawn into the legend of Bean Nighe and discovers a link to his own family history.
If you crave spine-tingling suspense, eerie landscapes, and characters who linger like phantom echoes, The Washerwoman is an absolute must-read. Five stars for this haunting gem.