What do you think?
Rate this book
Why Did God Make the Tree?: A Patrick Denny Novel
Within the boundary between reality and nightmare, a psychiatrist confronts the dark mysteries of his patients’ minds—and his own.
Something isn't quite right in Waylingbrooke, New Hampshire. Beneath the shadow of the town’s red brick watchtower, Dr. Patrick Denny—once a successful horror novelist—returns to his former profession of psychiatry, seeking solace in the quiet routines of Everston Psychiatric Hospital. Instead, he finds himself challenging the institution's rigid reliance on medication as he guides his patients through the labyrinth of their minds: Samantha, an insomniac haunted by her parents' deaths; Michael, who believes he's living inside one of Patrick's stories; and Amelia, a catatonic woman lost for decades in the dark forest of her psyche.
In his attempt to untangle the mysteries of their troubled minds, Patrick finds that his own tormented past begins to bleed into his present, and the macabre storyteller that still dwells within him threatens to emerge. As stories seem to birth stories and reality loses its edges, Patrick must question whether his return to psychiatry offers deliverance or signals his final descent into madness.
Why Did God Make the Tree? stands as a haunting literary exploration of consciousness, with three interconnected parts where surreal dreams and stories-within-stories illuminate the nature of identity. Following in the Gothic tradition of Shirley Jackson and Henry James, Gregg’s evocative debut rewards patient readers with its layered complexity and dreamlike psychological depth, challenging our assumptions about sanity, reality, and the power of the stories we tell ourselves to survive.
Something isn't quite right in Waylingbrooke, New Hampshire. Beneath the shadow of the town’s red brick watchtower, Dr. Patrick Denny—once a successful horror novelist—returns to his former profession of psychiatry, seeking solace in the quiet routines of Everston Psychiatric Hospital. Instead, he finds himself challenging the institution's rigid reliance on medication as he guides his patients through the labyrinth of their minds: Samantha, an insomniac haunted by her parents' deaths; Michael, who believes he's living inside one of Patrick's stories; and Amelia, a catatonic woman lost for decades in the dark forest of her psyche.
In his attempt to untangle the mysteries of their troubled minds, Patrick finds that his own tormented past begins to bleed into his present, and the macabre storyteller that still dwells within him threatens to emerge. As stories seem to birth stories and reality loses its edges, Patrick must question whether his return to psychiatry offers deliverance or signals his final descent into madness.
Why Did God Make the Tree? stands as a haunting literary exploration of consciousness, with three interconnected parts where surreal dreams and stories-within-stories illuminate the nature of identity. Following in the Gothic tradition of Shirley Jackson and Henry James, Gregg’s evocative debut rewards patient readers with its layered complexity and dreamlike psychological depth, challenging our assumptions about sanity, reality, and the power of the stories we tell ourselves to survive.
306 pages, Hardcover
Published April 15, 2025
2 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 29, 2025
I enjoyed this one. I love the way it is written – so beautifully. A bit of a mind bender but reading it was a joy. The descriptions are detailed and vivid. The assorted collection of characters are weird and intriguing.
What is real and what is surreal? Where does the dreams end and reality kicks in?
The multiple narratives got me worried in the beginning but the author does a great job of weaving them together and in the end resolves each strand.
For the horror fan there’s all sort of nastiness going on – murder, family tragedy, heartbreak, magic, witchcraft and a lot more.
The theme of mental health is dealt with excellently. No big medical words here but you are made to understand what is going on. The author shows how easily misdiagnosis can happen and the consequent tragedy that can follow. I guess the confusion of a medical issue with the supernatural especially in mental health issues will not go away.
An excellent piece of work. I will be looking out for more from this author
What is real and what is surreal? Where does the dreams end and reality kicks in?
The multiple narratives got me worried in the beginning but the author does a great job of weaving them together and in the end resolves each strand.
For the horror fan there’s all sort of nastiness going on – murder, family tragedy, heartbreak, magic, witchcraft and a lot more.
The theme of mental health is dealt with excellently. No big medical words here but you are made to understand what is going on. The author shows how easily misdiagnosis can happen and the consequent tragedy that can follow. I guess the confusion of a medical issue with the supernatural especially in mental health issues will not go away.
An excellent piece of work. I will be looking out for more from this author
May 18, 2025
Review: Why Did God Make the Tree? by Tammy Gregg
🌳 Overview
Tammy Gregg’s Why Did God Make the Tree? is a haunting modern gothic that blurs the lines between psychological unraveling and supernatural dread. The novel follows Patrick Denny, a former horror novelist who retreats to a seemingly tranquil New England town, only to find himself ensnared in a labyrinth of nightmares, fractured memories, and unsettling truths. Gregg crafts a narrative where reality and delusion tangle like roots beneath an ancient tree, exploring themes of madness, redemption, and the ghosts we carry within.
✨ Key Strengths
🧠 Psychological Depth – Patrick’s descent into (or confrontation with?) madness is rendered with visceral precision, making readers question what’s real.
👻 Gothic Atmosphere – The novel drips with eerie small-town dread, where every shadow feels like a half-remembered nightmare.
✍️ Wit Amid Darkness – Gregg balances bleak themes with sharp, unexpected humor, offering respite without dulling the story’s edge.
🌲 Symbolism – The titular tree becomes a potent metaphor for buried trauma and the tangled nature of truth.
⚠️ Considerations
🌀 Narrative Ambiguity – Those who prefer clear-cut resolutions might find the deliberate ambiguity frustrating.
📖 Niche Appeal – Fans of cerebral horror will revel in this, but readers seeking action-driven plots may feel adrift.
⭐ Score Breakdown (0–5 Stars)
✍️ Prose & Style → ★★★★☆ (4/5)
🌑 Atmosphere & Tension → ★★★★★ (5/5)
🎭 Character Complexity → ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
⚡ Thematic Resonance → ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Overall: ★★★★ (4.3/5)
A gnarled, beautiful nightmare—where the roots of the past strangle the present.
🎯 Perfect For Readers Who Love
📖 Psychological horror à la House of Leaves or The Silent Patient
🌙 Modern gothic with a literary edge
🔄 Stories where memory is both prison and key
🙏 Gratitude
Thank you to NetGalley and Tammy Gregg for the advance review copy. Why Did God Make the Tree? lingers like a fever dream—unshakable and profoundly unsettling.
(Note: Review based on an uncorrected proof; final publication may vary.)
🌳 Overview
Tammy Gregg’s Why Did God Make the Tree? is a haunting modern gothic that blurs the lines between psychological unraveling and supernatural dread. The novel follows Patrick Denny, a former horror novelist who retreats to a seemingly tranquil New England town, only to find himself ensnared in a labyrinth of nightmares, fractured memories, and unsettling truths. Gregg crafts a narrative where reality and delusion tangle like roots beneath an ancient tree, exploring themes of madness, redemption, and the ghosts we carry within.
✨ Key Strengths
🧠 Psychological Depth – Patrick’s descent into (or confrontation with?) madness is rendered with visceral precision, making readers question what’s real.
👻 Gothic Atmosphere – The novel drips with eerie small-town dread, where every shadow feels like a half-remembered nightmare.
