The Crow Tree: A chilling gothic thriller where witchcraft, curses, and bloodlines collide

by Ben Cheetham

Deep in the forest is a cottage. A wicked witch once lived there, or so they say.

Now a new family is moving into the cottage. Hazel and her daughter, Lily, are trying to start over after a tragedy. The cottage appears to be the perfect place for them to rebuild their life. But appearances can be deceptive. Old superstitions linger in the villages scattered throughout the forest. Tales abound of covens meeting beneath the moonlit trees. Locals hang sprigs of rowan in their windows to protect themselves from the Witch of Blackmoss Cottage.

Hazel and Lily have a dark history of their own that they’re desperate to leave behind. But the past has a way of catching up with you and colliding with the present.

High on a hill above the cottage is a tree. A wicked witch was once burned to death there, or so they say.

Lily doesn’t believe in magic. And yet, like the crows that flock to its gnarled branches, she’s strangely drawn to the tree. Someone - or rather, something - is said to live in its hollow trunk. What if the tales are true? The secrets of the tree might also hold the key to the secrets of Lily’s own tragic past. But as she’s about to find out, no good ever comes from meddling with forces you don’t understand.

What Amazon and Goodreads readers are saying about Ben Cheetham’s books

'I love love loved this book! Had me gripped right from the start and just had to keep reading it!'

'A dark and twisting narrative that will keep you turning the pages. Ben Cheetham's characters, though sometimes tainted or, indeed, pure evil, are completely believable.'

'The only trouble with this book is that sleep and work got in the way.'

'I loved this book and continue to think about the characters after I finished.'

'Brilliantly written and had me totally captivated. Didn't want to stop reading as I felt myself getting pulled into the drama and wanting to find out what happened next.'

'Wow! I loved this book. The suspense kept me on the edge of my chair!'

Genres: Horror

361 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 14, 2024

About the author

Ben Cheetham is an award-winning writer and Pushcart Prize nominee. His writing spans the genres, from horror and sci-fi to literary fiction, but he has a passion for dark, gritty crime fiction. His short stories have been published in Swill Magazine, The Fiction Desk, Deadcore (Comet Press), The London Magazine, The Willisden Herald New Short Stories 3, The Grist Anthology of New Writing, Dream Catcher, Staple, Fast Forward: A Collection of Flash Fiction, Voice From The Planet (Harvard Square Editions), The Momaya Annual Review, Transmission, The Chaffey Review, and numerous other magazines.

Ben lives in Sheffield, UK, where - when he's not chasing around after his two-year old son - he spends most of his time locked away in his study racking his brain for the next paragraph, the next sentence, the next word.

Reviews

[John Morris · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very unpleasant tale!

This dark fairy tale started out well but descended into absurdity. If it wasn't for the explicit sexual imagery and over the top violence it could (almost) have been quite an amusing story. These witches were definitely not devotees of Wicca and the Earth Goddess, they were Satanists, straight out of a Hammer Horror movie. Their protagonists were also unbelievable, mentally deranged religious fanatics pursuing a 17th century vendetta against so called witches. All in all, a most unpleasant tale!

[robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

The 2 stars are generous and only cover the first 3/4's of the book. The last chapters were disgusting (and I am no prude)! This depicts witches and witchcraft in a completely different way than I understood the Wiccan Religion. These were Devil worshippers - nothing to do with Wiccan culture,
The first half of the book was riveting and I was thinking how I was going to tell my friends to give it a read, but by the end I had to take a shower and was thankful I didn't tell anyone I was reading it.

Sorry Ben, this one bombed. You're welcome for the 2 stars - I was very generous.

I would love to know where you did your research for the facts of the book?

[Phil Alexander · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was excited to read this book based on the description. However, by the end, I was very disappointed. For starters, the books depiction of witches and witchcraft is crude and derogatory towards those who practise withcraft. Secondly, the book strayed so far from possibility it became unenjoyable and lastly I felt there was no need for a few activities that happen.

[Rachel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Cannot finish this book. Too many descriptions of really brutal animal deaths. See my reading history, I don't shy away from horror in the slightest but the thought of reading any more of this makes me feel sick.
I don't think I'll ever get the image of the dying, blinded lamb out of my brain. Then Sam suddenly gets killed by a farmer neighbour for going near his animals despite surviving in the very same woods alone for a year? He's a dog, what would he have eaten all that time?

[Amy Deacon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the first book for our Coven book club and I was so excited to read it as I loved the premise and it had so much potential. There were parts of this book that I really enjoyed, I would really of loved more of all the coven together and what the after of everything would have looked like. However there were moments that I felt were unnecessarily too long and the end I did not like at all! It was so abrupt with little explanation as to why the choice that was made was made.
I liked the reveals along the way and how it felt like you were constantly guessing about what was happening and there were a few times I thought I had figured it out and I had not!
I loved the setting, the cottage sounds perfect to me and I have to say it was somewhere I would like to stay!
There were a few twists that I did somewhat enjoy but I just felt confused and frustrated with a lot of it as I went. I found there was a large chunk of the second half of the book that I found myself skim reading.
Overall it’s not a bad book and if you are a fan of witchy horror you will enjoy some of this; but the ending (and the puppy) ruined the experience of it for me. But that’s the best thing about reading, it’s subjective to everyone.

