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.

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.
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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!!
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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.

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,

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.

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.

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!

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!!!!!!

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!

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.

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 is a very hard-to-put-down thriller by Mark Edwards! I kept reading because I wanted to read what would happen next, not to mention this is just a good book.. I was always wondering if this was supernatural, real life, a whodunnit or all of the above. It definitely kept me guessing until the very end! Another bestseller from Mr. Edwards!
The Magpies has always been my favorite book but this one gives it a run for the money!

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.

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!

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

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

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!

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.