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The Haunting of Paynes Hollow
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Horror (2025)From
New York Times
bestselling author Kelley Armstrong comes a nail-biting supernatural horror about a haunted lakeside property and twisted family secrets.
When Samantha Payne’s grandfather dies, she figures she won’t even get a mention in the will. After all, she hasn’t seen him in fourteen years, not since her father took his own life after being accused of murdering a child at their lakefront cottage. Her grandfather always insisted her father was innocent, despite Sam having caught him burying the child’s body, his clothing streaked with blood.
But when she does attend the reading of the will at the behest of her aunt, she discovers that her grandfather left her the very valuable lakefront property where the family cottage sits. There’s one Sam needs to stay in the cottage for a month. To finally face the fact she was wrong and her father was innocent, in her grandfather's words.
Traveling to Paynes Hollow, Sam is faced with the realities of her childhood and the secrets kept hidden in the shadows of her memories. When her aunt goes missing a couple days into their stay, Sam begins to question everything again. Plagued by nightmares and paranoia, she begins hearing sounds in the forest and seeing shapes crawling from the water as the rippling waves of the lake promise something unspeakably dark lurking just below their surface.
10 hrs. 18 mins.
When Samantha Payne’s grandfather dies, she figures she won’t even get a mention in the will. After all, she hasn’t seen him in fourteen years, not since her father took his own life after being accused of murdering a child at their lakefront cottage. Her grandfather always insisted her father was innocent, despite Sam having caught him burying the child’s body, his clothing streaked with blood.
But when she does attend the reading of the will at the behest of her aunt, she discovers that her grandfather left her the very valuable lakefront property where the family cottage sits. There’s one Sam needs to stay in the cottage for a month. To finally face the fact she was wrong and her father was innocent, in her grandfather's words.
Traveling to Paynes Hollow, Sam is faced with the realities of her childhood and the secrets kept hidden in the shadows of her memories. When her aunt goes missing a couple days into their stay, Sam begins to question everything again. Plagued by nightmares and paranoia, she begins hearing sounds in the forest and seeing shapes crawling from the water as the rippling waves of the lake promise something unspeakably dark lurking just below their surface.
10 hrs. 18 mins.
11 pages, Audible Audio
First published October 14, 2025
706 people are currently reading
29480 people want to read
About the author
Kelley Armstrong
302 books33.5k followersKelley Armstrong has been telling stories since before she could write. Her earliest written efforts were disastrous. If asked for a story about girls and dolls, hers would invariably feature undead girls and evil dolls, much to her teachers' dismay. All efforts to make her produce "normal" stories failed.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
Today, she continues to spin tales of ghosts and demons and werewolves, while safely locked away in her basement writing dungeon. She's the author of the NYT-bestselling "Women of the Otherworld" paranormal suspense series and "Darkest Powers" young adult urban fantasy trilogy, as well as the Nadia Stafford crime series. Armstrong lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, kids and far too many pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,236 reviews
July 18, 2025
Sam Payne stands to inherit a ten-million-dollar property from her estranged grandfather under one condition: she must spend 30 days living there in her family's long-abandoned summer cabin. What could possibly go wrong? I mean, sure, people go missing in the area with alarming frequency and her dad may have sort of killed a boy (and then himself) there a couple of decades prior and Sam isn't allowed to leave the property for more than an hour a day without forfeiting the inheritance, but these definitely aren't details straight out of a scary movie and things will almost certainly be fine. Right? Right?? Right?!?
Wrong.
Since this is a horror novel, it probably goes without saying that things do not wind up all sunshine and rainbows.
There's some interesting Dutch folklore to be found in this one, and it's intertwined with the legend of the Headless Horseman from Washington Irving's famous story. It's all very creepy and entertaining, and there are definitely a few nightmare-worthy scenes. This book is a bit of a slow burn and it takes a while for the horror to really ramp up, but that doesn't mean that the initial chapters are dull: I was totally invested in the story and its characters from the very beginning.
And I did like the characters, mostly. Ben, the curmudgeonly caretaker and Gail, Sam's incredibly generous aunt, were my favorites, although Sam isn't a terrible main character as far as these things go. I appreciate that her desire to procure her inheritance completely overrides her sense of self-preservation, because I, too, like money. You'd have to drag my cold, dead body off of that property, because that would be the only way I'd be leaving. Granted, Sam has actual altruistic reasons for needing the millions, but, I mean, it's not like I wouldn't be donating to allllll the animal shelters and sanctuaries while swimming around in my Scrooge McDuck-esque money bin. (If you're really rich and looking to adopt a new granddaughter, message me!)
But speaking of animals … yeah. There are some dismembered ones in this novel. Sigh. You don't actually “see” it happening, but the, um … results are discussed extensively. Squirrels and bunnies and foxes should stay far, far away from Payne's Hollow.
Overall, though, The Haunting of Payne's Hollow doesn't disappoint. It's creepy and entertaining and there's a brooding, handsome, and mysterious caretaker who totally won't hold it against you if your father gets caught burying his younger brother's corpse in the forest. What more can you ask for in a novel?
4.05 stars, rounded down.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is October 14, 2025.
Wrong.
Since this is a horror novel, it probably goes without saying that things do not wind up all sunshine and rainbows.
There's some interesting Dutch folklore to be found in this one, and it's intertwined with the legend of the Headless Horseman from Washington Irving's famous story. It's all very creepy and entertaining, and there are definitely a few nightmare-worthy scenes. This book is a bit of a slow burn and it takes a while for the horror to really ramp up, but that doesn't mean that the initial chapters are dull: I was totally invested in the story and its characters from the very beginning.
And I did like the characters, mostly. Ben, the curmudgeonly caretaker and Gail, Sam's incredibly generous aunt, were my favorites, although Sam isn't a terrible main character as far as these things go. I appreciate that her desire to procure her inheritance completely overrides her sense of self-preservation, because I, too, like money. You'd have to drag my cold, dead body off of that property, because that would be the only way I'd be leaving. Granted, Sam has actual altruistic reasons for needing the millions, but, I mean, it's not like I wouldn't be donating to allllll the animal shelters and sanctuaries while swimming around in my Scrooge McDuck-esque money bin. (If you're really rich and looking to adopt a new granddaughter, message me!)
But speaking of animals … yeah. There are some dismembered ones in this novel. Sigh. You don't actually “see” it happening, but the, um … results are discussed extensively. Squirrels and bunnies and foxes should stay far, far away from Payne's Hollow.
Overall, though, The Haunting of Payne's Hollow doesn't disappoint. It's creepy and entertaining and there's a brooding, handsome, and mysterious caretaker who totally won't hold it against you if your father gets caught burying his younger brother's corpse in the forest. What more can you ask for in a novel?
4.05 stars, rounded down.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is October 14, 2025.
October 14, 2025
OUTLIER REVIEW:
I have never read Kelley Armstrong before (I know! Can you believe it?) so when this GORGEOUS BOOK COVER caught my eye, I thought, Why Not? I usually love reimaginings.
But, this isn’t a retelling of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” though it takes place in a nearby town and references the mythical figure of the Headless Horseman, and other folklore tales frequently.
Samantha Payne’s father allegedly took his own life after being accused of murdering a child at their lakefront cottage. Her grandfather always insisted her father was innocent, despite Sam having caught him burying the child’s body, red handed.
So, nobody is more surprised than Sam when she learns that in his WILL, her grandfather left her the lakefront property worth-if sold-a cool ten million dollars which she could use to pay for her mother’s care for patients with dementia.
Of course, there is a catch: Sam needs to stay in the cottage for a month.
Sam’s grandfather is hoping that by immersing Sam in sensory memory, she will recall what REALLY happened that night, and realize that her father was indeed innocent. And, he has recreated what the cottage looked like 14 years prior, right down to the bed linens and how the kitchen table was set for dinner.
But, as soon as Sam arrives, the nightmares return and Sam wakes up to the sound of pounding hoofs, and unexplained lights under the water in the lake at night. And, mornings bring mutilated and dismembered animals delivered to her porch for her to find.
Is someone or SOMETHING trying to scare her off the property so that she won’t inherit the money?
No book is for every reader and clearly this book was NOT for me.
Kelley Armstrong’s loyal fans are loving this one, but I didn’t find it spooky at all because it seemed so over the top with the walking undead creatures.
The books that I find scary are those that are plausible and this one doesn’t meet that criteria. If you enjoy “Final Girl” type stories and SUPERNATURAL HORROR this will probably be a hit for you!
2.5 stars rounded down
AVAILABLE NOW
Thank You to St. Martin’s Press for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts.
I have never read Kelley Armstrong before (I know! Can you believe it?) so when this GORGEOUS BOOK COVER caught my eye, I thought, Why Not? I usually love reimaginings.
But, this isn’t a retelling of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” though it takes place in a nearby town and references the mythical figure of the Headless Horseman, and other folklore tales frequently.
Samantha Payne’s father allegedly took his own life after being accused of murdering a child at their lakefront cottage. Her grandfather always insisted her father was innocent, despite Sam having caught him burying the child’s body, red handed.
So, nobody is more surprised than Sam when she learns that in his WILL, her grandfather left her the lakefront property worth-if sold-a cool ten million dollars which she could use to pay for her mother’s care for patients with dementia.
