Hares in the Hedgerow

Name: Hares in the Hedgerow
Price: 24.95 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781943720767

✍️ Jessica McHugh

Reader Score

4.5

(1 review)

$24.95

In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days

📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A gothic novel about a young woman uncovering her dark family legacy through music and madness.

The narrative centers on Sophie Francis, who navigates a confusing existence marked by supernatural whispers and internal turmoil. Her encounter with the Choir of the Lamb and musician Liam LaSalle opens a door to a hidden history involving martyrs and a dangerous lineage. The plot moves away from simple teen angst toward a darker inquiry into her origins. McHugh constructs a story where music and madness intertwine, forcing Sophie to confront the reality of her bloodline. The presence of Avery Norton adds a layer of urgency to this discovery. The book does not offer easy answers but instead presents a challenging look at inherited trauma and identity within a supernatural framework.

Key Themes

family legacy supernatural whispers music and madness

Literary Context

Published by Ghoulish Books in 2022, this work sits within the contemporary horror fiction market. It draws on gothic traditions of haunted heritage and psychological dread. The author brings recognition from the Bram Stoker and Elgin Award nominations to this genre-focused publication.

Difficulty

●●● Challenging

Recommended For Fans Of

Shirley Jackson · Thomas Ligotti · Daphne du Maurier · Silvia Moreno-Garcia

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Horror Fiction

🏛 Ghoulish Books 📅 2022 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781943720767

📝 Description: Hares in the Hedgerow

Sophie Francis begins her story inside a 1973 Volkswagen Kombi, stripped of her clothes and comfort. As an aspiring singer-songwriter seeking connection, she grapples with whispers from ghosts in her apartment and unsettling thoughts that surface when the spirits fall silent. The narrative questions whether she is a reincarnated saint raised by a serial killer or simply a confused teenager. Her path intersects with Liam LaSalle and the Choir of the Lamb, a group of misfits that pulls her into a world blending music, martyrdom, and madness. Through this community, Sophie uncovers her connection to a dangerous family legacy and meets Avery Norton, a fiery young girl. Jessica McHugh, a nominee for both Bram Stoker and Elgin Awards, guides readers through this disturbing exploration of heritage and identity. This novel suits fans of gothic fiction and supernatural mysteries who enjoy complex character studies rooted in psychological tension. It may not appeal to those seeking lighthearted romance or straightforward horror without emotional depth. The story remains grounded in the specific dynamics of its characters rather than broad genre tropes, offering a focused look at how past sins influence present actions.

💎 Our verdict on Hares in the Hedgerow

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Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

This novel distinguishes itself through a grounded approach to supernatural horror, focusing on the specific dynamics of its characters rather than relying on broad genre conventions. McHugh constructs a compelling inquiry into origins, where music and madness serve as vehicles for uncovering hidden histories. The story effectively balances internal turmoil with external supernatural elements, creating a tense atmosphere suitable for fans of gothic fiction. While it may not appeal to those seeking straightforward horror or lighthearted romance, its challenging look at identity within a supernatural framework provides a rich, thought-provoking experience for the right audience.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

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Why this book is worth reading

Readers who appreciate complex character studies rooted in psychological tension will find this novel deeply rewarding. It offers a disturbing exploration of heritage and identity, moving beyond simple teen angst to investigate dangerous family legacies. Those interested in gothic fiction and supernatural mysteries will enjoy the nuanced portrayal of music and madness intertwining. The narrative challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about inherited trauma without providing easy answers. It is ideal for those seeking emotional depth and focused character dynamics rather than broad genre tropes or lighthearted romance.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.5

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

This novel distinguishes itself through a grounded approach to supernatural horror, focusing on the specific dynamics of its characters rather than relying on broad genre conventions. McHugh constructs a compelling inquiry into origins, where music and madness serve as vehicles for uncovering hidden histories. The story effectively balances internal turmoil with external supernatural elements, creating a tense atmosphere suitable for fans of gothic fiction. While it may not appeal to those seeking straightforward horror or lighthearted romance, its challenging look at identity within a supernatural framework provides a rich, thought-provoking experience for the right audience.