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Cold Hollow #1
Cold Hollow
The Barner family relocates to Cold Hollow, a quaint town nestled in a Vermont mountain range. They find it to be quite charming and the inhabitants endearing, except for a few residents. Odd laws are enforced, confrontations begin, and insanity reigns as a madman sits upon his imaginary throne, trying to keep the threads of his dream from unraveling. Will Sophia and Angus Barner be able to protect their children from the malevolence that lurks within the small township? This is the story of Cold Hollow, a place you’ll never want to visit.
Audiobook
First published May 2, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 7, 2016
This was such a creepy and engaging read! I started listening to it and had a tough time taking out the ear phones cause I needed to see what would happen next.
When The Barner family relocates to Cold Hollow, they think it's an idealistic little place to live but their attitudes soon change when they realise that not all is as it seems. While there may be a few odd people living there, it's the mayor of the town that really gives the town a weird feeling. What is going on in this town?
The plot of this is so creepy. I always find a book set in a tight knit small town creepy anyway but add in even shadier characters and you have the recipe for a great book. The author does this one justice. The settings is perfect but what makes it even better are the characters and the feeling you get that things are not at all what they seem. You just know that something is coming!!
The characters were all well written and developed. The Barner family are like any other family trying to settle into a small community. My heart went out to them when they were realising that something was happening.
The author isn't afraid to take a risk, and what a risk it was!! I didn't see that coming and my heart was in my mouth!!
In all, a nail bitter and edge of your seat read. I loved everything about it and will definitely be checking out more of this authors work.
J. Scott Bennett did a great job with the narration. I had no problem following who was talking at any given time. He was also well able to ramp up the tension when needed. I thoroughly enjoyed his performance and will be checking out other works read by him.
*I received a copy of this for review. This in no way affects my thoughts.*
When The Barner family relocates to Cold Hollow, they think it's an idealistic little place to live but their attitudes soon change when they realise that not all is as it seems. While there may be a few odd people living there, it's the mayor of the town that really gives the town a weird feeling. What is going on in this town?
The plot of this is so creepy. I always find a book set in a tight knit small town creepy anyway but add in even shadier characters and you have the recipe for a great book. The author does this one justice. The settings is perfect but what makes it even better are the characters and the feeling you get that things are not at all what they seem. You just know that something is coming!!
The characters were all well written and developed. The Barner family are like any other family trying to settle into a small community. My heart went out to them when they were realising that something was happening.
The author isn't afraid to take a risk, and what a risk it was!! I didn't see that coming and my heart was in my mouth!!
In all, a nail bitter and edge of your seat read. I loved everything about it and will definitely be checking out more of this authors work.
J. Scott Bennett did a great job with the narration. I had no problem following who was talking at any given time. He was also well able to ramp up the tension when needed. I thoroughly enjoyed his performance and will be checking out other works read by him.
*I received a copy of this for review. This in no way affects my thoughts.*
December 5, 2015
"Truly delighted"
If you could sum up Cold Hollow in three words, what would they be?
edge of seat
Who was your favorite character and why?
Sophia, she was real. She didn't do super out of the ordinary things like most characters do in books these days. She's alive and true, out to protect her family at all costs. This was a realist read. I'm getting kinda tired of the super hero type books out there.
What does J. Scott Bennett bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
J. Scott Bennett was what really truly made this book so good to listen too. He has feeling in his words. He isn't just reading he is part of the tale and his woman voice isn't bad either. *LOL*
If you could rename Cold Hollow, what would you call it?
I think Cold Hollow says it all, creepy, nervous, dark, mysterious. I don't think I'd change the title.
Any additional comments?
I would really recommend highly. I laid in bed last night and listened to almost the whole thing. I couldn't pull myself away.
