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Tales from the Hollow #1
Wicked is the Hollow
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.
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.
448 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2025
About the author
K.E. Ganshert
15 books538 followersK.E. Ganshert writes romantic speculative fiction filled with high stakes 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.
All her books are available in Kindle Unlimited. Learn more at keganshertbooks.com.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
January 1, 2026
*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.
August 3, 2026
This was a pretty strong start to a series. I have never read any of Ganshert’s work before but this was really solid. Foggy Hollow as a town is the kind of place I’ve always dreamed of living. Mysterious, spooky, and loves Halloween sounds like my dream town.
One negative is the main mystery had SO many branching lines and some of them felt like they really added to the story and some felt like they were convoluting things a bit. It just took away from what was a very strong main plot line for me.
Good cast of characters who I hope we continue to see more of and get development for moving forward.
Overall really positive start to a series and I’m looking forward to reading book 2!
4⭐️ really good spooky season read
One negative is the main mystery had SO many branching lines and some of them felt like they really added to the story and some felt like they were convoluting things a bit. It just took away from what was a very strong main plot line for me.
Good cast of characters who I hope we continue to see more of and get development for moving forward.
Overall really positive start to a series and I’m looking forward to reading book 2!
4⭐️ really good spooky season read
October 17, 2025
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
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
October 3, 2025
"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.
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.
June 24, 2026
I’m not trying to be THAT person but I am a grown woman with multiple degrees and I could not for the life of me even attempt to follow the convoluted plot and lore of this YA book
May 24, 2026
Definitely a read for the pre-teen/teen girls. No sex, no language, good vs evil, mystery, paranormal...Solid 4⭐ YA novel!
July 20, 2026
I really enjoyed this book! The story was fast paced but not rushed, and the supernatural aspects were so entertaining! Will definitely be reading the second book in the series.
August 4, 2026
2.5 stars
I was really invested in about the first half but the second half felt so confusing and because there was so much going on, it felt a little messy. It’s a shame because like I said, I was so invested to begin with.
I was really invested in about the first half but the second half felt so confusing and because there was so much going on, it felt a little messy. It’s a shame because like I said, I was so invested to begin with.
September 18, 2025
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.
February 28, 2026
I've never in all my days read a YA paranormal romance. I am not the target reader for this kind of book—not even close. But I've been wanting read something by Ganshert, and her newest release looked interesting. It's the perfect book for Halloween, as it opens at the onset of fall and ends on All Saints' Day. If you want to recommend a spooky, atmospheric romance to your teens, this is the book. You've found it.
Selah Whitlock is obsessed with the paranormal. She lives in Foggy Hollow, a town with a long history of unexplainable events. When her dad gets a job as groundskeeper at the historic Vandenberg Manor (the site of a mysterious disappearance in the '90s), Selah finds herself at the center of an even bigger mystery. She is also drawn to the brooding, intellectual heir to the Vandenberg estate.
I will say, this book delivers on its promise. Ganshert weaves a complicated, multi-stranded story that is difficult to follow at times. I recommend not sweating the details of the Vandenberg family tree. I didn't have everything straight in my head, and I made it through. Just relax and keep reading. Ganshert does a good job of recapping and contextualizing things as you go along.
This book is very long, which may appeal to some young people who like to invest in thicker books.
The romance is clean, but it brings the heat. Because of that, I'd probably recommend this for older teens. I tend to be overly critical of YA romances because I feel like they set unrealistic expectations for young people (really, girls, because that's who's reading) and this one definitely depicts the hero as beautifully worthy in every respect but also way over and above the average teen boy out there, so you've got that tension. I want young girls to know that most boys are never going to measure up to their book crushes, and that's to be expected. But I also want them to (at least) see strong heroes raised as the gold standard because it's far preferable to depicting whiny, moody, childish boys as love interests.
Selah Whitlock is obsessed with the paranormal. She lives in Foggy Hollow, a town with a long history of unexplainable events. When her dad gets a job as groundskeeper at the historic Vandenberg Manor (the site of a mysterious disappearance in the '90s), Selah finds herself at the center of an even bigger mystery. She is also drawn to the brooding, intellectual heir to the Vandenberg estate.
I will say, this book delivers on its promise. Ganshert weaves a complicated, multi-stranded story that is difficult to follow at times. I recommend not sweating the details of the Vandenberg family tree. I didn't have everything straight in my head, and I made it through. Just relax and keep reading. Ganshert does a good job of recapping and contextualizing things as you go along.
This book is very long, which may appeal to some young people who like to invest in thicker books.
