The Sleepy Hollow Incident: Book One: A Gothic Tale!

by P.D. Alleva

271 pages, Paperback

Published October 6, 2025

About the author

PD Alleva writes thrillers. Whether those thrillers are Sci-Fi Fantasy’s about Alien Vampires attempting to subjugate the human race, or steeped in a haunting mystery, or an urban paranormal fantasy, PD always provides readers with a profound, entertaining, and satisfying reader experience, in a new genre he has coined as alternative fiction. His novels blend mystery, conspiracy, psychology, and action with the supernatural, horror, fantasy, and science fiction. Alternative fiction is PD's attempt at describing what readers uncover in any one of his books, a new discovery towards mainstream storytelling. He's been writing since childhood, creating and developing stories with brash and impactful concepts he describes are metaphors for the shifting energies that exist in the universe. PD lives inside of his own universe, working diligently on the Sci-Fi/Fantasy series, The Rose Vol. II, the urban paranormal fantasy series, Girl on a Mission, and Jigglyspot and the Zero Intellect, PD’s upcoming horror novel.

To receive the latest updates, sales, beta reading opportunities, book fairs, and giveaways, join PD’s mailing list: http://eepurl.com/gxKH7P

Reviews

[Koen Spinney]

If you like sleepy hollow and a good gothic horror this book is for you! For me it was a slow burn and not completely my style but it was really good and I plan to read the rest of the serial in the near future

[Robin Ginther-Venneri]

The Sleepy Hollow Incident: Part One & Two: A Gothic Tale of Horror, Romance & Fantasy!
Book 1 of 4: The Sleepy Hollow Incident
By PD Alleva
Publisher: Chamber Door Publishing, LLC
Publication Date: October 7, 2025
ASIN: B0DM588F1L
Pages: (Prepare your stamina, it’s gothic, it lingers)
Triggers: Satanic ritual vibes, demonic possession, gruesome bodies, and the kind of romance that asks, “Would you sell your soul for me?”
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Skull Dread Rating: 💀💀💀 (Sleep with the lights on. And maybe sage your house.)

What Did I Just Walk Into?
It’s Faustian Bargain: The Romance Edition. Marc Saduj, a broody romance writer, makes a deal with the Man in Black to save his beloved Lori Francon after a car crash. Soul? Gone. Love? Alive. Consequences? Oh honey, the bodies pile up like it’s a Black Friday sale at the morgue. Detective Carver is connecting dots, Lori is catching on to Marc’s nightmare-fueled spiral and somewhere in the shadows, the Man in Black is watching, cane in hand, waiting for the portal to Xibalba to tear itself open.

This isn’t just a story. It’s gothic atmosphere dripping down the walls, a romance that’s equal parts sweet and cursed, and horror that doesn’t apologize for being grotesque.

Here’s What Slapped:
• The setting: Sleepy Hollow isn’t just a backdrop, it’s basically a character with its own ghostly side-eye.
• Marc and Lori’s devotion: Heartbreaking and terrifying all at once. “Till death do us part” gets redefined real quick.
• The Man in Black: Moves like a nightmare, talks like a riddle, ruins lives like it’s his side hustle.
• That blend of gothic, horror, romance, and fantasy? Mr. Alleva stirs the pot and serves it hot.

What Could’ve Been Better:
• Honestly, nothing. Unless you wanted less gore, in which case, wrong book my friend.
• Oh, and Marc? Maybe don’t accept deals from mysterious shadow men. Just saying.

Perfect for Readers Who Love:
• Gothic sagas with twisted romance
• Small town horror crawling with shadows
• Deals with the devil that never end well
• Dark tales that demand you cancel weekend plans

Book Series Order:
The Sleepy Hollow Incident: Part One & Two: A Gothic Tale of Horror, Romance & Fantasy!
Book 1 of 4: The Sleepy Hollow Incident
The Sleepy Hollow Incident: Book Two (Parts Three & Four): A Gothic Tale!
Book 2 of 4: The Sleepy Hollow Incident
The Sleepy Hollow Incident: Book Three (Parts Five & Six): A Gothic Tale!
Book 3 of 4: The Sleepy Hollow Incident
The Sleepy Hollow Incident: Book Four (Parts Seven, Eight & Nine): A Gothic Tale!
Book 4 of 4: The Sleepy Hollow Incident
Reviewed by Robin for Robin’s Review

[Beverly Laude]

The book starts off with a bang as Detective Stephen Carver arrives on the scene of a gruesome murder. Flashback to the story of romance writer Marc Saduj and his girlfriend, Lori Francon. Lori suffers from night terrors, but hers appear at all times, not just at night. Marc is a moody, brooding (typical gothic) author, but Lori loves him dearly.

The book has a dark and gothic feel about it, very atmospheric and moody. As you read, you really don't know what's real and what is a hallucination or dream. Be aware, this is the first book in a 4 book series and this one definitely ends on a cliffhanger.

"Sooner or later, we all must confront the past and the demon who's been waiting in the forest of our mind, itching to be born." I can't wait to see where the next book takes this immersive story!

[Jonathan William]

I honestly don’t think I’ve ever read anything like this before. Even on my Kindle, the story completely pulled me in, but not in the usual way. The characters feel alive, the plot twists feel clever and unexpected, and there’s a depth here that caught me off guard. This book made me feel, think, and smile in ways I didn’t see coming. Truly unforgettable.

[Janet]

This book grabbed me and pulled me in right from the start. I loved the characters, the Sleepy Hollow setting, and the suspense. It's a creepy horror story that has me ready for book two. Horror fans shouldn't miss reading this one.