The Hollow Tree

LoveReading Says

A compelling and rewarding crime novel where the focus sits with a journalist as she investigates links between the occult and a death by suicide. Shona Sandison travels from Scotland into the North of England on the trail of a twenty year old secret that mixes politics, corruption, and the occult. This is my first meeting with investigative journalist Shona Sandison, you don’t need to have read what has gone before in order to really enjoy this novel however I’d recommend starting with The Goldenacre.

Author Philip Miller creates a wonderful balance with pace and a slow-burning suspense and intrigue. My attention was captured from the get-go and my focus remained on a high alert throughout. It’s the process of the case that’s important here, and the interplay and action between the characters.

I enjoyed Shona’s spikiness and determination, and believed in her as a main character. There is an intense sense of place, in particular within the woods and wild areas. It is interesting to watch the jigsaw pieces falling into place, though not all settle, and witness how corruption taints and affects everything it touches. Darkly absorbing The Hollow Tree is a thoroughly satisfying and convincing read.

Reviewed by Liz Robinson
Liz has been an Editorial Expert writing reviews for LoveReading since 2014.
More reviews by Liz Robinson

About The Hollow Tree

Investigative journalist Shona Sandison is attending the wedding of her closest friend and former colleague, Vivienne. But the night before the wedding, Vivienne's reclusive school friend, Dan, jumps from a roof to his death. Shona is the only witness to the suicide - and so the only person who saw the occult tattoos covering Dan's body, and heard the unsettling, mystical phrases he was uttering.

Read the full description

Find This Book In