By James Brogden

Titan, out now

After an horrific accident, Rachel becomes caught up in the truth behind a local legend…

Where James Brogden’s first novel for Titan, Hekla’s Children, very much seemed to employ a scattergun approach to genre, with elements from many different forms appearing, this novel is far more straightforward – a decision that allows the tension and the terror to grow satisfyingly. Questions are posed and then answered in ways that lead to more questions, as Brogden gradually reveals the truths about both the identity of the woman in the tree and how it affects Rachel.

Although it’s based on a true story – which is covered in this month’s Fortean Times, for those interested in more details on the reality – Brogden doesn’t let this become a “procedural” at any point. Rachel has an ability as a result of her accident and that provides a solid connection with the body of a woman found inside a tree, and the various personalities that “Mary” presents serve more to tell us about Rachel  than they do her.

Brogden has clearly done his research on the real world problems that Rachel faces – the manner in which something simple and mundane can become considerably more challenging in ways you wouldn’t anticipate unless you’d been in that situation, particularly. That combined with a very down to Earth way of dealing with the supernatural element makes for a very engaging read.

Verdict: An intriguing tale that will quickly grab you in. 9/10

Paul Simpson