The Bean Nighe

by Brianna Raine

Having very stressful work lives, leaving not enough time for their marriage, Tara and Matt decide its time to make their relationship a priority and head to the Isle of Skye for a highland break.

Deep in the woods, something lingers, hiding and waiting for the next person to venture into the depths.

Will they survive their mini break or will Scotland forever keep their souls?

Just an old wives tale? or is the Bean Nighe really out there?

171 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 15, 2026

Reviews

[Jen Ramsden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scottish folklore is rich with imaginative characters and tales that really play with your mind. I love a good folk horror story, and Brianna has the amazing ability to take a myth or legend that is fairly well known, and spin the threads into a story that is completely new and completely her own. This skill is highlighted in the story, as she builds on the myths to create something truly unique, with twists and turns that kept me own my toes. The characters grew and developed as the story progressed, and the pace just kept on building throughout the entirety of the tale. Another fantastic story, and I can't wait to see where Brianna takes us next.

[Martin A. McKee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A haunting, sinister, folk horror set within a forrest on the Isle of Skye, Scotland.

Tara and her husband Matt are in need of a well earned break. Yearning to return to the home of her family, Tara organises a retreat in an isolated cabin in the idyllic forrest on the island of Skye.

Soon their dream breakaway takes a nasty turn and the song of The Bean Nighe draws the couple to the ponds and lochs of the mountains.

[BookishDogMamaKate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to The Bean Nighe by author Brianna Raine.

Tara and Matt want to take a weekend away for some marriage reconnection. Work has been all consuming for them both and they are feeling a bit distant. Surprisingly a get away on the Isle of Skye in Scottland has an opening for that upcoming weekend. Tara has long been wanting to visit and touch her Scottish heritage.

What was expected to be a lovely weekend of hiking, fresh air and romance quickly becomes a journey into claustrophobia, darkness, suspense, and folklore terror. Will they make it off the island…or will the water take?

After I listened to this book I went and read all about The Bean Nighe. And was then even more scared. I will not be visiting the Isle of Skye. When a book can get me to do research on it after the read…it’s got me. And that dang song in it. How can something be so bone chilling AND so comforting simultaneously??

The narration was a home run. Tara and Matt were both so easy to invest in. To root for. The author created atmospheric perfection. And suffocating desperate energy. If you like horror and folklore…I encourage you to give this a listen or read.

Definitely recommend.

I received an advanced listen copy from the author. This is my voluntary and honest review.

[Ali O · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bean Nighe by Brianna Raine
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This book is hauntingly creepy, frightful, and is a fast paced folklore horror novella.

Tara & Matt decide to take a weekend trip to Scotland to spend time together. They are on opposite work schedules and want a few days away to reconnect. Tara was able to book their getaway to stay in a secluded cabin in the woods. After they arrive, they decide to go for a hike and have a picnic. However, things take a horrific turn when Matt gets trapped in a cave by fallen rocks. The couple has started noticing strange sounds and witnessing strange occurrences since they arrived in Scotland. They are truly on a fight for survival now.
The couple have entered a realm they do not want to be in. They have encountered the wrath of the Bean Nighe! This story is super suspenseful and intense!!

I was lucky to get an arc of this amazing and freaky book!! I read it with barely any movement to get off the couch!! I couldn’t put this book down!
It’s a wildly dark and exciting story!

**It comes out March 15th and is a definite must read!!!**

[Josette Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed any novels that explore the folk lore stories of a culture. I have read thousands. My first was Greek mythology. I was fascinated by the people, the stories and the unexpected endings. Then I began to read books that included horror elements while still telling the folklore story. This novel was just that. When the opening scene was that of an old woman washing clothing; i knew i was in for a wild time! And i was right. The creep factor was high, the feelings of claustrophobia was out there and the fear factor was beyond what any normal person could experience. Now, did i expect this to be light-hearted? No way! I knew this story was going to gut punch me and then take all my breath away. I just absolutely love this author and the stories that live n her brain. 🧠💀👻

[Catriona Mowat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tara and Matt are a couple very much in love, but in need of some quality time together. Taking time off from their busy lives, they decide to have an idyllic weekend away in the wilds of Scotland, to a woodland paradise filled with waterfalls and secluded romance.
But something else is lurking in the forest, calling to them. And once you’ve heard the song of the Bean Nighe, it might already be too late.

