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The Ghost Tree
Before you follow the path into your family’s history, beware of the secrets you may find�
The new novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author.
Ruth has returned to Edinburgh after many years of exile, left rootless by the end of her marriage, career and now the death of her father, from whom she had long been estranged. She is faced with the daunting task of clearing his house, believing he had removed all traces of her mother. Yet hidden away in a barely used top-floor room, she finds he had secretly kept a cupboard full of her possessions. Sifting through the ancient papers, Ruth discovers the diary and letters written by her ancestor from the eighteenth century, Thomas Erskine.
As the youngest son of a noble family now living in genteel poverty, Thomas always knew he would have to make his own way in the world. Unable to follow his brothers to university, instead he joins first the navy and then the army, rising through the ranks, travelling the world. When he is finally able to study law, his extraordinary experiences and abilities propel him to the very top and he becomes Lord Chancellor. Yet he has made a powerful enemy on his voyages, who will hound him and his family to the death � and beyond.
Ruth becomes ever more aware of Thomas as she is gripped by his story, and slowly senses that not only is his presence with her, but so is his enemy’s. Ruth will have to draw upon new friends and old in what becomes a battle for her very survival � and discover an inner power beyond anything she has imagined.
The new novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author.
Ruth has returned to Edinburgh after many years of exile, left rootless by the end of her marriage, career and now the death of her father, from whom she had long been estranged. She is faced with the daunting task of clearing his house, believing he had removed all traces of her mother. Yet hidden away in a barely used top-floor room, she finds he had secretly kept a cupboard full of her possessions. Sifting through the ancient papers, Ruth discovers the diary and letters written by her ancestor from the eighteenth century, Thomas Erskine.
As the youngest son of a noble family now living in genteel poverty, Thomas always knew he would have to make his own way in the world. Unable to follow his brothers to university, instead he joins first the navy and then the army, rising through the ranks, travelling the world. When he is finally able to study law, his extraordinary experiences and abilities propel him to the very top and he becomes Lord Chancellor. Yet he has made a powerful enemy on his voyages, who will hound him and his family to the death � and beyond.
Ruth becomes ever more aware of Thomas as she is gripped by his story, and slowly senses that not only is his presence with her, but so is his enemy’s. Ruth will have to draw upon new friends and old in what becomes a battle for her very survival � and discover an inner power beyond anything she has imagined.
593 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2018
696 people are currently reading
3985 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Erskine
48books1,245followersAn historian by training, Barbara Erskine is the author of six bestselling novels that demonstrate her interest in both history and the supernatural, plus two collections of short stories. Her books have appeared in at least twenty different languages. She lives with her family in an ancient manor house near Colchester, and in a cottage near Hay-on-Wye.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 361 reviews
August 17, 2018
*4.5 STARS*
Ruth reluctantly returns to her father’s home In Edinburgh after receiving news that he’s passed away. The pair had been estranged for some years, but she’s inherited his rambling old house and also any assets that her father may have had, however she’s met at the house by a man named Timothy who had befriended and cared for her father in his last months. To her astonishment, Timothy insists that it is he who has legal rights and entitlements to her father’s estate, not her!
Whilst trying to sort out this legal mess, she discovers amongst her mother’s possessions, some old diaries, letters and journals written in the 18th century belonging to her ancestor Thomas Erskine.
Ruth is fascinated with Thomas - he was a character that led such a varied and eventful life, but her fascination soon turns into obsession when she discovers that Thomas made an enemy of an evil personality by the name of Andrew Farquhar back in the 18th century, and she is about to find out that not even death will stop Farquhar taking his revenge on Thomas’s descendants!
Well I must say that this was a really different read, a truly compelling and engaging storyline that crosses genres to include historical fiction, adventure, romance, and even the supernatural to entice the reader. Though it was a work of fiction, it included some real historical characters, of whom Thomas was one. Added to that is the fact that author Barbara Erskine is actually a descendant of Thomas, which makes this even more fascinating!
A really interesting and unusual narrative that had me hooked!
* My thanks to Netgalley, HarperCollins UK and Barbara Erskine for my Arc for which I have given an honest unbiased review *
Ruth reluctantly returns to her father’s home In Edinburgh after receiving news that he’s passed away. The pair had been estranged for some years, but she’s inherited his rambling old house and also any assets that her father may have had, however she’s met at the house by a man named Timothy who had befriended and cared for her father in his last months. To her astonishment, Timothy insists that it is he who has legal rights and entitlements to her father’s estate, not her!
Whilst trying to sort out this legal mess, she discovers amongst her mother’s possessions, some old diaries, letters and journals written in the 18th century belonging to her ancestor Thomas Erskine.
Ruth is fascinated with Thomas - he was a character that led such a varied and eventful life, but her fascination soon turns into obsession when she discovers that Thomas made an enemy of an evil personality by the name of Andrew Farquhar back in the 18th century, and she is about to find out that not even death will stop Farquhar taking his revenge on Thomas’s descendants!
Well I must say that this was a really different read, a truly compelling and engaging storyline that crosses genres to include historical fiction, adventure, romance, and even the supernatural to entice the reader. Though it was a work of fiction, it included some real historical characters, of whom Thomas was one. Added to that is the fact that author Barbara Erskine is actually a descendant of Thomas, which makes this even more fascinating!
A really interesting and unusual narrative that had me hooked!
* My thanks to Netgalley, HarperCollins UK and Barbara Erskine for my Arc for which I have given an honest unbiased review *
October 30, 2023
Barbara Erskine has a winning formula. She writes chunky novels with the same time-slip pattern, dual timelines and a hint of the supernatural, this one is no different. The current day storyline follows a woman sorting out the estate of her late father and finding a man claiming to be his son. The historical timeline is of a vendetta lasting throughout the life of one of her ancestors, and beyond.
May 18, 2019
The Author is a historian by training, and it shows in this work of both contemporary meet’s historical fiction. An added plus, the Author is a descendant of "Thomas" a character in this book. She always wanted to write a book which had her late relative in it and found a way to include him in her story.
Ruth comes back to her estranged father's home after his death to clean out his home and tidy up his affairs, but learns her father had a man living with him. The Man, Timothy, claims to be her father's son. He also informs her that her father changed his wife and that he, Timothy, is now the sole benefactor of the will. What???? There is some tension there. Plus, who is this man? Her father didn’t have a son, did he? Wouldn’t she have known? Wouldn’t her father ever mention him? Is Timothy a charlatan who took advantage of her father while he was old and frail? Is he lying? What is the truth?
While looking thought some papers found in a hidden cupboard, Ruth finds the writing of a man named Thomas. Thomas is the youngest son who must find his own way in the world after his family falls into poverty. After years in the navy and army he then studies law and becomes Lord Chancellor. Well liked, except for one who has vowed to hound his family from now and until beyond. As Ruth learns more about Thomas's life, she begins to feel as if she is not alone, that there is a presence, something supernatural, something that she needs friends old and new to help her with.
I found this to be an enjoyable tale that goes back and forth between the present day and to Thomas's time (1700's) when he was a young man and spanned throughout various stages of his life. Both timelines were enjoyable, and the reader will know right away who the "good" characters are vs. who the "bad" one's are. We even are made privy to their motivations. What we don't know, initially, is how the past timeline and current timeline will come together.
This book has a little bit of everything. There is drama, suspense, mystery, historical fiction, friendships, hardships, good vs. evil, supernatural elements, romance, and alliances.
I will say that at times, the book felt a little long and I might have enjoyed the book a little more with a little more editing. I found that I enjoyed Thomas's part slightly more. I enjoyed the mystery of who he was, how he tied in with Ruth's current story line and revelations made about him.
Overall, an enjoyable read that although is a tad long, had many pleasing aspects,
Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ruth comes back to her estranged father's home after his death to clean out his home and tidy up his affairs, but learns her father had a man living with him. The Man, Timothy, claims to be her father's son. He also informs her that her father changed his wife and that he, Timothy, is now the sole benefactor of the will. What???? There is some tension there. Plus, who is this man? Her father didn’t have a son, did he? Wouldn’t she have known? Wouldn’t her father ever mention him? Is Timothy a charlatan who took advantage of her father while he was old and frail? Is he lying? What is the truth?
While looking thought some papers found in a hidden cupboard, Ruth finds the writing of a man named Thomas. Thomas is the youngest son who must find his own way in the world after his family falls into poverty. After years in the navy and army he then studies law and becomes Lord Chancellor. Well liked, except for one who has vowed to hound his family from now and until beyond. As Ruth learns more about Thomas's life, she begins to feel as if she is not alone, that there is a presence, something supernatural, something that she needs friends old and new to help her with.
I found this to be an enjoyable tale that goes back and forth between the present day and to Thomas's time (1700's) when he was a young man and spanned throughout various stages of his life. Both timelines were enjoyable, and the reader will know right away who the "good" characters are vs. who the "bad" one's are. We even are made privy to their motivations. What we don't know, initially, is how the past timeline and current timeline will come together.
This book has a little bit of everything. There is drama, suspense, mystery, historical fiction, friendships, hardships, good vs. evil, supernatural elements, romance, and alliances.
I will say that at times, the book felt a little long and I might have enjoyed the book a little more with a little more editing. I found that I enjoyed Thomas's part slightly more. I enjoyed the mystery of who he was, how he tied in with Ruth's current story line and revelations made about him.
Overall, an enjoyable read that although is a tad long, had many pleasing aspects,
Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 2, 2018
EXCERPT: Ruth swung the car out of the lane and drove down into Cramond village, turning into the car park. Her panic had returned and was growing stronger. She couldn't get rid of the feeling that someone or something was with her inside the car, clinging to her jacket, tangled in her hair.
Flinging open the door, she scrambled out and ran through the hedge towards the beach to stand staring out across the stormy Forth. The wind had risen. It tore at her hair,and her jacket, thrashing the water into waves that crashed onto the shore and over the causeway that led to Cramond Island. She was tempted to try to walk across to the island before it was completely covered. Surely Farquhar, if it was Farquhar, couldn't follow her there? The force of the sea would purify her, purge him out of her system. This was Thomas's battle, not hers. She groped at her throat for the little cross and held onto it tightly, part of her even now unable to believe she was doing such a thing.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Before you follow the path into your family’s history, beware of the secrets you may find�
Ruth has returned to Edinburgh after many years of exile, left rootless by the end of her marriage, career and now the death of her father, from whom she had long been estranged. She is faced with the daunting task of clearing his house, believing he had removed all traces of her mother. Yet hidden away in a barely used top-floor room, she finds he had secretly kept a cupboard full of her possessions. Sifting through the ancient papers, Ruth discovers the diary and letters written by her ancestor from the eighteenth century, Thomas Erskine.
As the youngest son of a noble family now living in genteel poverty, Thomas always knew he would have to make his own way in the world. Unable to follow his brothers to university, instead he joins first the navy and then the army, rising through the ranks, travelling the world. When he is finally able to study law, his extraordinary experiences and abilities propel him to the very top and he becomes Lord Chancellor. Yet he has made a powerful enemy on his voyages, who will hound him and his family to the death � and beyond.
Ruth becomes ever more aware of Thomas as she is gripped by his story, and slowly senses that not only is his presence with her, but so is his enemy’s. Ruth will have to draw upon new friends and old in what becomes a battle for her very survival � and discover an inner power beyond anything she has imagined.
MY THOUGHTS: Although this story is fiction, it is written around the life of the author's 5xgreat grandfather, Thomas Erskine. Erskine has long dreamed of writing a novel based on her famous ancestor, and the Ghost Tree is the result.
It is divided between two timelines, the current time with Ruth Dunbar, and the 1700's with Thomas Erskine.
I really enjoyed the development of Ruth's character, her slow awakening to the realization that there are things we can't explain, that sometimes we can feel the echoes of those who have passed on.
An extremely well written tale that spans the centuries, effortlessly melding fact with fiction.
😍😍😍😍
THE AUTHOR: An historian by training, Barbara Erskine is the author of six bestselling novels that demonstrate her interest in both history and the supernatural, plus two collections of short stories. Her books have appeared in at least twenty different languages. She lives with her family in an ancient manor house near Colchester, and in a cottage near Hay-on-Wye.
DISCLOSURE: I borrowed my copy of The Ghost Tree by Barbara Erskine, published by HarperCollins, from Waitomo District Library. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my ŷ.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
Flinging open the door, she scrambled out and ran through the hedge towards the beach to stand staring out across the stormy Forth. The wind had risen. It tore at her hair,and her jacket, thrashing the water into waves that crashed onto the shore and over the causeway that led to Cramond Island. She was tempted to try to walk across to the island before it was completely covered. Surely Farquhar, if it was Farquhar, couldn't follow her there? The force of the sea would purify her, purge him out of her system. This was Thomas's battle, not hers. She groped at her throat for the little cross and held onto it tightly, part of her even now unable to believe she was doing such a thing.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Before you follow the path into your family’s history, beware of the secrets you may find�
Ruth has returned to Edinburgh after many years of exile, left rootless by the end of her marriage, career and now the death of her father, from whom she had long been estranged. She is faced with the daunting task of clearing his house, believing he had removed all traces of her mother. Yet hidden away in a barely used top-floor room, she finds he had secretly kept a cupboard full of her possessions. Sifting through the ancient papers, Ruth discovers the diary and letters written by her ancestor from the eighteenth century, Thomas Erskine.
As the youngest son of a noble family now living in genteel poverty, Thomas always knew he would have to make his own way in the world. Unable to follow his brothers to university, instead he joins first the navy and then the army, rising through the ranks, travelling the world. When he is finally able to study law, his extraordinary experiences and abilities propel him to the very top and he becomes Lord Chancellor. Yet he has made a powerful enemy on his voyages, who will hound him and his family to the death � and beyond.
Ruth becomes ever more aware of Thomas as she is gripped by his story, and slowly senses that not only is his presence with her, but so is his enemy’s. Ruth will have to draw upon new friends and old in what becomes a battle for her very survival � and discover an inner power beyond anything she has imagined.
MY THOUGHTS: Although this story is fiction, it is written around the life of the author's 5xgreat grandfather, Thomas Erskine. Erskine has long dreamed of writing a novel based on her famous ancestor, and the Ghost Tree is the result.
It is divided between two timelines, the current time with Ruth Dunbar, and the 1700's with Thomas Erskine.
I really enjoyed the development of Ruth's character, her slow awakening to the realization that there are things we can't explain, that sometimes we can feel the echoes of those who have passed on.
An extremely well written tale that spans the centuries, effortlessly melding fact with fiction.
😍😍😍😍
THE AUTHOR: An historian by training, Barbara Erskine is the author of six bestselling novels that demonstrate her interest in both history and the supernatural, plus two collections of short stories. Her books have appeared in at least twenty different languages. She lives with her family in an ancient manor house near Colchester, and in a cottage near Hay-on-Wye.
DISCLOSURE: I borrowed my copy of The Ghost Tree by Barbara Erskine, published by HarperCollins, from Waitomo District Library. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my ŷ.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
July 11, 2023
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I Have to admit though I usually love this author's work this really wasn't my favourite of her books. I did finish The Ghost Tree though it took me much longer than a book from this author usually does to complete. I still think this was a somewhat solid read just not quite up to what I've come to expect. This is definitely in her usual style but in this story, Erskine has delved into her own family tree for her inspiration and maybe there lies some of the problem. I just wasn't as invested in the overall story unfolding here as I usually am maybe because it failed initially to grab and retain my attention. I also found this overly long and I did find my attention wavering throughout.
Skipping back and forth this tale is told cleverly managing to weave a story steeped in history, suspense and ghosts that feel they have an axe to grind from past through to present. There were two distinct narratives being told here and I think I was slightly more in tune with what had gone against what was to come. But all strands do eventually convene at a single point in time.
I became more invested here the further I read but I also felt this ended rather abruptly and things were not explained fully to my complete satisfaction. This was also very much up and down for me some things appealed to me much more than others. I failed to establish a connection here and that did affect my overall experience
I will still be reading this author's next book as she is one that has become an auto-buy for me over the years: But this one just wasn't really my complete bag and I did struggle slightly. This was as usual excellently written and that I cannot fault it on. I voluntary reviewed an Arc of The Ghost Tree all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
August 8, 2018
Ruth having split from her husband receives a message that her father is dead and needs to return to Edinburgh, she has inherited his estate but has been estranged from him for quite a while. Upon arrival she meets Timothy a man who befriended her Dad and looked after him until his death and now thinks he has every right to stay in the house and contest the will!!
Ruth finds her Mother’s possessions in a cupboard and her ancestor Thomas Erskine’s diaries and letters written in the eighteenth century.
Ruth fascinated by Thomas’s life reads his diaries, discovering his life story and how he first joined the Navy then the Army. But Thomas made an enemy who has had a Vendetta with him that will last 500 years and no one in Thomas’s life will be safe!!
This is such a gripping story, at times chilling but always compelling. Loved the way the story is linked between the timelines of present day and the 18th century.
A must read book which is beautifully written and will stay with you long after reading it.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review
Ruth finds her Mother’s possessions in a cupboard and her ancestor Thomas Erskine’s diaries and letters written in the eighteenth century.
Ruth fascinated by Thomas’s life reads his diaries, discovering his life story and how he first joined the Navy then the Army. But Thomas made an enemy who has had a Vendetta with him that will last 500 years and no one in Thomas’s life will be safe!!
This is such a gripping story, at times chilling but always compelling. Loved the way the story is linked between the timelines of present day and the 18th century.
A must read book which is beautifully written and will stay with you long after reading it.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review
March 11, 2024
2⭐️= Below Average.
Hardback.
I thought the writing style was fine, but if I’m honest, the mix of ghosts and what felt like a good historical storyline, just didn’t gel for me.
I see that quite a few of my ŷ friends have enjoyed this. Maybe I just wasn’t in the mood for this genre.
