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The Hanging Tree: An addictive small town mystery thriller with a killer twist
Not yet published
Expected 4 Jan 26For a hundred years, the residents of a rural Welsh village have been hiding the truth. Now, a newcomer has started digging around, uncovering more than just buried secrets.
Retired detective, Graham Williams, has moved to Bethgelert for a fresh start, determined to put the horrors of last year behind him. He has seen his fair share of disturbing scenes, but nothing prepares him for what he sees hanging in the gnarly old tree outside his front window.
Only one man can help him uncover the truth ...
Stephen Mallow has come a long way since he helped solve the mystery of Cherry Hollow. When his old nemesis calls and asks for help, he jumps in the car, ignoring the pain in his head and the hole in his heart. He’s ready to take on another weird and creepy small town mystery.
These two unlikely allies, whose main form of communication is bickering, start to work together to dig up the disturbing secrets of ‘The Hanging Tree’, but they soon realise there’s more to the story than they first thought.
A teenage girl is missing. The town butcher isn’t telling them everything. The tree seems to be speaking to Stephen ...
And someone is watching their every move ...
From Jessica Huntley, award-winning and best-selling author of ‘Jinx’ and ‘Horrible Husbands’, comes ‘The Hanging Tree’, a brand-new twisted thriller, perfect for fans of Claire Mackintosh, Lisa Jewell and Louise Jensen.
Retired detective, Graham Williams, has moved to Bethgelert for a fresh start, determined to put the horrors of last year behind him. He has seen his fair share of disturbing scenes, but nothing prepares him for what he sees hanging in the gnarly old tree outside his front window.
Only one man can help him uncover the truth ...
Stephen Mallow has come a long way since he helped solve the mystery of Cherry Hollow. When his old nemesis calls and asks for help, he jumps in the car, ignoring the pain in his head and the hole in his heart. He’s ready to take on another weird and creepy small town mystery.
These two unlikely allies, whose main form of communication is bickering, start to work together to dig up the disturbing secrets of ‘The Hanging Tree’, but they soon realise there’s more to the story than they first thought.
A teenage girl is missing. The town butcher isn’t telling them everything. The tree seems to be speaking to Stephen ...
And someone is watching their every move ...
From Jessica Huntley, award-winning and best-selling author of ‘Jinx’ and ‘Horrible Husbands’, comes ‘The Hanging Tree’, a brand-new twisted thriller, perfect for fans of Claire Mackintosh, Lisa Jewell and Louise Jensen.
ebook
Expected publication January 4, 2026
37 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Huntley
21 books391 followersJessica Huntley is an award-winning and best-selling psychological thriller author. She's an ex-British soldier and Personal Trainer and has been writing almost non-stop for the past four years.
She is now the author of sixteen books, including two trilogies, six standalone thrillers, two anthologies, a co-written horror project and a novella. She is both self-published and traditionally published with Inkubator Books and Joffe Books.
She writes books for thriller readers who like their stories dark and twisty with complex, yet memorable characters, who often suffer from relatable mental health disorders.
When she isn't writing, Jessica is either keeping fit, walking her dog or looking after her young son.
Sign up to her email list to receive news about her upcoming book releases, get a first look at covers and some thriller recommendations. Visit her website where you'll also be able to download a short story called "You Die ... I Die".
She is now the author of sixteen books, including two trilogies, six standalone thrillers, two anthologies, a co-written horror project and a novella. She is both self-published and traditionally published with Inkubator Books and Joffe Books.
She writes books for thriller readers who like their stories dark and twisty with complex, yet memorable characters, who often suffer from relatable mental health disorders.
When she isn't writing, Jessica is either keeping fit, walking her dog or looking after her young son.
Sign up to her email list to receive news about her upcoming book releases, get a first look at covers and some thriller recommendations. Visit her website where you'll also be able to download a short story called "You Die ... I Die".
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 20, 2025
Review
"Don't let the darkness win".
Yet another Jessica Huntley book i couldn't put down and flew through. I am just obsessed with the writing. The ending of the book broke me slightly, just so beautiful.
The book is very clever, I wasn't expecting the ending but it was fitting for this belter of a book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Don't let the darkness win".
