What do you think?
Rate this book
The Girl Who Would Be Sheriff #1
Hollow Girl
The newest patrol officer captures the attention of a serial killer.
The year is 2005. Harry Potter and Star Wars dominate the box office, Hurricane Katrina wipes out New Orleans, and Carrie Underwood wins American Idol.
At thirty-years-old, Officer Stackhouse is the oldest in her Police academy graduating class and hellbent on proving herself. She responds to a call in Creepy Hollow, where a teenager has run away, a commonplace incident.
But there’s nothing commonplace about what Stackhouse finds when she begins digging.
A serial killer is at work and has been for years, undetected until now. Even faced with the evidence, Stackhouse’s supervisors are reluctant to believe. The case soon becomes personal, however, when the killer’s attention shifts to her. If Stackhouse wants to survive her first year, she’ll have to prove there’s nothing soft about a girl with a badge…
The year is 2005. Harry Potter and Star Wars dominate the box office, Hurricane Katrina wipes out New Orleans, and Carrie Underwood wins American Idol.
At thirty-years-old, Officer Stackhouse is the oldest in her Police academy graduating class and hellbent on proving herself. She responds to a call in Creepy Hollow, where a teenager has run away, a commonplace incident.
But there’s nothing commonplace about what Stackhouse finds when she begins digging.
A serial killer is at work and has been for years, undetected until now. Even faced with the evidence, Stackhouse’s supervisors are reluctant to believe. The case soon becomes personal, however, when the killer’s attention shifts to her. If Stackhouse wants to survive her first year, she’ll have to prove there’s nothing soft about a girl with a badge…
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2023
1177 people are currently reading
511 people want to read
About the author
Alan Lee
34 books269 followersYour favorite mystery author for the next twenty years.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
March 22, 2023
I have to say Alan Lee's books get better and better. I've been reading his books since he began his writing career. Alan has excellent character development and I love the dry humor of many of his characters.
This book is set in Roanoke, VA which is where I reside. It's fun to recognize familiar locations, businesses, etc local to our little area. This book is definitely a bit "darker" than other books I've read by Alan. Definitely for a more mature crowd. Alan did an excellent job building his characters. I found many that I loved and some I loved to hate. Although Kaye didn't play a huge role in the book, she was one of my favorites. We all need a Kaye in our lives haha.
I definitely recommend reading this book. I found it easy to get into. There was action throughout the book to keep me coming back for more. I actually set some prior books I had already started aside just so I could finish this one first. The ending did not disappoint!! I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
This book is set in Roanoke, VA which is where I reside. It's fun to recognize familiar locations, businesses, etc local to our little area. This book is definitely a bit "darker" than other books I've read by Alan. Definitely for a more mature crowd. Alan did an excellent job building his characters. I found many that I loved and some I loved to hate. Although Kaye didn't play a huge role in the book, she was one of my favorites. We all need a Kaye in our lives haha.
I definitely recommend reading this book. I found it easy to get into. There was action throughout the book to keep me coming back for more. I actually set some prior books I had already started aside just so I could finish this one first. The ending did not disappoint!! I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
March 18, 2023
Couldn’t put it down…
This book may not have MacKenzie’s wit, but it is one good read. I mean, a really, really, REALY good read :). Who knew Stackhouse had such a history? Great murder mystery with a compelling protagonist. Methinks Stackhouse is going to do just fine. Very well done.
This book may not have MacKenzie’s wit, but it is one good read. I mean, a really, really, REALY good read :). Who knew Stackhouse had such a history? Great murder mystery with a compelling protagonist. Methinks Stackhouse is going to do just fine. Very well done.
March 16, 2023
Interesting new series
We already know Stackhouse from other series but this was the typical Alan Lee fun read. I guess his books could be called action mysteries, populated by beautiful, smart, physically fit and always a bit lucky. I try to take my time reading them but always end up just finishing them I two or three days.
