Once again James Wade puts his talent for rich, atmospheric descriptions to work, making the reader feel as if they are actually living in small-town Depression-era Texas as an arrow-straight Texas Ranger is dispatched to investigate a murder and finds himself in the middle of a brewing bootlegger war--a war that a WWI veteran who took in his brothers' wife and daughter as his own also finds himself being dragged into. It's not a happy tale, as one might expect, and one fraught with betrayal and desperation.

Hollow Out the Dark doesn't have the same thriller feel as some of Wade's other books, like Beasts of the Earth, and there are some chapters that drag on for the sake of ambience, like a side character telling a long joke reflective of the era. Nor are there extremely surprising twists, save one. But the two main characters, Jessie and Amon, although on opposite sides, are compelling guides to this dark world. Wade hints at his world and political views through dialogue without beating the reader over the head with it, and there are some profound insights into humanity and obsession. If you're looking for a book with deeper meaning, this is one to read.

As always, Roger Clark's narration lends weight and gravitas to the audiobook of Hollow Out the Dark, though at times his lackadaisical approach to some of the narration didn't sit well with me. His voicing of the numerous characters, however, was spot-on. Thank you to Blackstone, Wade, and Neutrally for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I suppose "rural Depression Era crime drama" would be an apt category for this book. It was okay. There is a lot going on, but I didn't care for any of the characters, except the Texas Ranger and Jesse's best friend Hollis. I didn't connect with the characters or the plot- it just seemed like there was too much happening simultaneously. I also had a few "hmmm" moments regarding historical accuracy.

Roger Clark narrates the audiobook.

I received an advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this entrancingly beautiful eARC in audiobook format.

James Wade’s Hollow Out the Dark is a masterful blend of gothic atmosphere and gripping narrative, set against the stark backdrop of a Depression-era Texas town. This audiobook, brought to life by the evocative narration of Roger Clark, immerses listeners in a world where secrets and survival intertwine so tightly and for so long that the unraveling steals a piece of each character's soul.

The story follows Jesse Cole, a Great War veteran seeking solace in a quiet life. However, his tranquility is shattered when his closest friend becomes entangled with local criminals, the Fenley brothers. Wade’s depiction of the ensuing whiskey war is vivid and harrowing, painting a picture of a town on the brink of collapse. The arrival of Texas Ranger Amon Atkins and the reappearance of Jesse’s lost love, Adaline, add layers of complexity, tension, and intrigue to the narrative.

Wade excels in character development, crafting wholly formed individuals as flawed as they are compelling.

Jesse’s internal struggle between lawfulness and loyalty is palpable, making his journey relatable and heart-wrenching. The Fenley brothers, with their menacing presence, and the enigmatic and endlessly compelling Adaline, provide a rich tapestry of interactions that drive the plot forward.

Roger Clark’s narration is a stellar addition to Wade's outstanding novel. Clark's ability to convey the emotional depth of each character, coupled with his skill in building suspense, makes for an engaging listening experience. Clark’s voice adapts seamlessly to the story’s shifts in tone, from the quiet moments of introspection to the high-stakes confrontations. Going forward, I will search for books narrated by this highly talented individual.

Hollow Out the Dark explores themes of loyalty, redemption, and the moral ambiguities of justice. Wade’s prose is poetic and precise, capturing the essence of a time and place where every decision carries weight. The novel’s exploration of love and loss, set against the harsh realities of the era, resonates deeply.

This audiobook is a testament to James Wade’s storytelling prowess and Roger Clark’s exceptional narration. Hollow Out the Dark is a must-listen for fans of historical mysteries and psychological thrillers. Its rich narrative, complex characters, and atmospheric setting make it a standout in the genre.

For anyone who appreciates a well-crafted plot with unexpected twists and a deep emotional core, I predict Hollow Out the Dark will become an American classic (it certainly should, James Wade is a storytelling genius).

If you follow my reviews, you will know I am not a fan of stories involving "romance" but this novel includes a captivating love story (more than one, actually ) encompassing the different types of love, romantic as well as the deep love for biological family members as well as the loved ones chosen to populate an individual's world...

Frankly, I cannot imagine ANY type of reader who wouldn't be willingly transported to a different world by this amazing writer's prose. As soon as I completed this book, I immediately "missed" the characters I had grown so close to...

Unfortunately this was a DNR for me. I gave it three solid attempts but could not latch onto the story. While I appreciate the authenticity of the narrators voice and can see how it would be a good fit for mood and setting, for me it distracted from the story. I found myself unable to engage with the characters or follow the story line. I was excited about this book too as the premise and ratings look great. But I found my brain drifting entirely too much to really get into this story.

I could not finish this book. I’m sorry I tried. But the voice of the narrator is very important in influencing my decision about a book. I could not get used to the narrators voice.

Thank you to Blackstone Publishing - Audio for the ALC to review.

The audio was perfect for this story, I thought the narrator did a wonderful job bringing the story to life. This was my first read by James Wade, and I loved the atmosphere he created. His words were very descriptive, I felt like I was right there with the characters, feeling their emotions and justifications, both the good folks and the bad ones. I love a Texas setting and this did not disappoint, it was very well done and I’m so glad I read it.

The author’s writing style reminded me of older southern fiction, which means there are certainly portions where it’s overwritten, but for me the descriptions and images the author conjured were strong enough that I didn’t mind. The narrator for the audiobook also helped make the purple prose not as noticeable because his voice was absolutely perfect for reading this work. The atmosphere and setting were really well done with this one, and it was completely immersive for me.

I struggled a bit with keeping the characters apart. It’s mainly told from the POV of two men, but especially near the beginning of the work, their voices weren’t that distinct to me. It became easier to keep them apart as the book went on but at times they felt like the same person with different names. Despite that, I did like the characters overall, their complexity, and their richness.

If you like darker, atmospheric historical fiction set in small towns during Prohibition Era in the U.S., you’ll enjoy this one. I loved the ending and how melancholic I felt after finishing the book. My thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This book is about a whiskey war in Texas in 1932. It has a very high body count. Maybe my capacity to be interested in the doings of lowlifes has been exceeded, but I just didn’t care what happened to any of these people. There was a lot of lyrical language that seemed wasted on a bunch of awful, corrupt and violent people.

I enjoyed the author’s “Beasts of the Earth”, but could not finish his “River, Sing Out”. This book fell in the middle. At least I managed to finish this book, although I did consider stopping several times.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

The book was just ok. I wasn't a fan of the narrator and I am still waiting for my ebook to see if it was the book or whether I couldn't connect with the narrator.

I was just kinda boring. The plot sounded phenomenal and I don't need much to be happy so I really feel like it was the narration.

The ending was the saving grace. The last 20% of the book was the money for me.

2.5 stars rounded to 3

Once I started this book, I was wrapped up into a western themed setting, back in the depression era.

Jesse Cole, a veteran of the Great War is the protagonist. So much so, that he tries to help a friend, and it causes him to get wrapped up into a whiskey war. There are corrupt lawmen and hired assassins, that Jesse gets tangled with by doing this.

He just wanted to lead a normal life once he came back from the war, and be with his family and friends. But his friends are the reason he gets put into another war, but one with corruption and he has to make a decision that will determine his fate.

What I think would make this book better, would be more character building, and also a less messy story. It seemed at times it was all over the place and not in a good way. Not where it goes from the “THEN” and the “NOW”. When it references things from the past, the present should give more clues to what the past might be coming. Also the ending should have been stretched out more because a lot happened at the end and doesn’t give the reader enough time to even process and think about where, when, and why. So I gave three stars because it was missing these three elements, but it was so good, it deserved three stars and not two.

Thank you Blackstone Publishing for letting me review this book!

Hard-hitting, dark, tender–and rending.

Hollow Out the Dark took me on a journey. This is an extraordinary novel and I recommend the audiobook highly. The narrator's voice fits the book, and his vocal performance added to the book's impact. The recording's clarity is perfect, and it's wonderful to savor the rolling waves of language delivered aloud with excellent emotional expression.

It took a little time to get used to being plunged into the rich, lyrical language and different perspectives. Soon, I trusted the surefooted narrative and surrendered to the flow of colorful imagery and layered perceptions. I became immersed in this world and listened eagerly to learn what would happen.

The problems and dangers affecting a veteran of the Great War and a Texas Ranger in a small Texas town become mesmerizing. Bootlegging battles and desperation fuel corruption and brutality in hard-scrabble struggles for survival.

Wade shows a keen eye for detail and an ear for dialogue. He renders the Depression-era Texas town with sharp insights and empathy, handling crime, racism, poverty, greed, loyalty, and love in vivid, straightforward scenes. He's masterful at showing the heart in everyday actions, the grooves worn into people by hardship, disappointment, and loss.

The mounting threats and violence explode and leave an impact. All of the brutal intensity feels earned and pitch perfect. There's an enormous humanity here in contrast to meaningless acts played for thrills. The emotional range kept me entranced through the quietest and grimmest parts.

I appreciated the strong women who exerted an influence on the events and the straightforward handling of past and present racism. There's a powerful Black man depicted with respect. The consciousness and power of the writing sets this novel far above many recent books where women have no dialogue and people of color are used for plot points. I related to the maturing central characters. I guesstimate them at mid-thirties and mid-life.

Hollow Out the Dark is so powerful, I may listen to it again soon. This is a book that pays off.

Readers who enjoy literary novels, gritty crime fiction, and historical novels are in for a powerful experience.

Thank you, Blackstone Publishing for the ALC via NetGalley for consideration. These are my unbiased opinions.
I'll update with the TikTok link.

This book is about a whiskey war in Texas in 1932. It has a very high body count. Maybe my capacity to be interested in the doings of lowlifes has been exceeded, but I just didn’t care what happened to any of these people. There was a lot of lyrical language that seemed wasted on a bunch of awful, corrupt and violent people.

I enjoyed the author’s “Beasts of the Earth”, but could not finish his “River, Sing Out”. This book fell in the middle. At least I managed to finish this book, although I did consider stopping several times.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4!

Hollow Out the Dark by James Wade is a gripping and atmospheric novel that pulls you right into the heart of a small Texas town caught in the middle of a dangerous whiskey war. the depression-era setting is vivid, and Jesse Cole’s journey through the violent, criminal underworld is packed with suspense and moral dilemmas. Wade’s writing style is hauntingly beautiful, and the layers of family secrets, love, and loyalty keep you guessing until the very end. the audiobook narrator really brought the story to life, adding an extra level of intensity that made it hard to pause.

i'd recommend this book to anyone who loves westerns, especially fans of Yellowstone or anything in that gritty, high-stakes genre. it’s got that perfect mix of tension, twists, and complex characters that keep you hooked. big thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing audiobooks for the advanced copy!

Very good writing but this one just didn’t draw me in like the authors previous work. Too many characters for me and I wasn’t really able to connect with any of them. I will say that the narrator, Roger Clark is really a good narrator. I enjoyed the tones and inflections used throughout the story. Great voice for the timeframe that the story portrayed.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review. Roger Clark does an exceptional job narrating this story!

Enoch is a rural mountain town surviving on moonshine and corruption. In the shadow of WWI and the end of prohibition, some powerful east Texas men decide to make their move.

This is a well written tale of lies, secrets and a violent underworld set in the 1930s. This is a deviation from what I normally read for historical fiction and it was very entertaining!

Hollow Out the Dark is a gripping tale of a whiskey war on the verge of exploding in Depression-era Texas. Great War veteran Jesse Cole must choose between the law and the lawless when his friend crosses local bootleggers. Meanwhile, Texas Ranger Amon Atkins arrives in Cole's small town to investigate the same ruthless family. As Cole is pulled deeper into the underworld and Atkins begins to suspect that all is not as it seems, both men must confront their own codes of justice to protect the ones they love.

Cole and Atkins are both complex protagonists, each bearing the weight of past mistakes. While Cole navigates moral ambiguity, Atkins stands firm in his rigid sense of duty, making them opposing forces on parallel journeys of self-discovery. Both must confront their demons as they grapple with loyalty and survival in a lawless world.

Wade's atmospheric prose captures the stark beauty and menace of Depression Gothic, exploring themes of loyalty, lawlessness, and love. The setting and tone are incredibly immersive, though the opening chapters demand closer attention than I usually need to give to novels.

Roger Clark’s gravelly baritone adds a gritty gravitas to the audiobook, which is exceptionally well produced.

This book is an excellent pick for fans of historical crime dramas with complex male characters. Just note that despite the Gothic tone and eerie cover, there are no supernatural elements to the story.

This review will be posted to Goodreads on September 4, 2024 and to Instagram (@goodquietkitty) on September 5, 2024.

Thank you to Blackstone Audio for the ARC!

First of all, the positives: I love love the cover which is what drew me to this book! I also thought that the narrator did an amazing job on the audiobook and the audiobook production itself was 10/10.

My struggle with this one wasn't so much the story itself but rather some of the content (especially the blasphemous talk about Jesus) was too much for me personally and for that reason, I struggled to enjoy the book.

HOLLOW OUT THE DARK by James Wade is an incredibly written prohibition story that I am so glad to receive from @bibliolifestyle @blackstonepublishing #partner as well as the audio through @netgalley.

Published on August 20th, this is an atmospheric tale that stunned me with such gorgeous prose. I haven't been so pleasantly surprised since I first read Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby. Same feeling, very different setting...a bit less violence but not much. Great themes explored. I also heard comps to Cormac McCarthy and I agree.

Jesse Cole is trying to live quietly in his Texas town but gets dragged into a whiskey war by a friend he will not abandon. Amon Adkins is a Texas Ranger who drags his family down to investigate the Fenleys; one side of this local war, threatened by a newcomer with a mask and a penchant for violence and destruction.

I cannot tell you how many times I smirked while listening and flipping pages. There is no small amount of old sayings in the sharp dialog that made me so glad I have the print version. That said, narrator Roger Clark did such a superb job of bringing that dialog to life as well as voicing the lines that wove this tale together. You can't go wrong with any format.

I wanted to bookmark a LOT of these stellar lines, but I'll choose just one from a favorite character:

"If the world was good place," Moss said, "it wouldn't need good men."

I don't often read this kind of story, but James Wade me a fan. I've raved about this book so much that my husband is excited to read it next!

I'm not sure why this is only a three-star rating for me, but I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought i would.

James Wade wrote a complex story about trying to survive and figuring out what’s important in life. It was entertaining and had a few twists. The story takes place during the depression-era and in this struggling small town they have a whiskey war going down. I enjoyed the flow and description of the place and the state of everyone’s desperation. It was some times hard to listen to with its realistic themes and the sadness of many. Roger Clark narrated this one and he did an excellent job. I recommend listening to this.
Thanks Blackstone Publishing via NetGalley.