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The Memory Tree
Not yet published
Expected 29 Sep 26A sinister Gothic folk horror from the bestselling author of The Ghosts of Merry Hall, in which a family in modern day England find their new home beset by the terrifying ghosts of the past. Ideal for lovers of gothic chillers by Laura Purcell, Susan Hill and Rebecca Netley.
When her husband, Ben, takes on his first parish in the rural community of Hope-Upon-Barrow, Kate Greenway feels like it could be a fresh start for the family. But from the moment they arrive, something just feels… off. It could be the mysterious housekeeper, Mrs Butterworth, so demanding and controlling of the family. It could be the locals, with their strange rituals and rites. Or it could be the yew tree which stands in their garden, whose presence brings headaches, visions and disturbing, unfamiliar memories that do not belong to Kate.
As she investigates the strange things happening to her, Kate begins to delve into the history and memories of Hope-upon-Barrow, and the more she uncovers, the more she risks losing herself to something deadly and ancient.
An extraordinary new Gothic chiller from the bestselling author of The Ghosts of Merry Hall.
When her husband, Ben, takes on his first parish in the rural community of Hope-Upon-Barrow, Kate Greenway feels like it could be a fresh start for the family. But from the moment they arrive, something just feels… off. It could be the mysterious housekeeper, Mrs Butterworth, so demanding and controlling of the family. It could be the locals, with their strange rituals and rites. Or it could be the yew tree which stands in their garden, whose presence brings headaches, visions and disturbing, unfamiliar memories that do not belong to Kate.
As she investigates the strange things happening to her, Kate begins to delve into the history and memories of Hope-upon-Barrow, and the more she uncovers, the more she risks losing herself to something deadly and ancient.
An extraordinary new Gothic chiller from the bestselling author of The Ghosts of Merry Hall.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 29, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Memory Tree is eerie and full of folk-horror atmosphere that has a duel time-line between Kate in the present and Octavia and Alice in the past. Both take place in the isolated village of Hope-Upon-Barrow.
The town's strange rituals and the unsettling yew tree all create a constant sense that something dangerous is lurking just beneath the surface. All while Kate’s growing confusion and the strange memories she experiences make the story slowly creep along.
I liked how the story slowly unfolds with the village's secrets and folklore pulling you in deeper the more you read. The Memory Tree great pick if you love quiet, unsettling horror with strong gothic vibes.
The town's strange rituals and the unsettling yew tree all create a constant sense that something dangerous is lurking just beneath the surface. All while Kate’s growing confusion and the strange memories she experiences make the story slowly creep along.
I liked how the story slowly unfolds with the village's secrets and folklore pulling you in deeper the more you read. The Memory Tree great pick if you love quiet, unsettling horror with strong gothic vibes.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Memory Tree was atmospheric, emotional, and much heavier than I expected going in. The story slowly unravels themes of grief, trauma, memory, and the ways people bury painful truths, and I appreciated that the horror felt rooted in emotion rather than just shock value. The writing created a very eerie, melancholic tone that stayed with me after finishing.
The pacing was slower at times, but the unsettling atmosphere and emotional depth kept me invested. This felt more like a reflective, psychological horror story than a fast-paced thriller, and I think readers who enjoy quiet, haunting horror will really connect with it.
The pacing was slower at times, but the unsettling atmosphere and emotional depth kept me invested. This felt more like a reflective, psychological horror story than a fast-paced thriller, and I think readers who enjoy quiet, haunting horror will really connect with it.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews