Wicked is the Hollow

by K.E. Ganshert

A STRANGE TOWN. A SPRAWLING MANSION. A PERILOUS ROMANCE.


Ever since her mother vanished, Selah Whitlock has been drawn to the unexplained. So it feels almost fated to live in Foggy Hollow, a place where mystery abounds. Even more so when her father accepts a job at the Vandenberg estate, the epicenter of the town’s most infamous cold case.

Moving into the estate’s carriage house pulls Selah into the orbit of the Vandenberg Jude, the brooding heir with a tragic past, and Rafe, effortlessly charming and undeniably dangerous.

Then a centuries-old portrait surfaces bearing Selah’s exact likeness. Suddenly, she isn’t just chasing a mystery. She’s caught in the heart of one. As the town prepares to celebrate its bicentennial, Selah and Jude are pulled into a secret that spans generations. Something sinister is stirring beneath the golden leaves and carved pumpkins. And the deeper they fall, the deadlier the consequences.

Genres: Mystery, Fantasy, Fiction, Young Adult

552 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2025

About the author

K.E. Ganshert writes romantic speculative fiction filled with high stakes, big emotions, and exciting twists. Her stories feature heroines with gifts they don’t fully understand, emotionally guarded heroes who fall hard for the girl, and dangerous worlds that aren't quite what they seem. Perfect for readers who want to escape into supernatural, dystopian, or fantasy tales—where the romance runs deep, but never explicit.

All her books are available in Kindle Unlimited. Learn more at keganshertbooks.com.

Reviews

[Alicia (aliciasbooksanctuary) · Rating 4 out of 5]

OVERALL STAR RATING: 4/5
CLEAN RATING: 4.5/5

I saw several Bookstagrammers say they loved this book and off to Kindle Unlimited I went to download it without even reading their full reviews or the synopsis first! Lol I just thought to myself, what a great title and great cover for the month of October. I also loved that it was being marketed as YA. The writing was incredible, and the mystery was intriguing. An overall great page-turner that I would recommend, but it was also very unexpected. The first half really pulls you into the story with fantastic character development. This story is truly hard to describe. It has a unique flair to it that makes it stand out as nothing else I’ve ever really picked up before. There’s a creepy and historical element to it that personifies the Autumn season. What I didn’t expect halfway through was to be sucked into more of a supernatural world. Things got a little dark, and that’s why I gave the 4.5-Star clean rating as a warning to that. Think the TV show, “Stranger Things”. No swearing though and kisses only. It’s just the overall “dark” theme that some may not be comfortable with. Could this supernatural story fall into the realm of fantasy or sci-fi? I’m not sure as they really aren’t genres I’ve ventured into before. What I do know is this was a very well thought out and written novel. It left me speechless and curious as it kind of ends on a cliffhanger.

Selah Whitlock and her best friend, Twig, have always been inexplicably drawn to bizarre and unsolved mysteries. Selah’s own mother vanished when she was little, without much explanation. The infamous Vandenberg estate has been a huge fascination for Selah. Legend has it that an entire family went missing from the estate one night, never to be found again. When Selah’s father gets hired as the new groundskeeper at Vandenberg, it’s as though all of her and Twitch’s mystery and adrenaline junkie dreams have come true! Selah now has personal access to the estate and meets some of the Vandenberg cousins – some charming, some seemingly dangerous. Creepier than anything she’s ever discovered in the past, is a painted portrait inside the estate that looks EXACTLY like HER. She now feels as though she’s a part of the home’s sinister secrets and is determined to unearth them.

*For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary

[MJSH · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Death has become a storm cloud hovering above us. And yet, I've never felt more alive than I do right now."

