C.J. Cooke’s "The Ghost Woods" is a masterful exploration of gothic horror, blending eerie folklore, the supernatural, and the harrowing real-life experiences of unwed mothers in the 1950s and 60s. Set against the haunting backdrop of Lichen Hall—a crumbling, isolated manor steeped in legend and shadowed by dark woods—the novel draws readers into an unsettling world where the boundaries between reality and myth blur in disturbing ways. With themes of motherhood, trauma, and societal repression running deep, this is not just a ghost story, but a poignant commentary on the treatment of women who were cast away for their circumstances.

The narrative unfolds in two timelines, each following a young woman sent to Lichen Hall to give birth and leave their child behind. In 1959, Mabel finds herself inexplicably pregnant, though she has no memory of ever having been with a man. She arrives at Lichen Hall in a state of confusion and fear, believing that her condition is the result of something supernatural. Fast forward to 1965, when Pearl, a 22-year-old nurse, is similarly sent to the manor after being ostracized for her pre-marital pregnancy. While both women arrive for the same reason, they soon discover that the true horrors of Lichen Hall go far beyond their own personal tragedies.

From the moment they step foot in the manor, the sense of dread is palpable. Lichen Hall is decaying from the inside out, with mold festering within its walls, strange apparitions haunting its grounds, and the woods themselves seeming to encroach upon the house. The caretakers, Mrs. Whitlock and her husband, are unsettling figures in their own right—Mrs. Whitlock, in particular, insists on handling the pregnancies without any medical intervention, her behavior veering between cold detachment and sinister intent. Her husband, suffering from dementia, only adds to the aura of decay, while the strange young boy, Wulfric, who roams the grounds, has an eerie fascination with mushrooms and the natural world, hinting at something far more sinister lurking beneath the surface.

What makes "The Ghost Woods" truly compelling is Cooke’s ability to intertwine gothic horror with real-world trauma. At its core, the novel explores the shame, isolation, and abuse that unwed mothers endured during this period. Lichen Hall becomes not just a physical place, but a symbol of the systemic oppression faced by women—its walls trapping them in silence and secrecy. The friendships that form between the women, particularly between Pearl and Mabel, offer moments of warmth amidst the bleakness, but their bond is also forged by the shared suffering and uncertainty of their futures.

The supernatural elements of the novel are woven seamlessly into this larger narrative of horror and loss. The house itself feels alive, with its creeping mold and decaying structure reflecting the internal rot of the societal systems that put these women in such dire straits. The woods surrounding the manor are filled with ghostly figures, unsettling folklore, and a sense of impending doom. Cooke introduces a variety of supernatural motifs—from witches and haunted woods to strange, sentient fungi that evoke a visceral sense of unease. These elements add depth to the novel’s atmosphere, heightening the tension and pushing the boundaries between what is real and what is imagined.

Pearl and Mabel’s journeys eventually collide, unraveling the dark secrets of Lichen Hall, the true nature of the woods, and the strange happenings within. As the two timelines converge, the reader is taken on a twisting, suspenseful ride that leads to a shocking conclusion. The truth behind Lichen Hall is deeply tied to the folklore and mythology that have surrounded the manor for centuries, but it also reflects the more human horrors of memory, trauma, and loss.

While the ending may require a suspension of disbelief for some, the journey is well worth it. Cooke manages to balance a deeply atmospheric, slow-burn horror with moments of genuine emotion and humanity. The dual timelines allow for a rich, layered narrative, and the characters—particularly Pearl and Mabel—are complex, relatable, and sympathetic. Mrs. Whitlock’s Jekyll-and-Hyde persona, Wulfric’s unsettling presence, and the other inhabitants of Lichen Hall all contribute to the claustrophobic, eerie mood that pervades the novel.

Cooke’s signature style, evident in her previous works The Lighthouse Witches and The Nesting, shines through here as well, with her talent for creating vivid, moody settings and her ability to explore the psychological depths of her characters. The horrors of The Ghost Woods are not just found in the supernatural, but in the way society treated these vulnerable women, stripping them of their dignity and choices. The novel’s exploration of motherhood—its joys, pains, and sacrifices—adds a level of emotional resonance that elevates the story beyond traditional gothic horror.

For readers who enjoy atmospheric, character-driven horror with a blend of folklore, history, and social commentary, "The Ghost Woods" is a must-read. Cooke’s ability to craft a chilling, immersive world while also addressing real-life issues makes this novel both haunting and thought-provoking. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page, leaving you to ponder the true cost of the secrets we bury and the stories we leave untold. Whether you’re a fan of gothic literature or just looking for a compelling, eerie read, The Ghost Woods will not disappoint.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this unputdownable mystery's digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest opinions.

A creepy novel about a home for unwed mothers in the 1960's. There's a subtle air of menace in this book, but it falls short of Cooke's previous thrillers

I loved the seamless mix of supernatural elements into this book. A quirky take on a moment in history.