I’m a fan of Mark Edwards and have enjoyed all his previous books, I was delighted to receive an ARC of his new book The Hollows.
Tom is looking forward to travelling to America from his home in England to spend time with his fourteen year old daughter Frankie. He has booked a ten day trip to a cabin resort in Maine called Hollow Falls.
Strange things start to happen after they arrive. Items are going missing from cabins, there are rumours of ghostly figures and then he finds out that this place is famous for a double murder that happened twenty years ago.
I enjoyed this book and read it in a day because I didn’t want to put it down. The story was creepy and full of tension.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

Tom’s life is in pieces; his marriage is over and his career as a journalist is headed south fast. He decides to spend some quality time with the daughter he rarely sees. They decide to spend their break at the Hollow Falls, in a cabin in a remote corner of Maine. The cabin is creepy as hell and strange noises plague father and daughter. It’s not until they meet a couple of true crime again podcasters that they learn about the grisly murders that occurred there twenty years earlier. No one was ever convicted and the woods are now filled with social media “wannabe” detectives trying to solve the case. It looks like Tom’s chance for a peaceful vacation are out the window. Edwards provides his trademark creepy plotline, and fans will eat it up

This is another great book by Mark Edwards and he remains one of my favourite authors.
The book is dark, creepy and atmospheric. It easily drew me in and I finished it in one sitting.
It’s not my favourite one from him but I would definitely recommend it.

Another great book by Mark Edwards. Just the right amount of twists and turns, a very atmospheric and spine-chilling read. It's easy to feel yourself right there in a cabin the woods, which is spooky enough without all the eerie goings on, as Mark has a knack of immersing the reader in the book so it feels as though you are living through the characters' adventures. The dark tourism angle is really interesting, if a little macabre when you think about it, but it was different and with all the true crime shows on TV it's easy to see why scenes of crimes and killers may have a following. The characters are all very likeable - well most of them - and like the majority of Mark's books this would make a great film. If you're a fan of Mark's previous books, this won't disappoint.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. Great storyline, great characters and there was a lot of twists and turns along the way. Enjoyed it. Not read anything from this author before shall be looking out for other titles.

3-4 stars for An original, chilling read, but not my favorite Mark Edwards book. While, I did plow through it quite easily, something was missing for me and it seemed a bit juvenile in writing, almost, a bit hard for me to explain, as it wasn’t bad, but a bit slow and just not as well written as most of this authors books. I had most of it figured out, but do think had there been more of a development of both the stories and characters, it would have easily been a 5 star mind blower. I would still highly recommend, but do think it’ll be on the less riveting list of Edwards’! Does have a few good chills, thrills, and even a shock or two!

Great story. This is the second book that I have read from this author and will be looking out for future books.

Having thoroughly enjoyed Mark's previous books I was delighted to find this latest title.

It's a dark and creepy tale and you could imagine finding yourself in the cabin resort, complete with strange people and even stranger happenings.

A chilling tale though not my favourite Mark Edwards book.

3.5 stars

Mark.does again with this Crazy, deeply book!
I got this one through Edelweiss A month ago and read but I'll still leave the same review here! 😊
I loved this book! It was simply amazing. I actually enjoy all his books but this was on a whole other level.
The he writes is just beyond anything I've read before! And I was honored to have read The Hollows
Thank You All for the approval!

I have read most of Mark Edwards books and always find them to be exciting, fast paced addictive novels and this one was no different. The book grips the reader early on on continues to build up the tension and suspense throughout.

Tom is single again following the breakup of his marriage and with a struggling career in journalism is looking to reconnect with his fourteen-year-old daughter, Frankie. He is eager to spend quality time with Frankie so he decides to take her to a cabin resort deep in the woods of Maine called Hollow Falls.

Hollow Falls is no ordinary holiday location and there is something very eerie about the place. This only increases when Tom meets true-crime podcasters David and Connie and they tell him of the areas chilling past. It is the twentieth anniversary of a double murder that occurred in Hollow Falls and caused the resort to shutdown. The crime was never solved, and now the woods are overrun with murder-obsessed tourists looking to mark the grim anniversary.

It soon becomes obvious that this holiday is not going to turn out the way Tom had hoped and that there are some deeply disturbing going on at Hollow Falls. Tom’s hopes of a dream vacation turn into a nightmare as he and Frankie are faced with a choice: uncover the truth, or get out while they still can.

Addictive mystery story that the reader will find difficult to put down.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

The Hollows, as with a lot of novels by Mark Edwards, totally invites binge reading, which is pretty much what happened to me. I settled down for a couple of chapters and then didn’t put it down until I was done.

Its a King-esque plot for sure, dark and creepy woods, scary kids, weird goings on, a local urban legend coming to life and a Father and Daughter caught in the middle.

The plot fairly rocks along, descriptively chilling and I’m not embarrassed to say it caused one or two odd dreams the night I finished it. What Mark Edwards does better than almost anyone else is to get under the readers skin without them even realising it until the lights go out..

I thought this was excellent. Addictive and unpredictable, edgy and haunting. A definite tick in all the right horror thriller boxes.

Recommended. Hey at least it’s out in July – plenty of sunshine hopefully to chase the demons away.

The Hollows reminded me of the 1980s horrors movies I was so fond of watching back in the day, minus the dramatic music! The eerie location of Hollow Falls, a cabin resort deep in the woods of Maine, adds to the scary movie vibe. Hollow Falls has a gruesome history, it’s the 20th anniversary of a double murder, a crime which was never solved. Tom and his young daughter Frankie’s dream trip turns into their worst nightmare as events take an unpleasant turn. The Hollows has it all, odd characters, strange happenings, paganism, mystery, local urban legends, creepy dark woods, layered with lashings of suspense. 

I love the way the author puts ordinary people into the most frightening situations and then throws everything at them. You can’t help thinking, ‘what would I do in a similar situation?” I thought the book was slow to begin with. It seemed to take a while to get to the crux of the story. I appreciate Edwards used this time to set the scene, build on the atmosphere and introduce the reader to an array of characters, but I felt some parts added little to the story and slowed the pace of the read. 

Weird things happen to Tom and Frankie, inhuman faces at the windows of their cabin, random items going missing, unexplained noises in the night. Each event feels like it’s leading up to something far more threatening. As events escalate, the tension grows and evil radiates from the pages. I enjoyed the second half of the book more it’s here, the tension ramps up a notch, the plot becomes far more sinister, and the mood of the book darkens. This was an entertaining, creepy read, but it’s not my favourite book from the author, I’m afraid.

A divorced man in the UK whose teenage daughter lives in the US plans a special vacation in Maine with his daughter. It is a beautiful resort – brand new, spacious cabins, and a location vibrant with nature and plenty of activities. Other than a lack of Wi-Fi or 4G, his daughter made a friend and began to enjoy some of the activities. But the mysterious comments, suspicious actions, and discussions about a double murder on the property twenty years earlier put visitors on edge and wanting to learn more. In twists and turns as Mark Edwards weaves so well, you’re never too sure which characters can be trusted and which are leading you to the wrong conclusion.

Tom has travelled from the U.K to America to collect his fourteen year old daughter, Frankie from his ex wife. They are going to have a 10 day cabin holiday at a resort called Hollow Falls in Maine.

With strange things happening soon after they arrive, it’s not long before Tom hears how there was a double murder that occurred here almost twenty years ago.

I’m not saying anymore as you need to read this book with no spoilers! It is a steady read that was filled with tension. I found myself feeling apprehensive as to what was going to happen next! Some great characters & fantastic descriptive writing.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Mark Edwards at his best! This is the kind of story he excels at - creepy locations and even creepier people. Tom and Frankie are a father and daughter on holiday at a Maine resort in the woods, Hollow Falls. He lives in the UK while she lives in the US with her mother so this is his only time each year to see her. He's having trouble bonding, as she's a 14 year old teenager and he is the typical middle aged, not-as-cool-as-he-thinks dad.

Shortly after they arrive, they're befriended by a family in the next cabin - a middle-aged couple and their teenage son, Evan. They're here because of the horrifying murders that took place 20 years ago in this location, which Tom knew nothing about. The parents run a true-crime podcast and this anniversary is a big event for them, with many fans joining them here at Hollow Falls to visit the scene of the crime. Even though he tries to ignore all of the macabre history, Tom finds himself growing more and more intrigued by the murders and the supposed perpetrator who vanished.

At separate times, he and the teenagers both venture into the tiny town of Penance, but soon find that the locals don't appreciate the trash and noise that vacationers bring with them. The tourism dollars they bring in doesn't seem to factor in to their opinions, of course. Or maybe they're just tired of their town being defined by a decades old crime, no matter how they try to move on. Frankie and Evan manage to upset the local teens right away, with an insulting post on social media. She feels this is why strange events start occurring - dead animals, ant infestations, visions of horned creatures, etc. Tom experiences it too, and he believes it's not just teenagers that are unsettled, but maybe the spirits of the forest, as well. The more he probes into the history of Hollow Falls the more he fears for himself and Frankie. After all, the killer was never caught and there are so many potential new victims...

This was such a good read - suspenseful, with plenty of action and dark humor in the creepiest of settings. A must read for any Mark Edwards fan!

Wow!!!! If I could give this more than 5 Stars I would! What a book, I am not sure my review will do this book justice. I have read all of Mark's books and this is definitively the best one yet! I have only just finished reading this and my heart is still pounding. The book is so gripping from the first to the very last page. This would make an excellent Movie!! From fantastic characters to an amazing plot and the end, well let’s just say it has left me with my jaw on the floor. Well done Mark for an absolutely outstanding book. This one gets a standing ovation from me!!!!!!