March 15, 2016
The Barner family is relocating to a lovely home in Cold Hollow, which from all outward appearances is a perfect little town. So what if certain residents like to dig a hole in the dirt to nap in or slap their wives upside the head to show appreciation for preparing their favorite meal. It's really not that big of a deal if you have no cell phone reception and have to leave town if you need to make a long distance call is it? Well... provided you are able to get out. What might be a problem however, is what happens if you don't show up to town hall on time to collect your monthly bill or if you can't pay your "living fee." I have to say I LOVE books about strange little towns with bizarre inhabitants so this was right up my alley. I was enthralled from the first sentence and thrilled to see that there is a part 2 (Weaving The Web: A Cold Hollow Mystery (Cold Hollow Mysteries Book 2)
I received a complimentary copy for review
I received a complimentary copy for review
December 22, 2015
Angus Barner is relocating his family to a quaint town, Cold Hollow, in Vermont because he’s been offered a good job there. His wife Sophia has sold her bakery and plans to open a new one. The kids are excited over the adventure. Everything seems peachy until the odd rules of Cold Hollow are enforced. The town is full of odd people who have odd habits. Not all of them are benevolent folk.
The story opens by jumping from one character to the next pretty quickly. Don’t let this throw you off as we will get to know these characters more later in the story. Myrna has an abusive husband, Bob, and she’s just about fed up with him. Meanwhile, a truck driver (Ray) fell asleep at the wheel, causing an accident. Forest Ranger Bullock is meeting out some serious assault on Hugo. All this is going on as the Barners pack up the last of their belongings in Connecticut and head out to Vermont.
Once the Barners arrive in Cold Hollow, the focus shifts to them for the majority of the story. Sophia revels in opening her new bakery. She puts the kids (Liam and Leila) to work part time there and even then needs to hire another hand to keep things going. Myrna becomes an important part of the story as she forms a friendship with Sophia and tries to smooth the way for the Barners in the town.
Mizar is a very shady character. Technically, he is the mayor of the town but pretty much he is a bully with authority backing him up. He checks up on each and every town resident regularly and this is usually to elicit some kind of protection money. He uses Bullock as his muscle, when needed. As he tries to elicit one shady tax after another from the Barners, Sophia starts pushing back. I enjoyed trying to figure out Mizar. At first, I thought he might once have been a kind of good guy that had to instate a kind of martial law and then his ego got too big for his britches and things had just been getting worse since then. That didn’t turn out to be the case, but I definitely enjoyed trying to figure him out.
The Barners are generally good-natured and this gets them into an untenable position. However, they have treated several of the townsfolk with kindness, that few are indifferent to them being bullied. Myrna especially has grown quite found of them all. She knows how the town works and she does her best to smooth things over and/or beat the cranky into submission behind the scenes. Indeed, Myrna’s story arc (from abused house wife to independent bakery assistant) was most interesting. She’s not a goody twoshoes nor does she believe in the absolute right or wrong of an action. She’s really a kind of grey character, committing some actions a person might not agree with but doing so for very good reasons. She quickly became my favorite character.
Meanwhile, we were privy to that serious beat down Hugo took from Ranger Bullock at the beginning of the book. Hugo pops up again later, though he isn’t moving too well. When I started the book, I didn’t know if Hugo deserved the beating or not. It was hard for me to tell who was the bad guy in that situation, even as I disliked Bullock’s obvious enjoyment in his work. Later, it does become clear who is the bad guy between these two and that all ties back to Mizar.
With all these interesting characters running around, the plot thickens. There’s no way to call out of the valley, even with cell phones. Whenever the Barners want to leave on a shopping trip, they have to check in with the local law enforcement. The rules are indeed strange. Then Angus makes a chilling discovery, which is followed by yet another worrisome discovery. The Barners don’t like what they see now that the curtain has been pulled back.
The ending was not what I expected. I really felt for the Barners in that last bit of the book. Myrna steps up and shines as a beacon of righteous payback for all the years of abuse from Mizar. Even as she started making her plans, pulling in allies, and calling in favors, I still wasn’t sure if she would be successful. Indeed, I had my little doubts that all would not end well. The tension in this last 5th or 6th of the book was intense! When all was said and done, I was satisfied with how things turned out. Not everyone gets out alive but many wrongs have been righted. It was a very satisfying book.
I received a copy of this book at no cost from the narrator in exchange for an honest review.
Narration: J. Scott Bennett had to do some New England accents for this story. Most of the time he was great, though sometimes characters would slip out the New England accent (like Sophia). I didn’t really mind this much as each character still had a unique voice. The female voices were believable for the most part – one little old lady sounded like an asthmatic man (but, hey, that might be me in 40 years). I liked his gruff voice for Hugo and his kid voices.
The story opens by jumping from one character to the next pretty quickly. Don’t let this throw you off as we will get to know these characters more later in the story. Myrna has an abusive husband, Bob, and she’s just about fed up with him. Meanwhile, a truck driver (Ray) fell asleep at the wheel, causing an accident. Forest Ranger Bullock is meeting out some serious assault on Hugo. All this is going on as the Barners pack up the last of their belongings in Connecticut and head out to Vermont.
Once the Barners arrive in Cold Hollow, the focus shifts to them for the majority of the story. Sophia revels in opening her new bakery. She puts the kids (Liam and Leila) to work part time there and even then needs to hire another hand to keep things going. Myrna becomes an important part of the story as she forms a friendship with Sophia and tries to smooth the way for the Barners in the town.
Mizar is a very shady character. Technically, he is the mayor of the town but pretty much he is a bully with authority backing him up. He checks up on each and every town resident regularly and this is usually to elicit some kind of protection money. He uses Bullock as his muscle, when needed. As he tries to elicit one shady tax after another from the Barners, Sophia starts pushing back. I enjoyed trying to figure out Mizar. At first, I thought he might once have been a kind of good guy that had to instate a kind of martial law and then his ego got too big for his britches and things had just been getting worse since then. That didn’t turn out to be the case, but I definitely enjoyed trying to figure him out.
The Barners are generally good-natured and this gets them into an untenable position. However, they have treated several of the townsfolk with kindness, that few are indifferent to them being bullied. Myrna especially has grown quite found of them all. She knows how the town works and she does her best to smooth things over and/or beat the cranky into submission behind the scenes. Indeed, Myrna’s story arc (from abused house wife to independent bakery assistant) was most interesting. She’s not a goody twoshoes nor does she believe in the absolute right or wrong of an action. She’s really a kind of grey character, committing some actions a person might not agree with but doing so for very good reasons. She quickly became my favorite character.
Meanwhile, we were privy to that serious beat down Hugo took from Ranger Bullock at the beginning of the book. Hugo pops up again later, though he isn’t moving too well. When I started the book, I didn’t know if Hugo deserved the beating or not. It was hard for me to tell who was the bad guy in that situation, even as I disliked Bullock’s obvious enjoyment in his work. Later, it does become clear who is the bad guy between these two and that all ties back to Mizar.
With all these interesting characters running around, the plot thickens. There’s no way to call out of the valley, even with cell phones. Whenever the Barners want to leave on a shopping trip, they have to check in with the local law enforcement. The rules are indeed strange. Then Angus makes a chilling discovery, which is followed by yet another worrisome discovery. The Barners don’t like what they see now that the curtain has been pulled back.
The ending was not what I expected. I really felt for the Barners in that last bit of the book. Myrna steps up and shines as a beacon of righteous payback for all the years of abuse from Mizar. Even as she started making her plans, pulling in allies, and calling in favors, I still wasn’t sure if she would be successful. Indeed, I had my little doubts that all would not end well. The tension in this last 5th or 6th of the book was intense! When all was said and done, I was satisfied with how things turned out. Not everyone gets out alive but many wrongs have been righted. It was a very satisfying book.
I received a copy of this book at no cost from the narrator in exchange for an honest review.
Narration: J. Scott Bennett had to do some New England accents for this story. Most of the time he was great, though sometimes characters would slip out the New England accent (like Sophia). I didn’t really mind this much as each character still had a unique voice. The female voices were believable for the most part – one little old lady sounded like an asthmatic man (but, hey, that might be me in 40 years). I liked his gruff voice for Hugo and his kid voices.
February 7, 2017
I was not sure what to expect with this book, but I was very pleasantly surprised.It is full of twists and turns, and will keep you guessing until the author wraps everything up for you. In the first few chapters I was like wow. People are dropping like flies, corruption is the norm, and you don't know who you can trust. I loved the way the author shows how people change, and loved to see the rise of new power. I think the town of Cold Hollow will run a lot smoother now. Let the author take you on a journey and come visit the residents of Cold Hollow. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I have.
