The Mystery of Hollow Inn

Samantha Wolf Mysteries #1

by Tara Ellis

Twelve-year-old Samantha Wolf, and her best friend Ally, are excited to spend part of their summer break in the mountains of Montana. But unknown to them, Hollow Inn is bathed in mystery and legend. After arriving, they soon discover that things are not going well for Sam's Aunt and Uncle, who own the Inn. Determined to help, Sam and Ally embark on a challenging journey to discover the truth.

Genres: Mystery, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Fiction, Childrens, Ebooks, Cozy Mystery

161 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

With over 50 published books across ten genres, author Tara Ellis is best known for her heart-pounding post-apocalyptic and thriller series. A heavy dose of mystery often underscores her character-driven plots, heralding back to what fueled her desire to tell stories from an early age.

A certified firefighter in the state of Washington, Tara volunteered as a FF/EMT for over eight years. She also responded as a support officer, worked as an emergency room technician, was a 911 dispatcher, and taught life-saving techniques to the public and first responders. As an author of thriller and survival stories, she draws upon her personal experience throughout her storytelling.

Tara lives in the gorgeous Cascade Mountains of Washington State. When not writing or spending time with family, she can be found hiking the woods while plotting her next adventure.

*Join Tara's newsletter on her author website: Tara Ellis Books

*Check out her women's literature and mysteries under the pen name of Tara Meyers

*Find her on FB under Tara Ellis Author

Check back for upcoming dates for public appearances and book signings!

Coming this year, in 2025:

*A new post-apocalyptic series with Aethon Books, The 6th Extinction, releases in April

*A new thriller series co-authored with L.T. Ryan was announced to release later this year!

*The third and final book in The Fallen series, The Redeemed, is coming this summer

*Several new audiobooks will go live throughout the year

Check back for upcoming dates for public appearances and book signings!

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reminiscent of my childhood favourites - Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden - The Mystery of Hollow Inn, which features 12 year old best friends Samantha and Ally, have an exciting summer holiday with their aunt and uncle at Hollow Inn in the mountains of Montana. As they explore, they search for the truth of the old legend, hoping the answers will help bring guests back to the Inn.

1st in the Samantha Wolf series, author Tara Ellis has created likable characters in the two girls, and I'm very much looking forward to the next. Recommended.

[Jessaka · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a fun and well written story that even has a lesson about how much more fun life can be if a person isn’t texting or using your cell phone all the time.

The girls Samantha and her friend Ally, visit Samantha’s aunt and uncle’s inn where they learn that guests there leave due to seeing ghosts and also seeing vandalism that occurs on the property. Samantha hears about this and wants to solve the mystery so her aunt and uncle can continue to make a living.

This story is filled with some scary scenes, but not a lot of mishaps like the Hardy Boy books who are always getting hit on the head or trapped in caves or other places. Still, it moves along at a nice pace.

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mystery of Hollow Inn
Samantha Wolf Mystery, Book 1
By: Tara Ellis
Narrated by: Tara Ellis
This is an audible book I requested and the review is voluntary.
This was an excellent middle grade or preteen book! A great mystery with lots of clues, brave girls and a boy. Good vs evil. Happy ending. Suspense, intrigue, action, and dialogue that sounded real. I have eight grand kids and six are in this age level and I think they would love this book! The author is very talented besides being a crafty storyteller, she also narrated this book. Not everyone can do narration but she was awesome! I didn't know it was her until I checked after. Wow, awesome job! She did the voices so well. Men, women, boys, girls, all great!

[Linda Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good tween mystery or for any age that enjoys a clean, light mystery.

[Tara Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mystery of Hollow Inn is a fun, fast-paced story, where two twelve-year-old girls do their best to save a failing Inn.

Set deep in the Mountains of Montana, Sam and Ally find themselves in the middle of both mystery and danger around every turn!

If you've enjoyed the Nancy Drew Series, Trixie Beldon or the The Boxcar Children, then the Samantha Wolf Mystery Series is perfect for you (or your kids!)

