The Hauntings of Cold Creek Hollow

Haunted #1

by Alexie Aaron

Little Mia Cooper’s ability to see the dead made her an outcast in her hometown. Several years later, she has finally managed to blend in, but her hard-won peace is threatened by the arrival of a bumbling team of paranormal investigators. Mia is drawn in reluctantly as an adviser on what, at first, seems to be a fairly straightforward case, only to discover that the Hollow has much more in store for her. An ancient evil is rising in Cold Creek Hollow. What begins as a ghost hunt will become a fight for survival.The Hauntings of Cold Creek Hollow is book one of Alexie Aaron's 33 book and growing Haunted Series.LK Ludwig5.0 out of 5 stars Don’t know how I’m going to stand the wait for book 34!Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2021Verified PurchaseWe’re 33 full-length novels into this series, not counting the 6 books in a spin-off series, and I still found myself amazed at the twists and turns in the story. I highly recommend anything that Alexie Aaron writes! I sometimes struggle to maintain an interest in series that move beyond a handful of books, yet I am 39 novels into this story universe, with a few complete re-reads under my belt, and am looking forward to the next novel! Heck, I am looking forward to re-reading this one again tomorrow!!

Genres: Paranormal, Horror, Ghosts, Mystery, Fiction, Supernatural, Romance

443 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 6, 2012

About the author

My idea of a great vacation is a porch swing, view of the water and a pile of books to read.
Once upon a time…
I wonder if those words spoken to, or read for the first time, were the catalyst for the spark that lit the fire within us. To write and tell a story the way each of us does is a gift and a responsibility. We sometimes toil hours with an idea, or even just one sentence, not knowing if anyone beyond us will ever read our words. We do it for love. The love of bringing to light the world that resides inside our heads.
It does not matter if we have a happy ending or a soulful gasp. What matters is that we put these thoughts on paper. So keep writing my friends. Keep taking us to the secret corners of your mind. Be brave. Tempt fate and above all enjoy.

Alexie Aaron

Reviews

[Leah Polcar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really surprised that I liked this book so much -- it reads a lot like a first novel in that the characters are well-developed, but nonetheless a bit stereotypical; the dialogue is terribly unrealistic; and the story is bit tropish. What I mean by the latter is that we get not only one haunting, but also a sort of demonic cult and ancient evil all sort of coming together to be fought by chick who sees ghosts, her ghostly friend, a group of reality tv paranormal investigators, and a bizarre group of actual paranormal investigators, complete with sensitives, a priest, the man who can fix things, and possibly an angel -- so all sorts of standard supernatural themes all smooshed together. But even with all these literary issues, I couldn't help but be a little charmed by the story and found myself really liking the characters and wanting to find out what happens next. Which is great for me I guess since this turns out to be book one of a series, and as of this writing, I am already on book three. The book, and likely the series, is a little like junk food: tasty enough that you can't stop reading, but not particularly filling. Yet who doesn't love themselves some sour cream and onion kettle chips?

[Wendy Cantu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alexie Aaron’s Hauntings of Cold Creek HollowHaunted series, is more than your average paranormal mystery / ghost hunter novel. While much of the plot involves a group of wanna-be professional ghost hunters, the main character, Mia, who has a unique abilities to not only see and hear ghosts but venture into the spiritual realm, provides for an interesting twist.

The Hauntings of Cold Creek Hollow, introduces Mia, who can see and communicate with the departed. She’s emotionally damaged — the product of a detached mother who’d rather write thesis papers than give affection and a father who was only devoted to his wife’s pursuits. For the most part, Mia was raised by her uncle and his partner and a ghost of a woman who lived in her house. Due to her abilities, she wasn’t accepted by her peers, although she has secretly pined after Whitney, who always stood up for her when she was bullied. Mia now keeps to herself, working the occasional job (her aunt left her a bunch of money, so she doesn’t need to work *rolls eyes*) and living on an isolated peninsula to keep people and ghosts away (apparently ghosts can’t cross water).

All of that changes when a team of paranormal investigators come to town to check out a haunting of a recently-renovated home. The house is part of a real estate project that was designed to attract buyers from outside the area, but the market tanked and the historic homes were a steal. Mia knows there is something bad surrounding those houses, and when the investigators get wind of her abilities and rumors of more sinister haunts nearby, they tap her to help out, thus beginning a relationship with Mia and having her as a “consultant” that continues throughout the books (each one is a new case).

In the beginning, Aaron managed to create compelling enough characters and speculation of great things to come to build a rough foundation to a series with potential. Mia’s supernatural talents were clearly developing into something more than just seeing and communicating with ghosts, and a few minor characters were introduced that could’ve made an interesting story.

But then Aaron must have received that annoying memo that’s been going around to potentially excellent mystery novel authors that stories should be based around the character’s love lives and not the other way around.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing with a little romance here and there, but this was atrocious. Not only was there too much of “who-likes-who,” they had the romantic maturity level of middle schoolers. Characters would spontaneously decide to become d-bags, d-bags would decide to be the good guys, and the only purpose I can see for it was for Mia to have someone new to have in her bed.

Seriously. If I want that type of trashy drama, I’ll get on Facebook (we all have those friends, don’t lie!).

Still, there was enough potential still thrown in that I hoped this was just a phase that the author would grow out of, but about 70 percent the way through the third book, when it became all about how every guy wants Mia, I thought about just stopping there. Yes, 70 percent through a book where the mystery (sort of) was supposed to be getting good, when I should be barely containing my excitement as I turn the pages, I was so disgusted that it almost trumped my want to know the ending.

But I’m not a quitter.

And the really disappointing part is the ending wasn’t all that bad and actually made me want to read more. But I’d been down that road before. I recognized that glimmer of hope that maybe things would get better and remembered that it never did. After reading summaries of the fourth and fifth books, I knew it didn’t. So I gave up.

As much as these books frustrated me, I wouldn’t necessarily say they were a horrible read. There were definitely some good parts, but I couldn’t get past my disdain for the characters and the “romantic” drama. If that’s your thing (or if you don’t mind it), you might find this series enjoyable.

[Debbie Heaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Aaron’s paranormal novel, outcast Mia Cooper has the ability to see the dead. Years later, she finds a way to blend into society only to find her hard-won acceptance threatened by the arrival of paranormal investigators. Reluctantly, Mia agrees to serve as an advisor on what she believes to be a fairly simple case, only to discover that the Hollow has a lot in store for her. What starts out as a ghost hunt will turn to a fight for survival as an ancient evil rises from the depths of Cold Creek Hollow.

Eerie—kept the chills running up and down my spine.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

(I'm actually reviewing the Audible audio version of this book.) First off, three stars isn't a bad rating; it just means that I wasn't particularly "moved" in any emotional way or blown away by the beauty of the writing. I didn't drive around the block over and over again because I was anxious to keep listening and find out what happened next. There was no lyrical prose, the subject matter is rather typical of this genre, and there certainly was no stunning epiphany for this reader. Here, we have a rather formulaic not-too-scary supernatural suspense novel with an endearing enough leading lady and the enjoyable element of history meets mystery. I felt there were too many characters (both living and dead!) to track, and I found myself rewinding to figure out who was who until I got the cast of characters straightened out. (This may be an issue that one encounters listening to a recording vs. reading a printed page.) There was a lot of silly, but often humorous dialogue between the characters (I can tell the author has a sense of humor), but I failed to understand why the author thought the reader needed to know every time one of the characters went to the toilet. (These folks sure do pee a lot!) Also, I found one character's "grief" to be incredibly insincere. "Oh, fiddle dee dee, so-and-so is dead. I'll just go flirt with thus-and-such." The story wasn't very dialogue driven; in fact, it seemed like I was having to really visualize the action in order to understand what was going on. (Ever watch Power Rangers? Yeah, not intentionally, but my oldest son enjoyed them when he was little. There was a lot of pow-pow and not so much was said. That's kind of what I was dealing with in the second half of this book.) The setting was pretty well developed and the underlying mystery was enchanting enough to drive the story, but I didn't extend my evening walk any additional miles to get back to my listening. In any event, I liked Mia Cooper and I always enjoy ghost stories.

[Tricia Drammeh · Rating 5 out of 5]

When PEEPs (the paranormal investigative team) rolls into town, they stir up an evil presence that threatens everyone. Mia senses a growing evil, but no one wants to listen to the town crazy. The PEEPs team believes in her and appreciates her abilities--too bad they won't listen to her. They can't seem to leave Cold Creek Hollow alone. The present collides with the past, leaving everyone in danger.

