Beneath the Poison Tree

by Brenda Guiton

Dawn, a woman unfulfilled and living her life vicariously through her sister, has found a way to come to terms with her lot, investing all her energy into maintaining the close family ties – strong bonds that are complex and not how they appear to others.

When faced with the shock of betrayal, threatening to derail all she holds precious, Dawn commits an unspeakable act – one that goes undetected but, later, comes back to haunt her.

A tragic accident brings an unexpected turn in her life and, in its aftermath, an opportunity for Dawn to realise her dreams. But fate has other things in store and she is unprepared for the arrival of a stranger, whose untimely intrusion wreaks havoc with her plans. Can she dispose of the problem as she’s done in the past, or are the obstacles too great?

A family drama, steeped in suspense, that delves into the mind of a woman obsessed and the lengths she will go to when her life starts to unravel.

330 pages, Paperback

Published September 24, 2020

About the author

Brenda Guiton is the author of 3 short plays that were performed at the former Priestley Theatre in Bradford, before turning her hand to novel writing. The first, Out of the Confusion, was also broadcast on Bradford Community Radio. In her role as Administrator for an Independent library, Brenda produced and edited a monthly magazine and was responsible for choosing and purchasing all the fiction titles – a task that she tackled with relish.
Her debut novel, Taking Chances, was given a full page spread in the Bradford Telegraph & Argus and her books have all received five star reviews. Brenda is well travelled and has led a colourful life, providing her with a rich source of material for her writing. Her characters are drawn from the many interesting people she has met over the years.
Her novels are in the suspense genre – her latest, Jamie's Wake-up Call is a family drama set in a holiday resort on the east coast of England. Beneath the Poison Tree is set within her home town of Doncaster. Suspicion a cold-case mystery set in the nearby Yorkshire Dales.
Brenda feels she has mastered the ability to surprise, determined that no-one will be able to say ‘I saw that coming.’ A central theme running through her novels is the frailty of human-nature and the flawed characters that succumb to its weaknesses. Constantly in pursuit of a challenge, her diverse career has included office management, ambulance liaison, social services (Domiciliary Care) and a 6-year spell running her own restaurant – a demanding enterprise during the height of the 1990’s recession. What followed still brings a smile to her face - a fun job at an up-market Introduction Agency, where she put all the matches together. She describes this as a real eye-opener!
Happily retired from working life, Brenda has returned to her home town in South Yorkshire (England) and lives with her husband, Derek, an academic writer who also shares her love of literature. Her hobbies have included painting in oils and acrylics and jewellery-making. Nowadays, her leisure time is devoted solely to writing. Her social life revolves around family and friends. She enjoys evocative music, entertaining, good wine and stimulating conversation.

Reviews

[K.D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beneath the Poison Tree by Brenda Guiton is the first book I've read of hers, and it certainly won't be my last. Guiton has woven believable characters into an everyday life scenario for most people, except for Dawn, the main character.
We've all read about people whose minds become twisted. Such is the case with Dawn who becomes obsessed with her brother-in-law, Adam. The suspense keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering what Dawn will do next.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it kept me reading well into the night in expectation—a well-paced thriller. Believable characters. Suspenseful. I highly recommend Beneath the Poison Tree—a five-star thriller.

[Bibiana Krall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beneath the Poison Tree by U.K. author Brenda Guiton is an intense roller-coaster ride of emotions.

The setting is an idyllic village where we get to see what life is like in the U.K. Although there are some colloquialisms and a modest use of local slang, it was always easy to understand and totally enjoyable for an American reader.

We have all been there… in the relationship that feels a bit off. The bells are chiming and you know in your gut that something is wrong… but you can’t quite put your finger on why.

The things that complicate life are put under a microscope, as in passionate love, family values, family challenges, sibling rivalry and love between men, women and sisters.

