This story will not disappoint. It feels like a slow burner and you think that the answer is boringly obvious and what was the point. Then, things start moving and suddenly you’re not so sure it’s as obvious as you thought.
At this point the pace picks up and you realize that even though you don’t know why, you do know that George & Richie are in real danger but you’re still not sure what exactly the threat is.
What a macabre revelation is in store for the reader. It will make you shiver at the horror of it all.
This is one to read with the door locked and the log fire burning.

DI’s Georgina Lennox (George) and Richard Stewart are sent to a remote Hebridian island to investigate a suspected suicide. George is recovering from a severe head injury and her boss believes it is an easy job for her gradual return to work. Upon arrival they have a very mixed reception. Some are kind and welcoming but many are wary and some downright rude. There are only some two hundred people living on the Island and they have to fend for themselves with little outside help. With so few people on the island their lives are all intertwined and they are used to dealing with problems themselves and don’t take kindly to outsiders. With no emergency services and only one satellite phone, it really is a world away from what we perceive as normality. The victim, Alan is reported to have committed suicide by jumping from the desolate lighthouse on the far side of the island. As their investigation begins they are met with distrust and hostility but nothing that really points to foul play. However, as frightening and unexplained events begin to happen George won’t let things lie and her determination to find answers puts her in extreme danger. An original story that had many different characters, all in same way affected by their solitary existence. A well written story that immerses the reader into this isolated and bleak place with its strange folklore and traditions.

Really enjoyed this gritty thriller, with a well written and atmospheric plot, very creepy and believable.
The Scottish isle set the best scene for eerie and suspicious behaviour.
The characters were described perfectly and I was interested in both George and Ritchie, and to be honest some of the others aswell.
A good solid twist at the end made for a very satisfactory finale.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

Bit of a slow burn to start with, the second half picks up more. Although I did enjoy this, I wasn't a fan of the ending.

3.5 stars

A splendid debut from Laura McCluskey. Set on a remote Scottish island, it is atmospheric and intriguing. Two DIs from the mainland arrive to investigate the mysterious death of the teenager Alan. However the small and tight knit community clam up and progress is slow. Until....! Gripping and surprising from the start.

I really enjoyed this book. I can hardly believe this is a debut novel. This is a murder mystery set off the coast of Scotland, where two detectives are sent to investigate the death of a young man who possibly committed suicide. Whilst on the island the detectives hear about the disappearance of three lighthouse men a hundred years before. The two detectives are friends and their past has not always easy. They want to protect each other. The book was gripping and had me guessing to the end, it unsettled me but in a good way, I was hooked. I can't wait for any future books by this author. She writes with fluency and I felt a enthusiasm to share her story. I wanted this book to be part of a series but that doesn't seem to be the case. However it is a book I will remember for a long time to come.

A very good debut novel set on a remote island off Scotland. Two police officers are sent from the mainland to investigate a death. Atmospheric and suspenseful as they become aware of old local traditions, legends and folklore. The novel was slow to take off at first, but then picked up the pace to leave you wondering what was going to happen next in this close knit community.

This is the author's debut novel and it is a very good one. Eilein Eador is a remote island off Scotland's north west mainland. A young man Alan Ferguson has fallen to his death off the lighthouse. Is this suicide?
Two detective inspectors are sent by boat to investigate. Richard Stewart and Georgina ( George ) Lennox. The weather is dreadful, it is a very severe winter.
The detectives encounter various locals. Cecily Campbell, the post mistress Kathy McKinnon, the dead boy's mother Catriona and the Island's priest James Ross. They find the Island's people friendly but very reserved. They learn the strange tale from the Island's history of when the lighthouse was manned, that three men from the mainland suddenly vanished, and were never seen again!
They stay in the cottage of a local who died recently, they have to keep the fire burning in the fireplace, otherwise they are told they will freeze.
George and Richard soon realise that things are not right, but don't know how to get to the bottom of this strange and secretive place. Things are about to get more sinister when they hear the howling from the wolf tree.
I enjoyed the book very much, it reminded me a little bit of the book/film "The Wicker Man". I definitely look forward to more from this author.