The romance is clean, but it brings the heat. Because of that, I'd probably recommend this for older teens. I tend to be overly critical of YA romances because I feel like they set unrealistic expectations for young people (really, girls, because that's who's reading) and this one definitely depicts the hero as beautifully worthy in every respect but also way over and above the average teen boy out there, so you've got that tension. I want young girls to know that most boys are never going to measure up to their book crushes, and that's to be expected. But I also want them to (at least) see strong heroes raised as the gold standard because it's far preferable to depicting whiny, moody, childish boys as love interests.
January 8, 2026
(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
💜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
October 2, 2025
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.
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.
September 28, 2025
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.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 6, 2025
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 :)
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 :)
June 5, 2026
This was a fun little YA read. Lots of mysteries are happening, and a bit of a confusing family tree though, which made the story hard to follow. But, overall a cute little halloween read that scratched my fall itch.
April 28, 2026
The author pulls you right in to the story! I was on the edge of my seat during the entire story, Highly recommend!
May 24, 2026
Put this on your October read list! Cozy spooky YA moment that would’ve hit so good with crunchy leaves on the ground outside
June 10, 2026
3.9 ⭐️ /5
Read
June 26, 2026You know I actually really liked this. First mystery I’ve read and liked in a while. I’m gonna wait on reading the second one so that I can go into it fresh but I do plan on reading it.. really liked selah and Jude. I feel like this has the makings of an Amazon Prime Video original you know ?
June 29, 2026
Went in thinking this was a moody mystery and it’s got a lot more to offer than that. A fun read with a good balance of mystery and supernatural and a super cutie patootie love story.
July 10, 2026
Loved it! It gets a little confusing when the family tree is involved, but overall, what a fun story! I'll definitely read the second one!
July 21, 2026
was confused half the time but very interesting story
July 6, 2026
I felt like I was 17 again watching the vampire diaries for the first time 🥹
June 27, 2026
Yes! Yes! A MILLION TIMES YES! ultimate summerween read!!!!!
September 30, 2025
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.
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.
June 24, 2026
WOW! What an incredible YA novel this is. The original lore, mythology, and legend that is planted and then ferociously grown on these pages is nothing short of genius. Such an impressive work. If you like spooky, supernatural mystery (with nods to millennial pop culture) intertwined with legend and lore, and a hint of nostalgic teenage romance, you've got to read this book!
September 21, 2025
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.
I received this ARC from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
June 26, 2026
From the very beginning, the book gave me flashbacks to the first episodes of The Vampire Diaries: an old town where traditions are cherished; a mysterious and gloomy sprawling mansion; two charming cousins whose ancestors founded the town; and a girl who is vulnerable but curious.
The story progresses slowly, and the atmosphere is quite measured. Some might find the abundance of names from the past to be a bit overwhelming, but it didn't bother me at all. On the contrary, to fully immerse the reader in the story, the author gradually reveals details while simultaneously showing the development of the relationships between the characters. I should note that there are no 18+ scenes or foul language here.
Toward the end, the book starts to feel like Stranger Things (at that point, you just want to play 'Running Up That Hill,' which, by the way, was featured in both shows, but in different arrangements). Everything feels organic, engaging, and very atmospheric. The second book in the series is already out, and I really want to read it. I recommend this to anyone looking for a slow-paced story with a mystical undertone, an autumnal mood, gothic architecture, and a touch of romance.
The story progresses slowly, and the atmosphere is quite measured. Some might find the abundance of names from the past to be a bit overwhelming, but it didn't bother me at all. On the contrary, to fully immerse the reader in the story, the author gradually reveals details while simultaneously showing the development of the relationships between the characters. I should note that there are no 18+ scenes or foul language here.
Toward the end, the book starts to feel like Stranger Things (at that point, you just want to play 'Running Up That Hill,' which, by the way, was featured in both shows, but in different arrangements). Everything feels organic, engaging, and very atmospheric. The second book in the series is already out, and I really want to read it. I recommend this to anyone looking for a slow-paced story with a mystical undertone, an autumnal mood, gothic architecture, and a touch of romance.
June 8, 2026
Wicked is the Hollow is one of those books that's off my beaten path. A lot of those turn out to be hidden gems. This one didn't; it was definitely a mixed bag. That said, I'm glad I investigated it when I did. I just don't know if I'll continue with the series or seek out more like it.
First off, the good stuff. I truly loved most of these characters. Selah Whitlock is unlike any YA protagonist I have met, especially in a Christian-adjacent novel. She's not just another teen in a new town with a bunch of unanswered questions. She is that--but she also loves the paranormal and unexplained. She approaches Christianity, or at least church (I'll get to that) with a healthy appreciation for the fact, we aren't meant to know everything or figure everything out--which, for a brainy girl like me, was quite refreshing. She's quirky, but doesn't lean into overdone "quirky girl" stereotypes. If anything, she's a rare combo of introverted yet social, out of place yet comfortable in her town and with her people.
Jude Vandenberg intrigued me too, and often more than Selah did. Now yes, that's somewhat because his family is directly involved in the story's cold case and ongoing mystery. But for me--when was the last time you saw a high school senior willingly reading classics and drinking black coffee? When was the last time you saw one who is still a boy, but trying hard to be a man, completely ruled by logic but almost subconsciously eager to believe? Were I Selah's age and didn't know what I ended up knowing, I'd have found a way to ask the guy for coffee. :)
The other characters pop off the page too, for good or ill. I'm not nearly as into the paranormal as Selah and eventually Jude, or Twig, but Evermore Books and Maggie would easily have been refuges for me (and brownie points for Poe the cat)! I loved and appreciated Twig as Selah's stalwart best friend, and I offer K.E. Ganshert kudos for writing their platonic relationship so well. I wanted to spend an evening talking and playing games with the Calloways over one of Selah's food spreads (pass the sushi)! Even Rafe, villainous as he was, slithered into my brain and stayed there the whole time, so much did I enjoy rooting against him.
Finally, I love how Foggy Hollow is a character in and of itself. The paranormal angle is big, but K.E. never treats it like "shtick." Instead, Foggy Hollow feels like one of those towns that personifies both the warmth and chill of autumn--and maybe human nature--year round. It fully embraces the past, by making the past part of the future. They take care of their own, even when their own are involved in, or disappear into, things they can't understand. Even the people and places that are treated with the distance we often give the paranormal, seem beloved or at least appreciated.
Okay, so with all that praise, what's the problem? It comes down to the plot. Now, that plot isn't all bad. Watching Selah, Twig, and Jude chase the truth not only about the Vandenberg family, but about who they are and what the town's mysteries mean for them, kept my pages turning. So did the mystery of who Jude and Rafe really were or what really happened to Selah's mom.
The problem is, all those threads get tangled up in each other. In one book, we have the Vandenberg family tree and the vitriol in it, conflated by Jude, Rafe, and Isabel's weird relationship (emphasis on weird; there's an incident where I was like, "Isabel is a grown woman. Why is she allowing Rafe to treat her like this?" To be fair, I didn't know Rafe's true intentions at the time, but still). Besides all of that, we have the "curse" on the Vandenberg men. We have Molly, we have Ruth, we have Clara--or was it Sara--all with their own tragic backstories. We have Selah's vivid, time-crossing dreams, and then near the end, Jude starts having them, too. And *then* we throw in a huge supernatural twist. I don't mind saying I got thoroughly lost.
Speaking of the time-crossing and supernatural...I don't mind these in a book if they are done well. As for that supernatural twist, I've seen K.E. do them before, so I trust she isn't *trying* to violate Scripture or anyone's beliefs about the afterlife. The problem is, these particular uses of the supernatural not only have no basis in Scripture (in terms of the latter) but no basis in the reality of the story. The time element comes to nothing, and the angels and demons...well, they work sometimes, but other times, they don't. I felt like I needed more setup for the payoff, and as Jude might say, more logic, for them to work well.
To piggyback off that, I am not a prude. I am a skeptic when it comes to, as Jude would say, haunted dolls and vampires and the like. I grew up in a family and denomination that makes it hard for me to square "Christian" with "believer in certain regions of the unexplained." But that doesn't mean it can't happen, and I don't judge. As I noted, Selah is a great example of this. That being said, I do wish she and the novel in general had "firmer footing" in terms of God, Christ, and associated beliefs. Because the way the novel is written, God and Jesus are treated more like extensions of "the unexplained," which--I can kinda see it if you're a paranormal or Halloween enthusiast who's also a believer. But to me, it felt borderline disrespectful and again, it muddled what could've been some strong spiritual threads.
Finally, I won't spoil the ending, but I will say: the characters on which the next book is supposed to be based, mostly come out of nowhere. One, we never see until the climax. The other is a fairly present secondary character, but other than her connection with Rafe, she has no reason to get swept up in the supernatural events (which to be fair might be enough, but...) So for me, the question becomes, is K.E. trying to tell stories, or just have a canvas for her interest in the paranormal?
Overall then, I wanted to love Wicked is the Hollow. I couldn't, but I did find enough to like, to keep going. Will I keep going with the series? Again, I don't know yet. Would I recommend it? If you're someone like Selah, or even someone like me who's more than a bit quirky, then maybe. I would just say, be aware of what you're getting into, especially when it comes to easily tangled plots. It's a coin toss, but happy reading if the coin faces up.
First off, the good stuff. I truly loved most of these characters. Selah Whitlock is unlike any YA protagonist I have met, especially in a Christian-adjacent novel. She's not just another teen in a new town with a bunch of unanswered questions. She is that--but she also loves the paranormal and unexplained. She approaches Christianity, or at least church (I'll get to that) with a healthy appreciation for the fact, we aren't meant to know everything or figure everything out--which, for a brainy girl like me, was quite refreshing. She's quirky, but doesn't lean into overdone "quirky girl" stereotypes. If anything, she's a rare combo of introverted yet social, out of place yet comfortable in her town and with her people.
Jude Vandenberg intrigued me too, and often more than Selah did. Now yes, that's somewhat because his family is directly involved in the story's cold case and ongoing mystery. But for me--when was the last time you saw a high school senior willingly reading classics and drinking black coffee? When was the last time you saw one who is still a boy, but trying hard to be a man, completely ruled by logic but almost subconsciously eager to believe? Were I Selah's age and didn't know what I ended up knowing, I'd have found a way to ask the guy for coffee. :)
The other characters pop off the page too, for good or ill. I'm not nearly as into the paranormal as Selah and eventually Jude, or Twig, but Evermore Books and Maggie would easily have been refuges for me (and brownie points for Poe the cat)! I loved and appreciated Twig as Selah's stalwart best friend, and I offer K.E. Ganshert kudos for writing their platonic relationship so well. I wanted to spend an evening talking and playing games with the Calloways over one of Selah's food spreads (pass the sushi)! Even Rafe, villainous as he was, slithered into my brain and stayed there the whole time, so much did I enjoy rooting against him.
Finally, I love how Foggy Hollow is a character in and of itself. The paranormal angle is big, but K.E. never treats it like "shtick." Instead, Foggy Hollow feels like one of those towns that personifies both the warmth and chill of autumn--and maybe human nature--year round. It fully embraces the past, by making the past part of the future. They take care of their own, even when their own are involved in, or disappear into, things they can't understand. Even the people and places that are treated with the distance we often give the paranormal, seem beloved or at least appreciated.
Okay, so with all that praise, what's the problem? It comes down to the plot. Now, that plot isn't all bad. Watching Selah, Twig, and Jude chase the truth not only about the Vandenberg family, but about who they are and what the town's mysteries mean for them, kept my pages turning. So did the mystery of who Jude and Rafe really were or what really happened to Selah's mom.
The problem is, all those threads get tangled up in each other. In one book, we have the Vandenberg family tree and the vitriol in it, conflated by Jude, Rafe, and Isabel's weird relationship (emphasis on weird; there's an incident where I was like, "Isabel is a grown woman. Why is she allowing Rafe to treat her like this?" To be fair, I didn't know Rafe's true intentions at the time, but still). Besides all of that, we have the "curse" on the Vandenberg men. We have Molly, we have Ruth, we have Clara--or was it Sara--all with their own tragic backstories. We have Selah's vivid, time-crossing dreams, and then near the end, Jude starts having them, too. And *then* we throw in a huge supernatural twist. I don't mind saying I got thoroughly lost.
Speaking of the time-crossing and supernatural...I don't mind these in a book if they are done well. As for that supernatural twist, I've seen K.E. do them before, so I trust she isn't *trying* to violate Scripture or anyone's beliefs about the afterlife. The problem is, these particular uses of the supernatural not only have no basis in Scripture (in terms of the latter) but no basis in the reality of the story. The time element comes to nothing, and the angels and demons...well, they work sometimes, but other times, they don't. I felt like I needed more setup for the payoff, and as Jude might say, more logic, for them to work well.
To piggyback off that, I am not a prude. I am a skeptic when it comes to, as Jude would say, haunted dolls and vampires and the like. I grew up in a family and denomination that makes it hard for me to square "Christian" with "believer in certain regions of the unexplained." But that doesn't mean it can't happen, and I don't judge. As I noted, Selah is a great example of this. That being said, I do wish she and the novel in general had "firmer footing" in terms of God, Christ, and associated beliefs. Because the way the novel is written, God and Jesus are treated more like extensions of "the unexplained," which--I can kinda see it if you're a paranormal or Halloween enthusiast who's also a believer. But to me, it felt borderline disrespectful and again, it muddled what could've been some strong spiritual threads.
Finally, I won't spoil the ending, but I will say: the characters on which the next book is supposed to be based, mostly come out of nowhere. One, we never see until the climax. The other is a fairly present secondary character, but other than her connection with Rafe, she has no reason to get swept up in the supernatural events (which to be fair might be enough, but...) So for me, the question becomes, is K.E. trying to tell stories, or just have a canvas for her interest in the paranormal?
Overall then, I wanted to love Wicked is the Hollow. I couldn't, but I did find enough to like, to keep going. Will I keep going with the series? Again, I don't know yet. Would I recommend it? If you're someone like Selah, or even someone like me who's more than a bit quirky, then maybe. I would just say, be aware of what you're getting into, especially when it comes to easily tangled plots. It's a coin toss, but happy reading if the coin faces up.
November 19, 2025
**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.
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.
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