The Hollow Tree

James Brogden, recognized for his previous work Hekla's Children, presents a dark narrative exploring the boundary between our reality and another realm. The story follows Rachel Cooper, who undergoes a hand amputation after a tragic accident. She begins experiencing vivid nightmares featuring a woman trapped inside a hollow tree, screaming for assistance. Rachel also suffers from phantom sensations in her missing limb, feeling leaves and earth as if her body were part of the forest. This terror intensifies when an unseen force takes her hand, pulling the imprisoned woman into the physical world. The newcomer possesses no memory of her identity, prompting Rachel to investigate the legend of Oak Mary. This refers to a female corpse discovered within a hollow tree that remained unidentified. Urban legends surrounding this case suggest three possible backgrounds for the victim: a Nazi spy, a prostitute, or a gypsy witch. Rachel seeks the truth behind these rumors while confronting darker forces at work. A rule has been broken, and Mary now exists in a world where she does not belong. This tale suits readers interested in supernatural fiction and gothic mysteries involving urban legends. It may not appeal to those who prefer straightforward contemporary drama without paranormal elements.