Hazelthorn
books by C.G. Drews
CG Drews, acclaimed author of Don't Let the Forest In, returns with another deeply unsettling and yet hauntingly beautiful tale of murder and botanical body horror, perfect for fans of Andrew Joseph White and We Have Always Lived in the Castle.Evander has lived like a ghost in the forgotten corners of the Hazelthorn estate ever since he was taken in by his reclusive billionaire guardian, Byron Lennox-Hall, when he was a child. For his safety, Evander has been given three ironclad rules to follow:He can never leave the estate. He can never go into the gardens. And most importantly, he can never again be left alone with Byron's charming, underachieving grandson, Laurie.That last rule has been in place ever since Laurie tried to kill Evander seven years ago, and yet somehow Evander is still obsessed with him.When Byron suddenly dies, Evander inherits Hazelthorn’s immense gothic mansion and acres of sprawling grounds, along with the entirety of the Lennox-Hall family's vast wealth. But Evander's sure his guardian was murdered, and Laurie may be the only one who can help him find the killer before they come for Evander next.Perhaps even more concerning is how the overgrown garden is refusing to stay behind its walls, slipping its vines and spores deeper into the house with each passing day. As the family’s dark secrets unravel alongside the growing horror of their terribly alive, bloodthirsty garden, Evander needs to find out what he’s really inheriting before the garden demands to be fed once more. The story’s conclusion aligns well with the journey that precedes it, offering resolution without unnecessary excess. This thoughtful ending contributes to overall satisfaction. The author’s use of language emphasizes precision and readability. Word choice supports clarity while still allowing for expressive nuance, enhancing narrative quality. The story benefits from its well-defined structure, which helps maintain momentum throughout. Each section contributes to the larger narrative arc, ensuring that the story feels purposeful. This structural clarity enhances readability and overall enjoyment. The story’s development reflects careful planning, with each event building upon what came before. This sense of progression gives the narrative direction and purpose, ensuring that readers remain invested throughout the book.