This started off promising, but I unfortunately lost interest about halfway through. The beginning was intriguing and introduced some interesting characters.

I loved the different perspectives and time periods. The author did a great job of building the characters and making them seem like real people. The atmosphere was also fantastic; the setting felt real and at times sent shivers up my spine.

The plot, however, fell so flat for me and it took away the enjoyment of the book. It just sadly lost its spark. I seem to be in the minority here though, so I’m sure this book will reach the right readers!

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher, for a chance to read and review this book.

I absolutely loved this book. It really is a brilliant read. Historical fiction interwoven with legend and mysterious happenings just perfect. This book is so well written losing nothing in the telling of the historical story with the more supernatural element. The characters are all so well written that you care for them all and the story is so cleverly told. A favourite for 2023 and the year has only just begun.

Lichen Hall stands hidden in the woods and for years, it has been a place for unmarried mothers to give birth. Pearl Gorham arrives there in 1965 and she is sure that something very strange is happening. There appears to be a young woman and her son living in the grounds but no one wants to talk about them. As the truth begins to creep through the walls, the inhabitants of Lichen Hall will have to make some sickening decisions and uncover the past before it’s too late for everyone. There are some strong Gothic vibes surrounding this mystery and the multi-layered plot is highly unique. The characters are very easy to root for because there is plenty of insight into 1960s attitudes towards unmarried pregnant women and homosexuality. I loved the dark folkloric atmosphere and I couldn’t wait to find out what was really in the woods. It does get very strange and gruesome towards the end but if you love dark, chilling reads, it’s a definite winner for you!

This is a beautifully written tale of a mysterious house where young women have come to give birth and have their babies adopted. It is set across two timeline which are held apart but are intertwined, much like the tendrils of mould engulfing the house. time is not strightforward in this place. A great story which I highly recommend

I would read C.J Cooke's shopping list at this point, so I knew I was going to enjoy this, but once I started, I literally couldn't put it down.

Split between two narratives, we in turn follow 17 year old Mabel int he past just told she is pregnant and convinced it must be a consequence of the ghosts inside her, and in the present day we have 22 year old Pearl, heavily pregnant and sent to give birth at Lichen House, a mother and baby home on the Scottish borders.

But Lichen House isn't necessarily the safe haven it's supposed to be. Strange presences haunt the woods. The caretakers are by turns kindly and cold. And a strange mould festers in the walls....

This is about as perfect as a gothic novel gets. I loved the dual narratives, and the writing was beautiful. I also loved the creeping sense of dread and unease that built throughout the book, leading to a fabulously chilling denouement. An easy five stars from me!

Thank you to both NetGalley and the publisher, who provided me with a free ARC copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Another stunning example of modern gothic writing. I am constantly pulled into the middle of everything by this author and I love her writing style and imagination! If you want a book that will stay with you then pick up something by this author

I loved the authors other book- the Lighthouse Witches, and when I was invited to read another book by her, I could not say no!

C.J. Cooke does so well at describing the gothic and eerie. I love that her books have the ability to really pull me into the story.

When I got contacted if I wanted to read an ARC of C.J. Cooke's book The Ghost Woods I didn't hesitate one second, since I loved her previous book The Lighthouse Witches. I love the folklore elements, the mystery and the atmosphere that just suckes you into the story. Along with the gothic horror with ghosts and moldy mansions there is the sad and very relevant storyline of young mothers who are forced to give their children up for adoption because they couldn't afford to care for them and abortions were illegal. I said it after finishing The Lighthouse Witches and I'll say it again, if you should read one book this season read this. This was a book I just couldn't put down.

I have read C J Cooke’s previous books and loved them so needed no encouragement to read her new book The Ghost Woods. Like her previous offerings this is a dark and eerie read with a touch of the gothic. The Ghost Woods has a split timeline, with the plot taking place in 1959 and 1965, linked by two unmarried women arriving at Lichen Hall to give birth. Mable is only seventeen when she arrives at Lichen Hall, a large house owned by the Whitlock’s who open the doors to unmarried mothers. Six years later, Pearl, twenty two goes for the same reason, and like Mable feels all is not as it should be. With the strange behaviour of Mrs Whitlock, visions in the woods and tales of ghosts and witches both women find themselves in danger as their stories merge in 1965.