Mark Edwards does it again in a twisty page turner that keeps you guessing. I love how every book of his explores a different facet of the horror genre, and this one did not disappoint. I loved Maine for the setting, feeling a little Stephen King-esque.

Tom decides to reconnect with his fourteen-year-old daughter, Frankie by bringing her to Hollow Falls, a cabin resort deep in the woods of Maine. From the outset there’s something a little eerie about the place and when Tom meets true-crime podcasters David and Connie, he receives a chilling warning. Hollow Falls has a gruesome history: twenty years ago this week, a double slaying shut down the resort. The crime was never solved, and now the woods are overrun with murder-obsessed tourists looking to mark the grim anniversary.

In typical Mark Edwards fashion, you get the impression from the outset that anyone could be the actual villain. I loved the creepy location and creepier people. I loved the dark tourism angle - definitely feels apt in the age of true crime obsessions and provided a weird sense of escapism during these pandemic times. One of my favorite authors and this one did not disappoint. Thank you SO much to Mark and NetGalley for the ARC - can't wait to read what's next!

I have just finished reading a review copy of The Hollows, the latest book from Mark Edwards. This is definitely one of my favourites of his – possibly even my favourite. I tend to say The Retreat is my favourite – largely because that it was the first one of his that I read and the level of mystery involved – not only in terms of the storyline, but also not knowing what genre the book was (I will re-read The Retreat soon and write a post on it). The only reason why I hesitate on saying The Hollows being my favourite is simply because that I have become so familiar with Mark’s book, I tend to have a feel of where the book may go in terms of style and so it doesn’t have the same level of tension perhaps as when I first read The Retreat. Perhaps when I’ve read The Retreat again, I will feel differently.

There is much that I love about The Hollows. As usual, the characters are wonderful – one the best aspects of Mark’s characters is always how ordinary most of them seem (at least to me) and how much you could imagine yourself being in the situation that the protagonist finds themselves. Perhaps that was all the more the case in this book due to my own research interests relating to “dark tourism” which features throughout the book. If you are not familiar with “dark tourism” (and the concept does get explained more in the novel) it’s where people travel to a place that is connected with death or tragedy. I have looked at this in relation to my research on the flight JL123 crash in particular (see my article in Mortality, ‘Developing a Model to Explain Modifications to Public Transportation Accident Memorials‘ or my book Dealing with Disaster in Japan), so I am familiar with the concept, although I have major reservations about its usage and usefulness.

It was interesting to see in the Acknowledgements that Mark refers to Sarah Lotz – author of The Three and Day Four – that introduced him to the concept; if you’ve not read Sarah’s books, you really should pick those up too.

So, based on my own research, and sites related to death that I have visited, there were elements of The Hollows that hit a little close to the bone for me. That made the book even more enjoyable in an odd masochistic way. As I said, it’s easy to identify with many of the characters in Mark’s books – and I found it particularly easy this time. The only issue I had with any of the characters was the name of one of the main ones – Frankie. As I am spending time on many days writing a book related to Frankie Goes To Hollywood, or Frankie for short, it did lead to some odd associations in my mind.

One thing that I particularly enjoyed about The Hollows were the “Easter Eggs” referring to some of Mark’s other novels. I love these sorts of “Easter Eggs” and have included some in my novels (and also some of my academic books, I guess) – and am particularly happy with a couple of those that I included in my most recent book, FOUR. Mark says at the end of the book that you can email him to check that you spotted them all – a great way to get engagement with your readers, but perhaps having them listed on a website or blog would be easier. I should probably do the same one day – although I have already hinted and commented about some of them in posts about my books (follow the “Easter Eggs” tag).

I really don’t want to say anything more about the plot. It’s a fabulous book and I would urge you to read it. Hopefully we will also get to see it (and Mark’s other books) on the big screen – or at least as a TV adaptation.

The Hollows was another one of those books – like with Shadow of a Doubt by Michelle Davies – where I was desperate to get to the end to find out what happened, but desperately didn’t want it to end as I was enjoying it so much. Having not come across an existing term to describe this feeling, I will called it ‘confliction’ – I would like to drop the ‘l’, to make it ‘confiction’, but perhaps the ‘con’ sounds overly negative.

Here are links to Mark’s other books which I have already written posts about:

Follow You Home
Here To Stay
The House Guest

For more information about The Hollows see information about the book on Amazon.

Having read a few novels from Mark Edwards I was delighted to be given a chance by
NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and Mark Edwards to read The Hollows prior to publication. This is yet another great read from this author.

Tom has travelled to America from England to collect his teenage daughter, Frankie, from his ex-wife who lives in the States. He has booked a cabin in ‘Hollow Woods’ and soon discovers that there had been a double murder years ago. Not only that, it appears some of those who have booked the other cabins are there to visit the crime scene on the twentieth anniversary of the killings.

