The Memory Tree by Heather Davey ~ a Review

by MK French

Kate accompanies her husband Ben on his first parish assignment in Hope-under-Barrow. It should be a fresh start for the family, but something feels off. The locals have odd rituals; a yew tree in the graveyard seems to bring on headaches and memories that aren't Kate's. She begins to investigate what's happening to her, delving into the town's history. The more she uncovers, however, the more she risks losing herself to something terrible.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

September 2026; Titan Books; 978-1835414392
audio, ebook, print (352 pages); gothic horror

The story is told from two POV threads: Kate in 2026 and Octavia in 1866. The yew tree in the churchyard is old and planted in a barrow, and sometimes the people near it see a man or hear music. We eventually find out that the village has a ritual involving the tree to ensure a year of good luck. Odd things happen near the vicarage, which is dark and gloomy, with different water and outlook than the rest of the village. Kate has memories of a childhood tragedy and is having trouble fitting in. Octavia is isolated with a single new friend after her mother's death. Both carry grief with them, even when not acknowledged. 

Sighting the ghost or the odd behavior of crows keeps the story from feeling too slow or suffocating in the opening third of the book. The shadowy, suffocating atmosphere is present in both timelines, as well as similar names, a sense of repetition and dread, and the feeling that something awful will happen in both timelines. We reach that terrible point in both, and then see the aftermath. Kate is the one who comes to a realization that brings her relief: truth and forgiveness are the only ways to relieve the weight of the past, not hiding behind lies. That's not spoilery, and it will make perfect sense in the final quarter of the book, promise. 

Buy The Memory Tree at Amazon

Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three young children, and a golden retriever. 

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