We already know Stackhouse from other series but this was the typical Alan Lee fun read. I guess his books could be called action mysteries, populated by beautiful, smart, physically fit and always a bit lucky. I try to take my time reading them but always end up just finishing them I two or three days.
March 14, 2023
Better and Better
Lee keeps getting better and better, and his first book was great. This origin story hits every note, and Lee's love for his characters is evident. Lee brings a refreshing hopefulness to dark and messy realities.
Lee keeps getting better and better, and his first book was great. This origin story hits every note, and Lee's love for his characters is evident. Lee brings a refreshing hopefulness to dark and messy realities.
March 7, 2023
My favorite
Mr. Lee said that if I read one of his books, he would become one of my favorite authors. He was totally right! I started with one novella, and have binge read almost all of his novels. I can't get enough of his stories. They have everything you could want. Characters you care about, mysteries you can't figure out, action, family love and friendship, and snark! Treat yourself....
Mr. Lee said that if I read one of his books, he would become one of my favorite authors. He was totally right! I started with one novella, and have binge read almost all of his novels. I can't get enough of his stories. They have everything you could want. Characters you care about, mysteries you can't figure out, action, family love and friendship, and snark! Treat yourself....
March 7, 2023
Wonderful book. Couldn't stop reading until I finished.
Wonderful book. Like learning all about someone you thought you knew and liked, only to realize that you care even more about them and want to hold and hug them.
I have enjoyed EVERY character that Alan Lee has given us to read about and can not wait for each and every new book to be released.
Thank you, Alan Lee.
Wonderful book. Like learning all about someone you thought you knew and liked, only to realize that you care even more about them and want to hold and hug them.
I have enjoyed EVERY character that Alan Lee has given us to read about and can not wait for each and every new book to be released.
Thank you, Alan Lee.
March 8, 2023
( releasing held breath)..YIPPEE!! you’re back!
My ALL TIME FAVORITE AUTHOR. I thought I was forever true to Lee Child’s Jack Reacher until I “met” Alan Lee’s smarter, handsomer, wittier Mechanize August AND his highly addictive entourage. I so thank you!
My ALL TIME FAVORITE AUTHOR. I thought I was forever true to Lee Child’s Jack Reacher until I “met” Alan Lee’s smarter, handsomer, wittier Mechanize August AND his highly addictive entourage. I so thank you!
March 7, 2023
Absolutely Excellent!
Holy moly! What a story! I’m almost tempted to go back and read the August Mac series again. Can’t wait for your next book, Alan Lee - your stories never disappoint!
Holy moly! What a story! I’m almost tempted to go back and read the August Mac series again. Can’t wait for your next book, Alan Lee - your stories never disappoint!
March 9, 2023
On the hunt for a killer or is the killer hunting you?
Love Stackhouse and learning about her youth. She follows the twists and turns and I hold my breath as she fights her way throughout. Could not put it down
Love Stackhouse and learning about her youth. She follows the twists and turns and I hold my breath as she fights her way throughout. Could not put it down
March 29, 2023
Alan Lee's novels keep getting better and better
Having read every one of Alan Lee's novels, I am in awe of how with time he has mastered his craft. Hollow Girl contains all of the elements that make me a huge fan of his writing: lyrical prose; great plotting; a sense of time and place; and wonderful characters all combine with moral lessons that neither preach nor interfere with the story telling.
Book 1 implies more books in this new strand. I await their arrival with great expectations.
Having read every one of Alan Lee's novels, I am in awe of how with time he has mastered his craft. Hollow Girl contains all of the elements that make me a huge fan of his writing: lyrical prose; great plotting; a sense of time and place; and wonderful characters all combine with moral lessons that neither preach nor interfere with the story telling.
Book 1 implies more books in this new strand. I await their arrival with great expectations.
March 8, 2023
Alan Lee has continued his long line of great reads
His development of Andie Stackhouse is great and I am anxious to find out how she becomes the SheKriff Stackhouse we have read about in the Mackenzie August series. Hopefully we want have to wait long.
His development of Andie Stackhouse is great and I am anxious to find out how she becomes the SheKriff Stackhouse we have read about in the Mackenzie August series. Hopefully we want have to wait long.
March 31, 2023
It was interesting to learn about the early life of Sheriff Stackhouse. The author puts himself into the mindset of the main character and adjusts his writing style to fit. Accordingly, there is less humor in this book and it is darker than most of his other novels. Stackhouse creates most of her own problems through poor choices , especially with men. She is strong enough to work through her problems and hope for a better future.
August 21, 2024
This well-written, self-published police procedural is set in Roanoke, Virginia, and features rookie police officer Andie Stackhouse, who, at the age of thirty, is the oldest graduate in her academy class. It’s a completely new career for her, having fled from a very lucrative job as a lobbyist in Washington, but you’ll learn all her extensive backstory as the narrative progresses. I wondered at first why the book is set in1995 -- that’s not really far enough in the past to be considered “historical fiction,” not to someone of my age -- but apparently the author has already produced a series of crime novels featuring Stackhouse and this is her “origin story.” (No, she’s not a superhero, but she’s not a run-of-the-mill cop, either, and most of her workmates and superiors see big things in her future almost from her first day on the job.)
So, Stackhouse is sent out to an isolated, country-fied corner of the city, consisting of only three elderly houses on the Roanoke River, known as “Creepy Hollow,” to check on a teenage girl who has gone missing from a foster home run by Jane Newton, a charismatic young woman who seems to have a knack for turning damaged girls into balanced, self-disciplined members of society. But the neighborhood gets its name from the fact that a police officer who lived next door was shot to death, decapitated, and burned at the stake in the neighboring field a decade before. And that’s only the beginning of a very convoluted serial-killer plot that may put you in mind of The Silence of the Lambs (as it does Stackhouse).
The author does a good job of keeping it all believably together and pacing the narrative in a way that holds the reader’s attention very firmly. I admit to being a little suspicious of self-published novels (after an author’s first one or two, anyway) on the grounds that a really good series can always find a commercial publisher and produce revenue for its creator. But this one is (perhaps unexpectedly) very well done and I recommend it.
So, Stackhouse is sent out to an isolated, country-fied corner of the city, consisting of only three elderly houses on the Roanoke River, known as “Creepy Hollow,” to check on a teenage girl who has gone missing from a foster home run by Jane Newton, a charismatic young woman who seems to have a knack for turning damaged girls into balanced, self-disciplined members of society. But the neighborhood gets its name from the fact that a police officer who lived next door was shot to death, decapitated, and burned at the stake in the neighboring field a decade before. And that’s only the beginning of a very convoluted serial-killer plot that may put you in mind of The Silence of the Lambs (as it does Stackhouse).
The author does a good job of keeping it all believably together and pacing the narrative in a way that holds the reader’s attention very firmly. I admit to being a little suspicious of self-published novels (after an author’s first one or two, anyway) on the grounds that a really good series can always find a commercial publisher and produce revenue for its creator. But this one is (perhaps unexpectedly) very well done and I recommend it.
December 2, 2023
Alan Lee Hits The Trifecta With The First Book Of His Third Series
“The Hollow Girl (The Girl Who Would Be Sheriff)” is Book 1 of Alan Lee’s trilogy of three Roanoke, VA Law Enforcement heroes - Mackenzie August, Manny Martinez, and - now - Andrea Stackhouse.
“The Hollow Girl” is really a prequel to the first two series. Here we meet Police Officer Stackhouse 20 years before the first two series begin and Officer Stackhouse later becomes Sheriff Stackhouse.
“The Hollow Girl” traces Officer Stackhouse’s first month as a Roanoke rookie cop. During this month Officer Stackhouse begins to earn the reputation that would carry her from a ‘Beat Cop’ to the chief of the Sheriff’s Department.
