The Ghost Tree

By: Barbara Erskine

Narrated by: Vivian Helbrun

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.

©2018 Barbara Erskine (P)2018 HarperCollins Publishers

Very entertaining

I enjoyed the interweaving of different eras. Good characters and well written. I will check out more of this authors work in the future.

Keeps you listening

I love a good ghost story and that’s why I chose this to listen to. It is a very intriguing story that takes you the life of its main character. I would recommend it definitely.

Might be better to get the book...

The story is wonderful. I found it would have been better been read or possibly preformed by another narrator. Whilst the narrator has a lovey voice and is easy to listen to, I had a hard time distinguishing voices between the characters, as her voice was didn’t alter between them. It may have been more helpful to follow if they stated each shift of POV.

Loved it For Some Reason

I really loved this. This is my second Barbara Erskine book. I read the Lady of Hay eons ago in book form. I never really liked The Lady Of Hay, although, I think I might have liked The Lady of Hay better if it had been read aloud and available on Audible. So, I am pleasantly pleased I like this book so much. It might even be the sort I will listen to again.

I want to say unequivocally, I really LOVED this narrator. She reminds me of Eleanor Bron, one of my favorites. I don't like the younger British readers, (Imogene Church - I know I'm in the minority) there is something about the younger British readers' accent, it is different than the older British actresses who narrate books. I call it British Valley Girl. But, this is my opinion. This is a personal preference of course, but I do hope this narrator will narrate more books of this nature.

I liked the story, it kept my interest. I am fond of ghost stories that aren't completely out there with Hollywood style special effects descriptions. While it is not as good as Anne Rice's Witching Hour, it kind of put me in mind of that book (one of my favorites.) I also love the time slip quality. It is one of my favorite devices.

The characters were interesting. Ruth could be ... frustrating, but that propelled the story. I loved Finn. I also liked Thomas, even though he was also frustrating at times, but if he hadn't been - the story would not have proceeded.

Overall, I really, really enjoyed this listening experience. It was a good escape for these difficult times. I am going to try another by Ms. Erskine and hope Vivian Helbrun will possibly narrate The Lady of Hay.

Loved it!

Loved it! the character/author keeps dropping Dr Who references in asking how to get rid of a ghost that is stalking her. I’ve always enjoyed Barbara Erskine novels; now I love her just that little bit more

Excellent

This was such a great book, interesting and enjoyable to listen to. It’s up there with the other great Barbara Erskine books.

Long winded

The story of Thomas was the most entertaining. It could have been done without Ruth and modern day story line and would have been much more enjoyable. The ending was anticlimactic and seemed rushed.