Of course, there is a catch: Sam needs to stay in the cottage for a month.
Sam’s grandfather is hoping that by immersing Sam in sensory memory, she will recall what REALLY happened that night, and realize that her father was indeed innocent. And, he has recreated what the cottage looked like 14 years prior, right down to the bed linens and how the kitchen table was set for dinner.
But, as soon as Sam arrives, the nightmares return and Sam wakes up to the sound of pounding hoofs, and unexplained lights under the water in the lake at night. And, mornings bring mutilated and dismembered animals delivered to her porch for her to find.
Is someone or SOMETHING trying to scare her off the property so that she won’t inherit the money?
No book is for every reader and clearly this book was NOT for me.
Kelley Armstrong’s loyal fans are loving this one, but I didn’t find it spooky at all because it seemed so over the top with the walking undead creatures.
The books that I find scary are those that are plausible and this one doesn’t meet that criteria. If you enjoy “Final Girl” type stories and SUPERNATURAL HORROR this will probably be a hit for you!
2.5 stars rounded down
AVAILABLE NOW
Thank You to St. Martin’s Press for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts.
September 28, 2025
I read this book in one day 'nuff said.... but perhaps, I will say more. I love Kelley Armstrong's writing and found The Haunting of Paynes Hollow to be chilling, thrilling, creepy, dark, eerie, mysterious, and you guessed it - hard to put down! I picked up this arc to read because I was in the mood for something a little creepy, a little spooky, and a little bit horrific and Kelley Armstrong delivered!
Samantha, call her Sam, Paynes has not seen her grandfather in fourteen years. She hasn't seen him since her father took his own life after being accused of murdering a local youth. Her grandfather always insisted on her father's innocence, but Sam saw something that says otherwise. When she is called for the reading of his will, she is shocked. She is even more shocked when her grandfather leaves her his expansive lakefront property. But there is a catch - there is always a catch - she must spend one month staying in one of the cottages without leaving! Sounds easy enough, right! Sounds simple enough right? Get a little rest and relaxation in a beautiful setting by a lake, sure she can't leave but you can't beat the view! Her beloved aunt even agrees to stay with her! Plus, Ben, who she knows and has ties to her past, is the caretaker so she won't be entirely alone. But things take a turn as things often do. Some secrets won't stay buried, some memories might resurface, some things might go bump in the night, and when her aunt disappears ......
I loved the setting. I love that they are virtually alone by a lake, thankfully it is not 'Camp Crystal Lake' but don't let that fool you. This lake is not as picture perfect as it looks! It's scary, spooky and creepy. If the title of 'Paynes Hollow' has you thinking of "Sleepy Hollow" you would not be wrong. But The Haunting of Paynes Hollow has its whole other type of creepy going on.
I enjoyed the tension and the simmering something-isn't-quite-right feeling in this book. I loved the dread which ebbed and flowed throughout the book. I thought Kelley Armstrong did a great job of having both Sam and readers wondering if one of Sam's relatives was trying to scare her off so they could get the property or if there really was something going bump in the night!
Wonderfully written, perfectly placed, well thought out, addictive, horrific and dark! The Haunting of Paynes Hollow which is less than 300 pages, packed a powerful horrific punch while delivering the chills and thrills. Be warned - there discoveries of mutilated animals. These are not described in detail but are still there. Readers can easily skim past these parts if that may make for uncomfortable reading for them.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Samantha, call her Sam, Paynes has not seen her grandfather in fourteen years. She hasn't seen him since her father took his own life after being accused of murdering a local youth. Her grandfather always insisted on her father's innocence, but Sam saw something that says otherwise. When she is called for the reading of his will, she is shocked. She is even more shocked when her grandfather leaves her his expansive lakefront property. But there is a catch - there is always a catch - she must spend one month staying in one of the cottages without leaving! Sounds easy enough, right! Sounds simple enough right? Get a little rest and relaxation in a beautiful setting by a lake, sure she can't leave but you can't beat the view! Her beloved aunt even agrees to stay with her! Plus, Ben, who she knows and has ties to her past, is the caretaker so she won't be entirely alone. But things take a turn as things often do. Some secrets won't stay buried, some memories might resurface, some things might go bump in the night, and when her aunt disappears ......
I loved the setting. I love that they are virtually alone by a lake, thankfully it is not 'Camp Crystal Lake' but don't let that fool you. This lake is not as picture perfect as it looks! It's scary, spooky and creepy. If the title of 'Paynes Hollow' has you thinking of "Sleepy Hollow" you would not be wrong. But The Haunting of Paynes Hollow has its whole other type of creepy going on.
I enjoyed the tension and the simmering something-isn't-quite-right feeling in this book. I loved the dread which ebbed and flowed throughout the book. I thought Kelley Armstrong did a great job of having both Sam and readers wondering if one of Sam's relatives was trying to scare her off so they could get the property or if there really was something going bump in the night!
Wonderfully written, perfectly placed, well thought out, addictive, horrific and dark! The Haunting of Paynes Hollow which is less than 300 pages, packed a powerful horrific punch while delivering the chills and thrills. Be warned - there discoveries of mutilated animals. These are not described in detail but are still there. Readers can easily skim past these parts if that may make for uncomfortable reading for them.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
October 22, 2025
2.25
ੈ✩‧₊˚ a modern take a headless horseman/sleepy hollow reimagining ੈ✩‧₊˚
…but make it not spooky at all and lacking character development.
the juxtaposition of the characters not properly reacting when *anything* happens throughout the book and then the way-too-dramatic climax at the end just didn’t really work for me?
you know i’m not impressed by the “twists” at the end of a book if i put it down with 20 pages left and go to sleep instead.
decent October read with a very interesting concept but can’t say it’s one of my spooky season favorites. if supernatural kinda-horror sounds good to you, pick it up but don’t expect much depth or development.
ੈ✩‧₊˚ a modern take a headless horseman/sleepy hollow reimagining ੈ✩‧₊˚
…but make it not spooky at all and lacking character development.
the juxtaposition of the characters not properly reacting when *anything* happens throughout the book and then the way-too-dramatic climax at the end just didn’t really work for me?
you know i’m not impressed by the “twists” at the end of a book if i put it down with 20 pages left and go to sleep instead.
decent October read with a very interesting concept but can’t say it’s one of my spooky season favorites. if supernatural kinda-horror sounds good to you, pick it up but don’t expect much depth or development.
December 7, 2025
Happy Puplication Day! 🎉🌟📚
I always feel a rush of excitement whenever I immerse myself in a Kelley Armstrong novel. Her storytelling is exceptional, creating immersive atmospheres filled with mystery, suspense, and, in this instance, just the right touch of creepiness.
In her latest tale, we meet Samantha "Sam" Payne, who is attending the reading of her estranged grandfather's will. Approaching the event with a mix of nostalgia and trepidation, she holds little expectation, especially since she hasn't seen him in over fourteen years. Memories of her manipulative grandfather and the lakeside family compound along Lake Ontario are marred by darkness and regret. The term "trauma" hardly captures her experience, as it was there that Sam witnessed a shocking event: her father burying a local boy named Austin in the forest when she was just twelve. This traumatic event has lingered with her, profoundly shaping her life. Her grandfather insisted on his son’s innocence, trying to convince her that her memories might not fully encapsulate the truth of that day.
When her grandfather leaves "Payne’s Hollow," their family summer retreat, complete with multiple cabins and over 300 acres of dense forest, it comes with a peculiar stipulation: to inherit the property, Sam must live there for a full 30 days without leaving. To ensure compliance, her grandfather’s controlling lawyer, Mrs. Jimenez, requires her to wear a tracking device that constantly monitors her movements.
Adding to the complexity is Ben Vandergriff, the brooding caretaker of the estate. While emotionally distant, Ben has his own tragic backstory that adds depth to the unfolding mystery.
As Sam and her aunt Gail settle into the cottage, Armstrong skillfully immerses us in a dense atmosphere of suspense. The sights and sounds disrupt the silence of the lakefront, and whispers of the past echo through the trees. Inexplicable occurrences begin to unravel the fragile threads of Sam’s reality, blurring the line between sanity and madness as she confronts the truth of her surroundings, especially once darkness falls. Memories resurface in a storm, challenging Samantha's perception of the past. With Gail questioning her recollection of events and alarming happenings like horrific visions and mutilated animals appearing at their doorstep, the tension escalates. The chilling family folklore surrounding a Headless Horseman adds another layer of intrigue—one that diverges from the familiar tale we know.
"The Haunting of Payne’s Hollow" is a gripping read that kept me up late into the night! I devoured 60% of the book in a single sitting, and the next morning, coffee in hand, I couldn't resist finishing the story. Armstrong masterfully creates a claustrophobic and eerie atmosphere that feels almost alive, playing a crucial role in propelling the plot forward. The suspense lingers on every page, wrapping Sam, Gail, Ben, and others in a darkness that feels both palpable and haunting. And the twist at the end? Absolutely brilliant—mind-blowing!
I appreciate how Armstrong artfully weaves supernatural elements and family folklore into the mystery without forcing a romantic subplot on Samantha, which, in my opinion, would have detracted from my enjoyment of the story.
This book is a perfect pick for the spooky season! I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a blend of suspense, intrigue, dark family secrets, and a touch of the paranormal. Grab your copy and prepare for a thrilling journey! Expected publication date: October 14, 2025.
