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Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm?
When Dr Emma Lloyd relocates to the quaint English parish of Hagley, she hopes to leave her painful past behind and reinvent herself as a forensic investigator. But her fresh start takes a sinister twist when she’s drawn into the parish’s most infamous cold case: the mysterious 80-year-old murder of a Jane Doe found discarded in a tree’s hollow. A woman the locals have come to know as Bella.
As Emma digs deeper and secrets come to light, she faces unexpected resistance—from her superiors to Bella herself. Haunted by Bella’s vengeful ghost, Emma begins to suspect the case is far more dangerous—and personal—than she ever imagined.
To uncover the truth, Emma must navigate a tangle of lies and confront the dark secrets buried in Hagley’s past. But some mysteries refuse to be answered, and as Bella’s restless spirit grows increasingly violent, Emma will have to decide how far she’s willing to go to lay her and the town’s ghosts to rest.
Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm? is a spine-chilling tale of obsession, betrayal, and the deadly consequences of secrets left too long in the dark.
As Emma digs deeper and secrets come to light, she faces unexpected resistance—from her superiors to Bella herself. Haunted by Bella’s vengeful ghost, Emma begins to suspect the case is far more dangerous—and personal—than she ever imagined.
To uncover the truth, Emma must navigate a tangle of lies and confront the dark secrets buried in Hagley’s past. But some mysteries refuse to be answered, and as Bella’s restless spirit grows increasingly violent, Emma will have to decide how far she’s willing to go to lay her and the town’s ghosts to rest.
Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm? is a spine-chilling tale of obsession, betrayal, and the deadly consequences of secrets left too long in the dark.
378 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 2025
11 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Blake Myers
1 book33 followersBlake Myers grew up in a small town in Ohio, nestled between farms on one side and bustling suburbs on the other. Being a member of Gen-X, he spent more time outside than he did behind a screen or tucked between pages of a book. Matter of fact, he didn't become an avid reader until after university. And oddly enough, as a fan of horror, he was terrified of the dark as a child and got nightmares from the 1966 comedy film "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken" starring Don Knotts. He took up horror novels and movies as a way to "cure" himself via exposure therapy—though he didn't even know that term at the time.
After completing his bachelor’s degree in Religion and Philosophy in 2000, Blake took a different route in life and entered into education as a teacher and coach. As an bachelor, and prone to vagabondism, he moved around between several states and schools before returning to Ohio to settle down for a short stint.
During that time Blake had made several trips to the Czech Republic and had begun to fall in love with the country and culture. The beer and food (though both highly fattening) are divine in his opinion. He made strong relationships with some Czechs during his travels and he was eventually asked to come for a year to coach sports. He was granted a year sabbatical from work in 2011 and then moved to Prague. There he coached in the evenings and taught English during the day to pay the bills.
While he had only planned to stay for a year, that changed when he met his future wife. One year became two, which eventually become three, then four, then five. Next thing he knew he had a permanent residency, a wife, and a daughter (in that order). He now teaches ESL to adult professionals and a few students full time via a local language school.
At this point in life, Blake had conquered his fear of the dark and learned to laugh at "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken", but his love of horror, the paranormal, and all things unknown had taken hold. He now devours horror movies and novels, though he confesses his ADHD prevents him from reading as much as he'd like.
Blake's desire to write came when Netflix released "Stranger Things". He fell in love immediately and something clicked. He wanted to tell a story that powerful. Once he started his first novel, the wheels in his head started grinding out stories left and right. He has a long list he hopes to pen one day, but "Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm?" is the one he was most excited about and just had to put to paper—ADHD be damned.
After completing his bachelor’s degree in Religion and Philosophy in 2000, Blake took a different route in life and entered into education as a teacher and coach. As an bachelor, and prone to vagabondism, he moved around between several states and schools before returning to Ohio to settle down for a short stint.
During that time Blake had made several trips to the Czech Republic and had begun to fall in love with the country and culture. The beer and food (though both highly fattening) are divine in his opinion. He made strong relationships with some Czechs during his travels and he was eventually asked to come for a year to coach sports. He was granted a year sabbatical from work in 2011 and then moved to Prague. There he coached in the evenings and taught English during the day to pay the bills.