I love atmospheric crime thrillers set in remote places especially where the weather forms a large part of the story and The Wolf Tree is a great addition to this collection.
The story opens during a storm when two police inspectors from Glasgow are on their way to the remote Hebridean Island of Eilean Eadar to investigate the apparent suicide of an 18 year old boy. This opening sets the scene for the tale that follows. The storm foreshadows the hostility that the two inspectors meet from most of the island’s inhabitants who have developed their own ways of dealing with problems and don’t welcome any interference from outsiders.
They have five days on the island to find the truth but despite interviewing all of the victim’s acquaintances, the two officers can’t find any evidence that he didn’t commit suicide and yet there is still something that doesn’t feel right.
The inspectors seem an unlikely pairing – would this task really be given to two senior officers even if one of them is recovering from serious injury? However I did like both of them although George could be irritating at times and I definitely sympathised with Richie’s exasperation with her actions at times.
The inhabitants of the island are a very mixed bunch from Kathy, the chatty postmistress who seems to look after everyone to the taciturn farmer who barely says a word. There is obviously some friction between the older islanders who want to things to remain just as they are and the younger ones such as Lewis who want more from their lives but all of them will stick together to protect the island’s secrets.
I loved the threatening atmosphere that pervaded the whole novel and the final chapters especially were as thrilling as anyone could wish. I wasn’t totally convinced by the ending which seemed a little far fetched but the scene in the woods near the end really had me on the edge of my seat.
I thought that this was an excellent debut novel and look forward to seeing what Laura MacCluskey writes next.
Thank you to Net Galley and Harper Collins UK for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

The story followed two detectives Georgina Lennox and Richie Stewart who have been sent to a remote Scottish island to investigate the apparent suicide of an 18 year old islander. The investigation is a slow moving start as George and Richie interview the islanders and bad weather prolongs their stay. This is an atmospheric story that moves along at an increased speed with eerie goings on and lots of suspects and many twists with a surprise ending. After a slow start this became a good read.

This started off well for me, a questionable death being looked into on a remote Scottish Island. Two detectives sent from Glasgow, my home town, to investigate. I didn’t particularly take to Georgina but I liked Richie, though I did find them an odd match partner wise. They meet a fair few Islanders and they are a mix bag of characters, but they intrigue you and keep you wanting to know more. It’s the second half of the book I started to struggle with, Wolfs and Faeries and missing Lighthouse Keepers all thrown into the mix. Then I found the ending so far fetched and ridiculous,,it definitely spoiled it for me. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this early copy.

A truly enjoyable police procedural novel. Liked the characters and the setting descriptive and atmospheric. I'll be keeping an eye out for this author in the future. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.

A brilliant book which has you on the edge of your through to the very end. Set on a remote Scottish island cut off from mainland Scotland a lot of the time by storms. Two detectives Georgina Lennox and Richard Stewart are sent to investigate. A raging storm keeps them trapped on the island for five days, the islanders don't take to well to outsiders but there are more secrets hidden here than they expected. A gripping crime novel that I recommend.

DI Georgina (George) Lennox and DI Richard (Richie) Stewart are sent to the small Scottish island of Eilean Eadar to sign off a suicide of an 18 year old lad.
But things aren’t as they seem. Cathy, the postmistress hands George the log books from the lighthouse that closed over 100 years ago. Islanders are suspicious of mainlanders and even more so the police, so talking to the locals is hard. Life on the island seems difficult and everyone appears to pull together to support one another. But there’s a strange feeling that George can’t quite shake. She was sent as she’s recovering from a traumatic previous case and this on the face of it is an easy case. Digging deeper proves challenging, particularly when someone with a wolf mask on appears at the window and a warning is left outside the cottage they are staying in. Even the wind sounds like a wolf howling. It’s really not a welcoming place.
Compulsive reading, I couldn’t put it down. Twists and turns and a surprise ending.
Easy to read, engaging. I enjoyed it.

