Broken Branches

by M. Jonathan Lee

'Family curses don't exist. Sure, some families seem to suffer more pain than others, but a curse? An actual curse? I don't think so.'

A family tragedy was the catalyst for Ian Perkins to return to the isolated cottage with his wife and young son. But now they are back, it seems yet more grief might befall the family.

There is still time to act, but that means Ian must face the uncomfortable truth about his past. And in doing so, he must uncover the truth behind the supposed family curse.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Horror, Thriller

329 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 27, 2017

About the author

M Jonathan Lee is a nationally shortlisted author who was born Yorkshire where he still lives today with twins, James and Annabel.

His debut novel, The Radio was shortlisted for The Novel Prize 2012. He has spoken in schools, colleges, prisons and universities about creative writing and storytelling and appeared at various literary festivals including Sheffield’s Off the Shelf and Doncaster’s Turn the Page festival.

His second novel, The Page was released in February 2015.

His much anticipated third novel, A Tiny Feeling of Fear was released in September 2015 and tells the story of a character struggling with mental illness. All profits from this novel are donated to charity to raise awareness of mental health issues. This was accompanied by the short film, Hidden which was directed by Simon Gamble and can be seen here.

In 2016, he signed for boutique publishers, Hideaway Fall and his fourth novel Broken Branches was released in July 2017, winning book of the month in Candis magazine for September.

He is a tireless campaigner for mental health awareness and writes his own column regularly for the Huffington Post. He has recently written for the Big Issue and spoken at length about his own personal struggle on the BBC and Radio Talk Europe.

His fifth book, the critically acclaimed Drift Stumble Fall was released in Spring 2018. His sixth novel, 337 was released on 30 November 2020.

Reviews

[Dash fan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4☆ Atmospheric, Dark, Physiological Mystery with a hint of supernatural!

Broken Branches is M.Jonathan Lee's Debut book with the Upcoming Exciting New Publishers....Hideaway Falls.

Broken Branches is full of Mystery, it's very atmospheric, Dark, Spooky, a supernatural feel, it's intriguing, it deals with emotional issues, mental health, grief, loss and depression, whilst capturing the eerie nature of the family curse, keeping me engrossed turning the pages to discover the secrets.

When Ian and he's family, wife Rachel and Son Harry face a family tragedy they find themselves returning to Ian's family cottage where he grew up.
The cottage oozes a dark/ eerie undertone feel to it. Although there is many a happy memory spent at the cottage.
Something just doesn't feel right. 


Ian believes he's family is cursed!!

Ian's family hasn't been very lucky, and has faced many deaths and accidents throughout the family generations.
Leading Ian to believe the family is cursed!
But is the family really cursed, and how far will Ian go to uncover the truth??

The story is told within two timelines, which is perfect for this story as you really get to see the backstory of Ian and he's brother as children... to present time.

You really get to see why Ian believes he's  family is cursed and how the curse, tragedy and death effects both past and present generations.

Ian is determined to uncover more about the family curse and sets about tracking he's family tree to see if he can discover the truth.

I had mixed feelings about Ian's character. He appears somewhat a little crazed if not manic at times by he's obsession with the curse.
But as the story continues and Ian's mental state becomes to shatter there are clearly obvious signs of depression.

In fact he becomes so consumed with discovering answers he seems to neglect he's family and he's wife.
Has it become too late to fix he's marriage? Is the curse even real?

He's judgement becomes so clouded I second guessed myself so many times as to whether it was fictitious and not real at all.
It was so cleverly written you really do question your own thoughts.

Mental health, grief and loss features a fair amount and how it effects everyone within the story, but M. Jonathan Lee handles the subject with sensitivity.

Broken Branches really is a book with a difference.
I've never read a book like this ever before.

I was completely immersed into the dark, eerie mind of Ian and was taken on a journey through past and present that messed with my emotions, made me feel on edge, kept me second guessing everything, I was gripped right till the very end!

M. Jonathan Lee has created an atmospheric physiological dark, eerie, mystery/ thriller that I know will shock the reader and keep them thinking about it long after.


I highly recommend this book if your looking for something completely different.
Expect the unexpected!
It's not a book that is fast paced, it's all about building the atmosphere and making the reader feel on edge almost to the point of being claustrophobic but so gripping you just have to keep on reading!

I am really looking forward to reading more from M. Jonathan Lee. I think he is going to be one to watch!

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Hideaway Falls for involving me in their very first publication. I am very excited to see what they have in store next!!

I received a free copy from the Publisher which I voluntarily reviewed.

My Review is also on my blog website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2017/0...

[Miriam Smith (A Mother’s Musings) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hideaway Fall is the new face in the world of publishing and their first book "Broken Branches" by M.Jonathan Lee is a cracker of a story to launch them!
My interest was caught from the very first chapter, the eerie description of the 'cursed' tree was perfectly characterised for the setting of the story and I couldn't have imagined it more clearer if I tried.

A family tragedy forces Ian Perkins and his wife and young son to return to his parents isolated cottage . But now they are back, it seems yet more grief might befall the family. There is still time to act but Ian must first face the uncomfortable truth about his past, whilst also uncovering the truth behind the supposed family curse.

There's a definite dark and foreboding feel to this ghostly book and I was really intrigued as to where the atmospheric story was leading with the family curse. Set in two timelines - when Ian the main protagonist was young and the present day - I couldn't help but feel a part of the story, I love multiple timelines and thought the author had written them flawlessly.

I really enjoy reading these types of ghost stories, they get right under my skin and I have to say that the twists at the end had me really creeped out.

The author has a lovely contemporary writing style and I'd happily read more by him again. He knows how to draw the reader in and executes his story perfectly.

It would have been nice to have Ian's final family tree with births and deaths on at the end of the book, but that hasn't stopped it being a 5 star read for me and I highly recommend "Broken Branches" to readers of the mystery/ghost genres and I wish Hideaway Fall and M.Jonathan Lee every success with this book.

[Stace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ian Perkins has returned to the home he grew up in, with his wife Rachel and son Harry. The house has always had an eerie feel to Ian, and returning all these years later resurfaces those feelings for him.

He believes that there may be a curse surrounding his family, mainly due to the many accidents and tragedies that have occurred. Surely too many to be a coincidence?

Deciding that it is time to delve a little deeper, he starts looking into his family tree, but he soon becomes obsessed, leaving real life, his family, and with his job taking a back seat.

Will Ian prove that a curse does exist, or could his obsession be clouding his judgement?

Broken Branches is a slow-paced, psychological thriller-Esq book. It is written in two timelines that are mixed throughout. One in the present day, the other we get to read about Ian, his brother and their parents’ time living at the house, when Ian was a child.

