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Killing Vows: A Psychological Thriller
She chose the groom. She never asked who arranged the wedding.
Nora has spent nineteen years entering rooms under names that are not hers and leaving before anyone understands why she came. Tonight, two hundred guests at Ashford House believe they are watching a love story. Nora is watching the exits.
Six weeks ago, she selected Julian Ashford: beautiful, wealthy, trusting, and connected to the one guarded man who has not appeared at a family gathering in twelve years. Marrying Julian gives Nora one night inside the estate and one chance to finish the job that brought her there.
The plan is immaculate. The false name holds. The family welcomes her. Every door opens exactly when it should.
Then Julian remembers a detail she never told him. A stranger watches her without eating or drinking. A body appears on the route no guest should know exists. And every time Nora adjusts, the night seems to adjust first.
As the reception thins and the exits begin to close, Nora realizes someone knows her habits, her contingencies, even the choices she makes before she knows she has made them. To survive until dawn, she must discover who built the night around her.
But the closer she gets to the truth, the more terrifying the answer becomes: Nora did not infiltrate this wedding. The wedding was created to receive her.
KILLING VOWS is a vicious, one-night psychological thriller about performance, control, and the horror of discovering that the trap feels exactly like your own idea.
Nora has spent nineteen years entering rooms under names that are not hers and leaving before anyone understands why she came. Tonight, two hundred guests at Ashford House believe they are watching a love story. Nora is watching the exits.
Six weeks ago, she selected Julian Ashford: beautiful, wealthy, trusting, and connected to the one guarded man who has not appeared at a family gathering in twelve years. Marrying Julian gives Nora one night inside the estate and one chance to finish the job that brought her there.
The plan is immaculate. The false name holds. The family welcomes her. Every door opens exactly when it should.
Then Julian remembers a detail she never told him. A stranger watches her without eating or drinking. A body appears on the route no guest should know exists. And every time Nora adjusts, the night seems to adjust first.
As the reception thins and the exits begin to close, Nora realizes someone knows her habits, her contingencies, even the choices she makes before she knows she has made them. To survive until dawn, she must discover who built the night around her.
But the closer she gets to the truth, the more terrifying the answer becomes: Nora did not infiltrate this wedding. The wedding was created to receive her.
KILLING VOWS is a vicious, one-night psychological thriller about performance, control, and the horror of discovering that the trap feels exactly like your own idea.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2026
About the author
A.R. Hollowell
20 books111 followersA.R. Hollowell is the author of psychological thrillers that explore the moral pressure points of ordinary lives. His novels place readers inside impossible choices, not simply to frighten them, but to leave them asking the more unsettling question: what would I have done?
His work lives in the uneasy space between what is legal and what is right. He writes about people caught inside institutions built to protect them, including courts, hospitals, families, workplaces, and systems of authority, where truth is often incomplete and every available choice comes with a consequence. His characters are rarely given clean answers. Instead, they must confront loyalty, guilt, power, grief, responsibility, and the private cost of doing what they believe is right.
Known for atmospheric suspense, emotional complexity, and ethical dilemmas that continue beyond the final page, Hollowell’s stories blend psychological tension with questions of conscience. Whether the threat comes from a hidden past, a professional system, or the person closest to the protagonist, his novels ask readers to look beyond the obvious and consider the human consequences of silence, certainty, and survival.
When he is not writing, A.R. enjoys flying drones, building new things, exploring emerging technology, and watching movies with his family.
Readers can follow A.R. Hollowell and join the Hollowell Circle of Trust Facebook group for new releases, bonus chapters, behind-the-scenes updates, and conversations about the stories still to come.
His work lives in the uneasy space between what is legal and what is right. He writes about people caught inside institutions built to protect them, including courts, hospitals, families, workplaces, and systems of authority, where truth is often incomplete and every available choice comes with a consequence. His characters are rarely given clean answers. Instead, they must confront loyalty, guilt, power, grief, responsibility, and the private cost of doing what they believe is right.