This is a bit of a slow burner, part thriller, part gothic folklore read and filled with interesting characters, some a bit more than others.. It is set on a remote Scottish island, I loved the descriptions of the landscape, the weather and the people. There was a host of characters to get to grips with, although I failed to relate to George the main character, and the pace was slow to start but it picked up just before halfway if you can persevere that far. The atmosphere built up towards the end, although there were a few unanswered questions which left me wondering about a few of the characters. Overall, just an ok read for me. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

Two DIs from Glasgow are sent to a remote outer Hebridean island to investigate the apparent suicide of a teenager. Georgie, the younger of the two is still recovering from a serious head injury sustained in the line of duty, her boss thinks it will be a cushy assignment to get her back to work.. They get a mixed reception some islanders are openly suspicious and hostile, some couldn't be more helpful. The loquacious postmistress, who seems to know everyone and everything is keen to tell George about the island and its history, including the mysterious disappearance of three lighthouse keepers a hundred years ago. After four days of their planned five day stay they seem to have discovered little or nothing about the teenagers death but have learned quite abit about how the islanders are slaves to their traditions, and how the local priest is the chief enforcer of them.. They plan to leave early but the weather turns bad and the boat can't get to them - and then things start to happen.... Unusual plot and setting for a police procedural, it a good read.

I enjoyed the Highland setting of the novel, and there’s an interestingly varied cast of characters. However I did find the solution to the problem - did a young man commit suicide and if so why? - was rather far-fetched, which detracted from the apprentice gritty realism aspect.

*The Wolf Tree* by Laura McCluskey is a poignant and atmospheric novel that intertwines themes of loss, healing, and the deep connections humans share with nature. With lyrical prose and a quiet yet powerful narrative, McCluskey explores the complexity of grief and the unexpected ways in which the natural world can help guide us through personal upheaval. This book is both a meditation on the passage of time and a journey toward self-discovery.

### Plot Overview:
The story follows Riley, a young woman reeling from the tragic loss of her mother, and the emotional and psychological toll this has taken on her life. She retreats to a small, rural town where her mother had grown up, hoping to find some solace and a sense of connection to her past. In the midst of her mourning, Riley encounters a variety of characters who are also grappling with their own stories of loss and longing. But it’s the discovery of an ancient "wolf tree" near her family’s home that becomes a pivotal symbol for her healing process.

The wolf tree—a tree that grows oddly, often as a result of damage to its core—is a recurring motif throughout the novel, symbolizing resilience, survival, and the idea that new growth can emerge from destruction. As Riley reconnects with her past and forms new bonds in the town, she begins to understand more about herself and her mother, discovering long-hidden family secrets along the way.

### Character Development:
Riley, the protagonist, is a complex character marked by emotional fragility and an intense longing for answers. Her journey is one of internal reckoning as she attempts to reconcile the grief she carries with the desire to live a full life. McCluskey does an excellent job of capturing Riley’s emotional arc, making her struggles relatable and poignant. As the narrative unfolds, Riley gradually shifts from a young woman who feels adrift to someone who begins to understand the depth of her own strength.

The supporting characters in *The Wolf Tree* are also well-drawn and contribute significantly to Riley’s transformation. There is a quiet wisdom in the older characters who offer Riley different perspectives on life and death, often helping her find clarity when she is lost in her sorrow. Each character feels authentic and multifaceted, and the town itself, with its small-town charm and hidden histories, is almost like a character in its own right.

### Writing Style:
McCluskey’s writing is one of the highlights of the book. Her prose is richly descriptive without being overbearing, capturing the beauty of the natural landscape as well as the inner turmoil of her characters. There is a dreamlike quality to the way the story is told—at times meditative, at times haunting. The pacing is steady, allowing the emotional beats to resonate without feeling rushed, and McCluskey’s ability to evoke both the physical and emotional landscape of the story is masterful.

The symbolic use of the wolf tree, with its strong and twisted form, stands as a metaphor for the protagonist’s journey through grief—each of its gnarled branches representing moments of struggle and survival. The natural imagery throughout the book gives it a grounding quality, reinforcing the themes of growth and renewal.

### Themes and Symbolism:
At its core, *The Wolf Tree* is a story about the cyclical nature of life and the inevitability of change. McCluskey weaves a narrative that examines grief, personal growth, and the way in which people come to terms with loss. The wolf tree is a central symbol—representing the resilience needed to heal after trauma, but also the idea that even in the face of brokenness, new life can emerge. It’s a subtle yet powerful metaphor for Riley’s own experience as she confronts her past and works to rebuild her future.

The novel also delves into the theme of connection—both to the past and to other people. Riley’s relationship with her mother, her family, and the people of the small town all highlight the importance of understanding one’s roots in order to move forward. There’s an emphasis on the healing power of nature and place, as the town and its surroundings become a space of reflection, growth, and transformation for Riley.

