Cartecay: An Extreme Horror Novel

by D.Z. Hollow

The Cartecay River is nestled in the heart of the North Georgia mountains and cradles a terrifying secret: brothers Trent and Tripp Nix. Formed by the darkness around them, the hilbillies always get what they want, especially women. On the other side of the river is Andy and his sister Rachel. They are teenagers struggling with their parents' divorce. Both paths cross, and the town of Ellijay is forever changed.

Cartecay is a deeply depraved journey into the human psyche. This is EXTREME HORROR.

Edited by award-winning editor Juliet Rose & Danielle Sundby

Genres: Horror

285 pages, Paperback

First published September 8, 2025

About the author

D.Z. Hollow is an author and musician who lives in the Appalachian Mountains of North Georgia with his wife and a slew of rescue animals. When not writing, he enjoys watching horror movies and television shows. He also loves playing music and hiking with his wife and fellow author, Juliet.

Reviews

[Bambi Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt like I was pulled into a dream, and all I could do was witness what was happening without being able to run and get help.

Andy & Rachel are brother and sister, who you feel so bad for, and then their world collides with the Nix brothers, who are living nightmares!

This book contains every trigger warning, so make sure to check them first because this book is definitely vile and disturbing!!!

[Angel Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a gut-wrenching read. DZ really outdid himself with this one. This is the extreme result of what happens when abuse during one's childhood is never healed. DZ Hollow doesn't hold back with this one at all, so prepare for some gruesome scenes. It all starts at the Cartecay river that is filled with many dark secrets.

I've never been camping before, but after reading this I might think twice lol. This might be the best book DZ has read. Of course, please check your triggers before reading because this one pulls no punches and I truly mean that. It's a book with plenty of vivid details.

If you're into extreme horror, give this one a read but pack a light lunch before reading.

[Shaina Renae · Rating 5 out of 5]

DZ Hollow really knows how to make you squirm. This is extreme horror at its peak. No spoilers. But it's one you don't want to pass up!

[LADY BUGG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen... this book had me in a chokehold!

Small town deep dark secrets that take everyone down!

Cartecay is a river that holds some deep-rooted, gruesome horror that entwines they entire town in ways you wouldn't expect.

** triggers galore**

[danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only have I become a fan of DZ Hollow because he’s simply a good human being, but I’ve had the honor to be a beta reader for his newest (set to release this June) and I’m also a fan of his depravity.

Cartecay follows two brothers and the absolute destruction in their path. No one is safe. At all. They take what they want, when they want, however they want.

Triggers? Most of them. 😅

It’s fantastic.

As I told him, he managed to pack so much into this little grenade of a book. So many scenes are beyond vile.

Lastly, even if I WAS into camping, I wouldn’t be after this ride. Eff. That.

Stay away from the Cartecay.

[Kati Chastain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cartecay is a brutal ride that left me absolutely stunned. From the very first page, I was hooked—and repeatedly picking my jaw up off the floor. DZ doesn’t just tell a story; he drags you into it, whether you’re ready or not.

The writing is rich with vivid, almost cinematic descriptions. You can practically smell the decay and feel the grit under your nails. The atmosphere is so immersive it borders on suffocating—in the best way possible. If I had to compare the vibe, I’d say it’s a gruesome mashup of The Hills Have Eyes, Deliverance, and House of 1000 Corpses. It's backwoods horror at its most raw and unapologetic.

This novel ticks off every trigger warning you can think of—and it does so gleefully. It’s grotesque, extreme, and drenched in blood and filth. And just when you think it can’t get any worse (or better?), the ending comes in like a sucker punch to the face. It’s vile, shocking, and completely unforgettable.

Cartecay is not for the faint of heart—but for fans of extreme horror and Splatterpunk, it’s an absolute must-read. D.Z. Hollow is quickly carving out his place as one of the most exciting, unflinching voices in the genre today. Buckle up—you’ve been warned.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be a beta reader for Cartecay by DZ Hollow and I really really enjoyed this story. This is a story with many character and how horribly it can go when they interact, those characters include Andy and his sister, Rachel who had a shitty upbringing. The story also involves the Nix brothers named Trent and Tripp and their disturbing family. Andy and his sister were beaten down by life and incredibly likable particularly Andy. Now the Nix brothers..... they are a different kettle of rapey murdery fish that I found fascinating. Despite having the same upbringing I found myself having a little more sympathy for Tripp. From the start Trent seemed to just be more evil and take his aggression out on tripp who then got even more fucked up by having his brother be an evil piece of shit to him, Tripp then seeks solace in drugs which make him even easier to manipulate and abuse by Trent who dragged Tripp down to the same level as him cementing the evil in both of them, I guess sadism, just like misry loves company. This book did tick off every trigger warnings that one could have, super violent very dark and bloody, Great book fantasic first full-length novel I loved it 5/5. Releasing in July.

[Breanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cartecay is absolutely deplorable, in the most disturbingly brilliant way. Violent, gory, and wildly absurd, this is a story that pushes limits and demands you check your triggers before diving in.

At its core, this book is a haunting portrayal of the trickle-down effect of abuse and neglect. It follows two young boys, broken by their father's abuse, who grow into twisted, thrill-seeking serial killers. Fueled by drugs and the hunt, their reign of terror spirals into chaos.

What begins as a seemingly simple affair turns into a full-blown nightmare involving kidnapping, brutality, and much worse. Cartecay will have you constantly questioning: what would you do to escape your captor's grasp?

This is not a light read, but for those who enjoy extreme horror and psychological depravity, it's an unforgettable ride.

Cartecay by DZ Hollow is due to be released in September! So keep an eye out for this one.

[Ali O · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cartecay by DZ Hollow
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This book is dark, depraved and disturbing!! It’s truly an intense extreme horror story and psychological mind f$ck!
I loved this story, even with some difficult parts to read.

Trent and Tripp are horrific brothers who have zero boundaries and live insane lives. The actions and events that go on with these brothers are intense and sometimes tough to read. The scenes are full of vivid imagery and I was able to picture the good and awful parts.

This book is well written and is an amazing and brutal read.
I recommend for anyone who doesn’t have triggers and can deal with extreme warped minds and horrible actions.
*A must read!*

*check triggers*

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fun reading, in a disturbed kind of way, and by far more gruesome than Corpse Lover. At times, the scene was so descriptive that I could imagine the surroundings; other times, it was more difficult. Although I love the plot and think DZH created a story that can shock and engage readers, it was a bit disjointed with different families and subplots - I just think there were too many. It distracted from the storyline. That's my only feedback for the book that isn't positive. Otherwise, this book was great! Well done, DZH! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Lisa Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is unhinged, if you think you've read dark welcome to D.Z's world! This is my top choice in splatterpunk. Nothing bothers me but there was a scene in this book that will live in my head rent free for the rest of my life (not in a good way 🙃🤣🤣)
The story is fast paced and brutal, read at your own risk and beware of trigger warnings in this one.
Tripp and Trent hold nothing back when it comes to what they want, they will take it no matter what the cost or possible consequences. They are the most vile bad guys in ever way, there is no redemption with these two.

[Stephanie Rumbarger · Rating 5 out of 5]

There aren't enough stars for this one. Fair warning, it is absolutely insane and I probably should have been grossed out and questioning my life choices but I couldn't put it down. That ending ✨chefs kiss✨ it was everything you want in an extreme horror (I think, maybe splatter?) It was sick, twisted, depraved and I loved it. Highly recommend if you want to be disturbed beyond belief. It made me cringe so many times. I can't say enough about this book. Get it immediately!! Check your triggers and don't say I didn't warn you 😏

[Juliet Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book isn't for the faint of heart but tells a story of generational abuse, intentional cruelty, and the impact of trauma through an extreme viewpoint. At no point does this story let you breathe and there are no heroes, only survivors, few at that. It's brutal, unforgiving, and heartbreaking. Yet for anyone who has dealt with trauma, in it lies seeds of truth.

WARNING**** Only read if you are familiar with extreme horror and the depths of human cruelty.

[Keri Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare to be dragged deep into the sinister heart of the North Georgia mountains.
D.Z. Hollow creates a chilling portrait of evil in the Nix brothers. Their generational depravity is unlike any other. This is a raw and ultimately tragic collision of innocence and pure backwoods terror. So come explore the darkest corners of the human psyche but be warned it’s not for the faint of heart…..but it’s oh so good!

[Amethyst Maxey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC. This book was depraved as hell. GORE galore, especially the ending. I definitely won’t be going to the Cartecay river, EVER!

[Emily Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when two totally different worlds collide. This is a fast paced brutal read that let's you find out. Characters you like several you hate.