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars
Cute mystery with young teens Sam and Ally on the case to help Sam's Aunt & Uncle who own a country inn but are plagued by vandalism, ghostly visits and missing treasure!
I enjoyed it as a one off but this is a bit too young and cutesy for my taste so I won't be carrying on with the series.

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Touted as a sort-of-new Nancy Drew there are similarities and differences. While the audience is predominantly the same, this may be more interesting to them because the characters are their age and it is modern with mentions of social media and cellphones. The dangers Sam and Ally face are ones that Nancy Drew faces but does not seem quite as intense.

The book draws you in quickly with smart dialog and action without someone trying to injury or steal from them by the end of the first chapter. The premise is somewhat realistic; after all, who hasn't dreamed of going on a treasure hunt and finding gold. Sam and Ally don't do anything that any kid their age couldn't easily do. Plus, the clues are baffling; it takes work and a bit of luck for Sam and Ally to figure it out.

Searching for gold! Action, good friends, and difficult puzzles, what more could anyone ask for?

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son and I both enjoyed this story. I had found it referred to as similar to Nancy Drew, Trixie Beldon and the Hardy Boys, count me in! It was a great story, I thought the ending was a bit abrupt but my son says it was perfect. I like that it is set in current times but that they kids actually have to think for themselves and aren't constantly using technology for everything. They even call their parents on (gasp!) a landline! We listened to this for a week straight, even though we finished it the first night. We are now reading the second book in the series.
It does have two kids, preteens in this case, they do solve a mystery on there own, there are several suspense filled moments and it is a fun book. If you enjoy a good mystery, this is for you.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect for middle graders

Twelve year old Samantha Wolf and her friend Alyson Parker are visiting Sam's aunt and uncle's inn in Montana for their summer break. Legend has it that Hollow Inn is haunted by ghosts. Or is it?

Sam and Ally are determined to discover the truth, so they follow clues from a journal that belonged to the original owner of the inn, Shawn Hollow. The story follows Sam and Ally's adventures at the inn. Would recommend to middle graders

[JenMarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Source: was provided an ecopy of this book for an honest review.

I don't usually read and review books aiming for preteens and younger teens. However, something about this book jumped at me.
So after emailing the author and reading this book, I was actually excited to read it!
This book reminds me a lot of a modern version of Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys and The Dana Girls.
I love the old classic kid/teen mystery novels and always will. So I wish this author luck on reaching her goal of making this series as one of "the greats."

The character Sam, reminds me a lot of myself. Rather be outside than in on electronics. Who would have thought that a 12 year old in a modern would would rather to be outside.
And who would want a good mystery.

Just like Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys, this was a quick read with a good mystery.

I would love to read the rest of her books and can't wait for them either.

Thank you again, Tara Ellis, for a new "Nancy Drew."

[Gayle (OutsmartYourShelf) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Samantha Wolf and best friend, Ally, are spending a couple of weeks of the summer holidays with Sam's aunt and uncle. They have just taken over Hollow Inn, an old house with extensive grounds which has been turned into a hotel. When Sam & Ally arrive, they are the only guests due to some strange goings-on: mysterious noises, figures appearing in rooms, and spates of vandalism. Rumours are that there is a ghost haunting Hollow Inn - can Sam & Ally solve the mystery?

The writing is good, and even though it's a fairly short book, the reader is drawn into the story. Plot-wise, this series is aimed at children so it's along the lines of Nancy Drew type mysteries. I will definitely be reading more of the series at some point.

[C.P. Cabaniss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved these mystery stories when I was younger and I'm so glad I read this one. The characters were well written, the story entertaining, and it had a touch of ghosts.

I think most kids dream of mansions with hidden passages, full of mystery. Maybe even having a ghost that haunts it. This is the perfect story for anyone who ever wanted to have any of those adventures. The characters are silly enough to be real and serious enough to be quick thinking, if somewhat misled, preteens. Such a fun story.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming characters in this cutie.
Do you remember reading Nancy Drew? Will this story will take you back to when you enjoyed Nancy Drew’s books. Samantha Wolf and her best friend Ally are on holiday and wouldn’t you know it there is a mystery that the girls are going to look into. Charming characters in this cutie along with some great twists will have you totally engaged. I really enjoyed the book!

