The Haunting of Willow Creek: A Hopeful Horror Novel

by Sara Crocoll Smith

Take from the Weeping Willow, and the Weeping Willow will take from you…

When Birdie arrives at Willow Creek Mansion for an artist’s residency, she believes the grant could finally unlock her dream of a photography career. Yet she soon senses something sinister lurks on the southern grounds.

Fifty years ago, the contemptible benefactress disappeared, leaving behind her blood-stained will. The only instructions? Five artists of different disciplines must create works inspired by the eponymous willows of the area.

Is Birdie willing to pay the ultimate price for her passion?

Whispering willows… ghoulish paintings… slithering roots…

The foundation of Willow Creek is not at rest. As Birdie rushes to discover what’s buried beneath, she’ll be forced to trust what she cannot see and fight for more than her life.

Genres: Horror, Gothic

212 pages, Paperback

First published February 7, 2023

About the author

Author of the ghostly gothic horror series Hopeful Horror. Award-winning editor of Love Letters to Poe. (she/her)

Reviews

[Bianca Rose (Belladonnabooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this southern gothic horror novel we are immersed in the creepy world of Willow Creek mansion where budding photographer Birdie has been invited to an artist’s retreat. Soon a series of unsettling and ghostly events begin, and Birdie is thrust into the mystery of Willow Creek.

Sara’s writing never disappoints. It has such an atmospheric quality to it. Willow Creek is no exception. Paranormal horror at its best. It’s the sort of horror novel you curl up with.

With fascinating characters and creepy undertones, this book will keep you engrossed until the end.

Thank you to the author for providing me with a free copy of this book to read and review!

[Britt · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5- I met the author at a book fair and liked the description and look of the book. The basis of the story is good, but just felt like some of the characters could have been fleshed out better and some of the horrors of the story more clearly written. There was a lot going on with that tree that sometimes I had trouble tracking. But, this was a better read than I expected and now I would like to read the first book in the series. This would make a cool movie with some details tweaked.

[Pan | Book Reviews and Recommendations · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sara Crocoll Smith provided me with one of the most wonderful Gothic horror tales in the genre in the form of 'The Haunting of Willow Creek'. The second offering in the 'hopeful horror' series is as astonishingly beautiful as the first one, 'The Haunting of Orchard Hill'.

The story follows Birdie who arrives at Willow Creek Mansion among others, for an artist's residency, one that could unlock her dream of a photography career.
Five artists of different disciplines must create works inspired by the eponymous willows of the area.

But the foundation of Willow Creek is not at rest. Birdie will soon discover that something sinister lurks on the southern grounds.
Fifty years ago, the contemptible benefactress disappeared, leaving behind her blood-stained will.

Is Birdie willing to pay the ultimate price for her passion?As Birdie rushes to discover what's buried beneath, she'll be forced to trust what she cannot see and fight for more than her life.

When whispering willows, ghoulish paintings, slithering roots and sinister forces come to claim what's rightfully theirs..the absolute nightmare begins.

Get ready to dive into a wonderfully eerie and suspenseful tale of supernatural terror. A hauntingly beautiful and chilling Southern Gothic novel that will definitely stay with you for quite a while like a sweet and terrifying memory.

Great and believable characters, a fantastic and tight plot make this story simply magical and haunting with a superb cinematic feel to it.

The wonderful way the author keeps building the tension is truly remarkable and one of the strongest elements of this fantastic horror delight.

Nature plays a major role in the creation is this beautiful tale and inspires the author to create another phenomenal novel that will take you through an array of feelings and eventually... hope...

Another fantastic literary offering by the author who spawned ' The Haunting of Orchard Hill' and 'Loveletters to Poe' anthologies 1&2.
I am hooked and eager for more from Sara Crocoll Smith.

Gothic Horror at its finest, 'The Haunting of Willow Creek' unveils its secrets to the world on February 1st .

But be warned.. Take from the Weeping Willow, and the Weeping Willow will take from you...

[Renee Cronley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A literary horror novel that will stimulate your five senses… or take them away…

At Willow Creek Mansion, we join the protagonist, Birdie Montgomery, on an artist residency with four other artists of different disciples who were awarded the Willa Cromwell Artist of Perception Grant, to further develop their creative endeavours. While basking in the incredible opportunity before them, and drawing inspiration from the eponymous willows, they discover that not all is what it seems on the southern grounds. They are forced into a spine tingling journey of the mystery surrounding the disappearance of their benefactress and learn that sometimes tapping into the spirit of their creative energies comes at a price.

‘The Haunting of Willow Creek’ is Sara Crocoll Smith’s second book in her series of Hopeful Horror Novels—each book stands on their own, but I appreciated the nod to the first Hopeful Horror Novel ‘The Haunting of Orchard Hill’, when Adriana uses the ‘Orchid Hill Honey’ as an ingredient in one of her culinary delights. My favourite character in the book was the fun, flamboyant, and stylish storyteller Marcel and the presence he brings to every scene.

I am in love with the prose of this literary horror story, and how nature and the folklore of the weeping willow were woven into the terrifying tale and brought to life through each character and their artistic eccentricities. ‘The Haunting of Willow Creek’ is another Hopeful Horror must read!

[Mariah · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would you sacrifice for your 'big break'? As someone who dabbles in art, I found myself wondering about this question a lot while reading this story. What would I give up to excel at my passion?

'The Haunting of Willow Creek' is the second installment in Sara Crocoll Smith's 'hopeful horror' series. With it comes an elegantly written Southern Gothic tale that combines the supernatural, folklore, nature, and art in a beautiful and haunting way. To me, the story boils down to one theme, passion. And the lengths at which people will go to fulfill their passion. But even more so, reading this story, you can see the passion Sara poured into every little detail of the story she wanted to tell and executed it magnificently.

Recommend this story to those who enjoy the Southern Gothic genre, the supernatural, and unique folklore.

[Paul Coombs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spine-tingling supernatural southern gothic tale in which Sara Crocoll Smith masterfully ratchets up the tension with each turn of the page. The Haunting of Willow Creek is a beautifully lyrical tale that follows Birdie, a photographer, who is invited to Willow Creek Mansion along with five other artists, each with their own specialism, to create works inspired by the willow trees linked to the house and surrounding land. Birdie is desperate to find her place in the world, and during her stay at the mansion she discovers that in order to do so, she must defeat an evil seeking to reclaim all for itself. Sara Crocoll Smith seamlessly weaves together the natural world, the estate’s dark secrets and the way one’s sanity can gradually be corroded by sinister external forces, towards a haunting and compelling climax. This wonderful gothic story will stay with you long after you finish it.

[Molly Mccue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! A good story about finding friendship in odd places!

I thought it was cool how she ties the 50 years after Willa Cromwells death in with the life span of the willow tree. The artists perception grant each of them received seemed too good to be true and man was it!!

When everyone started struggling and was packing to go, why didn’t anyone knock on Tom’s door to check on him?

Also when Dodge, Birdie and Marcel were able to get the keys and unlock Willa’s room why did they wait til the other were sleeping? I would have told them so we could all go together?

Couple of odd things but the book was still worth reading for sure! The words flowed effortlessly when I was reading them.

Also after all that there is no way I’m staying at willow creek mansion!? I’d want that entire place to be set on fire!

[TheseHauntedPages · Rating 4 out of 5]

A group of creatives who all work in different disciplines are invited to an art residency at Willow Creek, they must perfectly capture the essence of the surroundings whilst being given board in the beautiful old mansion.

Of course it’s too good to be true!

The benefactress of the house has a checkered past and went missing fifty years ago but her will states that she wishes five artists to capture the epitome of the willows on the estate.

The story crafts supernatural elements, creativity and intertwines nature in a haunting way.

I haven’t read a book like this before and found it a refreshing take on the paranormal/gothic genre.

Big thank you to Sara for sending me an arc to read!

[Lynn372 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A riveting paranormal story with bits of fascinating weeping willow folklore sprinkled throughout.

The characters of this story each embody a unique, creative talent and interesting personalities making them truly memorable, and the storyline is a continual treat of edge-of-your-seat twists that keeps you pulled in rooting for your favorite character(s)! I recommend this book to anyone who loves a great paranormal read!

[Kacey Rayburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whispering willows…ghoulish paintings…slithering roots…

I’m always up for southern ghost stories, and The Haunting of Willow Creek didn’t disappoint. It has all the elements I love: a creepy estate, folklore, ghosts, nature, art, and twists and turns that kept me guessing.

The Haunting of Willow Creek is atmospheric and eerie and a great read if you like a dash of hope with your horror!

[Eleanor Sciolsitein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gorgeous slice of eerie Southern Gothic from a talented writer whose gift for building memorable and relatable characters is matched only by her ability to send a chill up the reader's spine. Perfect for anyone with artistic leanings, The Haunting of Willow Creek is a rewarding read for any fans of gothic literature. Highly recommended.

[Floydswirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the Southern Gothic vibes of this tale and found the folklore around willows fascinating. However, I felt the characters were too flat and the overall writing could have been further edited. There were simply too many instances of repetition (especially with characters’ names).

Thank you to the author for my free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Carolin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s go Sara!!!! Another great hopeful horror novel. This was like Goosebumps, but for adults. Had me rapidly turning every page like I did as a kid staying up late reading Goosebumps books. Totally worth your time— check it out!

[Zachary · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was there but the writing felt like it tried to be complicated and eloquent for the sake of being complicated and eloquent.