The story is quite dark in places, and at times even I started to wonder whether Ian was actually on to something, and there was some kind of demonic spirit cursing his family. As his mental health deteriorated, I noticed how bad he was suffering with depression, then I started to wonder whether it could all just be in his head instead.

Mr. Lee has created perfect characters, surrounded by an intense, and at times chilling plot. I could feel the fear, and paranoia that Ian was going through. Sometimes this was quite disturbing.

The book is compelling, even without any real twist and turns. If you’re after a book that will have you questioning which direction the author is taking the story, whilst at the same time have you intensely turning the pages, then this is a must read.

Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com

[Joanne Robertson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many thanks to Hideaway Falls for my review copy of Broken Branches which I was very much looking forward to reading after seeing some fabulous reviews.

This is very much a slow burner so anyone expecting a gripping fast paced thriller will be very disappointed. But it is definitely an engrossing read and once you start it, you will find it very hard to put it down. Even though there's a real atmospheric chill running through it, it's impossible to tear your eyes away from the page as you watch a man's life fall apart. It felt quite voyeuristic at times which made me feel rather uncomfortable but knew that I had to read it to the end.

The one thing I will say is that I did find the dual timeline rather difficult to follow at times due there being no clear definition between past and present which I struggled with all the way through but i do think it provided an added edge to the confusion felt by Ian so I felt more of an empathy with him as the narrative progressed.

Probably not a book for me although I did appreciate the beautifully crafted, poetic prose that flowed right from that first page and wouldn't be put off reading other books by this author in the future.

[catherine ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Thank you to Hideaway Fall for sending me a free copy and exchange for an honest review!*

Actual Rating: 3.75

This book was completely different from what I had expected. Several Goodreads users have filed this under horror, mystery, or fantasy, but to be honest I'm not sure I would put it in any of those categories. There was a Gothic twist to it, but the book also felt a bit contemporary. Overall, it was different from anything I've heard ever read before.

Broken Branches follow Ian Perkins. It takes place on two timelines: one of them surrounds Ian with his wife Rachel and their son Harry, as they go through their ups and downs. The second one follows young Ian's memories, and how his interactions with his brother Stuart became just a bit out of ordinary. But of course, the star of the show is the family curse - if there is one. It began with the tree in front of the family cottage, and apparently has affected the Perkins family for generations. Ian is determined to get to the bottom of where it came from so he can figure out what it could possibly do to his own life, but there's more than meets the eye.

The ending for this was really what made me bump my rating up to a four star. Because the story jumped between the two timelines, the plot was a bit confusing for me. I had no trouble understanding which timeline we were reading from, but the back-and-forth was a bit hard to follow and sometimes I forgot what had happened prior. Overall however the plot was also a bit slow, but I enjoyed the atmosphere that this created, which was a mix of more serious moments and some domestic dialogue.

The characters were great. There were lots to keep track of, but I thought that the main character developed especially well. I liked how the author touched upon different themes, such as family.

The writing style was definitely another very powerful part of this book and it was perhaps my favorite. There was great use of metaphorical and figurative language and I thought that those really brought the story together and gave it the mood that it had throughout. The writing style was definitely what kept me on my toes.

I was definitely anxiously flipping the pages because I wanted to know where the story was headed. Overall I would recommend this book to anybody who wanted a contemporary story with a gothic twist. It was a pretty quick read but I thoroughly enjoyed it and I thought it was unique not only in style but also an execution.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had eagerly awaited the arrival of Broken Branches from new publishers, Hideaway Fall, so I was looking forward to getting stuck into this book.

Centered around a family curse, Broken Branches is told in alternating past and present chapters. The reader meets Ian and his young family but we also meet Ian when he was a boy living with his parents and brother in the house that he now lives in years later with his family.

The family have always seemed to be unlucky, with accidents and death befalling them down through the generations. Ian sets out to prove that this curse really does exist, but at what cost?

Broken Branches has a menacing feel to it, with elements of the supernatural that lend itself well to the overall story. I found the past and present chapters to be a little confusing at times, but it made sense to the way that book was written as a whole.

I managed to read Broken Branches pretty much in one day. It is a relatively short book, at less than 300 pages, so it was easy enough to plough through it. Ultimately, although it was a page-turner, I found it to be a little flat at times. Still though, it was the kind of book that kept the intrigue up enough to keep me interested in the outcome.

[Liis · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I would like to note here my gratitude to all at Hideaway Fall for accepting me into the fold as a reviewer and sending a paperback of Broken Branches! Thank you also to M. Jonathan Lee… for writing this book, and sending it out into the wide world.

Broken Branches is about a curse… What is a curse? Is it something magical? Is it something we bring upon ourselves? Is it something we imagine to exist? Is it something that just happens in life and we think it’s a curse just to cope? Whatever it was, anything that those pages were intending to purge, I took on board!

Thing is, it must be the moon phase or something but I can’t even think about this book without tearing up! Up until about 80% mark in the book, I really didn’t know where this was going but once I noticed the subtle clues and it started to dawn on me what the whole story was about, as well as reading that ending- I was floored. A right kick in the feels. Actually, I can’t ‘blame‘ the moon phase for my emotional state… that would just be mean and uncalled for towards the book and the author. Broken Branches sends the reader a strong message around mental health and does so by using mystery elements. It’s quite possible that the mention of a curse, while making realism lovers cautious, actually worked wonders in delivering punchline. I would go so far as to say, the mystery made the message all the more real when it mattered!

I refuse to tell you anything about the plot- what you get from the blurb is truly all you need to know. But also know this- you can not ever guess where this reading journey is going to take you (unless you’ve been spoilered of course!).

I would describe the majority of the book to have a sombre atmosphere. Things are just not going really well for our characters involved. Not in present timeline, nor in the past. I really did feel for Ian, 100%… until he obviously developed an obsession with the curse, and made things even worse. At various times I blamed Rachel, Ian’s wife, for being moody, even though I didn’t know the cause (how judgemental of me!). Then I blamed Ian for his obsession. And then… Then I wanted to take all of my thoughts back.

Broken Branches was a sorrowful and unexpected surprise for me. Sorrowful yet not suffocating… until…

It was also a surprise with its writing style, because apparently there is a way to write highly detailed descriptions and settings without feeling laborious to read. This was a first for me. Through the book, I paid immense attention to every word that was on the page and I was surprised at myself for not getting annoyed with it (because sometimes I do, get annoyed with too much description and not enough dialogue)… So, what is different in Broken Branches? How did it work so well? I don’t know… it must have been the balance, the content of those descriptions. I could feel the dedication with which those words were written down. Does that make sense? But then… then, when you find out the overall picture, those descriptions and every little detail that Lee wrote down, it just hit me that it was necessary, because it all maybe probably definitely truly matters! If there is ever a book that you need to read in full to be able to give it an objective review, Broken Branches is one of those books.