Known for atmospheric suspense, emotional complexity, and ethical dilemmas that continue beyond the final page, Hollowell’s stories blend psychological tension with questions of conscience. Whether the threat comes from a hidden past, a professional system, or the person closest to the protagonist, his novels ask readers to look beyond the obvious and consider the human consequences of silence, certainty, and survival.
When he is not writing, A.R. enjoys flying drones, building new things, exploring emerging technology, and watching movies with his family.
Readers can follow A.R. Hollowell and join the Hollowell Circle of Trust Facebook group for new releases, bonus chapters, behind-the-scenes updates, and conversations about the stories still to come.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book starts off with WoW, opener! A bride, an arranged wedding. Heck that’s enough to set her in a series of our odd behaviors so you think. You see the bride is not who she claims to be, but you gotta give her credit nothing gets past her eyes. Or, Does it! There’s a lot of crazy twist in this and moments that you can’t believe what just happened
I say give us this book GO! Because if you like crazy plot twist, you won’t believe ending!!
B/c you definitely didn’t see that coming…
I didn’t 😳😲
So, “ Here’s to the next chapter”
😊📖⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I say give us this book GO! Because if you like crazy plot twist, you won’t believe ending!!
B/c you definitely didn’t see that coming…
I didn’t 😳😲
So, “ Here’s to the next chapter”
😊📖⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 15, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars
Okay, this one had me questioning everybody.
Nora walks into her own wedding with a plan. She picked Julian for a reason, she knows exactly what she’s there to do, and she thinks she’s the one pulling the strings. Except it doesn’t take long before little things start happening that make it very clear somebody else might be playing a much bigger game.
And THAT is where this got me.
The entire story takes place over one night, which I loved because there’s really no downtime. The tension just keeps building as Nora realizes someone seems to know her moves before she even makes them. Every time I thought I had a decent grip on what was happening, something else made me side-eye my own theory.
I also loved that this wasn’t one of those thrillers where the main character just blindly walks into obvious danger. Nora is smart. She’s calculated. She is the danger in a lot of ways. So watching someone manage to stay one step ahead of her made the whole thing that much better.
The secrets, manipulation, murder, family drama, and the whole "who the hell is actually controlling this night?" feeling kept me hooked.
And that whole concept of thinking you built the trap only to realize you were the one it was built for? Yeah. That worked for me.
It is dark, twisty, fast-paced, and the kind of psychological mind game I love. 🖤💍🔪
Okay, this one had me questioning everybody.
Nora walks into her own wedding with a plan. She picked Julian for a reason, she knows exactly what she’s there to do, and she thinks she’s the one pulling the strings. Except it doesn’t take long before little things start happening that make it very clear somebody else might be playing a much bigger game.
And THAT is where this got me.
The entire story takes place over one night, which I loved because there’s really no downtime. The tension just keeps building as Nora realizes someone seems to know her moves before she even makes them. Every time I thought I had a decent grip on what was happening, something else made me side-eye my own theory.
I also loved that this wasn’t one of those thrillers where the main character just blindly walks into obvious danger. Nora is smart. She’s calculated. She is the danger in a lot of ways. So watching someone manage to stay one step ahead of her made the whole thing that much better.
The secrets, manipulation, murder, family drama, and the whole "who the hell is actually controlling this night?" feeling kept me hooked.
And that whole concept of thinking you built the trap only to realize you were the one it was built for? Yeah. That worked for me.
It is dark, twisty, fast-paced, and the kind of psychological mind game I love. 🖤💍🔪
Read
September 8, 2026Killing Vows by A. R. Hollowell is a psychological thriller that keeps one on the edge of their seat. The reader becomes invested in this novel. As with other Hollowell books, this novel is full of twists and turns. The trap that Nora planned for others turns upside down and becomes a trap for her. Nora is controlled and clinical in her endeavor. However, once she realizes her plans are no longer going to work, she adjusts and begins to work toward freeing herself from the situation as well as from her past. This is a very skillfully written novel. While presenting a very complicated and ingenious plan on Nora’ part, Hollowell allows Nora to change in midstream and adjust her plan. Nora displays courage to finally walk away from her past. She finally realizes she is not bound by the past, but there is a future ahead of her. It did take me a while to get into the book. I was somewhat confused at the start of the book until I realized where the author was headed. A transition that was presented very expertly, I might say. Good read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Killing Vows” is a twisty thriller that kept me guessing. I enjoyed the growing sense of unease, and the story does a great job of making you question what’s really happening. Clever, tense, and intriguing.
September 19, 2026
I was hooked from the beginning and questioned everything until the end!
September 16, 2026
Wow! I know I always start my reviews this way, but once again this author blew me away with The Killing Vows. This book kept me on my toes and had me reading late into the night just to get it finished.
The story paints a picture of the most glamorous wedding with everything a bride could dream of, but the catch is that the entire wedding is a farce. The wedding is a decoy designed to target a prominent person, and the event itself becomes the alibi. The bride, who may be beautiful and acting every bit the perfect bride, is actually the killer.
This is not a spoiler , nothing in this book is what it seems. It’s thought‑provoking, layered, and becomes a game of cat and mouse for the reader. Every chapter keeps you guessing and questioning motives as the truth slowly unravels. Another fantastic book from this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story paints a picture of the most glamorous wedding with everything a bride could dream of, but the catch is that the entire wedding is a farce. The wedding is a decoy designed to target a prominent person, and the event itself becomes the alibi. The bride, who may be beautiful and acting every bit the perfect bride, is actually the killer.
This is not a spoiler , nothing in this book is what it seems. It’s thought‑provoking, layered, and becomes a game of cat and mouse for the reader. Every chapter keeps you guessing and questioning motives as the truth slowly unravels. Another fantastic book from this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 1, 2026
The Killing Vows’ storyline is quite a bit different from A.R.Hollowell’s other books. It is a straightforward thriller about the experience a hired hit woman has on a target. She marries into the family of the target in order to get a chance at him. He is a recluse who hasn’t been seen outside of his home for 12 years.
The entirety of the story takes place during the wedding and reception. It is a very good story that takes several twists. I read it as an ARC and I recommend it to those who appreciate a good, twisty thriller.
The entirety of the story takes place during the wedding and reception. It is a very good story that takes several twists. I read it as an ARC and I recommend it to those who appreciate a good, twisty thriller.
September 13, 2026
Another awesome book by A. R. Hollowell! I mean, can he get any better? 🤩
I was hooked from the very beginning, and the twists were unexpected, shocking, and SO good! Just when I thought I had things figured out, the story took another turn. A fantastic read that kept me turning the pages and wanting more. Highly recommend!
I was hooked from the very beginning, and the twists were unexpected, shocking, and SO good! Just when I thought I had things figured out, the story took another turn. A fantastic read that kept me turning the pages and wanting more. Highly recommend!
October 14, 2026
While this was an easy read, it was a bit predictable. The first half was very drawn out and the author uses a lot of metaphors which were a bit confusing since the book is set in a locked room scenario.
September 17, 2026
A gripping story that kept twisting as the reception kept going.
September 29, 2026
I absolutely loved the storyline in this. Nora being the bride at a wedding that’s not for love, but for one night to collect as much info as she can. I thought that was such an original idea for a story. Then she finds out she’s a target too. I loved the suspense. It was so intense and kept me invested from beginning to end. I loved the twists and turns. Many of them I didn’t see coming. I was completely obsessed and cheering for Nora throughout. This was so well written with an amazing depth. I absolutely loved how thrilling this was.
September 4, 2026
Killing Vows by A. R. Hollowell is beyond exceptional. Ever since discovering this superlative author, I cannot stop thinking about his books and tell every reader I know about them with a sense of urgency. They keep me up at night, pondering the splendid prose, the impossible dilemmas, and the unbelievable scale of ingenuity. I mentally pace and gnaw on my arm in anticipation of every sentence, thought, and observation. There is not one superfluous word in his books, including Killing Vows. If you took one away, the structure would collapse.
Nora and Julian marry on an atmospheric rainy day. Nora selects Julian as her husband as the catalyst for finishing her professional job. Every move, every non act, every whisper, every look are all laden with meaning and calculated to perfection. Nora keeps her composure even after she realizes Julian knows something he definitely should not. What she was on top of trapped her and this knowledge forced her mind into another direction. She had to spend her currency carefully.
The entire story takes place over the course of one night which amped up the tension to an excruciating pitch. The quiet and calm are disconcertingly loud and I found myself frequently holding my breath. Two hundred wedding guests became fewer and fewer until there were sixty at the cake cutting. Staff carried on. Objects such as stone steps, glasses, cake knife, doors, windows, and linens hold critical significance.
To me, the story felt like a perfectly-executed seamless dance where both partners are equally paired, a cunning layered work of art with reveal after reveal. Author Hollowell is a genre of his own. After reading two of his flawless books last week, I had to take a few days to sit on them and settle in. All his books I have had the privilege to read feel like they were written with me in mind. Anything he writes, I will read. Period.
I received and advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Nora and Julian marry on an atmospheric rainy day. Nora selects Julian as her husband as the catalyst for finishing her professional job. Every move, every non act, every whisper, every look are all laden with meaning and calculated to perfection. Nora keeps her composure even after she realizes Julian knows something he definitely should not. What she was on top of trapped her and this knowledge forced her mind into another direction. She had to spend her currency carefully.
The entire story takes place over the course of one night which amped up the tension to an excruciating pitch. The quiet and calm are disconcertingly loud and I found myself frequently holding my breath. Two hundred wedding guests became fewer and fewer until there were sixty at the cake cutting. Staff carried on. Objects such as stone steps, glasses, cake knife, doors, windows, and linens hold critical significance.
To me, the story felt like a perfectly-executed seamless dance where both partners are equally paired, a cunning layered work of art with reveal after reveal. Author Hollowell is a genre of his own. After reading two of his flawless books last week, I had to take a few days to sit on them and settle in. All his books I have had the privilege to read feel like they were written with me in mind. Anything he writes, I will read. Period.
I received and advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What happens when the arranger becomes the arranged?
In Killing Vows, A.R. Hollowell delivers a viciously sharp departure from the Meridian Files, trading institutional corridors for the opulent halls of Ashford House.
Inviting us into an elegant wedding, Hollowell constructs a high-wire, one-night psychological trap where every smile hides a dagger and true love is the ultimate illusion.
The bride and groom move like a first dance with two people circling a truth neither will name, Julian charmed and unaware, his bride watching every face in the room over his shoulder, until the exits begin to lock and she realises the only person she hasn't been watching closely enough is him.
Hollowell's writing remains as captivating and meticulously sensitive as ever. Not a single letter is wasted; every sentence carries intention, tension, and stealthy precision. Rampant with hidden agendas and desperate bids for survival, Killing Vows leaves you gasping for air, wondering who will truly be left standing at the top of the wedding cake when dawn breaks.
My thanks to Booksirens and the author for the ARC. All views are my own.
In Killing Vows, A.R. Hollowell delivers a viciously sharp departure from the Meridian Files, trading institutional corridors for the opulent halls of Ashford House.
Inviting us into an elegant wedding, Hollowell constructs a high-wire, one-night psychological trap where every smile hides a dagger and true love is the ultimate illusion.
The bride and groom move like a first dance with two people circling a truth neither will name, Julian charmed and unaware, his bride watching every face in the room over his shoulder, until the exits begin to lock and she realises the only person she hasn't been watching closely enough is him.
Hollowell's writing remains as captivating and meticulously sensitive as ever. Not a single letter is wasted; every sentence carries intention, tension, and stealthy precision. Rampant with hidden agendas and desperate bids for survival, Killing Vows leaves you gasping for air, wondering who will truly be left standing at the top of the wedding cake when dawn breaks.
