Beyond the Crooked Trees: A story of the Hoia Forest, one of the world’s most terrifying places | Supernatural Thriller | Horror

by Cristian Tusa

Haunted by his brother’s unsolved murder, Cluj detective Marius Andron is drawn into the brutal killing of a young boy—one that mirrors the decades-old crime. The investigation drags him into Transylvania’s eerie Hoia Forest, where shadows whisper, nightmares take form, and something ancient watches. As the line between reality and the supernatural blurs, Marius must confront both a human monster and the terrifying secret buried among the crooked trees—before the past destroys him entirely.

This is a slow-burn, atmospheric, and unsettling gothic supernatural thriller, steeped in dark folklore, perfect for readers who enjoy haunting, psychological horror and eerie, foreboding forests.

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 26, 2025

About the author

Cristian crafts stories that blur the line between thriller and supernatural horror, drawing inspiration from the dark folklore of Transylvania—the legendary land of vampires, werewolves, and his home. His tales explore the shadowy spaces where fear, mystery, and myth intertwine.
When he’s not writing about monsters, Cristian wrestles with one of his own: Blue, his chubby and perpetually grumpy Chartreux tomcat muse.

Reviews

[D.S. LaLonde · Rating 5 out of 5]

This thriller has a perfect blend of mystery and supernatural horror. I really felt for the protagonist, a police detective who is tormented by the unsolved murder of his younger brother when they were children. Now he must investigate a new murder with eerie similarities to that of his brother. The story journeys into the Hoia Forest, where the author crafts a truly terrifying setting, and the protagonist embarks on a path that makes him question his own sanity. The dark atmosphere and creepy folklore of the forest really sticks with you.
Definitely worth a read!

[Raluca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written. It kept me hooked til the end. I also loved the description of all places mentioned in the book.

[Catherine Pafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond the Crooked Trees is a gripping and atmospheric supernatural thriller that masterfully blends chilling folklore with razor-sharp crime investigation. Cristian Tusa delivers a haunting, immersive journey through the infamous Hoia Forest, where every shadow feels alive and every secret threatens to unravel the detective pursuing it. Marius Andron is a compelling protagonist, driven by grief and justice, and his descent into the forest’s darkness is as emotional as it is terrifying. With its tense pacing, rich setting, and unforgettable blend of horror and mystery, this novel is a standout read for fans of dark, eerie, and expertly crafted thrillers.