I finished this reading it late last night and I am still reeling with emotions. I am still coming to terms with all and everything that is continually making connections in my head… not least of those details that I am still processing is the title… Broken Branches… it relates and connects to everything, especially once the book has come to an end.

So yes, I really really had a strong experience reading this atmospheric and clever book, which in its message is important. It has an ending that I did not expect until the very end and it made all the difference… It made me and it broke me, but it also left me with a sense of hope. There will be a way forward from that curse…

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the setting for this story. Who doesn’t dream of a lovely home out in the country? Sadly though every family that has lived there has suffered a tragedy.

The story jumps from past, to Ian’s childhood, to present day. Even though this was kind of done by each chapter alternating, there was nothing actually stating that it was past and present and personally I think it may have been better if there was some sort of header just to say as it was slightly confusing to begin with.

To start with everything is seemingly good for Ian and his family. Him and his wife are very much in love and they have the most adorable little boy, then we start to see cracks and that actually things arn’t as great as what they first seem. Ian begins trying to make sense of what is going on in his life in the hope of making things better for him and his family.

This isn’t some gripping suspense novel, which I don’t mean that in a bad way. The story is set at a slower pace so that you really get a sense of Ian and what is going on in his life. It’s almost like watching a car crash in slow motion. You know that something is going to happen and that the author is waiting until the end to deliver it to you. I have to admit that half way through though I knew what would be in store for me at the end. Sadly this kind of let it down for me as there was no shocks or surprises, just confirmation of what I already knew.

Broken Branches is a suspenseful read that I think a lot of readers will enjoy. There’s plenty going on in the story to keep the reader engaged and I look forward to reading more by the author.

My thanks to Hideaway Fall for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.

[Caitlyn Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

There has been a lot of buzz about Broken Branches, the first offering from new publisher Hideaway Fall, and it’s a book worth talking about. A suspenseful psychological thriller, the book follows Ian Perkins, a young father who inherits Cobweb Cottage, his family’s historic home, after his brother’s untimely death.

Tragedy has haunted the Perkins family for generations, and Ian is convinced that there is a family curse. He sets out to prove its existence, but will the proof come at the cost of his own sanity?

Broken Branches is part psychological thriller, part ghost story, and we’re never sure just how much of the events are taking place inside Ian’s mind until the superb twist at the book’s ending. I won’t spoil it for you, but it really is one that’s not easy to see coming. M. Jonathan Lee does a superb job of building up the sense of mystery and suspense, never letting out too many clues as the reader is taken along for the ride. While the story does switch between past and present events, I felt that the transitions were done smoothly and I never had an issue in telling where I was in the context of the story.

I enjoyed Broken Branches, but it’s not without fault. There is a section at the beginning of Chapter 13 where the tenses seem to get a bit muddled, the descriptions of Cobweb Cottage veering between present and past. Since I received the print edition for review some months before publication, I’ll hope those errors are fixed by the time of the final release.

The story has its slow spots, and I would have liked to see more of Ian’s past with Rachel and their early married life before they moved to Cobweb Cottage. Really, this reads a little more like literary fiction, with its slower pace and more minute examinations, than the fast pacing one usually expects from a psychological suspense thriller.

I’m giving Broken Branches four stars, and I’m intrigued to see what Hideaway Fall come up with as their next offering!

I was sent an advance reader copy of this book by the publisher for review.

[Meggy Chocolate'n'Waffles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some books you remember because of their plots. Other for their characters. A few for their writing. There is always something special that stays with you. Broken Branches made me fall for its words.

I had not idea where I was setting foot when I started the book. I had categorically refused to read the blurb, letting my mind cling to the beautiful, inspiring and somewhat sad cover instead. The surprise was big, challenging, and complete.

Ian is looking for answers. A big fat tree, a cottage, dying family members. There must be a solution to the equation. Do family curses really exist? Can you get rid of them in any way? What's hidden behind this curse? I was intrigued, skeptical, but intrigued! 

What started as a simple but beautifully descriptive prose soon turned into claustrophobic and obsessional narration. I was reading about days passing by, and with every hour I could feel something was wrong. But the words had the upper hand and they kept leading me astray, following Ian in his scavenger hunt, putting aside the nasty and ominous feeling in my chest. I could not put my finger on what was wrong, as if I could only see the story through a glass that hid the half the meaning of the words. Broken Branches is a slow walk into a garden full of shadows.

It seemed to him that the closer you were to someone, the more possibility there was that they would interpret something you did or said in a different way than it was intended.

A simple man living a somewhat boring life with a quite absent wife. This is how I perceived Ian at first, as the introduction to his world made me see and feel through his eyes. A cute boy very close to his brother, that's what he became in the flicking narration that followed. Each page makes you dive deeper into Ian's life, thoughts, past, and path, laying the ground in a quiet rhythm until you get the entire picture. Until you feel the pain oozing from the ink, until you realize what you have been reading was a tailspin and the book finally makes sense and pulls at your heartstrings. I can't discuss the plot more without taking away the beauty of it.

I had an idea about the reason behind it all during the last part of the story, but it never hindered my experience with the book. I floated in an ocean of feelings. I let Broken Branches show me how to explore the depth of the hardest emotions and a way to cope with them. I questioned Ian, I questioned his wife Rachel, I wondered about the place, I reflected upon the influence of family, I pondered over some “maybe”s.

As I said before, Broken Branches is on the slow side of pacing, like the ticking of a clock taking you to the dreaded midnight ring.

I had no idea of what I was witnessing. No, I did not cry, scream, or talk to the book. I needn't to. The words did it all for me. I can only praise the author's style for telling so much without showing too much, for using words as a bridge between his readers and his characters.

Broken Branches is a superb work of writing that takes its reader by the hand to the very end of the road. And back.

I would like to thank the Hideaway Team for providing me with a copy of this book and a wonderful package to go with it. This unbiased review is my thank you to them.

[The Geeky Bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Perkins family is cursed, and Ian Perkins—the current resident of the family’s ancestral home, Cobweb Cottage—is determined to prove it. But what, exactly, is this curse? Is it real? And if it is—how has it affected Ian, his wife, Rachel, and their son, Harry?

Broken Branches has the feel of a modern-day Gothic, but it’s the huge tree in front of the house—rather than the house itself—that is the menacing presence. All the creepiest and most disturbing things that happens in the book is tied to the tree. As I read, I was uncomfortably aware of this tree, whether it was directly mentioned or not, and it was deliciously unsettling.

A mysterious something has happened after Ian’s family moved into the cottage, driving Ian to research his family history. He’s determined to prove the curse is real, and to pinpoint its beginning. His need to know quickly becomes an obsession, and as it spirals out of control, all areas of his life—his job, his marriage, etc.—become adversely affected by it.