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable little story where two young girls turn detectives to find a hidden treasure. They are determined to discover who is damaging the Inn's property, with the hope that the owners leave them free to hunt for the legendary treasure.
Well written and full of surprises!

[Krystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. The characters really come to life. One of my boys loved it & asked for the next one.

[Wulfwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The edition I am reviewing is actually the Audible one.

I listened to this book with my grandchildren in two different states. There was a total of 2 girls and 4 boys ages 4-12. We use video calling to read together.

The story begins with two 12 year old friends, Sam and Ally, arriving in Montana. They went by bus to vacation at the inn owned by Sam’s aunt and uncle. Upon arrival it becomes apparent that there won’t be cell phone service. Something that dismays one but delights the other. When a teenage boy, working at the inn, lets it slip that there is a legend attached to the inn, the adventure begins!

My grandchildren found it fascinating that the girls were allowed to go alone on a bus from California to Montana. They do not travel alone. This caused some excitement and a few questions. The cell phone being taken out caused some anxiety for the kids, too. Personally I loved that the author made a point of showing them they would not only survive without it, they would have fun. I was also impressed that the author made the point that while some people are very comfortable and even attached to social media, others are not. I always think it is important that differences be shown and accepted. The said they really liked how the author described things. They were able to picture it in their minds and watch the story unfold, which is something I have always loved about books. We all agreed the author did an excellent job with the narration. We are looking forward to the next book.

[Emmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

•audiobook•

Growing up with Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, the Bobbsey Twins, and Encyclopedia Brown (which was the shortest of mysteries, somewhat a chapter mystery, since each chapter was like a whole mystery); and authors like Augusta Hueill Seaman, I find nostalgia and innocence in looking for treasure and unmasking ghosts.
Typical of this genre were the slight disobedience when adventure calls, but at no point was it dangerous or morally wrong. Like little white lies.
(Kind of like stopping for a milkshake or coffee, even though you’ve already said you’re on your way home - not crossing borders to elope with an adult.)
I enjoyed the ‘clues’ - the reader/listener starts to draw the same conclusions as the characters do.
A wonderful series for mothers and daughters, or grandmothers and granddaughters; perhaps even for dads and their little girls!
It’s innocence and adventure.
Writing is somewhat stilted, but not flawed to the point it distracts from the story. Using the word “pleads” instead of “pleas” (it could be the narrator’s pronunciation) felt inaccurate.
Overall, a wonderful, wholesome mystery to be enjoyed by and for most families!

[Big Game James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story despite the present tense format

Tara Ellis has mentioned on Twitter that her Samantha Wolf Mysteries are just like reading Nancy Drew or Trixie Belden, back in the day. Well, I’ve never read any Drew or Belden but that didn’t stop me from really enjoying this story.

For one, aside from her decision to use the present tense format (which requires readers to convert to past tense as they read), it’s a really good story. The characters seem mostly real to life, the situations plausible, and the writing is excellent. As for my present-tense gripe, I later learned that that format was used since her primary audience is younger readers. Fair enough.

Being a recreational hiker, I also appreciated Tara’s authentic descriptions of the Outdoor Nation and the photo she includes of herself at the end with what looks like Rainier in the background is nice. And even though I’m an older dude who typically reads Sci-Fi, action adventures, and thrillers, I’m looking forward to reading the next Samantha Wolf Mystery.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book/series has been recommended to me lately by several people. It delivers. It's a good mystery series written in the way of the mystery series that I adore from my younger days but is completely up-to-date for today's young readers.

Twelve year-old Samantha and her friend Ally travel to the Montana mountains for a 2 week vacation with her aunt and uncle who are running a B&B in an old mansion. The Hollow Mansion is beset with legends of hidden treasure and people claim to be bothered by a ghost at night. Who can resist reading a ghost story set in a haunted mansion? Sam & Ally decide to solve the mystery, because it's scaring away business. Many things happen but they keep it to themselves in true amateur detective fashion. The conclusion brings a perfect and satisfying end to the mystery. I will be buying the other books in the series.