I want to give a special thanks to Martin Quinn, Director of Marketing and Bookseller Strategy at St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books, as well as NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I always feel a rush of excitement whenever I immerse myself in a Kelley Armstrong novel. Her storytelling is exceptional, creating immersive atmospheres filled with mystery, suspense, and, in this instance, just the right touch of creepiness.
In her latest tale, we meet Samantha "Sam" Payne, who is attending the reading of her estranged grandfather's will. Approaching the event with a mix of nostalgia and trepidation, she holds little expectation, especially since she hasn't seen him in over fourteen years. Memories of her manipulative grandfather and the lakeside family compound along Lake Ontario are marred by darkness and regret. The term "trauma" hardly captures her experience, as it was there that Sam witnessed a shocking event: her father burying a local boy named Austin in the forest when she was just twelve. This traumatic event has lingered with her, profoundly shaping her life. Her grandfather insisted on his son’s innocence, trying to convince her that her memories might not fully encapsulate the truth of that day.
When her grandfather leaves "Payne’s Hollow," their family summer retreat, complete with multiple cabins and over 300 acres of dense forest, it comes with a peculiar stipulation: to inherit the property, Sam must live there for a full 30 days without leaving. To ensure compliance, her grandfather’s controlling lawyer, Mrs. Jimenez, requires her to wear a tracking device that constantly monitors her movements.
Adding to the complexity is Ben Vandergriff, the brooding caretaker of the estate. While emotionally distant, Ben has his own tragic backstory that adds depth to the unfolding mystery.
As Sam and her aunt Gail settle into the cottage, Armstrong skillfully immerses us in a dense atmosphere of suspense. The sights and sounds disrupt the silence of the lakefront, and whispers of the past echo through the trees. Inexplicable occurrences begin to unravel the fragile threads of Sam’s reality, blurring the line between sanity and madness as she confronts the truth of her surroundings, especially once darkness falls. Memories resurface in a storm, challenging Samantha's perception of the past. With Gail questioning her recollection of events and alarming happenings like horrific visions and mutilated animals appearing at their doorstep, the tension escalates. The chilling family folklore surrounding a Headless Horseman adds another layer of intrigue—one that diverges from the familiar tale we know.
"The Haunting of Payne’s Hollow" is a gripping read that kept me up late into the night! I devoured 60% of the book in a single sitting, and the next morning, coffee in hand, I couldn't resist finishing the story. Armstrong masterfully creates a claustrophobic and eerie atmosphere that feels almost alive, playing a crucial role in propelling the plot forward. The suspense lingers on every page, wrapping Sam, Gail, Ben, and others in a darkness that feels both palpable and haunting. And the twist at the end? Absolutely brilliant—mind-blowing!
I appreciate how Armstrong artfully weaves supernatural elements and family folklore into the mystery without forcing a romantic subplot on Samantha, which, in my opinion, would have detracted from my enjoyment of the story.
This book is a perfect pick for the spooky season! I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a blend of suspense, intrigue, dark family secrets, and a touch of the paranormal. Grab your copy and prepare for a thrilling journey! Expected publication date: October 14, 2025.
I want to give a special thanks to Martin Quinn, Director of Marketing and Bookseller Strategy at St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books, as well as NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
December 25, 2025
**3.5-stars rounded up**
The Haunting of Paynes Hollow follows Samantha Payne, who is shocked to learn upon the death of her Grandfather that she's received a very valuable lakefront property that's been in the family for generations.
It's an extremely prized piece of real estate, a summer retreat on Lake Ontario, that the whole family has enjoyed for years. Samantha is left scratching her head as to why he would have bequeathed it to her of all people.
The property also has a bit of a lurid past though, one Samantha would rather not think about. It was at that lakefront cottage that her father was thought to have killed a local child. Sadly, he ended up taking his own life as a result of this horrific incident.
Since that time, 14-years ago, Samantha has been practically estranged from that side of the family, except for her Aunt Gail, who she's remained quite close with.
As it turns out, the inheritance does have one small caveat. Sam needs to reside at the cottage for a month before the property will be officially conveyed into her name. There are very strict rules applied to this as well.
Needing the money the property could some day grant her, Sam decides to take on the challenge, and along with her Aunt, heads back to the property she hasn't revisited in over a decade.
From the start things seem slightly off, like someone is trying to scare them away. Not only that, being back at the site, stirs up all sorts of long-buried memories and emotions for Sam. It's a lot.
When Aunt Gail goes missing a few days into their stay, Sam begins to question everything she thought she knew, both about her past and their family.
Exhausted from nightmares and plagued by paranoia, Sam swears she sees lights and shapes moving under the rippling waves of the lake. Can the truth of what lies below also be the truth at the heart of her family legacy?
I had fun reading The Haunting of Paynes Hollow. This was my first Kelley Armstrong, and I was excited to check out her work. The initial set-up was fantastic, hooking me quickly. I always love an inheritance story.
I loved also that we follow a Niece-Aunt duo. I'm so close with my own nieces, seeing that relationship dynamic explored was extra special. It's not one you see often.
I also tend to enjoy when people return somewhere from their past and try to solve old mysteries, which in a way, this is as well. Sam was just a child when everything went down with her father, so she has some repressed memories that start to bubble to the surface once she's living there.
I liked all of those things. However, there's also just A LOT going on. At times it bordered on being too much. I feel like it did come together for the most part though.
The lore of the family was interesting, as well as all of the long-buried secrets that were revealed. I think for me the setting was the best part, and the unsettling atmosphere created by the odd goings-on was a close second.
Though I did feel it started to get a bit repetitive towards the middle, the ending was worth getting through all that. I would definitely recommend this to Readers who are looking for something a little different in the Creepy Reads space.
Thank you to the publisher, Macmillan Audio, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm definitely looking forward to picking up more from this author!
The Haunting of Paynes Hollow follows Samantha Payne, who is shocked to learn upon the death of her Grandfather that she's received a very valuable lakefront property that's been in the family for generations.
It's an extremely prized piece of real estate, a summer retreat on Lake Ontario, that the whole family has enjoyed for years. Samantha is left scratching her head as to why he would have bequeathed it to her of all people.
The property also has a bit of a lurid past though, one Samantha would rather not think about. It was at that lakefront cottage that her father was thought to have killed a local child. Sadly, he ended up taking his own life as a result of this horrific incident.
Since that time, 14-years ago, Samantha has been practically estranged from that side of the family, except for her Aunt Gail, who she's remained quite close with.
As it turns out, the inheritance does have one small caveat. Sam needs to reside at the cottage for a month before the property will be officially conveyed into her name. There are very strict rules applied to this as well.
Needing the money the property could some day grant her, Sam decides to take on the challenge, and along with her Aunt, heads back to the property she hasn't revisited in over a decade.
From the start things seem slightly off, like someone is trying to scare them away. Not only that, being back at the site, stirs up all sorts of long-buried memories and emotions for Sam. It's a lot.
When Aunt Gail goes missing a few days into their stay, Sam begins to question everything she thought she knew, both about her past and their family.
Exhausted from nightmares and plagued by paranoia, Sam swears she sees lights and shapes moving under the rippling waves of the lake. Can the truth of what lies below also be the truth at the heart of her family legacy?
I had fun reading The Haunting of Paynes Hollow. This was my first Kelley Armstrong, and I was excited to check out her work. The initial set-up was fantastic, hooking me quickly. I always love an inheritance story.
I loved also that we follow a Niece-Aunt duo. I'm so close with my own nieces, seeing that relationship dynamic explored was extra special. It's not one you see often.
I also tend to enjoy when people return somewhere from their past and try to solve old mysteries, which in a way, this is as well. Sam was just a child when everything went down with her father, so she has some repressed memories that start to bubble to the surface once she's living there.
I liked all of those things. However, there's also just A LOT going on. At times it bordered on being too much. I feel like it did come together for the most part though.
The lore of the family was interesting, as well as all of the long-buried secrets that were revealed. I think for me the setting was the best part, and the unsettling atmosphere created by the odd goings-on was a close second.
Though I did feel it started to get a bit repetitive towards the middle, the ending was worth getting through all that. I would definitely recommend this to Readers who are looking for something a little different in the Creepy Reads space.
Thank you to the publisher, Macmillan Audio, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm definitely looking forward to picking up more from this author!
October 14, 2025
Sam is broke and doesn’t know how much longer she can afford the assisted living facility her mom lives in for early onset dementia. She has minimal contact with her family and is surprised when she is told her grandfather has died and she is required to be present for the reading of his will. Assuming she will get nothing as she absolutely couldn’t stand her grandfather she is shocked that he left his lakeside estate to her that could be worth millions upon resale. The only catch is she has to live there for 30 days. What seems like a simple task turns into something of a nightmare. She begins seeing things and starts to question if the folklore about the headless Horseman could actually be reality. Can she make it out alive within those 30 days?
From the reading of the will all the way through the bumps in the night there was never a point in the novel where I was bored. The folklore was woven in seamlessly and the ending was tied up in a satisfying way. I would consider this more of a supernatural mystery more so than a supernatural horror as it was very tame in the horror elements. Overall, I enjoyed reading this novel, but I wasn’t necessarily blown away.
This would definitely be a good novel for those who enjoy light supernatural mysteries with a nice dose of family drama. Especially during the spooky season.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
From the reading of the will all the way through the bumps in the night there was never a point in the novel where I was bored. The folklore was woven in seamlessly and the ending was tied up in a satisfying way. I would consider this more of a supernatural mystery more so than a supernatural horror as it was very tame in the horror elements. Overall, I enjoyed reading this novel, but I wasn’t necessarily blown away.
This would definitely be a good novel for those who enjoy light supernatural mysteries with a nice dose of family drama. Especially during the spooky season.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2025
This marks the 23rd Kelley Armstrong book that I have read. Suffice it to say that I’m a little bit of a fangirl of hers. I first discovered her Rockton series and have since committed to the spinoff series, Haven’s Rock, as well as her Rip Through Time series. I’ve also enjoyed her paranormal/horror stories as well, which this one would most certainly fall under.
The book summary just basically introduces the start of the story and the primary storyline. What the book summary doesn’t say is that to ensure that Sam follows through on the terms and conditions of her sadistic grandfather’s will, Sam must wear an ankle monitor to make sure she spends an entire month on the property and is not allowed to be vacant from the property for more than an hour a day. There’s also a secondary storyline that isn’t really mentioned and it's the storyline of what goes on in Paynes Hollow when the sun goes down. Seems when Sam was a kid, her grandfather told her stories of the headless horseman, and that the legend of Sleepy Hollow was actually based on the legend of Paynes Hollow. While this isn’t a remake of the legendary Sleepy Hollow story, Armstrong does utilize some of the same characters and their behaviors.
To make things even worse for Sam, her “caretaker”, who works for her grandfather, is Ben, the older brother of Austin, who was supposedly murdered by Sam’s father, and who she saw burying and why Sam’s grandfather has banished her to the property for a month in an effort to force Sam to remember what actually happened. Her grandfather never believed his beloved first son killed Austin. It’s deep in the second half that all the storylines collided into some intense and frightening scenes that had me up really late finishing the book because I could not go to sleep until I knew how it ended.
The character development of Sam, Ben and a couple of other characters was well done. The pacing was steady to fast, and the story was amazing! I loved the paranormal manifestations that Armstrong created; truly creepy and gruesome. On the Donne horror scale of 1-5, five being horror filled, I would rate this one 3.5-4, which was the perfect level of horror for me; I don't like 5's or even a lot of 4's. The writing was classic Armstrong with all of her twists and turns. Loved the ending! Whoo hoo! Karma is a &*!%#!!! I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.5 that I will be rounding up to a 5star review. I want to thank NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #StMartinsPress #TheHauntingofPaynesHollow
The book summary just basically introduces the start of the story and the primary storyline. What the book summary doesn’t say is that to ensure that Sam follows through on the terms and conditions of her sadistic grandfather’s will, Sam must wear an ankle monitor to make sure she spends an entire month on the property and is not allowed to be vacant from the property for more than an hour a day. There’s also a secondary storyline that isn’t really mentioned and it's the storyline of what goes on in Paynes Hollow when the sun goes down. Seems when Sam was a kid, her grandfather told her stories of the headless horseman, and that the legend of Sleepy Hollow was actually based on the legend of Paynes Hollow. While this isn’t a remake of the legendary Sleepy Hollow story, Armstrong does utilize some of the same characters and their behaviors.
To make things even worse for Sam, her “caretaker”, who works for her grandfather, is Ben, the older brother of Austin, who was supposedly murdered by Sam’s father, and who she saw burying and why Sam’s grandfather has banished her to the property for a month in an effort to force Sam to remember what actually happened. Her grandfather never believed his beloved first son killed Austin. It’s deep in the second half that all the storylines collided into some intense and frightening scenes that had me up really late finishing the book because I could not go to sleep until I knew how it ended.
The character development of Sam, Ben and a couple of other characters was well done. The pacing was steady to fast, and the story was amazing! I loved the paranormal manifestations that Armstrong created; truly creepy and gruesome. On the Donne horror scale of 1-5, five being horror filled, I would rate this one 3.5-4, which was the perfect level of horror for me; I don't like 5's or even a lot of 4's. The writing was classic Armstrong with all of her twists and turns. Loved the ending! Whoo hoo! Karma is a &*!%#!!! I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.5 that I will be rounding up to a 5star review. I want to thank NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #StMartinsPress #TheHauntingofPaynesHollow
October 23, 2025
This was addictively good!
It’s been a long time since I read a Kelley Armstrong book, and this one delivered!
I’ve always been a fan of sleepy hollow and the headless horseman mythology, I really enjoyed the blended of these concepts into a modern day book.
As for our FMC, I really liked her, I related to her stubbornness in taking on the sadistic challenge left for her in her father’s will to the distaste of her relatives. I would do the exact same thing especially for 10 million dollars, I would anchor down in the cottage and refuse to go anywhere for the full month no matter what just to wipe the smug look off everyone’s faces 😂😂
I liked how supportive her aunt was, and the development of friendship between the FMC and the cottage caretaker. I liked the mystery surrounding her father’s passing, I assumed we were missing key information as soon as it was brought up. I also knew We’d be in for a creepy horror show of a treat as soon as she found a creepy person In the shed on the first night 😂😂
This one is kinda perfect for spooky season! I’d definitely recommend reading.
This was a gifted copy from St Martin’s Press and netgalley, but I also picked a hard copy for my book of the month selection and im glad I did!
All opinions are my own,
It’s been a long time since I read a Kelley Armstrong book, and this one delivered!
I’ve always been a fan of sleepy hollow and the headless horseman mythology, I really enjoyed the blended of these concepts into a modern day book.
As for our FMC, I really liked her, I related to her stubbornness in taking on the sadistic challenge left for her in her father’s will to the distaste of her relatives. I would do the exact same thing especially for 10 million dollars, I would anchor down in the cottage and refuse to go anywhere for the full month no matter what just to wipe the smug look off everyone’s faces 😂😂
I liked how supportive her aunt was, and the development of friendship between the FMC and the cottage caretaker. I liked the mystery surrounding her father’s passing, I assumed we were missing key information as soon as it was brought up. I also knew We’d be in for a creepy horror show of a treat as soon as she found a creepy person In the shed on the first night 😂😂
This one is kinda perfect for spooky season! I’d definitely recommend reading.
This was a gifted copy from St Martin’s Press and netgalley, but I also picked a hard copy for my book of the month selection and im glad I did!
All opinions are my own,
October 9, 2025
2.5 stars
This was entertaining but also kind of stupid. I liked the folklore and horror elements, but the characters were annoying, made dumb decisions, and the villains turned cartoonishly evil by the end. There was no nuance at all. Also, the climax and ending were over-explained. I don’t mind an explanation, but this one felt like it was beating me over the head with what happened. Additionally, the characters lacked depth and I had zero attachment to any of them. Overall, this had entertaining moments, but too many things annoyed me. I wanted a cool Sleepy Hollow retelling or reimagining, but this definitely wasn’t it.
This was entertaining but also kind of stupid. I liked the folklore and horror elements, but the characters were annoying, made dumb decisions, and the villains turned cartoonishly evil by the end. There was no nuance at all. Also, the climax and ending were over-explained. I don’t mind an explanation, but this one felt like it was beating me over the head with what happened. Additionally, the characters lacked depth and I had zero attachment to any of them. Overall, this had entertaining moments, but too many things annoyed me. I wanted a cool Sleepy Hollow retelling or reimagining, but this definitely wasn’t it.
December 26, 2025
Sam Payne, an only daughter and the only one paying for her mother's Alzheimer's treatment care facility, is nearly bankrupt when she is contacted by her aunt about the reading of her grandfather's will. To the shock of her cousins, her grandfather has left her an inheritance, but to receive it, she has to adhere with the conditions he set. For the duration of 30 days, she must return to the cabin on the family land where she spent so many summers of her childhood, and for Sam reawakening those memories will be a trauma in and of itself. Ms. Armstrong finally returns to supernatural mysteries in this novel, so fans of her earlier work won't want to miss this one.
Best Aspects:
The red herrings in this novel are truly convincing, and the ending (I won't spoil it) genuinely surprised me. Lots of twists and turns.
The imagery surrounding the creepiest bits (lights in the water and the distorted bodies slowly coming ashore) really did give me chills, but I would not say that this is a frightening book. However, it was certainly suspenseful enough for me to want to keep reading and fairly quickly.
The main characters, as always with Kelley Armstrong novels, are easy to relate to and likable.
In General:
This novel is exactly as advertised. The prose is fluid and smooth. Kelley Armstrong is always pretty easy to read quickly because her writing is solid but in no way complicated or challenging. The plot is suspenseful and engaging. The storyline is highly palatable and obviously geared toward a mass audience. Nothing in this novel, in terms of subject or style, is overly fascinating or clever. It is just your standard, well written, best seller. But I need a book like this every so often, especially during holidays when I am traveling. I don't like to read books that I really want to think about when I'm distracted, but I still want to read. Books like this are a perfect answer, and in this case, it was so nice to see Kelley Armstrong return to the supernatural. I wish she would more books like this again.
Rating explanation:
My rating here is based on how this book compares to other books of its type. It is just not fair to compare apples and oranges. So please understand these four stars are not at all to suggest that it is great literature.
But in terms of exciting bestselling thrillers with a supernatural edge, yes, it holds up and represents.
Best Aspects:
The red herrings in this novel are truly convincing, and the ending (I won't spoil it) genuinely surprised me. Lots of twists and turns.
The imagery surrounding the creepiest bits (lights in the water and the distorted bodies slowly coming ashore) really did give me chills, but I would not say that this is a frightening book. However, it was certainly suspenseful enough for me to want to keep reading and fairly quickly.
The main characters, as always with Kelley Armstrong novels, are easy to relate to and likable.
In General:
This novel is exactly as advertised. The prose is fluid and smooth. Kelley Armstrong is always pretty easy to read quickly because her writing is solid but in no way complicated or challenging. The plot is suspenseful and engaging. The storyline is highly palatable and obviously geared toward a mass audience. Nothing in this novel, in terms of subject or style, is overly fascinating or clever. It is just your standard, well written, best seller. But I need a book like this every so often, especially during holidays when I am traveling. I don't like to read books that I really want to think about when I'm distracted, but I still want to read. Books like this are a perfect answer, and in this case, it was so nice to see Kelley Armstrong return to the supernatural. I wish she would more books like this again.
Rating explanation:
My rating here is based on how this book compares to other books of its type. It is just not fair to compare apples and oranges. So please understand these four stars are not at all to suggest that it is great literature.
But in terms of exciting bestselling thrillers with a supernatural edge, yes, it holds up and represents.
October 14, 2025
(Some Small Spoilers Below)
Pre-Read Notes:
I love ghosts in all iterations so I was attracted to this one because of the title.
"Then comes the last segment, where I’m the one who kidnapped her. Where I’m holding her hostage in the shed, and then I take the hatchet and I step toward her, and she knows what is coming, and she screams a bloodcurdling shriek that has me rocketing out of bed, hands to my ears, vomit in my mouth as I gag. And yet the screams keep going. Distant, horrible human screams." p182
Final Review
(thoughts & recs) Sometimes endings are ambiguous by design, and sometimes they're ambiguous because there isn't enough information to determine if the conflict is actually resolved. This book is neither of these; it has the most unambiguous, badass ending I've ever seen. I mean the fmc gets an actual legal opinion so we the readers know exactly how things will turn out for her and the villains. As a fan of both family horror and realism, this might be my favorite ending *ever*.
I recommend this one to fans of myth and monsters, murder mysteries, and family horror (like evil family members or abuse dynamic). I think if you liked Listen To Your Sister by Neena Viel or Margarite By the Lake by Mary Dixie Carter, you'd probably enjoy this one!
My 3 Favorite Things:
✔️ The opening scene was so well done. It gives plenty of information about the main characters and their personal conflicts. For me, it was just what I needed to buy in.
✔️ "Gail and I can give this place an extreme makeover. Exorcise the past that way. Get rid of that tire swing. Refurnish the cottage. Put bright-colored beach chairs on the shore. Just the two of us, enjoying a vacation on the beach while renovating a run-down cottage." p34 I like the subtext here with choices like "Exorcise" and "renovating a run-down cottage".
✔️ I love the family dysfunction trope here, which comes into play in the plot's structure. The climax was wonderfully horrible and it comes back to this.
Content Notes:
water, drowning, decapitation, ghosts, hauntings, intergenerational trauma, family curses, dysfunctional family, death of a parent, death in the family, gaslighting, guns, gunshot wounds,
Thank you to Kelley Armstrong, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an accessible digital arc of THE HAUNTING OF PAYNE'S HOLLOW. All views are mine.
Pre-Read Notes:
I love ghosts in all iterations so I was attracted to this one because of the title.
"Then comes the last segment, where I’m the one who kidnapped her. Where I’m holding her hostage in the shed, and then I take the hatchet and I step toward her, and she knows what is coming, and she screams a bloodcurdling shriek that has me rocketing out of bed, hands to my ears, vomit in my mouth as I gag. And yet the screams keep going. Distant, horrible human screams." p182
Final Review
(thoughts & recs) Sometimes endings are ambiguous by design, and sometimes they're ambiguous because there isn't enough information to determine if the conflict is actually resolved. This book is neither of these; it has the most unambiguous, badass ending I've ever seen. I mean the fmc gets an actual legal opinion so we the readers know exactly how things will turn out for her and the villains. As a fan of both family horror and realism, this might be my favorite ending *ever*.
I recommend this one to fans of myth and monsters, murder mysteries, and family horror (like evil family members or abuse dynamic). I think if you liked Listen To Your Sister by Neena Viel or Margarite By the Lake by Mary Dixie Carter, you'd probably enjoy this one!
My 3 Favorite Things:
✔️ The opening scene was so well done. It gives plenty of information about the main characters and their personal conflicts. For me, it was just what I needed to buy in.
✔️ "Gail and I can give this place an extreme makeover. Exorcise the past that way. Get rid of that tire swing. Refurnish the cottage. Put bright-colored beach chairs on the shore. Just the two of us, enjoying a vacation on the beach while renovating a run-down cottage." p34 I like the subtext here with choices like "Exorcise" and "renovating a run-down cottage".
✔️ I love the family dysfunction trope here, which comes into play in the plot's structure. The climax was wonderfully horrible and it comes back to this.
Content Notes:
water, drowning, decapitation, ghosts, hauntings, intergenerational trauma, family curses, dysfunctional family, death of a parent, death in the family, gaslighting, guns, gunshot wounds,
Thank you to Kelley Armstrong, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for an accessible digital arc of THE HAUNTING OF PAYNE'S HOLLOW. All views are mine.
November 5, 2025
Confession: this one’s not going to be for everyone and the reviews prove it. But me? I had fun with it. Sure, there were moments where my eyes rolled so hard they nearly conjured a ghost, but honestly… I was entertained.
What Lit My Mood
I like my horror supernatural. Ghosts, monsters anything that can be neatly explained away. Horror should haunt, not rationalize. So when The Haunting of Payne Hollow leaned into its eerie folklore and those shapes crawling from the water, I was right there, candle lit and heart racing.
What Lit My Mood and Flickered at the Same Time
Sam Payne hasn’t seen her grandfather in over a decade. Fourteen years ago, she swore she saw her father bury a child’s body on the family’s property. Her grandfather insisted she was wrong. Now he’s gone, she’s inherited the estate, and of course, there’s a catch: she must stay in the cottage for one full month.
Predictable premise? Maybe at first and that’s where my mood flickered but this is Kelley Armstrong, and predictability never lasts long when she’s behind the pen. She weaves her own haunting take on The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, letting something dark ripple beneath the lake’s surface. There’s just something about deep, black water that gets under my skin that sense of something waiting just below.
I love uncertainty, what’s real, what’s imagined but Sam’s constant second-guessing sometimes broke the spell. I wanted to be the one questioning that reality, not watching her unravel it for me.
Where My Mood Flickered
Yes, I rolled my eyes a few times. Some scenes tipped into the over-the-top zone. The villainy? A bit cartoonish but that danger lurking in the lake still had me grinning, creeped out, and fully entertained.
Warning: There are detailed animal deaths that truly haunted me and not in the good, spooky way. I get that it’s meant to unsettle, but honestly, no one wants to read about that.
Listening vs. Reading
I had the eBook from NetGalley but ended up listening to most of it. Both versions work, but I did prefer to listen to it.
Witchy Mood Meter
Almost Aligned — The energy was there, but the spell fizzled here and there before roaring back to life.
Verdict
Even with its over-the-top finale, this one thoroughly entertained me. It delivered the chills I craved and that wicked satisfaction only a good monster-in-the-water story can bring.
Add this one to your altar when you’re in the mood for something chaotic, haunting, and delightfully fun but be prepared for some eye-rolling.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley
What Lit My Mood
I like my horror supernatural. Ghosts, monsters anything that can be neatly explained away. Horror should haunt, not rationalize. So when The Haunting of Payne Hollow leaned into its eerie folklore and those shapes crawling from the water, I was right there, candle lit and heart racing.
What Lit My Mood and Flickered at the Same Time
Sam Payne hasn’t seen her grandfather in over a decade. Fourteen years ago, she swore she saw her father bury a child’s body on the family’s property. Her grandfather insisted she was wrong. Now he’s gone, she’s inherited the estate, and of course, there’s a catch: she must stay in the cottage for one full month.
Predictable premise? Maybe at first and that’s where my mood flickered but this is Kelley Armstrong, and predictability never lasts long when she’s behind the pen. She weaves her own haunting take on The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, letting something dark ripple beneath the lake’s surface. There’s just something about deep, black water that gets under my skin that sense of something waiting just below.
I love uncertainty, what’s real, what’s imagined but Sam’s constant second-guessing sometimes broke the spell. I wanted to be the one questioning that reality, not watching her unravel it for me.
Where My Mood Flickered
Yes, I rolled my eyes a few times. Some scenes tipped into the over-the-top zone. The villainy? A bit cartoonish but that danger lurking in the lake still had me grinning, creeped out, and fully entertained.
Warning: There are detailed animal deaths that truly haunted me and not in the good, spooky way. I get that it’s meant to unsettle, but honestly, no one wants to read about that.
Listening vs. Reading
I had the eBook from NetGalley but ended up listening to most of it. Both versions work, but I did prefer to listen to it.