Oh, I've missed K.E. Ganshert's stunning creativity and gift of bringing stories to life. This is more than a YA fantasy book. It combines the supernatural with suspense and mystery and throws in a dash of romance and angst to create a reading journey worthy of a theme park in excitement and thrill. I loved Selah's wicked sense of humor, wit, loyalty, and tenacity. Her first person voice was raw, curious, compassionate, tender and relatable. Though the book was exclusively from Selah's point of view, we got to know Jude pretty well. Underneath his tortured, aloof exterior lay a passionate, intelligent and thoughtful soul begging to be understood and loved. I was completely engrossed and invested in their journey to find answers to several mysteries at Vandenberg Manor. And the plot twists! I totally did not see any of those coming and was floored when the pieces started coming together. This book should be made into a movie!

I can't wait for the next book in the series. Though the cold cases presented at the beginning of the story are solved now, I think the second book will delve into a different mystery altogether involving a peripheral character introduced in this book.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of the author and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been a fan of Katie Ganshert for years. She is a super talented author who can write adult contemporary romances and incredible young adult stories. It doesn’t matter what she writes; I’m going to read it. Wicked is the Hollow reminds me of her first young adult series, The Gifting, because it deals with good versus evil. And the villain in this story is definitely evil. You don’t have to be a teen to enjoy this story. Yes, the hero (Jude) and heroine (Selah) are in high school, but the story is so good, you forget about their ages. If you’re a mystery/suspense fan, you’ll find plenty of it in this story. I read way too late one night because I couldn’t stop until I knew how things would turn out. It’s a definite page-turner. Finally, there is romance, but it isn’t the main point. Fighting evil is the key element that makes this book so gripping. There’s a surprise at the end that sets up book two. I wish it came out tomorrow so I could see what Ganshert does next. This is definitely worth your time. A little creepy, very suspenseful, some romance, and a solid story all rolled into one.

[Evelyn (Ev’s Novel Delights) · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Clean YA Spooky Small-town Mystery)

💜WICKED IS THE HOLLOW BY K.E. GANSHERT

Oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh!!!!! This was probably one of THE BEST spooky mysteries I’ve ever read!! I loved it from BEGINNING TO END! And I’m so excited for the next book in the series to release!
AHH btw I fully agree with the comparison of this book having Stranger Things and Gilmore Girls vibes
ALSO THE ROMANCE???! so adorable and cute!
Jude?? [swoon!] ugh he’s like that sweet broody blonde boy who LIKES TO READ GUYS and I’m not kidding, when we got introduced to him I was already in love with HIM..
found another book boyfriend guysss.. 🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭😍😍😍😍😍😍
SELAH was also such a great character as well! I loved her so much! Having the confidence to go up to the new cute guy who-she-had-an-intense-stare-down-with-in-the-school-hallway mind you , and sit down at lunch with him UH YEAH and she was such a cutie.. I like that she was a red head cuz I feel like I don’t read a lot of FMC’s with red hair ☺️🙃
NEED ANYMORE CONVINCING TO READ IT?!!
JUST TAKE MY WORD FOR IT AND GO READ ITTTTTT

✨ 6 starssss ✨

RTC later

⚠️ Age Suggestion: 15+ ⚠️

CONTENT INFO:

No spice- mildly descriptive kisses.. nothing more than that
No foul language- I don’t think nothing other than “great Scot!” And stupid
No LGBTQ

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all! This was a fantastic YA paranormal mystery! It's one of the best I’ve read in a long time. The prologue gripped me, and I was held captive till the final word. I loved it so much!

The mystery surrounding the Vandenberg family was so intriguing, and I was so curious how Selah was connected to everything. This was not a predictable read by any means. I was surprised by the unfolding events so many times. And I loved all the spooky vibes. I got goosebumps several times.