If you love a gothic, spinetingling, and creepy read then The Ghost Woods is for you. C J Cooke creates the perfect environment for this book. What is more disturbing than a large house in a woods, with eccentric owners, and a folklore tale of a Nicnevin, a fairy Queen from Scottish mythology. There is also the inside of the house with wings closed to fungus. There are fairy rings, supernatural sightings and strange goings on to add to the sense of menace and fear.

The split time line focuses on the stories of Mable and Pearl. Mable is only seventeen and is shocked to be told she was pregnant insisting she has never had sex. She is vulnerable and alone, finding her time at Lichen Hall difficult until she befriends Aretta and Rhami, both there for the same reason as her, a bond they share. In 1964 Pearl arrives at Lichen Hall, more mature than other residents at twenty two, she also becomes to realise that all is not right. She is more confident than Mable was, she had a life before, a job as a nurse that unfortunately fell apart once she became pregnant. Pearl’s story shows how it was still such a taboo to be an unmarried mother, even in you twenties. Even after the birth and adoption she can’t return to her job as a nurse.

Aretta and Rhami tie the two timelines together. Pregnant in 1959 with Mable and they stayed on to be maids at the Hall, and are there when Pearl arrived. They have a respect for the woods, a place that seems alive at night with the supernatural, lights and visions that frighten Mable and Pearl as well. This sinister theme underpins the whole book and I found myself on the edge of my seat as the book headed towards its conclusion, my heartbeat raised with a sense of dread.

I am becoming a huge fan of C J Cooke, with her ability to keep me in suspense with a touch of fear for her characters. Her stories are always brilliantly written, full of tension and creepiness and keep you guessing until the very last page. The Ghost Woods is another super supernatural tale from C J Cooke, and one I highly recommend.

This one started slow for me, however I persevered. The pace did pick up after a while. It’s well written, it’s creative, descriptive and well thought out. I like that it’s atmospheric and I really like the isolated setting. There’s a great cast of characters who are easy to root for. Unfortunately it fell a little flat. I got the sense of the gothic vibe but it not really creepy enough for me. Although predictable , I did enjoy the ending. If you’re looking for an atmospheric gothic read, this could be for you.

I loved this author's other book The Lighthouse Witches and was excited to read this. From the start I knew I was going to love it. It's dark and moves between the past and present as the story unfolds. I loved the characters and I have to admit I wasn't expecting some of the twists that occurred. It's another excellent read from CJ Cooke and I can't wait read future books too.

This is gothic horror and has 2 story strands - one in the late 50s and one in the mid 60s which slowly come together. They're both focused on young unmarried pregnant women who are sent to this strange isolated stately home in Scotland to give birth and then give away their children.

But the house is supposed to be cursed, and strange things are seen in the surrounding woods.

I thought this was really good and have actually now bought a copy too.

It's really clever in how it blends together typical horror like odd occurrences in the woods and the mushrooms slowly blooming throughout the house, and also social/political kind of horror in the lack of options that these women have that mean they find themselves stuck in this situation.

It's more on the creepy/spooky side of horror, although as it builds towards the end there is some more grisly body horror.

4.25 stars

I'd loved The Lighthouse Witches so I knew I was in for a great new novel. It was everything I expected and more- dark, twisty, beautifully atmospheric and hauntingly chilling. I will be recommending it to friends and family for sure

“I have a ghost in my knee. There’s a small pocket just behind the kneecap and she’s hiding in there, all tucked up in the soft mattresses of cartilage. She is very small and terrified so I’m sitting with that leg straightened so I don’t disturb her. I’ve not set a word about this to anyone. They’d think I’m mad.” - how is THAT for an opening line!!!

'The lighthouse witches' was one of my favourite reads of last year so to say I was EXSTATIC when I was approached by the publishers to read C.J Cookes newest book 'The Ghost Woods' might be an understatement!

The story itself is set around the creepy, atmospheric grounds of Lichen Hall in Scotland, which stands as a home for unmarried pregnant mothers to go have their babies away from the prying and judging eyes of the public of the time, and arrange for these children to be given up for adoption. It is told from dual perspectives, Mabel in in the 1950s and Pearl in the 1960s, following both as they navigate the mysteries of Lichen Hall, it's inhabitants and uncover the mysteries within...

