Pippa Newton is most at home when out of doors amidst nature with all manner of creatures, great or small. The chance to stay with Grandpa in his little cottage in the forest for an entire half-term feels like a gift.
Her big brother Jed seems less than pleased, however; he’s more interested in his Switch than joining Pippa on her explorations. Pippa wonders what has happened: a few months ago her surly brother was eager to play in the woods.
Pippa’s excitement soon fades to concern when they arrive to find Grandpa’s cottage in shambles and Grandpa himself behaving in a most peculiar manner. Even more peculiar, are the strange creations, twig men, which are strung throughout the cottage.
The half-term which held so much promise soon turns into a dark and dangerous adventure. Pippa is about to discover the truth about the myths surrounding the hidden folk of West Cornwall and its ancient sites.
What secrets lie in Whispering Hollow, the forbidden glade which lies just beyond her grandpa’s cottage?
This is a tale for readers age 9+ filled with mystery and magic and all manner of faerie folk. What appealed to me most was the evocative, often lyrical, descriptions. Rachel Burge captures a magical world filled with fantastic creatures, who lurk and watch and wait. It is also a tale of friendship and family, and those bonds which link us all.
Suzanne Chinnock
Whispering Hollow by Rachel Burge
Hachette
ISBN 9781804536179
£7.99
Published 2025