Mr. Lee writes this page-turning third series with the same intensity, character development and storyline as his first two series. For the first time, Mr. Lee gives us a female Protagonist who turns out to be the equal of both Mack & Manny. It is Officer Stackhouse’s thoroughness, tenacity and attention to detail that helps her deal with a Serial Killer that has murdered for over ten years.
I’ve already sent my 5-Star rating to my list of family & friends who enjoy a great ‘whodunit’!
“The Hollow Girl (The Girl Who Would Be Sheriff)” is Book 1 of Alan Lee’s trilogy of three Roanoke, VA Law Enforcement heroes - Mackenzie August, Manny Martinez, and - now - Andrea Stackhouse.
“The Hollow Girl” is really a prequel to the first two series. Here we meet Police Officer Stackhouse 20 years before the first two series begin and Officer Stackhouse later becomes Sheriff Stackhouse.
“The Hollow Girl” traces Officer Stackhouse’s first month as a Roanoke rookie cop. During this month Officer Stackhouse begins to earn the reputation that would carry her from a ‘Beat Cop’ to the chief of the Sheriff’s Department.
Mr. Lee writes this page-turning third series with the same intensity, character development and storyline as his first two series. For the first time, Mr. Lee gives us a female Protagonist who turns out to be the equal of both Mack & Manny. It is Officer Stackhouse’s thoroughness, tenacity and attention to detail that helps her deal with a Serial Killer that has murdered for over ten years.
I’ve already sent my 5-Star rating to my list of family & friends who enjoy a great ‘whodunit’!
February 25, 2024
Not sure how I received this copy, I started at the oldest on my unread list. Did I like this, yes. Will I read the next in this series (it appears there are more than one running storylines)? Yes, should you? If you are a Mickey Spillane-type reader the answer is maybe. The depth of the character may be too much for your comfort. If you are a Hercule Poirot fan, this is full of deductions but mostly trial and error with good old intuition so... maybe. I loved the whole package, but I also had an insight while I was reading.
If you are just passing the time with a non-thinking destressing read, beware you could still become engaged and involved. I do not think this author is just pounding out these books to help you fall asleep at night. The reason for writing sometimes extends beyond relating an antidote or funny tale. I'm not going to touch any of the political turmoil in recent times, but I will state if you do not look at the premise that adopting a child will make a difference, you miss a lot.
If you are just passing the time with a non-thinking destressing read, beware you could still become engaged and involved. I do not think this author is just pounding out these books to help you fall asleep at night. The reason for writing sometimes extends beyond relating an antidote or funny tale. I'm not going to touch any of the political turmoil in recent times, but I will state if you do not look at the premise that adopting a child will make a difference, you miss a lot.
February 8, 2024
This is the first book that I have read by this author. It is a fast-moving mystery. It is pretty gruesome in spots.
Andie is a little too much of a smart mouth to survive as a rookie in a police station unless the Roanoke station is especially casual. The other reason I took points off is I found the use of “babe” and “baby” by the women when speaking to each other not believable. Again, maybe it is a regional thing.
Enough nitpicking. The story moves quickly. There are clues here and there, but they aren’t terribly obvious. The author makes very good observations re foster care and childhood trauma. Overall, there are some very likable characters. The last chapter is a nail biter.
I will research his other books and decide what to read next.
Andie is a little too much of a smart mouth to survive as a rookie in a police station unless the Roanoke station is especially casual. The other reason I took points off is I found the use of “babe” and “baby” by the women when speaking to each other not believable. Again, maybe it is a regional thing.
Enough nitpicking. The story moves quickly. There are clues here and there, but they aren’t terribly obvious. The author makes very good observations re foster care and childhood trauma. Overall, there are some very likable characters. The last chapter is a nail biter.
I will research his other books and decide what to read next.
August 29, 2024
This book was an amazing read.
Andie Stackhouse has moved from a glamorous life in DC to West Virginia to begin a career as a police officer. Andie has ambition and is taking online classes to get a law degree and eventually try to join the FBI. Being a Rookie though means sitting in the patrol car, writing tickets and not getting noticed. Not an easy task for Stackhouse: she is beautiful, smart and has caught the attention of a killer.