My thanks to Booksirens and the author for the ARC. All views are my own.
Review of advance copy
I would describe this as a cat-and-mouse story. It is told from a first person perspective of an unnamed bride. It occurs over the course of a wedding and reception at the family home of the groom. It was interesting to be in the head of the narrator as she describes her plan and makes adjustments for unplanned occurrences. Then she discovers she is not the only cat on the hunt. Trying to determine who her rival is ratchets up the tension. I thought the author cleverly described the thought process of the planning that the narrator did, and then the mental calculation she did to attempt to complete the task. Very short chapters and a tightly condensed timeline kept the story moving very quickly. It’s also fairly short in length. I finished most of this in a day. Probably a good read for a dark and stormy night.
I received an advanced copy through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advanced copy through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
I hated that "bride" when she described what she was. It was that and more , if you can even imagine it. A cold detached operative out to kill or be killed. It's all from the bride's POV , which is beyond boring hearing her puff herself up with accolades of how great she was at her job,, until the worm turns,, and she realizes she's a target too!!! (My only bright spot in this book). Check out the twists and turns
This book seemed dry and to run out of gas at times. This isn't like his others, and I didn't like it as well.
I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
.
This book seemed dry and to run out of gas at times. This isn't like his others, and I didn't like it as well.
I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Like his other books, this is very well written. His style of writing is unique is written in a way that every word has its place and it will hook you in. It is amazing to me that the whole book took place in one day. It is told solely from Nora’s perspective and she is cunning and not who she seems. She is very good at what she does and she is confident and knows exactly what is needed from her. The unease builds as the book progresses and kept me invested. For a while almost everyone is suspect. I enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend.
Thank you to A R Hollowell and Book Sirens for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you to A R Hollowell and Book Sirens for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
We are all guests at the wedding of Julian and Nora Ashford. The book opens at their beautiful reception, and the newlyweds are radiant. The guests are so happy to be seeing such a lovely couple, so in love.
Nora watches her groom move among the guests. He is at ease, and she watches the doors and turns her wedding band nervously around her finger. Does she fit in here? Is everything as it seems? The wedding is lovely, but it’s also a perfect place to blend in if you’re trying to, or not …. A perfect story of suspense- and of keeping your enemies close, this is a must read.
I received an advance copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Nora watches her groom move among the guests. He is at ease, and she watches the doors and turns her wedding band nervously around her finger. Does she fit in here? Is everything as it seems? The wedding is lovely, but it’s also a perfect place to blend in if you’re trying to, or not …. A perfect story of suspense- and of keeping your enemies close, this is a must read.
I received an advance copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is by far my favorite book by A.R. Hollowell, and possibly my favorite book of 2026 so far.
Going into it, I knew it would be a little different from his norm. I also expected to dislike the main character. But as the book went on, I found myself cheering for her and wanting her to succeed. This one literally kept me up trying to get in just ONE MORE CHAPTER before going to sleep.
Super clever and a unique story. Loved it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Going into it, I knew it would be a little different from his norm. I also expected to dislike the main character. But as the book went on, I found myself cheering for her and wanting her to succeed. This one literally kept me up trying to get in just ONE MORE CHAPTER before going to sleep.
Super clever and a unique story. Loved it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
Y’all, Killing Vows turns a lavish wedding into a deliciously tense game of secrets, danger, and “girl, keep one eye on the groom and the other on the exits!” 💍🔪
Nora enters Ashford House with a hidden purpose, while two hundred guests believe they’re watching a love story unfold. She’s clever, determined, and impossible not to root for. A. R. Hollowell’s sharp, atmospheric writing builds suspense beautifully and keeps every elegant detail humming with menace.
Dark, gripping, and wonderfully unsettling—five stars!
Nora enters Ashford House with a hidden purpose, while two hundred guests believe they’re watching a love story unfold. She’s clever, determined, and impossible not to root for. A. R. Hollowell’s sharp, atmospheric writing builds suspense beautifully and keeps every elegant detail humming with menace.
Dark, gripping, and wonderfully unsettling—five stars!
Review of advance copy
I received Killing Vows as an ARC copy the other day & just completed it.
It was extremely well written considering this is outside his normal spectrum of writing. Left me at the end of every chapter just wondering with Nora was up to. Following her throughout the story made it hers & no one elses. I enjoyed her as a character she was cunning & extremlely intelligent. The end was something I never saw coming!
Final rating is 4 stars ⭐️
It was extremely well written considering this is outside his normal spectrum of writing. Left me at the end of every chapter just wondering with Nora was up to. Following her throughout the story made it hers & no one elses. I enjoyed her as a character she was cunning & extremlely intelligent. The end was something I never saw coming!
Final rating is 4 stars ⭐️
September 16, 2026
This book was carefully plotted and had me in a state of tension until the last page. I received an advanced reader copy and chose to share my honest thoughts voluntarily.
The bride was there to complete a job. She is very successful at what she does. And seemed to have a tight plan that was perfect. She eventually notices things that conflict with what she believed to be true. At every step, there is a decision- how closer can you get to solving the seeds of doubt that are sprouting or do you discover that there is another plan occurring in time with yours.
I tried to figure out the true plan but it took me some chapters to get a hint of it. This book had me racing to finish it and I am glad that I did. This book is a must read!
The bride was there to complete a job. She is very successful at what she does. And seemed to have a tight plan that was perfect. She eventually notices things that conflict with what she believed to be true. At every step, there is a decision- how closer can you get to solving the seeds of doubt that are sprouting or do you discover that there is another plan occurring in time with yours.
I tried to figure out the true plan but it took me some chapters to get a hint of it. This book had me racing to finish it and I am glad that I did. This book is a must read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A.R hits a home run yet again! The characters in this story are more complicated which made the story much more believable and way more unsettling.
There were moments when I thought I had things figured out, only to realize I absolutely did not. I love a thriller that makes me question everyone (and I mean everyone!) and keeps me changing my mind as I read.
Super read!
There were moments when I thought I had things figured out, only to realize I absolutely did not. I love a thriller that makes me question everyone (and I mean everyone!) and keeps me changing my mind as I read.
Super read!
September 20, 2026
I received an ARC of Killing Vows from author A.R. Hollowell.
Killing Vows is a taut, intense thriller from beginning to end. You will question everyone, you will question yourself snd when you think you've figured things out...think again. This one is different from Hollowell's other novels I've read so far and I enjoyed it just as much as sll the others. This is a can't put it down wild ride!
Killing Vows is a taut, intense thriller from beginning to end. You will question everyone, you will question yourself snd when you think you've figured things out...think again. This one is different from Hollowell's other novels I've read so far and I enjoyed it just as much as sll the others. This is a can't put it down wild ride!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I got this book early by the author.
I enjoyed it completely different to his usual books but the characters you just knew weren't going to have a happy wedding day. As usual full of twists that you would never see coming. I enjoyed the book 📖
I enjoyed it completely different to his usual books but the characters you just knew weren't going to have a happy wedding day. As usual full of twists that you would never see coming. I enjoyed the book 📖
September 15, 2026
What a beautifully written vicious psychological thriller could not put this book down had me gripped from page to page
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved the book from beginning to end. It is the bride POV and the twists and turns it takes is well done
Recommend it
Recommend it
Review of advance copy received from Author
Love it highly recommend
Review of advance copy received from Author
Always manages to top the last one. We get surprises, a woman who isn’t who she says she is. Great character development. Great story with enough depth to the plot that hooks you instantly.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What happens in the space of 12 hours kept my heart racing. I had to put it down after a few chapters before picking it up again. You will never guess what will happen.
September 17, 2026
very riviting. hooked from the start (J read to me)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews