The Curse of Beckett’s Wood
Author: R. E. Witham
£15.00
- ISBN: 9781907340246
- Published 25 May 2020
- Format: Paperback
- Number of pages: 630
Beckett’s Wood is sinister and secret, the kind of place where the curse of past events spread quietly like the brambles in the undergrowth.
In the first part of this gripping, three-part, bestselling novel the unsettling tale of a cyclist’s arrival in a village bordering an eerie wood sets in motion consequences that have far reaching effects on one particular person’s life and, like an anaesthetic, the village devours his will so that the curse can become all consuming.
Seemingly disconnected, part two depicts the life of David Harper as he dares to confront the abuse he receives as a boy at the hand of his mother, the kind of abuse that develops as he reaches puberty. Terrifying dreams misshape his mental health yet more, dreams that have a strange echo of a village far away.
Available On Short Run Only
M. Bingley –
I’m not certain what genre this book falls into, which makes it unusual and interesting, especially as I read a lot of books. That said, I can’t say that I actually enjoyed it although possibly that was not the author’s intention. I was fascinated and intrigued, but never completely involved. The time jumps may have had something to do with this. Virtually none of the subsidiary characters are likeable, but the main character is very well drawn and extremely interesting, as is his life. There are several vividly described scenes that many readers won’t like, although that’s a matter of taste and they certainly didn’t bother me. However I could have done with a little less relentless misery. It’s exciting to read something so different and R.E. Witham is to be congratulated on this achievement. I will be very interested to read his next book.
JW Taylor –
A complex and absorbing thriller in three parts. Not for the feint hearted or those who prefer their life and sex with meat and two veg.
The Old Gibber –
I bought this book on the recommendation of a friend, who knew I enjoyed a book with a good story.
It was with extreme pleasure I discovered that the author was a gifted story teller and his mastery of the English language brought forth a deep dark tale, with twists and turns in the plot that kept me turning the pages with increasing anticipation. The emotions of love, fear and shear anguish that pours forth from these pages completely engulfed my senses, my imagination was so focused I was there in the pages, which was not always comfortable but totally inspiring. A great read and I totally recommend this book and can’t wait for the author’s next book.
Jennifer –
A very clever plot full of dark and often cruel twists and turns that keeps you guessing and turning those pages to find out what happens next in the past, present and future of ‘The Cyclist’.
Lizzie –
Excellent story, a must read for those who enjoy historically accurate mystery stories.
A must read –
Beautifully written , this book kept pace throughout. The story is a complex mix of dangerous relationships and personal crises. Coppin has you guessing and 2nd-guessing at each twist and turn of the plot and somehow manages to transport you to the last page without allowing you to anticipate the ending. You will be taken out of your comfort zone but you will be intrigued by the storyline and beguiled by the characters.
Paul C –
The Curse of Beckett’s Wood was recommended by a friend, not the usual type of book I read, but decided to give it a go. And how glad I was. It grabbed your attention immediately, with interesting characters, and and a pacey storyline. As the characters developed, and some of the darker subject matter appeared, it became more enthralling.
Would thoroughly recommend this book.
laura price –
Throughly enjoyed, would recommend, very well written and author really made the characters easy to imagine as if you were there. Looking forward to another book from the author.
deb –
There were many twists and turns in this novel. Sometimes it was hard to follow.
mbrand –
I was completely turned off by the story and felt it was not something I would reccomend in any way. I may be a prude but I was offended by it. Should have not taken good time to read it!
hodado –
Very well written a fantasy of sorts descriptive narrative believable characters strange enough to be true
Nici R. –
A good read, held my interest. Interesting concept.