There is nonstop action and as the story unfolds there is no predicting what will happen next. The bodies keep piling up but who will be next.
Thank You Alan Lee for a great novel
Andie Stackhouse has moved from a glamorous life in DC to West Virginia to begin a career as a police officer. Andie has ambition and is taking online classes to get a law degree and eventually try to join the FBI. Being a Rookie though means sitting in the patrol car, writing tickets and not getting noticed. Not an easy task for Stackhouse: she is beautiful, smart and has caught the attention of a killer.
There is nonstop action and as the story unfolds there is no predicting what will happen next. The bodies keep piling up but who will be next.
Thank You Alan Lee for a great novel
August 2, 2023
An excellent origin story from the MacKenzie August world, this time about Sheriff Stackhouse. It’s quite a grizzly mystery, told with action, nerve and with compelling characters. Stackhouse is at the center. She is quite compelling, outlining how she started her career in law enforcement. Meticulously working to solve the crimes, it comes to a heightened conclusion with real power.
A great addition to the series, and much like the August and Manny origin stories, adds depth to all these wonderful characters. Very well done.
A great addition to the series, and much like the August and Manny origin stories, adds depth to all these wonderful characters. Very well done.
February 23, 2024
Thrilling plot? Check. Surprise culprit? Check. Nuanced Characters? Check. Believable and sympathetic main female character? Double Check, despite the fact she is like many other fictional police officers, damaged goods trying to straighten out her life. I thoroughly enjoyed Alan Lee's first book in this series and will quickly jump to the second. The only criticism I have is the number of police characters. It was hard to keep track of all the names. Still, this is reality; a large law-enforcement team working on a big case.
May 16, 2023
Stackhouse fan! Alan Lee is a BOSS!
I loved her character in the other two series but this backstory makes her even more real for me. The tone of this book was a LOT more serious than the MacKenzie August and Sinatra books but it was very well written. It did not disappoint.
I've read every book of Alan Lee's that I can get my hands on & I'm always waiting for new material to come out. Keep up the good work, BOSS MAN!
I loved her character in the other two series but this backstory makes her even more real for me. The tone of this book was a LOT more serious than the MacKenzie August and Sinatra books but it was very well written. It did not disappoint.
I've read every book of Alan Lee's that I can get my hands on & I'm always waiting for new material to come out. Keep up the good work, BOSS MAN!
May 20, 2023
Stackhouse backstory
I would recommend this book to anyone who's read any Mackenzie August books. It was a gripping and engaging story. I love how Alan Lee manages to object some of his worldview into his stories, like Detective Rowe talking about Light and Darkness, or Mackenzie instructing on real manhood. I look forward to these gems in his writing. I do believe he is my favorite author. And this book was a delightful surprise on many levels.
I would recommend this book to anyone who's read any Mackenzie August books. It was a gripping and engaging story. I love how Alan Lee manages to object some of his worldview into his stories, like Detective Rowe talking about Light and Darkness, or Mackenzie instructing on real manhood. I look forward to these gems in his writing. I do believe he is my favorite author. And this book was a delightful surprise on many levels.
July 24, 2023
Wow- lots of heartache
The good news the best are saved and grow happily going forward in later books. It is so hard to understand how parents can and in real life damage their children. All kind of damage, physical, emotional, mental, and think nothing of it . It is most amazing and satisfying to know some maybe many go beyond survival and grow into beautiful, productive, caring adults.
The good news the best are saved and grow happily going forward in later books. It is so hard to understand how parents can and in real life damage their children. All kind of damage, physical, emotional, mental, and think nothing of it . It is most amazing and satisfying to know some maybe many go beyond survival and grow into beautiful, productive, caring adults.
February 15, 2024
unique, worth a read!
Loved reading a book with typical male/female roles switched — made the characters truly stand out, and the crimes even more frightening than most similar thrillers.
