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It Happened in the Hollow
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.
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
21 books150 followersBrenda 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.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 12, 2025
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
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
August 18, 2025
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!!
March 26, 2026
What would you do if the most recent family to take you in has so many off-limits areas that it just does not make sense? Then you hear whispers about something mysterious to do with the home you’ve now moved into? Who is this Benji kid everyone keeps talking about?
It Happened in the Hollow by Brenda Stanley is a haunting young adult paranormal mystery that will hook you from the start and keep you along for the ride! Landis has bounced from foster home to foster home, waiting for his mother to come back to get him. He finds himself the only boy on a farm with the woods in the back marked as off limits and, as most teenage boys do, struggles with wanting to find out why. Benji is a spirit stuck in between until he can discover what actually happened in the Hollow. As he explores the past to get to the circumstances of his demise, we learn exactly what caused so much fear and grief.
This was such a well-written and intriguing story! The writing flowed and had such a haunting quality to it, which is perfect for this type of genre. I found myself fully engaged in the story and constantly processing the bits of mystery that had been revealed. The way Stanley utilized the ghost of Benji to tell the past was really interesting and well done. I liked the dynamic it added to the story. There was also an underlying theme of how the decisions we make have an impact for generations, many of which we cannot predict.
As far as the characters, each and every one had so much depth. Even the “antagonist” of the story has more under the surface than originally portrayed. The interactions between them and the decisions they make are all formed based on what they know, have experienced, or suspect to be true. It created a twisting plot of discovery and surprise that added so much more impact to the story.
The setting of the story, mostly Frost’s farm and the woods behind it, was described in a way that I was able to picture it all. The beauty and mystery of the hollow drew me in so well. And the stories behind each and every part of the land, flowers, and buildings were so deep and powerful.
It Happened in the Hollow by Brenda Stanley is an outstanding YA Paranormal Mystery perfect for anyone who loves a haunting, yet lyrical story about discovering the buried secrets thought to be left behind. There is no cursing and very mild violence. The only bedroom-type scene is the trigger warning mentioned below. This is a great story for any young adults and up who love mystery and depth to a story. Absolutely phenomenal read, and I’m excited to explore more of what Stanley has to offer!
Please note potential trigger warning: There is a scene where a girl is violated. While it is very briefly described, it is enough that readers sensitive to this may want to give consideration prior to reading.
It Happened in the Hollow by Brenda Stanley is a haunting young adult paranormal mystery that will hook you from the start and keep you along for the ride! Landis has bounced from foster home to foster home, waiting for his mother to come back to get him. He finds himself the only boy on a farm with the woods in the back marked as off limits and, as most teenage boys do, struggles with wanting to find out why. Benji is a spirit stuck in between until he can discover what actually happened in the Hollow. As he explores the past to get to the circumstances of his demise, we learn exactly what caused so much fear and grief.
This was such a well-written and intriguing story! The writing flowed and had such a haunting quality to it, which is perfect for this type of genre. I found myself fully engaged in the story and constantly processing the bits of mystery that had been revealed. The way Stanley utilized the ghost of Benji to tell the past was really interesting and well done. I liked the dynamic it added to the story. There was also an underlying theme of how the decisions we make have an impact for generations, many of which we cannot predict.
As far as the characters, each and every one had so much depth. Even the “antagonist” of the story has more under the surface than originally portrayed. The interactions between them and the decisions they make are all formed based on what they know, have experienced, or suspect to be true. It created a twisting plot of discovery and surprise that added so much more impact to the story.
The setting of the story, mostly Frost’s farm and the woods behind it, was described in a way that I was able to picture it all. The beauty and mystery of the hollow drew me in so well. And the stories behind each and every part of the land, flowers, and buildings were so deep and powerful.
It Happened in the Hollow by Brenda Stanley is an outstanding YA Paranormal Mystery perfect for anyone who loves a haunting, yet lyrical story about discovering the buried secrets thought to be left behind. There is no cursing and very mild violence. The only bedroom-type scene is the trigger warning mentioned below. This is a great story for any young adults and up who love mystery and depth to a story. Absolutely phenomenal read, and I’m excited to explore more of what Stanley has to offer!
Please note potential trigger warning: There is a scene where a girl is violated. While it is very briefly described, it is enough that readers sensitive to this may want to give consideration prior to reading.
July 11, 2025
*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.
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.
December 27, 2025
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.
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.
December 27, 2025
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.
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.
July 16, 2025
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.
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.
July 15, 2025
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.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 24, 2025
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!
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!
August 13, 2025
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!
February 23, 2026
It Happened in the Hollow by Brenda Stanley is a haunting, atmospheric YA paranormal mystery that intertwines grief, memory, and the supernatural in a way that lingers long after the final page.
The story centers on Landis, a foster teen unused to permanence, and Benji, a boy caught between life and death. Their perspectives converge on an Idaho farm whose woods and river hold secrets that refuse to stay buried. Stanley crafts a setting that feels alive, almost sentient the hollow, the river, and the surrounding forests are as much characters as the humans who navigate them.
What makes this novel particularly compelling is the dual narrative structure. Switching between the living and the dead, Stanley builds tension while exploring themes of loss, connection, and the lingering consequences of past choices. The emotional depth is balanced by suspenseful pacing, keeping readers invested in both the mystery and the characters’ inner journeys.
Stanley’s prose is richly descriptive without overwhelming, evoking the eerie beauty of rural Idaho and the quiet dread of secrets waiting to surface. It’s perfect for readers who crave paranormal intrigue with emotional resonance, layered characters, and a story that honors the weight of memory and the human need for closure.
It Happened in the Hollow is a beautifully crafted YA thriller that lingers in the mind, inviting readers to confront the unseen forces both literal and metaphorical that shape our lives.
The story centers on Landis, a foster teen unused to permanence, and Benji, a boy caught between life and death. Their perspectives converge on an Idaho farm whose woods and river hold secrets that refuse to stay buried. Stanley crafts a setting that feels alive, almost sentient the hollow, the river, and the surrounding forests are as much characters as the humans who navigate them.
What makes this novel particularly compelling is the dual narrative structure. Switching between the living and the dead, Stanley builds tension while exploring themes of loss, connection, and the lingering consequences of past choices. The emotional depth is balanced by suspenseful pacing, keeping readers invested in both the mystery and the characters’ inner journeys.
Stanley’s prose is richly descriptive without overwhelming, evoking the eerie beauty of rural Idaho and the quiet dread of secrets waiting to surface. It’s perfect for readers who crave paranormal intrigue with emotional resonance, layered characters, and a story that honors the weight of memory and the human need for closure.
It Happened in the Hollow is a beautifully crafted YA thriller that lingers in the mind, inviting readers to confront the unseen forces both literal and metaphorical that shape our lives.
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June 10, 2025Wow, as always keeps you right up to the end.
June 8, 2025
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.
December 27, 2025
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.
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.
April 20, 2026
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 to 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 overly descriptive "river runs through it" details about fly fishing—an activity in which I have zero interest.
May 26, 2026
It Happened in the Hollow by Brenda Stanley is one of the most emotionally impactful novels I have read in a long time. Blending mystery with generational trauma, grief, and family secrets, the story unfolds through multiple timelines and perspectives, creating a haunting and deeply human narrative that lingers long after the final page.
The novel opens with an unsettling prologue involving two young girls in the woods, one frightened and the other strangely confident as they appear to be hiding what may be a body. From that moment, the story immediately pulls the reader into its mystery. One of the most compelling elements is the perspective of Benji, a young boy who understands that he has died but does not know how. Through his voice, the reader slowly uncovers the tragedies woven throughout his family’s history.
At the center of the story is a sprawling family legacy rooted in rural Idaho. Years earlier, Tom brought Eugenie, a wealthy English woman fleeing the expectations of her privileged life, to live with him on a ranch in Idaho. Struggling to adapt to the isolation and harshness of ranch life, Eugenie remained deeply unhappy despite Tom building her an extravagant home that locals mockingly referred to as “the castle.” From there, the novel follows the lives shaped by that home and the grief that seemed to settle into the land itself.
The shifting timelines require close attention, but every detail matters. As the story moves through generations, particularly through Evelyn’s life from childhood into adulthood, the emotional weight of inherited trauma becomes impossible to ignore. Brenda Stanley handles these transitions beautifully, allowing the mystery to unfold naturally while deepening the emotional complexity of the characters.
One of the standout characters is Landis, a vulnerable and resilient sixteen year old boy trapped in the foster care system while waiting for his mother’s release from prison. Small for his age and often bullied, Landis carries guilt that never truly belonged to him. When he is unexpectedly sent to live with Evelyn and Gordon Frost at the castle, the story begins unraveling its deepest questions. Why was Landis chosen to live there? What secrets are Evelyn and Mr. Frost hiding? Why does Tom live alone in a cabin in the woods? And what happened on this land that left generations of families haunted by loss?