[Mv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young Samantha, along with her friend, go to visit her aunt and uncle at their Inn in the mountains. Things are not going well at the Inn due to vandalism and rumours of ghosts. Then there is the legend of buried gold...the young girls decide that if they can find the gold, they can help her aunt and uncle save the ailing Inn.

This is the first book I’ve read/listened to by this author. This is a good kids story. I would like to listen to more of these books. The mystery was engaging and characters enjoyable.

The author narrated the book and this is the first book I’ve listened to by her. I would listen to another. He did a fantastic job creating voices for each character, bringing l the story and instilling the mystery and excitement.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this unbiased review

[Angela Raedel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t normally write reviews but I just loved this book so much, I felt I had to.

This book was excellent. It gave me the cozy feeling of when I was younger when I used to read the Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden mysteries.

This was a “current day” mystery with two young girls who reminded me of my daughter and my niece....who ironically are named Samantha and Allyson. ☺️

If you enjoyed reading ND or TB as a child, you will love reading this as an adult. I only wish my daughter enjoyed reading as this is the perfect book for a young tween or teen.

Full of action, suspense, with poignant parts, this kept me glued. I will definitely be reading the rest of the books in this series.

For the record, I paid for this book and nobody asked me to write this review. 😁

[Iseult Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun adventure

Sam and Ally are best friends and a vacation to Sam’s aunt’s hotel gives them a chance to investigate a mystery.

I really liked Sam and Ally. They were great characters. I liked how they approached things differently. Sam was much more impulsive, while Ally thought about things. Together they made a great team.

The hotel and grounds sounded like paradise! What a wonderful place to spend a vacation. The mystery was lots of fun. Treasure hunts are always exciting, and I liked all the different elements with the journal, Ted, the ghost, the mine, and the experience at the lake.

My only nitpick would be that I was surprised the girls didn’t use their phones to take pictures and record video, and even to use them as flashlights. I know they couldn’t use them to go online, but I was surprised they didn’t want to keep a record of their vacation.

Altogether an entertaining mystery adventure.

[Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sam and her best friend Ally find themselves in the middle of a mystery when they visit Sam's aunt and uncle. The inn they have recently taken over has so many ghostly rumours that no customers want to stay and most of the locals don't even want to work there. Sam and Ally make it their mission to discover the mysterious missing treasure.
The story was interesting though fairly childish, being aimed at quite a young audience. But the narration was a bit unnatural and sounded almost synthetic.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

This story was quick and entertaining. My 8 year old daughter and I listened to this on a car ride and we enjoyed it from beginning to end. My daughter liked it so much that I am off to find the rest of this series so she can continue the journey with Samantha!

[Jeffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mystery of Hallow Inn was a really wonderful journey through the mountains of Montana. The plot was very believable and well written, having been a fan of the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew I was very impressed. Tara Ellis really spins a wonderful and mysterious tale of greed, "ghosts", the the true depths of what it means to be family. I look forward to reading about further adventures of Samantha Wolf.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightfully intriguing story.

This is a completely engaging story that follows the adventure of two girls that happen upon a mystery that needs solving and a treasure that needs finding. There are lots of surprises and excitement along the way so jump right in and enjoy this fun book.

[A Belle & A Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun and suspenseful tale! Tara Ellis has begun a fantastic middle grade to YA series perfect for the mystery lover. I cannot wait to see what over legends and mysteries this pair solve.

[Selena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!!!!!!!!

This w as a great book!!!!!!!!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teen mystery

Sam was going to visit her Aunt and Uncle for the summer at the lodge they bought and turned into a B&B. Her friend Ally is with her. A young guy, Ted, picks them up from the bus station as her aunt and uncle are dealing with problems. Someone is sabotaging the Lodge and as a result there are no guest. The last guest swears there are ghosts also. So a great summer adventure—if they don’t get killed. A cute story that any youngster would enjoy.

[Gerd · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed it.
It's the kind of mystery story I would have loved reading as kid.