This by far the best ghost story I've ever read. Spooky, scary, horrifying in all the right spots, but with flashes of humor and compassion. I absolutely loved Mia, the lonely main character who lives an isolated life because she's learned her gifts aren't usually appreciated--not by most humans. I even adored some of the ghosts--Murphy, the resident ghost, will do anything for Mia, even if it means battling a terrifying entity from his past. And Daisy who plays her own part in the tale. But, there are a few characters who aren't so endearing, and some who will keep you guessing until the very end.

So many horror novels rely on gore and gimmick, it was nice to read a story that relies exclusively on good writing and excellent characterization. If you're looking for a story that'll give you goosebumps and keep you up late out of fear and a desire to find out what happens next, this is the book for you!

[Michele bookloverforever · Rating 4 out of 5]

a powerful medium and sensitive leads a lonely life after being "outed" by a gossip as a small child. then a group of would be paranormal investigators stir the local cauldron of bubbling evil. murders, past and present, possession, multiple ghosts, a demonic presence or two. cannibalism. reread in February, 2017. still thrilling and scary. Last read 2017. Re-read with gusto.in December 2020. Year 1 of Covid 19

[E.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy ghost stories that don't make you chew your fingernails down to bleeding nubs and give you horrid nightmares. It was a fun read with mystery, action, scary situations, and romantic liaisons, but all of it was done with gentility and class. This isn't hot a sweaty; it's not gory or a book that's going to tighten up your hamstrings till they cramp. It reads well and clearly, but without plunging your brain into terror, afraid to turn the page.

You'll love Mia. You'll love Murphy. And you don't know quite who to pull for when it comes to a choice between Whit and Burt, but, in the end, Mia makes the right choice. And not all the questions are answered...leaving nice tidbits for follow-up books...which I'll be searching out and report on when I finish my present list of books-to-read AND get my own successfully though Amazon's processes or dead tree and eBook. (Old Hickory Lane is supposed to come out April 1, this year, and that is literally just days away, so wish me luck.)

Anyway, I give it four stars...because I only give five stars to the very, very best of books--those which I would myself invest in a hard cover copy. Just so you know. So, a four star for this book means that, yes, I can highly recommend it for a satisfying read where you don't have to fret sweaty sex, gore, cruelty, and worry about being offended.

[Tara Bush · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a great story - loved the characters that the author lined up and story behind the hauntings. The character development started off okay, but just when you thought you were starting to understand them, they'd do something completely unexpected and, well, out of character. It felt like the author needed them to act a certain way to make the story work and so she just wrote it in there, even if it didn't fit. She did a great job building up the suspense, but I did feel like once they really started working on resolving the hauntings, it was taken care off a little too easily. I feel the need to try the second book in the series...

[M. Sprouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this novel for myself at Christmas. I just finished it and was not disappointed. The ghost story was very engaging. It kept my interest, and I couldn't wait to get back to this fast paced story. At first I thought the idea of "Murphy" was a bit cartoonish, but quickly I got comfortable with him. One has to remember that the amount of supernatural activity the PEEPS investigators filmed was probably the most in history and it would have made national news. So as in any ghost story, a healthy suspension of disbelief is needed. I also have to mention that I don't read many ghost stories or supernatural novel, but I liked this one enough to make plans to read some other books in this series.

My complaint would be the attempt of the author at romance. The dialogue was quite inconsistent with the characters actions and thoughts. For example, in most of the book Whit was helpful, protective and nice to Mia. They seemed to have a little chemistry and near the end. She concludes he is a narcissistic jerk and he concludes he can't live with her "second sight" and she's too weird. Very convenient and it felt out of place in this story. That holds true with the other "romance" scenes except the ones with Mia and Burt near the end. Overall, I recommend this book as a good and riveting ghost story.

[Lynn Worton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Haunted Series. I really enjoyed it.

Mia Cooper is a likable character. She has been able to see ghosts since being a child. However, her ability has left her a bit of a pariah and loner. When a ghostly sighting leads to a group of paranormal investigators visiting Cold Creek Hollow, she finds herself involved in a race against a malevolent and ancient evil that threatens the residents.

I actually purchased this book when I first bought my Kindle way back in 2012. Unfortunately, due to my large reading list, I haven't been able to read this book until recently. I am kicking myself for not reading it sooner.

I started to read the book and quickly became intrigued. I found myself completely riveted by the story, though I did find some of the characters to be a little under developed. I must admit that I did like Deputy Whitney (Whit to his friends) Martin at first. However, he also can be a thoughtless and chauvinistic jerk and I wanted to slap him on more than one occasion. He and Mia have a history (though not romantic on his part even though Mia had a crush on him - they went to school together). Whit is married to Sherry, who is an aspiring artist who wants to show her work in the Museum of Modern Art. The paranormal investigators are an interesting bunch. They are: Burt Hicks and Mike Dupree, who are the leaders, then there are Amber (presenter), Beth (researcher) and Ted (camera/soundman). Rose Malloy is the town's real estate agent and has a penchant for gossip, which she uses for her own gain. However, I think my favourite character has to be Murphy. He has a sense of humour to match his razor sharp axe. He also happens to be a ghost and can only communicate through mime to Mia, or by using his axe to chop wood.

The story is told through the eyes of several of the characters. This gives the reader an opportunity to see different view points, I must admit that I enjoyed this aspect. This story has a slow-burning undercurrent of suspense to it that completely had me hooked. I wasn't sure where the author was going with this story at first, but as the history of the Hollow and horror of it was uncovered, I found myself feeling sorry for the ghostly inhabitants that were caught up in a vengeful evil. I also found myself turning the pages in a effort to find out what would happen next, as there are several twists and turns that I didn't see coming. I also enjoyed the romance aspect between Mia and Burt and thought they made a lovely couple and were well suited.

I read this book in less than twenty-four hours and, to say it's a four hundred and forty-three page book, that's how engrossing it was. There is mystery, danger, horror and happiness within the pages and it took me on an emotional roller coaster ride from beginning to end. I did think that the explanation the author gave for the vengeful spirit's evil was a little disappointing, and I couldn't feel any emotional attachment to any of the characters apart from Murphy; this made me feel sad. I felt that the ending was a little anti-climatic for me, even though it concluded satisfactorily. Nevertheless, I am now looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Ghostly Attachments, when I have the chance.

Alexie Aaron has written a wonderful supernatural horror. I love her fast paced writing style. However, I found the flow a little jerky at times. This is the first book I have read by this author, but it will not be my last (I hope).

Due to scenes of a sexual nature (though not explicit), as well as violence and horror, I do not recommend this book to younger readers or those of a nervous disposition. However, I highly recommend this book if you love supernatural or paranormal horror. - Lynn Worton

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found The Hauntings of Cold Creek Hollow a bit hard to review; I loved the story but the execution was a bit dodgy.

I loved the concept of a paranormal investigation team (PEEPS) investigating hauntings, the story was really interesting and creepy enough without keeping me awake at night, and it has plenty of action and bit of romance.

What I didn’t like was the character interaction – I assume Alexie Aaron was going for a sort of funny-snarky relationship among the characters. Most of the conversation in the book was characters saying the nastiest things to each other and no-one seeming to take any real offence. As a result, I didn’t really like any of the main characters. In fact, the only living character in the book who seemed to be a decent person was Uncle Bernard (apparently the only adult who ever actually cared for Mia when she was a child) and Mia didn’t even recognise him when she ran into him. Still, she was happy to let him to look after her until she was well, introduce her to a bunch of people who could help her, and then promptly forget about him again.

So… while I don’t really like the characters, there was enough good stuff in The Hauntings of Cold Creek Hollow for me to try the next book.

[Al · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a pretty good story. I think the character of Mia is pretty solid as well as the setting of the Cold creek and the surroundings.

There were two areas that I was exactly thrilled with. The seeming creation then resolution of a love triangle was a bit hokey. I really thought this was out of place and the story would probably have been stronger with out it. While it was being "set up," it was worthy of some eyerolling at the least.

And secondly was the formation of the group to resolve the main plot seemed to happen without any foreshadowing or earlier indication. Once the group was together it was a good plot device, but it just happened with a chance meeting in a location far from the action that the main character would probably not really be at. This had a definite "deus ex machina" feel to it. The characters that we meet that supposedly we so important Mia's life were never even mentioned previously. I just think that a little mention of these characters then her going to them or calling them on purpose would have made is seem less random.

I am looking forward to the next book, which I am starting now.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hauntings of Cold Creek Hollow by Alexie Aaron

WOW!! This book was filled to the top with Paranormal activity from your actual haunt, to a team of Paranormal investigators, with the local townie, Mia Cooper who is the resident "I see dead people" whom the town labels her as the town freak. We also run into evil beings in which a priest and his warriors have come to do battle against good and evil. The book was a tad bit long but well worth the page turning. Couldn't wait to see what happened at the end.

