I’m a sucker for down-the-rabbit-hole alternative world fiction. Kingfisher’s version is eerie and dark, as opposed to the more whimsical and fantastical versions of Lewis Carroll or Neil Gaiman. [While the latter have their share of tense moments, an adventurous person would still chase those experiences, but through Kingfisher’s looking glass is a world that everyone who wanders in immediately wants to escape.]

The book is set in and around a museum in a tourist trap town in the southern US. This museum is what would have been called a “cabinet of curiosities” back in the day, which is to say it combines natural history displays with a bit of a freak show aspect to spice things up. This setting contributes nicely to the story, offering both a suitably weird environment to lend credulity to the anomalous happenings and a suitably creepy environment to make the climax a harrowing experience.

The story revolves around a recently divorced woman named Kara (nickname: Carrot) who goes to live and work at Wonder Museum, her uncle’s cabinet of curiosities. She does this because she’s a gig-economy graphic designer without enough gigs to put her in a home of her own, because she wishes to avoid moving in with a mother who can be overbearing, and because her beloved Uncle Earl could use a hand as he’s getting up in years. When Uncle Earl has to get knee surgery and must leave the museum in Kara’s hands, all hell breaks loose by way of the opening of a portal to a parallel universe.

I should point out that the book isn’t dark and foreboding throughout, the main character and her sidekick / barista-next-door, Simon, provide plenty of comic relief, and we do get a good bit of character development for Kara in early chapters. I think the story benefits from what some might find a slow-burn opening. It’s intriguing to see how Kara is in emotional turmoil in the beginning over her failed marriage and lack of stable income, but then the trials of the story put matters into perspective for her.

Like the Algernon Blackwood novella (i.e. “The Willows”) that influenced it, this story manages to be a chilling and visceral experience without at all being gratuitously graphic or wantonly murderous. While some would classify it “horror,” it might better be considered a tale of the weird. The author does a fine job of creating atmosphere. In one sense, this concision of gruesomeness might be seen as a more impressive than in Blackwood’s story because Kingfisher’s characters are set in their everyday lives and thus the story has to shift between lighthearted and grim – whereas, Blackwood’s story about a couple of guys canoeing a remote stretch of the Danube River was able to be starker throughout. (As I recall, it’s been a while since I read “The Willows.”)

I found this book to be gripping. It kept my attention throughout with a mix of humor, gallows humor, and bleak moments. My most intense criticism involves the description of events leading up to, as well as during, the climax. There were moments where my attention was drawn from the story to asking questions (e.g. why was that so easy? Why was that so hard? Or, why didn’t she do X?) It might just be me, but I felt that in the attempt to maintain a fast pace, the author may have glossed over some challenges. That said, it’s fair to point out that the character is sleep-deprived and terrified at this point, so maybe this approach was (consciously or un-) an attempt to capture Kara’s disjointed state of mind, and maybe I was simply overreading. At any rate, I thought the book resolved strongly and was plotted smartly.

If you like alternative worlds fiction – and don’t mind it being a visceral experience – this would be a great book to check out.

Okay so this one gets 4.5 because the 65-75% range was rather dull in a way that kind of messed with the overall experience of the book. However! Don't let that stop you because this book is as hilarious as it is unsettling and as weird as it is, well, weird.

Kara (or, as we know her, Carrot) is going through a rough patch: recently divorced, freelance graphic design job that doesn't do much towards paying the bills, emphatically does not want to live with her parents... So instead she moves into eclectic Uncle Earl's Wonder Museum. And by wonder it's like... Conspiracy theories, weird stuff, taxidermy, weird stuff, miscellaneous bones and skulls, and weird stuff. But then she and the gay barista next door discover a secret hallway behind a mysterious hole in the wall.

That's probably enough for a synopsis, honestly, because what follows is a masterful blend of panic-humor (it's definitely a fear response), multiverse guesswork, a deeply unsettling otherworld, and the seeds to create a potential fear of willow trees in the reader. I kept randomly bursting into laughter while reading because Kara/Carrot's humor so perfectly aligned with mine. And her panicked inner monologue was very "why the heck am I doing this totally nonsensical thing? Because I'm terrified and it somehow actually worked - if not the way anyone would have intended" and I found that equal parts hilarious and totally relatable.

I now need to go back and read the rest of Kingfisher's backlist. I think I've found a horror that I jive with.

Kara, better known as Carrot, moves in with her uncle after she divorces her husband. Her uncle runs the Wonder Museum, a storehouse of taxidermy and other oddities from around the world. Carrot begins working at the Wonder Museum, and soon discovers a portal to a strange world lurking within the museum's walls. Unable to resist her curiosity, she's drawn into that world, exploring its abandoned bunkers, alien trees, lost causes, and Them. They are the shadowy beings who haunt this world, listening for your thoughts as they stray towards Them. If you are very lucky, they simply eat you, but if you are not They unravel you with fear. Pray they are hungry, says a mysterious note scrawled in a bunker.