While he had only planned to stay for a year, that changed when he met his future wife. One year became two, which eventually become three, then four, then five. Next thing he knew he had a permanent residency, a wife, and a daughter (in that order). He now teaches ESL to adult professionals and a few students full time via a local language school.
At this point in life, Blake had conquered his fear of the dark and learned to laugh at "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken", but his love of horror, the paranormal, and all things unknown had taken hold. He now devours horror movies and novels, though he confesses his ADHD prevents him from reading as much as he'd like.
Blake's desire to write came when Netflix released "Stranger Things". He fell in love immediately and something clicked. He wanted to tell a story that powerful. Once he started his first novel, the wheels in his head started grinding out stories left and right. He has a long list he hopes to pen one day, but "Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm?" is the one he was most excited about and just had to put to paper—ADHD be damned.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 10, 2025
I loved this book! What first drew me to it was the fact that it's a fictional story woven around a cold case—pretty interesting.
It's a slow build, and the author tactfully sets the scene while keeping the pacing just right throughout... and it's delightfully creepy. Myers takes his time elaborating on sights, sounds, and the sixth sense. You really feel as if you're there, and that's what I enjoyed most about this story. There's also lots of bone crunching and grotesquerie to satisfy horror fans like myself.
Myers does include an afterword as well, which I recommend reading. In this, he explains how he approached including factual information throughout this story. It was interesting to learn about his process.
If you're looking for your next creepy read, I highly recommend this one.
It's a slow build, and the author tactfully sets the scene while keeping the pacing just right throughout... and it's delightfully creepy. Myers takes his time elaborating on sights, sounds, and the sixth sense. You really feel as if you're there, and that's what I enjoyed most about this story. There's also lots of bone crunching and grotesquerie to satisfy horror fans like myself.
Myers does include an afterword as well, which I recommend reading. In this, he explains how he approached including factual information throughout this story. It was interesting to learn about his process.
If you're looking for your next creepy read, I highly recommend this one.
October 15, 2025
Who did it....who who?
October 20, 2025
A fictional ghost story wrapped inside a real and unsolved cold case.
Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm? is a wonderfully creepy affair. It gave me familiar (and most welcome) James Herbert vibes - particularly his novels Shrine and The Survivor. And there are touches of The Ring in there as well, for you fans of vengeful ghost stories.
The evenings are closing in at the moment, and this is a perfect read to accompany the season.
Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm? is a wonderfully creepy affair. It gave me familiar (and most welcome) James Herbert vibes - particularly his novels Shrine and The Survivor. And there are touches of The Ring in there as well, for you fans of vengeful ghost stories.
The evenings are closing in at the moment, and this is a perfect read to accompany the season.
March 13, 2025
The writing is smooth and well researched, making it easy to follow. The historical details are clearly a strength, and those familiar with the real case will likely appreciate the history. Unfortunately I wasn’t familiar with it.
That said, the story leans heavily on its historical foundation, and the pacing is more methodical than expected for a murder mystery. The early chapters focus more on character interactions rather than building momentum.
Readers who enjoy a slower, atmospheric mystery with a strong research element will likely find it engaging.
That said, the story leans heavily on its historical foundation, and the pacing is more methodical than expected for a murder mystery. The early chapters focus more on character interactions rather than building momentum.
Readers who enjoy a slower, atmospheric mystery with a strong research element will likely find it engaging.
November 26, 2025
A great mix of action and horror. A must read for any horror fan. Keeps you guessing until the very end.
September 19, 2025
Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm? is one of my favorite reads of 2025. 5/5 stars!
March 1, 2025
The only thing better than a ghost thriller is one based on a true story. The main character Emma is a CSI tech who approaches her work searching for evidence and facts, using that to form a narrative. But what happens when those facts lead her towards a sinister plot filled with horror and fantastical elements? This amazing story, that’s what!
Revenge plots are one of my favorite tropes, except this time revenge isn’t just reaped against the murderer/those standing in the way of said revenge. An entire town is victim of this “town curse”. The mystery becomes less about solving the case and more about self-preservation, even as Emma (and myself by extension) become more invested in the decades’ old cold case. Like Emma, every new lead left me with more questions than answers. And even as I became more and more sympathetic to Bella’s plight, I wanted to shake her and tell her to stop killing everyone (except one person, but that’s a spoiler with a happy ending you’ll just have to enjoy first-hand).