This story is an absolute love letter to Scotland, to myths and legends, and to the siren call of the Bean Nighe. The Bean Nighe is mysterious and genuinely unnerving. Moments of this story really feel uncomfortable and creepy, and I loved it.

The plot is fast paced, and the story keeps you invested as the darkness and horror unfolds, taking you further than you could have imagined. The prologue and epilogue both add an extra element to the story that increases both the sorrow and the pure terror of the Bean Nighe.
Tara and Matt are both loveable as characters, even when you are internally screaming at them, which makes them ultimately more human.

If you are looking for a folk horror that mixes a modern style with classic myth, this is a great choice. Suitable for YA and adults alike, this is a story that will stick with you. And I may be biased, but the atmospheric song that Brianna wrote to accompany the story really elevates it in my opinion!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a hauntingly Scottish folklore tale based in the Isle of Skye. This book gave vibes of feeling unsettled throughout reading, the tension even made my heart skip a beat or two, very chilling.

Tara and Matt have busy working life routines, and it seems that they don’t have enough of them time lately. So, the decide to have a weekend get away to a cabin situated closer to the Sgread Wood. This is a last-minute booking, who knows will it be their last booking ever? Well you will have to read to find out.

The cabin is mainly made of glass so you can see the beautiful surroundings, this is one weekend that they would wish they’d probably stayed at home.

Cracking read, very unsettling, tense, scary scenes. There is also despair and a lot of sadness felt. The author also kept my attention and guessing whilst reading giving me some sort of hope for the characters in the story, loved the conclusion of the story. Looking forward to following this author’s writing journey!!!

[Shanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matt and Tara take a much needed weekend getaway. Their destination is a secluded cabin in Scotland. After a hike and refreshing dip Matt convinces Tara to explore a cave. What follows is a fight for survival.
This was a fantastically done folklore horror novella. It's rich in detail with plenty of twists, turns, and creepy moments that kept me turning the pages. If you're looking for a creepy folklore horror to keep you up at night, then check this one out.

[Laura Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. I read it in one sitting. I loved the setting, very eerie, a glass cabin like that is one of my worst nightmares. I also really enjoyed that we were given bits of hope throughout the book and then it's ripped away from us as readers everytime. I don't really like to give spoilers but the ending was definitely my kind of ending.

[Rachel Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Bean Nighe” by Brianna Raine is a chilling Scottish folklore horror story that pulled me in immediately. The eerie atmosphere and haunting setting create a constant sense of dread, and the fast pacing kept the tension high from start to finish. The story feels both unsettling and immersive. I couldn’t put it down. Creepy, atmospheric, and deeply unsettling in the best way.

[Steven Mallows · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a dark and terrifying tale based on folklore in Scotland. I read this in one sitting as it was such a page turner. From trippy visions to fantastic scares. The harrowing story has a fantastic climax.

[Amanda Elizabeth Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story based on Scottish folklore. It was haunting and creepy but also sad. Stories based in the woods/forest are always creepy and this book did not disappoint. I liked that the author provided the backstory of the folklore and also included a glossary of some terms that I did not know.

[Nightshade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is an immersion novel. From the first lines you're immediately in their lives. The description, The building of the characters and eventually the cabin then what follows next. A beautifully written horror folk tale that will stay with you long after you've finished.

[BookSplatterBritt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slow burn folklore that had me at the edge of my seat. A couple just wants to take a needed vacation in scotland, it's beauty and her bloodline was from there, so itll be perfect right?? Not quite.

The moment they went to their cabin, everything takes a dark turn.

If you hear water, run!!

[David Lange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cool Story

I liked that it was a bit of different folklore than usual. Well written and easy to identify with the main characters. Will hope to read more in the future!

[Emily Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tara and Matt take a much needed vacation to Scotland. They are told to be careful but Matt doesn't believe the legends. A simple walk turns their life upside down. Who is the woman they keep hearing? What does she want? Sometimes legends are real.

[Jim Ody · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Scottish folk horror from Brianna Raine whips you around like the high winds of the Highlands where a couple take a romantic trip.

At first, It's a sweet and romantic tale about Tara and Matt's deep love for each other, but that soon descends into a Haunting tale of survival as they become embroiled in the legend of the Bean Nighe. As evil shows itself and nothing is quite what it seems...

This book is a nice mix of horror and adventure within a relationship. There are graphic scenes of real peril with eye-watering description, and moments of isolation and despair.

With each book, Brianna takes on a different trope and hits the mark. This ambitious but well executed book is no different. Brilliant stuff!