Yet another Jessica Huntley book i couldn't put down and flew through. I am just obsessed with the writing. The ending of the book broke me slightly, just so beautiful.
The book is very clever, I wasn't expecting the ending but it was fitting for this belter of a book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 14, 2025
The Hanging Tree grabs you from the first page and refuses to loosen its grip. Huntley layers secrets, lies, and razor-sharp tension into a taut, adrenaline-laced story that keeps you fully locked in. Bold, atmospheric, and brilliantly crafted—a standout thriller you can’t put down!
November 28, 2025
**ARC Review**
The Hanging Tree
Author Jessica Huntley
Release date 4th January
Exceptional ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An exceptionally addictive thriller set in a small Welsh town where retired detective Graham Williams has upped sticks and started a new life after leaving the disturbing darkness behind.
After the horrors he had witnessed at Cherry Hollow, he moved to Bethgelert for a more relaxed life and solitude.
He looked out from his front window and was not prepared for what he saw hanging from the giant Oak tree, due to the mysteries that surround it is called The Hanging Tree which sits on top of a hill.
Graham calls on the one man who can help find the truth, journalist Stephen Mallow an old friend who helped on the solving of the mysterious events in Cherry Hollow.
The pair who were at odds with each other when they first met, get their heads together and have discovered during their investigation, the curse of the hanging tree, a missing girl Sophia the daughter of Frank a town committee member along with some townsfolk are hiding some of the past truths, and maybe of more sinister events and involvement.
Both Graham and Stephen have a feeling of being watched, and they are being drawn towards the tree, it's as if it's talking to them.
Can they get to the bottom of what's going on what the townspeople's involvement is, if they are?
Jessica Huntley has once again written an incredibly suspenseful thriller, gripping and fast-paced, that intensifies as it culminates with a race to save lives and the town.
With brilliant descriptive characters and stunning visual settings, Jessica's exceptional narrative of a tense creepy, and compelling story had me once again hooked.
The Hanging Tree
Author Jessica Huntley
Release date 4th January
Exceptional ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An exceptionally addictive thriller set in a small Welsh town where retired detective Graham Williams has upped sticks and started a new life after leaving the disturbing darkness behind.
After the horrors he had witnessed at Cherry Hollow, he moved to Bethgelert for a more relaxed life and solitude.
He looked out from his front window and was not prepared for what he saw hanging from the giant Oak tree, due to the mysteries that surround it is called The Hanging Tree which sits on top of a hill.
Graham calls on the one man who can help find the truth, journalist Stephen Mallow an old friend who helped on the solving of the mysterious events in Cherry Hollow.
The pair who were at odds with each other when they first met, get their heads together and have discovered during their investigation, the curse of the hanging tree, a missing girl Sophia the daughter of Frank a town committee member along with some townsfolk are hiding some of the past truths, and maybe of more sinister events and involvement.
Both Graham and Stephen have a feeling of being watched, and they are being drawn towards the tree, it's as if it's talking to them.
Can they get to the bottom of what's going on what the townspeople's involvement is, if they are?
Jessica Huntley has once again written an incredibly suspenseful thriller, gripping and fast-paced, that intensifies as it culminates with a race to save lives and the town.
With brilliant descriptive characters and stunning visual settings, Jessica's exceptional narrative of a tense creepy, and compelling story had me once again hooked.
December 1, 2025
Jessica has truly outdone herself with this one, and I'm absolutely here for it!
In a rural Welsh village, residents have kept a century-old secret. Retired detective Graham Williams seeks a fresh start in Bethgelert but is confronted by a chilling discovery outside his home. He calls upon old ally Stephen Mallow, who has experience solving mysteries but is dealing with personal struggles. Together, they investigate the dark history surrounding 'The Hanging Tree,' uncovering a missing teenage girl, secrets from the town butcher, and unsettling signs from the tree itself. As they dig deeper, they realize they're being watched, suggesting darker forces are at play.
We're thrown into a dual timeline with a handful of characters and a few POVs, and let me tell you, the creep factor is cranked up to 100! It's a short read, but oh-so-intriguing, and I'm thrilled I picked it up now—it's the perfect companion for those early dark days. Honestly, I wish I'd had it for Halloween week to amplify the spookiness even more!