If you’re a fan of compelling and impossible-to-put-down paranormal mysteries, you’re going to love this book. I can’t recommend it highly enough. It’s one of my favorite reads of the year. I’m so excited this is the start of a series. I can’t wait to visit Foggy Hollow again!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the first sentence! Selah is witty, loving and determined. Twig is loyal and intelligent. (I really hope the next book is from his POV.) Jude and Rafe are mysterious. I often see plot twists a mile away, but there were some surprises in this book. I don't know if it's because they were cleverly disguised or because I was reading it so quickly I didn't take the time to think about where the story might be going. Either way, I thoroughly enjoyed the book from start to finish and can't wait for the next book in the series. Thank you K.E. Ganshert for writing such captivating books that are free from bad language and sex!!

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Hannah Currie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't know what to think going into this book. I've loved every book the author has written, especially The Gifting series (which is one of my all time favorite (and most read) series), but this one with its disappearances and Halloween/creepy-vibes had me uncertain. Horror is not my thing. But when one of your favorite authors brings out a new book, what's a girl to do but read it!

In all honesty, it was outside my comfort zone with the deaths and monster/ghosty stuff. That said, it was absolutely brilliantly written and imagined and held me utterly captivated from first sentence to last. I couldn't stop reading, and read it in a day. The characters, the twisty plot, the suspense, the evil v good, the mystery, it was impossible to walk away from. Days on, I still keep thinking about it.

Will I read it again? Maybe. Not sure. But I'm glad I read it. Even if it still creeped me out. Just call me a chicken :)

[Jessica Dowell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightfully spooky and giving all the right vibes for a Halloween season read, but without verging into straight up horror territory. I liked the mystery element and Selah was a great character. The way she delighted in the mysterious and was okay with holding things in uncertainty was beautiful.

The middle of the novel was a little slow in some parts and I really wish I could have had a window into Jude's perspective, but those are my only complaints.

This is the beginning of a series, which I didn't realize at first, but this story does come to a pretty satisfactory conclusion. While it may leave you intrigued about Book 2 it won't leave you frustrated and hanging on a cliff while you wait for the sequel.

I received an advanced copy for the purpose of reviewing. All opinions are my own.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most intriguing stories I have read lately! The mysteries abound in this one and I was here for all of it. I really like the cast of characters and this story truly kept me guessing. I can not wait for the next book!

I received this ARC from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

[Landon Adkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

**spoilers**
I enjoyed this new read from K.E.G! It's not the first time I've read a novel of hers, and I can see similar inspirations of faith, spirituality and dreams in this book that are always written in a way I think is refreshing for the YA and even Christian book world. There are also some different forms of storytelling in here, from using news clippings to police press statements that add a bit of neat variety that I found different, yet fun. The overall story and mystery is great here and the Fall and Halloween vibes are great, which kept me reading from beginning to end.

Selah, the main character, takes the cake for me as the best character in this book. She's easy to understand and get behind, energetic, and passionate about learning more about the supernatural occurrences in the town she lives in. It's actually really cool to see in this book a Christian character who has a love for all things supernatural, even supernatural things that are oftentimes associated with Halloween and spooky season.

The romance between Jude and Selah is pretty solid as well, and felt believable and wasn't overbearing, something which K.E.G. is also known for and is appreciated by me. The only aspect of this I wasn't sure about was whether I bought Selah's best friend Twig not being interested in her romantically. I did find it a bit odd how it's talked about how they do essentially everything together, but then when Jude asks Selah about him, she just brushes it off as being like siblings. That's completely fine, however I would've liked to see Twig talk on it more or indicate this more explicitly, rather than only hearing about it from Selah.

There are good themes of the strength of love, the value of life, and staying firm in beliefs even when challenged present throughout. Selah and Jude for much of the first portion of this book debate on relying only on logic, and how maybe obsessing over logical explanations can actually lead one to become illogical. Although admittedly not phrased the best by me in explaining this, this was a good lead into defending and staying firm into one's beliefs, even beliefs in the supernatural. I also liked this quote from the villain Rafe who says "an immortal life in a dark and broken world is a cruel thing in any circumstance." Rafe, a demon, even acknowledges the torture of immortality of life in a broken world, a world broken due to sin, which reminds me of Paul's writing in Philippians "to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

Some other final side notes and thoughts that I can't really organize into specific topics I'll put here. There are some fun things that I doubt are intentional inspirations, but remind me of other fiction. The Rift reminds of the Upside Down in Stranger Things, mainly because of the Rift being a place appearing just like normal earth, but no one can see or hear you while you are in this realm, and this rift appears to be a darker form of earth. There are notable differences here too, but it's just one thing I thought of while reading this. Another one is between a romance plot, a comet appearing in the sky for the first time in many years, and a kind of place between worlds reminds of the Japanese movie Your Name, but again, unlikely to be direct inspiration and just some fun ties for me. Finally, I would have liked to see more of Selah's dad in this. He's the reason him and Selah moved, and considering he was groundskeeper for Mr. Tulane, the grounds where a lot of things take place in this book, it would've been interesting for him to mention he heard something odd from Rafe, the Vandenbergs, or others.

All in all, as said, great read, would recommend for anyone looking for a fun Fall or Halloween read!

Disclaimer: I write my thoughts down for fun sometimes. Not a professional here, so if I missed out on a detail that completely shatters everything I write, oh well.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best read of 2025? I might call it.

Only because there are not a ton of reviews yet, I say: I write reviews for myself so I can go back and remember pretty well exactly what I liked and didn't like, so some vague-ish spoilers are likely ahead.


GENERAL REVIEW.
Obviously, 5 stars means I LOVED this book. And I did. It was perfect to me. No notes. No critiques...except one little tiny thing where the author kept using 's at the end of a family name to make it plural... 😅 All in good fun. The book was so wonderful, I can overlook that. I've overlooked much worse!

I am not one to like overly spooky or creepy things, but I do like some suspense, supernatural elements with religious grounding, and edge. To me, this book was *just* right. It was obviously a darker story with darker elements and ALL the Halloween vibes, but it was real and never gruesome or unnecessarily dark. Knowing Katie comes from a Christian background makes all the difference in the world. The Gifting series was my introduction to Katie/K.E., and I have always enjoyed and admired how she addresses and incorporates spiritual warfare into her storytelling.

I don't know how Katie does it, but she is amazing at implementing lots of tropes that can be tired or cheesy WITHOUT BEING TIRED OR CHEESY. They hit just the right spot.

SET-UP RECAP.
Selah and her dad moved to the town of Foggy Hollow after her mother mysteriously disappeared. Years go by, and enter the Vandenberg family, who move back into their practically-abandoned, super-fancy estate shrouded in mystery and spark Selah's renewed curiosity regarding the unexplained disappearance of members of this family one generation ago. The mystery deepens when Selah meets Rafe and Jude Vandenberg, and her interactions with them lead to discovering that there is a portrait their ancestor painted many, many years ago...which looks EXACTLY like her. The family tree and generations of stories all weave together and unfold to reveal a curse on the men in the Vandenberg family going back generations and continuing today.

MORE GENERAL REVIEW.
I was shocked and pleasantly surprised by many of the plot twists and turns...I was never truly sure how things would go. But every page was a delight! I loved every second of it. For days, I couldn't wait to get home from work so I could read more.

SPOILERS SECTION.
Because I'm a girl, I must say that Jude was adorable. Very Luka-coded, as the kids might say. The whole bit with the symbol/mark was clever and then heartbreaking but then also really sweet at the same time? Ugh, tears (figuratively). Also, would love to appreciate the fact that he helped build parade floats, had a glitter fight, and stayed up late on the phone watching movies with her?! Bestill, my ridiculous heart. Twig was a great friend and must be commended for that. I'm glad that he was not written to be a love triangle. Selah's dad was pretty sweet but also kind of clueless in a semi-laughable way. Stinkin' Rafe. The worst. I can't believe I thought HE would be part of a love triangle in the beginning. I was NOT expecting his plot twist(s) but loved them...I ended up having a tiny shred of sympathy for him. A tiny one.

EVEN MORE GENERAL REVIEW.
I was pleasantly shocked to see that this is just the beginning of a series!!! I thought it was done PERFECTLY with a cliffhanger of sorts, but the main story was completely wrapped up--you aren't really left with questions or anything unresolved in an unsettling way. There is one big question remaining for me to be resolved, but I'm confident it will be addressed as the story continues, and again, it didn't leave me feeling like I was cheated of explanation. Sometimes, I get frustrated with cliffhangers, but this one was acceptable and actually enjoyable. The perfect tease of a continued story.

Well done; will read again.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

K.E. Ganshert has never sucked me in as completely as she has with her latest novel Wicked is the Hollow, and that's saying something because she has other fantastic books, too - but Wicked is clearly my favorite.

Wicked is the Hollow defies description. It's spooky, romantic, and fantastical all at once. The plot delves into legend and myth while building off of a foundation of historical documents to progress into the world of 'what if.' I know, because I found myself researching the story elements as I read. That is one mark of an impressive story to me: when I want to know more so badly that it launches an investigation alongside my reading.

Lest that sound dull, have no fear: it's anything but. The legends deal with the supernatural, the unknown, and historic texts written but with creatures undefined. You'll be every bit as enthralled as I was and want to know more, too.

The characters, too, will draw you into the story. Selah is one of those quirky Cinderella-like characters you just want to know and already like. You want to see her get her answers and her happily-ever-after, but with her past unknown and her present complicated, you'll be guessing along with her on every page.

One of my favorite aspects of Selah is her willingness to question. She doesn't write anything off but instead investigates and considers. From monsters to the supernatural to God himself, she keeps an open mind.

That's why this book would make a fantastic one for a book club. It asks all sorts of deep questions that would be fun to discuss with others. While Wicked is the Hollow isn't published as a Christian book, the plot is informed by faith, and you can see threads of faith, hope, truth, and love woven throughout.

That love takes many forms: from familial to friendship to romantic. It sets great examples in every area, even the last one, because while it's a hot slow burn, it's also nearly completely hands-off. Digging into what love is and how to live it out in each kind of relationship would be a another great discussion to have in connection with this book.

So there you go: if you like edgy, suspenseful, spooky romantic thrillers that are both intense and deep, Wicked is the Hollow needs to be on your TBR list. This is definitely my top pick for the season.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Lana Spelliscy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A supernatural thriller with suspense and mystery, as well as a dash of romance, thrown in to produce a story that will keep you up reading way past your bedtime! I was hooked from the very start and did not want to stop. There was an immediate connection with the main characters. They seemed to come alive and leap off the pages and into my imagination. Even though the main characters are teenagers, it is very easy to forget their ages and join in their fight whether teenager, young adult or adult. Then K.E. Ganshert added in her delicious setting with such wonderful descriptions that I felt I was watching the fog roll in. Every detail is taken care of, including great back stories for both the characters and the town they live in. History is woven through every part of this fascinating tale.
Good vs evil dominates this storyline, with battles coming when the reader least expects it. The twists and turns leave the reader wondering who exactly will win, and at what cost? Just when you think you may have it all figured out another unexpected blast comes and turns it all around. It was easy to fly through this story, wanting to find out just how it all turns out and who makes it through and who doesn't. K.E. Ganshert has become an author I love to read and I couldn't wait to get through this new book. It met all my expectations and then some. I can't wait for the next book in this series, it is sure to be another engrossing tale! Going on my TBR list already! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Beckie Burnham · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I have read adult novels by K. E. Ganshert (writing as Katie Ganshert), I have never read any of her YA offerings. At sixty-something, I am definitely not her target audience. 😉 But there was something so intriguing about the description of Wicked Is The Hollow, that I gave it a chance. This book is a speculative (paranormal)/romance/thriller with all the great spooky October vibes. I really liked it! The story centers on Selah, a high schooler with baggage from a missing mother and a penchant for all things uncanny and weird. Living in Fog Hollow, WV helps keep her interests piqued, and she and her best friend Twig are on the case of all the mysterious happenings of their home town. But they get a lot more than they bargained for when the Vandenberg family returns. This novel will keep its readers on their toes while making their fingers turn the pages furiously. The ebook is 500+ pages, but is a surprisingly fast read. I loved all the twists and turns! I also loved that this clean romance is never morally ambiguous. The bad guys are truly bad, and for those looking for truth, evil never is attractive. Do some fall for the temptations? Sure, but that is real life. For a fun reading experience, grab a YA friend or loved-one for a buddy-read. This novel will make you want to talk!

Recommended.

Great for Book Clubs.

Audience: YA (16 year old-ish+) and adults.

(I borrowed this book from KU. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have loved everything by this author so I was eager to dive into this new mystery! The characters are quirky and unique and the setting is perfect for a spooky gothic type mystery. There is some romance but it simply adds to the story and doesn't overtake the plot. I really loved the idea for this story but to be honest by the middle of the book I was a little unsure. I wasn't certain if the reader was supposed to believe what was happening to be truly paranormal or not. There were a lot of odd things (as there should be in such a mystery) but I didn't know if we would get a real world explanation or not because it isn't obvious until the end. YES there really are things that happen that can't be explained and there are some crazy paranormal things that occur. Start the book with this mind set and you will enjoy it all the more! This book is written quite a bit differently from other books by this author but I still enjoyed it! It is also the start of a new series and there is a slight cliff hanger but the main storyline is wrapped up by the end. I enjoyed the book for what it is and now that I know the ending I kind of want to read it again!
If you enjoy spooky paranormal reads this is the book for you!

Four Stars.





"I received a complimentary copy from the author. I was not required to write a positive review."

[Deena Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for the perfect read for the fall season? Then you have the perfect selection here! K.E. Ganshert has crafted a perfectly spooky novel that kicks off a promising new series!

I love a good thriller and this is beyond just good. It’s a deep dive into the supernatural with elements of mystery and suspense, layered with a hint of the creepy and a wonderful romance.

Selah has been interested in the unexplained and unsolved ever since her mother vanished. The story of the mysterious Vandenberg family has been a mild obsession for her.

So when Jude Vandenberg and his stepmother (and rakish cousin) move to Foggy Hollow, she encourages her dad to apply for the groundskeeper position.

What ensues is a methodical unraveling of the unknown surrounding the family, the mansion, and the town itself. It’s one of the best I’ve read in some time and it’s ideal for the season.

And it’s just the beginning!

I received an advance copy from the publisher. I’m under no obligation and my review has not been solicited. Very highly recommend!

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't usually read books in this genre, but I almost always read anything by K E Ganshert. This story is interesting and has a lot of threads running through it. The concept of the story was intriguing, but I had some trouble keeping track of all people in the family tree and the back stories of all the tragedies that happened. I think part of this is from reading it on Kindle and not being able to flip back and reread previous sections to keep everyone straight.

This book felt a bit like Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls meets Stranger Things. I liked the small town vibe and the friendship between Selah and her best friend. The romance was fine but it felt a little cheesy/over the top at times. Overall, this is a fun book if you like mysteries and a creepy vibe. Not too scary or gory.

This is one of my favorite quotes (about the main character's dad) - "He catches my attention, wrinkles in the corners of his eyes. Worry lines. Laugh lines. Both, I guess. Because that’s what love does."

Thank you to the author for the free ebook in exchange for my honest review!

[MzDimitri · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Wow……just…..wow…I don’t even know where to start! I guess I’ll just start off with my favorite things. I absolutely LOVED Twig and Selah’s friendship. Finally we get a male female friendship with no drama, jealousy, etc. Kudos to Twig for being such a good friend! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I also loved Jude and Selah! AND the PLOT TWISTS!!! Like….WHAT?!?!?!? SO GOOD!!! Don’t even get me started on the ENDING! Never in my life have I signed up faster for an author’s newsletter! So PLEASE Ms. Ganshert, I’m begging you, I NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOW!!!
Now for things I didn’t really like, starting off with the family tree. I got so confused! I’m not really good with keeping track of a ton of names, especially when each member of the family tree had a semi-important role in the plot. That’s my main complaint. 😊
I would totally recommend this book, it’s a clean, fantasy book, with a good romance, lovable characters, and excellent plot twists. If anyone needs me, I’ll be reading another book by K. E. Ganshert!!!

[Melannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read every book K. E. Ganshert has written, I can say with confidence that Wicked Is the Hollow is her most haunting, layered, and unforgettable work yet. It’s the kind of story that lingers — not just in the mind, but in the bones.
Set against a backdrop that feels both eerie and intimate, the novel weaves together mystery, grief, and spiritual reckoning with Ganshert’s signature lyricism. The characters are raw and beautifully flawed, and the pacing is masterful — slow enough to build dread, fast enough to keep you turning pages late into the night.
What sets this book apart is its emotional depth. Ganshert doesn’t just explore darkness; she interrogates it. She asks what it means to be broken, to be searching, to be redeemed — and she does so with prose that’s as sharp as it is poetic.
If you’re drawn to stories that blend psychological suspense with spiritual undertones, Wicked Is the Hollow will speak to you. It’s not just a good book — it’s a reckoning.

[Auslynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked is the Hollow Review
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“Worry lines. Laugh lines. Both, I guess. Because that’s what love does.”

This small town has secrets. . . And just a smidge of romance 🤭 Paranormal mystery loving Selah Whitlock gets tangled in a centuries-old web of secrets centered around a founding family, and the old West Virginia mansion of my dreams.
I’m not usually a modern day setting kind of girl, but K.E. Ganshert blended today’s language and tech flawlessly into a story that explored Foggy Hollow’s small town history. Don’t even get me started on the twists, I had to set my e-reader down and do a private round of applause more than once.
This is the perfect cozy, mystery/slow burn romance read for this spooky szn. You’re gonna want to light a few candles and have your fav tea on hand for this one!

[Lillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

"When I was eight, I watched my mother disappear in fading pixels. I remember it as clear as day. My frantic hands trying to plug up those tiny square holes as she begged me to hurry."

I was addicted to this story from the very start of the prologue. Told mostly in first person from the main character's point of view, this story will quickly sweep you into an adventure of mystery and discovery.

I've read almost everything Ganshert has written and was excited to hear of this new release. I was especially excited to be able to read a preview copy! It did not disappoint! Though I've enjoyed all of her YA books, this is at the top of my Ganshert favorites, right next to the Eden Pruitt series. I enjoy realistic settings the most in YA, and Ganshert makes me believe that this craziness can really happen in this world!

The writing flowed smoothly throughout this page turner. I'm a bedtime reader, and I have to admit that this book kept me up too late.

I fell in love with the characters Selah and her friend Twig in their search for paranormal activity to report in their podcasts. Ganshert gave them such full and fun personalities. If I were back in high school, I'd definitely hang in their circle!

Speaking of high school... on my next birthday, I will be 70. Ganshert's YA books are great reads for any age.

There's so much more I would love to tell you about this story, but I want you to be surprised on every page. And there are a lot of surprises!

I was not obligated to rate or review this book.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked is the Hollow by K.E. Ganshert is simply amazing! I loved everything about this paranormal, fantasy, supernatural, mystery, romance, suspense novel! It’s got so much jammed into it that it makes it a book you both want to devour as quickly as possible yet savor slowly to grasp everything that is happening. I can’t even tell you what my favorite thing about it is because it’s basically everything. The characters are exceptional and include such an eclectic mix. I was completely captivated by the atmospheric setting of Foggy Hollow. This complex story of good versus evil is the perfect read this fall, though you’ll love it no matter when you read it! It’s not just a novel for young adults; it’s for anyone who loves a story with so many twists and turns and mysteries that it’ll leave you upside down! I highly recommend it, and in my opinion, it deserves more than 5 stars!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Jeannie Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This YA paranormal sucked me in and I lost an entire weekend to unproductivity because of it. If you were a fan of Stefan and Damon from the Vampire Diaries, then you will enjoy Jude and Rafe and how they play off each other with regard to Selah (main female). As the mystery unfolds, many times I caught myself having shivers and goosebumps, and Katie’s pacing is smashing, because you HAVE to keep reading to get to the conclusion. Then slow burn romance was no disappointment, either. All the feels, and just in time for the spookiest time of the year. Highly recommend this book….and highly recommend for Katie to finish the series pronto.

[Rene' Riddle · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5 stars* Overall I enjoyed this. However, the mystery had waaaayy too many pieces. I had a lot of trouble keeping the family tree straight. Then we have the portrait, the disappearing mom, the jewels, the diaries, a randomly appearing tatoo, a key, a compass, a disappearing family, a monster, a mysterious comet, strange urban legends, a family curse, strange illnesses, a book that won't open... all along with a very confusing family tree which ALSO has mysterious and suspicious tragedies that the reader is expected to remember along the way. This wasn't enough to keep me from reading more from this author, but it was enough to make this a confusing read.

[Alli Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am always blown away by the creativity K.E. Ganshert brings to her stories and this one is no exception! It didn't take long to get sucked into this tale from the Hollow! I loved the dynamic of Selah, the believer, and Jude, the skeptic. The twists and turns were a delight! There were several times I thought I had it figured out and another turn forced me back to square one. This is the perfect fall read! It's mysterious without being scary and will definitely keep you wanting more.

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review, all opinions are my own.

[Jo MA · Rating 4 out of 5]

A small town mystery that takes you into the paranormal.

If you also like a good mystery with A strange town. A sprawling mansion. A deadly romance. You definitely need to add this one to your collection.
K.E. Ganshert has written creative story that held me captive, as the pieces began to put together the answers to the unknown, I couldn’t put it down. I love to read a good mystery that I’m unable to solve half way through the book, and this one definitely held on to the secrets.
Now to wait for book 2 .

[Andria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an excellent story! I was gripped from the beginning and the story would not let me go until the end. Even then… I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. Katie has such a way with her words, helping you to dive so deep into the mystery that you feel like you’re right there with the characters, working through the clues side-by-side. You will certainly be enthralled until the very end. A perfectly mysterious book for those who love to be pulled in and not let go.

[Becky DePaulis · Rating 5 out of 5]

It only happens once in a long while, that I find myself slightly bummed while I am reading something, for the simple fact that I know I'm getting closer to the end, and I DID NOT want this book to be finished. LOVED the setting, super interesting characters and chemistry. I love everything that Katie writes, but I'm now counting down the days for this one to be released so I can share it with my friends. And also waiting with giddy anticipation for the next installment.

[Coral · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY EVER LOVING ANGELS AND THE ALMIGHTY GOD!

WHAT EVEN WAS THIS MASTERPEICE?!?!?!

CURRENTLY FIGHTING THE URGE TO NOT SCREAM AT WORK RIGHT NOW!

Thank you ever so much to Goodreads for selecting me for the giveaway because I have no clue that I would have found and read this diamond in the rough without it!

This book was such a delightful surprise and I'm going to forever shout about it and praise it until the void takes me.

10,000 stars!!!!!!

[Shannon Bolton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love a Ganshert book! She's a master story weaver and this was no different. It definitely has a very fantasy meets real world, spooky without being scary feel. I really enjoyed Selah as a FMC and her sweet Vandenberg boy 😍. I'm looking forward to the next book and very thankful for no cliffhanger ending!