The Hollow Tree by James Brogden was a pleasant story, despite the morbid theme of it all. After Rachel Cooper has a tragic accident and loses her arm, she has to cope with a new way of life and adjust to a new reality, where even the most trivial tasks like preparing coffee must be relearned. However, her problems don't end there. Her accident opened her up to the world of the dead, and she establishes contact with that "other side" and can pull lost souls back through, giving them a second chance at life. Her life becomes strangely entangled with the death of a woman 70 years ago, a woman whose name is unknown, and the only information people have about her is the fact that her body has been found inside a hollow oak tree.

I listened to the audiobook of this, and the narration was really good. The story was interesting, and despite the dark theme, it has a lighthearted feel to it. I had expected something a bit darker based on how the book is marketed, but instead, it had more of a mystery feel to it alongside witty writing that makes it an entertaining read. Rachel, our main character, is very humorous and has a way of making light of her very tragic situation. The mystery of the woman found in that hollow oak tree is peeled layer by layer, as we explore different variations of her presumed identity, always hoping that the one we are currently exploring is the truth.

There are some plot conveniences which make the logic behind why things take place a bit slippery.

Spoiler

I still don't understand how Tom managed to pull Rachel out of the oak tree when he had no connection to the other side.

As long as you don't take those elements too seriously and go along with what is being presented, it's an interesting ride.

It's a cozy read, with pleasant characters and an intricate story that keeps you wanting to learn more. I wouldn't classify this as horror though, since I barely saw any horror elements, just a dark theme and a looming mystery we are itching to uncover.

I do recommend listening to the audiobook, it is very well narrated and Sarah Nichols does an excellent job giving life to the characters, especially with her distinct accents.

3 stars to Oak Mary!