The Hanging Tree, A Novella by Michael Phillip Cash begins with two teenagers out on a date. Arielle’s boyfriend Chad gets out of the car, frustrated that Arielle is not going further physically in their relationship.
Arielle follows him and as they stand next to Chad’s blue Camaro, she notices the big oak tree and tries to defuse the situation by telling him that the tree is haunted.
She then asks Chad for his knife and walks towards the tree, unaware that she is approaching a crossroads at which her choices would affect many lives on this earth and beyond.
Cash has mastered story-telling in this first novella as he presents the reader with multiple short stories all tied together through two teenagers’ confrontation under the hanging tree.
The perfect amount of suspense is entwined in each storyline, along with descriptions and characters that transport the reader in and out of different settings and times smoothly. Yet the the main storyline flows without bumps, keeping the reader glued to the pages.
Michael Phillip Cash has written several other books, with this being the first I have read. The Hanging Tree, A Novella is the perfect quickie, as it satisfies the craving for a good suspenseful read.
It is perfect for any busy reader or just one who loves a short book! I definitely recommend this five-star novella to adults young and old.
I am excited to see what Michael comes up with next.