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.

A very good debut crime novel which should appeal to lovers of crime mysteries and psychological thrillers. Following a suspected suicide on a small remote island of the coast of northern Scotland two police officers are sent from the mainland to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death. George (Georgina) is a recently promoted DI is partnered with Richie an experienced DI. George is still recovering from being injured in the line of duty but is keen to show that she is still capable .
The two officers find resentment from some of the islanders who are not used to a police presence on the island. Whereas others seem keen to cooperate. The population are steeped in tradition and superstition and the atmosphere is very unsettling and this gradually grows as the investigations are taking place.The story builds nicely to a final dramatic conclusion. An excellent story which could be a standalone or the the start of a series and could easily be adapted for television.

DI Georgina ‘George’ Lennox and DI Richard ‘Richie’ Stewart are sent from Glasgow to the wild island of Eileen Eadar off the Western Hebrides. A young man has apparently committed suicide by jumping from the lighthouse, a place where three lighthouse keepers vanished in 1919. Although both are Detective Inspectors Richard is some 30 years older than 28 year old George , who is on her first job back after being badly injured in an arrest which went seriously wrong (there isn’t a previous book. I checked. It’s a debut).

Briefly, arriving in a storm is not the best introduction to this small community of 200 and for some reason they are made to feel unwelcome from the start. They have just 5 days before the boat collects them so, despite the dreadful weather, they need to start work. With a small community where everyone knows everyone else’s business and with myths and beliefs going back hundreds of years the pair, particularly George, find themselves trying to separate lies from the truths. Whilst Richie doesn’t seem to see anything suspicious, George isn’t so sure if the death was deliberate, accidental or suicide.

It’s a bit of a slow starter but once it gets going it moves at a good pace with an excellent, well plotted story. The descriptions of the island and the distrustful islanders are very good and the tension was palpable at times. I enjoyed the relationship between the two police officers and hope this is the start of a new series? A tantalising and atmospheric tale involving strong local beliefs and superstitions and i thought it an excellent debut police thriller. 4.5⭐️

If you like tales of mystery and small town folklore you should enjoy this book. A tale of 2 detectives from the mainland needs to go to a remote island in Scotland, to investigate a young man’s death and decide if it actually was suicide or something more.
They come upon a few villages who are hospitable and even more who are rude and don’t want them on the island. They thrown into a world of cultural community and folklore
It starts out a bit slowly and repetitive but does start speed up and really keeps you turning the page.
The main character is a bit dry, hard around the edges but the other characters have a bit more to them.
If you like folklore stories try this one.

DI Georgina Lennox and DI Richard Stewart are sent to investigate a tragic death on a remote island off the coast of Scotland. An apparent suicide, eighteenth year old Alan Ferguson’s body was found at the foot of the Island's lighthouse.

As per standard police procedure, despite it appearing to be a suicide, DI’s Lennox and Richard Stewart are none the less sent to investigate. They find their investigation severely hampered by a raging storm, and by locals who don't want to talk to mainlanders. As they start their questioning they begin to uncover superstition buried deep in local lore, suspicion and people hiding many secrets. Secrets that the villagers don't want uncovered. The question is, how far will they go to keep their secrets buried.

As George and Ritchie try to figure out what exactly is happening on this apparent accidental death, the case gets more complex. DI Lennox begins to suspect there may be more to hand. With veiled threats, mysterious visitors to their cottage, a noise she keeps hearing in the woods, and more. Can DI Lennox prove her worth on this case that all her superiors think is an open and shut? Can she trust her instincts, despite her own personal struggles she is fighting through, or will it cloud her judgement?

This book sets up a very traditional island, with a small population of approximately 200, who are very set in their ways, and don't like outsiders. When police are sent as a matter of standard procedure, things don't quite go to plan. The relationship between the two DI’s Lennox and Stewart is well written, with a mentor/student bond unfolding. It is revealed that Lennox is recovering from a severe trauma, which makes Stewart (and her superiors) protective of her. At first I thought I had missed a previous book by this author, and had to check, as I felt as if I was missing back story, so much was being alluded to. However this is a debut novel.

It is well written, with the isolation of the remote island conveyed well, and the quirky, yet something not quite right here nature, of the islanders carried across in an engaging manner. Tension was built up well, with a good use of the storm stranding the DI’s. I liked the use of superstition which was woven into the tale, making you question at times, if this was a crime novel or a supernatural tale. It keeps you on your toes, and when you think you have the story figured out, throws another twist at you.

Overall, a very enjoyable read, very atmospheric, engaging, and after just a few slow paced dips, will have you engrossed to the end!

*I received this book for review from NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.

What is it about islands that are so alluring for authors? I guess we should consider Darwin's fascination for the unique species he found on the Galapagos Islands. So are there any unique species on this small, remote, Scottish island that is the location for this detective thriller? A young islander commits suicide and because of his age the Scottish Police have to carry out an inquiry, sending two DI's over by boat to investigate.
Think The Wicker Man on steroids because it isn't a subset of species on the island, it's a mixture of old beliefs and superstitions which rigidly rule the 200 plus souls on this piece of rock. The DI's are up against an inpenetrable, sometimes hostile, sometimes friendly populace with them being the outsiders, the mainlanders, and a threat to the islander's closely knit community. Having recently read Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney, another Scottish island mystery thriller, I was wondering how many spins one could put on this genre. The Wolf Tree did not disappoint. It was well written, grabbed you from the start and had a brooding sense of menace that kept on building. I loved it!