### Emotional Impact:
The emotional depth of *The Wolf Tree* is one of its most striking features. McCluskey doesn’t shy away from the pain of grief, but she also shows the quiet strength that can come from embracing vulnerability. The book moves at a slower pace, allowing the emotional journey to unfold in an organic way. There are moments of heartache, but also moments of peace and redemption. The final pages of the novel provide a sense of resolution, not by offering all the answers, but by showing that healing is a process, one that takes time, patience, and a willingness to face difficult truths.

### Final Thoughts:
*The Wolf Tree* is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy literary fiction that explores deep emotional landscapes. Laura McCluskey’s ability to capture the essence of grief, healing, and the connection between humans and nature makes this a deeply moving and thought-provoking read.

If you’re looking for a book that blends the natural world with the intricacies of human emotions, *The Wolf Tree* is a remarkable choice. It’s a novel about finding strength in vulnerability and realizing that, even in the wake of loss, life has a way of growing anew. McCluskey’s evocative writing and compelling characters ensure that *The Wolf Tree* will leave a lasting impact on its readers.

The Wolf Tree by Laura McCluskey is a gripping debut mystery set on the remote Scottish island of Eilean Eadar, where dark folklore and long-buried secrets simmer beneath the surface. The island, once notorious for the mysterious disappearance of three lighthouse keepers in 1919, is shaken once again when a young man is found dead at the base of the same lighthouse. Detectives Georgina ‘George’ Lennox and Richie Stewart are sent from Glasgow to investigate, but they quickly find themselves up against an insular, hostile community determined to obstruct their inquiry.

As George and Richie uncover layers of deception, the island’s eerie atmosphere intensifies. George, recovering from a traumatic accident, senses that something sinister is at play, noticing strange occurrences that Richie dismisses. The tension between the detectives grows as they navigate a town steeped in silence and resistance, where pagan legends and a mysterious priest add to the growing sense of unease.

McCluskey masterfully blends dark Scottish folklore with modern crime fiction, creating an atmospheric, page-turning mystery. The stark, haunting setting of the island and the complex dynamics between the detectives make The Wolf Tree an absorbing read, full of twists, chilling moments, and a haunting exploration of secrets that should have stayed buried. This debut announces McCluskey as a promising new voice in crime fiction.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

Laura McCluskey’s The Wolf Tree is an atmospheric and compelling debut, weaving together folklore, superstition, and police procedural into an evocative tale set on the fictional Scottish island of Eilean Eadar. When DI Georgina "George" Lennox and DI Richard "Richie" Stewart are sent to investigate the apparent suicide of a young man found at the base of the island's lighthouse, they encounter not just a suspicious death but a community steeped in secrets and hostile to outsiders.

The novel begins with a stormy arrival on the island, reflecting both the harsh environment and the tension that George and Richie face as "mainlanders." While the story has a slow start—largely centered around interviews with the uncooperative and often secretive islanders—it quickly gains momentum as eerie occurrences and the island's folklore intertwine with the investigation. The isolation of Eilean Eadar and the vivid descriptions of its rugged landscape create a palpable sense of unease that permeates the narrative.

McCluskey skillfully builds the relationship between George and Richie, contrasting George's headstrong determination and haunted past with Richie’s steadier, more experienced approach. Their dynamic feels authentic and adds depth to the story, especially as George wrestles with her own trauma while trying to prove herself. However, some readers may find George’s character polarizing, given her often brash and impulsive behavior.

The islanders themselves are a fascinating ensemble of characters, each contributing to the claustrophobic atmosphere. The blending of pagan beliefs, Catholic traditions, and an enduring distrust of outsiders creates a rich tapestry that enhances the mystery. While some plot twists are predictable, others are genuinely surprising, keeping the reader engaged until the climactic and satisfying reveal.

McCluskey’s writing shines in her descriptions of the island and its community, painting a vivid and immersive picture. The use of folklore adds a layer of intrigue that makes you question whether the threats are purely human or something more otherworldly. While the pacing falters in places, particularly in the early chapters, the tension ramps up effectively as the story progresses.

Overall, The Wolf Tree is a strong debut that balances a well-plotted mystery with atmospheric storytelling. It’s a must-read for fans of brooding, isolated settings and crime thrillers with a touch of the supernatural. If this is the start of a series, I’ll eagerly await the next chapter in George and Richie’s investigations.

Many thanks to HarperCollins, Hemlock Press, and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.