C J Cooke is masterful at creepy atmospheric writing and capturing the Scottish setting (I am biased being Scottish but I LOVE it!) there was really some truly horrifying imagery throughout the book as well as body horror which made for such a spooky read.

Overall, a very enjoyable read - I would give it a solid 4 stars (my only negative was it involved some content/triggers that I try my best to avoid reading about but I understand for the plot why it was there)

Thanks again to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for offering me the chance of reading the ARC!

Another atmospheric, gripping story by CJ Cooke, a mix of horror and gothic that kept me on the edge till the end.
It's a well plotted and well written story, the storytelling is excellent and the dual timeline and the world building are well done.
I wasn't always a fan of the characters but I couldn't put this book down.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

Having recently read The Lighthouse Witches I was pleased to be approved for this one. I was not disappointed. It was creepy and interesting and I just couldn’t stop reading until the last page. The descriptions were fantastic and I will be recommending this to my friends. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

🍄 Where to begin with this book ...

**please research for trigger warnings

🌟🌟BOOK REVIEW🌟🌟

I'm very late with my review of The Ghost Woods by C.J Cooke as I've been finding it impossible to express my love for this novel in just a few words!

Set in the Scottish Borders, Lichen Hall once magnificent, though now decrepit is the home to Mr. and Mrs. Whitlock and their grandson Wulfric. The House is surrounded by a prolific and menacing woodland, known as the Ghost Woods. An ancient wood that has been the centre of many myths and legends surrounding Witches and fairy folklore. Mrs. Whitlock offers assistance and her home to young pregnant mothers.

The story is split between two young expectant mothers, Mabel and Pearl. Mabel a gentle, shy and naive young woman leads us through her experiences in 1959, while Pearl an independent, fiesty, proud nurse arrives at the hall in 1965.

As the women try to adapt in this sinister environment, they soon learn that childbirth and giving up their child is not the most frightening episode ahead of them. 🍄

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Being that I'm adopted, I'm quite used to reading of the horrific things that occurred in Mother and Baby homes throughout the UK and Ireland in the past ,I'm glad I didn't realise this novel would be revolving around adoption as I may not have read it. I would have seriously missed out.

This book has it all, the strength of females mentally and physically when all is against them! Female relationships with male, female partners, parents, friendships and of course with their baby and body throughout pregnancy. The female characters in this book are incredibly powerful.The undercurrent of a malevolent entity surrounding the Hall and woods and the frequent twists and turns this novel takes, will leave you yearning for more reading hours in the day. This is a gothic thriller with so many added extras! My book of the year, five stars plus! I know I will be recommending it for a long time to come! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🌟Thank you to #netgalley and the tagged author and publisher for this ARC to review! I also bought the hardback myself as I will be reading it again 😁

This is the story of two young pregnant women who stay at Lichen Hall, a gothic mansion that has a secret which the owner is trying to hide.

It’s a dual timeline story which I enjoyed as the stories weaved together and linked, giving just enough to keep me hooked but not enough for me to work out the mystery.

It’s an incredibly atmospheric (I mean creepy) read, one which I devoured over a weekend. Highly recommend.

My second novel from C J Cooke and I am still impressed. I am slightly less enamoured of this one than I was of The Lighthouse Witches, but I still recommend it.

I think part of what stopped me from loving this one is that it felt a bit obvious for the reader what was going on, and I think I would have liked more difference in the two time lines, although for the ending to work as well as it does I think they can't be too far apart either so it is difficult.

There are some key concerns of motherhood, the place of women in society and their desire to be independent that I found woven throughout this novel and The Lighthouse Witches. Similarly, there is a supernatural element at play here too. Cooke has referred to these two and The Nesting as a trilogy of sorts so I much get to The Nesting soon to complete my reading.

The writing in this is once again striking and the plotting solid. The characters are well done although I wish I had felt slightly more connected to them.

I look forward to whatever Cooke writes next.

My thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

A dark, beautifully written story, that still stays with me now, very haunting but would totally recommend