There is no internet connection or 4G network leaving Frankie annoyed with her father for booking such a place. Then strange things begin to happen and both Frankie and Tom are caught up in the middle.

This sent shivers down my spine at times with the atmospheric setting and weird individuals who occupy the other cabins as well as the locals from the nearest town. Many twists and turns from beginning to end and brilliantly descriptive writing which made me feel as if I was there as the story unfolded.

Great read. Highly recommended.

This is another gripping story from the author Mark Edwards, Tom takes his Daughter Frankie on Vacation to The Hollows to stay in a cabin in the woods, and lots of strange things start to happen, two people had been murdered 20 years ago, the people from a town called Penance are not very happy with the situation and lots of people coming to stay at the Cabin site, its one of those books that you find difficult to put down it keeps you on your toes to what is going to happen next, for me the plot was very cleverly though out and how two things would come together explaining how it all concludes in the end, its a very creepy story and was not anything like his previous books, I would recommend you read this you cannot go wrong,

Wow!! This book is terrifyingly terrific and guaranteed to give you chills. I have devoured this book and been completely unable to put this one down.
•
I have read many books by @markedwardsauthor and this is quite possibly my favourite. This is filled with a mix of characters, true crime links and a very creepy setting.
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There have been parts of this book that have literally given me shivers. I have been completely pulled into this one and felt as though I have been right there with the characters.
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This is a book that shows just how fantastic an author Mark Edwards is! I have absolutely been unable and unwilling to put this one down.
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An absolute delight to read and a definite five star read that should be added to the TBR!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wow, WHERE TO BEGIN? If you know me, you know Mark Edwards is my favorite author and The Hollows is the PRIME example of why!

Tom and his daughter Frankie are taking a father daughter trip to The Hollows because he doesn’t get to see her much being that they now live in different countries. Unbeknownst to Tom, The Hollows has a dark and eerie past. It just so happens while they are there, Famous True Crime Podcaster Connie and her husband and son are also vacationing at The Hollows because of the upcoming anniversary of a gruesome murder of two teachers. Tom starts to dig more into what really happened on that horrible night over 20 years ago and starts to find that similar events are currently happening to the resort guests. Is the killer back? Who is trying to get rid of Tom and the other resort guests? Is something paranormal going on?

Mark has done it again. I caught myself looking over my shoulder while reading! This particular book had such an eerie vibe and it was almost scary! Chilling, suspenseful, atmospheric, and thrilling! Checked all of my boxes. I read this book in 2 days, I literally could not put it down! There is something about Mark’s writing that is so nostalgic. His writing style and his descriptions are like nothing I have ever read, very unique.

I would 10/10 recommend this book to anyone! Just when I think Mark’s books couldn’t get any better, another book comes out and I’m stunned. Bravo, Mark.

Unnerving Chiller Thriller...
Hollow Falls, Maine. A cabin resort set deep within woodland. The ideal place to relax, recuperate and spend some quality time? Or something else entirely? With a well drawn and credible cast of characters and a tension mounting storyline this is an unnerving chiller thriller to put your teeth on edge and keep you turning the pages. Worthy of everything the reader has come to expect from this very talented author.

I was lucky to receive an ARC of Mark Edwards new book, The Hollows. I really enjoyed it, the storyline was brilliantly written, and I found myself eager to see what would happen next. I didn’t want to get to the end.

Dark and spine tinglingly creepy. To say the least. Set at a camp deep in the woods with a set of disturbing twins how could you go wrong. Add some dark fans, a true crime podcast, teenage angst and some gross murder scenes and you’ve got an entirely entertaining read. Well worth the afternoon of page turning. Mark Edwards set the tone in horror novels.

Thank you NetGalley for this arc

The Hollows is a truly gripping mystery thriller - gritty, fear-inducing with plenty of action and dark humour. This was an excellent and addictive read!
*
Tom and his fourteen years old daughter Frankie comes to the cabin resort *Hollow Falls*, deep in the woods of Maine to spend their ten-day holidays, but shortly after they arrive strange things starting to happen...
The Hollows has a dark and eerie past when they get to know some of the details of the history, Tom starts to dig more into what really happened and soon enough his trip turns into a nightmare...
*

I was thankful to receive an ARC of this book and I really enjoyed it, can't wait to read what's next!

Do you love wonderfully written realistic characters and a creepy stay in the woods?
Then this is the book for you.
Mark has again written a book that is both terrifying and a story that could happen to anyone.
When Tom takes his teenage daughter Frankie to a retreat in Maine he thinks it's the perfect getaway for both of them since his divorce from Frankie's mum three years ago and him living in the UK and Frankie living in Albany he wants to spend as much time as possible with her.

What Tom didn't realise when he booked the cabin in the woods at Hollow Falls was that there had been a double murder twenty years previously and that people have booked to see where the murderers had been committed.

Including a 'famous podcaster' wanting to know the truth of what happened that fateful night when two teachers who were staying at Hollow Falls with a school camping trip ended up murdered .

Tom decides to take an interest in the old murders but what has he stumbled upon and is he not just putting his life at risk but that of his daughter?

Tom Anderson is trying to reconnect with his daughter, Frankie, in their once a year get together. This year, he takes her to Hollow Falls, a camp resort in Maine, where unbeknown to him, a double murder had taken place and the crime was never solved. This is The Hollows by Mark Edwards.

The characters were well written and had the kind of story chemistry that all good books have. The story starts out slow with the normalcy of a father and daughter camping trip. Some light moments of humor; a fat cat named Cujo, the eye rolls when dad tries to be hip and then slowly, the author starts drawing the reader in with the spookiness of the woods; dark, shadowy and rustling noises that you just know can’t be good. To this he adds the lifeless and disturbing small town of Penance, and before you know it, your breathing gets heavier as you try to ignore the goose bumps on your arm and the way you jump at every little sound. The final quarter of the book is packed full of action and surprises that ends in a wild ending.

One of the things I loved about this book was the nods to Stephen King. It was like looking for hidden objects and quite fanatical seeing how the author connected it all to his story.

Thank you to Mark Edwards for the opportunity to read this 5-star book. My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.

Another great thriller but Mark Edwards!!

I love his storytelling and ability to scare you with the actions if people.

Cannot wait for the next read!!

Mark Edwards is quickly becoming a favorite horror writer of mine! The Hallows was so very good! Creepy, spine-chilling and atmospheric, I have to admit I slept with the light on! A few lightly disturbing scenes but nothing extreme at all. Every book I read of his is just better than the least! Oh and what an ending!!!

Another great book by Mark Edwards!
Camping in the woods can be creepy enough but this story adds a lot more. Well written with descriptions that make you feel like you’re there walking through the woods with the characters. And the plot twists keep you guessing and wanting more. I’m hoping this is book one of two!
So easy to dive right into this book but so hard to put it down… Excellent job Mark Edwards!

If you have never read a book written by Mark Edwards then you are missing out.
The Hollows has me gripped from the beginning with dark scary woods, strange people, unsolved murders, I couldn’t put the book down. Tom lives in England while his teenage daughter Frankie lives across the pond with her mother.
Tom has booked a trip away for some father daughter time, at a log cabin retreat called The Hollows in Maine, Frankie is not impressed as there is no WiFi. Their first day there and they are told it’s the anniversary of two unsolved murders with lots of ‘dark’ tourists there marking the anniversary. Then strange things start to happen, strange faces at windows, dead animals, what next? This is a great book with lots of twists and turns which will keep you guessing right until the very end. Could there be a sequel?

I am a huge fan of Mark Edwards' books. If you have never read one of his books, you are most certainly missing out!
His latest, The Hollows, is another win! Tom Anderson is a divorced journalist living in the UK. Once a year he travels to the US to spend time with his teenage daughter, Frankie, who lives with her mom. This year he plans a vacation for the two at a beautiful resort in the deep woods of Maine called, The Hollows. While he is looking forward to some father/daughter time, Frankie is less impressed... especially with the lack of WI-FI leaving her with no access to her phone.
As they are settling in, they find out that these woods have a history. It is the location of 2 unsolved murders. It also happens to be the anniversary of these murders, drawing in many curious 'dark tourists'. This begins the roller coaster of creepiness that doesn't stop until the end of the book.

The Hollows is definitely another win for Mark Edwards!!!

4.5 stars

Tom Anderson lives in the UK, is divorced from his American wife who now lives in Albany with their daughter Frankie. Tom flies to the US and rents a cabin in Hollow Falls, Maine for some much needed off the grid father/daughter time. In the next cabin are David and Connie Butler and their son Ryan. They are ‘dark tourists, true crime buffs with Connie being a well known true crime podcaster. They tell Tom the ‘Hollows Horror Story’ from 1999 ..... Tom finds himself drawn in despite himself.

Where to start with this one? First of all, it’s well written, it’s a visual read with some very atmospheric descriptions that sends chills down the spine and the atmosphere is maintained from start to finish. The deeper into the storyline you go it becomes a horror/thriller crossover and it would make a great Halloween read. There are some creepy characters, some are pure evil and with the nearest small town of Penance feeling like a ghost town of the Wild West that adds to the creep factor. If you add in the spooky, ghostly woods of Hollow Falls you have some good settings. The woods feel alive and eerie and the author gets that across so well it raises the hairs on the back of your neck. At the start of the book it just feels strange then the fear, threat and danger begins to build. I love that it has a Grimm's fairy tale feel with a big added dose of paganism and animism which is mixed in with the present day and the past. The plot becomes very twisty, unpredictable, ghostly and scary with several good nods to Stephen King. The novel is fast paced, easy to read and I eagerly gobble it up! The dark tourism angle is a good one and very believable with the true crime interest that many people have. My only negative is that I’m not convinced the Epilogue is needed as although it does give an air of uncertainty I think it would have been more powerful without it!

Overall another compelling and immersive read from Mark Edwards and one that would make a great film which you might want to watch from behind the sofa!!

With thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

I won't deny for a second that I love Mark Edward's books. There hasn't been a title that I haven't been anxious to read or that I could put down after opening. The Hollows was no exception. From the first page, I was intrigued and the maze of awesome continued throughout. Several times I thought I had it figured out only to discover I was wrong. I don't believe there will ever be a time that I'll go camping and won't be pulling images from this book. Great story and so worth the ride!

Tom is a divorced music journalist living in the UK, his teenage daughter Frankie now lives with her mom in Albany, USA. Each year, since the split, Tom flies to America to spend some much needed time with his daughter, this year he has booked them a ten day stay in a log cabin at Hollow Falls, deep in the woods of Maine. As soon as they arrive, Tom feels that something isn't quite right, then he meets podcasters David and Connie and discovers that Hollow Falls was the scene of a very gruesome crime twenty years earlier, which has never been solved, and is now visited by 'dark tourists' who love nothing better than a true crime to get their thrills. When strange things start happening to him and Frankie, Tom needs to decide whether to stay and try to get to the truth or leave, but nothing is ever that simple, is it?

Hollow Falls is the perfect setting for this story; log cabins set deep in the woods of Maine, weird things happening, things going missing, wind chimes and whispering, there's definitely a touch of Stephen King to this one. The plot is well researched and extremely well executed, with Edwards drip-feeding the detail of the story in just the right measure to keep you intrigued and wanting more. The chapters flow seamlessly, the characters are authentic and the story is believeable. Throughout the book, if I closed my eyes I could imagine myself right there in Hollow Falls, living that nightmare alongside Tom and Frankie, and it gave me the creeps. It's an intense, unpredictable read told in past and present, with many twists along the way, which I devoured in less than 24 hours. Mark Edwards is an expert in his field, drawing you in like a moth to a flame, keeping you hooked throughout and then spitting you out at the end, wondering what the hell just happened. You did it again Mark!

I'd like to thank Mark Edwards, Amazon Publishing and Netgalley for sending me an ARC of this book, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.

#TheHollows #NetGalley
Senseless. Avoid it.
Unnecessary blabbing. Mindless dialogues and length just mesed it up. Didn't expect this from Mark Edwards.
I'm crow, I'm fox. What's it?
Didn't work for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Mercer for giving me an advanced copy of this psychological thriller.

I was so excited to read the new Mark Edwards book, and I'm pleased to say that I really enjoyed it.

I loved how the creepy tension didn't let up for the whole book and some of the characters and scenes were genuinely chilling. I really liked the focus on 'dark tourism' and some of the pagan and animism stuff was interesting to read about too. Mark did a good job of writing from a teenage girl's perspective, sometimes when authors attempt this it can be a bit cringeworthy. I thought the side characters were well-described and it was nice to be able to picture both the characters and the setting so vividly.

My only negatives were that I felt we got to know Frankie a lot better than we got to know Tom (I couldn't even remember his name an hour after finishing the book) and I didn't really like the epilogue.

I would definitely recommend this as it was an enjoyable, creepy read.

Wow! I'm never sure what to write in a review, but I think this is my new favorite from Mark Edwards!

The Hollows will grab you from the beginning and keep you on the edge of your seat until the end. The story is creepy and chilling, and moves along at a nice pace. This would be a great book to read near Halloween, or in the winter months when it gets dark out much earlier. I think this book is much more in the horror/thriller genre and reminiscent of Stephen King.

Thanks to Mark Edwards and the publisher for allowing me to read an early copy. The review and opinions are my own.

I always love Mark Edwards’s books and was excited to read this one. I was not disappointed.

Tom, a music journalist is divorced from his wife who has moved back to Albany, USA with their daughter Frankie. Tom has taken a couple of weeks off to have a holiday with Frankie.

They go to Hollow Falls cabin resort in some woods in Maine to spend some quality father Daughter time together.

They make friends with the people in the next cabin who tells them about a double murder that happened in Hollow Falls.

Then strange things start to happen……

This book was dark and creepy and definitely had an air of Stephen King about it. It was gripping with lots of twists and turns and as always I loved it.

Thank you for the opportunity to read the ARC.

Tom is divorced and lives in the UK whilst his ex wife and 14 year old daughter Frankie live in America. He doesn't see his daughter often enough, so when they can have time together, he decides to take her away to a cabin resort where there is no WiFi, and where they can share outdoor persuits such as walking in the woods and archery.

The couple in the next cabin, David and Connie, are podcasters, who gleefully tell them that there was a famous murder that took place in the woods and that the murderer was never found. The best part of the trip for Frankie is that David and Connie have a son, Ryan, about her age, and soon the two are spending time together. Unfortunately Ryan's temper gets them into a whole heap of problems that none of them envisiged!

