I very much enjoyed #TheHauntingScentOfPoppies by #VictoriaWilliamson.

We start out by meeting Charlie a man who has made his lifes work stealing from others and skirting the draft that claimed the lives of so many others. He finds himself hiding from Scotland Yard as his last theft carried with it a bit too much attention. Deciding he needed some more coin and a easy mark he finds himself in a bookshop where he notices a rare and very expensive copy of The Art of War that a collector he knows of has been greedily seeking. He manages to steal away with the book but bad fortune quickly falls upon him afterwards and dreams of being in the trenches with shells exploding, screaming men and mustard gas begin to haunt him. He finds himself staying in a boarding house that turns out to belong to the family that the book originally belonged too. This is when he finds out that the family always said the book was cursed and death followed wherever it went.
Charlie though isn't foolish enough to believe in such things, even though something in a gas mask saying "Remember Me" keeps stalking him and his dreams filled with blood, screams and mustard gas continue to haunt him even in the daylight and somehow burns closely resembling those inflicted by mustard gas begin to ravage his body. But curses those aren't real, right?

I'd like to thank #Netgalley for the chance to read the eArc of #TheHauntingScentOfPoppies in return for a fair and honest review.

Victoria Williamson's "The Haunting Scent of Poppies" invites readers into a deeply emotional exploration of the spectral, crafting an experience that resonates long after the final page is turned. This isn’t just another ghost story filled with sudden frights; rather, Williamson thoughtfully creates an atmosphere imbued with a gentle yet persistent sense of unease, anchored by the bittersweet aroma of poppies. The title itself hints at a profound emotional depth, connecting us to themes of memory and loss that transcend the physical realm, suggesting a haunting that lingers within our senses as much as within the shadows.

As the narrative unfolds, Williamson gently guides her readers through an experience where unease gradually seeps into the lives of her characters, much like a slow-moving fog. The scent of poppies grows to symbolize more than a mere detail; it becomes a poignant reminder of the past, conveying both nostalgia and sorrow, while perhaps embodying the ghostly presence itself. With her skillful use of sensory detail, Williamson creates an atmosphere where the echoes of the past are not just distant memories but profound remnants that brush softly against the living.

What makes this ghostly tale truly special is its rich atmosphere and thoughtful exploration of deep themes—remembering, mourning, and the lasting impact of past events. The haunting feels intensely personal, intricately woven into the specific histories and emotional legacies of the characters. Readers who appreciate a more psychological approach to horror will find themselves enveloped in the delicate subtleties of Williamson's storytelling. The aim is not to startle you with scares but to wrap you in a constant sense of disquiet, an awareness that beneath the seemingly ordinary, something quietly unsettling stirs just out of sight.

"The Haunting Scent of Poppies" is a beautifully crafted read for those seeking ghostly tales that go beyond traditional conventions. It’s a narrative that clings to the heart and mind like the haunting scent it paints, leaving an imprint long after the story concludes. For anyone yearning for a chilling yet emotionally engaging experience that probes the deeper dimensions of haunting, Victoria Williamson's work offers a hauntingly exquisite journey. It serves as a touching reminder that sometimes, the most powerful specters are those we can almost perceive, evoking feelings that linger well after their presence is sensed.

Thank you NetGalley and Silver Thistle Press for this arc.

4.5/5 stars rounded down

This is a solid creepy novella. A novel gets stolen by a man shortly after WWI, but little does the thief know the book is cursed and he will soon be having terrifying visions and visitations. This was a really great short read, very creepy, very horrific, and it stuck with me for a few days afterward.

A short horror taking place in the '40s just after WWI. My favorite part was the cursed book--how exciting! This was a fun read; dark and mysterious.

This is the perfect story for those who enjoy something creepy in the wintertime! A lovely, traditional ghost story set in Interwar England - though not the scariest story you will read - The Haunting Scent of Poppies is delightful!

A bite-sized ghost story from just after WWI, this book follows thief Charlie as he gets in over his head with what may or may not be a cursed book. Trying to finally get his big break, he steals a very valuable book, and has to flee London before he can ditch the book. Coincidentally (or not), he learns of the book's dark history and starts experiencing a war he never fought in. I think post WWI is an underutilized area for historical fiction, so this was a cool read, especially since I like horror and ghost stories.

This is a spooky and atmospheric story. It is a quick 100 page novella that I read in one sitting. It was captivating and the writing was good. I enjoyed the flashbacks to truly depict the war and feel the haunting tragedy of the time.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-arc
4 star

This historical horror ghost story is a quick, atmospheric read. It is the perfect read for a cold winter night when you are in the mood for something spooky. I recommend reading while cuddled up under a warm blanket with your reading buddy while drinking a mug of hot chocolate.

Unfortunately I was unable to download this book before the archive date, but I look forward to reading and reviewing other books by this author in the future.

Such a beautifully tragic story. It does tug at all the heartstrings. Give this a read for something different.

A short historical ghost story that mixed real events. If felt like a fever dream stuck in the decaying reality of world war two. Well written and creepy.

The Haunting Scent of Poppies follows Charlie, a small-time crook who skipped serving in the war and is later haunted by the people who would have been his comrades. It's short, harrowing, and vivid enough to keep you up at night. I love how the author managed to pack in a richly layered narrative in a sparse few pages, and the ending still felt complete and satisfying.

This was a spooky and short ghost story that definitely had an insidious bent. It was perfect to read right around Christmas time. I am not huge on war stories but found the horror elements kept me mostly in the story. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this title.

4 star!

While this wasn't particularly scary, it was still unsettling. It is a traditional ghost story that follows a thief who stole the wrong thing.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a well written, quick and easy read that had great horror elements. It was dark and very unsettling/creepy. I love a story where the main characters descends into madness and this fit that perfectly!

This short story was eerily soulful. Really liked the brevity of this plot and the show-not-tell narrative.
Charlie is an appropriately grey character very suitable for this setting. Him being a petty thief and picking up a rare book from a bookstore close to the first anniversary of the book owner's untimely death in The War feels very poetic. So is the consequent haunting of Charlie.
The underlying narrative about the effects of The War is very poignant. Even not enlisting, Charlie, a common thief, cannot escape the horrors of it. When he is being haunted, he is experiencing the book owner's horrific death in the trenches drenched in mustard gas. The soldiers who returned half-faded and the people the dead soldiers left behind in their lives are all living in the memory of it all.
I will be looking forward to reading more by the author.

A satisfying ghost story to read on a winter's night.

In the immediate aftermath of WW1, Charlie Briggs, a thief, is lying low in Petersfield to avoid the police. Spotting a bookshop, he decides to steal some books to tide him over the Christmas period.

Unfortunately for him, the rare copy of The Art of War that he steals appears to be cursed. Charlie starts dreaming of the death of the previous owner, experiencing the horror of the trenches and bombardment by mustard gas waking to find burning blisters on his skin. He is also pursued by a bandaged figure with glowing red eyes that urges him to 'remember me'.

This dark little tale combines the horror of warfare and the agonising death many young soldiers experienced with a growing feeling of being trapped by the consequences of your actions. Although Charlie is a far from likeable character, I pitied him during his growing realisation that the book he has stolen has sealed his fate.

The Haunting Scent of Poppies by Victoria Williamson is a perfect ghost story for the winter season, set during Christmas in the atmospheric chill of the English countryside.

This is one of those books that makes me so grateful to be able to read in English—otherwise, I would have completely missed out on this hidden gem.

The story starts with an intriguing setup: a thief, a mysterious bookshop, and a rare, precious book. I was hooked from the very first page. Despite the limited number of characters and a seemingly static setting, the atmosphere is incredibly well-crafted. The author masterfully creates a haunting, immersive world that lingers with you long after you've finished reading.

It’s a quick read, just a couple of hours, but it leaves a deep impression. One quote, in particular, stayed with me:
"It was a single poppy, growing so far out of season it no longer seemed like a symbol of summer life, but a grotesque warning of death."

The book hasn’t been translated into Italian yet, but I sincerely hope it will be. It’s the kind of story that deserves a wider audience. Thoughtful, eerie, and beautifully written, it’s a tale that lingers like a persistent fragrance.

Victoria Williamson is also the author of The Fox Girl and the White Gazelle (2018), a touching story of friendship between a Scottish girl and a Syrian refugee, and The Boy with the Butterfly Mind (2019), which explores life through the eyes of a boy with ADHD. After reading The Haunting Scent of Poppies, I can’t wait to dive into more of her work.

If you’re looking for a beautifully atmospheric ghost story, treat yourself to this one—it’s well worth it!

The Haunting Scent of Poppies by Victoria Williamson is a beautifully written, deeply emotional historical fiction novel that masterfully captures the devastation of war, the resilience of the human spirit, and the complexity of relationships during tumultuous times. Set during and after World War I, the story follows a young woman named Clara as she navigates a life altered by the horrors of war, loss, and the profound impact of the Great War on both soldiers and civilians.

Williamson’s writing is evocative and rich, with vivid descriptions that transport readers into the world of early 20th-century Europe. The haunting scent of poppies, which serves as a symbol throughout the novel, is a perfect metaphor for the lasting emotional scars of war—both the trauma and the remembrance. The book beautifully intertwines personal and historical elements, showing not just the impact of war on soldiers, but on families, communities, and individuals who are left to pick up the pieces.

The characters in The Haunting Scent of Poppies are complex, relatable, and full of depth. Clara’s journey of grief, healing, and self-discovery is compelling, and her relationship with those around her—particularly with her family and the soldiers who have come back home—feels both tender and heartbreaking. The emotional highs and lows are perfectly balanced, making for a truly immersive reading experience.

What truly stands out in this novel is Williamson’s ability to evoke powerful emotions while maintaining a sense of hope. The story is poignant, without being overwhelming, and the themes of memory, sacrifice, and the scars left by war are explored with sensitivity and grace. The pacing is just right, with moments of tension and reflection that keep the reader invested from start to finish.

The Haunting Scent of Poppies is a five-star read that will resonate deeply with fans of historical fiction, particularly those interested in stories of resilience, healing, and the lasting impact of war. This is a novel that stays with you long after the final page, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. I was given an advanced copy in exchange for a review.

Perfect novella! The horror elements are nicely done and the writing is very good. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the chance to read this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

This was an interesting short novella on the horrors of war and their ability to haunt (in this case, not the best of people) long after they have gone. The main character is definitely a complex man, and I feel like the story could have taken a little longer to flesh him out beyond a black and white characterisation. The horror in this one is short, but ultimately satisfying, and this is very much an effective Christmas ghost story that packs a bit of a punch behind it.

I would be keen to see more in a compilation of short stories or as a longer novel!