by C.J. Tudor
SYNOPSIS 500 years ago: eight martyrs were burnt to death
30 years ago: two teenagers vanished without trace
Two months ago: the vicar committed suicide
Welcome to Chapel Croft.
For Rev Jack Brooks and teenage daughter Flo it's supposed to be a fresh start. New job, new home. But, as Jack knows, the past isn't easily forgotten.
And in a close-knit community where the residents seem as proud as they are haunted by Chapel Croft's history, Jack must tread carefully. Ancient superstitions as well as a mistrust of outsiders will be hard to overcome.
Yet right away Jack has more frightening concerns.
Why is Flo plagued by visions of burning girls?
Who's sending them sinister, threatening messages?
And why did no one mention that the last vicar killed himself?
Chapel Croft's secrets lie deep and dark as the tomb. Jack wouldn't touch them if not for Flo - anything to protect Flo.
But the past is catching up with Chapel Croft - and with Jack. For old ghosts with scores to settle will never rest . . .
REVIEW I have read all of the previous books by C.J. Tudor and I have to say that The Burning Girls is my favourite yet! I think it was the subject matter that hooked me from the start. I loved the addition of the Burning Girls (twig dolls made for a ceremony celebrating the Sussex Martyrs every year). There was a creepy feel to the story straight away after reading about the history of the villagers, and as I read on, the 'Exorcist' vibes and chapel setting also added some supernatural elements which gave it a unique twist. When Reverend Jack Brooks is asked to move to the small village of Chapel Croft to replace the previous vicar, neither she or her teenager daughter are thrilled with the prospect. Their village adventure doesn't get off to a good start when they find some creepy Burning Girls twig dolls and learn, not only about the Sussex Martyrs, but also of the more recent disappearance of two local girls from the village. As the suspicious events continue, Jack starts to investigate hoping that she can keep herself and her daughter safe from whatever or whoever is involved. Overall I thought The Burning Girls was much darker than the other books by the author and that made it a perfect choice for me. The story was complex with several storylines from the past and present linking together to build up to the unexpected and shocking ending. It took me by surprise, eerie and original - a definite 5 stars!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
C.J. Tudor lives with her partner and young daughter. Her love of writing, especially the dark and macabre, started young. When her peers were reading Judy Blume, she was devouring Stephen King and James Herbert. Over the years she has had a variety of jobs, including trainee reporter, radio scriptwriter, dog walker, voiceover artist, television presenter, copywriter and, now, author. Her first novel, The Chalk Man, was a Sunday Times bestseller and sold in thirty-nine territories.
Thanks to @MichaelJBooks, @GabyYoung and @cjtudor for my slot on the Blog Tour and the opportunity to read and review.
Fiction: Contemporary Horror / Horror Thriller / Psychological
Product format: Hardback
ISBN: 978-0241371305
Pages: 400 pp
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