**I received this book for free or at a discount in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and experiences are my own.**
**I received this book for free or at a discount in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and experiences are my own.**
February 10, 2017
I really, really liked this book. When I was halfway through, I feared the story was going the wrong way. But then the author amazed me. The middle twist is brilliant. The fate of the Barner family is extremely well written and deserves applause.
So I loved the book. But I don’t love it like I loved The Fireman for instance. And that’s for some nitpicking reasons. I would have loved an ending where all the inhabitants of the village were put back into prison. Then the government could start a new project just like this one with a new Nazar. That would have been nice.
Read the full review at my blog.
So I loved the book. But I don’t love it like I loved The Fireman for instance. And that’s for some nitpicking reasons. I would have loved an ending where all the inhabitants of the village were put back into prison. Then the government could start a new project just like this one with a new Nazar. That would have been nice.
Read the full review at my blog.
August 10, 2019
Headline (Required)
Emilie Howard. A name I won’t soon forget. She just led me on a journey that I couldn’t even imagine. And the last third of the book just blew m away. I know these are books of fiction, but I’m here to tell you, she touched my life and my heart in ways that I never expected..sometimes I had to laugh and other times you could feel a tangible sorrow deep in your heart. I could also feel the anger at the sadism and murderous thoughts of some people. Thank to the author. Again, I was well pleased.
Emilie Howard. A name I won’t soon forget. She just led me on a journey that I couldn’t even imagine. And the last third of the book just blew m away. I know these are books of fiction, but I’m here to tell you, she touched my life and my heart in ways that I never expected..sometimes I had to laugh and other times you could feel a tangible sorrow deep in your heart. I could also feel the anger at the sadism and murderous thoughts of some people. Thank to the author. Again, I was well pleased.
July 8, 2018
Wow just wow. This book is everything I love in a book. Suspense thrill mystery ! I actually cried while reading ( which is something I don't do . ) can't wait to read the next one in this series
Keep up the GREAT work ! 🤗
Keep up the GREAT work ! 🤗
October 13, 2017
Excellent story!
July 4, 2018
Well done!
A well written and thought out book. The author has done a good job of creating a town and characters with just the right amount of intrigue and suspense. The story works extremely well as it is being told. It leaves one wanting to visit Child Hollow again.
A well written and thought out book. The author has done a good job of creating a town and characters with just the right amount of intrigue and suspense. The story works extremely well as it is being told. It leaves one wanting to visit Child Hollow again.
March 15, 2019
Delightfully thrilling
I read this delightfully thrilling book straight through. I found it impossible to put down. Filled with suspense and well developed characters, I recommend this book to suspense and thriller fans.
I read this delightfully thrilling book straight through. I found it impossible to put down. Filled with suspense and well developed characters, I recommend this book to suspense and thriller fans.
February 23, 2016
The Barner family; Angus and Sophia with their children Layla and Liam, move from Connecticut to Cold Hollow, Vermont after Angus receives a promotion at work. Cold Hollow is a small town in Vermont, USA in the Green Mountain range. Angus’ job is marketing for the town’s ski resorts.
On arrival they find that the town has no landline or mobile phone facilities except within the town limits and some of the residents are strange although all seem friendly enough. The town is ruled by the Town Keeper, Nazar, who imposes bizarre taxes called the Till and Living Fee which all residents must pay for “the upkeep of the town” or they disappear. He rules the town with an iron fist.
Sophia opens up her own small bakery but soon has a run-in with Nazar and things start to get more bizarre. The Barner’s are well-liked within the town but Nazar has decided they are troublemakers and this sets in motion a chain of events that will change this strange town forever.
This book starts with a wife plotting revenge against her abusive husband, a trucker falling asleep at the wheel causing carnage and the torture of an ex town employee and sets the tone and suspense for the rest of the book.
The Barner’s have relocated to a quaint and idyllic mountain town and soon come to realise that there is something seriously wrong with the town and its residents. Will they survive the town?
Cold Hollow is filled with lots of interesting and different characters and is extremely well-written, I couldn’t put it down. Without giving too much as away the story is filled with lots of twists and turns and the tale of this strange town soon unfolds in a flurry of thrills and suspense.
I loved reading this book, the story was well told with excellent characters, the story slowly unfolds keeping you guessing and is totally thrilling. The author has created a story that immerses the reader and I can’t wait to read the second Cold Hollow mystery; Weaving the Web.
On arrival they find that the town has no landline or mobile phone facilities except within the town limits and some of the residents are strange although all seem friendly enough. The town is ruled by the Town Keeper, Nazar, who imposes bizarre taxes called the Till and Living Fee which all residents must pay for “the upkeep of the town” or they disappear. He rules the town with an iron fist.
Sophia opens up her own small bakery but soon has a run-in with Nazar and things start to get more bizarre. The Barner’s are well-liked within the town but Nazar has decided they are troublemakers and this sets in motion a chain of events that will change this strange town forever.
This book starts with a wife plotting revenge against her abusive husband, a trucker falling asleep at the wheel causing carnage and the torture of an ex town employee and sets the tone and suspense for the rest of the book.
The Barner’s have relocated to a quaint and idyllic mountain town and soon come to realise that there is something seriously wrong with the town and its residents. Will they survive the town?
Cold Hollow is filled with lots of interesting and different characters and is extremely well-written, I couldn’t put it down. Without giving too much as away the story is filled with lots of twists and turns and the tale of this strange town soon unfolds in a flurry of thrills and suspense.
I loved reading this book, the story was well told with excellent characters, the story slowly unfolds keeping you guessing and is totally thrilling. The author has created a story that immerses the reader and I can’t wait to read the second Cold Hollow mystery; Weaving the Web.
August 24, 2016
This is a gripping, creepy and unique audiobook. Cold Hollow on the surface appears to be just a normal rural town; promising the Barner family the safety and comfort that small town life usually brings, but all is not what it seems. Not only is that safety a façade, but the whole town seems to be riddle with secrets. This story has lots of twists and turns that will not be able to guess at. Your heart will bleed for some of the characters and others you will want to shoot. The author and narrator draw you into the story and hold you tight in its grip to the very last page. The narrators voice fits the characters well, portraying the increasing tension and generally enhanced the story. This is a thrilling, fast paced story that you won’t be able to stop listening to, it is brutal, compelling and will keep you on the edge of your seat. I received the audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 2, 2016
This book is so good and so creepy. The inhabitants of the perfect-looking town of Cold Hollow hide a secret. This book keeps readers engaged from start to finish, and I finished it in one sitting. I got a little confused in the beginning when the story was jumping from character to character, but as the book progressed, I saw how each character fit into the story. This story is very dark, and yet, there is some humor in it, too. I listened to the Audible audio version of this book, narrated by J. Scott Bennett. I have loved everything I've heard him do. This book is no exception. He has a unique voice that really makes the story come alive. Overall, this was a great book, and I'm really looking forward to more books in the series.
July 14, 2016
“This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.”
A suspense tale of a small town and it's inhabitants. A new family moves to town, only to find things are very strange. Twists and turns and surprises appear around every corner. The story will hold you in its grip.
The narration was well done.The characters were well portrayed. I only have one compliant, the volume that this is recorded could be louder. J. Scott Bennett is enjoyable to listen to, so much so I listened twice in a row.
A suspense tale of a small town and it's inhabitants. A new family moves to town, only to find things are very strange. Twists and turns and surprises appear around every corner. The story will hold you in its grip.
The narration was well done.The characters were well portrayed. I only have one compliant, the volume that this is recorded could be louder. J. Scott Bennett is enjoyable to listen to, so much so I listened twice in a row.
September 7, 2016
This was a very unique story.I really enjoyed it and could not wait to read more so I am now on the 3rd book!J Scott Bennet does a wonderful job narrating.A family moves to a town for a new job opportunity,but it is not the place they think it is.Weird laws and fees are just one thing they don't agree with.When they stand up for their rights,they learn they have none.People die mysteriously and go missing.Things would have worked out better had they not questioned the 'norm'
I was given this book free for an honest review.
I was given this book free for an honest review.
July 13, 2016
this was so amazing! I truly loved it, trying to get my hands-on the next book even before I finished reading this one. Cold Hollow seems on the surface to be a nice cozy town, however there are some strange things going on in this town that the Barner family who just relocated to the small town can't ignore, something is fishy in Cold Hollow.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 20, 2015
When it comes to horror & suspense, outlandish scenarios are par for the course. But in this case, the book's big reveal is so ridiculous as to not only strain credibility, but break it completely. Then after the reveal, which comes around halfway through the book, the broken pieces of credibility are thrown to the ground and stomped on repeatedly. Short, mildly entertaining, mostly silly.
May 8, 2015
Amazing
I nominated this book in kindle scout and was sadden to see it didn't win. As a new author,Emilie kept me hooked all the way through. I didn't expect certain things to happen and was in utter shock. Emilie is the next Stephen King
I nominated this book in kindle scout and was sadden to see it didn't win. As a new author,Emilie kept me hooked all the way through. I didn't expect certain things to happen and was in utter shock. Emilie is the next Stephen King
June 8, 2015
Shades of Big Brother?
This was one enthralling read. I started this morning and was unable to put it down. If you like suspense and mystery, this is the book for you. I received a copy of this book free in return for posting a honest review
This was one enthralling read. I started this morning and was unable to put it down. If you like suspense and mystery, this is the book for you. I received a copy of this book free in return for posting a honest review
June 30, 2015
It was a novel idea
This book begins with a bang and proceeds with a novel idea. But it was to short and ended to perfectly. I think if this author fleshed out her ideas and characters more, she will be unstoppable. Good Luck!
This book begins with a bang and proceeds with a novel idea. But it was to short and ended to perfectly. I think if this author fleshed out her ideas and characters more, she will be unstoppable. Good Luck!
July 4, 2015
Brilliant Storyline
The characters were well built and strong. The storyline was absolutely brilliant. One of the best stories I've read. Lot's of action, creepiness and mystery! Can't wait to read more from this author.
The characters were well built and strong. The storyline was absolutely brilliant. One of the best stories I've read. Lot's of action, creepiness and mystery! Can't wait to read more from this author.
May 27, 2016
Cold hollow
I found this book impossible to put down, every chapter had a new twist. All characters seem real, small town, I liked the way they all came together as one, to change their life,it's a book for any that like suspense.
I found this book impossible to put down, every chapter had a new twist. All characters seem real, small town, I liked the way they all came together as one, to change their life,it's a book for any that like suspense.
November 25, 2016
Keeps you intrigued from the start. You have a nagging feeling that something isn't right. A very different premise which I liked a lot.
December 25, 2025
I got this book back in 2016 and it took me 9 years to actually read it. Not going to lie it was the cover. It is very zombie looking even though it has nothing to do with zombies.
This book is about the Barners and how they move to a new town that at first glance it is very sweet and everyone is welcoming. The Barners are the most friendliest family possible. Picture the perfect family who is kind, successful and happy. I felt like I was reading the happiest fairytale with this family, like the happy fairytale book from An Unfortunate Series of Events. Unfortunately that is not this story.
DO NOT READ PAST THIS POINT BECAUSE THERE IS SPOILERS
The townspeople are scared of Nazar, the town mayor. He collects tills and takes matters in to his own hands. The Barners don't even complain about the tills at first and I really thought they would make it. But then the family gets suspicious and they investigate what is up with the town. The whole town is made of parolees with all types of crimes. The husband wants to take his family out of the town as fast as he can. They plan it all out and to be honest I thought they would make it. But they get stopped by Nazar and the crooked cops. This is where it all went downhill and it shocked me. Layla thair daughter got shot and died while running away. Sophia died a brutal death, the husband to the end made his wife laugh, and he also died. The son made it out alive because he ran to Myrna's.
The whole town loved the Barners so they want revenge. Myrna plans it all out and it all worked out. The ending turned into a happily ever after where the town people didn't pay the tills anymore, everyone got their happy ending. Myrna became mayor and she adopted Liam.
I don't know, I was shocked the main characters died a gruesome death and that they didn't get the happy ending.
Usually that is what happens in most stories but not this one.
This book is about the Barners and how they move to a new town that at first glance it is very sweet and everyone is welcoming. The Barners are the most friendliest family possible. Picture the perfect family who is kind, successful and happy. I felt like I was reading the happiest fairytale with this family, like the happy fairytale book from An Unfortunate Series of Events. Unfortunately that is not this story.