There are regular flashback chapters of Ian’s past, where we see him as a boy growing up in Cobweb Cottage. I found these glimpses of Ian’s childhood to be as fascinating as his present-day story. Learning what shaped him into the man he became, and what led him to make certain choices prior to his return to his childhood home, was quite a revelation that gave me a deeper understanding of his character.

The end of the book was incredible! There are two major reveals that take place—one that I suspected was coming, and one that I didn’t. It’s the one I didn’t see coming that took my breath away. I loved how well it fit with the creepy tone of the book, though if I’m being honest, I’d have loved a bit of explanation into how it came to be. On second thought, however, perhaps an explanation isn’t needed at all. By this point, readers have seen enough to fill in certain blanks, so the why behind the event actually is explained, I suppose. (Apologies for being vague, but… spoilers!)

As for the curse… well, it definitely existed. Whether or not it was supernatural in nature is something you’ll have to discover for yourself when you read the book. And I definitely recommend you read it, particularly if love reading creepy stories with a Gothic feel to them.

I received an advance review copy of this book courtesy of Hideaway Fall.

[Dani N · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of grief and loss. This is the mystery of the Perkins’ family history and the curse they have carried told through a compelling narration of past and present. We are introduced to Ian Perkins as he finds himself returning to his family home with his wife and son after a suffering a loss. Unfortunately, the Perkins are not alone. A dark history and tragedy seem to have taken up permanent residence within this remote cottage, overshadowing the lives within like the ever-present and looming sycamore tree that has haunted Ian’s dreams and childhood.

This is a story centered around slow revelation. The sort of tale that buries itself deep into your mind and finds a lasting home. Immediately thrust into lives full of misfortune and great loss, we are driven to explore Ian and his past. His family is amid turmoil with a threatened marriage and his unhealthy obsession with the family curse that haunts him. Ian’s character is successful simply for how credible he is. Perfectly timed emotions and responses accompany his descent into fear, setting the stage for a fully immersive mystery.

The world building cleverly embodies the traditional elements one can normally find in ghost stories. Cobweb Cottage is filled with ghastly sightings, creaking floors and the unknown, easily invoking a sense of the forbidding and sinister that creates an atmospheric read. The end result is the sort of suspense that leaves you holding your breath and turning each page in eager anticipation. Think “peaking through your fingers while watching a horror film.” You absolutely have to know what happens, but are terrified of the possibilities.

Lee’s succinct and fluent writing style is a refreshing change of pace, that manages to carry the story effortlessly while creating an ominous tone and experience. Competent narration allows for a natural transition between events of past and present. The end result is a fulfilling mystery that promises to delight a wide array of fans.

*I would like to thank the publisher for this copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

You may also find this review on Books, Vertigo and Tea.

[Eva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Following a family tragedy, Ian returns to the cottage where he grew up. Convinced a curse is responsible, he digs deep to unearth various events in his family’s past to create a family tree. But curses don’t exist, do they?

First of all, let me just say how much I liked the fact that the title doesn’t just refer to the humongous Sycamore tree by the cottage but also to the various broken branches of the family that Ian is investigating. One of those I feel could have been explored more as I’d love to have known what happened to ruin the relationship between Ian and his brother. Unless I missed something? It’s totally possible.

I’m not one for anything involving a supernatural element, normally. So I was a little hesitant about picking this one up. However, I quickly found myself enjoying this story and when the supernatural vibe made an appearance, it had me wondering if it wasn’t something else entirely. Ultimately, Broken Branches is about grief and loss, how it affects relationships and how families deal with it.

Some of the story switches to events in the past, which provide a great backstory but I feel those could have been done slightly different, maybe with a header, as it wasn’t always obvious and I sometimes got a bit confused until I read further along the page. Nevertheless, it was really well written and the slower pace worked like a charm. While I had an inkling of where it was going, despite a few twists and turns, the author managed to hold my attention to the very end with the level of intrigue. All in all, and maybe slightly to my surprise, which is always a good thing, I found this to be quite an enjoyable mystery!

[Dee-Cee It's all about the books · Rating 5 out of 5]

The hype for Broken Branches on social media has been wonderful, the first book from new publishers Hideaway Falls and I was really excited to be able to read it.

Ian Perkins returns to his family home Cobweb Cottage with his wife and son after a family tragedy. This is a home that has a family curse, a home that has haunted the Perkins family for many years and a home that has many secrets. Ian sets about discovering more to this family curse and as the story unfolds the more unsettled I felt.

The story moves from the present to the past, slowly revealing the Perkins past and the tragedies that have been bestowed upon them over the years. With a slight gothic feel and a hint of supernatural to it Broken Branches is sometimes quite a dark read that left me quite unsettled, I found it to be a book that I really needed to continue reading no matter what time it was, I mean who needs sleep anyway?

Ian was an intriguing character, I really felt for him and could understand his need to find out and research the past but as the book moved on his obsession became apparent and I knew there was more to the story than meets the eye but I just couldn’t put my finger on what it was. Then BOOM, holy smoke the ending really wasn’t what I was expecting. I’m not going to say anymore on that matter but it totally blew me away.

Broken Branches is written incredibly well, it’s not fast paced but it slowly builds with each turn of the page and draws you in. Covering different themes such as grief and mental illness it is written with sensitivity. At just under 300 pages I had every intention of just reading a couple of chapters late one evening but before I knew it I had devoured the book in one sitting.

Broken Branches is a story that really got under my skin, it had twists and turns and it gave me goose bumps with it’s eerie feel. A thoroughly enjoyable read that I definitely recommend reading.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book reviews on www.snazzybooks.com

So. This is quite a difficult review to write - or to know where to start writing - because Broken Branches left me thinking it long after I'd finished it. I don't want to give away any spoilers, so I'll try to keep my review suitably vague...

The narrative focuses mainly on Ian and his life with wife Rachel and son Harry, though there are parts told from other perspectives too. Ian's determined to trace his family history and find out more about this curse that's supposedly afflicted his family for many generations. However we soon that his marriage seems to be crumbling away, with wife Rachel suffering from what seems to be severe depression and Ian seemingly too engrossed in his 'research' to really comprehend this properly...

In Broken Branches author M. Jonathan Lee manages to convey a rather eerie tone, with mysterious going-ons which remain thought-provoking and intriguing without being too 'obvious'. There are also plenty of really 'grounded, real-life' sort of moments, where you feel like you could be reading a normal description of strained family life, before suddenly being faced with unexplained, often half-seen occurrences. I don't generally tend to read any supernatural-style books, but this feels like  more than that; the whole story has a very Gothic feel to it, with elements of death, family, horror and relationships, without fitting too neatly into any one category, which is why I think I enjoyed it so much.

