The Secret of Whylder Wood

by Elaine Ramsay

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Pub Date Jun 28 2025 | Archive Date Jul 23 2025

The Book Guild

Middle Grade | Outdoors & Nature | Teens & YA

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Description

Park Woods and Whylder Wood have long been safe havens for the creatures living there. But peace has bred complacency, and now a dark threat festers deep in the woodland, spreading a poison that infects both bodies and minds—starting with a colony of rats.

When Cory, a well-loved hedgehog, discovers the poisoned stream and the bodies of affected animals, he feels compelled to act. Despite his doubts, Cory rallies a reluctant group of apathetic, meek, and traumatised creatures to confront this growing menace.

Against overwhelming odds, can Cory’s unlikely army march to defend their home?

Park Woods and Whylder Wood have long been safe havens for the creatures living there. But peace has bred complacency, and now a dark threat festers deep in the woodland, spreading a poison that...

A Note From the Publisher

Elaine Ramsay, originally from Ruislip, worked as a London hair stylist before earning her teaching qualifications and a BA from the Open University. After a Civil Service career, she retired to Leicestershire, where she pursued her passion for writing through local groups. She is a member of the U3A and the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust. The Secret of Whylder Wood is her second novel.

Elaine Ramsay, originally from Ruislip, worked as a London hair stylist before earning her teaching qualifications and a BA from the Open University. After a Civil Service career, she retired to...

Available Editions

EDITION	Ebook
ISBN	9781835743638
PRICE	£4.99 (GBP)
PAGES	384

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Additional Information

Average rating from 3 members

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Featured Reviews

Christine M, Reviewer

Wow.
Maybe I'm aging myself, but this reminded me of the Secret of NIMH. And Animal Farm kind of.

Riveting read that makes you think. It was amazing how Ramsay was able to bring these little animals to life, giving them depth and vibrancy. Using animals to illustrate the current issues facing the world just sense. And makes one wish humans were better at cooperation!

Thank you to NetGalley and the Book Guild for the ARC.

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Farah G, Reviewer

This is a complex, nuanced story with plenty of messages cleverly thrown in - never haranguing, but continuously thought provoking.

The side effect of human dumping of toxic elements in the woods leads to bizarre and disturbing behaviour in a colony of rats, whilst the other woodland creatures are terribly affected.

A group of them, led by a hedgehog along with his bird and squirrel friend, decide to take action. But sorting out the horrific events will not be so simple...

This is the Lord of the Rings crossed with The Wind in the Willows, the characters beautifully brought to life. It gets 3.5 stars.