[Abbi Earnshaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mostly enjoyed the writing style and the storyline of this book, though I do think the author took certain parts too far unnecessarily. Not for the more prudish reader! I would, however, be interested in reading the other books in the series to see how they go. Not the best book I've ever read, but it did keep me interested and wanting to finish it.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 I didn't love this, but I was interested enough in the plot to keep going. And I didn't particularly like our main girl, Lily. I suspected the twist, which I did like, but didn't love what ensued after the reveal. And the whole witch-hating villagers scene?? WTF. Things seemed to escalate rather abruptly. I will read the next instalment to see what happens next.

[Emma Rathbone · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolutely terrible!!
This is honestly one of the worst books I’ve ever read, the story and the way in which it was written just didn’t mesh well. There didn’t seem to be any real substance to the story and the characters… I thought about not continuing to the end as I had had enough by half way through, but then I couldn’t leave a book without completing it… and then that ending - absolute rubbish, totally unrealistic, inaccurate and very rushed!
I will not be reading another by this author.

[Brandi Knight · Rating 1 out of 5]

never hurt the dog

The dogs should NEVER be hurt! Until then the story had my attention, I didn’t even finish it because of it.

[Superslothlouise · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not for me at all. The story didn’t really make sense or go anywhere. Some of the language describing others was offensive and a lot of animal harm

[Tracey- Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is rather a surprising read as it starts off as a new family move to the New Forest after a tragedy strikes at home, and they moved to a village when Hazel inherited her house from a distant family member.
But this village is steeped in superstitious about witchcraft and the family that Hazel and her daughter Lily belong to and here the story starts to darken .
As the villagers seem to want to drive Hazel and Lily at the house and out the village it becomes more serious until the scene at the end of the book take on a more horrific situation as horror meets Witch type story .
It has been a good story to read though for me , ending was rather too dramatic and changed its pace and direction quite quickly in a way that I did not expect, so it is a surprising read but I'm still not convinced of the direction it took at the end.
Hazel is a character that has you totally hoodwinked , she appears to be a loving mother, defending a family , however she has a very dark side of witchcraft and becomes a totally different person in the last few chapters
Lily her daughter, however is a character I really enjoyed, she's an inquisitive young lass who doesn't believe in magic but somehow it's drawn to a strange tree and to the crows that are living in the woods until she meddles with a history that she doesn't understand and in the end you can feel her divided nature of whether to be who she is or to join her family in the practice of witchcraft and I hope that I get to see how her journey continues.
The good part of the story is how the villages were convinced that they needed to drive out this family from the village and it felt very much of the days of witch hunting and was very dramatic and I like the way that the author wrote that part of the story, especially with the religious overtones that was done mainly by the character Margaret. The whole scene of the villagers versus witches was very dramatic and had a horrific nature to it which worked well in the story and I liked the way the author wrote all the characters and knew which ones to lead the story with. Margaret , i think was the most concerning character infused with a religious madness as she attempted to control the other villagers to her will and in some ways she was as bad as the witches at the end of the story.
This is the story that I shall not forget and not many books surprise me the way this one did and it feels a perfect read for October with Halloween approaching.

[Lucie Aran · Rating 3 out of 5]

*** Vraní strom ***
Hodnocení: 3,5/5 ✩
Kniha začíná velmi slibně – silná, postupně gradující atmosféra plná tajemství a náznaků mě vtáhla do děje hned od prvních stránek. Autor skvěle pracuje s napětím i prostředím, v němž za zdánlivým klidem probublává něco temného a neklidného.

Děj občas působí téměř neuvěřitelně, a přesto znepokojivě realisticky – zvlášť v momentě, kdy si uvědomíte, že od lidí zcela ovládaných vírou, manipulací a generacemi předávaným fanatismem lze skutečně očekávat téměř cokoliv. Postavy nejsou možná vykreslené až do takové hloubky, ale rozhodně také ne zcela ploché či nezajímavé. Příběh si udržuje atmosféru a napětí po většinu knihy, místy se dokonce stupňuje natolik, že při čtení člověk téměř ani nedýchá. A právě proto mě tolik mrzí samotný závěr.

Místo očekávaného silného vyústění přichází konec, který působí nevěrohodně a téměř jako z béčkového hororu. Je to škoda, protože příběh měl opravdu našlápnuto k něčemu výjimečnému. S jiným zakončením bych knihu pravděpodobně hodnotila bez váhání plným počtem – tak moc totiž dokáže posledních pár kapitol ovlivnit celkový dojem, alespoň v mém případě.

[Lynne Webb]

Left me wondering

I've already read a couple of Ben's books and enjoyed them. I do have a thing for crows and witches so this book appealed to me. I was totally lost in it yesterday and unfortunately sleep had to be had before the last 2 chapters. The characters were believable and the witch hunt was some what chaotic. I wish I could have finished it before reading the last 2 chapters as they upset me (those who have read it will know). All in all I did enjoy this book and if you are into witches and old fashioned witch hunts with gingerbread cottages and crows you will enjoy this

[Lee Mynott · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sadly, this was a huge disappointment. It started so well with a good storyline and an acceptable premise. However, about two thirds of the way through it, the story took a nose dive into depravity and some of the characters seemed to change personality.
I had to abandon this one as it quite frankly, turned my stomach with some of the obscene descriptions (which I won't divulge as I don't want to add any spoilers for those who have a tougher constitution).
I have read a few of Ben Cheethams' books and they have been really enjoyable and definitely rate him as an author. But this one wasn't for me.

[Lins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark witchcraft and at times gruesome

I was lucky to be sent an advanced copy, pre release, and despite it not being my normal genre, I did enjoy it, although some of the content is disturbing and I did find it awkward to read at times.
If you love witchcraft, then this is definitely the book for you. Well written, but very gruesome with horrific rituals thrown in. Read with caution. Thank you Ben for the opportunity to read it early.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was drawn by the name as a massive corvid obsessive admittedly and didn’t know much about it going in!

I’m shell shocked an hour after finishing it ( in a day!!!!) Did not see it coming
The development, the subtle hints throughout that only seemed obvious at the end, the curveballs to throw me off 😂

The ending with the puppy though? Broke me. I shed tears for poor scared Thorn, never mind all the other shizz going on, it was the pup that got me

[Finn Mertens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been my favorite book by Ben thus far. I was captivated from the very beginning and found myself hoping work goes by faster so I could arrive back home and dive into the book.

Without spoiling anything, the character development of Hazel was a fantastic journey. I actually had conflicting feelings about some characters who I didn't initially like. It is just a very well written book and I enjoyed it very much.

[Dionne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not sure what to say. The start was brilliant. The cottage and setting was beautifully described and loved how it all progressed. I was hooked and couldn’t put it down. Certain characters were just infuriating and needed to be dealt with properly 🤣 however, the ending was just bizarre and confusing 🫤 it went from okay this is odd to what the actual f is going on?….really?! 3* because was good at the beginning 🫤

[Mrs Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read

Loved all the twists and turns in this book,Been waiting for a new Ben Cheetham book, thoroughly enjoyed this, can always tell when it's a good read as you stay awake all blooming night, great read this, would recommend to anyone wanting a slice of the paranormal as well as the mystery, absolutely brilliant read.

[Teresa Shaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm Still digesting this story, it stays with you.

Ben is a brilliant author, from page one I was drawn in. He sets scenes that are easily visualized and difficult to forget. My only reason for three stars is that, for me, some of the scenes disturbed me. I am still processing the story but promised after I read this I would write a review.

[Miss Lorraine Draper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars plus

This is the first book I have read by Ben Cheetham and I really enjoyed it. Once I started reading this book it was hard to put down I wanted to know how it was going to end for the characters. I recommend anyone to read Ben Cheetham books and now can't wait to read the next book.

[Sonia Derbyshire · Rating 5 out of 5]

could not put it down

A really great read , I could not put this down , as always with Ben Cheetham , strong characters winding and twisting through twists and turns of a plot that keeps you guessing . I could visualise the characters and locations as I was reading , lose yourself in this book and enjoy

[Sophie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read quite a bit of horror but this was the most grotesque by far. Not scary or horrifying, but gore, vulgarity and very little explanations behind them. I'm not against the climax of the book, but it felt that there was no build up to it at all.

It also needed a trigger warning for graphic SA. This would be extremely distressing for some people I'm sure.

[Melissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

It started out okay, but descended into absolute nonsense. There’s some very unbelievable characters and events, with some happenings that were really unpleasant. I found the twist to be absolutely ridiculous and it appears that the author knows nothing about the subject beyond the Halloween stereotypes.

[angela · Rating 1 out of 5]

no, just no

It was not realistic with the crow attack. They would not be able to take eyes, ears and tongue. Also with the low key romance between the little girl and Tom. It was too forced. The book was not smooth, just a bunch of jagged edges being forced together.

[Samantha Nicol · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read with a questionable ending

I really enjoyed all of this book up to the point where the big revelation came from Hazel. Not so much witches as devil worshippers maybe I’m getting soft in my old age but the incest etc grossed me out.

[Duncan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Would I recommend this book, absolutely not.
It started of OK but like many other reviews it turned afful in the end chapters.
Will I read it again, absolutely not.
Will I take it to the charity shop for some other poor unsuspecting individual to read. Absolutely yes.
To sum up avoid.

[Ang · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me this one. Set off so well. The middle and end part of was just terrible. Sorry for the 2 stars that was a generous 2 for the way the story started! Was my first book read by this author. Actually reluctant to read another following this one

[Donna Headlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book seriously messed with my head. I won't give anything away, but nothing is what it seems. Great storyline. I finished it in one day. It was very interesting, held my attention. I couldn't put it down. My only complaint was the ending. Very abrupt.