As you flip between Graham and Stephen's perspectives, you'll find yourself delightfully puzzled, piecing together the mystery bit by bit. Jessica masterfully holds back the juiciest details until just the right moment, keeping you guessing and glued to the pages, wondering what on earth is happening in this eerie town.
From the first page to the last, this book will have you in its grip, with chills that linger long after you've finished. It's a must-read for anyone who loves cult vibes, old folk tales, creepy short reads, and unexpected friendships, all wrapped up with a satisfying conclusion. This is a departure from what I'm used to from Jessica, but I absolutely loved it! It's a mystery within a mystery, and not all curses are what they seem…
I won't spoil the fun for you, so hurry up and add this to your TBR list, or you'll miss out on a delightfully strange read. And next time you're standing next to an oak tree, beware—you might just feel a spooky energy… Boo!
Thank you, Booksporout and Jessica, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In a rural Welsh village, residents have kept a century-old secret. Retired detective Graham Williams seeks a fresh start in Bethgelert but is confronted by a chilling discovery outside his home. He calls upon old ally Stephen Mallow, who has experience solving mysteries but is dealing with personal struggles. Together, they investigate the dark history surrounding 'The Hanging Tree,' uncovering a missing teenage girl, secrets from the town butcher, and unsettling signs from the tree itself. As they dig deeper, they realize they're being watched, suggesting darker forces are at play.
We're thrown into a dual timeline with a handful of characters and a few POVs, and let me tell you, the creep factor is cranked up to 100! It's a short read, but oh-so-intriguing, and I'm thrilled I picked it up now—it's the perfect companion for those early dark days. Honestly, I wish I'd had it for Halloween week to amplify the spookiness even more!
As you flip between Graham and Stephen's perspectives, you'll find yourself delightfully puzzled, piecing together the mystery bit by bit. Jessica masterfully holds back the juiciest details until just the right moment, keeping you guessing and glued to the pages, wondering what on earth is happening in this eerie town.
From the first page to the last, this book will have you in its grip, with chills that linger long after you've finished. It's a must-read for anyone who loves cult vibes, old folk tales, creepy short reads, and unexpected friendships, all wrapped up with a satisfying conclusion. This is a departure from what I'm used to from Jessica, but I absolutely loved it! It's a mystery within a mystery, and not all curses are what they seem…
I won't spoil the fun for you, so hurry up and add this to your TBR list, or you'll miss out on a delightfully strange read. And next time you're standing next to an oak tree, beware—you might just feel a spooky energy… Boo!
Thank you, Booksporout and Jessica, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 1, 2025
Graham has moved to Bethgelert, Wales, after all the chaos he discovered in Cherry Hollow, The Lake District, he just wants peace now. But one morning when looking outside... He sees something lingering in the trees. The chaos has followed. With the help of his old pal Stephen, they're going to figure out what's going on in this small Welsh town.
Oh mighty! This was SO good. I loved the characters. I loved the eerie and unsettling small town. I loved the descriptions of the tree (I'm a proper nerd for trees! What have they witnessed over the years?! They existed before us, they'll probably exist after us. They know all our secrets! And the cover of this book! I don't care that the tree may be cursed. I love it. I'll die under it! I'm going to read it again in the summer - under a tree! Spooky! Come get me!) I loved the weird council members (although I hate real life ones!)
I LOVED the mystery and the present day being followed by the past.
This was a proper good slow burn thriller, which had my head bursting with what I thought was going to happen. It took a turn in a different direction for me (I never get plot twists!) and I thought it was great. One twist blew my little socks right off! I love it when a sentence catches me so off guard, I have to read it a few times.
Stephen and Graham are such memorable characters. I particularly enjoyed Stephen because, personally, I find him relatable! The author does a great job portraying him. The emotions!! Heartbreaking but heartwarming. I'm sad, but I'm inspired by this sort of thing!
I couldn't put it down when all the secrets are revealed but you've got to go figure that out yourself! This doesn't come out until January so if you want, you've got time to read The Darkness Series! (The Hanging Tree is a standalone set in the same universe) I loved knowing what Stephen and Graham were talking about! And if you read this first, I just know you'll be dying to find out.