What makes this novel so memorable is the way it explores grief without losing sight of healing. Throughout the history of this plot of land, there has been overwhelming death and heartbreak, yet Tom remains one of the novel’s most quietly hopeful characters. Even while processing the deaths of both his child and grandson, he continues to appreciate the beauty of the land through fishing, hard work, and daily routines. Watching him show Landis that life can still hold peace and purpose after unimaginable loss was one of the most moving aspects of the story. There was something profoundly comforting in seeing a character carry grief while still finding joy in living.
The Idaho ranch setting adds another rich layer to the novel. Landis slowly learns how to work with his hands, care for the land, and take pride in responsibility. His growth throughout the story is incredibly rewarding to witness, especially as he begins discovering stability and connection in a life that had previously been defined by uncertainty.
Benji’s perspective remains one of the novel’s most heartbreaking and beautiful elements. Through him, the story carries a quiet emotional depth that transforms the mystery into something much larger than uncovering what happened. It becomes a story about family, forgiveness, loss, and the enduring impact of love and grief across generations.
This novel captured me completely from beginning to end. Even after the mystery unraveled and every piece fell into place, I still was not ready for it to end. As a mother especially, the emotional weight of the story felt overwhelming at times because the grief of losing a child never truly disappears within these pages. It Happened in the Hollow is haunting, emotional, beautifully written, and unforgettable. Brenda Stanley created a story that is devastating in the best way while still leaving room for hope and healing.
The novel opens with an unsettling prologue involving two young girls in the woods, one frightened and the other strangely confident as they appear to be hiding what may be a body. From that moment, the story immediately pulls the reader into its mystery. One of the most compelling elements is the perspective of Benji, a young boy who understands that he has died but does not know how. Through his voice, the reader slowly uncovers the tragedies woven throughout his family’s history.
At the center of the story is a sprawling family legacy rooted in rural Idaho. Years earlier, Tom brought Eugenie, a wealthy English woman fleeing the expectations of her privileged life, to live with him on a ranch in Idaho. Struggling to adapt to the isolation and harshness of ranch life, Eugenie remained deeply unhappy despite Tom building her an extravagant home that locals mockingly referred to as “the castle.” From there, the novel follows the lives shaped by that home and the grief that seemed to settle into the land itself.
The shifting timelines require close attention, but every detail matters. As the story moves through generations, particularly through Evelyn’s life from childhood into adulthood, the emotional weight of inherited trauma becomes impossible to ignore. Brenda Stanley handles these transitions beautifully, allowing the mystery to unfold naturally while deepening the emotional complexity of the characters.
One of the standout characters is Landis, a vulnerable and resilient sixteen year old boy trapped in the foster care system while waiting for his mother’s release from prison. Small for his age and often bullied, Landis carries guilt that never truly belonged to him. When he is unexpectedly sent to live with Evelyn and Gordon Frost at the castle, the story begins unraveling its deepest questions. Why was Landis chosen to live there? What secrets are Evelyn and Mr. Frost hiding? Why does Tom live alone in a cabin in the woods? And what happened on this land that left generations of families haunted by loss?
What makes this novel so memorable is the way it explores grief without losing sight of healing. Throughout the history of this plot of land, there has been overwhelming death and heartbreak, yet Tom remains one of the novel’s most quietly hopeful characters. Even while processing the deaths of both his child and grandson, he continues to appreciate the beauty of the land through fishing, hard work, and daily routines. Watching him show Landis that life can still hold peace and purpose after unimaginable loss was one of the most moving aspects of the story. There was something profoundly comforting in seeing a character carry grief while still finding joy in living.
The Idaho ranch setting adds another rich layer to the novel. Landis slowly learns how to work with his hands, care for the land, and take pride in responsibility. His growth throughout the story is incredibly rewarding to witness, especially as he begins discovering stability and connection in a life that had previously been defined by uncertainty.
Benji’s perspective remains one of the novel’s most heartbreaking and beautiful elements. Through him, the story carries a quiet emotional depth that transforms the mystery into something much larger than uncovering what happened. It becomes a story about family, forgiveness, loss, and the enduring impact of love and grief across generations.
This novel captured me completely from beginning to end. Even after the mystery unraveled and every piece fell into place, I still was not ready for it to end. As a mother especially, the emotional weight of the story felt overwhelming at times because the grief of losing a child never truly disappears within these pages. It Happened in the Hollow is haunting, emotional, beautifully written, and unforgettable. Brenda Stanley created a story that is devastating in the best way while still leaving room for hope and healing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2026
I got this book mostly because I am from Southeast Idaho, and I remember the author being a reporter on the local news. I was interested in seeing if she could write a good book. Honestly, I didn't have high hopes. A former television journalist as a fiction writer? Nope, not going to work. Plus, the book's over 400 pages. I figured it would be a book that really needed some editing down. I was seriously wrong. Yes, it's a long book, but the author needed that much space to tell the whole story.
I read a lot of 4-star and 4.5-star books, but I don't find a lot of books that I'd give a solid 5 stars. This is one of them. It included a dual POV story with the story happening along several timelines. It's rare to be able to pull that off without the story feeling confusing. She pulled that off very well. It had a series of mysteries with clues that fit together to tell the whole story. There were a few things that I figured out (or at least suspected) early on, but there were several other things that really surprised me. The great thing about those surprises, though, is that when the truth came out, it might feel surprising, but it never felt like it didn't fit with the story. Several times, I found myself thinking, "Oh yeah, I should have figured that out."
This book includes some swearing. I didn't count the swear words, but I'd guess that there were somewhere around 5-8 of them in the whole book, so one every 50-75 pages. For the most part, it's clean when it comes to sexual content and violence.
This book is well worth reading. It's my first Brenda Stanley book, but I am definitely interested in reading more of her books.
I got an ARC from BookSirens, and I left a voluntary review.
I read a lot of 4-star and 4.5-star books, but I don't find a lot of books that I'd give a solid 5 stars. This is one of them. It included a dual POV story with the story happening along several timelines. It's rare to be able to pull that off without the story feeling confusing. She pulled that off very well. It had a series of mysteries with clues that fit together to tell the whole story. There were a few things that I figured out (or at least suspected) early on, but there were several other things that really surprised me. The great thing about those surprises, though, is that when the truth came out, it might feel surprising, but it never felt like it didn't fit with the story. Several times, I found myself thinking, "Oh yeah, I should have figured that out."
This book includes some swearing. I didn't count the swear words, but I'd guess that there were somewhere around 5-8 of them in the whole book, so one every 50-75 pages. For the most part, it's clean when it comes to sexual content and violence.
This book is well worth reading. It's my first Brenda Stanley book, but I am definitely interested in reading more of her books.
I got an ARC from BookSirens, and I left a voluntary review.
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July 19, 2025Some 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.
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.
July 28, 2025
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.
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.
July 15, 2025
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.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 6, 2025
3.5 stars. IMO, it too long to tell the story, dragged some in the middle, but overall a good read.
April 2, 2026
What would you do if the most recent family to take you in has so many off limits areas that just do not make sense? Then you hear whispers about something mysterious to do with the home you’ve now moved into? Who is this Benji kid everyone keeps talking about? It Happened in the Hollow by Brenda Stanley is a haunting young adult paranormal mystery that will hook you from the start and keep you along for the ride! Landis has bounced from foster home to foster home waiting for his mother to come back to get him. He finds himself the only boy on a farm with the woods in the back marked as off limits and, as most teenage boys do, struggles with wanting to find out why. Benji is a spirit stuck in between until he can discover what actually happened in the Hollow. As he explores the past to get to the circumstances of his demise, we learn exactly what caused so much fear and grief.
I want to give a trigger warning to some readers. There is a scene where a girl is violated. While it is very briefly described, it is enough that readers sensitive to this may have a hard time reading it.
It Happened in the Hollow by Brenda Stanley is an outstanding YA Paranormal Mystery perfect for anyone who loves a haunting, yet lyrical story about discovering the buried secrets thought to be left behind. There is no cursing and very mild violence. The only bedroom type scene is the trigger warning one that I mentioned in the previous paragraph. This is a great story for any young adults and up that love mystery and depth to a story. Absolutely phenomenal read and I’m excited to explore more of what Stanley has to offer!
For the full review, go to Reader Views.
I want to give a trigger warning to some readers. There is a scene where a girl is violated. While it is very briefly described, it is enough that readers sensitive to this may have a hard time reading it.
It Happened in the Hollow by Brenda Stanley is an outstanding YA Paranormal Mystery perfect for anyone who loves a haunting, yet lyrical story about discovering the buried secrets thought to be left behind. There is no cursing and very mild violence. The only bedroom type scene is the trigger warning one that I mentioned in the previous paragraph. This is a great story for any young adults and up that love mystery and depth to a story. Absolutely phenomenal read and I’m excited to explore more of what Stanley has to offer!
For the full review, go to Reader Views.
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