I’ve always been a fan of horror but was blessed to realize that it was just fiction the moment the last page was turned/credits rolled… until now. I had to read this during the day, and even now thinking of certain scenes just gives me the chills. In summary, I would definitely recommend this book to lovers of the genre, but remember…
Whisper carefully.
~Please note that I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.~
Revenge plots are one of my favorite tropes, except this time revenge isn’t just reaped against the murderer/those standing in the way of said revenge. An entire town is victim of this “town curse”. The mystery becomes less about solving the case and more about self-preservation, even as Emma (and myself by extension) become more invested in the decades’ old cold case. Like Emma, every new lead left me with more questions than answers. And even as I became more and more sympathetic to Bella’s plight, I wanted to shake her and tell her to stop killing everyone (except one person, but that’s a spoiler with a happy ending you’ll just have to enjoy first-hand).
I’ve always been a fan of horror but was blessed to realize that it was just fiction the moment the last page was turned/credits rolled… until now. I had to read this during the day, and even now thinking of certain scenes just gives me the chills. In summary, I would definitely recommend this book to lovers of the genre, but remember…
Whisper carefully.
~Please note that I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.~
October 25, 2025
A hauntingly beautiful read. Meticulous crime scene investigation, supernatural scares with picture perfect prose. Read for spooky season. In fact read it now, excellent and I can't wait for Myers next book, which I know a little about and it sounds terrifying...
July 22, 2025
In the past few months, two novels have made me want to jump in the pages. Who Put Bella In The Wych Elm is Blake Myers debut novel, and he hits it out of the park. I'm talking bases loaded, Bryce Harper is up to bat, two outs, fast ball down the middle, and BAM, Phillies win the World series! Yea, this book hits you like that.
The story follows a cold case from 1943 on the outskirts of Hagley Wood Worcestershire, England. Four boys discover what seems to be human remains inside of a wych elm. Investigation later concluded it to be of a woman and was determined the remains had been there for at least 18 months. That is all the back story you will receive.
From page one, I was hooked. I instantly fell in love with the writing. The authors writing keeps you engaged, and the flow and structure to it is done extremely well, which made it easy and quick to read. I enjoyed how the author focuses on establishing character development before getting into the nitty gritty of the story. You learn a lot about the protagonist (Dr. Emma Lloyd) early on, and the connection you get because of how focused it is on her is truly amazing. For anyone who loves to have a connection with the MC or any character in a book, you get that satisfaction in this. Well done in my eyes.
So you know the story is based on an actual murder back in 1943, as I discussed earlier. What I find fascinating is how well the historical fiction is interlaced with the fictional narrative. The author provides an afterword at the end, which I strongly recommend you take the time to read. It shows how much homework and hard work was put in. I can only imagine how long it took to write this because to me, I feel the author was working on this for some time. It did not feel rushed in the slightest.
For anyone who is looking for a novel that will give you goosebumps. Make you turn the lights on, check your backseat before entering your vehicle, this is the book for you. Blake Myers is one to keep your eye on because he's just getting started. HIGHLY recommend!
The story follows a cold case from 1943 on the outskirts of Hagley Wood Worcestershire, England. Four boys discover what seems to be human remains inside of a wych elm. Investigation later concluded it to be of a woman and was determined the remains had been there for at least 18 months. That is all the back story you will receive.
From page one, I was hooked. I instantly fell in love with the writing. The authors writing keeps you engaged, and the flow and structure to it is done extremely well, which made it easy and quick to read. I enjoyed how the author focuses on establishing character development before getting into the nitty gritty of the story. You learn a lot about the protagonist (Dr. Emma Lloyd) early on, and the connection you get because of how focused it is on her is truly amazing. For anyone who loves to have a connection with the MC or any character in a book, you get that satisfaction in this. Well done in my eyes.
So you know the story is based on an actual murder back in 1943, as I discussed earlier. What I find fascinating is how well the historical fiction is interlaced with the fictional narrative. The author provides an afterword at the end, which I strongly recommend you take the time to read. It shows how much homework and hard work was put in. I can only imagine how long it took to write this because to me, I feel the author was working on this for some time. It did not feel rushed in the slightest.
For anyone who is looking for a novel that will give you goosebumps. Make you turn the lights on, check your backseat before entering your vehicle, this is the book for you. Blake Myers is one to keep your eye on because he's just getting started. HIGHLY recommend!
July 27, 2025
I don't normally go for paranormal/horror books, but I'm glad I picked this up. It has just the right blend of creepiness and action without going too far. It's got really good characters; ones that you really like and ones that you come to despise. A thoroughly enjoyable read and one that was really hard to put down the further I got into it.
March 4, 2025
I kind of loved the fact that I didn't realize this was based on real events until I was about halfway thru the book. Now I want to dive down all the rabbit holes and read more about Bella and her tragic end. I was not quite sure how this would end, which I always appreciate in a mystery/horror book...the fact that I was not sure just where we would find Emma and Bella at the end made it a great read for me.
October 2, 2025
This book was spooky, creepy, and suspenseful! I love the blur between fiction and non-fiction!! Was the perfect read for October!
February 27, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this book. The fact that it is based on true events was intriguing. It had a lot of feed forward which I really enjoy in books that I read. The author did an outstanding job developing the characters and plot. The other thing I found interesting was the information at the end of the book that separated facts from fiction. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes suspenseful books.
July 31, 2025
This is a fascinating blend of true crime mystery, police procedural, and supernatural horror. The basis of the story is a real mystery. In April of 1943, the skeletal remains of an unidentified woman were discovered in a wych elm in the village of Hagley in Worcestershire. In all the decades since, no one has been able to figure out who she was or how she came to be inside the tree, but graffiti asking the same question as in this book’s title started popping up in the village.
What author Myers has done here is to take that mystery as a jumping off point and then introduce a fictional cast of characters including a main character who inherits the cold case when she takes over as a forensic investigator. But along the way, she discovers both that the village seems to be keeping some strange secrets, including rituals connected to Bella’s case…and then the villagers including our main character start experiencing ghostly supernatural occurrences.
In that way, the novel reads as something of a hybrid between a police procedural mystery novel and a supernatural horror novel. Perhaps sometimes it struggles a bit to maintain both of those threads simultaneously and thus occasionally seems instead to alternate between the two, but that’s only a minor criticism because both stories are entirely interesting and engaging throughout. While I didn’t find the horror elements truly scary, I think it’s safe to attribute that to my own jaded desensitization to the genre rather than any lack of frightening subject matter in the story.
Because this does fictionalize a true unsolved cold case, I had some initial concerns regarding how it might end. Leaving the case unsolved at the end of the book would seem to be narratively dissatisfactory, while supplying a fictional solution to a real case could be historically untoward. I have to say, though, I’m pleasantly surprised by how well the author managed to thread that needle. I won’t spoil the ending but I will say that I was pleased on both the historic and literary levels. The author also includes an afterword in which he clearly spells out which elements are real and which are products of his own imagination so the reader won’t be left with any undue confusion.
I believe this is the author’s first novel. With a debut this strong, I will most assuredly come back for the second.
What author Myers has done here is to take that mystery as a jumping off point and then introduce a fictional cast of characters including a main character who inherits the cold case when she takes over as a forensic investigator. But along the way, she discovers both that the village seems to be keeping some strange secrets, including rituals connected to Bella’s case…and then the villagers including our main character start experiencing ghostly supernatural occurrences.
In that way, the novel reads as something of a hybrid between a police procedural mystery novel and a supernatural horror novel. Perhaps sometimes it struggles a bit to maintain both of those threads simultaneously and thus occasionally seems instead to alternate between the two, but that’s only a minor criticism because both stories are entirely interesting and engaging throughout. While I didn’t find the horror elements truly scary, I think it’s safe to attribute that to my own jaded desensitization to the genre rather than any lack of frightening subject matter in the story.
Because this does fictionalize a true unsolved cold case, I had some initial concerns regarding how it might end. Leaving the case unsolved at the end of the book would seem to be narratively dissatisfactory, while supplying a fictional solution to a real case could be historically untoward. I have to say, though, I’m pleasantly surprised by how well the author managed to thread that needle. I won’t spoil the ending but I will say that I was pleased on both the historic and literary levels. The author also includes an afterword in which he clearly spells out which elements are real and which are products of his own imagination so the reader won’t be left with any undue confusion.
I believe this is the author’s first novel. With a debut this strong, I will most assuredly come back for the second.
December 5, 2025
fantastic horror mystery
This was a wicked adventure filled with suspense, intrigue, and supernatural horror. Even with a decent amount of characters, the author did a great job keeping the pace moving and each personality unique.
So many things to love about this thriller, and I can’t wait to read any book published by this talented author.
Great story, well executed💫
This was a wicked adventure filled with suspense, intrigue, and supernatural horror. Even with a decent amount of characters, the author did a great job keeping the pace moving and each personality unique.
So many things to love about this thriller, and I can’t wait to read any book published by this talented author.
Great story, well executed💫
March 1, 2025
Loved this book! I love a good mystery, especially when it’s based on a true crime, so this book was for me. It pulled me in right away with its descriptive writing, and had solid character development throughout. This book kept me guessing, which is a hallmark of a good mystery in my opinion! I can’t wait to read what the author writes next!
September 3, 2025
Indie book so good you'd think it was traditionally published! The pacing is phenomenal, and the characters are relatable. A true page turner that I couldn't put down! I was reading this mostly at night, with spooky ambiance playing in the background, and there are parts in this book that genuinely gave me the creeps.
I will say, like most horror, the scary factor dies once the monster is revealed, but after that, the mystery aspect of the book picks it up and carries it the rest of the way. Due to my own personal tastes, I can't give it a 5/5 because I dislike vengeful spirits that can't be satisfied. It would have been nice to have a happier ending than the cliffhanger we got, mainly since the spirit is based on a real-life murder mystery.
I will say, like most horror, the scary factor dies once the monster is revealed, but after that, the mystery aspect of the book picks it up and carries it the rest of the way. Due to my own personal tastes, I can't give it a 5/5 because I dislike vengeful spirits that can't be satisfied. It would have been nice to have a happier ending than the cliffhanger we got, mainly since the spirit is based on a real-life murder mystery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2025
Wow!!!! Fantastic thriller with twists and turns I was not expecting. Great character development. I loved the author’s take on what happened to Bella since this is really a true unsolved crime! Unbelievable that this was the author’s first book. Cannot wait to read his next one!
April 25, 2025
“Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm” by Blake Myers is a haunting, atmospheric thriller that blends true crime with psychological suspense. The book pulls you into the decades-old mystery of Bella, unraveling chilling secrets and unsettling questions that kept me turning the pages. Myers masterfully builds an eerie sense of place, weaving fact and fiction together and leaving you questioning what’s real long after the final page. If you love dark mysteries that linger in your mind, this one’s for you.
October 21, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It's a Supernatural Twist on a Real Unsolved Case. Not only are the characters well done, but the flow, the twist and turns, and the climax were also well done!
I like how he put in the back of the book what was Factual and what was Fictional.
This book made me want to learn more about the mystery that IS "Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm"!
I like how he put in the back of the book what was Factual and what was Fictional.
This book made me want to learn more about the mystery that IS "Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm"!
September 28, 2025
This one has a fantastic premise and plenty of action, scares, and intrigue. The dread builds and builds, and the mystery keeps you guessing all the way. British readers may find that the language misses the mark now and then, which puts it in 4.5 star territory for me, but overall it’s a gripping read and the resolution is very nicely worked. I would gladly check out the next book from this author and hope he’s working on one.
October 8, 2025
Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm? By Blake Myers
4.35 rounded down to 4 🔮🔮🔮🔮orbs
Pub. Date: March 1, 2025
Coffin & Nails Publishing
Monday, 19th April, 1943, Hagley Woods, Worcestershire, England…
💡 Orbs Prologue: I wore the night fog like a plumed skirt. A braided rope sways upon my bough; the full moon illuminates its tawny threads. My wind-blown branches shudder in admittance of culpability; surely I am an accessory to murder. I escape Dutch elm disease, whereby my life-giving sap is clogged; however, my open pores are thoroughly infected with an unescapable guilt. The delirious perpetrator has stuffed my maw, made of two twisted trunks, alerting my senses of wrongdoing. Through decomposition, I absorb the nutrients of this heinous act; the beetles, worms, and maggots delight in the feast. One question remains, dear reader: Who put Bella in the Wych Elm?
🔩 Nuts & Bolts: Bella, who is she? Following a path of questions, readers embark on a journey of discovery requiring bravery and fortitude. Author Blake Myers, slowly dragging his blood-stained quill, scraping gently across the cracked concrete, asks for help. A high-pitched screech follows us, ever-distracting, reminding readers that the task at hand is not finished. Decades have passed, yet we are left with a puzzle and subsequent dilemma. In an effort to mitigate the damage, previous generations have chosen to place a temporary band-aid on the community's wound. Death Week is upon us, with graffiti-filled walls and insanity-driven conduits; an unfathomable wrath is released. CSI Emma Lloyd has unknowingly been handed the torch after her predecessor is found in a rather unpleasant condition. Left now in the hands of Emma, Bella’s story and bones remain still for examination on the cold autopsy table, for the moment. Rest assured, as the complexity of the tale unfolds, the echoes of the past haunt those involved in search of the truth and retribution. How far do the lies travel? Who is at the apex of the mountain of deceit?
👍 Orbs Pros: Simply stunning visceral horror. Nothing creeps me out more than the echoing sound haunting the movement of my eyes as I scan the text. There is pain, sorrow, and empathy oozing throughout. Myers' prose is tremendous. Some horror authors understand what is truly gut-wrenching, and Myers has done himself proud in this regard. An unrelenting feeling prevails; the sands of time are running out, culminating in a mountain of desperation to solve this complex story. I was fascinated by the author's inclusion of reverse decomposition, or reconstruction per se, adding a bit of a wrinkle to your standard affair.
👎 Orbs Cons: There were a couple of circumstances where I was wondering about the legitimacy of how a scene concludes. The realism of someone’s ability to survive, for example. A minor nitpick. In my older years, I try as a reader not to overanalyze such things, and as such, in no way should this be a deal breaker for even the most staunch critic.
Highly Recommended! Being based upon a true story only adds to the eerie mystique whilst simultaneously providing ample psychological goodness minus the over-the-top gore that might cause some to hesitate. This should be one you keep on your spooky season radar!
💡 Orbs Epilogue: A slow drizzle patters my branches. The water drips down the cracks of my gnarled bark. My dead double-toothed leaves lie mockingly upon the muddy surface below, free of sin. The markings of someone being dragged and a blood-stained rock sit silently amongst the scenery. Lying inside my confines, I wondered what life this person led. Why would someone treat them with such cruelty? What more can I do? I have broken my bough, absconding myself from any crime; however, I can only wave to those yonder, my pitchfork-like limbs calling for help, and yet I look no different than any other tree in the wild. Hopelessness settles within me; I feel used. Perhaps I have one job now, to remain a towering presence solidly rooted to this spot until someone comes and makes amends. Yes, that is what I will do; until then, I grow tired and must sleep...
4.35 rounded down to 4 🔮🔮🔮🔮orbs
Pub. Date: March 1, 2025
Coffin & Nails Publishing
Monday, 19th April, 1943, Hagley Woods, Worcestershire, England…
💡 Orbs Prologue: I wore the night fog like a plumed skirt. A braided rope sways upon my bough; the full moon illuminates its tawny threads. My wind-blown branches shudder in admittance of culpability; surely I am an accessory to murder. I escape Dutch elm disease, whereby my life-giving sap is clogged; however, my open pores are thoroughly infected with an unescapable guilt. The delirious perpetrator has stuffed my maw, made of two twisted trunks, alerting my senses of wrongdoing. Through decomposition, I absorb the nutrients of this heinous act; the beetles, worms, and maggots delight in the feast. One question remains, dear reader: Who put Bella in the Wych Elm?