[Nibor · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting read

This is not your usual ghost story. It truly keeps you in wanting to know what happens next. It starts out innocently enough. A nice lady calls in some paranormal investigators because she believed her house was haunted. Ezzy Pizzy right. Afraid not. The group is in way over their heads. Meg enters the picture as their guide. Having lived in the area most of her life, knew the area well. The town folk say she is crazy. The reason is she was born with a gift where she can see ghosts. Add a friendly ghost or into the mix and you have a story that you can't put down. Did I mention there is a little humor mixed in. Read and enjoy.

[Azalter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read

A nice concept with the supernatural. I enjoyed the story as I think it will get better. Only complaint I have is that it could have stayed strictly a ghost story and would be rated higher, I think the storyline and writing failed was trying to make this a supernatural romance. The story line is strong and interesting all by itself without the awkwardness of the romance writing.

[Cheri Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

That is what I call a FANTASTIC ghost 👻 story!!

What a truly riveting and intriguing ghostly
mystery!! The characters were absolutely
wonderful! I really liked Murphy, the ghostly
farmer. The story line was enjoyablely
involving and a real page turner. Once I started
reading it wouldn't let go until the very end.
I highly recommend this series! Now, I'm on
to " Ghostly Attachments ".☺☺

[K · Rating 1 out of 5]

Another book that could have been decent if it weren't for the highest levels of misogyny I've seen in a long time. Pretty much every variety of vile sexism you can imagine. I had to check that the author was a woman cause usually you only see this level of gross writing from male authors.

On top of that the ending dragged on and on and on, and characterization was pretty inconsistent. It's a shame, the beginning seemed promising, but it went downhill really fast.

[Marlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book just felt so awkward. The conversations were unrealistic, a lot of name calling (hag, Bitch, slut, cowboy), so many different things going on and constant pov jumping. The mc and most supporting characters are either unlikeable or not fleshed out enough. The group who comes in later to save the day is not explained at all and I’m so confused by all of them. And just weird continuity issues like mc not recognizing her uncle who practically raised her.

[margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book for all time!!

I’m a serious reader, love the adventure! I first read this many year’s & books ago and I still come back to this one, the first of 37 in the series and what a ride it has been! I feel in’love’ with Murphy & with Mia with all the highs & lows the group go through and was looking forward to reading more until the death of the series. Miss them all!!

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good ghost story but...

not very scary. If you like your horror filled with romantic angst and don't want to be kept up nights then this is the book for you as its pretty lightweight for the horror genre.

[S. Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this on a cross country flight and was very glad I'd downloaded it to my Kindle. It moves quickly and is pretty engaging (except when ghosts are knocking people down, socking them and leaving bruises, which is where my ability to suspend disbelief falls short).

[Natasha Rachamsetty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm really only giving this book 2.5 stars. The plot, while mildly interesting, didn't flow smoothly. The interactions between the charachters weren't completely fleshed-out. This was the first in a lengthy series, I am undecided about to continue.

[Jo Anna Part · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

I wasn't sure when I purchased this book, but when I started reading I couldn't put it down. I loved everything about the story and characters! Who doesn't like a strong female lead that can see ghosts? Mystery and intrigue all in one. Looking forward to the next book.

[Boo · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

This was an interesting book. I loved the idea of it. The point of views switches so offten I didn’t really
Know whose pov it was, so it got really confusing somtimes. Still a good read.

[Marc T. · Rating 1 out of 5]

I discovered that this author passed last year. My condolences to the family.

Unfortunately, I found this book to be poorly written, and in need of an editor. It also went on way too long. I have no desire to read any other books in the series.

[Tricia Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book I have read of this author. I can say I look forward to reading more. this was an awesome book from start to finish.

[Phyllis H. Pajka · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic book. I couldn't put it down and waited to see what happened next. I really enjoyed this book and I think you will too.

[Candise Coffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Reading

Never a dull moment in this book. Once I started reading I couldn't put it down. Easy to read. Loved it!

[Carolyn Withrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book

Terrific book! Loved the plot and characters! I found myself laughing out loud at some of the situations. I would definitely recommend this book! Can't wait for the next one!

[Jen | Prairiebookgirl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very disappointing read. There was no authenticity or continuity in the characters, and some of the writing was just plain weird. The end really took a nosedive.