Crooked Tree

This is a story that kept me reading late into the night. I also learned that pound for pound, the black bear is the strongest animal alive.

I ...would love to see this story made into a movie!


Don't Read Alone!   November 27, 2000
 11 out of 11 found this review helpful

A MUST READ for any horror story, outdoor or Native American aficionado. "Crooked Tree" evokes an old Ottawa Indian legend as it explores the strange and increasingly violent behavior of some large furry woodland denizens. An evil spirit is threatening the balance of nature and the lives of local residents, and it's growing in power. Soon, it's affecting more than just the bears...

For a book set in the woods of Northern Michigan, "Crooked Tree" keeps a remarkably fast pace. And despite the pace, the character development doesn't suffer.

The book is superbly timed and is as scary as any Steven King novel I've ever read (and that includes Carrie, The Shining, Cujo and Christine). I join the ranks of Amazon.com reviewers calling for a movie adaptation. This would put any recent "horror" film to shame, and they wouldn't have to go hog-wild on the special effects budget. In fact, to any movie execs reading this and considering a screenplay (fat chance): I beg of you, please don't! If I have to watch another movie like "The Haunting" I may just poke my eyes out.

And speaking of eyes, you'll be doing double takes with people and pets for quite some time after you read this... just to be sure...

The book should also appeal to any Michiganders with ties to the North Woods or hunters in general. Readers interested in more background on the legend of the Crooked Tree should check out the book of the same name by John Couchois Wright that describes the history and legends of Michigan's Little Traverse Bay region and the Ottawa Indians.

- Reviewed by Todd V.


Crooked Tree   January 31, 2000
 10 out of 11 found this review helpful

I read this probably 25 years ago and could not put it down. One of our sons read it and gave it to another son who could not finish it as it was just too scary for him at the age of 19 or 20. He lost it and we have been trying to find another copy for years. It was so vivid you could live it as you read. The bear breathing down your neck and the indian references were all too, too real! Not a book for someone who scares easily.


Haunting!   December 27, 1999
 9 out of 9 found this review helpful

I read this book over fifteen years ago and I still think about it, so vivid is the imagery. Everytime I see a small pouch, for example, I am reminded of certain events as clearly as if I had actually experienced them myself. Yes, this would make a great movie!


Magical   April 24, 1999
 6 out of 7 found this review helpful

First off I would defintely rate this book if I could 20 out of 5 stars. My dad first mentioned the book when we were camping. He mentioned a book about Ottawa indians and a old book about the bearwalk. I asked my grandpa if I could borrow the book, he said yes so I read it. My dad said it would be to scary sence at the time I was only 12. But that diidnt stop me. The book was horrofying. But the 5th time I read it the book seemed less scary. I recommend this book to anyone without a week heart. The book is very grapjic and is deffintley not a camping book.

By Chris Morse(age 13)