I’ve read some of Lee’s other books which include an older Stackhouse, he really filled out her character in “Hollow Girl,” which will add to my enjoyment while reading some of Lee’s other books.
Loved reading a book with typical male/female roles switched — made the characters truly stand out, and the crimes even more frightening than most similar thrillers.
I’ve read some of Lee’s other books which include an older Stackhouse, he really filled out her character in “Hollow Girl,” which will add to my enjoyment while reading some of Lee’s other books.
May 16, 2024
Excellent mystery
This was an excellent read! This mystery follows a rookie police officer who literally steps into a serial killer case while looking into a potential missing teen. The plot is fast paced and explores the psychological impact that police officers experience when dealing with death as well as female officer perspectives, something I wasn’t expecting from a male author. The story twists kept me up late to finish the story! Jumping into the next book now!
This was an excellent read! This mystery follows a rookie police officer who literally steps into a serial killer case while looking into a potential missing teen. The plot is fast paced and explores the psychological impact that police officers experience when dealing with death as well as female officer perspectives, something I wasn’t expecting from a male author. The story twists kept me up late to finish the story! Jumping into the next book now!
July 2, 2024
Readers will recognize Stackhouse from the August Mackenzie novels. This novel has less humor but gives Stackhouse's backstory from her first month as a rookie. By the end of the novel, she is yet to be sheriff but has gained moral authority because of her handling of the case about Guy Dotson, a millionaire ban boy as well as the killings of many men in Creepy Hollow. Although she herself is trotted by her own past, she looks to find justice.
October 12, 2024
For an intro book to Stackhouse this was an excellent book! Stack is older (not necessarily wiser) and well aware that she is not too well liked by some in her immediate work area. This does not stop her from taking crazy risks and dangerous situations. Her roommate is fond of telling her this and Kaye adds lightness to some dark episodes. Only drawback Jane and Beth were a bit overdrawn.
November 27, 2025
Enjoyable
A great start to a new series. Written well and the characters are believable. A smart protagonist who wants to get on in her career. She's doing well no matter what her co-workers believe. A mysterious case and the new rookie seems be be putting one or two faces out of place. Good for her! A twisty plot which was very thrilling towards the end. Held my breath frequently. Recommended.
A great start to a new series. Written well and the characters are believable. A smart protagonist who wants to get on in her career. She's doing well no matter what her co-workers believe. A mysterious case and the new rookie seems be be putting one or two faces out of place. Good for her! A twisty plot which was very thrilling towards the end. Held my breath frequently. Recommended.
December 18, 2025
Very few male authors are able to write from a female perspective successfully, and unfortunately, this author isn’t one of them. I will never understand the need to over describe the looks of a woman… the continuous descriptions of what the female characters are wearing, the curves of each of their bodies, the amount of tattoos and wholes in their ears in relation to their sexuality… it was all completely out of touch.
May 14, 2023
The beginning of another great series
Alan lee continues to grow as a writer. I have loved reading his other series but in this one, he has stepped up his game (a game that was already on a pretty high level). Grittier, more intense, and harder hitting than his previous books. I loved it and eagerly wait book 2 in the series.
Alan lee continues to grow as a writer. I have loved reading his other series but in this one, he has stepped up his game (a game that was already on a pretty high level). Grittier, more intense, and harder hitting than his previous books. I loved it and eagerly wait book 2 in the series.
May 16, 2023
Now This Is How A Backstory Should Be Written!!
“Hollow Girl” is not only a new series for author Alan Lee it is also a fantastic example of a great “backstory” for Sheriff Stackhouse of the August Mackenzie series.
There are a great many totally unexpected twists throughout the book which helps hold one’s interest
I highly recommend this book.
“Hollow Girl” is not only a new series for author Alan Lee it is also a fantastic example of a great “backstory” for Sheriff Stackhouse of the August Mackenzie series.
There are a great many totally unexpected twists throughout the book which helps hold one’s interest
I highly recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews