Cauldhame

by Bill Davidson

Josh Aitken stands on the brink of losing everything – his smart London home, his self-absorbed lover and the career he worked so hard to build. His last, desperate hope is to journey to the Highlands of Scotland and his ruined childhood home to face the demons he fled from thirty years ago.Desolate, remote and all but swallowed by the ancient Caledonian forest, the derelict cottage of Cauldhame stands forgotten and frozen in time.Forging an alliance with chef Caitlin, Josh fights local resistance to discover the truth of the death of his mother, and the shocking role he played in it. What he uncovers is a trail of mysteries, leading him step by step from the rational world and deeper into the forest.The forest is mystical, awe-inspiring and ages-old. And it isn’t safe.

154 pages, Paperback

Published November 21, 2023

Reviews

[Wayne Fenlon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid four stars for this great little read. Loved the pacing here, the storytelling top notch as usual. Bill Davidson is a go-to author for me. Thoroughly enjoy his work every time.

[Max Davine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tales abound of fae and other folklore in the Caledonian forest. Many a seedling for characters and supernatural beings of fantasy can be sourced here - it is most likely a primary inspiration for Tolkien's Fangorn, per the Welsh poem Cad Goddeu, and many a tale of Merlin and the rest of the cast of Arthurian legend - including the Once the Future King himself, who fought the battle Cat Coit Celidon here. And there is no question as to why it holds such a dominant place in British folklore. Its deep glens and dark forests predate humankind. It is into this forest the Roman 9th Legion is said to have vanished off the face of the earth. It was, for thousands of years, host to myriad pagan rituals and rites which have been retroactively branded as "satanic" for the sake of the church's dominance.

Bill Davidson offers, in Cauldhame, a brand new spin on what many would, given all the aforementioned, been an exhausted setting. Davidson sets his story in the modern day. The brilliant twist is that the remnants of the Caledonian Forest featured in the tale are of no consequence to anyone but the main character, and we learn through him nothing of their origin, lore, politics, or culture through him. They are a suggestion. A rumor. Creepy at times and always intriguing, Davidon keeps his story super lean, and expertly leaves our unknowing to its fancies.

[Jessie Raven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Josh loses his job, his partner and his home due to his drinking problem. With nowhere to turn he goes back to his previous family home to see if he can pick up the pieces on what really happened to his mum.

I liked this one a lot with its witchy vibes and features. The very first chapter is a few months in advance so the whole way through I was like what’s led to this point? The reason it’s 4 stars as the ending had me confused a little. He aged real quick and it wasn’t really explained but other than that I enjoyed the suspense leading up to the finale and all the little bits of information slowly being added to make a final picture! I didn’t feel much for Josh in honesty as an alcoholic but I did for Caitlin who he met along the way!

[Bellows reads quietly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few years ago I travelled back to South Yorkshire to reminisce and have a look at my Grandparent’s old house. I preceded to take two hours to find the house, completely mis-remembering how to get to it. So, when Josh the main character in the story struggles to find his old home. I immediately felt an affinity towards him.

I love it when I can connect with a character so early on in a book, nodding along to our shared experience

When Josh does eventually find his childhood home, it’s in disrepair. I could almost smell the house as the writer described the damp, moss, rot and mould.

This feeling of being able to taste and smell the book permeate throughout. I felt as though I was in some oppressive Caledonian Forest, furtively glancing from side to side at unfamiliar sounds.

I couldn’t help but think I could have watched this in the late 70’s early 80’s on UK BBC2. The earthy tones, flashes of the uncanny as Josh wades through his own unreliable narrative and search for redemption. Perfect late night viewing.

Not so much Folk Horror as very enjoyable Dark Fantasy Folklore.

Needless to say, I’ll be purchasing more from the author soon.

[Caitlind Helena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased this book from the author at Scottish Horror Con and just got around to devouring it in one sitting. It packed a punch and I genuinely cared for the lead character to face his demons and get some peace. I loved the folklore elements and description of the forest, immersed me there. I loved the setting and dialogue, it felt fully authentic and I could relate to the characters. Really look forward to reading more from this author!

[Angelina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this up at the weekend and finished it in a couple of hours, it was a fun little read.