✍️ Wit Amid Darkness – Gregg balances bleak themes with sharp, unexpected humor, offering respite without dulling the story’s edge.
🌲 Symbolism – The titular tree becomes a potent metaphor for buried trauma and the tangled nature of truth.
⚠️ Considerations
🌀 Narrative Ambiguity – Those who prefer clear-cut resolutions might find the deliberate ambiguity frustrating.
📖 Niche Appeal – Fans of cerebral horror will revel in this, but readers seeking action-driven plots may feel adrift.
⭐ Score Breakdown (0–5 Stars)
✍️ Prose & Style → ★★★★☆ (4/5)
🌑 Atmosphere & Tension → ★★★★★ (5/5)
🎭 Character Complexity → ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
⚡ Thematic Resonance → ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Overall: ★★★★ (4.3/5)
A gnarled, beautiful nightmare—where the roots of the past strangle the present.
🎯 Perfect For Readers Who Love
📖 Psychological horror à la House of Leaves or The Silent Patient
🌙 Modern gothic with a literary edge
🔄 Stories where memory is both prison and key
🙏 Gratitude
Thank you to NetGalley and Tammy Gregg for the advance review copy. Why Did God Make the Tree? lingers like a fever dream—unshakable and profoundly unsettling.
(Note: Review based on an uncorrected proof; final publication may vary.)
July 29, 2025
I do like an unusual book. One that doesn’t fit neatly into any particular niche or pigeonhole, and Why Did God Make the Tree? is one of those books.
The book is in 3 sections: the Tower, the Monster, and the Tree. Each has a different story with interwoven themes and characters. One protagonist is a psychiatrist with alternative therapies for his troubled patients.
The story is told in part through the eyes of the doctor but a somewhat more surreal version through the eyes of the patients.
Why Did God Make the Tree? is part horror, part psychological thriller with witches and small town dark secrets, mental illnesses and old diaries that hold secrets.
We explore the human psyche, and have multiple viewpoints that interweave and undulate together.
It’s a challenging read, but in all the right ways.
It was a refreshing undertaking and another fabulous offering from a publisher who keeps us fans in words reliably. Thank you.
The book is in 3 sections: the Tower, the Monster, and the Tree. Each has a different story with interwoven themes and characters. One protagonist is a psychiatrist with alternative therapies for his troubled patients.
The story is told in part through the eyes of the doctor but a somewhat more surreal version through the eyes of the patients.
Why Did God Make the Tree? is part horror, part psychological thriller with witches and small town dark secrets, mental illnesses and old diaries that hold secrets.
We explore the human psyche, and have multiple viewpoints that interweave and undulate together.
It’s a challenging read, but in all the right ways.
It was a refreshing undertaking and another fabulous offering from a publisher who keeps us fans in words reliably. Thank you.
July 25, 2025
4.5 🌟Thank you to #Netgalley for this ARC which I absolutely LOVED and devoured in less than a day! T I had been in reading slump for many weeks and didn’t know what it was gonna take to get me out of it, but this one did it. It had everything it was fiction. It was mystery. It was thriller. It was sci-fi. It was everything.it filled a piece of me that I needed desperately as a reader to re ignite my passion for reading!
August 24, 2025
4/5 stars
Thank you Netgalley, IBPA and Tammy Gregg for the ARC.
Why Did God Make The Tree? is Tammy Gregg's debut novel and it is a really good one. Through three different stories, we follow Patrick Denny, an ex-writer and psychiatrist, and the lives of his patients who happen to be going through horrific dementia bouts, some more than others.
It has a bunch of horror tropes: (evil) witches, occultism, body horror, and more touchy, realistic topics such as degenerating mental health, sexual abuse, PTSD, infidelity. This book could use a list of warnings, because while it is not gory and torture porn, it does tackle some heavy stuff.
This book has a lot of great ideas: recurring characters with a varying degree of importance throughout the three different stories, the medical lens we get from Denny and his colleagues on the patients' struggles, the subtle hints dropped here and here, never obvious, always very matter of fact-ly, and when the reveals happen, it finally clicks. I liked the different inspirations for the different demons that plague Denny's patients; there's a little bit of everything and it's very refreshing, never knowing what to expect next.
My only gripe with it is that it feels like we should know Patrick Denny. He appears in the story as an already well-established character, and following his life gets difficult at times, almost as if we're reading book two of his series. I suppose it does add to the fever dream feeling the book dives in, so it was not a breaking point for me, just something I personally struggled with.
I look forward to read more books from Tammy Gregg as she hones her skills, because Why Did God Make the Tree was extremely promising!
Thank you Netgalley, IBPA and Tammy Gregg for the ARC.
Why Did God Make The Tree? is Tammy Gregg's debut novel and it is a really good one. Through three different stories, we follow Patrick Denny, an ex-writer and psychiatrist, and the lives of his patients who happen to be going through horrific dementia bouts, some more than others.
It has a bunch of horror tropes: (evil) witches, occultism, body horror, and more touchy, realistic topics such as degenerating mental health, sexual abuse, PTSD, infidelity. This book could use a list of warnings, because while it is not gory and torture porn, it does tackle some heavy stuff.
This book has a lot of great ideas: recurring characters with a varying degree of importance throughout the three different stories, the medical lens we get from Denny and his colleagues on the patients' struggles, the subtle hints dropped here and here, never obvious, always very matter of fact-ly, and when the reveals happen, it finally clicks. I liked the different inspirations for the different demons that plague Denny's patients; there's a little bit of everything and it's very refreshing, never knowing what to expect next.
My only gripe with it is that it feels like we should know Patrick Denny. He appears in the story as an already well-established character, and following his life gets difficult at times, almost as if we're reading book two of his series. I suppose it does add to the fever dream feeling the book dives in, so it was not a breaking point for me, just something I personally struggled with.
I look forward to read more books from Tammy Gregg as she hones her skills, because Why Did God Make the Tree was extremely promising!
June 25, 2025
Tammy Gregg’s debut novel, titled “Why Did God Make the Tree?”, skillfully weaves together elements of psychology, suspense, and surrealism. At times, the line between reality and a dream blurs, leaving me questioning what was truly happening.
Dr. Patrick Denny, a psychiatrist, has resumed his career after a brief hiatus to pursue his passion for horror writing. Currently, he operates a private practice and works at a local psychiatric hospital. The central theme of this book revolves around three of his patients: Samantha, who grapples with insomnia since the loss of her parents; Michael, who believes he receives messages from Dr. Denny through his horror novels; and Amelia, who has been hospitalized and catatonic for 20 years.
The adventure this book took me on was truly unique. As a retired therapist, I found it to be an excellent fit, especially with the setting of a psychiatric hospital and a psychiatrist as the main character. I particularly appreciated Dr. Denny’s clinical approach to cognitive behavioral therapy and his search for alternative solutions rather than resorting to routine medication for his patients. Tammy’s characterization of Dr. Denny was remarkable, as he was portrayed as a compassionate and empathetic individual who genuinely cared for his patients.