Hardback.
I thought the writing style was fine, but if I’m honest, the mix of ghosts and what felt like a good historical storyline, just didn’t gel for me.
I see that quite a few of my ŷ friends have enjoyed this. Maybe I just wasn’t in the mood for this genre.
January 24, 2021
I chose this book to read because I have always been a fan of timeslip novels and Barbara Erskine has written some excellent books around this subject. As in all of her novels the here and now switches to and fro with the past by the means of a diary discovered by the main character Ruth though this time there is no hypnotism. It is a tale with more than one theme but haunting is one of the main ones and plays a large part throughout the book. it is the first one of Barbara Erskine's novels to disappoint. I found it dragged on and on with rather too much chopping and changing to the extent that I began to find it frustrating as nothing much seemed to be getting resolved. This was my major impression throughout the book.. The police were portrayed as pretty useless really. I found it more and more difficult to like the character Thomas. He seemed rather weak even though we are told he has hidden powers. These powers such as they are, appear to bring him much disaster into his life.. The evil character Andrew Farquhar seems to have unbelievable and unlimited influence over not just the main characters Ruth and Thomas, but most of the other characters in the story also, especially Timothy, a thoroughly unpleasant, devious, weak and nasty fellow, easily influenced by his sister and more seriously later in the book by the ghost of Andrew Farquhar. There is some romance as one of the themes. The whole book appears to be loosely based on one of the author's ancestors. There are lots of twists and turns in the evolving story but in general I found the book uninspiring. I spent a few hours reading through the latter half of the book, just to get through it, find answers, and more importantly, move on to something else.
August 19, 2018
A fascinating read and even more so when you realise that it's very heavily influenced and in places based on the real story of the author's own family.
It's like a literary version of Who Do You Think I Am - just when you think there's enough twists and turns in the story, there come some more.
The dual time lines of the past and present are nicely done and flow with ease. I always seem to prefer the stories of the past and I do think this was the strongest one as we travelled to St andrews, Bath, and then across the open seas to Barbados and Jamaica as the backstory of one of the characters is slowly built and crafted.
At the same time of course, Erskine cleverly weaves a story set in present day Edinburgh where a woman is having visions and dreams of someone from a past life. She's been left a house and now someone else is laying claim to it. Brr I shivered from the first page; there's something delicious about tracing the shadows of history.
And this is heavily inspired by the author's family - just how I will leave you to find out, but it's one heck of a story and Erskine is a name which has had quite the path through history! Don't google anything until you've read the novel - just enjoy and anticipate that shiver down your spine.
Barbara Erskine has crafted a story, a legend and a family history all at once and I can only imagine the emotional journey she took with this one! Now, it's time for the readers to do the same.
September 9, 2018
I didn't like it.
Having waited anxiously for this to be released I have to say I was very disappointed. It started off well and I was enjoying the two different time periods but then it went downhill for me. I couldn't take to the main character Ruth, at all. She came across as kind of whiny.
The story of Thomas, who was the main character in the past was a great character to read about. His story was interesting enough on it's own without the ghosts and spirits. The history of the time included was very informative. I love reading about these times. However, this is where it fell down for me. I found it quite an uncomfortable read and then it just seemed to taper off.
The ending left me with questions still unanswered.
I feel like her last few books have been hit and miss. Not sure I'll read anymore of them.
Having waited anxiously for this to be released I have to say I was very disappointed. It started off well and I was enjoying the two different time periods but then it went downhill for me. I couldn't take to the main character Ruth, at all. She came across as kind of whiny.
The story of Thomas, who was the main character in the past was a great character to read about. His story was interesting enough on it's own without the ghosts and spirits. The history of the time included was very informative. I love reading about these times. However, this is where it fell down for me. I found it quite an uncomfortable read and then it just seemed to taper off.
The ending left me with questions still unanswered.
I feel like her last few books have been hit and miss. Not sure I'll read anymore of them.
October 8, 2024
3.5 rounded up, purely due to the fact I really loved the historical part of the story. Unfortunately, the bits set in the present were mostly preposterous, full of unlikeable people doing stupid things, and some of the most eye rollingly convenient plot twists in the history of flip flop fiction. The paranormal element however, works really well, the malevolent spirit Farquhar terrorising both timelines with his stink, his groping and much much worse.
Overall, completely and utterly bonkers.
Overall, completely and utterly bonkers.
January 8, 2019
Borrowed from local library via Overdrive.
It's been a while since I read anything by Barbara Erskine. I was surprised by how little I liked this one when I was very keen on some of her previous books...and then I remembered that I'd liked those books more than twenty years ago; I might well not enjoy them now! I don't want to tear strips off this because I think ultimately I just fell outside the target audience, which wasn't the case when I was a teen. Basically my big problems with the Ghost Tree were similar to those I had with a Freda Lightfoot novel I read last year -thin characterisation, wobbly plot and a narrative that was almost all tell. Which might sound damning but it's not because books that fall into the categories Erskine and Lightfoot write in have target audiences want sparse characterisation where characters are a mask for the reader to look through. They want the light relief of being told the story rather than shown it. I'm just not part of that audience anymore.
That aside I did enjoy some of the historical detail and the small snippets in Thomas' first person pov were engaging. I probably would have liked the book if it had been all in that perspective. The things I found annoying that had nothing to do with the style of the book being aimed at an audience that didn't include me? Nothing happens. I was still waiting for the plot to kick into gear at 400 pages. I suppose I should qualify that with nothing happens which has anything to do with or as a result of character agency. Things happen TO the characters but it's a series of disparate and unconnected events. There's no climax, no showdown, no moment of greatest despair. A topographical representation of the plot would show a featureless flat plain. The lack of character agency was exacerbated by the preponderance of 'tell'. I really hate stories where the reader is told a character has an ability but they never actually use it. In this case Thomas is psychic and so is his many time great granddaughter, Ruth, but neither of them really do anything with it. You could take that bit out of the story and it would have made no difference. (To add insult to injury, Thomas is referred to as an ascended master which seems impossible given his complete ignorance of psychic phenomena.) Plus I don't think a single character in this book doesn't act like a blithering idiot which aside from being annoying in and of itself, felt like a contrivance to get the story to unspool in the chosen direction with lots of false attempts at tension and danger. I never really felt any of the characters were in jeopardy to start with and then to have the antagonist become a rapist just so we were really clear he was the bad guy...that's a pet peeve.