The theme of mental health is definitely prevalent, and I really liked the way that it makes you think about the subject and its effect on the people who have to deal with this.

At times the way the novel flicked between different time frames could be a little confusing, and I guessed part of the ending a while before I got to it, but it didn't hamper my enjoyment - the way that the author slowly pulled the story together in front of me left me thinking about this novel long after I put it down.

Broken Branches is an atmospheric, intriguing read and a great first release from new independent publisher Hideaway Fall!

*Many thanks to Hideaway Fall for providing a copy of this novel on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.*

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Find all my book reviews plus author interviews, excerpts and giveaways on my blog: https://whatcathyreadnext.wordpress.com/

This is the first title from newly established publishers, Hideaway Fall, and I must say they have come up with a cracker.

Following his marriage to Rachel and the birth of his son, Harry, Ian Perkins has unexpectedly returned to the isolated cottage where he spent his childhood. Despite the idyllic sounding location, the giant sycamore in the garden exercises a brooding presence over the cottage. Could this be the source of the curse that has been the cause of such tragedy for the Perkins’ family over the years?

Early in the book, we find out the circumstances surrounding Ian’s return to the cottage but this is not the only “incident” that appears to be occupying his mind and causing difficulties in his marriage. For Ian, his son, Harry, is the only bright presence in a house seemingly overwhelmed by depression and inertia. The author brilliantly depicts Ian’s obsessive search to prove that the curse exists and so provide a reason for the tragedies the family has experienced. After all, if there is indeed a curse, then no-one else can be to blame can they?

Alternating between the present day as Ian searches for answers and scenes from Ian’s troubled childhood, the author creates an unsettling atmosphere with a distinctly gothic feel. I’m not going to say much more for fear of spoilers but I suggest Broken Branches is best read in the daytime with other people in the house (who are meant to be there).

I received an advance reader copy courtesy of publishers, Hideaway Fall, in return for an honest review.

[Lainy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time taken to read - on and off over 3 days

Pages - 294

Publisher - Hideaway Fall

Blurb from Goodreads

'Family curses don't exist. Sure, some families seem to suffer more pain than others, but a curse? An actual curse? I don't think so.'

A family tragedy was the catalyst for Ian Perkins to return to the isolated cottage with his wife and young son. But now they are back, it seems yet more grief might befall the family.

There is still time to act, but that means Ian must face the uncomfortable truth about his past. And in doing so, he must uncover the truth behind the supposed family curse.



My Review

Ian Perkins family has a curse, it has plagued the family for many years and yet the family are reluctant to talk about it. With pressures from work hanging over his head, his relationship falling apart and strange happenings at home Ian is going to get to find out the truth about the curse once and for all.

This is for sure a different read, the authors voice is unique in that I can say I haven't read a book like this before. Shrouded in secrecy, hints throughout that something is not quite right, domestic unrest and even some paranormal echos Broken Branches keeps the reader engaged page after page. I think if the chapters had been dated or named it would have made for more enjoyment, we flip from Ian's present life to years back with his family life as a child. We learn more of the house's history and snippets of the curse. Ian becomes obsessed with uncovering and proving the curse exists, having to face some harsh truths about his life and family.

The book covers a fair few themes, suicide, family dynamics, relationship breakdowns, loss, love and marriage to name just a few. At times the pace is slow going but the claustrophobic tense atmosphere remains almost throughout making for a gripping read. You know something isn't right, you just don't know what. Is it the curse, is someone messing with Ian, just what has happened to his relationship and will the curse actually be revealed?

I think the themes have been written well and some so subtly it isn't until you finish the book entirely you appreciate what certain parts where about. The past and present flip comes together too but for a wee while you are, well I was, a bit lost to what was happening. It is well written and all becomes clear, an emotive and atmospheric read. As always, I love having short chapters, especially when you are reading in between shifts and busy days, Broken Branches offers this making it easy to dip in and out.

I wasn't sure whether to 3.5 or 4 star this one, I have gone with 4 stars as the last quarter pulls it all together and despite having an inkling to where the story was headed I still got the wind knocked out of me a little. This is my first dance with this author and I will certainly read more of his work. Thanks so much to Hideaway fall and Book Connectors for putting this author on my radar, 4/5 for me this time. Broken Branches will be out to buy from 27/7/2017 so you only have to wait 5 days before you can read it too.

[Emma Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ten out of ten for building such a creepy, uneasy atmosphere from the first page Mr Lee!!!
Wow! Broken Branches has it all, intrigue, a dodgy cottage, a creepy tree, a family secret (or twenty), death, a curse, and yes, a broken branch.
Changing between timelines, we see Ian and his wife, Rachel, as they are now, then jump back in time to see how they got to become the couple they are. We see them in their youth as a loved up pair in the first throes of a new relationship and then we see them now, the not so loved up 'old-marrieds'. But what happened to them over the years to create this distance?
Along with Ian, we are taken through the years trying to put together the story, trying to separate the truth from the myth, trying to figure what actually happened all those years ago, trying to link together all the clues, and hopefully have a complete picture of what actually happened.
It's like having a jigsaw in front of you, some of the pieces are missing, some are from a different set, and some aren't actually jigsaw pieces at all, but they all look like they fit, they all seem to be real, and they all want to be part of the final picture.
Lee is a wonderful writer. His characters are flawless in their creation and the prose is delightful to read. He has a real gift for creating an atmosphere and I found myself using my bedside lamp instead of my little reading light for this one! The shadows were a little too creepy whilst reading! Brilliant!
Broken Branches is captivating, you will find it so hard to put this down, to tear yourself away, to do anything other than finish this.
And talk about jaw-dropping 'OMFG' moments!
Now, in relation to the marketing, at no point have I seen Broken Branches marketed as a 'psychological thriller for fans of so-and-so author' or 'with a shocking twist that will blah blah blah' and I am so pleased for that, it meant I had no expectations.
I loved that.
I loved the book.
I would love you to love it to! Get it and get it now folks! You won't be disappointed at all, a thoroughly compelling, totally captivating, and utterly brilliant book!

[Linda Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following a family tragedy, Ian Perkins is back in his childhood home with the menacing sycamore tree lowering over his whole life.

I don’t usually read books with any form of supernatural element and I wasn’t sure if a book about a curse would appeal to me. However, I was drawn in to Broken Branches immediately. Certainly there are supernatural elements if Broken Branches is accepted at face value, with Gothic style nursing homes, mysterious noises, ethereal shapes and ghostly people, and it is a cracking read at that level, but I wasn’t convinced that this was what we were entirely meant to believe in as readers.

As the plot unfolds, with the structure linking back in time to reveal more about the curse, so Ian becomes increasingly manic in his need to uncover the truth behind that curse. The reason for his desire to do so is gradually uncovered so that the reader finds it hard to decide if this is a straightforward narrative, or the unsettled workings of a man suffering mental health issues. I really enjoyed this fascinating element of the book. It was as if there were several layers to unpick and I found myself ensnared in the story. Even at the end, I wasn’t entirely sure what I believed so that Broken Branches will stay with me for some time as I think back over its contents.

Ian is a character who becomes increasingly real as the story unfolds. The more I read about him, the more intrigued I was about what was happening in his life and his mind.

I also loved the way the text was presented. M. Jonathan Lee introduces the metaphorical image of broken branches of family and society as well as the seemingly dead branch belonging to the tree so that Broken Branches is a highly thought provoking read. The way in which the text is fragmented with a variety of sentence lengths to reflect the action and Ian’s thoughts works so well, as does the iterative image of red and blood from the tree house door on the cover to more dramatic elements within.

The themes of family, grief, relationships and rivalry that underpin the fast paced narrative of Broken Branches are written so that there is always a feeling of quiet menace beneath the surface. The relationship between Ian and his father I found completely heartbreaking.

Broken Branches is a bit of an enigma. It is also beautifully written and absorbing as it tackles taboo issues of suicide, mental health and emotional cruelty so that reading Broken Branches has a deep effect on the reader. I highly recommend it.

[Agi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hideaway Fall are the new kids on the publishing block and guys, they are starting really, really well - the campaign for "Broken Branches" by M. Jonathan Lee, their first book, is more than brilliant, and the way they take care of the book bloggers is so, so lovely. I was very intrigued by the synopsis to "Broken Branches", however the book turned out to be totally different to what I was thinking it's going to be, which - of course - sometimes happens, but it also doesn't mean that it made me feel disappointed. Because not, it didn't. It was actually so that I wasn't sure what to expect, yet the book was different to what I was expecting - weird, I know.

So, now. This book. There was a creepy, grim atmosphere to this story that was brilliantly captured by the author. It was dark, it was foreboding and there was such a ghostly feeling to it. There were two timelines, past and present of Ian, the main character, and the author has really did the jumping between the times very well. However, the whole story was more than confusing to me, to be absolutely honest, and I couldn't connect with the characters. The more we got into the story, the more manic Ian was becoming in his lust to uncover the truth, he was like a man possessed and I really didn't know what to think - if there really is something, or if we're dealing with a mentally ill character. I still have some questions about Ian, his research seemed to lead down a blind alley.

Altogether, it was a different but very atmospheric read and I really liked the writing style, that was powerful, very rich and yet forthcoming and easy, and some of the atmospheric description could give you the creeps. It was not my usual read, and maybe I just don't appreciate it enough, and I'm really sorry for that, but it just didn't work for me as much as I think it would. It is set at a very slow pace and while this may help you to get a real sense of what's happening, for me personally it was too slow, and somehow I just couldn't get into the whole idea of the curse and this Gothic element to this story, and the supernaturals just didn't sit with me. This slow pace has made me feel a little restless, I started to skip some passages and well, this waiting till the very end for the big revelation was too much for me. I probably just didn't "get" the story, for which I apologise - just please take into consideration I am sharing my thoughts and feelings. I did enjoy some aspects but I also found myself struggling with it, hence my 3* rating. However, if you are a fan of supernatural and curses, be sure to try this book for yourself!

Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.

[Meg - A Bookish Affair · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Broken Branches" of the story of Ian who moves himself, his wife, and his son back to the home that he grew up in. Ian's past has been marred by a family curse that has brought unspeakable tragedy to several generations of his family. Ian believes that his immediate family may find itself marred by the next tragedy.

The book explores the family curse in two parallel timelines. We get insight into what happened to Ian's family when he was a young child. We also see how his family is now and how they have been affected by the tragedies throughout time. I loved getting the background and liked the way the author was able to show that things were not always the way that Ian initially saw them, which calls into question many details about the curse.

While the storyline is interesting and I appreciated the blur between the real and the perceived, there were definitely some parts where I wanted to feel a part of the book a little more. The dual timeline does get a bit confusing, especially toward the end of the book, which made it hard to get through. I was kept going by having to see what happened at the end and whether or not Ian and his family would be able to keep the curse contained. This book has a distinctly gothic feel but set in modern times, which was very interesting and made for a solid read.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Told through an alternating succession of earth-shattering circumstances this perceptive story has a mournfulness that leaves a lasting impression.

A forbidding legacy has swept through generations of the Perkin’s family. The very knowledge of its existence is an unsettling presence, like spotting the grim reaper boarding the same flight as you.

The idyllic, isolated Cobweb Cottage is all yours along with “a curse” and a sinister looking Sycamore tree intimidating everyone in it shadow with an accusatory branch. A wedge has come between the most recent occupiers causing them to sleep in separate rooms, barely exchanging words, so Ian Perkins, throws everything he can at uncovering the origin of his family’s torment, hopeful that his discoveries will heal what has broken.

Through atmospheric and eerie scenes the inescapable blight that affected his ancestors left an unsettling feeling in the pit of my stomach. So much suffering has occurred, so much misery, so many loved ones pushed away; the circumstances may differ greatly, yet the bleakness that descends is the same on every occasion.

As a burdening obstacle impedes reality, inexplicable events occur to hinder Ian’s progress, forcing his melancholic wife to confront his relentless obsession for an inconsequential truth.

Broken Branches is a lament of psychological well-being, where the blueprint of grief is etched deep on the heart. This is now the second book I have read by this author and I’m certain it won’t be my last.

(I received a copy of this title from the publisher, Hideaway Fall, and it is my pleasure to provide an unbiased review.)

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a real page turner. A debut novel that provides great promise for future books.
There is a supernatural element to the book that explores a family curse- giving a heightened suspense as you read further.
The tree ties the past and the present and adds to the spooky storyline.
Ian has taken his family back to an isolated cottage in the country and it threatens more mishap and misery.
I will be eager to read more by this author and look forward to seeing what other treasures Hideaway Fall have in store for us.

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not yet sure with my rating. I had some minor issues but I still definitely enjoyed this. Review to come.

[Kate (Reading Through Infinity) · Rating 3 out of 5]

TWs for abuse and PTSD.
*Thanks to Hideaway Fall for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

Broken Branches is a story of two halves; a tale of a young boy's happy childhood before disaster, and his search as an adult to uncover the mystery surrounding his family home.

Both parts of the novel are narrated in alternating chapters, flitting between present and past. As the two timelines progress we begin to understand more of Ian's character and his life as a child. Scenes of idyllic afternoons spent in warm fields near the family's cottage are offset by an undercurrent of menace. From the outset, readers are told that something dark happened to this family during Ian's childhood, and the sensation of waiting for something unspeakable to happen leaves us often on edge, and constantly second-guessing whether a small action could have cataclysmic consequences.

The dual narrative works well to gradually fill in the gaps in our knowledge and uncover the mystery piece by piece, but the writing style itself is relatively simple. At times this simplicity is underwhelming, but occasionally it works brilliantly to drop shocking twists into the plot with an understated calm. 

In Ian, we see a prime of unreliable narrator; at the beginning of the novel, we trust him implicitly, we're given no reason not to and his thoughts seem logical. But as the mystery becomes clear we begin to question his motives, memory, and bias.  There are times when, while being narrated from Ian's perspective, we question whether events are really happening. In the opening chapters for example, his implications about his wife lead readers to mistrust her, but by the end of the story we believe her perspective more than his. Time too, seems to unwind and lose form when we're seeing events through Ian's eyes, and as events turn creepy and sinister, the fractures in his outer calm show.

The characters are realistic with their frequent arguments and disagreements, and in each one we see a different type of human fallacy. Some are bitter, some are angry, some are grieving, but while they represented an array of emotions and intentions, they weren't always exciting or captivating. But since the novel is plot-driven, rather than character-driven, it's less of a cardinal sin. Especially when the plot races through turns and twists every couple of chapters, building suspense and drama. The pacing isn't always consistent, but the more intense chapters make up for slower ones, and the flashbacks to Ian's childhood provide some of the most engaging scenes.

Broken Branches manages to be not just a mystery, but also a thriller and a horror, with elements of all three genres woven seamlessly into the plot. As with any good mystery, it offers an auspicious climax and riveting twist in the final chapters which certainly doesn't disappoint. 

[booksofallkinds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hideaway Falls is a brand spanking new Publisher and they have leapt out of the starting blocks with this compelling, contemporary novel that has an eerie quality that will set a reader on edge throughout.

When tragedy strikes, Ian Perkins and his young family return to his childhood home in the middle of nowhere, and while the place contains many happy memories, it is not long before the darkness that is held within starts to seep into their lives. Determined to find a way to change the curse that haunts his family, Ian throws himself into researching his family tree in the hope that he will find an answer. But as the past is uncovered, will they be able to confront their own demons along the way?

BROKEN BRANCHES by M. Jonathan Lee is a relatively short read and I read it in one evening. While this book is not suspense or horror, there is a dark foreboding presence that hangs on every page giving a really creepy quality to the story. This book moves at a slower pace than most stories but this works to its advantage as it builds up the tension little by little, and switching from past to present throughout really held my attention. BROKEN BRANCHES by M. Jonathan Lee is a good solid story and I look forward to more from this author and this new Publisher.

*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher

[Caz C Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything Ian strives for is aimed at “moving forward to where they had once been,” but in doing so, he might just sacrifice it all to unravel his fascinating but dark family history …

| Introduction |

” The truth is I lost all track of time
And I wound up wandering
Unravelling fragments all inside
But I rise up all aligning”
– Pinegrove (couplet from Visiting)

The couplet at the beginning of the book says it all: this is a journey through time and the haze of memories. What part is true and what is false? Ian desperately needs to prove the Perkins family curse exists but for whom? More importantly, why? His solution to the situation he (together with his wife Rachel and little son Harry) is in, he feels is to unravel the past in order to move forward. But how can that be so when the past only explains what lies behind? The family tree is broken, just like the branches of the sycamore tree with its ever menacing presence, standing in front of Cobweb Cottage.

| Storyline |

Ian and Rachel’s marriage is not what it used to be. They both reside in Cobweb Cottage but seem to live separately, both feeling the need to be left alone. Ian is devoted to their son Harry and feels reassured whenever he is back and comes to check on his father. If Ian is honest, he welcomes his time alone for Rachel’s presence can be depressing and she thoroughly disapproves of his research. Day after day, Ian closes himself away in the study to organise the family papers and to build the family tree. You would think this is easy but the Perkins family has never been one of chatter and family story telling. Nevertheless, Ian is convinced unravelling the family’s history will bring to light the existence of the curse. At intervals we witness the little family’s untroubled days when the three of them, Ian, Rachel and Harry, were happy.

We learn about the mother and father and their two sons, Ian and his older brother Stuart. The household is one of silence mostly, and everything is arranged according to the father’s wishes. Not once does their mother contradict or speak up to her husband. The atmosphere is dark and brooding and all the questions Ian wants to ask are never voiced. Their uncle’s visit triggers a growing fear in the boys and where Stuart is silently aligning with his father and never mentions it again, Ian is desperate for answers but they never come. On Stuart’s sixteenth birthday, their father lets his sons in on the family secret – the curse. From then on, their lives will never be the same. From then on, both feel the heavy burden of the Perkins family and Ian is haunted with memories he never created…

| My Thoughts |

This atmospheric novel left me with an overwhelming feeling of sadness – for the little boy, for Ian, for all members of the (cursed) Perkins family. It is too simple to blame a horrible event from the past for everything that has happened since and frankly, the insights into the family life of Ian growing up were just heartbreaking. Like the ominous sycamore tree in front of Cobweb Cottage, the Perkins’ family tree consists of broken branches as well as tarnished and disintegrated relationships. We only perceive a fraction of what has happened and why the family members act as they do; for instance, why Ian becomes estranged with his brother Stuart is left to the reader’s imagination but the consequences are harrowing.

As the book moves from the present to the past we slowly get a clearer picture of the lives of the Perkins family members, and it is obvious there is little happiness or joy. Ian’s childhood feels suffocating and the relationship with his father and mother heartbreaking, though it was easy to empathise with both brothers. Most of the narrative is about Ian and his inner turmoil, his obsession with the family tree and its alleged curse, and his family life with his wife Rachel and their little boy Harry. There are supernatural elements interwoven with the narrative and you can feel the menacing Perkins’ history, like the sycamore tree, hanging over the cottage and its inhabitants. An intriguing psychological novel that will leave you with an unsettling feeling and the need to get out in the open and breathe in the fresh air.

Read the review on my website: https://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/broken...

[Ingstje · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! I was a little bit afraid of a plotline centered around a curse – it sounded a little bit too fantastical already for me and I hadn’t even started it – but I can tell you that I didn’t need worrying. Yes of course there’s this talk of a curse, something that is passed on from generation to generation, from father to son, and even when it wasn’t clear from the beginning what this curse really entails, it was obvious that the tree in this novel is tied to it. The tree is important in the past and present, it is described often and detailed and fed the creepy feeling that goes along with a curse, yet it didn’t dominate the story too much, it was verging but never over the top in his creation of a kind of surreal atmosphere.

I’m just going with a brief outline here: the main characters are Ian and Rachel. She’s acting strange, distant, they don’t talk anymore, she sleeps alone.. you get the drift. He’s researching his family history, a tedious job. He hopes to find answers there and get their marriage back on the rails, if he ever gets through the stacks and stacks of paper in his study. Weird things are happening, it’s all very mysterious and I didn’t know what was real and what wasn’t. Even though there were a lot of confusing events and no real answers, I didn’t even understand what he was trying to do compiling a family tree, it never annoyed me and I was and became invested in Ian’s life, even more so after he shared so many about his youth.

I really liked the character of Louisa, his grandmother, the most. She’s like a little ray of light in his past and it seems she was the only one friendly to him in his childhood and as a young adult. She’s straightforward, honest, righteous, kind. The contrast between her and his own parents was so big I felt it in my bones, the unfairness of it all.

I had no shortage of (in hindsight quite rediculous) theories about what was going on but had to give the story its time to unfold by its own accord.

I was pretty astonished when I realised right at the very end of the novel what the author just told me. He took this idea, something that is a delicate thing, but not all that uncommon, and created a perfect plotline around it. This is a memorable story. It was poignant, honest, and it had me under its spell.

[Jena · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Family curses don't exist."

At the start, we are introduced to Ian Perkins. A man brought back to live in his childhood home with his wife and young son due to tragedy. And from the very beginning, we see that something is very wrong.

Rachel and Ian aren't really speaking and seem to live two very different lives under the same roof.

"All the books offered exercises that they should do as a couple. And unfortunately for Ian, only one half of the couple was trying."

Most of the book is written from Ian's perspective. In his mind, solving the problem of the family curse is the solution to his marriage crisis. The one glimmer of hope in his life, is his son Harry, whom he showers with love and affection.

We weave our way through Ian's current struggles with piecing together his families history, and the history of the family itself. The narration jumping back and forth with each chapter. The writing is seamless and the transitions feel natural, building up the mystery of the curse.

As with any good mystery, with each puzzle piece revealed, more questions arise, until we reach the end and see the result in it's entirety.

For me, this book was more an exploration of grief and how our minds will work tirelessly to not just make sense of tragedy, but to also avoid the intense feelings associated with grief.

Tragedy follows the Perkins family through the generations. That much is obvious from very early on in the book. But many of the symptoms of a 'curse' remind me a lot of mental illness, at least the way they're presented in this book.

Ian's mother is the most notable example. His memories of her throughout his childhood show a very marked deterioration on her sense of reality. Again, is this due to the curse, or simply one woman's attempt to make sense of the tragedy that takes place in her life?

And this is where reviewing this book is a little tricky. I'm not entirely sure if this book was meant to be strictly a horror novel, or if it was meant for something more. As a horror novel, I wasn't floored by the suspense, and didn't feel the shock and awe that I should have. The twists, as a horror novel, were predictable and anticlimactic.

On the other hand, if this is a novel meant to use the curse as a metaphor for mental illness, than it is very well executed. There are many, many fascinating ideas on how one event can change the course of our lives, even leading to delusions or more. In this case, the twists are an excellent way to showcase how one person's perspective can become so powerful, that nothing can tear it away.

Regardless of the the intent, there is a lot of symbolism in the book to highlight how we use events in the past to make sense of our present. We attribute meaning to places and objects that perhaps give these things more power over us than they should.

Ian's childhood was not very stable or happy. His life notably improved when he left the confines of the cottage and lived his own life. In fact, there are several other family members who experience the same thing. It is only when life forces them back to the cottage that life takes a turn for the worse. Not just for Ian, but for family in the past.

The question remains at the end, is the cottage cursed? For Ian, proving that there is a curse is a vindication of sorts. If there is a curse, he removes the blame and responsibility he feels for his role in the family's many tragedies. It absolves him. The truth becomes less about if a curse exists, and more about why a curse needs to exist.

The haunting part for me is how we, as humans, can make our own realities. This book had a bit of a "Black Mirror" feel to it, for me, in this sense. I think it is in our nature to find a way to forgive ourselves, especially when our actions (or inactions) lead to tragedy.

Build on that the nature of grief. How it is all-encompassing. It can eat away at us and change who we are fundamentally as people. In the same way that Miss Havisham simply froze her entire existence to the moment her heart was broken, Ian throws himself relentlessly into the pursuit of his family's history. The past becomes his reality. He rationalizes, justifies, makes excuses and flat out ignores everything that doesn't fit in his narrative.

In that sense, this book is chilling, haunting and fascinating. This is a book that while easy to read, leaves you with questions. It's perfect for a book club or reading group, in my opinion.

Thank you very much to Hideaway Falls for the opportunity to read and review this book!

[josbookblog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally reviewed on https://josbookblog.co.uk/

Broken Branches is the first novel to be published by new independent publisher Hideaway Fall, and I was delighted to receive a copy for review ahead of its publication later this month.

'Family curses don't exist. Sure, some families seem to suffer more pain than others, but a curse? An actual curse? I don't think so.'

A family tragedy was the catalyst for Ian Perkins to return to the isolated cottage with his wife and young son. But now they are back, it seems yet more grief might befall the family.

There is still time to act, but that means Ian must face the uncomfortable truth about his past. And in doing so, he must uncover the truth behind the supposed family curse.

Broken Branches is one of those novels that I think it’s best to go into with as little prior knowledge as possible, thus I’ve “borrowed” the above synopsis from Goodreads rather than trying to write my own. I think that it’s vague enough to not give away too much, but with enough of a hook to tempt you in – family curses and tragedies, what’s not to like?

Broken Branches alternates between Ian’s childhood and the present day, after Ian and his family move into his childhood home. From the flashbacks to his childhood, we see him growing up with his brother, Stuart, and their parents – a strict and cold father, and well-meaning but ineffective mother who won’t go against her husband’s wishes or stand up to him at all. I really enjoyed these scenes – they introduce the family as well as the idea of the family curse, and these chapters encourage sympathy for Ian who, as the younger son, is passed over in favour of Stuart.

I think that this sympathy carries over into the present-day scenes, as we see Ian’s interaction with his wife and young son. I loved the contrast of the first two chapters – one sinister and foreboding, the second full of love and laughter as Ian interacts with his son, Harry, who is the very definition of adorable. It very quickly becomes apparent that all is not well with his wife, Rachel, although the reasons for this aren’t entirely clear at first. I found myself trying to explain away her behaviour, and found that, rightly or wrongly, my sympathy lay firmly with Ian, who seemed to be trying to get through to her, to no avail.

Broken Branches definitely has a creepy atmosphere to it, and whilst I wouldn’t say it was scary, there are some parts where you wonder if there’s something a little bit odd going on, or if it’s all in the narrator’s mind. I love books like this – there are so few books out there that I find genuinely creepy in this way, and I love it when I stumble across one.

Broken Branches will be published on 27 July 2017. Many thanks to the publisher, Hideaway Fall, for providing a copy for review.