Stephanie Varah
The new novel
A secret hidden for centuries… only the trees know the truth
Stories of everyday magic, steeped in local history, legend and the folklore of trees.
Out 28 November 2026 · Paperback and eBook
The story
A struggling young publisher, a small dog in search of a new home and some unconventional new friends are drawn into a mystery hundreds of years old.
It all began with a knock at the door. A mysterious stranger calls, and the deadly game begins, changing lives forever.
In the dead of night, during a terrible snowstorm, a shadowy figure steps out of a small cottage on the edge of a dark wood. A black cat sitting inside on the windowsill watches as the figure disappears into the frozen wilderness, never to be seen again.
About the author
A budding writer from early childhood, Stephanie penned her first short story at the tender age of six. Her debut novel The Woodsman, published in 2019, is a tale of everyday magic, steeped in local history, legend and the folklore of trees.
Stephanie lives in the wilds of Nottinghamshire with her wayfaring husband and rescue whippet Stanley who like nothing better than being off the beaten track.
More about StephanieStanley’s journey to peace and safety and his transition from shut down, tough ‘street dog’ to one of the gang, was the inspiration for my second book ‘The Lost Wood’.
My writing is inspired by the books I love to read, particularly ones with atmosphere, which draw the reader into mysterious depths and live with you long beyond their endings. I particularly enjoy magical realism, stories with a time travel element and shadows…
Read more: Books that have inspired me
Only the trees know the truth
The Lost Wood is published by Troubador on 28 November 2026 in paperback and eBook.
To contact Stephanie, please use the form below or email [email protected].
