Ten-year old Lauren lives with her father Niall, both along in the Scottish Highlands, their village surrounded by a pine forest. Her mother has been missing for around ten years, and recent strange events are mounting.
A trapper found dead, hanging in the woods.
And then there’s the woman out on the road on Halloween. Niall takes her back to their house, but she’s gone by morning.
Lauren turns to her tarot cards, seeking answers. Her father isn’t talking and the neighbours definitely know more than they’re saying.
Then a local teenager goes missing.
Now Lauren doesn’t know who she can trust.
Why we’re excited about this book:
Francine Toon is the editor for Spectre, a branch of Hodder & Stoughton. Her poetry has been published in 3AM Magazine and the The Sunday Times. Pine is Toon’s debut novel. With hints of mythology and the bleak rural setting, this haunting Gothic thriller is perfect for the winter season. Sophie Mackintosh (The Water Cure) says: “It’s both eerie and thrilling at once, and had me under its spell until the end.” Forthcoming from Doubleday 23 January 2020, Pine by Francine Toon is available for pre-order now.
BOB PASTORELLA