Willow Rose by M. Kevin Hayden begins with Dr. Alder Peony, who, after a taxing hospital shift amid global disruptions from Comet Goodwin, encounters a mysterious young girl named Willow. Following strange and violent events linked to a malevolent entity called the Windigo, Alder assumes temporary guardianship of Willow. Together, they navigate escalating threats from this creature while Alder struggles with injury, memory lapses, and a weakening physical state. Supported by Nurse Faith and others, Alder confronts the Windigo as it attacks their community and the hospital. Willow’s presence appears crucial to withstanding the creature’s assault, and their bond strengthens under life-threatening circumstances. Throughout, Alder’s efforts focus on protecting Willow, surviving the attacks, and uncovering the connection between the comet, the Windigo, and the unfolding chaos around Morningstar Falls.

Willow Rose by M. Kevin Hayden is expertly told from an omniscient point of view, which is a notoriously challenging perspective to get right, but Hayden manages it brilliantly. This is science fiction with a remarkable range of feelings, including fear, hope, and mystery, within a truly unique storyline. I love that Hayden takes environments that we know and generally consider safe spaces, and turns them into the exact opposite. The hospital scenes are an intense example, with a collapse through the instability of the CT machine and the madness unleashed by the Windigo, creating an immediate, horrifying atmosphere. Every event unfolds swiftly, and the pace is brisk, demonstrating Hayden’s command of narrative flow. Willow is, of course, the name on the jacket, but it's Alder who I found most fascinating. Pedro Pascal should narrate the audio version of this book! It is fascinating. Overall, this is a great read. Very highly recommended.

Willow Rose is a tale of horror and suspense by M. Kevin Hayden. Having done a third 24-hour shift at Morningstar Falls Medical Center this week, Dr. Alder Peony doesn't have much energy to think about the seemingly unnatural anomaly of a comet dubbed "Comet Goodwin" that appeared out of nowhere in the sky. After a freak accident on the highway involving a massive bull elk, Alder runs into a mysterious seven-year-old child, Willow Rose, in the woods. Soon, an escalating chain of terrible events leaves a trail of dead bodies in its wake. But the monster who is hunting Alder isn't yet ready to give up. Alder, Willow, and the brave nurse Faith must make a final stand and face the evil that's willing to devour everything.

Author M. Kevin Hayden infuses a hefty dose of mystery, suspense, chills, and thrills into a gripping narrative that hooks you in from the first page and keeps its hold on you until the last. Willow Rose takes you on a wild rollercoaster of a ride that you just don't want to end. Whether it's the unpredictable characters or the twists and turns of the plot, you will find something that keeps you on the edge of your seat for the duration of the story. The pacing is brisk, and the author keeps pulling the rug away with shocking reveals. You're never sure if your favorite characters will make it to the end. It keeps the stakes high and your eyes glued to the pages. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. If you're a fan of supernatural horror or psychological thrillers, do not miss out on this one.

In M. Kevin Hayden's Willow Rose, Dr. Alder Peony is a worn-down physician living in the isolated town of Morningstar Falls, Minnesota. He is plagued by mounting financial woes and ghosts from his past. Suddenly, his life is upended by a series of personal and cosmic disturbances. The looming presence of a strange comet, a charming little girl (Willow), and the resurgence of his past traumatic memories collide throughout his journey, ushering in other bizarre and mysterious occurrences in his community. As the plot unfolds, Alder falls victim to hallucinations, sleep deprivation, emotional distress, and supernatural encounters. Along the way, he embraces the wise guidance of Mama Curlie and the sympathetic shoulder of Nurse Faith. As Alder faces the unknown, can he keep Willow safe and finally escape the shadows of his past?

M. Kevin Hayden's Willow Rose is an enticing blend of supernatural intrigue and psychological thriller. The book consistently fuses emotional clarity with paranormal events, while introducing the ever-present tension of cosmic forces to the tale. The prose is vivid, and the hospital background adds a realistic, high-stakes energy to the story. Alder's transformational storyline is both profound and absorbing. He is an imperfect but sincere person. Most importantly, he makes room in his life for self-growth, which perfectly mirrors the book's core themes of redemption and inner healing. Hayden does an impressive job of portraying Willow, Mama Curlie, and Faith as compelling emotional support for Alder throughout the plot. The theme of deep human connection shines through them. At its heart, this novel delivers a superb exploration of how human vulnerability and love can help a person confront their past trauma. Great book!

Another day at the office beckons for Doctor Alder Peony. He expects that Morning Star Falls Medical Centre will see its usual flow of new and returning patients. During the busy day, he hopes to muster the courage to approach Faith, a nurse for whom he has developed feelings. The only unusual thing is the Goodwin Comet. This interstellar object appeared suddenly two days ago and continues to draw media attention and curiosity from observers. Little does he know, but this comet is unlike any he has seen before; it heralds a deadly threat that few can avoid. Alder is about to experience a day he will never forget in M. Kevin Hayden’s Willow Rose.

The art of the scare reaches impressive new heights in M. Kevin Hayden’s Willow Rose. The author emphasizes details in ordinary objects like an elk antler or a misfiring vehicle engine to engage readers and draw them into the unfolding mystery as if they are walking right alongside Doctor Alder. References to his childhood gradually reveal Alder's backstory, helping readers understand the connection to his house guest. The dialogue flows smoothly, featuring medical terms for conditions when the scene switches to hospital activities. Things become subtly unsettling when the narrative shifts to Alder’s activities in the log cabin, notably when the sheriff shares his findings with Alder. Pop culture enthusiasts will appreciate Hayden’s clever musical references, which add a sense of realism to the story. Hayden also skillfully inserts funny instances, such as the card game conversation between Alder and his house guest. The mildly humorous moments are a needed break from the tension, and combined with the descriptive storytelling and even pacing, keep suspense and horror fans engaged in the unfolding drama. I enjoyed reading Willow Rose.