Factor in some eerie woods, wind chimes ringing from somewhere deep in the forest, and some scary faces in the night, and Mark Edwards is on to a winner. I found myself holding my breath on several occasions, and wanting to sooth my frazzled nerves many times. It has just the right level of creepy, and you finish the book wanting more. A very well written, well thought out book, and one I highly recommend.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4029448579

Loved this read it was so creepy but also had a fast paced plot line the kept me hooked from the start. This was my first Mark Edwards book and it most certainly won’t be the last I was so impressed with the way it was written and the story just flowed but best of all it had an excellent ending that took me by surprise.
Set in Hollow Falls,Maine Tom has taken his daughter Frankie for what was supposed to be an activity type holiday but this turns out to be nothing like the adventure it was supposed to be and not at all like a holiday i would want to be on!
The story is full of some real strange and scary characters right from the start and the book just got better and better and more exciting as it progressed.
So if you like a good mystery with some crazy characters with a huge dose of creepiness you have it here in this thoroughly enjoyable read.
My thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK, Thomas & Mercer for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I am not really sure what to say about this book, a very different read from Mark Edwards.

I have read all his previous books and enjoyed them all but this was very different and to be honest I wasn't keen.

Thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

For me, this title is back to the Mark Edwards I know and enjoying reading! I felt one of his previous titles just lost its way a bit and was a little heavy on unnecessary violence but this one is much more about the twists and turns and mystery of what’s going on!

Tom plans on a lovely holiday with his daughter Frankie, to help them reconnect as she now lives thousands of miles away with her mum. With the promise of a quiet cabin holiday, horse riding and archery Tom is all ready for a great time, maybe even find time to start turning his life around. But is everything as it seems? Is there a secret in these woods that they just aren’t prepared to give up? Should Tom just pack up and take Frankie somewhere else?

You will get sucked into this one from the start and won’t want to put it down. As the book progresses the suspense grows. We meet more characters and find out more about them, but just how well do we know them? Mark has a great way of keeping the suspense but gradually letting the story reveal its secrets.
When you pick up this title be sure to leave yourself plenty of time as you will soon become fully immersed and won’t want to come up for air until you know what’s going on.
As with all Marks books, everything is described so well you will feel that you are there, seeing what the characters see, you can fully imagine the area, feel the darkness and suspense of the woods.
Another great read from a great author!

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers and most importantly the author, for the chance to read this book, in exchange for an honest review.

I’ll read anything by Mark Edwards, he is a fantastic author whose books I have read for years now. When I saw The Hollows, I knew I had to read it and I was not disappointed. Right away I was pulled in by the character of Tom, taking his daughter on a trip to Maine. Who doesn’t want to go to Maine? Besides Tom’s daughter. But once there, they learn a mysterious murder took place years ago at this very spot. And when things start to happen around them, Tom definitely questions his decision of vacation destination.

Look here:

With his marriage over and his career in freefall, journalist Tom decides to reconnect with his fourteen-year-old daughter, Frankie. Desperate to spend precious time together now that they live an ocean apart, he brings her to Hollow Falls, a cabin resort deep in the woods of Maine.

From the outset there’s something a little eerie about the place—strange whispers in the trees, wind chimes echoing through the forest—but when Tom meets true-crime podcasters David and Connie, he receives a chilling warning. Hollow Falls has a gruesome history: twenty years ago this week, a double slaying shut down the resort. The crime was never solved, and now the woods are overrun with murder-obsessed tourists looking to mark the grim anniversary.

It’s clear that there’s something deeply disturbing going on at Hollow Falls. And as Tom’s dream trip turns into a nightmare, he and Frankie are faced with a choice: uncover the truth, or get out while they still can.

Coming out on July 8.

Mark Edwards doesn't know how to write a bad book! He is definitely one of my go to authors, you can rely on him to deliver a page turning thriller.
This one is set in Maine, in a wooded holiday resort which has some dark history and then some! I really liked the main character Tom and did feel for him being estranged from his daughter Frankie, however, they meet up for holidays and this year Tom has taken Frankie to the godforsaken wifi free Hollows resort for some father daughter bonding time.
Very tense and definitely a page turner, small town America with a touch of Blair Witch. This is not a criticism, just my perspective, it was a bit too otherwordly and mystical at times for me, and I'm still not 100% sure of the motivations behind some of the characters,
The epilogue was amazing, I think there very well could be another book from this which would go someway to explaining the motivations I was wittering on about!

Entertaining Page-Turner!

“Don’t forget to leave us a review on TripAdvisor.”

The Hollows is a psychological thriller about a vacation that turns into a horror story.