DO NOT READ PAST THIS POINT BECAUSE THERE IS SPOILERS
The townspeople are scared of Nazar, the town mayor. He collects tills and takes matters in to his own hands. The Barners don't even complain about the tills at first and I really thought they would make it. But then the family gets suspicious and they investigate what is up with the town. The whole town is made of parolees with all types of crimes. The husband wants to take his family out of the town as fast as he can. They plan it all out and to be honest I thought they would make it. But they get stopped by Nazar and the crooked cops. This is where it all went downhill and it shocked me. Layla thair daughter got shot and died while running away. Sophia died a brutal death, the husband to the end made his wife laugh, and he also died. The son made it out alive because he ran to Myrna's.
The whole town loved the Barners so they want revenge. Myrna plans it all out and it all worked out. The ending turned into a happily ever after where the town people didn't pay the tills anymore, everyone got their happy ending. Myrna became mayor and she adopted Liam.
I don't know, I was shocked the main characters died a gruesome death and that they didn't get the happy ending.
Usually that is what happens in most stories but not this one.
October 30, 2021
A Cozy Mystery but with Psychopaths for Characters
Cold Hollow is the first of a series of books by the same name, written by Emilie Howard. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked this one up, but it had a scary looking hand on the cover that I thought might belong to a zombie, so I thought it fit the season as it is now the day before Halloween, 2021.
Well there were no zombies in the book. In fact I wondered if perhaps I had somehow fallen into a cozy mystery instead of a scary story. There was a brutal scene near the beginning but after that the story was about a nice family moving to a nice quiet town, opening a nice bakery and meeting nice people… well all except for one.
I really can’t provide many details or I might give too much away, but there comes a point in the book where I was caught completely off guard. After this moment (and trust me, you’ll know when you get there) the entire point of view changes. To me, serious things are resolved/smoothed over way too quickly. Characters tend to except some tragic events with about the same distress they would feel if their football team lost the championship. Was just a bit unrealistic for me. Further, the “good guys” are really evil if you think about it, but you should decide this for yourself.
This is a fun, quick read that perhaps moves along a little too quick at times. It’s a solid 3-star for me, which means that I can recommend it without much hesitation.
3 out of 5 stars
Cold Hollow is the first of a series of books by the same name, written by Emilie Howard. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked this one up, but it had a scary looking hand on the cover that I thought might belong to a zombie, so I thought it fit the season as it is now the day before Halloween, 2021.
Well there were no zombies in the book. In fact I wondered if perhaps I had somehow fallen into a cozy mystery instead of a scary story. There was a brutal scene near the beginning but after that the story was about a nice family moving to a nice quiet town, opening a nice bakery and meeting nice people… well all except for one.
I really can’t provide many details or I might give too much away, but there comes a point in the book where I was caught completely off guard. After this moment (and trust me, you’ll know when you get there) the entire point of view changes. To me, serious things are resolved/smoothed over way too quickly. Characters tend to except some tragic events with about the same distress they would feel if their football team lost the championship. Was just a bit unrealistic for me. Further, the “good guys” are really evil if you think about it, but you should decide this for yourself.
This is a fun, quick read that perhaps moves along a little too quick at times. It’s a solid 3-star for me, which means that I can recommend it without much hesitation.
3 out of 5 stars
July 8, 2020
This was an interesting start to a series. Not sure where it will go from here. I would not have called this horror at all, a mystery, maybe. It was not bad, but it wasn't great either. I will finish the series after I move on to another book or two. I liked that the characters were expendable, I always do. The plot got spotty in the middle of the book and sort of just would down to the end. Looking at the reviews of the books in the series, it appears that readers like this book the least so I am interested to see what happens next.
July 7, 2020
A quaint town was an illusion when they moved her. A town of unusual and quirky people, laws that don’t make sense. A good beginning to this series. The narration also was good and added to story. Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
July 28, 2018
Cold Hollow is the first of Emilie Howard's series. Set in Vermont, it's a page turner for sure. I'll look for the other books in the series.
December 18, 2022
Book one in a quirky fun mystery series.
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