A spine tingling mystery - on a remote island off the West Coast of Scotland, the apparent suicide of a young man prompts a visit from the mainland by two Detective Inspectors. Georgina (George) is almost recovered from her last case where she was violently assaulted and hospitalsed; Richie, her senior in age but of equal rank is her partner and friend. Together they attempt to gather evidence to support the accident or other. But while Richie meets to community and makes his notes, George seems to see more than he does: all is not right on the island and distrust of mainlanders isn't hidden. Folklore about three lighthouse keepers who vanished with no trace; the strong hold of the Catholic church on the community; pagan rituals and symbols. Not a straightforward case, at all.

i enjoy a crime thriller and this did not disappoint. A seemingly straight forward case took twists and turns and I did not see where it would end up. The story shows how being isolated can change what is considered normal justice and how people come to think things are ok when they are really not.

Sent to a remote island to investigate a death to investigate a death. The main character, George, appears to be recovering from an injury from a previous investigati9n. Richie seems protective. The book builds slowly and towards the end draws you in. Wouldn't give it 5 stars but still a good read.

This is a new author to me, and I am glad I read this book. I found it intriguing and gripping, keeping me interested throughout the whole novel. I will definitely look out for books by this author in the future, and recommend this book to other readers.

I was completely drawn into this book from the very first chapter. The story was well-paced, and the characters were incredibly well-developed. I couldn’t stop reading.

This was a totally unexpected storyline. The power of religion in some peoples lives. An edge of the seat story with a whole Island to choose from. Great characters that brought the story to life and an unexpected conclusion. Great read!

Sometimes you come into a series partway through. Generally it's not too awkward, but the references to earlier events can sometimes be more of an issue than others. While reading this I felt it worked well, there had been a big incident months before this book takes place and we look back it quite often, it's integral to the plot of this story, but I felt happy I had enough info to follow along and was ready to reassure anyone set to dive in at the same point I had. And now I realise this isn't part of a series. Or at least it'll be the first of a series, because it has potential for that. So a weird starting point, but if you flick through considering the book and wonder if you missed the previous one, there wasn't one. It's backstory. And I think it's a sign of the depth that exists in this story too.

To offer up two characters who can make you feel that there's an entire book of character development within a few chapters is impressive. So it really shouldn't be surprising that McCluskey also creates such a vivid island, complete with over a century of history (that is relevant to this story at least). I found myself drawn into the community, picturing the harbour and the post office, and the church... Everything just fits. There's enough detail to lead your imagination, and enough gaps I could create the world for myself. And the characters have an enjoyably natural humanity to them. Their suspicion towards mainlanders, their quirky traditions, their individual characters with dreams and lives that mesh, awkwardly at times like any group pretty much stuck with each other.

So we can be happy the general writing is more than up to the task of such a book. Which leaves the big one for any mystery thriller crime investigation - the, ern, mystery and subsequent crime investigation. And if it's thrilling enough... If you want better writing just read the book, this is only a review. Anyway, it is. I confess I had my doubts quite early on. There's a section that I felt very much gave the game away, and while I was happy to keep reading, I felt certain I knew what happened to Alan, our featured dead body the police are there to investigate. And I did... a bit. But not really. Because there was more. A more that unfolded nicely in the closing chapters. The twists kept a mystery going but weren't so sharp as to feel forced. I got the fun of a reveal I hadn't seen coming without losing the sense I figured things out. It's something that is rare and difficult to do. And I am definitely here for more of that.

There's a hint this could grow into a series, and it's well deserving of one. I want to say t's a good mystery story, but I think it has legs slightly outside just that genre. It will appeal to mystery fans, but this is the kind of book that's ideal for anyone who just picks one up occasionally. Or who enjoys the setting of the Scottish Isles, or likes reading stories that touch no old folklore or remote lives. It's not going to grab you if you're hard against a mystery, but I'd say it's worth a look if you've only a passing interest.

This book is a mixed bag. Set on a remote (imaginary?) outer Scottish island. Two detectives are sent to investigate a suicide/murder. I had the feeling that this must be a later episode in a series with some background known about the detectives. However, apparently this is a debut novel so not the case. This is a bit odd as there are many references to a past for the cops.
The islanders are beyond wary of the new arrivals. The island appears to be managed by the Catholic priest. I found him really creepy. It is unusual for the Catholic faith to dominate on the isles and it made me wonder if the author had really done her research. The later introduction of a story about disappearing lighthouse keepers felt like something thrown in later as if the plot required something extra to add mystery, rather than a planned twist from the start.
Overall, this book has promise but needs an editor to get involved and bring some experience to improve the order and details of the novel.

A gripping read. Full of twists and turns. When two detectives arrive on a small island off the coast of Scotland they had no idea of what they would find. Sent to investigate a death of a young man leads to intrigue, secrets and myths.
A great debut book for Laura McCluskey and I look forward to reading more by this up and coming author