The Hollow Places is T. Kingfisher's follow-up to the incredibly terrifying The Twisted Ones. This book is pure nightmare fuel, but the kind that creeps up on you slowly, invading your thoughts by inches. I didn't realize how terrifying willow trees could be, but I'll never look at them the same way again. Carrot is a delightful protagonist, often curious about the world around her and offering entertaining stream-of-consciousness commentary. She's the right combination of smart and reckless to decide to explore a creepy portal with her friend Simon. I rooted for both of them throughout the story, though I was a little frustrated they didn't connect an earlier clue with the reason for the portal's existence, especially since it kept appearing. The plot itself moves along at a brisk pace and there are enough surprises to keep the reader on their toes.

Overall, The Hollow Place is an unputdownable horror read, teeming with eldritch terrors, fun plot twists, and compelling characters. Highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing an e-arc.

Thank you NetGalley and publishers for providing me with this eARC in exchange for an honest review. I adored this book and every single minute I spend reading it was a ride.
The Hollow Places follows Kara (or Carrot) after she moves into the spare room of her Uncle Earl’s Wonder Museum. She’s gotten divorced from her husband and doesn’t want to move in with her mother. When her Uncle offers his spare room, she accepts. The Wonder Museum is a place full of bizarre things like taxidermized animals (read: otters, bears, mice), knick knacks from around the world (some authentic and some with ‘made in china’ stickers), and of course, Wonder Museum memorabilia. But Kara grew up in this museum, so she’s not afraid or creeped out by any of these oddities. But one day, Kara finds a hole in the wall so she enlists the barista from the coffee shop next door, Simon, to help her fix it. This is when they discover that there’s something weird about what’s on the other side of this hole. They find themselves in a world that is not our own. Simon and Kara can’t help but explore, but they find more than they wanted to.
This story was delightfully creepy and suspenseful. Certain parts of the story had me gripping my Kindle so hard and my whole body tense. The writing was nothing short of incredible. I felt transported into this story. Kingfisher made this world come to life. It was so atmospheric. I was scared while Simon and Kara were in this other world, holding my breath when they did, but I just couldn’t get enough. I really loved that there was a ‘why’ to all of this. There was a reason this had happened and while it wasn’t wholly explained, there was enough to satisfy me.
Kara and Simon were main characters I really enjoyed. At first, Kara is upset about her divorce. She’s disappointed that her life isn’t what she wants it to be, but once she finds another world, a horrifying one, it really puts things in perspective for her. I loved that the creatures of the museum love and protect Kara (you’ll know what I’m talking about when you get to this part of the story). Simon is gay. He’s the barista at the coffee shop his sister owns. He’s full of wild stories that you almost don’t believe. I loved that Kara and Simon went from acquaintances to friends. They bonded through their shared experiences of the horrors of the willow world and I really enjoyed their friendship.
Overall, I loved this book. It was perfect for the spooky season. The atmospheric setting with the horror of the things Kara and Simon encounter made for a spectacularly spooky reading experience. I loved everything about this story and I will definitely be picking up more books by Kingfisher.

The Hollow Places pulled me in instantly and shook me around for a bit. This is my first T. Kingfisher read and I know it will not be the last. The Hollow Places has a quirky start with a main character who is a bit of an oddball who is placed in an odd setting. Kara is looking to restart her new life after her recent divorce. She decides to move back home to help her Uncle Earl at his strange museum, The Glory to God Museum of Natural Wonders. The name of the museum is the most "normal" thing you will come across in this book.

Things quickly go strange for no particular reason. My kind of book when it is done well, meaning when it is done to provide texture to the eerie feel of the story. Kara jokingly calls this newly discovered world Narnia but the creepy strange vibes from this story resembles books like House of Leaves and Slade House, which are captivating and scary, and The Hollow Places fits right in with those highly recommended books.

What I liked about this book is that I never once felt like I knew what the next step was because Kingfisher was constantly taking the story in unpredictable directions. The ending felt a little flat compared to the rest of the story. Maybe flat is not the best way to describe it. It's not what I expected but nothing in this book was ever what I expected. I think it could have been better is the only way I can describe it. Nothing was missing from it but compared to the rest of the book, it was...well a bit flat. Overall I really enjoyed this book and the journey was satisfyingly awesome.

I want to thank T. Kingfisher, Saga Press and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book is mildly entertaining, but not as scary as I was hoping it would be. I like the interdimensional horror aspects mixed with a novelty/curio museum collection aspect a lot, and the author has a light and humorous writing style that keeps readers engaged. Not all the jokes hit the mark for me, and the character depth regarding Kara and her ex seemed unnecessary to the plot, but overall it wasn't a bad story

T. Kingfisher is back with another book that’s somehow, equally fantastical and terrifying.
A quirky little oddities museum, a secret portal and an insane adventure!
While the majority of this book was playing on many of my fears and was actually pretty graphic and gruesome, it also had bits of humor placed perfectly throughout.
The main character, a recently divorced freelance graphic designer and very charismatic barista next door become fast friends when a simple patch job becomes so much more than they could have ever imagined.
This nail biting story demands your attention and will have you on the each of your seat until the very end!

I received this as an e-arc from netgalley for review

3.5 Stars

“You are about to enter another dimension. A dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind…”—The Twilight Zone, Rod Serling

Newly divorced, Kara has packed up what’s left of her life and takes up an offer by her uncle to help him with his museum of oddities. Staying in a spare room, Kara begins cataloging the various odd skeletons, taxidermy animals and what-nots at the museum, and discovers a hole has been knocked in the wall. But this isn’t just any hole in the wall…it’s a portal to a world full of Them…and she better pray they are hungry…

The Hollow Places reminded me of a quirky episode of The Twilight Zone. Not sure where it was going or how it was going to end, but was for sure ready for a twist! While an enjoyable read, there were passages that started to be repetitious, but overall, I’d recommend to fans of this genre!



**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **

I went into this book not sure what I was expecting. Strange portal and terror? Ok I’m in! This book is one twisted ride! As the story went on, it only got creepier and creepier. Some parts were truly terrifying. I found myself fascinated with the mystery of the portal. I got a bit of sci-fi vibes along with the horror. The banter between Kara and Simon was good and had me smiling. Gotta smile even though you’re creeped out right?

This author is new to me and I enjoyed her story telling as well as her writing style. I will look for more books by her. This was a strange, fantastic and creepy read that will give you the chills. If you’re a fan of those kinds of reads, this book is for YOU! I give this 4 stars!

Taking inspiration from H.P. Lovecraft and little museums, T. Kingfisher writes a gripping and haunting story about alternate realities and unknown creatures.
This book took a bit to get into, but once I was a quarter of the way in I couldn't put it down. When I did have to put it down, I could not stop thinking about it.
Thank you to #Netgalley and #SagaPress for providing an ebook for review!

I received this ARC for an honest review. This is my first read by T. Kingfisher. This story is a suspense/horror story. The main characters are Kara and Simon. Kara is running her Uncle’s Glory to God Museum of Natural Wonders, Curiosities and Taxidermy while he recovers.
from surgery. Simon runs the coffee shop next door. They found a hole in the wall at the museum and decided to go through it. It takes them to another dimension/world. What they encountered was a little nerve+racking, but I thought the story was a little slow. It wasn’t a bad read, but I found myself skimming some sections of the book. Over all I enjoyed the book.

When I saw The Hollow Places by T. Kingfisher, I had to have it. I partner read The Twisted Ones and it was great. There were times when my adrenaline kicked in. That kind of writing is commendable and the author shows off their talents in this book as well. I highly recommend this book for any horror fans.

If you like the not so "run of the mill" horror story, then this author is for you. This is the second book I have read from T. Kingfisher and this is the writing style I anticipated, that is with a little bit of sci fi/fantasy mixed in.
A young woman takes over her uncle's taxidermy store while he has surgery done and she's trying to start her live over after divorce. Her and the local barista discover a hole in the wall which leads to another world full of islands, water, and willows, and glowing hungry creatures who "cannot find you if they cannot hear your thoughts". There is plenty of gory, gross scenes and suspense, as obviously with this portal in the wall, how can this evil world not follow us back to ours? The lead character is damaged, but discovers she is not completely broken and makes quite the believable heroine. You really have to be able to concentrate on this book to follow along what is happening because between sharing her thoughts outright and what's going on around her, there is always a lot going on at all times. Not my usual type of read as I am pretty basic and like the good old fashioned ghost story, however, this was not a bad read for something different in a macrabe sort of way. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to give you my honest review.

Sadly this was a DNF for me.

As soon as I started the book I was overwhelmed by the writing style. The main characters seems to be running a mile a minute and things were thrown around so much I just couldn't do it.

I went and looked at other peoples reviews and everyone else seemed to really love it. They were engaged and immersed and I really wanted that for myself. Maybe if I give it another go some time in the future?

The synopsis pulled me in but I felt pushed out when I started reading. I'll try again but right now it's a no go for me.

When Kara discovers a portal to another dimension in her uncles house, she ends up on a truly terrifying journey. The author does a wonderful job creating a creepy ambiance and I definitely recommend reading this with the lights on!

My thanks to Gallery books, T. Kingfisher and Netgalley.
This book was definitely my kind of strange! The theory "as convoluted" as it was, was even my kind of strange!
This tale and others like it are what keeps my mind occupied.
Some people have faith in all their religions. I don't. I have faith in science. I never think in terms of a god. I am cursed with Physics, alternative universes "not string theory!" and what happens to the soul! Yeah. No religion, but I believe in the soul!
I actually do have reasons for all of these, but?
I flashed through this story rather quickly. Loved the characters, especially the barista! I've had a few good to beat friends that were gay, but nobody I know could have pulled off those fishnets with boots!
4 stars instead of 5. Only because I should have been more afraid. Also, while I enjoyed the heck out of this, it felt like it was geared more for a young adult market.

i have a personal grievance towards books mentioning fanfiction. there's nothing wrong with fanfiction nor it being mentioned in a "real book", but every book that i've read that does mention it does so in a way that's infuriating. i was willing to forgive the first mention, it was brief and only slightly jarring, but the second time it's brought up is even more so, as it's an incredibly off-putting moment where the narrator mocks people who think the normalization/romanticization of themes like abuse and incest is very... Not Good.

this really shouldn't affect the story in any way, it's such a minor moment and probably would make anyone else laugh, and maybe i'm just boring and annoying since i don't think it's funny at all, but it really, truly soured the rest of the story for me.

which is a shame, because the horror is actually good. this is my second kingfisher/vernon, the first being minor mage, and i was really shocked at how different the style is here. i think it's definitely the mark of a good author to be able to affect such a drastic change in tone and presentation and pull it off well, and kingfisher does; she excels in establishing the universe, in the exploration of the cosmic-level horror, the slow, pulsing build-up of all the dread and terror found within the willow world. i don't exactly scare easy, mainly it's a surface-level discomfort, but there were some instances that truly got to me within the story. the tension and the pacing is perfect, the moments of humor just sparing enough that they balance well with the horror; i enjoyed kara's inner monologue, and how she speculated on the workings of the willows. i think one of the most difficult things about a first person narration in such a sweeping story is managing to present the lore in a way that feels genuine, but the collected accounts of kara's experiences and the bible and sturdivant's little speeches weave together into a fully realized universe.

which is why it was such a disappointment that such a minor moment could ruin the entire thing. i really do try my best to not be so objective and 'sensitive'. i do think it's perfectly okay to explore darker themes in fiction. i don't think we should police creativity and say you aren't allowed to write anything but pure happiness. king is one of my favorite authors and he writes some pretty terrible things. but what i think separates the exploration of 'darker' themes in literature and television is that it almost always (though there's the rare case where it doesn't) presents these things (abuse, etc) as unequivocally bad. "real fiction" exists on a different level than fanfiction, which is almost always just self-indulgent, and inevitably ends up romanticizing the themes therein. there's rarely the kind of critical presentation for more sensitive topics in fanfic that you (mostly) see in the wider world of fiction.

it's really not that serious maybe and i think i'm focusing too much on this singular comment but the spiteful attitude of the narrator just really bugged me - dismissing genuine criticism of the "shipping" of abusive/incestuous relationships and following it up with "i'll just ship it even harder" isn't a good look, and feels really out of place, anyway, for the work. there's an incessant need to shoehorn in internet and pop culture into contemporary works to somehow make the characters more "relatable" but it hardly ever genuinely makes them relatable and instead alienates the reader (or me, at least), and comes across almost as if it's written by someone who doesn't really understand the references they're conveying on the page. (@ every writer: i promise you can make a modern character Modern and Sympathetic without the need to drag in pop culture. it can be done, i swear.)

i'm just very critical when it comes to what i consume and the smallest detail can make it or break it. "less sensitive" people will probably dismiss this and that's totally their right; not everyone reacts the same way as i do, and i understand that! it really is a good book, and i think without this one little thing, i would rate it higher (a 4, perhaps, maybe a 4.5).

I'm an avid horror reader but rarely do I find books creepy enough that I think about them when I'm not reading. Even rarer do I find books that give me nightmares. This book was spooky in the best possible way. The ending was also perfect in that the reader got answers and it wasn't a "let down" like so many horror novels tend to be. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an intense, memorable read.

Very reminiscent of Guillermo Del Toro, this novel is perfect for fans of the unexpected. We all know not to go in the hidden room/hole/door etc., but really, what kind of story would that make? I will keep an eye out for more work from this author.

If you love the Twisted Ones, short stories of King, Lovecraft, and Tremblay, this one is matched made in heaven!