🔩 Nuts & Bolts: Bella, who is she? Following a path of questions, readers embark on a journey of discovery requiring bravery and fortitude. Author Blake Myers, slowly dragging his blood-stained quill, scraping gently across the cracked concrete, asks for help. A high-pitched screech follows us, ever-distracting, reminding readers that the task at hand is not finished. Decades have passed, yet we are left with a puzzle and subsequent dilemma. In an effort to mitigate the damage, previous generations have chosen to place a temporary band-aid on the community's wound. Death Week is upon us, with graffiti-filled walls and insanity-driven conduits; an unfathomable wrath is released. CSI Emma Lloyd has unknowingly been handed the torch after her predecessor is found in a rather unpleasant condition. Left now in the hands of Emma, Bella’s story and bones remain still for examination on the cold autopsy table, for the moment. Rest assured, as the complexity of the tale unfolds, the echoes of the past haunt those involved in search of the truth and retribution. How far do the lies travel? Who is at the apex of the mountain of deceit?
👍 Orbs Pros: Simply stunning visceral horror. Nothing creeps me out more than the echoing sound haunting the movement of my eyes as I scan the text. There is pain, sorrow, and empathy oozing throughout. Myers' prose is tremendous. Some horror authors understand what is truly gut-wrenching, and Myers has done himself proud in this regard. An unrelenting feeling prevails; the sands of time are running out, culminating in a mountain of desperation to solve this complex story. I was fascinated by the author's inclusion of reverse decomposition, or reconstruction per se, adding a bit of a wrinkle to your standard affair.
👎 Orbs Cons: There were a couple of circumstances where I was wondering about the legitimacy of how a scene concludes. The realism of someone’s ability to survive, for example. A minor nitpick. In my older years, I try as a reader not to overanalyze such things, and as such, in no way should this be a deal breaker for even the most staunch critic.
Highly Recommended! Being based upon a true story only adds to the eerie mystique whilst simultaneously providing ample psychological goodness minus the over-the-top gore that might cause some to hesitate. This should be one you keep on your spooky season radar!
💡 Orbs Epilogue: A slow drizzle patters my branches. The water drips down the cracks of my gnarled bark. My dead double-toothed leaves lie mockingly upon the muddy surface below, free of sin. The markings of someone being dragged and a blood-stained rock sit silently amongst the scenery. Lying inside my confines, I wondered what life this person led. Why would someone treat them with such cruelty? What more can I do? I have broken my bough, absconding myself from any crime; however, I can only wave to those yonder, my pitchfork-like limbs calling for help, and yet I look no different than any other tree in the wild. Hopelessness settles within me; I feel used. Perhaps I have one job now, to remain a towering presence solidly rooted to this spot until someone comes and makes amends. Yes, that is what I will do; until then, I grow tired and must sleep...
September 12, 2025
A blend of a classic haunting story/ghost mystery, Frankenstein, and Michael Myers, this story just kept building, and it went in a direction I did not see coming. An unresolved murder maintained the ghostly theme throughout, while the circumstances of the "monster's" return, interspersed with notes and reports from the past, conjured up a feeling similar to that created by classic novels. And, injected into the mix, came the presence of a hulking mass, reminiscent of the Halloween franchise.
Even with all of the disparate characters, all ends were spotlessly wrapped up in the end. We even
get the satisfaction of, what many would consider, the real "monsters" getting their just rewards.
As the narrative progressed, I caught myself wondering who Bella could be, and then what had really happened to her. This book is an excellent combination of true crime and horror/thriller with ultimately believable characters and dialogue.
By the end, I caught myself mentally repeating, "Who put Bella in the wych elm?"
Even with all of the disparate characters, all ends were spotlessly wrapped up in the end. We even
get the satisfaction of, what many would consider, the real "monsters" getting their just rewards.
As the narrative progressed, I caught myself wondering who Bella could be, and then what had really happened to her. This book is an excellent combination of true crime and horror/thriller with ultimately believable characters and dialogue.
By the end, I caught myself mentally repeating, "Who put Bella in the wych elm?"
