Holler: An Appalachian Werewolf Horror Novel

by Samuel Brower

NO ONE ESCAPES THE HOLLER—AND WHAT HUNTS IN THE HILLS HAS TEETH.

Greg Gallogly swore he’d never go back. Leaving his Kentucky hometown meant escaping the violence, the curse, and the monsters buried in its past. But when his brother’s stolen bike turns up in a gang-run chop shop, one reckless decision drags him and Tanya—a sharp-tongued drifter with her own ghosts—into a fight that leads straight back to Haint’s Hollow.

Sheriff Hunter Gallogly thought the nightmare ended with the mine collapse. He was wrong. A badly burned man has been found alive in a wolves’ den, and bodies are piling up again in the mountains. Whatever haunts the holler isn’t finished—and this time, it’s hunting the Gallogly family.

As lawmen, outlaws, and something far darker collide, Greg and Hunter are pulled into a blood feud that stretches from the backroads to the grave.

Holler is a brutal Appalachian horror tale of family, vengeance, and survival—perfect for fans of Stephen King’s ’Salem’s Lot, Brian Keene, and grim rural noir.

Genres: Horror

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 5, 2025

About the author

Bestselling author Samuel Brower crafts haunting, immersive tales that blur the line between horror, dark fantasy, and the supernatural. His breakout novel, Haint, became an Amazon bestseller in 2024, cementing his reputation as a must-read voice in modern horror fiction. To date, Brower has published ten gripping novels and dozens of chilling short stories, with his work featured in renowned magazines like Voices, Nine Tales, and Zero Flash. A professional member of both the Horror Writers Association and the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association, Brower brings a seasoned, masterful touch to every eerie world he creates.

Reviews

[C.T. Phipps · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed HAINT, which is a fantastic Appalachian horror novel about a local community versus a centuries old vampire. HOLLOW follows this up by one of the characters surviving and becoming a werewolf. Damn, they just can't have a break. I think the survivor plotline doesn't really work but I really liked the gentrification plotline as well as conservation element. One element I disagreed with is they refer to a "university in Lexington" when true locals would refer to it as UK or the University of Kentucky.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a truly outstanding series. I really enjoyed both books. I grew up not far from where these two books were set and I applaud the author's accuracy. His description of the area, the way his characters speak, and even the names of the characters were all spot on.

[Brittney · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an interesting vibe and different take on the werewolf legend. I enjoyed the story overall but it took quite awhile to get to the body of the story.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm loving this pulp horror series set in a little town called Haint's Hallow. The Gallogly family is certainly a unique one and each member of the family adds something to the entertainment value of the story. Just like the first one was a slightly different spin on the vampire, this one deals with werewolves. If you enjoyed the first a d like werewolves, this is a quick, fast paced and fun time! I'm hoping we get even more stories from this spooky town. I'm hoping the ending is hinting at that!

[Jessica Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining follow up to Haint, but instead of vampires, this time we get werewolves. I enjoyed getting to see some of the characters from the first book again, along with learning how these characters are dealing with events from the first book. Also, the speculation around how the werewolf was created was interesting. I do feel like this book had more character development and less bloody horror than the first book, which seemed to end up flowing well with the story. Solid 4 stars.

[Dale Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. An enjoyable follow-up that seemed to focus more on characters than action. There was a bit, but it wasn't as much as the first book. The reason behind the whole second incident seemed quite loose as well, didn't really make sense to me. You get a lot more backstory on characters instead. The ending is subtle - it could end just there, or it could lead to another book.

That being said, I do like the characters and the setting.

[Deb Randolph · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book for all cryptid horror lovers

I loved the first book in this series, which was about a vampire. I waited a long time for this second book and was definitely worth the wait. It continues on with both new and old characters, but this time, they are after a werewolf with a twist. There was so much action, gore, and excitement, which makes it a perfect book for anyone who loves cryptid horror. I do hope there will be another one coming.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vampires in the first book, werewolves in the second - loving this series

This series could have, easily, been hokey or overly gory. I love monster-based stories, but so many of them fall short. Brower is a very good writer and brings this story together with interesting characters and monster lore. I am looking forward to the next book. This is a perfect October read.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sequel to Haint, which was my introduction to this author and still my favorite book I’ve read by him. Set in the same world, this one involves werewolves who have been terrorizing and killing the locals. I found this one slightly harder to get into than Haint, partially because it was a much slower build. It seemed to take much longer to get to the action than Haint did. I did like the interactions between the main characters and I liked seeing the perspectives of the werewolves. I also liked the Easter egg in which HH Horowitz is mentioned. I’m looking forward to part three of the series, which I see is about zombies.

[C.K. Wissinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samuel Brower is THE BEST

This series has become my favorite modern horror anthology. Haint was a game changer, and Holler doesn't disappoint. It's fast paced right out of the gate, returning some vital characters while introducing new ones that will definitely contribute in future series. It's a blend of southern gothic horror, part mystery, part thriller...exactly what pulp horror is. Don't hesitate to get this one BUT read and/or listen to Haint first!

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A amazing short read about werewolves. This book is very fasted paced and you won’t want to put it down. I absolutely loved this book, and love how the author makes his own twist on werewolves. Definitely looking forward to the next book.

[Jessica Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

so good!

I LOVED these books in this series. So excited for the third one. They take the old scary legends of monsters and do it up with a twist to make it a unique story. Plus the dialogue is great and so are the characters!

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holler is a great werewolf yarn.

Samuel Brower delivers another great take. A fun, fast paced story with some good twists and turns. The characters are great. The mood is creepy. And the horror is horrifying.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an Appalachian horror author/lover, I am really enjoying these tales by Samuel Brower! This one wasn't quite as engaging as the first, but I still had a great time! It was fun to revisit the characters, and the town, and to just see what crazy cryptid was going to make it's appearance next!

[Rusty Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!

Very good books, both one and two! Couldn’t put it down until I finished the whole series! I love books that hold my attention!

[Terry and dog · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.8 rounded up.
Not what I was expecting. Definitely some good characters and a different twist on a werewolf. I didn't like it quite as much as the first story, Haint, but all in all a fun horror.

[Joe Breault · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haints Hollow.

And I thought the first book was good!? This sequel was amazing, got to catch back up with the crew and see what they're upto this time and it didn't disappoint!

[Kathy Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started out a bit slow, but gained momentum.

[Sam Jr Harden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story

Great characters, good storyline that you. don't want to put down. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Adam Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing read

Love all the twists, the action and suspense were awesome. The climax though had me a little sad…but I’m looking forward to book number 3 for sure!!!

[Will · Rating 4 out of 5]

a fun, quick and easy read book that does not take itself too seriously.

[Wayne Pickrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Holler Grows on You!

The Holler certainly grows on you. Join Hunter, Putnam, Greg, Jesse and the rest of the clan as they go up against another supernatural creature from legend.
Samuel Brower's Haints Holler stories are full of action, horror and light comedy. I've read and listened to the books, and his audiobook narrator Adam McLaughlin certainly brings both the characters and story to life.
I'm about to read book 3, and praying there's more to come. Hint hint.