The Pagan Tree

Name: The Pagan Tree
Price: 12.38 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781838476304

✍️ J J Dobor

Reader Score

4.4

(1 review)

$12.38

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

📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A woman faces supernatural revenge in a Cornish house with a dark history.

Veronica Rowland arrives at Mill House hoping for peace after a broken marriage. She finds an ominous rag tree nearby, adorned with offerings to the lost. A hostile presence greets her immediately. Locals withhold the mill’s history, forcing Veronica to uncover the truth herself. She discovers an entity with a deep grudge. Her own secrets are revealed during this confrontation. The narrative tracks her struggle against forces tied to betrayal and tragedy. History repeats itself as her past actions resurface. The story emphasizes personal accountability and the inescapable nature of revenge.

Key Themes

Betrayal and tragedy Revenge beyond the grave Cornish rag tree traditions

Literary Context

The narrative is set in Cornwall, drawing on local Cornish traditions regarding ancient rag trees. These shrines serve as sites for tributes to the living and the dead. The setting provides a specific gothic atmosphere rooted in regional folklore and the isolation of rural hideaways.

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

Daphne du Maurier · Shirley Jackson · Thomas Hardy

🩸

Horror Fiction

🏛 Daisy's Blushes Press 📅 2021 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781838476304

📝 Description: The Pagan Tree

Veronica Rowland seeks a fresh start in Cornwall after her marriage collapses. She moves into Mill House, a property located at the end of a lane near an ancient rag tree. This shrine holds tributes for the living and the dead. Dobor, the author, frames this narrative around betrayal and revenge that extends beyond death. The story follows Veronica as she encounters a hostile presence within her new home. Local residents refuse to share the mill’s dark history, leaving her to piece together the chilling events alone. She must confront the terrible truth of an entity holding a grudge against her. Her own secrets are exposed, and her past ultimately catches up with her. The plot revolves around history coming full circle in a personal battle for survival. This work suits readers who enjoy gothic fiction centered on haunted houses and supernatural revenge. It draws on Cornish traditions involving rag trees and shrines. The narrative focuses on the psychological toll of betrayal and the consequences of past actions. Readers seeking lighthearted romance or fast-paced action thrillers may find this slow-burn exploration of tragedy unsuitable. The book presents a grounded look at how old wounds reopen in new settings, anchored by the specific imagery of the rag tree shrine and the isolation of Mill House.

💎 Our verdict on The Pagan Tree

“

🩸

Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

This work effectively utilizes Cornish traditions to create an atmosphere of isolation and dread. The focus on a hostile presence within Mill House establishes a classic gothic tone, while the theme of supernatural revenge adds psychological depth. The narrative carefully tracks Veronica’s struggle against forces tied to betrayal, emphasizing personal accountability. It suits readers who appreciate grounded horror rooted in folklore rather than generic scares. The slow-burn exploration of tragedy allows for a thorough examination of how old wounds reopen. However, those seeking lighthearted romance or immediate thrills may find the pacing unsuitable. The book succeeds in its aim to present a chilling account of history repeating itself through personal survival.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking a slow-burn exploration of tragedy and personal accountability will find this book compelling. It appeals to those who enjoy gothic fiction centered on haunted houses and the inescapable nature of revenge. The narrative offers a grounded look at how past actions resurface, anchored by specific imagery like the rag tree shrine. Those interested in the psychological toll of betrayal and the consequences of hidden secrets will appreciate the deep dive into Veronica’s confrontation with her history. It is ideal for fans of atmospheric horror who prefer character-driven plots over fast-paced action.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.4

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

This work effectively utilizes Cornish traditions to create an atmosphere of isolation and dread. The focus on a hostile presence within Mill House establishes a classic gothic tone, while the theme of supernatural revenge adds psychological depth. The narrative carefully tracks Veronica’s struggle against forces tied to betrayal, emphasizing personal accountability. It suits readers who appreciate grounded horror rooted in folklore rather than generic scares. The slow-burn exploration of tragedy allows for a thorough examination of how old wounds reopen. However, those seeking lighthearted romance or immediate thrills may find the pacing unsuitable. The book succeeds in its aim to present a chilling account of history repeating itself through personal survival.