April 16, 2025
A riveting story based on a true historical mystery that has all the eerie feels of a ghost story along with the twists of a thriller. Ella is a medical examiner who is tormented by unanswered questions over a body found. The storyline follows Ella as she uncovers more clues and the history of the unknown body. This book has great writing as well as terrific character development. The suspense was maintained from the beginning and kept me on edge, not knowing who would be the next casualty. The book has ghost themes as well as mystery/thriller vibes which makes it an interesting combination and I found that I really enjoyed it, despite the fact that ghosts are not my normal, comfort read. The twists unfold continuously throughout so much so that I had no idea where the plot was heading. I enjoyed reading the author’s Afterword in which he explains the historical accuracy of his book and which parts he expanded upon and which parts were indeed true to history. 4 stars
March 25, 2025
A well-developed book that mixes a dash of mystery, a smidgen of horror, and a splash of history. The plot took me on a wild ride and I honestly couldn't see where we were going through all the twists and turns. I would say this book leaned more heavily on the psychological thriller aspect than a simple mystery. Some of the scenes got me a little too freaked out; I had to stop reading it at bedtime 😂. I love that the author incorporated historical elements and stayed pretty true to those he included, building his story around them. After finishing the book, I searched for a photo of the infamous wych elm... It gave me chills. I finished this book a few days ago and it continues to haunt me in all the good ways. Whisper carefully (if you dare)!
4.5 ⭐
4.5 ⭐
February 7, 2025
Just finished reading "Who Put Bella in the Wych Elm" and absolutely loved it! Great story line that follows an actual unsolved murder mystery in England. This novel has good character development, convincing plot, and adds some new characters to the mix.
This is a chilling tale of an unidentified Jane Doe whose body is found in the Hagely Wood by several young boys. The plot goes on a wild ride as viewed through the eyes of a Medical Examiner who is plagued by unanswered questions as to the identity of the body and method of her demise.
If you like murder mysteries or just like to read ghosts stories, this one is for you!
Enjoy!
This is a chilling tale of an unidentified Jane Doe whose body is found in the Hagely Wood by several young boys. The plot goes on a wild ride as viewed through the eyes of a Medical Examiner who is plagued by unanswered questions as to the identity of the body and method of her demise.
If you like murder mysteries or just like to read ghosts stories, this one is for you!
Enjoy!
September 23, 2025
Picked this up by suggestion of a co-worker & wanted to read something with autumn coming up.
I want to compare this to something else, but the best I could say is a ghost story mixed with the Hannibal novels. Myers captured the crime writing style of Harris in my opinion. My coworker told me how it's loosely based on a true murder mystery in the UK - sure enough it is too. Now I can't say how much is accurate to the actual crime as I only recently learned of this - but the book is a perfectly creepy story. There is a heavy ghost element to it, so be warned, it's not a straight crime/horror book.
I want to compare this to something else, but the best I could say is a ghost story mixed with the Hannibal novels. Myers captured the crime writing style of Harris in my opinion. My coworker told me how it's loosely based on a true murder mystery in the UK - sure enough it is too. Now I can't say how much is accurate to the actual crime as I only recently learned of this - but the book is a perfectly creepy story. There is a heavy ghost element to it, so be warned, it's not a straight crime/horror book.
December 12, 2025
A cracking whodunnit wrapped inside a chilling ghost story. Myers knows exactly how to keep a reader hooked, perfectly balancing action, scares and character drama as the mystery unfolds.
From the premise I expected a slow-burn and was caught off-guard by how often this one got the pulse racing, whether through the unsettling appearances of Bella’s vengeful spirit or the thrilling action sequences.
The story is also very well researched and detailed in a way that any true crime aficionados will approve of.
The afterword is an added bonus giving insight into the author’s process.
Verdict-Highly recommended.
From the premise I expected a slow-burn and was caught off-guard by how often this one got the pulse racing, whether through the unsettling appearances of Bella’s vengeful spirit or the thrilling action sequences.
The story is also very well researched and detailed in a way that any true crime aficionados will approve of.
The afterword is an added bonus giving insight into the author’s process.
Verdict-Highly recommended.
May 18, 2025
Essentially, a ghost throws a fit because people can't answer her question.
Don't get me wrong. This is a great horror story. It combines the Hannibal series with a macabre ghost story all based around a real-world murder. Highly recommend. The imagery, the characters, the prose, this is a must read for horror fans.
Don't get me wrong. This is a great horror story. It combines the Hannibal series with a macabre ghost story all based around a real-world murder. Highly recommend. The imagery, the characters, the prose, this is a must read for horror fans.
June 22, 2025
I loved this book. It was nonstop action from the beginning. The characters and story were well thought out. The twists and turns were timed perfectly. The author's writing was excellent, and I felt as though I were there trying to solve the mystery. I can't wait to read his next story. You will not be disappointed reading this book.
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