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The Hanging of Hettie Gale
A mother's love will never die. A mother's fury will live forever...
The Moor is a difficult place for a young woman to grow up in the 1700s and life for Hettie Gale is no different. Abused by her father and abandoned by her family, she builds a new life for herself and her young son. But when Hettie is assaulted by men who lie about the encounter and accuse her of a heinous crime, Hettie is sentenced to death.
In the present day, Alice receives news that her cousin has gone missing from her cottage on The Moor, where Alice spent many of her childhood summers. Wanting to help find Fleur, she heads to the village and becomes increasingly obsessed with the legend of Hettie Gale. She stumbles upon a set of journals that reveal, bit by bit, clues about what happened to the people who have gone missing on The Moor over the years.
But what links Hettie Gale to Fleur? And if the ghost of Hettie Gale is seeking justice, can Alice do anything to bring the spirit peace and save Fleur from Hettie's inconsolable wrath?
The Moor is a difficult place for a young woman to grow up in the 1700s and life for Hettie Gale is no different. Abused by her father and abandoned by her family, she builds a new life for herself and her young son. But when Hettie is assaulted by men who lie about the encounter and accuse her of a heinous crime, Hettie is sentenced to death.
In the present day, Alice receives news that her cousin has gone missing from her cottage on The Moor, where Alice spent many of her childhood summers. Wanting to help find Fleur, she heads to the village and becomes increasingly obsessed with the legend of Hettie Gale. She stumbles upon a set of journals that reveal, bit by bit, clues about what happened to the people who have gone missing on The Moor over the years.
But what links Hettie Gale to Fleur? And if the ghost of Hettie Gale is seeking justice, can Alice do anything to bring the spirit peace and save Fleur from Hettie's inconsolable wrath?
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2024
948 people are currently reading
1547 people want to read
About the author
Tess Burnett
2 books27 followersTess is a late bloomer. She has always loved writing, but only started writing seriously in her late 50s.
The Hanging of Hettie Gale was written whilst Tess lived in Ireland. She self published, then entered the Dorchester Literary Festival local writers' competition which she won. Now available in a shiny new version through Bloodhound Books.
Tess currently lives in Dorset and works as a medical secretary, dreaming about the day she can write full time. She has written four more books in various stages of completion, and has a head full of ideas yet to hit the page.
The Hanging of Hettie Gale was written whilst Tess lived in Ireland. She self published, then entered the Dorchester Literary Festival local writers' competition which she won. Now available in a shiny new version through Bloodhound Books.
Tess currently lives in Dorset and works as a medical secretary, dreaming about the day she can write full time. She has written four more books in various stages of completion, and has a head full of ideas yet to hit the page.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
January 4, 2025
A cosy, but dark (twin timeline) mystery!
This story, in my opinion, was primarily aimed at a female audience. That said, it was a captivating story covering some very dark subjects including, incest, gang rape and a horrible miscarriage of justice. However, the author managed to convey the horror of these violations without being too graphic or explicit. This was the story of one young woman's despair and craving for justice covering a period of some 250 years. Many people have gone missing over the years in a particular part of rural England, centred around a 'bottomless' bog, an area noted for its myths and legends. Alice, a thirty something woman, is drawn to the area following the strange and mysterious disappearance of her rich and glamorous cousin, Fleur. However, she also becomes fascinated by the 250 year old tale of the trial and execution of a young local woman, Hettie Gale. Is there a connection between the two women, and if so, how and why? This tale is probably worth more than my measly 3 star rating, but it is a story that, probably, would resonate more with a female reader. Still, I did enjoy the story.
This story, in my opinion, was primarily aimed at a female audience. That said, it was a captivating story covering some very dark subjects including, incest, gang rape and a horrible miscarriage of justice. However, the author managed to convey the horror of these violations without being too graphic or explicit. This was the story of one young woman's despair and craving for justice covering a period of some 250 years. Many people have gone missing over the years in a particular part of rural England, centred around a 'bottomless' bog, an area noted for its myths and legends. Alice, a thirty something woman, is drawn to the area following the strange and mysterious disappearance of her rich and glamorous cousin, Fleur. However, she also becomes fascinated by the 250 year old tale of the trial and execution of a young local woman, Hettie Gale. Is there a connection between the two women, and if so, how and why? This tale is probably worth more than my measly 3 star rating, but it is a story that, probably, would resonate more with a female reader. Still, I did enjoy the story.
October 8, 2024
What a fabulous debut novel.
Incredibly emotive, but with a fast pace and a fantastic dual timeline that is the epitome of a brilliant historical mystery!
I adored this. Some scenes broke my heart to read, but it made it all the more powerful. I'm a huge dual timeline fan, and this was executed perfectly.
Bravo, Tess Burnett!
Incredibly emotive, but with a fast pace and a fantastic dual timeline that is the epitome of a brilliant historical mystery!
I adored this. Some scenes broke my heart to read, but it made it all the more powerful. I'm a huge dual timeline fan, and this was executed perfectly.
Bravo, Tess Burnett!
Read
June 20, 2025Dnf for trigger warning :(
February 11, 2025
I wanted to like this book more than I did. It starts with the story of Hettie Gale, a young girl in the 1770s, with a scene that could be triggering for some people. Hettie's voice is strong and I could have read more of her story and the way she told it. But then the book switches to the modern day and we meet Alice, who is not nearly as likeable as poor Hettie.
Unfortunately, most of the book is written with Alice as the main character, interspersed with chapters voiced by Hettie. That for me is its downfall. Alice comes back to her uncle's cottage, a place she has fond childhood memories of, because her cousin, Fleur, is missing. I don't know why Alice felt the need to come to Fleur's aid because she clearly doesn't like her. She judges her and dismisses her disappearance as nothing. Fleur actually becomes a side issue for Alice, someone she only remembers now and again as she plunders Fleur's clothes and belongings to go on a date with the last man to see Fleur alive, a man who'd also dated Fleur. I mean... really? Red flags everywhere.
Instead of focusing on the hunt for her cousin, Alice becomes obsessed with the local story of Hettie Gale, hanged for murdering her son in 1776. There are some gentle supernatural happenings, but nothing to frighten the horses. But somehow, Alice manages to piece together what really happened to Hettie and she links it to her cousin's disappearance in a most fanciful way.
The love story is unconvincing, too. I would have run a mile from James: angry, rude, jealous, controlling, hair-trigger temper, dated my missing cousin and was the last person to see her. No, thanks. Each to their own, I suppose.
And the ending is ridiculous. There are also plotholes everywhere.
Hettie's story is one of men abusing a woman, doing whatever they want with her with no thought to her at all and then covering their tracks. She pays the price as women so often do. Her voice is authentic and endearing. I would have liked this book much more if she'd been our sole narrator.
Unfortunately, most of the book is written with Alice as the main character, interspersed with chapters voiced by Hettie. That for me is its downfall. Alice comes back to her uncle's cottage, a place she has fond childhood memories of, because her cousin, Fleur, is missing. I don't know why Alice felt the need to come to Fleur's aid because she clearly doesn't like her. She judges her and dismisses her disappearance as nothing. Fleur actually becomes a side issue for Alice, someone she only remembers now and again as she plunders Fleur's clothes and belongings to go on a date with the last man to see Fleur alive, a man who'd also dated Fleur. I mean... really? Red flags everywhere.
Instead of focusing on the hunt for her cousin, Alice becomes obsessed with the local story of Hettie Gale, hanged for murdering her son in 1776. There are some gentle supernatural happenings, but nothing to frighten the horses. But somehow, Alice manages to piece together what really happened to Hettie and she links it to her cousin's disappearance in a most fanciful way.
The love story is unconvincing, too. I would have run a mile from James: angry, rude, jealous, controlling, hair-trigger temper, dated my missing cousin and was the last person to see her. No, thanks. Each to their own, I suppose.
And the ending is ridiculous. There are also plotholes everywhere.
Hettie's story is one of men abusing a woman, doing whatever they want with her with no thought to her at all and then covering their tracks. She pays the price as women so often do. Her voice is authentic and endearing. I would have liked this book much more if she'd been our sole narrator.
November 8, 2024
I enjoyed this, only thing I’d say is that the love interest is a little b!tch baby, so annoying lordddd
October 6, 2024
If I could, I would love to give Tess Burnett’s “The Hanging of Hettie Gale” more than five stars. This paranormal and ghostly historical fiction tale certainly deserves a lot of attention.
“The Hanging of Hettie Gale” is set in The Moor of England in the late 1700s and introduces us to such an outstanding character, Hettie, but under absolutely horrific circumstances. From the very first chapter, we are with Hettie in what you think is one of the worst moments of her life. Life is certainly not easy for Hettie, and it is heartbreaking and devastating to read. It left me with all sorts of emotions. She is such a kind soul and becomes such a loving and protective young mother. Her voice is reflective of the time period, setting, and her lack of education, which really made her character come alive for me, and I love her even more.
With only a few years of being a mother to her golden child, an abominable and heinous crime is committed against Hettie, yet she is charged with murder - leading to her conviction and hanging.
Jurors, judges, soldiers, and neighboring families have their secrets to keep. History has a tale that survives centuries.
And now, The Moor is known to be haunted, and bodies continue to disappear in the last place Hettie’s son was known to be alive in 1772.
In a dual narrative set centuries apart, Burnett weaves another storyline into Hettie’s. It’s present day, and Alice is returning to their family cottage in The Moor to search for her missing cousin. They spent their childhood summers at Crag Cottage and grew up reading stories about Hettie, who lived not far from their cottage, and the ghost who drowns their victims in the surrounding waters.
Alice has always felt this strange connection to Hettie since she was a young girl. Ever since she first read her story and visited the tiny barn, she lived in so long ago with her young child. She always wondered more about her. Alice always felt a cool breeze and would notice black crow feathers as if Hettie was there, trying to tell her something. And now that she’s back to find her cousin, who was last seen walking towards The Moor, these feelings and connections to Hettie are even stronger.
The storyline weaves between Alice and Hettie as Alice meets with locals, visits museums and libraries, and reads through old diaries and deathbed confessions to piece together what really happened that dreadful day that Hettie was charged with murder. She realizes that if she can solve this mystery, she may be able to find her cousin.
I was fascinated by Burnett’s skillful storytelling, intricate plots, and connecting details to piece together the mystery.
I feel the need to touch on Hettie once more. The author’s writing creates a compelling and emotional character in Hettie. There are so many lines I would love to quote here, but there is a paragraph towards the end where Hettie (as a ghost) talks about watching the others who came to the pond over the years, die. And how maybe (as a ghost) she could have saved them, but she watched them die and then wondered if that made her a bad person. And what she says after that about being watched herself by the soldiers, during her sentencing, while she stood at the Hanging Tree, and while she died while they cheered, was so very profound and moving. I didn’t want the story to end - simply for this character.
Thank you, #NetGalley, #TessBurnett, and #BloodhoundBooks for eARC in exchange for my honest review. I absolutely loved this book!
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Incest, gang rape, sexual abuse, thoughts of pedophilia by a character, child death.
“The Hanging of Hettie Gale” is set in The Moor of England in the late 1700s and introduces us to such an outstanding character, Hettie, but under absolutely horrific circumstances. From the very first chapter, we are with Hettie in what you think is one of the worst moments of her life. Life is certainly not easy for Hettie, and it is heartbreaking and devastating to read. It left me with all sorts of emotions. She is such a kind soul and becomes such a loving and protective young mother. Her voice is reflective of the time period, setting, and her lack of education, which really made her character come alive for me, and I love her even more.
With only a few years of being a mother to her golden child, an abominable and heinous crime is committed against Hettie, yet she is charged with murder - leading to her conviction and hanging.
Jurors, judges, soldiers, and neighboring families have their secrets to keep. History has a tale that survives centuries.
And now, The Moor is known to be haunted, and bodies continue to disappear in the last place Hettie’s son was known to be alive in 1772.
In a dual narrative set centuries apart, Burnett weaves another storyline into Hettie’s. It’s present day, and Alice is returning to their family cottage in The Moor to search for her missing cousin. They spent their childhood summers at Crag Cottage and grew up reading stories about Hettie, who lived not far from their cottage, and the ghost who drowns their victims in the surrounding waters.
Alice has always felt this strange connection to Hettie since she was a young girl. Ever since she first read her story and visited the tiny barn, she lived in so long ago with her young child. She always wondered more about her. Alice always felt a cool breeze and would notice black crow feathers as if Hettie was there, trying to tell her something. And now that she’s back to find her cousin, who was last seen walking towards The Moor, these feelings and connections to Hettie are even stronger.
The storyline weaves between Alice and Hettie as Alice meets with locals, visits museums and libraries, and reads through old diaries and deathbed confessions to piece together what really happened that dreadful day that Hettie was charged with murder. She realizes that if she can solve this mystery, she may be able to find her cousin.
I was fascinated by Burnett’s skillful storytelling, intricate plots, and connecting details to piece together the mystery.
I feel the need to touch on Hettie once more. The author’s writing creates a compelling and emotional character in Hettie. There are so many lines I would love to quote here, but there is a paragraph towards the end where Hettie (as a ghost) talks about watching the others who came to the pond over the years, die. And how maybe (as a ghost) she could have saved them, but she watched them die and then wondered if that made her a bad person. And what she says after that about being watched herself by the soldiers, during her sentencing, while she stood at the Hanging Tree, and while she died while they cheered, was so very profound and moving. I didn’t want the story to end - simply for this character.
Thank you, #NetGalley, #TessBurnett, and #BloodhoundBooks for eARC in exchange for my honest review. I absolutely loved this book!
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Incest, gang rape, sexual abuse, thoughts of pedophilia by a character, child death.
October 7, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
I absolutely loved this story! A real page turner that’s extremely heart wrenching and sad in parts. I loved the dual timeline and I was so invested in Hettie’s story and discovering the truth about the mysterious disappearances. Great character development, great plot, great pacing and an immersive reading experience that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Highly recommend to anyone who loves a bit of historical fiction.
I absolutely loved this story! A real page turner that’s extremely heart wrenching and sad in parts. I loved the dual timeline and I was so invested in Hettie’s story and discovering the truth about the mysterious disappearances. Great character development, great plot, great pacing and an immersive reading experience that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Highly recommend to anyone who loves a bit of historical fiction.
October 18, 2024
DNFd Chapter 16
I'm so sorry and can see I'm in the minority but here Is why...
It started off with the most awful abuse scene, which was to set the story up. My heart broke for Hettie.
I thought , this is gonna be gripping and harrowing.
Alice was more occupied with solving the mystery of Hettie , rather than focusing on her own in real life cousin going missing. I found it strange that she woke up every morning feeling energised, then having to remind herself her cousin was missing? Then she arranged a date with the guy who her missing cousin went on a date with?
We are reminded every other page or so that Fleur had money and I felt it was classism, it made Alice and everyone else sound jealous.
There is much sexualization of children in this book. Everyone's parents are dead or dying. There is trauma for traumas sake. What happens to Hetties little boy , there was NO need for. That's when I had to bow out.
I did how ever love the eerie setting of the moors and how it's was atmospheric. It was interesting to find out some history too.
I'm so sorry and can see I'm in the minority but here Is why...
It started off with the most awful abuse scene, which was to set the story up. My heart broke for Hettie.
I thought , this is gonna be gripping and harrowing.
Alice was more occupied with solving the mystery of Hettie , rather than focusing on her own in real life cousin going missing. I found it strange that she woke up every morning feeling energised, then having to remind herself her cousin was missing? Then she arranged a date with the guy who her missing cousin went on a date with?
We are reminded every other page or so that Fleur had money and I felt it was classism, it made Alice and everyone else sound jealous.
There is much sexualization of children in this book. Everyone's parents are dead or dying. There is trauma for traumas sake. What happens to Hetties little boy , there was NO need for. That's when I had to bow out.
I did how ever love the eerie setting of the moors and how it's was atmospheric. It was interesting to find out some history too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2025
It takes a lot for me to not finish a book but I gave up. It had such promise. Hettie's storyline could have been a fantastic story, but Alice killed it for me. She came across as so dull and dreary with very little about her other than her (or the author's) obsession with tea! Her cousin is missing and all she can do is bad mouth her while researching local history and going out with the guy who dated her missing cousin before she went missing (really messed up 😂). I gave up when she started raiding her missing cousin's clothes and makeup before a date with cousin's date, fixating on how "brave" she had become and how she didn't have time to do her hair/have proper shoes for with the pilfered clothes 🤦♀️ would any woman actually do this? When a family member is missing, potentially dead? Really?
A lot of the conversations were really banal and generally was just a really boring read.
A lot of the conversations were really banal and generally was just a really boring read.
January 2, 2025
I started this one thinking I would probably not finish it - I didn't like the sound of Alice at first & thought that the story telling through her perspective would be a dull read but I judged too quickly.
The book starts to draw you in because of the mysteries, the characters & their own stories, the heartbreaking tale of Hettie & how she was hung all intertwined to make a great book that I really didn't want to put down, or to end.
As you read the chapters, you grow attached to the characters & the way that the mysteries are set out makes you try & work out what happened to Hettie along with Alice who's investigating.
The book starts to draw you in because of the mysteries, the characters & their own stories, the heartbreaking tale of Hettie & how she was hung all intertwined to make a great book that I really didn't want to put down, or to end.
As you read the chapters, you grow attached to the characters & the way that the mysteries are set out makes you try & work out what happened to Hettie along with Alice who's investigating.
December 30, 2024
This was one of the best books of the year for me. I had no idea about anything except for the title bc it was a random KU pick. Once I started reading it I had to find out what else happened.
If you know me even a little; then you know I love ghosts, spooky, and the paranormal! This book completely surprised me with its light touch on that. It’s a ghost story that wouldn’t scare historical fiction lovers. And I also loved that it cleared someone wrongfully accused of several things.
If you know me even a little; then you know I love ghosts, spooky, and the paranormal! This book completely surprised me with its light touch on that. It’s a ghost story that wouldn’t scare historical fiction lovers. And I also loved that it cleared someone wrongfully accused of several things.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2024
I liked the historical/ dual timeline aspect of this eerie tale of vengeance from beyond the grave. What I didn't like was the modern day main characters, Alice was just too wishy washy and her choice in men was awful, I just loathed James the main love interest who annoyed me so much I nearly gave up reading. He has not one redeeming feature.
November 10, 2024
I enjoyed this! It was a good fall time read, I wish I had finished it before Halloween but I’ve started working again full time and so it took me longer than expected.
I would recommend this for someone who doesn’t like really scary, dark or overly creepy stories. It was very PG-13 except for some themes of rape and incest but does not explain those graphically in any way, shape or form. Closed door romance and really no swearing.
This story is about Alice who returns to a place from her childhood to search for her missing cousin. In the process, she learns more of Hettie Gale, a girl from over 200 years ago who was hanged for murder. Alice untangles the true tale of which has everything to do with her missing cousin. I enjoyed the chapters from Hettie’s perspective and found her quite charming.
I would recommend this for someone who doesn’t like really scary, dark or overly creepy stories. It was very PG-13 except for some themes of rape and incest but does not explain those graphically in any way, shape or form. Closed door romance and really no swearing.
This story is about Alice who returns to a place from her childhood to search for her missing cousin. In the process, she learns more of Hettie Gale, a girl from over 200 years ago who was hanged for murder. Alice untangles the true tale of which has everything to do with her missing cousin. I enjoyed the chapters from Hettie’s perspective and found her quite charming.
July 30, 2025
I feel bad giving it 3 stars, as the book was actually very well written and had good pacing. It was too cosy and sweet for my taste, and the main character was too much of a trope for me (the shy 'wallpaper' woman discovering her strength and making a change). I cringed at the love story. The main plot line was captivating, easy enough to guess but not in a boring way. I can see why this is a 5 ⭐️ book for many, and overall it was a good read.
January 11, 2025
I just thought the whole thing was very basic and could have been written better. I was really interested in the premise, but the execution was sub par. I thought the characters were very shallow for such a long read. I almost DNF and ended up speed reading through it. I didn’t click with the main character’s motivation or love story. I think the story could have been structured a lot better to include more twists and turns rather than the characters stating facts + secrets and making nonsensical realizations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2024
Tess Burnett's debut novel is written with assured literary confidence and is both captivating and chilling.
The author beautifully captures the bleak and eerie landscape of the Moor, using tropes of folk horror and a traditional ghost story, to evoke a growing sense of unease.
The path to Crow Pond, through a deadly quagmire, is as menacing as the causeway to Eel Marsh House, in Susan Hill's classic 'The Woman in Black'.
Alice and Hettie are unforgettable characters; separated by more than two centuries; one living and one dead; but linked in a fight for justice. The wives from the 'Big House' are also brilliant portraits of women oppressed by men who deemed themselves their masters.
A layered, emotionally textured story that is both haunting and hauntingly beautiful.
The author beautifully captures the bleak and eerie landscape of the Moor, using tropes of folk horror and a traditional ghost story, to evoke a growing sense of unease.
The path to Crow Pond, through a deadly quagmire, is as menacing as the causeway to Eel Marsh House, in Susan Hill's classic 'The Woman in Black'.
Alice and Hettie are unforgettable characters; separated by more than two centuries; one living and one dead; but linked in a fight for justice. The wives from the 'Big House' are also brilliant portraits of women oppressed by men who deemed themselves their masters.
A layered, emotionally textured story that is both haunting and hauntingly beautiful.
February 14, 2025
Good then fell apart
***SPOILERS***
Enjoyable and interesting story but then about 3/4 of the way in, fell apart and became the same old cheesy story of the female character falling for the brooding, moody guy in town. The relationship seemed unrealistic and rushed. Story could have been much better had the author just focused on Hettie and Alice.
***SPOILERS***
Enjoyable and interesting story but then about 3/4 of the way in, fell apart and became the same old cheesy story of the female character falling for the brooding, moody guy in town. The relationship seemed unrealistic and rushed. Story could have been much better had the author just focused on Hettie and Alice.
January 22, 2025
Really interesting concept for a story but I found it quite slow.
The main character, Alice, irritated me because her cousin is missing but she seems more interested in finding out about a person that died hundreds of years ago. She also kept saying, 'it was a different time, I suppose.'
The main character, Alice, irritated me because her cousin is missing but she seems more interested in finding out about a person that died hundreds of years ago. She also kept saying, 'it was a different time, I suppose.'
February 11, 2025
Story was interesting, but seemed to move super slow.
April 21, 2025
1772, young Hettie Gale abused and left to fend for herself is to hang. Charged with the drowning of her young son. Now, Alice has returned to her childhood holiday home as her cousin Fluer has gone missing. Alice soon becomes involved in the story of Hettie Gale.
I really enjoyed this book. I always enjoy a dual timeline story and this one is no exception.
The story does have some dark themes and opens with Hettie and the sexual abuse she receives. So be warned if this is not for you. It won't be the only occurance either as young Hettie doesn't have much.
The story does alternate between Alice and Hettie. Alice gets embroiled in the story of Hettie and as the story progresses the truth does come out.
With all small villages there are plenty of ghostly tales, superstitions and folklore which is always a big win for me. Alice in her quest for the story of Hettie uncovers diaries, visits museum and libraries to piece everything together. I did particularly enjoy the diary entries. There is a love interest which I could take or leave. It didn't spoil my enjoyment but I don't think it was needed.
I had a fun time with this book. There was plenty to hold my interest. I would certainly read more by the author in the future.
I really enjoyed this book. I always enjoy a dual timeline story and this one is no exception.
The story does have some dark themes and opens with Hettie and the sexual abuse she receives. So be warned if this is not for you. It won't be the only occurance either as young Hettie doesn't have much.
The story does alternate between Alice and Hettie. Alice gets embroiled in the story of Hettie and as the story progresses the truth does come out.
With all small villages there are plenty of ghostly tales, superstitions and folklore which is always a big win for me. Alice in her quest for the story of Hettie uncovers diaries, visits museum and libraries to piece everything together. I did particularly enjoy the diary entries. There is a love interest which I could take or leave. It didn't spoil my enjoyment but I don't think it was needed.
I had a fun time with this book. There was plenty to hold my interest. I would certainly read more by the author in the future.
September 17, 2024
I was kindly gifted an advanced reading copy by Bloodhound Books and Tess Burnett. This does not affect my thoughts on the book.
The Hanging of Hettie Gale is my favourite kind of rendezvous into the deep, dark and mysterious history of British heritage. Set on the Moors (inspired by Devon’s own Dartmoor), our tale begins with young Hettie retelling the moments of her life that led to her inevitable hanging.
Told in dual perspective by both Hettie and Alice, The Hanging of Hettie Gale explores dark themes of womanhood in the 18th century, family, strife and the lengths one will go to keep secrets at bay. Although it’s the perfect read for spooky season, with its descriptive scenes of winding fog and boggy marshes, Hettie explores important and at times dark themes that still prevail to this day.
Alice, a young woman who lives a solitary and quiet life, receives a call from a detective informing her that her cousin, Fleur, has gone missing on the Moor while getting affairs in order to sell Crag Cottage, the family holiday home. Alice, concerned and as the only living relative in England, immediately makes plans to go to Crag Cottage and assist in the search of her cousin.
Alice is a very familiar character. She could easily be your neighbour, your classmate or colleague. Although there is nothing significant about her, Alice has a way of capturing the interest of both readers and characters alike. She is funny and sweet and extremely gentle, and the way her story is entwined and unfolds alongside Hettie’s gives her a dimension otherwise unseen.
Hettie herself brings a level of heartache and innocence to the story that elevates it from “spooky village legend” to “emotionally-wrought gothic story.” Hettie is young as the story begins and we get to see her grow and find love for the small hands fate has dealt her. Although her story is short, it’s deep and important. I loved her entirely.
The Moor is the third character in this book. It is alive with myths and legends. The marshes live and breathe and the fog is an unpaid actor in bringing the book’s themes to light. I felt and heard everything described and had to hunker down a few times under a warm blanket when it became chilly on the Moor or Alice was wading through the marshes in search of clues.
I highly recommend The Hanging of Hettie Gale to anyone who wants something spooky but beautiful to read during the long nights of autumn and winter. There is a slight romantic subplot which had me kicking my feet in excitement, but the very bones of this book are Hettie, Alice and women past and present. It’s a feminist icon.
Whether t’is truth or n’e’r but a lie, who sees?
With his bright button eyes, and focus so keen,
Spies the crow.
The Hanging of Hettie Gale is my favourite kind of rendezvous into the deep, dark and mysterious history of British heritage. Set on the Moors (inspired by Devon’s own Dartmoor), our tale begins with young Hettie retelling the moments of her life that led to her inevitable hanging.
Told in dual perspective by both Hettie and Alice, The Hanging of Hettie Gale explores dark themes of womanhood in the 18th century, family, strife and the lengths one will go to keep secrets at bay. Although it’s the perfect read for spooky season, with its descriptive scenes of winding fog and boggy marshes, Hettie explores important and at times dark themes that still prevail to this day.
Alice, a young woman who lives a solitary and quiet life, receives a call from a detective informing her that her cousin, Fleur, has gone missing on the Moor while getting affairs in order to sell Crag Cottage, the family holiday home. Alice, concerned and as the only living relative in England, immediately makes plans to go to Crag Cottage and assist in the search of her cousin.
Alice is a very familiar character. She could easily be your neighbour, your classmate or colleague. Although there is nothing significant about her, Alice has a way of capturing the interest of both readers and characters alike. She is funny and sweet and extremely gentle, and the way her story is entwined and unfolds alongside Hettie’s gives her a dimension otherwise unseen.
Hettie herself brings a level of heartache and innocence to the story that elevates it from “spooky village legend” to “emotionally-wrought gothic story.” Hettie is young as the story begins and we get to see her grow and find love for the small hands fate has dealt her. Although her story is short, it’s deep and important. I loved her entirely.
The Moor is the third character in this book. It is alive with myths and legends. The marshes live and breathe and the fog is an unpaid actor in bringing the book’s themes to light. I felt and heard everything described and had to hunker down a few times under a warm blanket when it became chilly on the Moor or Alice was wading through the marshes in search of clues.
I highly recommend The Hanging of Hettie Gale to anyone who wants something spooky but beautiful to read during the long nights of autumn and winter. There is a slight romantic subplot which had me kicking my feet in excitement, but the very bones of this book are Hettie, Alice and women past and present. It’s a feminist icon.
October 10, 2024
Set upon the misty moors and boggy fens of rural England, Award-winning debut novelist Tess Burnett’s evocative tale, “The Hanging of Hettie Gale,” is a dual-timeline missing persons mystery about an ancient tortured soul seeking revenge and a modern woman she communicates with through the help of crows. Readers will find Burnett’s prose lyrically poetic and her creative figures of speech artistically original, making this book noteworthy in many ways.
My primary objection to this fantasy fiction is the inclusion of an explicit rape scene that appears early in the book. An allusion to the attack would have worked just as well—especially since “The Hanging of Hettie Gale” is a ‘cozy mystery.’ This is not a horror or scary story. It is a morality tale (with a smidge of a modern-day romantic interlude thrown in for interest).
JoyReaderGirl1 submits this objective review, and I offer my heartfelt gratitude to Author Tess Burnett, Publisher Bloodhound Books Kindle Edition, and Amazon Kindle Unlimited for making this haunting mystery available to the general public.
My primary objection to this fantasy fiction is the inclusion of an explicit rape scene that appears early in the book. An allusion to the attack would have worked just as well—especially since “The Hanging of Hettie Gale” is a ‘cozy mystery.’ This is not a horror or scary story. It is a morality tale (with a smidge of a modern-day romantic interlude thrown in for interest).
JoyReaderGirl1 submits this objective review, and I offer my heartfelt gratitude to Author Tess Burnett, Publisher Bloodhound Books Kindle Edition, and Amazon Kindle Unlimited for making this haunting mystery available to the general public.
October 10, 2024
Set upon the misty moors and boggy fens of rural England, Award-winning debut novelist Tess Burnett’s evocative tale, “The Hanging of Hettie Gale,” is a dual-timeline missing persons mystery about an ancient tortured soul seeking revenge and a modern woman she communicates with through the help of crows. Readers will find Burnett’s prose lyrically poetic and her creative figures of speech artistically original, making this book noteworthy in many ways.
My primary objection to this fantasy fiction is the inclusion of an explicit rape scene that appears early in the book. An allusion to the attack would have worked just as well—especially since “The Hanging of Hettie Gale” is a ‘cozy mystery.’ This is not a horror or scary story. It is a morality tale (with a smidge of a modern-day romantic interlude thrown in for interest).
JoyReaderGirl1 submits this objective review, and I offer my heartfelt gratitude to Author Tess Burnett, Publisher Bloodhound Books Kindle Edition, and Amazon Kindle Unlimited for making this haunting mystery available to the general public.
My primary objection to this fantasy fiction is the inclusion of an explicit rape scene that appears early in the book. An allusion to the attack would have worked just as well—especially since “The Hanging of Hettie Gale” is a ‘cozy mystery.’ This is not a horror or scary story. It is a morality tale (with a smidge of a modern-day romantic interlude thrown in for interest).
JoyReaderGirl1 submits this objective review, and I offer my heartfelt gratitude to Author Tess Burnett, Publisher Bloodhound Books Kindle Edition, and Amazon Kindle Unlimited for making this haunting mystery available to the general public.
February 6, 2025
Alice , a somewhat dull young woman arrives from London to a small village in Ireland to help in the search of her cousin Fleur who has gone missing on the bleak moors. Alice hasn’t had any contact with Fleur in years and her opinion of her is not a positive one. However Alice is successful in finding Fleur in the most in obscure place, becomes engaged and solves a mystery that happened in the 1700’s in less than ten days ! Way too far fetched for my reading pleasure . I skimmed a lot of this . The early story about Hettie and her son had potential but when super sleuth Alice gets involved in their mystery the book becomes ridiculous.
August 12, 2025
This was an amazing debut! Well developed characters ( and even the ones who weren’t particularly pleasant I found myself warming to them in the end. The setting is quite eerie and the author uses narrative well to describe an atmospheric place. The story is told from the POV of Hettie Gale and also of Alice, whose cousin, Fleur, has gone missing. All loose ends are neatly tied up and the ending concludes well. I cannot wait to see what this author produces next! A solid 4.5 star review!
August 30, 2025
I liked the story & the historical links to the present but I couldn’t warm to Alice or James. We are all flawed, it’s human nature, but both were pretty dismissive of others & James, in particular, rude & dislikeable. And I didn’t buy the timescales. I think I can pack a lot into a week but Alice shoehorned a whole life change into 7 days!
Still, I did enjoy it. I liked the concept just the characters less so.
Still, I did enjoy it. I liked the concept just the characters less so.
September 22, 2024
“The Hanging of Hettie Gale” by Tess Burnett features heartbreaking tragedies, compelling mysteries, and love stories, all wrapped in a dual storyline. Hettie Gale is a girl in the late 18th century who lives on the misty Moor of England and who has suffered abuse and abandonment by her family. She clings to the love she has for her little boy, but she is accused, convicted, and executed for his murder. Alice is very much a modern woman who has fond family memories of holidays at a cottage belonging to her aunt, uncle, and cousin. The cottage is near the ruins of the hovel occupied by Hettie and her son. When her cousin goes missing, Alice is summoned back to the Moor, and while she searches for clues to her cousin’s whereabouts, she cannot escape tantalizing hints about Hettie’s long ago fate. Burnett gives a distinctive voice to both of these women and their stories. While there are a bounty of characters who impact the fates of Hettie and Alice, the emotional heft of the book is carried by women who serve over the centuries as chroniclers for the heroes and villains, revealing their dark sides and hiding the secrets of those whose lives played out in the vicinity of Nether Dennyfold. The Moor with its mercurial, moody weather also looms large in the narrative. This is a terrific read for those who like mysteries, ghost stories, and a bit of supernatural intrigue.
October 31, 2024
This story was absolutely heartbreaking to read, but it was so beautifully written. I loved the dual perspectives between Alice & Hettie. I’m glad that the story ended with a happy ending for someone who had such a tragic beginning.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2025
A really really good read
I enjoyed this book so much. The history. The drama . The sadness. The ending which I hoped to expect.
Thank you Tess Burnett I will read more of your books 😊
I enjoyed this book so much. The history. The drama . The sadness. The ending which I hoped to expect.
Thank you Tess Burnett I will read more of your books 😊
June 12, 2025
These are my favorite types of books! It has been a while since I have found a good back-and-forth-in-time, family secrets, big creepy houses, and twisty story. This one was a fast, easy read that I really enjoyed!
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