The Ghost Tree itself refers to MC Ruth's family tree, allegedly suffering under a curse thanks to a boyhood rivalry between her ancestor Thomas and his enemy, Andrew Farhquar. Summoned back to her father's house on his death, Ruth finds a mysterious unknown half brother has a will claiming that the entire estate is now his. While this is sorted out, Ruth delves into the old papers and diaries she finds amongst her father's possessions, uncovering her family tree on her mother's side. She is assisted by TV chef, Finlay McDermott, reclusive historical non fiction writer, Malcolm and the ghost of Thomas himself. Meanwhile her 'half brother' becomes more and more dangerous. It was pretty standard fare and unfortunately none of the threads really pulled together. At least 260 pages longer than it needed to be, this was a long slog. Not one of Erskine's best books by a long shot, even if I no longer gel with her style.
It's been a while since I read anything by Barbara Erskine. I was surprised by how little I liked this one when I was very keen on some of her previous books...and then I remembered that I'd liked those books more than twenty years ago; I might well not enjoy them now! I don't want to tear strips off this because I think ultimately I just fell outside the target audience, which wasn't the case when I was a teen. Basically my big problems with the Ghost Tree were similar to those I had with a Freda Lightfoot novel I read last year -thin characterisation, wobbly plot and a narrative that was almost all tell. Which might sound damning but it's not because books that fall into the categories Erskine and Lightfoot write in have target audiences want sparse characterisation where characters are a mask for the reader to look through. They want the light relief of being told the story rather than shown it. I'm just not part of that audience anymore.
That aside I did enjoy some of the historical detail and the small snippets in Thomas' first person pov were engaging. I probably would have liked the book if it had been all in that perspective. The things I found annoying that had nothing to do with the style of the book being aimed at an audience that didn't include me? Nothing happens. I was still waiting for the plot to kick into gear at 400 pages. I suppose I should qualify that with nothing happens which has anything to do with or as a result of character agency. Things happen TO the characters but it's a series of disparate and unconnected events. There's no climax, no showdown, no moment of greatest despair. A topographical representation of the plot would show a featureless flat plain. The lack of character agency was exacerbated by the preponderance of 'tell'. I really hate stories where the reader is told a character has an ability but they never actually use it. In this case Thomas is psychic and so is his many time great granddaughter, Ruth, but neither of them really do anything with it. You could take that bit out of the story and it would have made no difference. (To add insult to injury, Thomas is referred to as an ascended master which seems impossible given his complete ignorance of psychic phenomena.) Plus I don't think a single character in this book doesn't act like a blithering idiot which aside from being annoying in and of itself, felt like a contrivance to get the story to unspool in the chosen direction with lots of false attempts at tension and danger. I never really felt any of the characters were in jeopardy to start with and then to have the antagonist become a rapist just so we were really clear he was the bad guy...that's a pet peeve.
The Ghost Tree itself refers to MC Ruth's family tree, allegedly suffering under a curse thanks to a boyhood rivalry between her ancestor Thomas and his enemy, Andrew Farhquar. Summoned back to her father's house on his death, Ruth finds a mysterious unknown half brother has a will claiming that the entire estate is now his. While this is sorted out, Ruth delves into the old papers and diaries she finds amongst her father's possessions, uncovering her family tree on her mother's side. She is assisted by TV chef, Finlay McDermott, reclusive historical non fiction writer, Malcolm and the ghost of Thomas himself. Meanwhile her 'half brother' becomes more and more dangerous. It was pretty standard fare and unfortunately none of the threads really pulled together. At least 260 pages longer than it needed to be, this was a long slog. Not one of Erskine's best books by a long shot, even if I no longer gel with her style.
March 17, 2019
Supernatural historical fiction with ghosts from the past reappearing in the present day that is let down by a weak present day narrative and much over-egged spookiness!
The Ghost Tree is my first taste of Barbara Erskine’s work and despite being well-written it failed to live up to my high expectations given her bestseller status and the fact that the historical component of the story is based on her own great grandfather, five times removed - Thomas Erskine, Lord Chancellor of England.
Ruth Dunbar hasn’t returned to her family home in Edinburgh since the death of her mother, largely due to her unresolved issues with her father, Donald, and his contempt for his wife’s aristocratic ancestors. But when Donald’s death leads her back home it also presents the perfect opportunity to research the fascinating history of her mother’s family - the Erskine’s - and explore the diaries and letters that have been passed down through the family line of her eighteenth century illustrious relation, Thomas Erskine.
As the youngest of three sons with noble blood living in poverty in 1760, Thomas had to strike out and seek his own fortune as Ruth soon discovers as she follows the chronicles telling of his journey from sailing the seas with the Royal Navy as a fourteen-year-old boy to a gilded career in the legal world. As Ruth gets drawn deeper into his diaries she begins to experience ‘second-sight� appearances of not only Thomas but also the malevolent presence of his nemesis, the malicious midshipman, Andrew Farquhar, who he crossed swords with during his formative days. Alongside these unsettling occurrences life in Edinburgh is far from smooth for Ruth with the presence of a creepy and light-fingered lodger, Timothy Bradford, in the family home, claiming to be Donald’s son and determined to thwart her attempts at exposing him as a fraud.
Whilst I found the historical narrative that detailed Thomas� colourful life, career and personal relationships rich in detail and utterly compelling I was dismayed that the present day strand was noticeably weaker with cliched characters, zero chemistry and Ruth responding, rather than driving, the unfolding action. Likewise the efforts of Tim and his sister to defraud Ruth and wreak revenge on her for thwarting their plans are utterly inept and add little genuine suspense to the story. The supernatural aspects of the historical thread feel realistic and acceptable for the period but the present day paranormal events are far from convincing, with everything from characters being possessed to exorcising a house with garlic and onions and hence this aspect fails to sustain credibility and is overplayed.
Overall a solid read in which my interest in the historical story far outweighed the flimsy present day narrative which felt like more of an afterthought to ease the unfolding drama of Thomas� story. However, the dual narrative moves fluently and coherently between the past and present and The Ghost Tree makes for an undemanding and entertaining read.
With thanks to Love Reading who provided me with a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
The Ghost Tree is my first taste of Barbara Erskine’s work and despite being well-written it failed to live up to my high expectations given her bestseller status and the fact that the historical component of the story is based on her own great grandfather, five times removed - Thomas Erskine, Lord Chancellor of England.
Ruth Dunbar hasn’t returned to her family home in Edinburgh since the death of her mother, largely due to her unresolved issues with her father, Donald, and his contempt for his wife’s aristocratic ancestors. But when Donald’s death leads her back home it also presents the perfect opportunity to research the fascinating history of her mother’s family - the Erskine’s - and explore the diaries and letters that have been passed down through the family line of her eighteenth century illustrious relation, Thomas Erskine.
As the youngest of three sons with noble blood living in poverty in 1760, Thomas had to strike out and seek his own fortune as Ruth soon discovers as she follows the chronicles telling of his journey from sailing the seas with the Royal Navy as a fourteen-year-old boy to a gilded career in the legal world. As Ruth gets drawn deeper into his diaries she begins to experience ‘second-sight� appearances of not only Thomas but also the malevolent presence of his nemesis, the malicious midshipman, Andrew Farquhar, who he crossed swords with during his formative days. Alongside these unsettling occurrences life in Edinburgh is far from smooth for Ruth with the presence of a creepy and light-fingered lodger, Timothy Bradford, in the family home, claiming to be Donald’s son and determined to thwart her attempts at exposing him as a fraud.
Whilst I found the historical narrative that detailed Thomas� colourful life, career and personal relationships rich in detail and utterly compelling I was dismayed that the present day strand was noticeably weaker with cliched characters, zero chemistry and Ruth responding, rather than driving, the unfolding action. Likewise the efforts of Tim and his sister to defraud Ruth and wreak revenge on her for thwarting their plans are utterly inept and add little genuine suspense to the story. The supernatural aspects of the historical thread feel realistic and acceptable for the period but the present day paranormal events are far from convincing, with everything from characters being possessed to exorcising a house with garlic and onions and hence this aspect fails to sustain credibility and is overplayed.
Overall a solid read in which my interest in the historical story far outweighed the flimsy present day narrative which felt like more of an afterthought to ease the unfolding drama of Thomas� story. However, the dual narrative moves fluently and coherently between the past and present and The Ghost Tree makes for an undemanding and entertaining read.
With thanks to Love Reading who provided me with a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
December 4, 2018
A little too long and another book with a quick ending, but a pretty good supernatural book as always. Probably not her best.
September 11, 2018
I read other reviews before writing mine as I was afraid I was being unfair and maybe missed something others found in the book.. It appears there is a mixture of lovers and haters and unfortunately I am in the latter camp. The storyline held great promise for me - Ruthie finding her estranged father had died.and had left her his estate, although being contested by Timothy, her father's apparent carer. Sorting through all the effects left she discovers diaries and letters belonging to.an ancestor Thomas Erskine, one of the authors real descendants, and so the story moves between the present and the 18th century - what's not to like? This is where the book falls short for me as it moves slowly, very slowly and appears to be a vehicle for the author's own investigation into her ancestry and it fails to hit the spot for me with some characters that were not particularly pleasant and some very shallow. I persevered as I don't like to not finish a book but I have to admit I struggled with this one to the very end.
November 24, 2019
Exceptional!
The author has based this fictional story on her several times great grandfather, Thomas Erskine.
Slipping between the 18th century and present day, this exceptionally well written and researched book is an absolute page turner.
I cannot recommend it highly enough.
The author has based this fictional story on her several times great grandfather, Thomas Erskine.
Slipping between the 18th century and present day, this exceptionally well written and researched book is an absolute page turner.
I cannot recommend it highly enough.
August 26, 2018
4.75* - would have been 5 but the ending felt a bit rushed, imo. Thomas Erskine is an interesting character and I really enjoyed the historical elements of the story which seem well researched and much more rounded than the previous two novels. A very entertaining and enjoyable read.
September 7, 2018
When Ruthie's father dies, she returns to the Edinburgh home in which she was raised to wind up his affairs. However, somebody has got there first - and wants her inheritance. But it soon transpires that flesh and blood bogeymen are the least of Ruthie's worries...
Barbara Erskine can usually be relied upon to furnish her readers with lovely big dollops of delicious, fanciful escapism and for that reason alone I looked forward to The Ghost Tree with some amount of relish. Sadly, however, her latest offering falls flat - and is actually bordering on the unpleasant.
This appears to be something of a vanity project for Erskine, a vehicle for her own family history research. And undeniably well researched it is, with plenty of cameos for the great and good of Georgian society. However, it drags, with the same points seemingly laboured again and again, and the story meandering at a snail's pace. No breakneck thrills here.
Erskine always adds a bit of supernatural spice to her tales, but here it is taken to extremes. TV chefs watch as respected historians perform 'cleansing rituals' and lecherous ghosts assault female characters; the living chat to their long dead relatives without so much as a by-your-leave. It's all so clunky and silly one expects somebody to jump out with a sheet over their head shouting 'woooo!'.
Characters are two dimensional cliches; from the middle-aged, middle-class protagonist to the borderline alcoholic, overweight television cook with his homely kitchen littered with pans and pots of herbs. But it's with Erskine's descriptions of the modern-day villains of the peace where things get really nasty. Here, her cliche-ometer goes into overdrive. Timothy is THE stereotypical low-life from a 'grotty estate', the criminal low-life the Daily Mail warned us about. Erskine tries to paint a deeply unpleasant picture of him but her stilted use of slang and reliance on cliche fails abominably. Indeed, this is an author whose political views are writ large - Ruthie's father is pilloried for his lefty views, the aforementioned Daily Mail gets a mention, and her views on society's most desperate are clear. That's not to say Timothy isn't a vile individual - he evidently is - but is there any need to constantly harp on about his 'rough' background? Particularly when that background is so poorly researched (perhaps Erskine was scared she might have caught something if she spent too much time with the great unwashed in order to do so).
Naturally, however, Erskine's upper-middle class forebears are meticulously researched and fleshed, and their voices somewhat more authentic.
It's all immensely silly and has a whiff of something written in the 1980s with its outdated slang and curious coyness ('pleasure himself' being one gigglesome example). Needless to say, I was rather disappointed by this one. Perhaps when Erskine isn't attempting to clunkily fit a story around her own family tree (which might've been fascinating if written differently, or even as non-fiction) she'll get her mojo back. As far as this goes, however, her mojo is about as thin and insubstantial as one of her silly phantoms.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Barbara Erskine can usually be relied upon to furnish her readers with lovely big dollops of delicious, fanciful escapism and for that reason alone I looked forward to The Ghost Tree with some amount of relish. Sadly, however, her latest offering falls flat - and is actually bordering on the unpleasant.
This appears to be something of a vanity project for Erskine, a vehicle for her own family history research. And undeniably well researched it is, with plenty of cameos for the great and good of Georgian society. However, it drags, with the same points seemingly laboured again and again, and the story meandering at a snail's pace. No breakneck thrills here.
Erskine always adds a bit of supernatural spice to her tales, but here it is taken to extremes. TV chefs watch as respected historians perform 'cleansing rituals' and lecherous ghosts assault female characters; the living chat to their long dead relatives without so much as a by-your-leave. It's all so clunky and silly one expects somebody to jump out with a sheet over their head shouting 'woooo!'.
Characters are two dimensional cliches; from the middle-aged, middle-class protagonist to the borderline alcoholic, overweight television cook with his homely kitchen littered with pans and pots of herbs. But it's with Erskine's descriptions of the modern-day villains of the peace where things get really nasty. Here, her cliche-ometer goes into overdrive. Timothy is THE stereotypical low-life from a 'grotty estate', the criminal low-life the Daily Mail warned us about. Erskine tries to paint a deeply unpleasant picture of him but her stilted use of slang and reliance on cliche fails abominably. Indeed, this is an author whose political views are writ large - Ruthie's father is pilloried for his lefty views, the aforementioned Daily Mail gets a mention, and her views on society's most desperate are clear. That's not to say Timothy isn't a vile individual - he evidently is - but is there any need to constantly harp on about his 'rough' background? Particularly when that background is so poorly researched (perhaps Erskine was scared she might have caught something if she spent too much time with the great unwashed in order to do so).
Naturally, however, Erskine's upper-middle class forebears are meticulously researched and fleshed, and their voices somewhat more authentic.
It's all immensely silly and has a whiff of something written in the 1980s with its outdated slang and curious coyness ('pleasure himself' being one gigglesome example). Needless to say, I was rather disappointed by this one. Perhaps when Erskine isn't attempting to clunkily fit a story around her own family tree (which might've been fascinating if written differently, or even as non-fiction) she'll get her mojo back. As far as this goes, however, her mojo is about as thin and insubstantial as one of her silly phantoms.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 8, 2018
Awful.....
I have read all Erskine’s books and have enjoyed them as light, holiday reads. They all follow the same formula but the last two have been pretty poor, this however is awful.
It’s a story (poorly written at that) around the authors famous ancestor. It feels like a vanity project.
There are too many characters and it feels rushed, the final chapter felt very rushed and it sort of trailed off.
I got really irritated by this book, I very nearly gave up but persevered until the end.
The rapes were totally unnecessary to the book, the author clearly has no idea of what she was writing about. They jarred in this book. If I wanted to read a gritty drama, then I would have chosen one, it was very unsympathetically written about.
It’s a shame as I normally look forward to her books.
I have read all Erskine’s books and have enjoyed them as light, holiday reads. They all follow the same formula but the last two have been pretty poor, this however is awful.
It’s a story (poorly written at that) around the authors famous ancestor. It feels like a vanity project.
There are too many characters and it feels rushed, the final chapter felt very rushed and it sort of trailed off.
I got really irritated by this book, I very nearly gave up but persevered until the end.
The rapes were totally unnecessary to the book, the author clearly has no idea of what she was writing about. They jarred in this book. If I wanted to read a gritty drama, then I would have chosen one, it was very unsympathetically written about.
It’s a shame as I normally look forward to her books.
August 30, 2018
So disappointing ..as a avid reader of all her books
I was so looking forward to reading the ghost tree......
Depressing is the story..... Very much a vanity project for her family members and history...but it lacked the gripping story of her past novel's all without exception i have in my library....this book was f...depressing...didn't grip me at all......I do hope she finds the recipe again for her next work......this crime story..loose spirit story...jumping about in a disconcerting way has left me cold
I was so looking forward to reading the ghost tree......
Depressing is the story..... Very much a vanity project for her family members and history...but it lacked the gripping story of her past novel's all without exception i have in my library....this book was f...depressing...didn't grip me at all......I do hope she finds the recipe again for her next work......this crime story..loose spirit story...jumping about in a disconcerting way has left me cold
September 20, 2018
So disappointed
Barbara Erskine is my favourite author, so I was so looking forward to this book. But for me it was a real disappointment, unconvincing characters and a slow, somewhat boring storyline. Not a patch on all her other books.
Barbara Erskine is my favourite author, so I was so looking forward to this book. But for me it was a real disappointment, unconvincing characters and a slow, somewhat boring storyline. Not a patch on all her other books.