I could say SO much more but I'm cursed by a word limit.
You heard it here my friends; THIS is my favourite Jessica Huntley book!
Oh mighty! This was SO good. I loved the characters. I loved the eerie and unsettling small town. I loved the descriptions of the tree (I'm a proper nerd for trees! What have they witnessed over the years?! They existed before us, they'll probably exist after us. They know all our secrets! And the cover of this book! I don't care that the tree may be cursed. I love it. I'll die under it! I'm going to read it again in the summer - under a tree! Spooky! Come get me!) I loved the weird council members (although I hate real life ones!)
I LOVED the mystery and the present day being followed by the past.
This was a proper good slow burn thriller, which had my head bursting with what I thought was going to happen. It took a turn in a different direction for me (I never get plot twists!) and I thought it was great. One twist blew my little socks right off! I love it when a sentence catches me so off guard, I have to read it a few times.
Stephen and Graham are such memorable characters. I particularly enjoyed Stephen because, personally, I find him relatable! The author does a great job portraying him. The emotions!! Heartbreaking but heartwarming. I'm sad, but I'm inspired by this sort of thing!
I couldn't put it down when all the secrets are revealed but you've got to go figure that out yourself! This doesn't come out until January so if you want, you've got time to read The Darkness Series! (The Hanging Tree is a standalone set in the same universe) I loved knowing what Stephen and Graham were talking about! And if you read this first, I just know you'll be dying to find out.
I could say SO much more but I'm cursed by a word limit.
You heard it here my friends; THIS is my favourite Jessica Huntley book!
November 26, 2025
Small town beliefs
John Hammel was hanged 100 years ago by his father and brother, believing in a curse.
When the people of Cherry Hollow also believed in this, things went along smoothly... like when the young daughter disappeared years later. But, was it really a curse, or just something that people believed?
This story is one that had me wondering what makes a curse a curse? What makes it actually happen? People can do many things when they believe in something, or get caught up in what other people believe.
The choice to follow the light rather than the dark.
Thank you, Jessica Huntley, for a good story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.
John Hammel was hanged 100 years ago by his father and brother, believing in a curse.
When the people of Cherry Hollow also believed in this, things went along smoothly... like when the young daughter disappeared years later. But, was it really a curse, or just something that people believed?
This story is one that had me wondering what makes a curse a curse? What makes it actually happen? People can do many things when they believe in something, or get caught up in what other people believe.
The choice to follow the light rather than the dark.
Thank you, Jessica Huntley, for a good story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.
November 26, 2025
“The Hanging Tree” by Jessica Huntley is a haunting, atmospheric thriller packed with long-buried secrets and rising danger. Retired detective Graham Williams teams up with Stephen Mallow to untangle a small-town mystery that only becomes darker the deeper they dig. Every new revelation tightens the tension and keeps the stakes climbing.
I especially appreciated how Huntley weaves themes of mental health and grief into the story. She portrays their impact with honesty and care, adding emotional depth to the suspense.
A gripping, intense, and chilling read—Huntley delivers a truly haunting thriller.
I especially appreciated how Huntley weaves themes of mental health and grief into the story. She portrays their impact with honesty and care, adding emotional depth to the suspense.
A gripping, intense, and chilling read—Huntley delivers a truly haunting thriller.
November 22, 2025
A small town keeping secrets for 100 years only a retired detective and reporter can uncover. Missing people no one looks for and a slew of twists and turns no one saw coming.
Secrets, betrayal, lies, and a fast paced story to run through to the end. Absolutely couldn’t put this book down and had to find out what happened next.
I received an ARC copy but my opinions are my own.
Secrets, betrayal, lies, and a fast paced story to run through to the end. Absolutely couldn’t put this book down and had to find out what happened next.
I received an ARC copy but my opinions are my own.
November 21, 2025
This book was more of a slow burn for me, compared to Jessica's other books. It did have an interesting storyline, and the ending was really good! It just didn't quite grip me as much as other books by her do. I think readers will enjoy this story overall.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews