What do you think?
Rate this book
The Hanging Tree
The Miseries - Book 1: The Hanging Tree
1992 - Springfield - Illinois: Jack Brooks thought he had left the nightmares of his childhood behind—until one fateful weekend when a student lures him into the school’s cellar, reawakening the horrors he thought he had escaped. Forgotten nightmares resurface, blurring the line between reality and delusion. As a child, Jack endured unimaginable abuse at the hands of his father, who was later found hanging from a rope. Raised by his domineering sister Rose, Jack has always questioned the truth—about his mother’s mysterious disappearance and the dark secrets Rose may be hiding.
Now an adult, Jack works as a gardener at his old high school, a place still haunted by the memory of gruesome murders committed by a notorious serial killer. Though the killer was found hanged, doubts linger—was he really responsible, or is the actual murderer still at large?
Trapped in the cellar over the weekend, Jack’s fragile mind unravels. The demons of his past return, but are they the manifestations of hidden psychoses or something far more sinister?
As disturbing memories resurface, Jack is drawn into a web of chilling events: the suspicious suicide of the student who trapped him, a determined detective reopening old wounds, and shocking revelations that threaten to destroy everything he thought he knew.
Are the horrors Jack faces creations of his fractured mind, or is a darker force from his past still lurking, waiting to strike again?
The Miseries - Book 1: The Hanging Tree is the first part of a thrilling trilogy. Begin your journey into madness today.
1992 - Springfield - Illinois: Jack Brooks thought he had left the nightmares of his childhood behind—until one fateful weekend when a student lures him into the school’s cellar, reawakening the horrors he thought he had escaped. Forgotten nightmares resurface, blurring the line between reality and delusion. As a child, Jack endured unimaginable abuse at the hands of his father, who was later found hanging from a rope. Raised by his domineering sister Rose, Jack has always questioned the truth—about his mother’s mysterious disappearance and the dark secrets Rose may be hiding.
Now an adult, Jack works as a gardener at his old high school, a place still haunted by the memory of gruesome murders committed by a notorious serial killer. Though the killer was found hanged, doubts linger—was he really responsible, or is the actual murderer still at large?
Trapped in the cellar over the weekend, Jack’s fragile mind unravels. The demons of his past return, but are they the manifestations of hidden psychoses or something far more sinister?
As disturbing memories resurface, Jack is drawn into a web of chilling events: the suspicious suicide of the student who trapped him, a determined detective reopening old wounds, and shocking revelations that threaten to destroy everything he thought he knew.
Are the horrors Jack faces creations of his fractured mind, or is a darker force from his past still lurking, waiting to strike again?
The Miseries - Book 1: The Hanging Tree is the first part of a thrilling trilogy. Begin your journey into madness today.
426 pages, Paperback
Published January 30, 2025
3 people want to read
About the author
Scott McCarthy
2 books2 followersScott McCarthy is a versatile artist, support actor and now Indie author. Best known as the creator of The Doodles from Planet Doodle. With a career spanning over 35 years as a professional singer and entertainer—and more recently, as a children’s and adult horror fiction author—Scott’s artistic journey began with a deep passion for music. Starting as a young Butlins Redcoat in the 1980s, he went on to perform worldwide, honing his craft as a solo singer and entertainer.
One of Scott's most notable accomplishments is The Forever Diamond Show, a tribute to Neil Diamond that has captivated audiences around the globe. In addition to his singing career, he has directed multiple stage productions, including The Buddy Holly Story, and played the lead role in the stage adaptation of The Full Monty. His extensive experience in the performing arts fueled his creative evolution into writing, where his imagination flourished even further.
In 2023, Scott expanded his talents to support acting, training as a SPACT (Special Action) Support Actor. He gained skills in sword fighting, martial arts, and horse riding. His first role back in support acting was as a Guard at the Red Keep and a member of a four-man ballista crossbow team in House of the Dragon Season 2, and he is set to return for Season 3.
Scott's debut children’s book, The First Pan Doodle, introduces Pan Doodle, a four-armed, stalk-eyed, lovable color ball from another universe, embarking on thrilling adventures with his friends. This book is the first in a six-part series that invites readers into a world full of fun and wonder. You can discover The Doodles for more whimsical tales.
Eager to explore new creative horizons.
Scott has now released his first horror/suspense novel, The Miseries - Book 1: The Hanging Tree. This chilling story plunges readers into a world of madness, murder, and despair. As the first book in an anticipated trilogy, it promises a gripping journey into darkness.
One of Scott's most notable accomplishments is The Forever Diamond Show, a tribute to Neil Diamond that has captivated audiences around the globe. In addition to his singing career, he has directed multiple stage productions, including The Buddy Holly Story, and played the lead role in the stage adaptation of The Full Monty. His extensive experience in the performing arts fueled his creative evolution into writing, where his imagination flourished even further.
In 2023, Scott expanded his talents to support acting, training as a SPACT (Special Action) Support Actor. He gained skills in sword fighting, martial arts, and horse riding. His first role back in support acting was as a Guard at the Red Keep and a member of a four-man ballista crossbow team in House of the Dragon Season 2, and he is set to return for Season 3.
Scott's debut children’s book, The First Pan Doodle, introduces Pan Doodle, a four-armed, stalk-eyed, lovable color ball from another universe, embarking on thrilling adventures with his friends. This book is the first in a six-part series that invites readers into a world full of fun and wonder. You can discover The Doodles for more whimsical tales.
Eager to explore new creative horizons.
Scott has now released his first horror/suspense novel, The Miseries - Book 1: The Hanging Tree. This chilling story plunges readers into a world of madness, murder, and despair. As the first book in an anticipated trilogy, it promises a gripping journey into darkness.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
March 31, 2025
I found this book on Facebook promoted by Scott as his debut. I was really looking forward to be taking over by story. Book started strong with main character Jack and his ,,sister”. Story is evolving around those two characters with deep dark story of miseries taking over Jack. There is loads of sub stories evolving and my honest opinion is that about 50% in the book I was a bit confused as it was hard to stay on track and evaluate story line. I found some sub stories too lengthy, no point except diversion. Overall it was good book for first attempt but think this story could be done on 300 pages rather 500. I will be interested and give a try to second book that is in making as psychological thriller is my cup of tea but hoping that story will be a bit more fast paced. It would be interesting if detective JJ will make appearance in second book. I was thinking 3 stars ⭐️ first but then reevaluate it to 4. I was sure that Jack is the killer about half way thru when whiskey bottle under the bed re-assuring me of the killer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 of 1 review