The sister everyone considers “the good or worthy one” and the other one who gets forgotten because she’s so busy making everyone else happy while she sets aside her own wants, hopes and needs. Then come the expectations that go unsaid, but are felt deeply with the heart.

Obviously most humans will feel jealousy, envy and underappreciated at some point in life…the caveat in this story and the plot driven aspect of Dawn the main character’s need to feel control takes you to unexpected and dark places. This novel shows just how far things can go when we act before we think about the consequences.

As a student of folklore and medieval history, I appreciated the symbolic use of a black cat as a messenger and wondered more than once how this feline's arrival would play out.

If you are a fan of stories like “Gone Girl” or “Girl On a Train” you will very much enjoy this psychological, domestic drama that ends in yet one more plot twist that will astound you. I highly recommend this story and when you’re done pick up my other favorite from Brenda Guiton, “Suspicion.”

[Sheila Patel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well where do I start? Love love loved this book, put everything on hold one Sunday to read the whole book and boy was it worth it. If during lockdown you have watched all the boxsets available, then treat yourself to this well written and very easy to read story of Dawn, the possessive wife, sister, auntie and sister-in-law to Adam. Dawn keeps the family in check by being in everyone's lives, working with her Architect brother-in-law who she obsesses about day and night. Throw in her OCD and controlling behaviour, Dawn needs to know where everyone is every minute of the day and no body better step out of line.
There is drama, suspense and surprises a plenty in the tale of two sisters and teenage cousins. Imagine what happens if anyone new should move to the little Yorkshire village and upset the order of things.
This book flows brilliantly, I loved the plot and the twin boys are great characters.
Well done Brenda, this is one I will definitely remember! Highly recommend, please check it out!

[Anita Dow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I have read by author Brenda Guiton, having really enjoyed 'At the End of the Sentence'. Dawn, the protagonist, is someone we initially have sympathy for as we discover how her unhappy marriage and two out of work sons contribute to her feelings of frustration with her life. Then we learn that she has unrequited feelings for her recently widowed brother-in-law and things become dark. The characters in this family drama are really well done and their actions and motives so realistic I could completely believe how Dawn became more bitter and resentful as the plot twisted and turned. Usually protagonists redeem themselves if they go astray but the climax to this plot is quite something else. Compelling reading with plenty of surprises, I couldn't put it down. Just like the other book, I could see this as a gripping TV dramatisation – yes, it really is that good, and I'm all set to enjoy the remaining two novels by this very readable author.

[Joe Congel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I’ve read by Brenda Guiton. I have come to believe that if you looked up how to write a psychological thriller, you would see a picture of the author and a listing of all her books. This offering is an exceptional look into the mind of a woman who has gone down the rabbit hole and doesn’t realized it. Dawn had always thought Adam was the perfect man and would do anything to be in a loving relationship with him. The only problem was that the perfect man was married to her sister. Dawn’s own life and marriage was riddled with unhappiness. Her husband was never around and her two sons were more interested in playing in a band than finding “real” jobs. She envied the life her sister had built with Adam. Her own husband, Tom, when he was around, hardly paid any attention to her, and it was easy to find sympathy for Dawn as I began to read her story.

She was able to find solace through her job working for her brother-in-law. She kept his books, his work, and his home life in order. For now, that would have to be enough. But when she discovers a reprehensible secret, her reckless and unthinkable behavior threatens all that is cherished by her. However, amidst a tragic, personal loss that happened around the same time, her guilt-ridden actions go unnoticed, that is, until years later, when the life she had built and fully imagined is threatened to be taken from her again.

I wanted to like Dawn, to feel sorry for her. And in the beginning of this book, I did. But as the story unfolds, and we get a deeper look into how Dawn’s twisted mind works, it becomes quite evident that she is a damaged and fragile human being. One with anger issues and pent up jealousy that once unleashed, can never be put back inside the bottle.

This was a very suspenseful and intense reading experience and kept me on the edge of my seat with every page turn. It is a story of betrayal and revenge at its highest level, and tortured heartbreak that cuts deeply to the core. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will certainly be reading more of Guiton’s work. She is a master at weaving drama, suspense, love, heartbreak, and tragedy within a well written plot told through perfectly flawed and interesting characters. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves reading a story that gives you that tingly feeling one gets when you don’t know what’s coming next.

[Lisette Brodey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dawn is really not a well woman. Unhappy in her own marriage, she’s pretty much been obsessed with her sister Helena’s husband, Adam, since she first met him. For years, working as Adam’s administrative assistant, she’s wanted to be much more, but at the very least, she’s in close proximity to him every day, playing a role in his life that she always hoped to be more.

After some tragic events change the landscape, Dawn is left to reconsider some dreams she once thought impossible. But things are still not working out as Dawn feels they should and of course, as she deserves. Never one to realize her own shortcomings, or that other people like making their own decisions, she is quick to blame everyone else for her misery, and to see anyone who gets in her way, as her enemy. With a distorted sense of entitlement, changes in her own family, and a lot of heavy drinking, Dawn’s resentments morph into raging anger and dangerous schemes that threaten anyone in her way.

I read this book in three sittings. I would have done so in two, but in the late hour, my eyes gave out on me. I hated having to close my Kindle—a testament to the author’s skill in crafting a story of psychological suspense that doesn’t take a rest. Throughout the entire book, I was on edge, always wondering what surprises (not of the good kind) were around the corner. I don’t want to give anything away, but I must say, this had one of the best and most satisfying endings I’ve read. I loved it!

This is the second book I’ve read by this author and already have another on my Kindle!

[Valerie Poore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've enjoyed all Brenda Guiton's books so far, but I think she has excelled herself with this one. Far from wondering 'who dunnit?', we know from the outset who has committed the crime and why. It is Dawn, a woman born to play second fiddle all her life. But what makes this suspense novel so intensely gripping is how the other characters in the book gradually discover the extent of her bitterness and what has to happen before they finally understand. Without adding any spoilers, this book had me up far too late three nights in a row. It is very well written and the characters are rounded, fully developed, credible people even down to the Jack the Lad type, Pete and the lazy Rob and Max. Overall, Beneath the Poison Tree is a remarkable depiction of the power of obsession. Well done, Ms Guiton. I found it a truly compulsive read and I can recommend it very highly.

[Leonard Tillerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

How far would you go to reap the rewards of an ideal life? One which is brimming with joy, affection, and love. A life that is characterized by the picture-perfect loving family that everyone dreams of.

Sounds wonderful does it not?

However, what if this idyllic situation suddenly comes under direct threat?

Both externally and internally.

Everything that has been so meticulously assembled and nurtured throughout the years is set to collapse and crumble. Worse yet… maybe it was never there in the first place. Simply a figment of an obsessively distorted and disturbed mind.

If this scenario intrigues you, then Beneath the Poison Tree by Brenda Guiton is a prime reading pick. A top-notch psychological thriller that will take you on a dark journey into the very depths of an unhinged mind.

The story primarily revolves around the life of the troubled main character, Dawn. Deeply unhappy with her own life and feeling as if she has grown up under the shadow of her sister, Dawn desperately searches for some type of meaning in her life. Her busy husband and two unemployed sons are just not providing her with the solace she needs. However, her sister Helena’s architect husband, Adam, certainly fits the bill.

Infatuation turns to obsession as Dawn tenaciously ingratiates herself into every aspect of his life. Securing a role as his administrative assistant, she is able to be with him every single day. As he increasingly comes to rely on her, Dawn’s plan is all falling into place.

An unexpected sequence of events accompanied by tragedy soon bring Dawn an even greater opportunity to see her plan to full fruition. To have Adam all to herself and finally have the life she truly deserves. However, when a stranger arrives on the scene, everything seems set to implode. All of Dawn’s relentless time and effort put into her devious plan is in serious jeopardy. This is something that she will simply not stand for.

The end results are the actions of a mind so deluded and twisted that only misery and mayhem may lie ahead for anyone standing in the way of its destructive path!

This is the third book I have read and reviewed by Brenda Guiton. In truth, I love all of her work as her writing has the ability to keep me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Beneath the Poison Tree stands out as my absolute favorite though.

The novel is not only full of mystery, suspense, and intrigue, but Dawn’s steady descent into utter madness is a spectacle to behold. The author beautifully orchestrates the decline in a steady and entirely believable manner. The writing flows as the tension continues to mount with each passing page. A perfect pace from an author who knows her craft!

For a psychological thriller to truly resonate with readers, there has to be powerful character-building taking place. There is no worry about that not happening in this novel. There are a slew of characters in this book who are more than capably developed. We are also able to enter into the innermost thoughts of many of them, thus further enhancing their authentic believability. They are real people with genuine problems.

Make no mistake, however, this is Dawn’s story! The development of her character is simply outstanding. Transforming from a somewhat sympathetic individual at first, we have a front-row seat as we watch Dawn’s slow descent into utter madness. The author presents her in such a way that she is entirely believable and mesmerizing at the same time. The type of character who will truly instill fear and fascination in the reader.

Without a doubt, this is one of the best psychological thrillers I have had the pleasure to read. It is exceptionally well crafted.

5 out of 5 Mad Stars for this one!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the second I have read by Brenda Guiton and both were most enjoyable. I like the pace of her writing and you are kept interested right to the end. The characters all seemed believable, but Dawn, the principal character was flawed and left me wondering what she would do next!

The background interested me, since it’s the area I was born in! We lived in Darrington at the Manor Farm and my father’s fields were either side of the A1 up to Wentbridge. Our house was pulled down when they built the flyover for the Pontefract Road.

Mum and Dad had the first night of their honeymoon at one of the inns mentioned in this book, The Olde Belle Inn. After we left the farm for the first time, when my brother got married in 1947 we went to live at the Rectory, Wentbridge, which had been used by the Army during the war. THe house was up the lane past the church there, next to Wentbridge House Hotel - which is also mentioned in this book. At that time it was owned by a Mrs. Bartram, before it became a hotel.

It was fascinating for me to read of these places from my past! I highly recommend this book!

[John Dolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I was angry with my friend;
I told my wrath, my wrath did end.
I was angry with my foe:
I told it not, my wrath did grow.”
Thus, Brenda Guiton prefaces her psychological thriller – and indeed echoes of Blake’s words rebound through the pages of this fine novel. Love, jealousy, resentment and obsession work their dark magic.
Like many readers, I enjoy books that contain flawed, morally-compromised characters, and ‘Beneath the Poison Tree’ has those in spades: this is especially the case with the embittered, manipulative Dawn, through whose eyes we see most of the events unfold. The author builds the tension gradually, chronicling the deterioration in relationships with a skilled eye, and the climax is to die for.
This is the third Guiton novel I have read, and while I enjoyed the other two, so far as I am concerned her writing reaches new heights with ‘Beneath the Poison Tree’.
I have no hesitation in recommending this to lovers of good prose, artful plotting, deep characterisations and credible psychology. Great stuff, and a worthy five stars.

[Veronica Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dawn has a seemingly ideal life--the perfect man, a beautiful home she keeps running smoothly and a warm family environment. The problem is she's the sister-in-law, not the wife. All that she covets belongs to her sister. When she finds out about a scandalous secret, the cracks of her ideal world start to emerge, leading to a plot and scheme that unleashes unforeseen consequences.

Years pass, the pangs of a tragic loss subside, and Dawn seems on the verge of having it all. She's ready to take a fateful step, but Karma has other plans in store. Jealousy, envy and anger emerge in full throttle, threatening everything she holds dear. As revenge fueled plans progress, truths emerge--will she and her family ever be the same?

Author Guiton proves once again she is a master of psychological suspense in this latest tale of misguided desires. The suspense builds page after page--I couldn't put it down! A delightfully wicked read that keeps you on the edge, highly recommended!

[Cathleen Maza · Rating 5 out of 5]

When beginning to read this delightfully dark tale, the plot may appear to be centered around an over-burdened woman caught in the middle of a dysfunctional family. As the plot progresses, however, events quickly flip inside out to reveal a main character who has single-handedly wrought every bit of that dysfunction herself. Meet Dawn, a main character who moves down the road to ruin one family member at a time. While outwardly appearing to be the victim of an uncaring spouse, sons, and extended family, this page-turner of a book unfolds to show us a portrait of an overly jealous woman with one very twisted mind. And yes, she also has some serious anger issues just to kick things up a notch. "Beneath the Poison Tree" weaves a powerful narrative of obsession and definitely keeps readers engaged to the very end. High recommendations for this roller coaster ride of psychological suspense!

[Judy Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

We really enjoyed this psychological thriller. To be honest, we don't usually read this style, but as they say...never say never.
The story is set in rural England and follows two sisters. Dawn's the elder sister. They're both married with boys and live in the same village. As you read the story, you get inside Dawn's mind and discover her dark side, especially after her younger sister dies unexpectedly. She's extremely manipulative and has no scruples.
I don't want to go into the plot too deeply and spoil your excitement, but we guarantee, you'll keep turning the pages as the story builds to an amazing climax.
The story is well-written, and you get to know all the characters as real three-dimensional people. This book is one you should add this to your 'to-be-read' list.

[H.M. Holten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anger, A Passionate Predator

Dawn, wife and mother, serves as a symbol of the harm one unhinged person can inflict. She is the central character in Beneath the Poison Tree.

Around her gather her family, oblivious to her wiles. Her brother-in-law, who relies on her help. Her husband, who works away from home. Her children, who have lost their jobs. Her sister, who fades away, and some female friends, who appear out of the blue. Add to that Jasper the cat.

Ms Guiton uses William Blake's poem, A Poison Tree, as her inspiration for this harrowing thriller that takes the reader deep into human psychology, red in tooth and claw. Her writing is crisp and to the point. A terrifying study of narcissism turned into psychopathy.

[Yvonne Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all the books of this talented writer. This new psychological thriller is a fantastic read from start to end. : Dawn the patagonist seems to have this serene life with her close family. She discovers a betrayal and her actions result in terrible circumstances. Years go by and Dawn is now confident that the special relationship with a family member will transpire. She appears to be this indispensable woman and the flow of the thriller makes you question her motives. Lots of twists and turns, each page fuelled with suspense A compelling read, I sat on the edge of my chair, I couldn't put it down,. I look forward to this talented author's next release.

[Eva Pasco · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Poisoned Mindset

Author Brenda Guiton’s ‘Beneath the Poison Tree’ is a top-notch, page-turning psychological thriller driven by Dawn, a character pivoting from a poisoned mindset. A woman love-obsessed with a brother-in-law she works for who doesn’t reciprocate her feelings, wreaks havoc on her warped thinking.

A story too good to give away any more details, I highly recommend a novel exemplifying the author’s writing prowess. Ms. Guiton holds the reader in her grip via plausible plot twists throughout Dawn’s descent into a maelstrom of malevolence which exacts a toll on everyone in her destructive path.

[Mary Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not what I expected

Wow. Just wow. This book is tightly woven with drama and suspense aplenty. The author definitely got into the sick psychology of the antagonist in this five star read!

[Brenda Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Distorted Reality

It is so amazing when a person refuses to accept reality. It is, indeed, a
dangerous thing to deceive ones own self and to blame others for the consequences of our own personal decisions

[Anna Casamento Arrigo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when one’s anger, envy, and revenge collide? A masterfully written psychological thriller that will have you riding a roller coaster as you turn page after page! A highly recommended read!