Tom, a flailing music journalist, travels from England to the U.S. excited to spend a two-week vacation at a rustic resort in Maine with his 14-year-old daughter, Frankie. Tom is a bit disappointed to discover that Hollow Falls is not all that is cracked up to be.

Having not done a basic google search, Tom did not realize that Hallow Falls is the location of a unsolved ritualistic murder that took place 20 years ago. The resort is teeming with “dark tourists,” visitors obsessed with sensational crimes and serial killers who are eager to visit the site of the murder. On top of some odd tourists, strange staff members, and adjacent to a creepy town inhabited by even creepier people, Tom and Frankie’s vacation becomes less and less relaxing and quite strange. Tom and Frankie find themselves getting swept up in the murder mystery, and they soon find themselves in danger.

The narrative is split primarily between Tom and Frankie, and there are also a few other voices mixed in. Tom is likable, if not forgettable. I found Frankie’s chapters a bit more interesting to read.

In a nod to horror films, the setting provides the perfect backdrop for tension and suspense. The dark woods, the eerie town of Penance, and the creepy sets of twins add to the horror-themed atmosphere. There are references to horror movies and several of Mark Edward’s previous novels. There are also nods to the paranormal. The tone is eerie, as is the atmosphere, building to a creepy conclusion. However, The Hollows is not particularly a scary read.

This is the second book in a row that I have read in which a crime occurs at a place with Hollows in the name (Hollow’s Edge is the other from Megan Miranda’s Such a Quiet Place). Maybe this is a message to stay away from places with Hollows in the name?

Overall, this was a fun, fast-paced read fueled by both the atmosphere and Mark Edwards’ dark humor.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Mark Edwards is the Master of creepy atmospheres. I am fan of his work and I was delighted to see that there was a new book of him with topics that ticked all of my boxes.

Music journalist Tom goes on vacation with his daughter. He is divorced, his ex-wife lives in the US with their daughter Frankie while he stayed back in England. Every year he spends a holiday with Frankie. This year he chooses a cabin resort in rural Maine. On arrival he learns that twenty years ago a murder happened at this resort. There is a podcaster and some dark tourist also staying at this resort for this macabre anniversary. Tom is not into this kind of stuff but soon his interest is piqued. Then strange things are happening and his daughter Frankie is entangled deeper into the story which seems to repeat itself.

This was a fun, quick and entertaining read. I love how Mark Edwards always manages to create such a creepy atmosphere in his books. The story is far-fetched and a bit over the top but still it is highly entertaining. I read this book in two sittings and enjoyed it.

Creepy camp slasher thriller meets mysterious occult. The Hollows hooked me immediately. This is one of Mark Edwards’ best.

Yesterday was my 10 year anniversary of discovering this author in my early days of Kindle... That book was Killing Cupid, co-authored with Louise Voss, and was the first step on an amazing journey.
Anyway, I digress but it seemed important to me so, well...
Once again Mr Edwards has shot and scored a blinder with this book (Euros are coming up so I gotta get a footie ref into my review). It's gripping and chilling and, well, everything else you'd expect from him. I made sure I cleared the decks before diving in as I knew that once I started, it wouldn't let me put it down. And it didn't. Start to finish in a day, mostly lying on my hammock in the sun. Sheer pleasure...
So, we follow Tom and Frankie on a single-father / daughter holiday at a cabin resort deep in the Maine woods. Yep, it's set in the US but don't let that put you off! As you would expect both from the setting and the author, it's a wee bit (lot) creepy in them there woods. To put the icing on the chilling cake, their cabin-neighbours are true-crime podcasters and they are more than eager to share the awful history of the camp site. In fact, it's coming up to the 20 year anniversary of the double slaying of two teachers which, quite rightly, forced the closure of the campsite soon after. Creepy huh!? Which makes what happens next all the more chilling as it appears that the killer was never brought to justice, the prime suspect having disappeared shortly after the incident. Weird things start to happen, disturbing things. But with little choice in the matter, our duo have to stick it out, and so become determined to uncover the truth and put the crime to bed once and for all, hopefully without getting killed themselves!
Oh My Days. I blooming loved this book. OK so for full disclosure I did wonder about a few of the characters' choices going along, but, I've never been in their shoes and so who am I to judge and, anyway, would have made a very short story had they done what I would have. But then also, I'm a bit of a wus all told too.
Anyhow, they stuck it out and what followed was classic Edwards, Chilling, spooky, heart-in-mouth action, all played out by some really well crafted characters. All delivered in the authors no-nonsense, no waffle or padding, own inimitable way. And with an ending that both satisfied and left enough open for me to wonder about myself. Will there be a sequel...?
Oh and if you are a fan of the author and have devoured everything he has ever written (I have that shiny badge) you might spot a few Easter Eggs along the way. Don't worry if you are new to him though (where have you been, sort it out) as not knowing is no penalty.
So... all that's left for me is the sadness that now I have read this, I have to wait a while for the next one. Hey ho. I'll be ready when the author is... My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.