“Why Did God Make the Tree?” is a beautifully written and uniquely complex story that offers a fresh perspective on the literary world. The book weaves multiple stories without providing clear resolutions, which kept me engaged, intrigued, and eager to discover how these stories will be connected later in the narrative. The book was a complete mind-bender for me. After reading it, my mind felt a bit twisted, like the intricate roots of a tree. It took me some time to process the story and piece together the various elements. I enjoy books that challenge my thinking and encourage me to contemplate the deeper meanings.
With that in mind, there was one aspect that eluded me—what happened to Sam’s parents? Their deaths appeared to be a pivotal factor in Samantha’s mental deterioration, yet I must have overlooked it somehow. Alternatively, perhaps the reader is not intended to make all the connections.
I appreciate Tammy Gregg asking me to read “Why Did God Make the Tree?” She kindly sent me a digital copy of the book so that I could provide an honest review.
I have photos and additional information that I'm unable to include here. It can all be found on my blog, in the link below.
A Book And A Dog
Dr. Patrick Denny, a psychiatrist, has resumed his career after a brief hiatus to pursue his passion for horror writing. Currently, he operates a private practice and works at a local psychiatric hospital. The central theme of this book revolves around three of his patients: Samantha, who grapples with insomnia since the loss of her parents; Michael, who believes he receives messages from Dr. Denny through his horror novels; and Amelia, who has been hospitalized and catatonic for 20 years.
The adventure this book took me on was truly unique. As a retired therapist, I found it to be an excellent fit, especially with the setting of a psychiatric hospital and a psychiatrist as the main character. I particularly appreciated Dr. Denny’s clinical approach to cognitive behavioral therapy and his search for alternative solutions rather than resorting to routine medication for his patients. Tammy’s characterization of Dr. Denny was remarkable, as he was portrayed as a compassionate and empathetic individual who genuinely cared for his patients.
“Why Did God Make the Tree?” is a beautifully written and uniquely complex story that offers a fresh perspective on the literary world. The book weaves multiple stories without providing clear resolutions, which kept me engaged, intrigued, and eager to discover how these stories will be connected later in the narrative. The book was a complete mind-bender for me. After reading it, my mind felt a bit twisted, like the intricate roots of a tree. It took me some time to process the story and piece together the various elements. I enjoy books that challenge my thinking and encourage me to contemplate the deeper meanings.
With that in mind, there was one aspect that eluded me—what happened to Sam’s parents? Their deaths appeared to be a pivotal factor in Samantha’s mental deterioration, yet I must have overlooked it somehow. Alternatively, perhaps the reader is not intended to make all the connections.
I appreciate Tammy Gregg asking me to read “Why Did God Make the Tree?” She kindly sent me a digital copy of the book so that I could provide an honest review.
I have photos and additional information that I'm unable to include here. It can all be found on my blog, in the link below.
A Book And A Dog
July 31, 2025
Thank you Cemetery Hill Publications for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
A story within a story within a story! Gregg's novel lives up to its gothic and literary vibe and reminded me of the works of Flannery O'Connor, Faulkner's The Sound and The Fury, and Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House. Horror fans who enjoy mind bending novels with beautiful prose will appreciate the atmospheric horror and the macabre scenes in this book. And even though the book jumps from dreams into reality and weaves into different streams of consciousness, I never felt lost, just intrigued to find out what happens next.
As a content warning, the topic of sexual abuse is here but the novel presents it with sensitivity and there are no graphic scenes for it.
For me, the heightened sense of empathy for those struggling with mental health is the true gem of this book.
A story within a story within a story! Gregg's novel lives up to its gothic and literary vibe and reminded me of the works of Flannery O'Connor, Faulkner's The Sound and The Fury, and Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House. Horror fans who enjoy mind bending novels with beautiful prose will appreciate the atmospheric horror and the macabre scenes in this book. And even though the book jumps from dreams into reality and weaves into different streams of consciousness, I never felt lost, just intrigued to find out what happens next.
As a content warning, the topic of sexual abuse is here but the novel presents it with sensitivity and there are no graphic scenes for it.
For me, the heightened sense of empathy for those struggling with mental health is the true gem of this book.
May 15, 2025
The book is in 3 sections: the Tower, the Monster, and the Tree. Each focuses on a different story (or case) with a common hero and themes. Our hero is a psychiatrist with alternative therapeutic ideas for his troubled patients. We explore the world through the eyes of the doctor and the alternative world seen through the eyes of the patients. The characters are complex and there is more lurking between the lines.
Based on the description, I was a bit worried that the book would be too dark for me. But though the stories explore dark topics of the troubled psychiatric patients - and their sometimes equally troubled doctor - the book does not tip over into horror.
The stories are vivid but the author doesn't spell out everything. You'll be tempted to re-read sections to find the meaning. At times, I wanted more. The author seemed to skip major events in the timeline or interleave events. But looking back, I generally had enough information to piece together what happened. Just ride the plot line with a stream of consciousness.
True mystery readers may find the book a bit frustrating. While the stories are compelling, there is not a clean "wrap-up". In many ways this book is about perspective. You have to use your imagination and discover the meaning for yourself.
This would be a great read for a book club. Lots to discuss!
Based on the description, I was a bit worried that the book would be too dark for me. But though the stories explore dark topics of the troubled psychiatric patients - and their sometimes equally troubled doctor - the book does not tip over into horror.
The stories are vivid but the author doesn't spell out everything. You'll be tempted to re-read sections to find the meaning. At times, I wanted more. The author seemed to skip major events in the timeline or interleave events. But looking back, I generally had enough information to piece together what happened. Just ride the plot line with a stream of consciousness.
True mystery readers may find the book a bit frustrating. While the stories are compelling, there is not a clean "wrap-up". In many ways this book is about perspective. You have to use your imagination and discover the meaning for yourself.
This would be a great read for a book club. Lots to discuss!
April 11, 2025
Without a doubt, this has been the best book I’ve read so far this year. "Why Did God Make the Tree?" is a psychological thriller that completely drew me in - surprisingly so, since I don’t typically gravitate toward darker, more macabre stories. The author does a great job of exploring the human psyche, and the interwoven narratives create a truly compelling experience. Dr. Patrick Denny, the protagonist, has a tragic past and a layered, intricate life that made him fascinating to follow. I’m already eager to see where his story goes next. The other characters are impressively well-developed, especially given the book’s relatively short length (by today’s standards, anyway). In fact, this would be my only complaint - the book was over too soon :)
September 7, 2025
70% and I can’t be bothered to finish this.
This is like really really terrible.
A list of the things I absolutely hated in this book:
•It is demonizing psychiatry. Like literally, this book paints psychiatrists as evil and only wanting to drug people into oblivion and the protagonist, Patrick Denny, is the only one going against the grain.
•There is a nurse named Delacroix (that’s French) who is supposed to be German (she says "Oh ja" which isn’t French) and has possibly the worst accent ever put to paper.
•There is a priest who finds excuses for a pedophile.
•The writing can get weirdly male gaze-y for a book that was supposedly written by a woman.
•The first two stories (I don’t know about the third since I’m not going to finish it) include mixed media elements (a diary in the first story and a recounting of Patrick Denny‘s novel in the second) and they are incredibly boring.
A big thank you to NetGalley for the eARC, but this sadly really wasn’t for me.
This is like really really terrible.
A list of the things I absolutely hated in this book:
•It is demonizing psychiatry. Like literally, this book paints psychiatrists as evil and only wanting to drug people into oblivion and the protagonist, Patrick Denny, is the only one going against the grain.
•There is a nurse named Delacroix (that’s French) who is supposed to be German (she says "Oh ja" which isn’t French) and has possibly the worst accent ever put to paper.
•There is a priest who finds excuses for a pedophile.
•The writing can get weirdly male gaze-y for a book that was supposedly written by a woman.
•The first two stories (I don’t know about the third since I’m not going to finish it) include mixed media elements (a diary in the first story and a recounting of Patrick Denny‘s novel in the second) and they are incredibly boring.
A big thank you to NetGalley for the eARC, but this sadly really wasn’t for me.
July 20, 2025
Despite starting this book quite late I managed to read it in 3 days.
I was hooked on the stories the twist of horror and surrealism I found captivating and couldn’t put down.
the characters development along with the story development was so well done in a way I’ve not read before.
I’m not sure DR Denny is always completely professional but he is an incredibly interesting character.
I cannot wait to read more from this author!
I was hooked on the stories the twist of horror and surrealism I found captivating and couldn’t put down.
the characters development along with the story development was so well done in a way I’ve not read before.
I’m not sure DR Denny is always completely professional but he is an incredibly interesting character.
I cannot wait to read more from this author!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2025
Enjoyment: 3.5
Characters: 3.25
Setting: 4.5
Plot: 3.5
Style: 2.75
Rating 3.5
I wasn't expecting the story to turn out to be what it was. One thing I really enjoyed about the book was all the stories connecting together, It was nice seeing how some characters were able to live after being helped by Patrick. I would have liked to see what had happened to one character in particular instead of his monster, but the story still has a clear resolution and I was not upset with it. While I don't normally read horror this book pulled me in almost immediately and the atmosphere kept me there. I hope to see more as time goes with this author.
Characters: 3.25
Setting: 4.5
Plot: 3.5
Style: 2.75
Rating 3.5
I wasn't expecting the story to turn out to be what it was. One thing I really enjoyed about the book was all the stories connecting together, It was nice seeing how some characters were able to live after being helped by Patrick. I would have liked to see what had happened to one character in particular instead of his monster, but the story still has a clear resolution and I was not upset with it. While I don't normally read horror this book pulled me in almost immediately and the atmosphere kept me there. I hope to see more as time goes with this author.
July 19, 2025
After seeing a shout out for this book in Booklist, I was interested in reading this debut novel categorized as horror. At the same time, I'm cautious about reading horror that focuses on mental health as it often perpetuates negative stereotypes. To my extreme disappointment, Why Did God Make the Tree, the first in what will be an ongoing series about psychiatrist Dr. Patrick Denny, is ableist in its portrayal of mental health professionals and patients. There are only two perspectives offered from the two psychiatrists in the book: patients should be either heavily medicated or not medicated at all. In addition, there's a particularly troubling scene in which one of Denny's patients attends a concert with him, strikes up a conversation with a stranger, and is asking Denny to offer up diagnoses in front of this random person ("would you say I'm clinically depressed or suffering from generalized anxiety disorder? ... Would you say I'm a suicide risk?"). This novel is homophobic as well as ableist since the author uses the word "sodomitical" to refer to a child molester in the last chapter of the book. (The context doesn't make any amount of sense, since this character's "final sodomitical act" is writing a letter to the doctor and "unleashing these venomous aspersions on the world." Did the author mean sadistic? Apparently not!) I did not expect to see this outdated and offensive word in a novel that takes place contemporaneously and will be published in January 2026, and I sincerely hope the author and publisher consider revising this description. Needless to say, I will not be reading any further entries in this series. What a waste of my fucking time.
Thanks to NetGalley and Cemetery Hill Publications for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Cemetery Hill Publications for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 8, 2025
Review of Why Did God Make the Tree? by Tammy Gregg
Why Did God Make the Tree? is a psychologically intricate novel that explores themes of trauma, memory, and mental health through a fragmented, nonlinear narrative. The story unfolds across multiple settings—a rural mental hospital, a small-town theater, and isolated natural landscapes—blending timelines and perspectives in a way that challenges the reader’s grasp of reality and chronology. The novel’s structure is divided into three interwoven parts, each contributing layers to the overarching mystery and deepening the atmospheric tension. Throughout, the prose is descriptive and immersive, with vivid imagery that creates a haunting and often unsettling mood.
I found the book’s approach to mental illness and psychiatric care compelling, particularly in how it portrays the struggles around medication, identity, and perception. The shifting timelines and unreliable narrations kept me engaged and guessing, enhancing the psychological suspense. The story does not offer easy answers but invites readers to experience the characters’ fractured realities firsthand. At times, the narrative’s ambiguity and disorganization mirror the confusion experienced by the characters, which may require patience but ultimately enriches the reading experience. Fans of Stephen King and similar authors who excel at blending psychological horror with supernatural undertones will likely appreciate Tammy Gregg’s novel for its dark, thought-provoking atmosphere.
Thanks to NetGalley and Cemetery Hill Publications for providing an advance copy.
Why Did God Make the Tree? is a psychologically intricate novel that explores themes of trauma, memory, and mental health through a fragmented, nonlinear narrative. The story unfolds across multiple settings—a rural mental hospital, a small-town theater, and isolated natural landscapes—blending timelines and perspectives in a way that challenges the reader’s grasp of reality and chronology. The novel’s structure is divided into three interwoven parts, each contributing layers to the overarching mystery and deepening the atmospheric tension. Throughout, the prose is descriptive and immersive, with vivid imagery that creates a haunting and often unsettling mood.
I found the book’s approach to mental illness and psychiatric care compelling, particularly in how it portrays the struggles around medication, identity, and perception. The shifting timelines and unreliable narrations kept me engaged and guessing, enhancing the psychological suspense. The story does not offer easy answers but invites readers to experience the characters’ fractured realities firsthand. At times, the narrative’s ambiguity and disorganization mirror the confusion experienced by the characters, which may require patience but ultimately enriches the reading experience. Fans of Stephen King and similar authors who excel at blending psychological horror with supernatural undertones will likely appreciate Tammy Gregg’s novel for its dark, thought-provoking atmosphere.
Thanks to NetGalley and Cemetery Hill Publications for providing an advance copy.
July 7, 2025
Something sinister is lurking in the quiet town of Waylingbrooke, something that pervades the minds of its most vulnerable, driving them to despair or madness. Dr Patrick Denny, psychiatrist turned author turned psychiatrist again, believes they can be cured with time and care, a sentiment not shared by his peers who have decided medication and sedatives are the only way to keep the patients and the townsfolk safe.
Taking matters into his own hands, Patrick releases three different patients from their medicated haze and waits for progress. As the patients awaken to reality, Patrick will find there is a darkness within them all that may come from outside this realm, a darkness that is mirrored back in his own history.
Hook, line, sinker - I read this in a day and didn't notice time slipping past. Utterly sinister and dramatic, this certainly falls into a Poe or Lovecraft camp of creepiness. Gregg's writing paints a perfectly unsettling scene with a cast of pitiful, hateful, and determined characters.
There's a slight cliche to everyone finding the cause of their mental health, "fixing" it, and living happily ever after (for the most part), yet Gregg writes it in a way that doesn't feel disrespectful to mental health. Some plot twists you'll see a mile off; others sneak up behind you. This is a definite contender for horror story of the year.
Thanks to NetGalley and Cemetery Hill Publications for early ARC access!
Taking matters into his own hands, Patrick releases three different patients from their medicated haze and waits for progress. As the patients awaken to reality, Patrick will find there is a darkness within them all that may come from outside this realm, a darkness that is mirrored back in his own history.
Hook, line, sinker - I read this in a day and didn't notice time slipping past. Utterly sinister and dramatic, this certainly falls into a Poe or Lovecraft camp of creepiness. Gregg's writing paints a perfectly unsettling scene with a cast of pitiful, hateful, and determined characters.
There's a slight cliche to everyone finding the cause of their mental health, "fixing" it, and living happily ever after (for the most part), yet Gregg writes it in a way that doesn't feel disrespectful to mental health. Some plot twists you'll see a mile off; others sneak up behind you. This is a definite contender for horror story of the year.
Thanks to NetGalley and Cemetery Hill Publications for early ARC access!
August 1, 2025
3.5 out of 5 stars, rounded down.
This is a unique book by its own and I really think the premise is fresh and catchy. The mini plots are so intriguing until I couldn’t put the book down. I love how the author ‘asked’ me (as the reader) to “fill in the blanks” by making small holes in the story, and so I concentrated to make the connection and was satisfied when I finally did.
However, the big plot is weak. I am reading this as if I was reading a book similar to the Labors of Hercules (Agatha Christie’s), where one story doesn’t necessarily connect to the other - the big string joining them all was Poirot (in Christie’s), and in this book it was Patrick Denny.
I love Patrick Denny - I love how he also has “mortal problems” and not at all a perfect-psychiatrist like in some other book that I read earlier this year (hint: same theme, but leaning more on the thriller side). But I would like to know more about this mysterious Patrick Denny. I wanted to know how he became the dark hero in all of this stories. I want to know how he began … and the author is not giving me enough info for this. This is honestly too bad if this were meant to be a standalone book - but probably great if the author is willing to expand Patrick Denny just like John Connolly expanded Charlie Parker.
But Charlie Parker has a beginning and Patrick Denny doesn’t. The 5 pages of Patrick Denny’s history just served as an informative plot device and not the actual “beginning”. And 5 pages are certainly not enough, not with the excellent slow-burn that I have been reading throughout the first 2 acts.
The third act was a bit messy. A whole lot of the story belongs to another (new) part, and honestly some parts are better off omitted. It is unclear on this part whether or not this story belongs to third act. Such a shame! Both are equally good mini plots but I failed to make the connection. I forced myself to believe that the two was not interconnected after I finished reading, which leads to a gaping plot hole on the third act. Can that kind of event lead to the conclusion? I have no idea - even though I may read something about this particular issue, the author has the ‘written obligation’ (no pun intended) to explain or hint this to me. But there were no such thing.
I think this should be expanded to a 500, even 600 pages book. The ending felt rushed and the author did not take the time to build their world. I would like to know more about Patrick Denny and the characters surrounding him, their developments are unequal when actually there were a lot of potentials involved here. Yes please, I would like to know more about them.
The cover is not really supportive for this book, I like it but objectively speaking, it doesn’t reflect the book at all. The “Tree” that was mentioned in the title will not come up until the third act, so this is kind of misleading.I don’t actually know how the “tree” connects all three stories (probably it is a faint reference to the axis mundi?) however if this book were titled in the similar spirit of Christie’s “Labor of Hercules”, I think it would be more informative for the readers.
All in all, the publication feels rushed while the author got so many good cards in hand. She is a very talented writer and I honestly questioned the editor at this point. This book can be very coherent and very strong if developed in a systematic manner.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange of my honest review.
This is a unique book by its own and I really think the premise is fresh and catchy. The mini plots are so intriguing until I couldn’t put the book down. I love how the author ‘asked’ me (as the reader) to “fill in the blanks” by making small holes in the story, and so I concentrated to make the connection and was satisfied when I finally did.
However, the big plot is weak. I am reading this as if I was reading a book similar to the Labors of Hercules (Agatha Christie’s), where one story doesn’t necessarily connect to the other - the big string joining them all was Poirot (in Christie’s), and in this book it was Patrick Denny.
I love Patrick Denny - I love how he also has “mortal problems” and not at all a perfect-psychiatrist like in some other book that I read earlier this year (hint: same theme, but leaning more on the thriller side). But I would like to know more about this mysterious Patrick Denny. I wanted to know how he became the dark hero in all of this stories. I want to know how he began … and the author is not giving me enough info for this. This is honestly too bad if this were meant to be a standalone book - but probably great if the author is willing to expand Patrick Denny just like John Connolly expanded Charlie Parker.
But Charlie Parker has a beginning and Patrick Denny doesn’t. The 5 pages of Patrick Denny’s history just served as an informative plot device and not the actual “beginning”. And 5 pages are certainly not enough, not with the excellent slow-burn that I have been reading throughout the first 2 acts.
The third act was a bit messy. A whole lot of the story belongs to another (new) part, and honestly some parts are better off omitted. It is unclear on this part whether or not this story belongs to third act. Such a shame! Both are equally good mini plots but I failed to make the connection. I forced myself to believe that the two was not interconnected after I finished reading, which leads to a gaping plot hole on the third act. Can that kind of event lead to the conclusion? I have no idea - even though I may read something about this particular issue, the author has the ‘written obligation’ (no pun intended) to explain or hint this to me. But there were no such thing.
I think this should be expanded to a 500, even 600 pages book. The ending felt rushed and the author did not take the time to build their world. I would like to know more about Patrick Denny and the characters surrounding him, their developments are unequal when actually there were a lot of potentials involved here. Yes please, I would like to know more about them.
The cover is not really supportive for this book, I like it but objectively speaking, it doesn’t reflect the book at all. The “Tree” that was mentioned in the title will not come up until the third act, so this is kind of misleading.I don’t actually know how the “tree” connects all three stories (probably it is a faint reference to the axis mundi?) however if this book were titled in the similar spirit of Christie’s “Labor of Hercules”, I think it would be more informative for the readers.
All in all, the publication feels rushed while the author got so many good cards in hand. She is a very talented writer and I honestly questioned the editor at this point. This book can be very coherent and very strong if developed in a systematic manner.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange of my honest review.
July 5, 2025
Received as an early access eArc from Netgalley
Picking up Why Did God Make The Tree does take a little while. You are thrown into the middle of Patrick Denny’s world as he works with Sam, the centre of the first part - The Tower - of the novel. Gregg’s writing style drags you into this melancholy world pretty quickly, though, with psychological horror and a twisting narrative that leaves you never fully comfortable with where you’re sitting in the story.
The more you delve into the book, the more it feels like a fever dream as characters dip in and out of the story from each of the different parts. I think this is one of the reasons that I actually enjoyed the book though. Not really knowing what was going on was why I wanted to keep reading. Patrick Denny was an intriguing character and we were given just enough glimpses into his past to feel like there was a little bit of understanding into why he is the way he is. This mainly comes from the second part of the novel, focusing on the patient ‘Michael’ who has an unhealthy obsession with Patrick’s novel ‘The Monster’.
As a novel, I think it’s more suited to fans of literary fiction than horror. There are definitely a number of dark themes that are explored but a big focus is how circumstance and consequence lead to the development of a person and their illnesses. That doesn’t mean there aren’t some downright horrific moments that are uncovered by characters however going into this I thought it would be a bit more gothic horror based on the description.
I really did enjoy Why Did God Make The Tree, and I am very grateful to the author and Netgalley for supplying an advanced copy. That being said, I do think that it would have been harder hitting if not everyone got their happy ending. This book does such a good job with introspective analysis of people and their trauma that everyone having a normal/seemingly happy life feels deductive to the overall themes. If I had to pick a favourite part, it would have to be the first part. I really liked the dual narrative of Sam and the diary and how interwoven they were. It establishes from the off that Gregg is definitely an author worthy of publishing.
Picking up Why Did God Make The Tree does take a little while. You are thrown into the middle of Patrick Denny’s world as he works with Sam, the centre of the first part - The Tower - of the novel. Gregg’s writing style drags you into this melancholy world pretty quickly, though, with psychological horror and a twisting narrative that leaves you never fully comfortable with where you’re sitting in the story.
The more you delve into the book, the more it feels like a fever dream as characters dip in and out of the story from each of the different parts. I think this is one of the reasons that I actually enjoyed the book though. Not really knowing what was going on was why I wanted to keep reading. Patrick Denny was an intriguing character and we were given just enough glimpses into his past to feel like there was a little bit of understanding into why he is the way he is. This mainly comes from the second part of the novel, focusing on the patient ‘Michael’ who has an unhealthy obsession with Patrick’s novel ‘The Monster’.
As a novel, I think it’s more suited to fans of literary fiction than horror. There are definitely a number of dark themes that are explored but a big focus is how circumstance and consequence lead to the development of a person and their illnesses. That doesn’t mean there aren’t some downright horrific moments that are uncovered by characters however going into this I thought it would be a bit more gothic horror based on the description.
I really did enjoy Why Did God Make The Tree, and I am very grateful to the author and Netgalley for supplying an advanced copy. That being said, I do think that it would have been harder hitting if not everyone got their happy ending. This book does such a good job with introspective analysis of people and their trauma that everyone having a normal/seemingly happy life feels deductive to the overall themes. If I had to pick a favourite part, it would have to be the first part. I really liked the dual narrative of Sam and the diary and how interwoven they were. It establishes from the off that Gregg is definitely an author worthy of publishing.
September 7, 2025
Why Did God Make the Tree?
This is quite a strange book – which I mean as a compliment. Told from many perspectives the story takes on almost kaleidoscopic proportions, after all the blurb promises: “Three patients. Three stories. One psychiatrist unable tell where their nightmares end and his begin.”
I was surprised though that this is apparently intended to be an ongoing series, again not a critique but it’s a strange juxtaposition to have a “question reality” type plotline promising further stories – I’m not even 100% sure what happened in this one!!
As to the content I found this book surprisingly graphic and unpredictable, ambiguity around whether the supernatural happenings are real or hallucinations is a bit of a trite trope, but Gregg pulls it of very successfully by basically just never letting on fully what is going on (or maybe I’m just too daft to understand it all!). There is a good mix of creeping dread, scary and immediate threats, and supernatural conspiracy representing “real life”. Some of the scenes are actually pretty graphic which I will say threw me a little because I assumed this was going to be a more philosophically paced work based on the title (well you know what they say about assumptions).
All in all really glad I picked up this book – I know it wouldn’t be everyone’s cup of tea but if you’re into horror with a bit of a twist this is definitely worth a look.
(thnx Netgalley for an advance copy)
This is quite a strange book – which I mean as a compliment. Told from many perspectives the story takes on almost kaleidoscopic proportions, after all the blurb promises: “Three patients. Three stories. One psychiatrist unable tell where their nightmares end and his begin.”
I was surprised though that this is apparently intended to be an ongoing series, again not a critique but it’s a strange juxtaposition to have a “question reality” type plotline promising further stories – I’m not even 100% sure what happened in this one!!
As to the content I found this book surprisingly graphic and unpredictable, ambiguity around whether the supernatural happenings are real or hallucinations is a bit of a trite trope, but Gregg pulls it of very successfully by basically just never letting on fully what is going on (or maybe I’m just too daft to understand it all!). There is a good mix of creeping dread, scary and immediate threats, and supernatural conspiracy representing “real life”. Some of the scenes are actually pretty graphic which I will say threw me a little because I assumed this was going to be a more philosophically paced work based on the title (well you know what they say about assumptions).
All in all really glad I picked up this book – I know it wouldn’t be everyone’s cup of tea but if you’re into horror with a bit of a twist this is definitely worth a look.
(thnx Netgalley for an advance copy)
May 10, 2025
First and foremost, I would like to point out that there is a very good solid story laid out by the author. The biggest problem I have (and hence the three star rating), is that the plot is very dispersed. Many characters tell their story and they seem to be linked, but it is difficult to separate the different storylines as we are going back and forth in time, reading two additional books within this book (one unbeknownst to us the reader) and with characters that you can only assume are the same, but maybe not. Do I make sense, probably not, but this is just my point, and of course - the main flaw of the book.
Now, don't get me wrong. I hate it when a book spells everything out to the reader, thinking that we are not intelligent enough to link different facts. But here, just a more accurate sense of timeline (maybe as a chapter title) and a differentiation between the books would have made a huge difference to the reading experience.
As the title suggests, Patric Denny will be featured in other novels to come. I'm certain they will be just as interesting, but I do hope that the author will give the reader just a little bit more insights in what and when the actions take place.
Thank you NetGalley, Cemetery Hill Publications, and the author for allowing me to be an early reader. All opinions are my own.
Now, don't get me wrong. I hate it when a book spells everything out to the reader, thinking that we are not intelligent enough to link different facts. But here, just a more accurate sense of timeline (maybe as a chapter title) and a differentiation between the books would have made a huge difference to the reading experience.
As the title suggests, Patric Denny will be featured in other novels to come. I'm certain they will be just as interesting, but I do hope that the author will give the reader just a little bit more insights in what and when the actions take place.
Thank you NetGalley, Cemetery Hill Publications, and the author for allowing me to be an early reader. All opinions are my own.
July 14, 2025
Early access e-arc provided by netgalley.
2.5 stars
This book centres around psychiatrist Dr. Patrick Denny and the different patients he is treating. We mainly have Samantha, Michael and Amelia. All of these patients storylines were worthy of their own book. I found this is the reason I couldn't fully connect with the story. Each patients story had so much more complexity within it than what was shared. Having all these story's crammed into a short novel couldn't allow for the full depth of their characters to be explored. The novel as it stands being the tip of the iceberg of these characters, letting what lies beneath the water go unnoticed. In saying that I do appreciate the representation of this side of the mental health industry. The struggles of the sufferers and the abuse of power by those in authority. Dr Denny is a great protagonist. This style of story reminding me of the TV Show 'The Sinner'.
This is definitely a piece of general/literary fiction, expressing no horror elements in my opinion. More so thriller if anything. I enjoyed Tammy Greggs writing, however I did find some aspects of it to be underdeveloped.
I would recommend this to people of the genre but not so much to people unfamiliar with it. I would be interested in reading a sequel if it was made known that it focuses on less storylines.
2.5 stars
This book centres around psychiatrist Dr. Patrick Denny and the different patients he is treating. We mainly have Samantha, Michael and Amelia. All of these patients storylines were worthy of their own book. I found this is the reason I couldn't fully connect with the story. Each patients story had so much more complexity within it than what was shared. Having all these story's crammed into a short novel couldn't allow for the full depth of their characters to be explored. The novel as it stands being the tip of the iceberg of these characters, letting what lies beneath the water go unnoticed. In saying that I do appreciate the representation of this side of the mental health industry. The struggles of the sufferers and the abuse of power by those in authority. Dr Denny is a great protagonist. This style of story reminding me of the TV Show 'The Sinner'.
This is definitely a piece of general/literary fiction, expressing no horror elements in my opinion. More so thriller if anything. I enjoyed Tammy Greggs writing, however I did find some aspects of it to be underdeveloped.
I would recommend this to people of the genre but not so much to people unfamiliar with it. I would be interested in reading a sequel if it was made known that it focuses on less storylines.
October 17, 2025
THANK YOU to NetGalley for providing this ARC e-book for me
DNF at 46%
Why Did God Make the Tree? is Tommy Gregg's debut horror novel. It tells the story of a psychiatrist named Patrick Denny. Denny is a talented and well-known horror novelist. However, he suddenly leaves the hustle and bustle of the literary world and chooses to return to psychiatry.
Waylingbrooke Mental Hospital becomes Denny's workplace. Many of the patients and psychiatrists are what Denny considers "strange." Denny discovers many things happening at Waylingbrooke. This novel is actually quite promising for a debut work. The psychological thriller genre fits perfectly. It's divided into three chapters (The Tower, The Monster, and The Tree) with different topics. However, for some reason, even at 46%, I still felt bored and uninterested in continuing the book. Nothing kept me intrigued and motivated me to continue reading. One thing I highlighted was the sudden POV shift within one chapter, which I found a bit confusing.
Rate: 2.5/5
DNF at 46%
Why Did God Make the Tree? is Tommy Gregg's debut horror novel. It tells the story of a psychiatrist named Patrick Denny. Denny is a talented and well-known horror novelist. However, he suddenly leaves the hustle and bustle of the literary world and chooses to return to psychiatry.
Waylingbrooke Mental Hospital becomes Denny's workplace. Many of the patients and psychiatrists are what Denny considers "strange." Denny discovers many things happening at Waylingbrooke. This novel is actually quite promising for a debut work. The psychological thriller genre fits perfectly. It's divided into three chapters (The Tower, The Monster, and The Tree) with different topics. However, for some reason, even at 46%, I still felt bored and uninterested in continuing the book. Nothing kept me intrigued and motivated me to continue reading. One thing I highlighted was the sudden POV shift within one chapter, which I found a bit confusing.
Rate: 2.5/5
July 4, 2025
Why Did God Make the Tree presents an intriguing set of interconnected surrealist mysteries, where the suggestion of the supernatural lurks just beyond the page.
Patrick Denny is a former horror novelist, returning to his pre-fame profession of psychiatry, taking up a position at Everston Psychiatric Hospital in the town of Waylingbrooke, New Hampshire. Patrick is eager to return to a life of quiet semi-anonymity, but Waylingbrooke is no ordinary town, and he soon finds himself deeply entangled in the tumultuous lives of his patients, and embroiled in professional conflict with his colleagues.
The novel’s episodic plot structure is reminiscent of the kind of ‘monster of the week’ television popular throughout the 90’s and 2000’s, breaking the overall plot into three distinct sub-narratives. Readers going in expecting a more direct narrative flow may find themselves disoriented, particularly as the chronology of events is occasionally jarring. However, this is an instance where perseverance pays off, the reward being a surreal, introspective, pulp-gothic experience.
As one might expect from other works of surrealist mystery-horror such as David Lynch’s Twin Peaks, the characters here are often larger than life, often relying on familiar archetypes. For a novel of this length (approx. 300 words) this is an expected and economical approach which provides immense satisfaction in instances where characters subvert expectations, and adds to the sense of off-kilter melodrama which pervades the novel.
Our protagonist, Dr. Patrick Denny, remains a somewhat obscure character throughout, and a stronger sense of his goals and desires may have provided a stabilising throughline to aid in maintaining momentum across the three sub-narratives. As a result, the pacing feels somewhat uneven, particularly in the first half, while both novel and reader find their feet. However, once the ball gets rolling, the momentum is irresistible, dragging the reader along for the ride. As this is the first novel in a planned series, one should expect we will see more of what drives Dr. Denny, and learn more of his troubled past, in future installments.
This is a novel that plays heavily with themes of interconnectivity, the blurry threshold between dreams (or, perhaps more aptly, nightmares) and reality. While this is neither a true mystery novel nor a true horror, fans of surrealist in the vein of David Lynch’s Twin Peaks and the unsettling dream-logic of Shirley Jackson’s We Have Always Lived in the Castle will find a lot to chew on here.
Readers are encouraged to check trigger warnings, particularly those sensitive to themes of
Thank you to NetGalley and Cemetery Hill Publications for providing this digital reviewer copy, in exchange for my honest opinion.
Patrick Denny is a former horror novelist, returning to his pre-fame profession of psychiatry, taking up a position at Everston Psychiatric Hospital in the town of Waylingbrooke, New Hampshire. Patrick is eager to return to a life of quiet semi-anonymity, but Waylingbrooke is no ordinary town, and he soon finds himself deeply entangled in the tumultuous lives of his patients, and embroiled in professional conflict with his colleagues.
The novel’s episodic plot structure is reminiscent of the kind of ‘monster of the week’ television popular throughout the 90’s and 2000’s, breaking the overall plot into three distinct sub-narratives. Readers going in expecting a more direct narrative flow may find themselves disoriented, particularly as the chronology of events is occasionally jarring. However, this is an instance where perseverance pays off, the reward being a surreal, introspective, pulp-gothic experience.
As one might expect from other works of surrealist mystery-horror such as David Lynch’s Twin Peaks, the characters here are often larger than life, often relying on familiar archetypes. For a novel of this length (approx. 300 words) this is an expected and economical approach which provides immense satisfaction in instances where characters subvert expectations, and adds to the sense of off-kilter melodrama which pervades the novel.
Our protagonist, Dr. Patrick Denny, remains a somewhat obscure character throughout, and a stronger sense of his goals and desires may have provided a stabilising throughline to aid in maintaining momentum across the three sub-narratives. As a result, the pacing feels somewhat uneven, particularly in the first half, while both novel and reader find their feet. However, once the ball gets rolling, the momentum is irresistible, dragging the reader along for the ride. As this is the first novel in a planned series, one should expect we will see more of what drives Dr. Denny, and learn more of his troubled past, in future installments.
This is a novel that plays heavily with themes of interconnectivity, the blurry threshold between dreams (or, perhaps more aptly, nightmares) and reality. While this is neither a true mystery novel nor a true horror, fans of surrealist in the vein of David Lynch’s Twin Peaks and the unsettling dream-logic of Shirley Jackson’s We Have Always Lived in the Castle will find a lot to chew on here.
Readers are encouraged to check trigger warnings, particularly those sensitive to themes of
Thank you to NetGalley and Cemetery Hill Publications for providing this digital reviewer copy, in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 14, 2025
2.5 stars rounded up to 3
I can appreciate what the author did now that I’ve finished. Literary fiction is a genre I dabble in outside my main ones of horror and fantasy. After reading this I would say it is more for literary fiction fans than horror fans. The premise made me want to pick it up but also left me a bit disappointed when it wasn’t as dark as it sounded. The story within a story effect with time skips was disjointed and confusing, which might not have bothered me if I’d felt more connected to the main character or any of the characters really. Maybe that will happen as the series goes on. I don’t know and I’m not interested in reading more to find out but I think there is an audience for this type of book.
I can appreciate what the author did now that I’ve finished. Literary fiction is a genre I dabble in outside my main ones of horror and fantasy. After reading this I would say it is more for literary fiction fans than horror fans. The premise made me want to pick it up but also left me a bit disappointed when it wasn’t as dark as it sounded. The story within a story effect with time skips was disjointed and confusing, which might not have bothered me if I’d felt more connected to the main character or any of the characters really. Maybe that will happen as the series goes on. I don’t know and I’m not interested in reading more to find out but I think there is an audience for this type of book.
June 15, 2025
First and foremost thank you to Netgally and Tammy Gregg for this eArc.
Without further ado, this book read like a bad fever dream and an acid trip. Too confusing for me to follow, threads that felt like were leading somewhere and ultimately was discarded.
It was an exhausting read that had me squinting at the pages constantly. Whilst there were bits and pieces that were so engaging and had me on the edge of my metaphorical seat, the entirety of the book was just not... good?
If deep diving into the psyche of mentally disturbed individuals with a side plot of surrealism and metaphorical anecdotes sprinkled here and there is something that excites you give it a go.
Personally this book left me with a headache and a bad case of the heebeejeebies.
Without further ado, this book read like a bad fever dream and an acid trip. Too confusing for me to follow, threads that felt like were leading somewhere and ultimately was discarded.
It was an exhausting read that had me squinting at the pages constantly. Whilst there were bits and pieces that were so engaging and had me on the edge of my metaphorical seat, the entirety of the book was just not... good?
If deep diving into the psyche of mentally disturbed individuals with a side plot of surrealism and metaphorical anecdotes sprinkled here and there is something that excites you give it a go.
Personally this book left me with a headache and a bad case of the heebeejeebies.
July 29, 2025
What on earth was this book trying to achieve? It had multiple main and side stories, making it feel like I was wandering down different paths and getting completely lost. I believe this book had a lot of potential if it had focused solely on the monster portion. However, the tree and the tower were present for what reasons? I feel like we could have simply titled the book “The Monster” and continued Sam’s story, as the end of her story as a patient was not particularly clear in the first place.
The time jumping was incredibly fast and disorienting. Suddenly, it’s a year here, three there. I feel like this book put me in a whirlwind.
I really believe that the title of the book is not an accurate representation of what the reader can expect.
I read this book as an ARC via NetGalley.
The time jumping was incredibly fast and disorienting. Suddenly, it’s a year here, three there. I feel like this book put me in a whirlwind.
I really believe that the title of the book is not an accurate representation of what the reader can expect.
I read this book as an ARC via NetGalley.
July 21, 2025
WHY DID GOD MAKE THE TREE? – A Patrick Denny Novel – by Tammy Gregg
DNF – 58%
Having not read the synopsis since I chose to read the book, I like to dive into each narrative blind. I hope the cohesion of the story as a whole will be smooth enough to carry the narrative along until the end. Unfortunately, that is not the case with this book.
Where it also falters, for me, is the way Denny interacts with various characters, and his mentality in regards to those he treats, considering his profession, unless a means to some how show a downfall????
Cemetery Hill Publications
DNF – 58%
Having not read the synopsis since I chose to read the book, I like to dive into each narrative blind. I hope the cohesion of the story as a whole will be smooth enough to carry the narrative along until the end. Unfortunately, that is not the case with this book.
Where it also falters, for me, is the way Denny interacts with various characters, and his mentality in regards to those he treats, considering his profession, unless a means to some how show a downfall????
Cemetery Hill Publications
August 14, 2025
For her first book, I feel Tammy Gregg did a great job. It feels like several short stories in one book. You have Dr. Denny as the main character and several side characters that some you really like or really hate. It’s a great story line with a bit of humor, suspense and creepiness. We definitely need more Dr. Dennys in the world with how much he cares for his patients. I do think the cover of this book should have been like what Dr. Denny said his book would be like.
April 27, 2025
I was given a copy of this book for review purposes, but I will not be finishing it. The book is confusing and frustrating, trying to understand what is happening. Whose story is being told? The plot jumps from modern day to a journal that tells a story from the past. DNF at approximately 25%.
August 25, 2025
I'm having a hard time reviewing this novel and had to sit with my feelings for a while. I enjoyed reading it; the story is interesting, and Tammy Gregg is a talented writer. This book had great potential, but the execution is lacking, and the publication felt rushed.
We follow Dr Patrick Denny as he tries to help three patients to "overcome" their mental illness. The issue is that the time jumping was disorienting and often too rapid. We don't have a lot of time with each patient, and their story often feels incomplete. The book présents intriguing ideas, but I feel like it could have been three different novels. I would have loved more depth to each story. Also, as a psychiatrist, Patrick sometimes has very questionable behaviours toward his patients.
Overall, I enjoyed my reading. It is a good mix of mystery, thriller, and supernatural. I liked the setting, though it could have been better exploited. My main criticism is that the characters sometimes lacked consistency and felt a little caricatural. The finale was messy and felt rushed, unfortunately.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
We follow Dr Patrick Denny as he tries to help three patients to "overcome" their mental illness. The issue is that the time jumping was disorienting and often too rapid. We don't have a lot of time with each patient, and their story often feels incomplete. The book présents intriguing ideas, but I feel like it could have been three different novels. I would have loved more depth to each story. Also, as a psychiatrist, Patrick sometimes has very questionable behaviours toward his patients.
Overall, I enjoyed my reading. It is a good mix of mystery, thriller, and supernatural. I liked the setting, though it could have been better exploited. My main criticism is that the characters sometimes lacked consistency and felt a little caricatural. The finale was messy and felt rushed, unfortunately.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 24, 2025
twists and turns are the way with this book, you are never quite sure whether you are reading truth or a patient's wild imagination, are the horrors real or not? but the psychology and truths behind each patient are dark and the way the entire book wraps up at the end is absolutely perfect.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews