World‑Renowned Author Vanessa M. Chattman Publishes Her New Supernatural Horror Novel," BENEATH THE OAK" was Published by Barnes & Noble Press on February 17th, 2026
Texas, United States Feb 21, 2026 (Issuewire.com) -
Acclaimed horror novelist and U.S. Army veteran Vanessa M. Chattman returns with a chilling new supernatural tale that promises to haunt readers long after the final page. Her latest novel, BENEATH THE OAK, delivers a gripping blend of psychological terror, hidden family secrets, and ghostly suspense—cementing Vanessa M. Chattman’s reputation as one of the most compelling voices in modern horror.
Set in the quiet isolation of rural America, BENEATH THE OAK follows Alyssa Ward, a grieving woman forced to confront the shadows of her past when she returns to her childhood home after her mother’s sudden death. What she expects to be a simple homecoming becomes a descent into a generational nightmare. The massive oak tree looming behind the house—once a symbol of comfort—now pulses with an eerie, oppressive presence. At night, whispers seep from its roots, and ghostly silhouettes gather beneath its branches, watching, waiting.
As Alyssa sorts through her mother’s belongings, she discovers a series of journals revealing a dark family curse tied to the ancient tree. For generations, the Ward family has been tormented by a spirit bound to the oak—one that selects a single family member to “keep” beneath its roots. When Alyssa begins experiencing visions of a young girl calling her name, begging for release, she realizes the curse is awakening once more.
The deeper Alyssa digs into her family’s past, the more the veil between the living and the dead unravels. The spirit beneath the oak soon reveals its true identity—someone Alyssa once knew, someone she unknowingly abandoned. To break the curse, Alyssa must confront buried memories, long‑forgotten guilt, and a supernatural force determined to claim her as its next offering. The battle becomes not only for her life, but for her soul.
Vanessa M. Chattman’s signature style—atmospheric, emotionally charged, and rooted in psychological horror—shines throughout BENEATH THE OAK. Known for her ability to blend haunting imagery with human vulnerability, Chattman crafts a narrative that is both terrifying and profoundly intimate. Her exploration of grief, memory, and generational trauma elevates the novel beyond traditional horror, offering readers a story that is as thought‑provoking as it is chilling.
With a growing body of acclaimed work spanning supernatural fiction, psychological thrillers, and cinematic screenplays, Vanessa M. Chattman continues to push the boundaries of the genre. BENEATH THE OAK stands as one of her most powerful works to date—a haunting reminder that the past never truly stays buried, and some spirits refuse to be forgotten.
BENEATH THE OAK is now available through major retailers and online platforms. Readers seeking a gripping, atmospheric, and emotionally resonant supernatural horror experience will find themselves captivated—and haunted—by Vanessa M. Chattman’s latest masterpiece.
About the Author and Screenwriter
Vanessa M. Chattman was born on September 5th, 1970, in Newark, NJ. Her family moved to East Orange, NJ a few years later. She graduated from Clifford J. Scott High School in 1989. She joined the United States Army in 1990 served on Active Duty for four years and ten months. She deployed to Desert Storm in 1990, and she received an Honorable Discharge from the UNITED STATES ACTIVE ARMY in 1995. and attended Vincennes University In 1993, then years later received her associate's degree in applied science in 2003. In November 1997, she was accepted into the International Poetry Hall of Fame. Her membership with The Writer’s Digest Book Club was active in1997. Her poems have been published in three different anthologies. The poem “My House” has been published in “The Poetic Voices of America Anthology.” The second poem titled “The Celebration” has been published in the “Beginnings” anthology. The poem titled “People” has been published by The National Library of Poetry and has received The Editor’s Choice Award. The Play titled, “Street Gigs”, and the Screenplay titled, “ZEROX CODES” were written in 2008. She is a former UNITED STATES ARMY RESERVISTS and completed her Army Reserves Duty for 10 years from 2008 to 2018. and has an associate’s degree. She received a certificate from The Writers Guild of America, West Inc. for The Black Sea of Roses Screenplay in 2020. Her membership with Film Freeway is still active but during Her Film Freeway membership from 2020 to 2024 included receiving 12 best horror screenplay awards, 5 screenplay award trophies and a best horror screenplay award from Luminary Independent Film Fiesta in 2024. Her First Horror Novel “The Black Sea of Roses: (Book 1) was published on October 17th, 2019, by Amnet Systems, A Book Publishing Company owned by Anazon.com. Her second Novel “The Black Sea of Roses: A Novel (The Antique shop, Book 2) was published on April 30th, 2021, by The Book Baby Publishing Company. She has authored 12 individual poetry books called "THE POETRY SERIES" beginning with the first poetry book titled, "THE RIVER VINE" on July 26th, 2013, and finally she published the last single poetry book titled, "THE BLACK SEA OF ROSES" book on August 2nd, 2016. Years later all 12 poetry books were published as one poetry book titled “The Poetry Series” on July 4th, 2020, by The Dorrance Publishing Company. On Mar 13, 2020, The Black Sea Of Roses (Book 1) by Vanessa M Chattman Audiobook. Narrated by Adriel Brandt. Produced by E-Audio Productions. Trailer music e-Audio productions. Trailer Voice Over Ken Marsiglia is available on YouTube. Her Fantasy Novel, "SPELLMARKED" was published on August 25th, 2025, by Barnes & Noble Press, other formats are also available on Amazon, Google Play Books, Apple Books, Barnes and Noble, and the audiobook formats for The Black Sea of Roses horror novels and the fantasy novel, "SPELLMARKED" are also available om Spotify, and Audible.
BENEATH THE OAK SUPERNATURAL HORROR NOVEL written by Vanessa M. Chattman was published on Amazon on February 17th, 2026
BENEATH THE OAK SUPERNATURAL HORROR NOVEL written by Vanessa M. Chattman was published on Barnes & Noble Press on February 17th, 2026
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BENEATH THE OAK by Vanessa M. Chattman on Apple Books
BENEATH THE OAK eBook by Vanessa M. Chattman - EPUB | Rakuten Kobo United States