Whispering Hollow

By Author / Illustrator

Rachel Burge

Genre

Suspense & Thrillers

Age range(s)

Publisher

Wellbeck

ISBN

9781804536179

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

12-09-2024

Synopsis

If you go down to the woods today . . . you're in for a scary surprise. Creepy and atmospheric, join Pippa as she battles to overcome the dark powers lurking in the forest around her Grandpa's cottage. Perfect for readers aged 9+ and fans of Sophie Anderson this Halloween.

Pippa Newton loves nature and being outdoors, and she's looking forward to visiting her grandfather in his cottage in the forest. If only her older brother was as enthusiastic about it as she is. But their holiday soon turns into a dark and strange adventure when Pippa realises that malevolent forces are lurking in the trees - forces that watch, wait, and mean them great harm.

Why are twig-woven figures appearing all over the cottage? And why does their grandfather seem so afraid all the time? What secrets linger in Whispering Hollow? And will Pippa be able to rekindle her friendship with her brother?

'A gripping tale of dark faerie magic' - Phil Hickes, author of The Haunting of Aveline Jones

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Reviews

Sue

Pippa Newton loves nature and loves the time she spends with her grandfather at his cottage in the woods. Her brother, Jed, used to enjoy these trips as well, but now lacks enthusiasm. However, they arrive to find their grandfather reluctant to let them stay and Pippa soon realises that something malevolent is lurking, causing Grandpa to be fearful and act strangely. When Pippa disobeys her grandfather and creeps out into the woods at night to use her night vision binoculars, things quickly spiral out of control.

In Whispering Hollow, Rachel Burge has created a spooky tale, full of suspense and menace, perfect for the darkening evenings - if you are someone who likes a good scare! The strange behaviour of her grandfather, his unkempt appearance, the sinister twig men hanging around the house create a tense atmosphere from the outset, leaving the reader wondering what might happen next.

Set in Cornwall, the story draws on the rich folklore and traditional tales of that area with hidden folk, spriggan and changelings and the narrative moves between the two worlds. But the story is also about siblings and the deep bonds they can share, of loss and change and family and the wonders of the natural world, making it a satisfying read as well as a dark and creepy one.

272 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher