It Happened in the Hollow

by Brenda Stanley

The woods remember. The river listens. And some secrets refuse to stay buried.

Landis has never stayed anywhere long enough to call it home. Shuffled from one foster house to the next, he's learned not to get attached. But when he's sent to live on an Idaho farm, something about the place feels... different. The dense woods whisper his name, and the river hums with something just beneath the surface.

Benji knows he doesn't belong—because he's dead. Trapped in the space between, he watches as his parents refuse to give up searching for him. He doesn't remember how he disappeared, only that the woods were the last place he felt alive. And his mother carries a guilt too heavy to bear. If he can uncover the truth, maybe he can finally let go.

As Landis is drawn deeper into the trees, he begins to sense someone watching. The forest holds a secret—one tangled in grief, guilt, and blood. Benji, desperate for answers, begins to learn about his death and himself. Their stories weave together, leading them both toward the answer to "Why am I here?"

But the river is rising, the woods are waking, and what happened in the hollow could finally answer that question.

400 pages, Paperback

Published July 15, 2025

About the author

Brenda Stanley is former television news anchor and investigative reporter for the NBC affiliate in Eastern Idaho. She has been recognized for her writing by the Scripps Howard Foundation, the Hearst Journalism Awards, The Idaho Press Club and the Society for Professional Journalists. She is a graduate of Dixie College in St. George, Utah and the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. She is the mother of 5 children, including two sets of twins. Brenda and her husband Dave, a veterinarian, live on a small ranch near the Snake River with their horses and dogs.

Reviews

[Lisa Lete · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fan of Brenda Stanley’s work, I was pleased to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of "It Happened in the Hollow," which did not disappoint.
I loved that the book is set in rural Bingham County, Idaho, in the 1980s. As someone who grew up in that area during that time, I found the descriptions of the landscape, fly fishing, family dynamics, and teenage pop culture to be spot-on and nostalgic.
The book is written from alternating perspectives of characters: Landis, who is here on earth, and Benji, a spirit trapped between heaven and earth. The paranormal aspects of the book are just spooky enough to send a chill down your spine without being unbelievable. It felt natural and haunting at the same time.
While the pacing is a bit slow at the beginning, those early chapters lay the groundwork for what, I promise you, will turn into an all-night read. The plot is filled with twists and turns that keep you guessing until the end.
Every character was woven perfectly into the story, with their arcs coming together in a satisfying and emotional conclusion. However, one burning question remained ambiguous to me—which I won’t detail as it would be a spoiler. Maybe Stanley planned it that way to keep her readers thinking.
This story won’t be leaving me anytime soon.
Lisa Lete

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free ARC*

Part mystery, part ghost story, part coming of age, It Happened in the Hollow is a quick easy read for those who enjoy intrigue and small town secrets. It follows Landis, a fifteen-year old kid who keeps bouncing from from foster home to foster home until he is eventually sent to live in eastern Idaho with a couple who are fostering secrets of their own. Landis arrives shortly after a local boy goes missing, and (LIGHT SPOILERS) over the course of the book you learn that Landis is somehow linked to everything going on.

I could see some of the twists coming but it had a good satisfying build up that made it fun when I guessed correctly, as well as some twists I did not see that were pleasantly surprising. It's also partially narrated by the dead boy, a plot narrative that is always something that's gonna make me pick up a book. My only criticism is that several of the plot lines were unresolved. I really thought some of them would be touched on near the end and when they were never brought up again I was slightly disappointed.

However, the small town secrets and the haunting atmosphere (as well as the question of whether or not Landis will finally reunite with his mom!) were more than enough to convince me to give this a solid 4 stars. And of course, I am always thrilled to see eastern Idaho representation in novels and love to support Idaho authors.

[Readers Choice · Rating 5 out of 5]

It Happened in the Hollow is an emotionally layered novel that explores how secrets, grief, and unresolved trauma can shape lives for generations. Set in a small rural community divided by old resentments, the story centers on a boy who has gone missing and the ripple effects his disappearance leaves behind. As the narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, the truth emerges slowly, creating a quiet but persistent sense of tension.

The hollow itself feels almost alive, heavy with memory, silence, and things left unsaid. Brenda Stanley’s writing is reflective and immersive, allowing readers to fully inhabit the emotional worlds of her characters. Rather than relying on dramatic twists, the story builds its power through subtle revelations and emotional honesty.

The characters are deeply human and flawed, particularly the adults burdened by guilt and the belief that blame must lie somewhere. Landis’s storyline adds another compelling layer, offering insight into displacement, survival, and fragile hope, while Benji’s perspective brings a poignant sense of longing and unfinished business that anchors the novel emotionally.

The plot kept me on the edge of my seat until the last page. Go ahead with this book without any second thoughts.

[bookhaven__ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book surprised me in the best way. It Happened in the Hollow blends mystery, emotional depth, and quiet suspense into a story that feels both tragic and tender. Told through multiple perspectives, including that of a boy who is missing and possibly dead, the novel slowly reveals the tangled relationships and secrets of a small community divided by old grudges.

The characters are deeply human and flawed, especially the parents and guardians grappling with guilt and denial. Landis’s storyline is particularly compelling, offering a raw look at displacement, foster care, and the fragile hope of reunion. Meanwhile, Benji’s voice adds an aching sense of unfinished business that gives the story its emotional core.

Rather than relying on shock twists, the novel builds tension through atmosphere and emotional truth. If you enjoy stories that focus on psychological depth, lingering mysteries, and the long shadows cast by past choices, this book is well worth reading. I had a great time reading this book. The storyline is gripping. I highly recommend this novel to my fellow readers.

[Andrew Glenn Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I’ve always recognized as the hallmark of great writing is the ability to craft intriguing characters and narration that feels truly authentic. Brenda Stanley achieves this beautifully in It Happens in the Hollows. From the first page, the voices feel lived-in, honest, and compelling—pulling you into their world effortlessly.

The plot itself is wonderfully constructed, with a flow that kept me engaged throughout. There’s a natural tension and a sense of place that lingers long after you close the book. I don’t want to give away any spoilers because this is a story best discovered on your own, but I will say that Stanley’s writing balances depth and accessibility in a way that’s rare.

This is the kind of book where the characters stay with you—not just because of what happens to them, but because of how real they feel.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Brenda Stanley book and won’t be my last. I was hooked immediately by the storytelling and character development. I found myself pulling for Landis and wanting him to find the joy that had been missing in his life. Stanley did not disappoint.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jan Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hollowing fantastic!

What a fascinating and intriguing story! Lots of twists and turns that kept me captivated from the start. The characters were very well developed and the descriptions of the land and water were outstanding. Great fly fishing alliterations
as well. Living in the area where the story is set made the book even better!

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read from this author and I was so impressed. I loved the story and how she tied it all up in a bow at the end. Answered all my questions at the end. I loved the secrets and how she unveiled them. I will definitely read more of her books!

[Heather Grose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Fun to read a book about my local area. I also had no idea this was the Brenda i used to work with. I cant wait to read more from her!!

[Mikki Nuckols]

Wow, as always keeps you right up to the end.

[Rowan Creech · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very suspenseful story that was extremely intriguing. Full of mystery and suspense and woven with supernatural tints cumulated into a fantastic story.

[Brenda Stanley]

Some places are beautiful by day and terrifying by night—and that duality is what drew me to write It Happened in the Hollow. Beneath the quiet surface of a small Idaho town, I wanted to explore what happens when buried secrets start to breathe.

This novel is more than just a mystery. It’s about the things we carry—the guilt, the grief, the questions we’re afraid to ask. It follows two teens from very different worlds, both searching for truth in a place that doesn’t give it up easily. There’s the shadow of a long-ago crime, the whisper of something supernatural, and the slow, steady unraveling of what people pretend not to see.

Readers who enjoy emotionally layered mysteries, atmospheric settings, and dual perspectives will find a lot to sink into here. The story is driven by character, by tension, and by the way the past never stays buried—especially in a town like this one.

Personally, this book matters to me because it allowed me to weave together so many of the things I care about: resilience, found family, the weight of silence, and the healing power of the natural world. It’s also rooted in the place I call home, and that authenticity shaped every scene.

If you’re drawn to stories that don’t flinch from hard truths but still leave room for hope, It Happened in the Hollow is for you. I wrote it from the heart, and I hope it stays with you long after the final page.

[Sahar's Honest Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Story That Stays with You Long After You Finish
A dead boy and a foster kid who never stays anywhere long are about to cross paths in the most unexpected way. Landis has been bounced from home to home so many times, he doesn’t believe it when the Fosters say he’s staying. He feels unwanted, unloved—and now something strange is happening. He’s forbidden from going into the woods. There’s a locked room in the house no one talks about. What are the Fosters hiding?
Benji doesn’t remember how he died. He only knows he’s not ready to move on, and that the woods hold the key. But why is he still here—and what is keeping him from the light?
This is one of those rare stories that grabs hold and doesn’t let go. Even when I had to put it down, I couldn’t stop thinking about it—and once I finished, it stayed with me for days. Gothic, supernatural, and beautifully layered with mystery and emotion, this story is for anyone who loves tales of family secrets, haunted woods, and a past that refuses to stay buried.

[_sassy_39 · Rating 5 out of 5]

It Happened in the Hollow is a haunting, slow-burn novel that lingers long after the final page. Brenda Stanley weaves together grief, secrecy, and generational trauma against the eerie backdrop of a divided rural community. The alternating perspectives particularly between the living and the dead add a deeply emotional layer that makes the story feel both intimate and unsettling.

What stands out most is the novel’s atmosphere. The hollow itself feels like a living presence, heavy with memory and unresolved pain. Stanley’s prose is reflective and immersive, allowing readers to sit with the characters’ guilt, longing, and unanswered questions rather than rushing toward easy resolutions.

This is not a fast-paced thriller, but a thoughtful and emotionally rich story about loss, love, and the weight of the past. Readers who appreciate character-driven fiction and introspective storytelling will find “It Happened in the Hollow” quietly powerful and deeply affecting. Both Landis and Benji will stay on your mind long after you finish reading this book.

[Sue Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The basic story here was interesting, but the author took way too long to start getting to the point. The story didn't really start get interesting until after the halfway point.The first 50% was like wading through molasses in combat boots! The story really needed a lot of tightening and editing to get to the point sooner. I almost gave up on it several times. I suppose the author wanted to create suspense, but for me all it created was frustration. I'm glad I stuck with it, but it still left me wanting to know more about Landon. Even though much of the story was told through his viewpoint, I never felt as if we got his full story. Or maybe I missed it when I was skimming through all the over descriptive "river runs through it" details about fly fishing—an activity in which I have zero interest.

[Dalyn Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

It Happened in the Hollow is a haunting, emotionally layered thriller that immerses readers in a world where grief, guilt, and supernatural intrigue intertwine. Brenda Stanley masterfully balances the tension between the living and the dead, as Landis’s fragile sense of belonging collides with Benji’s spectral presence and the forest’s ominous secrets. The novel’s lush, atmospheric setting the whispering woods and rising river becomes a character in its own right, amplifying suspense and emotional resonance. Stanley’s deft exploration of trauma, loss, and the search for truth makes this a compelling, unforgettable read.

[Michael Acosta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was truly intriguing from start to finish! Brenda Stanley is a fine writer and a gifted storyteller. This book is hard to categorize but I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary Finkenbinder · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. IMO, it too long to tell the story, dragged some in the middle, but overall a good read.