December 14, 2018
DNF thought I would love it but it fell flat of the expectation
May 11, 2021
3.5 bumped up because, although I enjoyed it very much, I think that it could have been edited more: some parts seemed too long and drawn out, especially in the present day timeline. The 18th century thread was my favourite. I tend to avoid ghost stories, but this was an original mixture of fact and fiction, based on the life of the author's ancestor,
January 11, 2019
A long, involved read between two time periods which is signature Barbara Erskine. Not her best, but still a good read. And as the title states � ghosts feature heavily in the telling of this story. Current time - Ruth is called to her home where her estranged father has died to find Timothy living in the house claiming he is his son. Historical time � Ruth finds old diaries and letters of her ancestor Thomas. Both stories intertwine as ghosts sort out grievances of old time. The ending was a bit rushed and I wanted more to tie it together � but all in all a great read to take you on a journey of ancestors of the past and family and friends of now.
August 18, 2018
The Ghost Tree deserves more than five stars,
President day ,after the death of bet father, Ruth returns to Scotland, to sort out what he left behind, and it's while she is doing this, she finds a diary written in the 18th Century by a Thomas Erskine, the youngest son of a nobel family, but this is not the only thing she finds. there is also the strange Timothy who he tells her is her father's son, ! As Ruth starts to read, the diary, Thomas's life begins to unfold, and it's not long before strange Things start to happen, first come the dreams, and not only at night , then the whispering, To find out who is trying to contact her, Ruth and her friend Harriet hold a Seance, not the smartest thing to do, because now all hell has broken looser and she needs help fast!
Once again Barbara Erskine has written a book that will keep the reader mesmerized, with her storytelling, this time, she has used her family's history,.. I went to bed, last night to read a couple of chapters, thinking -one more page, one more chapter- as I read the last page, I glanced at the clock, 2' 30 am !! was it worth it? Hell YES!! Thank you Lovereading, and more importantly thank you Barbara Erskine
President day ,after the death of bet father, Ruth returns to Scotland, to sort out what he left behind, and it's while she is doing this, she finds a diary written in the 18th Century by a Thomas Erskine, the youngest son of a nobel family, but this is not the only thing she finds. there is also the strange Timothy who he tells her is her father's son, ! As Ruth starts to read, the diary, Thomas's life begins to unfold, and it's not long before strange Things start to happen, first come the dreams, and not only at night , then the whispering, To find out who is trying to contact her, Ruth and her friend Harriet hold a Seance, not the smartest thing to do, because now all hell has broken looser and she needs help fast!
Once again Barbara Erskine has written a book that will keep the reader mesmerized, with her storytelling, this time, she has used her family's history,.. I went to bed, last night to read a couple of chapters, thinking -one more page, one more chapter- as I read the last page, I glanced at the clock, 2' 30 am !! was it worth it? Hell YES!! Thank you Lovereading, and more importantly thank you Barbara Erskine
December 3, 2018
Wow! A solid 4.5* for this amazing cast of characters, which includes actual historical figures woven into a VERY complex paranormal story. Still processing the reading of this novel! However, the genre set against the well researched background of the Georgian period combined with Barbara Erskine's family history made for a unique and at times unhinged, ride. I couldn't possibly compare this novel to anything I have ever read before.
Of particular interest for me were glimpses of Dido Elizabeth Belle; her father Sir John Lindsay; and the implied influence of Lindsay's maternal uncle William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield had on Thomas' life. And hence his anti-slavery stance, along with Erskine's famous speech "On Limitations to Freedom of Speech�. This book has sparked an interest in exploring the time period further and a desire to learn more about Thomas Erskine, 1st Baron Erskine and his work on preventing animal cruelty and defending rebels and reformers of the time.
There are some trigger moments in this book
Of particular interest for me were glimpses of Dido Elizabeth Belle; her father Sir John Lindsay; and the implied influence of Lindsay's maternal uncle William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield had on Thomas' life. And hence his anti-slavery stance, along with Erskine's famous speech "On Limitations to Freedom of Speech�. This book has sparked an interest in exploring the time period further and a desire to learn more about Thomas Erskine, 1st Baron Erskine and his work on preventing animal cruelty and defending rebels and reformers of the time.
There are some trigger moments in this book
September 19, 2018
I have read all of this author's books, except perhaps one, and I think this may be the best yet.
It is set in modern times and in the eighteenth century, in Scotland and England. It tells an exciting story of a third son, of impoverished nobility, who has to mostly make his own way in the world, as most of the available funds go to his older brothers. He makes an enemy, who pursues him relentlessly, and the story details his struggles against this man.
This character, Thomas, was a genuine person, from historical records.
There is a supernatural element to the story, and it concerns Thomas, and his descendant, Ruth, who faces dangers brought about by her connection to her ancestor.
No more can be said of the story, without spoiling it, but if a supernatural thriller, firmly based on solid historical research, with a gripping story is required, then this is it.
It is set in modern times and in the eighteenth century, in Scotland and England. It tells an exciting story of a third son, of impoverished nobility, who has to mostly make his own way in the world, as most of the available funds go to his older brothers. He makes an enemy, who pursues him relentlessly, and the story details his struggles against this man.
This character, Thomas, was a genuine person, from historical records.
There is a supernatural element to the story, and it concerns Thomas, and his descendant, Ruth, who faces dangers brought about by her connection to her ancestor.
No more can be said of the story, without spoiling it, but if a supernatural thriller, firmly based on solid historical research, with a gripping story is required, then this is it.
November 17, 2018
Enjoyed reading, but wondered why the house squatters were included in the tale, which mainly concentrated on Ruth discovering the truth about one particular ancestor. Found out at the end, though the author glossed over the last few pages so quickly I almost misssed it. On thinking about the story later, I wondered if the logic of the ending was strong enough for me to believe that the vanquishing of dreadful Andrew had actually been accomplished. Would he not simply pop up again somewhere else?
August 25, 2018
I always look forward in anticipation for a new Barbara Erskine book, whilst I enjoyed this book a lot (as always. ) I felt that maybe this ending of this one was a slight anti-climax. It just seemed to be a rushed ending. I loved the characters and everything else.
I give this 8/10.
I give this 8/10.
November 7, 2018
I have read and enjoyed all of Barbara Erskine’s books but for some reason I lost interest in this about two thirds of the way through. I think maybe too much Andrew Farquhar - not a pleasant read. I did finish the book but didn’t really care about the ending. Disappointed.
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