That doesn't mean I won't be looking for more of these little hopeful horror books

[Alynda Millwee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the southern gothic vibes but that tree was doing too much. The writing style seemed to further my confusion regarding the tree. With that said, I would still like to read another book from this author before deciding concretely on her writing style.

[Grace Martinka · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the lore that surrounds this novel. There's Southern charm, flair, superstition, and spirituality. The build-up to the climax is impeccable, a great read.

[H.V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Synopsis:
When Birdie wins the Willa Cromwell Artists of Perception Grant, she quits her job, hopeful that this residency at Willow Creek Mansion in rural Georgia is the break she needs to start her career as a photographer. Despite some initial tension, Birdie quickly grows to like her fellow grant winners: Dodge the folk musician, Tom the sculptor, Adriana the culinary artist, and Marcel the poet. However, from the moment Birdie arrives, something feels off. When Birdie and the other four artists start experiencing strange maladies, they must uncover the Willow Creek’s sinister past before it’s too late.


Book Review:
The Haunting of Willow Creek has a modern Gothic feel as Smith plays with Gothic tropes while putting her own twist on them. She creates memorable characters whose shared dream of a chance to improve their craft will resonate with anyone pursuing a creative passion.

I especially like our heroine, Birdie. When we meet Birdie, she’s shy and highly sensitive to the world and people around her. She’s most comfortable interacting with the world through her camera’s lens. This grant is Birdie’s chance to take her art seriously, and in doing so, she starts to take herself seriously, too. Birdie grows significantly as she learns how to utilize her passion and her talent to fight for herself and her new friends despite her fears.

The details in Smith’s writing make the reader feel like they really are in an isolated mansion in rural Georgia. The descriptions of the abundant flora and fauna and the beauty of the setting also lull the reader into a false sense of security, making the moments of horror more startling. There are also many details about Willow Creek Mansion which stuck with me, especially Willa’s creepy portraits and the contents of her mysterious, locked room. You can feel the ominous history of the Mansion radiating from the page.

The focus on the five senses throughout the novel also brings the world Birdie and her friends inhabit to life. I especially love the descriptions of the delicious food Adriana creates (get the “Peach Cobbler for Communing” recipe on Deathcap and Hemlock here).

An ominous weeping willow is the sinister star of the novel. I’ve read a lot of books where a wicked tree is diseased or looks evil in some way, and I love that, in contrast, Smith’s willow is not just healthy but too healthy, as if it’s stealing life from the plants around it. I also really appreciate that Smith integrates specific details about the science and folklore of willow trees. I love reading horror featuring spooky plants (and fungi!), especially when it’s clear the author has researched their chosen plant and thought about it as a character in the story, not just a prop. Smith includes a brief afterword with links to relevant articles for anyone interested in learning more about willows.

The Haunting of Willow Creek is a fun read for anyone seeking a scare. I’d recommend reading it at a cabin or somewhere in the woods (preferably near some sinister willows!) to give yourself an additional chill. As with The Haunting of Orchard Hill, the second novel in Smith’s Hopeful Horror series ends optimistically, so it’s also an excellent choice for those who like their horror with a happier ending.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderfully sinister, delightfully macabre Southern Gothic rooted in creeping evil and ghoulish history. Atmospheric, gruesome, and unputdownable.

[Christine Hadden · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Haunting of Willow Creek by Sara Crocoll Smith——

In what can be accurately described as “southern gothic”, The Haunting of Willow Creek is the second book by this author that I’ve read. Her first, The Haunting of Orchard Hill, was one of my favorites that I’d read last year.

In Willow Creek, we meet Birdie, an aspiring photographer invited to an artist’s retreat’s alongside four other talented artisans. Willow Creek mansion is your typical southern estate but has a particularly unsettling haunting associated with it. Birdie and her new friends come across all manner of sinister occurrences that test their sanity and make them question whether it is worth solving the underlying mystery—for not just their livelihoods but their very lives are at stake under the majestic willows that line the property and hold secrets ghastly enough to scare even the most strong-willed of inhabitants.

Crocoll Smith has such a stylish way with words. Her descriptions of places and characters bring you right inside the story. While I did think her first book was a bit more intimate and haunting, this tale of friendship overcoming evil is still right in my wheelhouse. Anyone with a keen interest in malevolent ghosts, southern gothic settings and beautiful prose will find something to enjoy here.

[Brad DeMaagd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having been familiar with Sara's work on the "Love Letters to Poe" anthologies and her other Hopeful Horror story, "A Strangle of Ivy", I do approach the book with some understanding of the person behind the work. This tale is a solid page turner, and an impressive job of executing story shifts as the final events kick into a higher gear. Characters are easily relatable, and similar to someone you may know.
The incorporated natural world made the setting easy to visualize. Being a shorter story, it makes for spooky weekend read.

[Alison Schroeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book. Impressed by the author’s range and perfect pacing.

[Jennifer]

Two stars