Twisted Tree Series by Rachel Burge 2 Books Collection Set - Fiction - Paperback

Titles in This Set:
The Twisted Tree
The Crooked Mask

Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781471407765; 9781471409202

Overview:
Twisted Tree Series brings together two atmospheric YA ghosts-and-mods mysteries that fuse Nordic folklore with contemporary suspense. The Twisted Tree (2019) introduces Martha, a teenager who uncannily reads emotion and memory through fabric after a childhood fall leaves her with one blind eye. Set in cold, snow-cloaked Norway, it follows her urgent quest to uncover how her grandmother’s death connects to a perilous creature stalking a remote cabin, a mystery that tightens with every chilling twist. The Crooked Mask (2021) continues Martha’s journey, expanding the magical inheritance she must navigate while threading in a Circus of Myth & Mayhem where masks literally change faces. Authored by Rachel Burge, the two novels weave folklore, psychological tension, and sly frights into a cohesive, mood-heavy set. This paperback collection is an enticing gift for readers drawn to haunted landscapes, thorny secrets, and twisty plots that linger long after you finish the last page.

What This Collection Covers:
Together, these two novels offer a tightly linked arc that dives deep into how memory, myth, and desire shape identity. The Twisted Tree casts a wary spell around Martha as she confronts a family secret rooted in Norse lore and a deadly predator in the woods. The Crooked Mask accelerates the mythology-rich storytelling while testing Martha’s trust in those around her, including a mysterious boy and the uncanny performers of the Circus of Myth & Mayhem. Across both titles, readers will encounter a strong sense of place—icy Norway, creaking wheels, shadowed forests—and a protagonist who learns to harness a dangerous magical inheritance. The collection balances eerie atmosphere with suspenseful momentum, making it ideal for teens and adults who enjoy character-driven mysteries with mythic undercurrents and a modern, relatable heroine navigating peril with wit and grit.

Book-by-Book Guide:
The Twisted Tree
In this chilling debut, Martha discovers that her gift for sensing people through their clothing carries a heavy burden: the memories and emotions of others intrude on her own. As she travels to her grandmother’s cabin in the Norwegian woods, she unravels a web of family secrets, ancient legends, and a threat that seems to originate from the very trees around her. The narrative builds a suffocating atmosphere, where every gust of wind or distant sound hints at danger. Burge threads Norse myth with contemporary fears, crafting a coming-of-age ghost story that is as tender as it is terrifying. Martha’s voice remains clear, resilient, and sharply observant as she pieces together truth from illusion and faces a mystery that could redefine who she becomes.

The Crooked Mask
Continuing from where The Twisted Tree ends, Martha confronts the responsibilities of magical inheritance and the costs of unveiling truth. The Circus of Myth & Mayhem returns, its performers and masks loaded with meaning as Martha learns more about her powers and the role she must play in a larger mythic tapestry. The novel escalates the tension with tightly wound revelations, pushing Martha to choose between secrecy and courage. The prose sustains a moody, cinematic pace that keeps readers turning pages, while the mythic elements deepen into a richer, more intricate world. This installment preserves the emotional intimacy of the first book while expanding the stakes, relationships, and the sense that every mask hides another layer of truth.

Who This Set Is Perfect For:
This two-book collection is an excellent fit for readers aged roughly 14–17 who love atmospheric ghost stories, folklore-inspired fantasy, and twist-heavy mysteries. It also appeals to adults who relish moody, character-driven thrillers with a strong sense of place. Gift buyers will find the paperback edition a thoughtful present for teens who enjoy slow-burn suspense, Norse myth adaptations, or stories that blend myth and psychology. Teachers and school libraries may appreciate it as a pair of accessible, read-once-and-discuss novels that encourage discussions about memory, identity, and the line between legend and reality. Fans of eerie settings, strong heroines, and cleverly layered plots will likely enjoy reading both titles back-to-back, experiencing the full arc and the payoff of Burge’s myth-infused storytelling.

Key Benefits:

• Immersive, Norse-myth-inspired atmosphere that sets the mood from page one
• Two closely linked narratives offering a complete reading arc in one affordable bundle
• Accessible YA reading level with a strong, relatable heroine
• Beautiful paperback edition, ideal for gifting or home libraries
• Thoughtful exploration of memory, identity, and the consequences of secrets
• Standalone enough to read individually, yet more rewarding when read together

About the Author:
Rachel Burge is the British author behind The Twisted Tree and The Crooked Mask, two linked(ish) novels that fuse folklore with contemporary suspense. Based in East Sussex, Burge writes with a voice that blends eerie atmosphere with sharp, character-led storytelling. Her work draws on Norse myth and folklore to craft modern ghost stories that resonate with readers who crave mystery, texture, and emotional honesty. Beyond these two novels, Burge has published other titles such as Waking the Witch, and Whispering Hollow followed in 2024, demonstrating a consistent knack for weaving mythic elements into accessible, page-turning narratives. Burge’s writing is noted for its distinctive balance of mythic ambiance and grounded, relatable protagonists, making her a standout voice in contemporary YA fantasy/horror fiction.

Why You’ll Love This Set:
If you’re building a thoughtful, atmosphere-rich library, this twinned set delivers a complete, spine-tingling journey. The Twisted Tree introduces a vivid world that feels like a dream and a warning, while The Crooked Mask expands that world with higher stakes and deeper myth. Together, they offer a satisfying, binge-reading experience for readers who enjoy a foreboding tone, intelligent plotting, and a heroine who learns to trust her instincts. This collection is a compelling gift for readers who appreciate cleverly crafted twists, memorable settings, and stories that stay with you long after the final page is turned. Owning both titles in paperback provides great value and a cohesive reading experience that’s perfect for personal libraries, book clubs, and gift-giving occasions.

Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.