Witchy Mood Meter
Almost Aligned — The energy was there, but the spell fizzled here and there before roaring back to life.
Verdict
Even with its over-the-top finale, this one thoroughly entertained me. It delivered the chills I craved and that wicked satisfaction only a good monster-in-the-water story can bring.
Add this one to your altar when you’re in the mood for something chaotic, haunting, and delightfully fun but be prepared for some eye-rolling.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley
October 14, 2025
The Haunting of Payne Hollows by Kelley Armstrong
Horror, suspense.
Samantha Payne remembers the horror of her childhood and wants nothing to do with the lakefront cottage from her past. When her grandfather dies, she finds herself agreeing to stay at the house and even being monitored to prevent her from leaving the property. She needs the money for her mother’s care. But nightmares and paranoia take over as she starts seeing shapes crawling out of the lake, and drag marks in the sand.
She’s not alone. The caretaker is on the property but can she trust him. Or anyone?
🎧I was able to alternate and read together both an ebook and an audiobook. The narration is performed by EJ Lavery who does a wonderful job with the tense pacing. The reader or listener is often hanging on the next word, anxiously waiting for what will happen next. There are distinct voices for the main characters making it easy to follow the story. The chills and questions ramp up as does the performance making me grateful I’m not the one at that lake.
Chilling storytelling. Perfect for the Halloween season. An author that can hold your attention in any genre.
4.5
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher Macmillan Audio.
Horror, suspense.
Samantha Payne remembers the horror of her childhood and wants nothing to do with the lakefront cottage from her past. When her grandfather dies, she finds herself agreeing to stay at the house and even being monitored to prevent her from leaving the property. She needs the money for her mother’s care. But nightmares and paranoia take over as she starts seeing shapes crawling out of the lake, and drag marks in the sand.
She’s not alone. The caretaker is on the property but can she trust him. Or anyone?
🎧I was able to alternate and read together both an ebook and an audiobook. The narration is performed by EJ Lavery who does a wonderful job with the tense pacing. The reader or listener is often hanging on the next word, anxiously waiting for what will happen next. There are distinct voices for the main characters making it easy to follow the story. The chills and questions ramp up as does the performance making me grateful I’m not the one at that lake.
Chilling storytelling. Perfect for the Halloween season. An author that can hold your attention in any genre.
4.5
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher Macmillan Audio.
June 5, 2025
ARC for review. To be published October 19, 2025.
3 stars
Samantha Payne doesn’t expect to receive anything in her grandfather’s will. After all, she was responsible for the death of her father when she told everyone that she saw him burying a murdered boy at their lakefront home (he killed himself right after.). Samantha’s grandfather insisted that his son couldn’t be guilty and pressured her to change her story until he died.
However, her grandfather does will her the entire lakefront property, worth ten million dollars, which Sam desperately need to care for her mother. But there’s a catch - Sam made st spend a full month on the property before she can inherit. And that’s going to be a very tough task indeed.
This was a decent horror story with some nice folk elements. I liked it just fine.
3 stars
Samantha Payne doesn’t expect to receive anything in her grandfather’s will. After all, she was responsible for the death of her father when she told everyone that she saw him burying a murdered boy at their lakefront home (he killed himself right after.). Samantha’s grandfather insisted that his son couldn’t be guilty and pressured her to change her story until he died.
However, her grandfather does will her the entire lakefront property, worth ten million dollars, which Sam desperately need to care for her mother. But there’s a catch - Sam made st spend a full month on the property before she can inherit. And that’s going to be a very tough task indeed.
This was a decent horror story with some nice folk elements. I liked it just fine.
October 12, 2025
The Haunting of Paynes Hollow is a creepy, atmospheric, supernatural thriller that’s scheduled for release just in time for the spooky season. With an intriguing blend of folklore and the legend of the Headless Horseman, Author Kelley Armstrong delivers a chilling tale with paranormal vibes that's guaranteed to keep readers checking the locks on their doors as they read late into the night.
Samantha Payne has been estranged from her grandfather for fourteen years when she's summoned to the reading of his Will. He hadn't spoken to Sam since her father, his son, committed suicide after being accused of the murder of a child at their lakefront cottage. Sam's grandfather went to his grave declaring his son's innocence in spite of what Sam witnessed in the woods all those years ago. Knowing he blamed her for her father’s death, no one was more surprised than Sam when she learns her grandfather left her the lakefront property, now worth millions, in hopes Sam will finally face the truth and admit she was mistaken. There's a stipulation, of course. Sam must reside in the family cottage on the lakefront for one month. Complete that simple task, and the property is hers. If she sells it, she'll have the funds to continue paying for her mother's care for dementia. What choice does she have? Sam moves to the cottage accompanied by her aunt and is surprised to find nothing has changed, including Ben, the property caretaker. Everything is exactly as she remembers from the days she spent there as a child right down to the bedding.
Right away, Sam is perplexed over unsettling things occurring around her, including the sound of hoofs pounding, bizarre noises coming from the woods, unexplained lights flickering beneath the lake water, and most disturbing . . . the remains of mutilated animals left on her porch overnight. Tormented by nightmares and a rising sense of paranoia, Sam struggles to determine what's real and what's a mirage. When someone disappears, she’s forced to face the possibility that the rumors surrounding the cottage are true.
Dark family secrets that refuse to remain buried, a haunted cottage, and a murky lake with something lurking beneath the surface combine to set a tone of urgency in The Haunting of Paynes Hollow. As Sam's recessed memories begin surfacing, she has no choice but to take a hard look at some harsh childhood realities and reexamine her beliefs. As a protagonist, Sam makes some questionable decisions; however, her actions do not diminish the overall flow and entertainment value of this book. Armstrong sets a maddening pace that's fed by panic and a dark, tension ladened atmosphere of imminent danger. One that's strengthened by the eerie haunted cottage, dark woods, and lakeside setting that take on the role of another character in this sinister story. Readers should note trigger warnings that include mutilated animals, although they're not described in great detail.
Author Kelley Armstrong delivers another spooky, immersive, tautly written thriller for fans of light horror and paranormal mysteries. The Haunting of Paynes Hollow is the perfect, entertaining October story for those who enjoy books that raise the hair on the back of their neck with things that go bump in the night. Highly recommended.
Special thanks to St. Martin's Press for a complimentary arc of this title for review. Opinions expressed in my review are my own. This review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and is available on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews.
Samantha Payne has been estranged from her grandfather for fourteen years when she's summoned to the reading of his Will. He hadn't spoken to Sam since her father, his son, committed suicide after being accused of the murder of a child at their lakefront cottage. Sam's grandfather went to his grave declaring his son's innocence in spite of what Sam witnessed in the woods all those years ago. Knowing he blamed her for her father’s death, no one was more surprised than Sam when she learns her grandfather left her the lakefront property, now worth millions, in hopes Sam will finally face the truth and admit she was mistaken. There's a stipulation, of course. Sam must reside in the family cottage on the lakefront for one month. Complete that simple task, and the property is hers. If she sells it, she'll have the funds to continue paying for her mother's care for dementia. What choice does she have? Sam moves to the cottage accompanied by her aunt and is surprised to find nothing has changed, including Ben, the property caretaker. Everything is exactly as she remembers from the days she spent there as a child right down to the bedding.
Right away, Sam is perplexed over unsettling things occurring around her, including the sound of hoofs pounding, bizarre noises coming from the woods, unexplained lights flickering beneath the lake water, and most disturbing . . . the remains of mutilated animals left on her porch overnight. Tormented by nightmares and a rising sense of paranoia, Sam struggles to determine what's real and what's a mirage. When someone disappears, she’s forced to face the possibility that the rumors surrounding the cottage are true.
Dark family secrets that refuse to remain buried, a haunted cottage, and a murky lake with something lurking beneath the surface combine to set a tone of urgency in The Haunting of Paynes Hollow. As Sam's recessed memories begin surfacing, she has no choice but to take a hard look at some harsh childhood realities and reexamine her beliefs. As a protagonist, Sam makes some questionable decisions; however, her actions do not diminish the overall flow and entertainment value of this book. Armstrong sets a maddening pace that's fed by panic and a dark, tension ladened atmosphere of imminent danger. One that's strengthened by the eerie haunted cottage, dark woods, and lakeside setting that take on the role of another character in this sinister story. Readers should note trigger warnings that include mutilated animals, although they're not described in great detail.
Author Kelley Armstrong delivers another spooky, immersive, tautly written thriller for fans of light horror and paranormal mysteries. The Haunting of Paynes Hollow is the perfect, entertaining October story for those who enjoy books that raise the hair on the back of their neck with things that go bump in the night. Highly recommended.
Special thanks to St. Martin's Press for a complimentary arc of this title for review. Opinions expressed in my review are my own. This review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and is available on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews.
November 24, 2025
this felt a little scattered but it was still a good time
October 13, 2025
4.25-4.5 stars. A “just one more chapter” read, loved that.. Kelley Armstrong knocked this way out of the park! KAs unique spinoff(??) of the Sleepy Hollow tale (not a retelling, per se) felt every bit as dark and atmospheric. Set in Paynes Hollow (one hour from Sleepy Hollow), this follows Sam who is left a hefty inheritance by her estranged late-grandfather with a stipulation.. to inherit 10 million dollars she must stay in a cottage at her family’s lakeside estate for one full month. Sounds easy right? Not for Sam, as that’s where she saw her father commit murder and later take his own life, where people went missing for decades, and where she heard horse hooves late in the night as a young girl—hmmm..could it of been the Headless Horseman?!? Luckily her Aunt tags along so Sam won’t be alone at the cottage.. well that is until her Aunt disappears. Then, there is the lone caretaker of the property.. dun dun dun..
This is the perfect fall season read with mystery, spine-tingling unpredictability, feelings of dread, paranormal/ghostly phenomena, and a scene that I had to skip past regarding the death of animals. This was a rollercoaster ride of thrills and chills for sure. Pub. 10/14/25
Much thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC!
This is the perfect fall season read with mystery, spine-tingling unpredictability, feelings of dread, paranormal/ghostly phenomena, and a scene that I had to skip past regarding the death of animals. This was a rollercoaster ride of thrills and chills for sure. Pub. 10/14/25
Much thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC!
October 4, 2025
I should preface this with saying that Kelley Armstrong is one of my favorite authors. This book is not a re-telling but a re-imagining and I really liked it. I thought it gave a much more plausible story to the “headless horseman” and it included some other very interesting mythology and folklore. Sam and her mother have been estranged from her paternal family since as a child Sam came across her father burying a child he confessed to killing in his suicide note. Her grandfather never forgave them for believing her father could have killed the boy and none of them have been to their summer lake front property since. Until Sam finds out that her grandfather has left the whole property worth millions to her, as long as she goes and spends a month in her family’s old cabin. She knows he hopes the memories of her father will cause her to realize he was right, but she finds more than memories of her father waiting by the lake.
December 11, 2025
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.
I first discovered Kelley Armstrong maybe a year or two ago, and she has quickly become one of my favorite authors ever. Often I will read amazing books and think I will remember to find more books in the series or find more by the author, but with all the billions of books on my to read list, many go unread and forgotten about. Even though there have been books in her series that haven't been written yet, I haven't forgotten about a single one, and I have been anxiously awaiting each one. Without a single calendar notification or author newsletter to remind me. I can only think of one other series that happened with. Although this isn't part of that series, this was just as amazing.
Even more, this was in a different genre. The series I first read was in the time-travel romance/cozy mystery, whereas this is a gothic mystery. No cozy to be had. For those who grew up with toxic families and went no-contact, would you stay in the house that gave you major trauma for a month to get your inheritance? Samantha doesn't want to but decides she can handle it. Too bad nothing in life is never easy. Especially in a gothic novel.
Content warnings: child death (in past), animal mutilation, stalking
I first discovered Kelley Armstrong maybe a year or two ago, and she has quickly become one of my favorite authors ever. Often I will read amazing books and think I will remember to find more books in the series or find more by the author, but with all the billions of books on my to read list, many go unread and forgotten about. Even though there have been books in her series that haven't been written yet, I haven't forgotten about a single one, and I have been anxiously awaiting each one. Without a single calendar notification or author newsletter to remind me. I can only think of one other series that happened with. Although this isn't part of that series, this was just as amazing.
Even more, this was in a different genre. The series I first read was in the time-travel romance/cozy mystery, whereas this is a gothic mystery. No cozy to be had. For those who grew up with toxic families and went no-contact, would you stay in the house that gave you major trauma for a month to get your inheritance? Samantha doesn't want to but decides she can handle it. Too bad nothing in life is never easy. Especially in a gothic novel.
Content warnings: child death (in past), animal mutilation, stalking
October 5, 2025
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Oct. 14, 2025
Canadian author Kelley Armstrong delivers a deliciously creepy, paranormal experience with her new novel, “The Haunting of Paynes Hollow”.
When Samantha Paynes was a child, she came across her father burying a teenager’s dead body and later, her dad killed himself, presumably out of guilt. As a result, Sam’s paternal grandfather turned against her and with her mother suffering from early-onset dementia, Sam was alone, with only her paternal aunt Gayle as support. So, when her grandfather dies and Sam is left with a ten-million-dollar property, she is completely baffled until she hears the stipulations- she needs to live in her childhood home for one month, and rethink what she thought she saw her father do all those years ago. Reluctantly, Sam moves in, knowing she can use the money for her mother’s care but things start to happen that she can’t explain, leaving her questioning her father’s crime- and running for her life.
“Hollow” takes place on an isolated, yet large, acreage of land that belongs to the Paynes family, long abandoned since the death of Sam’s father. It is exceptionally desolate and creepy and the absolute perfect setting for a haunting tale of “things that go bump in the night”. Sam is the protagonist who, of course, has her own trauma that she is trying to overcome, while staying on the secluded grounds. As strange things start happening, Sam begins to doubt her own sanity and, to be honest, I began to doubt it right along with her. Armstrong crafted Sam’s story perfectly, encouraging readers to support Sam on her journey and root for her from start to finish.
The property itself had enough scary material to craft an entire novel however Armstrong went above and beyond when she added the terrifying sea creatures and the Paynes Hollow version of the Ichabod Crane. “Hollow” was full of next-level scares, while still keeping the plot focused on Sam’s discovery of her father’s true nature and both elements combined together effortlessly, leaving readers on pins and needles until the final pages.
The ending was fantastic and Armstrong ensured that readers would not be disappointed. “Hollow’s” premise is unique and Armstrong creates a dark and horrifying backdrop, gives the creatures that haunt it a clever, urban legend type of history and then makes sure that the conclusion serves the right amount of justice.
A supernatural horror novel like “Hollow” adds just the right amount of spooky to the season.
Expected publication date: Oct. 14, 2025
Canadian author Kelley Armstrong delivers a deliciously creepy, paranormal experience with her new novel, “The Haunting of Paynes Hollow”.
When Samantha Paynes was a child, she came across her father burying a teenager’s dead body and later, her dad killed himself, presumably out of guilt. As a result, Sam’s paternal grandfather turned against her and with her mother suffering from early-onset dementia, Sam was alone, with only her paternal aunt Gayle as support. So, when her grandfather dies and Sam is left with a ten-million-dollar property, she is completely baffled until she hears the stipulations- she needs to live in her childhood home for one month, and rethink what she thought she saw her father do all those years ago. Reluctantly, Sam moves in, knowing she can use the money for her mother’s care but things start to happen that she can’t explain, leaving her questioning her father’s crime- and running for her life.
“Hollow” takes place on an isolated, yet large, acreage of land that belongs to the Paynes family, long abandoned since the death of Sam’s father. It is exceptionally desolate and creepy and the absolute perfect setting for a haunting tale of “things that go bump in the night”. Sam is the protagonist who, of course, has her own trauma that she is trying to overcome, while staying on the secluded grounds. As strange things start happening, Sam begins to doubt her own sanity and, to be honest, I began to doubt it right along with her. Armstrong crafted Sam’s story perfectly, encouraging readers to support Sam on her journey and root for her from start to finish.
The property itself had enough scary material to craft an entire novel however Armstrong went above and beyond when she added the terrifying sea creatures and the Paynes Hollow version of the Ichabod Crane. “Hollow” was full of next-level scares, while still keeping the plot focused on Sam’s discovery of her father’s true nature and both elements combined together effortlessly, leaving readers on pins and needles until the final pages.
The ending was fantastic and Armstrong ensured that readers would not be disappointed. “Hollow’s” premise is unique and Armstrong creates a dark and horrifying backdrop, gives the creatures that haunt it a clever, urban legend type of history and then makes sure that the conclusion serves the right amount of justice.
A supernatural horror novel like “Hollow” adds just the right amount of spooky to the season.
October 14, 2025
Samantha Payne has never been close to her grandfather. Ever since her father took his own life when he was accused of murder after Samantha found her father burying a child's body at their family cottage, her grandfather has always tried to prove that his son was innocent. So, when her grandfather passes away, she is shocked to find that he left the valuable lakefront property where their family cottage sits to Samantha. There is one catch: Samantha must stay on the property for 30 days. Determined to get the money she desperately needs, Samantha and her aunt travel to Paynes Hollow. She immediately experiences weird occurrences of dead animals near the cottage and weird lights underneath the lake in the middle of the night. Samantha believes that someone is messing with her. But when her aunt goes missing a couple of days later, Samantha believes there is something more sinister happening in Payne's Hollow.
The Haunting of Paynes Hollow is darker than Kelley Armstrong's previous work, but I loved it. The mix of Dutch folklore and the story of the Headless Huntsman makes for a horror story that would be perfect for the fall season. I was invested in the mystery as Sam tries to figure out what is happening at Paynes Hollow while delving into her past that led to her father taking his own life. Although the ending takes a different turn than I expected, I still enjoyed the conclusion.
If you are a fan of mysteries with a paranormal twist, I would highly recommend The Haunting of Paynes Hollow.
The Haunting of Paynes Hollow is out October 14th.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to review The Haunting of Paynes Hollow. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Haunting of Paynes Hollow is darker than Kelley Armstrong's previous work, but I loved it. The mix of Dutch folklore and the story of the Headless Huntsman makes for a horror story that would be perfect for the fall season. I was invested in the mystery as Sam tries to figure out what is happening at Paynes Hollow while delving into her past that led to her father taking his own life. Although the ending takes a different turn than I expected, I still enjoyed the conclusion.
If you are a fan of mysteries with a paranormal twist, I would highly recommend The Haunting of Paynes Hollow.
The Haunting of Paynes Hollow is out October 14th.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to review The Haunting of Paynes Hollow. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 24, 2025
What I love most about Kelley Armstrong is her talent for storytelling across so many genres. This season feels perfect for a creepy, locked-in horror story.
Sam Payne stands to inherit a ten-million-dollar property from her estranged grandfather, but only if she spends one month in her family’s abandoned cabin. This money could free her from the burden of caring for her ailing mother, but it comes at a high price. She must return to the cabin she hasn’t seen since her father committed suicide after being accused of killing a young child on the property. Her grandfather, always insisting her father was innocent, uses this as a way to make her confront her beliefs. Sam agrees and, with the support of her aunt, decides to face her fears. But as she confronts her childhood trauma, her aunt disappears, and she is haunted by nightmares of strange sounds in the forest and something sinister lurking beneath the water’s surface. Is someone trying to sabotage her inheritance, or is there something truly evil at play?
I loved the way Kelley wove folklore into this dark and chilling tale. It struck the perfect balance of horror and mystery to keep me hooked. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Sam Payne stands to inherit a ten-million-dollar property from her estranged grandfather, but only if she spends one month in her family’s abandoned cabin. This money could free her from the burden of caring for her ailing mother, but it comes at a high price. She must return to the cabin she hasn’t seen since her father committed suicide after being accused of killing a young child on the property. Her grandfather, always insisting her father was innocent, uses this as a way to make her confront her beliefs. Sam agrees and, with the support of her aunt, decides to face her fears. But as she confronts her childhood trauma, her aunt disappears, and she is haunted by nightmares of strange sounds in the forest and something sinister lurking beneath the water’s surface. Is someone trying to sabotage her inheritance, or is there something truly evil at play?
I loved the way Kelley wove folklore into this dark and chilling tale. It struck the perfect balance of horror and mystery to keep me hooked. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 28, 2025
Wow, what a great thriller/horror!! There's lots of messed up family drama, interesting characters and a whole lot of scary!! It starts as a slow burn, but definitely builds to the point that you have to just keep flipping pages. Kelley Armstrong seems to be branching out, and I can say I'm a big fan of her writing!
Thank you to Net Galley and St Martin's Press for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Net Galley and St Martin's Press for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 30, 2025
This story had a solid premise, but it wasn’t particularly unique—it leaned heavily into The Legend of Sleepy Hollow territory, which made it feel a bit predictable. The pacing dragged in spots, weighed down by too much dialogue, and while the setup hinted at something eerie, it never quite delivered on the creep factor for me.
I did really like Sam—she’s a genuinely smart and capable main character, which is always refreshing in a thriller. The ending, however, felt a bit rushed and over the top, especially compared to the slower sections earlier on.
Overall, it was fine—an enjoyable enough read, just not one that stands out as a top favorite!
I did really like Sam—she’s a genuinely smart and capable main character, which is always refreshing in a thriller. The ending, however, felt a bit rushed and over the top, especially compared to the slower sections earlier on.
Overall, it was fine—an enjoyable enough read, just not one that stands out as a top favorite!
September 1, 2025
This is a fantastic reimaging of the classic "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." It honored the source material while also being uniquely its own story.
Additionally, there's everything you'd want from a family inheritance meets horror story. There's small town folklore, family greed, shady locals, a potential haunted piece of property, and a murder mystery all at its core.
This was such a fantastic and spooky read. Pick this book up in October and cozy in for a good Halloween read.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Additionally, there's everything you'd want from a family inheritance meets horror story. There's small town folklore, family greed, shady locals, a potential haunted piece of property, and a murder mystery all at its core.
This was such a fantastic and spooky read. Pick this book up in October and cozy in for a good Halloween read.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 12, 2025
If you like ridiculous plots, flat characters, boring dialogue and zero nuance then you might like this book. 1 and a half stars.
October 14, 2025
4.5/5 stars
This is a standalone supernatural horror novel.
Horror is not a genre that I read often. But Kelley Armstrong is my favorite author. And somehow she manages to write horror books that I enjoy.
This is a dark creepy read. It features a mysterious haunted lakeside property filled with family secrets.
The main character is twenty-six year old Samantha/Sam. The book starts with her grandfather’s funeral and the reading of his will.
The will requires her to go back to her family’s large property. Broody Ben is the caretaker of the property. Sam has some childhood trauma that happened with his brother. But Sam and Ben were definitely my favorite part of the book.
Sam is an interesting character, with an interesting backstory. When she was a child she saw her dad burying a body. Also her mom is battling dementia, which has caused Sam to sacrifice a lot.
There is a compelling mystery with supernatural answers. The book is full of tragedy. There is a haunting legend that is an important part of the story. The supernatural elements were my least favorite part of the book. But it’s still a riveting story.
This is a spooky read, perfect for this time of year. Even if you don’t love horror this one was still a good read.
Thank you netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read this book.
This is a standalone supernatural horror novel.
Horror is not a genre that I read often. But Kelley Armstrong is my favorite author. And somehow she manages to write horror books that I enjoy.
This is a dark creepy read. It features a mysterious haunted lakeside property filled with family secrets.
The main character is twenty-six year old Samantha/Sam. The book starts with her grandfather’s funeral and the reading of his will.
The will requires her to go back to her family’s large property. Broody Ben is the caretaker of the property. Sam has some childhood trauma that happened with his brother. But Sam and Ben were definitely my favorite part of the book.
Sam is an interesting character, with an interesting backstory. When she was a child she saw her dad burying a body. Also her mom is battling dementia, which has caused Sam to sacrifice a lot.
There is a compelling mystery with supernatural answers. The book is full of tragedy. There is a haunting legend that is an important part of the story. The supernatural elements were my least favorite part of the book. But it’s still a riveting story.
This is a spooky read, perfect for this time of year. Even if you don’t love horror this one was still a good read.
Thank you netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read this book.
November 1, 2025
Not too bad at all. I'm going to have to get another Kelly Armstrong book.
October 16, 2025
4.5 Stars
Samantha Payne returns to her family's ancestral estate following the death of her grandfather, who leaves her the sprawling, three-hundred-acre lakeside property, on one condition: she must remain there for a full month without stepping off the grounds. With its serene lake views and three modest cottages, Payne’s Hollow could be a dream retreat, if not for its disturbing past.
At thirteen, Samantha witnessed her father burying a childhood friend on the property. Her grandfather insisted she was mistaken, but Samantha is sure of what she saw. Now, years later, Samantha is barely scraping by, struggling to cover the costs of her mother’s care facility as she battles early-onset dementia. Returning to Payne’s Hollow isn’t her choice, but if enduring thirty days there means securing her mother’s future, she’ll do it.
Once she sets foot on the property, unsettling events begin to unfold. Dead animals are left on the porch, and the eerie sound of hooves pounding the earth echoes through the night. As the days pass, long-buried memories surface that don’t align with what Samantha thought she knew. Perhaps the past isn’t as she remembered… and the truth is far more disturbing.
The Haunting of Paynes Hollow was absolutely gripping! Deliciously eerie, with a slow-burning backstory that unraveled piece by chilling piece. I loved how the narrative wove together past and present in a way that felt both haunting and satisfying. Well… as satisfying as a horror story can be, haha! Hands down, this is my favorite Kelley Armstrong horror novel to date!
I alternately read and listened to a copy, and I can recommend either version. EJ Lavery performed all voices, male and female, wonderfully! She breathed life into each character making the story even more enjoyable!
I voluntarily read/listened to an advanced readers copy courtesy of the publishers. These are my thoughts and opinions.
Samantha Payne returns to her family's ancestral estate following the death of her grandfather, who leaves her the sprawling, three-hundred-acre lakeside property, on one condition: she must remain there for a full month without stepping off the grounds. With its serene lake views and three modest cottages, Payne’s Hollow could be a dream retreat, if not for its disturbing past.
At thirteen, Samantha witnessed her father burying a childhood friend on the property. Her grandfather insisted she was mistaken, but Samantha is sure of what she saw. Now, years later, Samantha is barely scraping by, struggling to cover the costs of her mother’s care facility as she battles early-onset dementia. Returning to Payne’s Hollow isn’t her choice, but if enduring thirty days there means securing her mother’s future, she’ll do it.
Once she sets foot on the property, unsettling events begin to unfold. Dead animals are left on the porch, and the eerie sound of hooves pounding the earth echoes through the night. As the days pass, long-buried memories surface that don’t align with what Samantha thought she knew. Perhaps the past isn’t as she remembered… and the truth is far more disturbing.
The Haunting of Paynes Hollow was absolutely gripping! Deliciously eerie, with a slow-burning backstory that unraveled piece by chilling piece. I loved how the narrative wove together past and present in a way that felt both haunting and satisfying. Well… as satisfying as a horror story can be, haha! Hands down, this is my favorite Kelley Armstrong horror novel to date!
I alternately read and listened to a copy, and I can recommend either version. EJ Lavery performed all voices, male and female, wonderfully! She breathed life into each character making the story even more enjoyable!
I voluntarily read/listened to an advanced readers copy courtesy of the publishers. These are my thoughts and opinions.
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