What do you think?
Rate this book
Deerleap Hollow #1
Even Pretty Things Rot
A dark and compulsive thriller from the author of Web of Scars, Damaged Souls and Poisoned Bones
Left for dead five-year-old Lila woke from a coma with her life in tatters and a powerful psychic ability. Decades later she returned to Deerleap Hollow determined to clear her father’s name—if only she could shake off the amnesia and use her second sight to uncover the truth about that tragic night...
Lila’s not the only one haunted by the past. Deerleap Hollow’s new Inspector is looking forward to some peace and quiet—easy enough in a quaint town isolated by a mountain and swathes of impenetrable forest.
But when a teenage girl is found murdered in the most bizarre way imaginable Jack realises life in the Hollow won’t be smooth sailing, especially when Deerleap’s resident psychic claims she saw the gruesome crime in a vision and is certain the killer will strike again...
Welcome to Deerleap Hollow a historic town steeped in superstition and secrecy where cursed spirits torment the citizens and respecting the eerily human-like deer in the forest is law...
Left for dead five-year-old Lila woke from a coma with her life in tatters and a powerful psychic ability. Decades later she returned to Deerleap Hollow determined to clear her father’s name—if only she could shake off the amnesia and use her second sight to uncover the truth about that tragic night...
Lila’s not the only one haunted by the past. Deerleap Hollow’s new Inspector is looking forward to some peace and quiet—easy enough in a quaint town isolated by a mountain and swathes of impenetrable forest.
But when a teenage girl is found murdered in the most bizarre way imaginable Jack realises life in the Hollow won’t be smooth sailing, especially when Deerleap’s resident psychic claims she saw the gruesome crime in a vision and is certain the killer will strike again...
Welcome to Deerleap Hollow a historic town steeped in superstition and secrecy where cursed spirits torment the citizens and respecting the eerily human-like deer in the forest is law...
- GenresMystery ThrillerMystery
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 2, 2017
221 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 18, 2022
I like murder mysteries. I like the supernatural. I like small-town goings on. I like serial killers stories, complete with bizarre corpse arrangements straight out of the Hannibal TV series, and I like seeing the point of view of the serial killers themselves. I like weird pagan-style gods, and I love forests. Oh, and I love genre mash ups. So when faced with a genre mash up that has all of the above packed into it, I was practically salivating all over my Kindle. That’s not a nice image I realise, but it’s nothing compared to some of the macabre, grisly scenes that indie author Farah Ali puts us through in this deliciously dark cracker, part one of a currently ten-part series, that I practically ate whole in a couple of sittings.
What of the plot? Deerleap Hollow is a small town surrounded by forest and cloaked in legend; the deer of the forest are sacred and watched over by a forest god who once avenged a murdered tribe, whose spirits reside in the forest. The townsfolk of Deerleap revere the deer – kill one at your peril – and place creepy antlers over their doors but this, as the new out-of-town detective inspector Jack Montague will soon discover, is the least of his worries, because this is a town filled with old unsolved murders that are just as alarming as the spirits in the woods. When girls start to go missing, Jack will team up with a local psychic, Lila, who finds their grotesquely disfigured bodies. But Lila is haunted by her own past and the murder of her family, and Jack will soon realise he has two mysteries on his hands.
That’s not the author’s blurb by the way, that’s mine, and the fact I accidentally started to write a whole blurb by myself shows how much fun I had with this strange but gloriously effective novel which serves as a magnificent opening novel to the supernatural goings on in this deer-obsessed town.
It quickly becomes clear that Ali is not afraid to disgust her reader, or draw them into the macabre, whether it’s the deeply disturbing arrangement of the corpses or the unsettling relationship between the serial killers themselves. Her imagery is macabre, her love of gruesome details laudable, and she also conjures up the more poetic, spiritual images of the forest with admirable prose.
While we spend some time with the detective and his psychic assistant, we spend almost an equal time with the serial killers themselves, sort of like if Buffalo Bill from Silence of the Lambs had been a lot more verbose. It’s a bold narrative risk but it plays off beautifully; in fact, these scenes are far more interesting most of the time than the ones with the detective himself, and are darkly absorbing in a “I want to look away but can’t” vibe. This leads to some truly dark and absolutely gripping scenes that had me virtually speed reading the Kindle pages in some kind of obsessed trance, a haunted reader unable to escape the ghoulish narrative sucking away at my lifeforce.
I should say that the close focus on the serial killers themselves does sometimes mean the protagonists Jack and Lila, and their burgeoning relationship, feels a little lightweight, but I found myself not particularly caring as the scenes with the former were so uproariously chilling and monstrously hypnotic.
Then there are the supernatural elements – the true nature of the forest and the spirits and the god that inhabit it – which are interestingly intertwined with the story. They are not pivotal to the plot; they seem more to be introduced as a taster of what is to come later in the series. But if that sounds like a cop out or lightweight, I didn’t think that at all; I loved the hints at the wider worldbuilding (or in this case, creepy forest building) and they were played either for glorious if brief chills or, in one instance, for strange, eldritch, ethereal tension that should have been utterly ridiculous but somehow worked a treat.
When the second mystery comes into play later in the book – the mystery of the murder of Lila's family, ostensibly by her own father, it’s not the greatest puzzle. Unless you’re trying to multitask while driving down a motorway the wrong way, you will probably guess the twist here. But again, what should be a flaw doesn’t matter in the end because the eventual description of the true events are so utterly haunting and relayed in such astonishingly brutal yet compelling prose that it left me completely rattled, shattered and deeply disturbed.
In fact the more I think about it, the more pitch black this book becomes, and I loved every second of it. That’s not to say there isn’t beauty in there – in fact, as the title might suggest, that is kind of the point. But this is not a novel for the fainthearted, and you might come out a lot less settled than you came in.
But then, if you’re anything like me you will want to dive straight back in to the next book and consume the series. So far, I’m hooked. You might want to pray for my soul…
What of the plot? Deerleap Hollow is a small town surrounded by forest and cloaked in legend; the deer of the forest are sacred and watched over by a forest god who once avenged a murdered tribe, whose spirits reside in the forest. The townsfolk of Deerleap revere the deer – kill one at your peril – and place creepy antlers over their doors but this, as the new out-of-town detective inspector Jack Montague will soon discover, is the least of his worries, because this is a town filled with old unsolved murders that are just as alarming as the spirits in the woods. When girls start to go missing, Jack will team up with a local psychic, Lila, who finds their grotesquely disfigured bodies. But Lila is haunted by her own past and the murder of her family, and Jack will soon realise he has two mysteries on his hands.
That’s not the author’s blurb by the way, that’s mine, and the fact I accidentally started to write a whole blurb by myself shows how much fun I had with this strange but gloriously effective novel which serves as a magnificent opening novel to the supernatural goings on in this deer-obsessed town.
It quickly becomes clear that Ali is not afraid to disgust her reader, or draw them into the macabre, whether it’s the deeply disturbing arrangement of the corpses or the unsettling relationship between the serial killers themselves. Her imagery is macabre, her love of gruesome details laudable, and she also conjures up the more poetic, spiritual images of the forest with admirable prose.
While we spend some time with the detective and his psychic assistant, we spend almost an equal time with the serial killers themselves, sort of like if Buffalo Bill from Silence of the Lambs had been a lot more verbose. It’s a bold narrative risk but it plays off beautifully; in fact, these scenes are far more interesting most of the time than the ones with the detective himself, and are darkly absorbing in a “I want to look away but can’t” vibe. This leads to some truly dark and absolutely gripping scenes that had me virtually speed reading the Kindle pages in some kind of obsessed trance, a haunted reader unable to escape the ghoulish narrative sucking away at my lifeforce.
I should say that the close focus on the serial killers themselves does sometimes mean the protagonists Jack and Lila, and their burgeoning relationship, feels a little lightweight, but I found myself not particularly caring as the scenes with the former were so uproariously chilling and monstrously hypnotic.
Then there are the supernatural elements – the true nature of the forest and the spirits and the god that inhabit it – which are interestingly intertwined with the story. They are not pivotal to the plot; they seem more to be introduced as a taster of what is to come later in the series. But if that sounds like a cop out or lightweight, I didn’t think that at all; I loved the hints at the wider worldbuilding (or in this case, creepy forest building) and they were played either for glorious if brief chills or, in one instance, for strange, eldritch, ethereal tension that should have been utterly ridiculous but somehow worked a treat.
When the second mystery comes into play later in the book – the mystery of the murder of Lila's family, ostensibly by her own father, it’s not the greatest puzzle. Unless you’re trying to multitask while driving down a motorway the wrong way, you will probably guess the twist here. But again, what should be a flaw doesn’t matter in the end because the eventual description of the true events are so utterly haunting and relayed in such astonishingly brutal yet compelling prose that it left me completely rattled, shattered and deeply disturbed.
In fact the more I think about it, the more pitch black this book becomes, and I loved every second of it. That’s not to say there isn’t beauty in there – in fact, as the title might suggest, that is kind of the point. But this is not a novel for the fainthearted, and you might come out a lot less settled than you came in.
But then, if you’re anything like me you will want to dive straight back in to the next book and consume the series. So far, I’m hooked. You might want to pray for my soul…
February 24, 2024
The first book of a series, EPTR delivers as I expected!
Deerleap Hollow is a small town with an obscure past. Jack Montague, escaping the turmoils of a city life is the new town's chief of police.
He soon discovers that the dark, mysterious past of his new hometown is not what he bargained for.
Chapter 1 that serves as a prequel of events to follow, chapter 2 catches up the pace with a more dynamic narrative as we get a more familiar insight of the town's folks, dreadful history and shrouded origins.
I love the characters and I'm fascinated by the dark storyline.
Anyone that enjoys a good horror/mystery tale will be glad they got their hands on this one!
Deerleap Hollow is a small town with an obscure past. Jack Montague, escaping the turmoils of a city life is the new town's chief of police.
He soon discovers that the dark, mysterious past of his new hometown is not what he bargained for.
Chapter 1 that serves as a prequel of events to follow, chapter 2 catches up the pace with a more dynamic narrative as we get a more familiar insight of the town's folks, dreadful history and shrouded origins.
I love the characters and I'm fascinated by the dark storyline.
Anyone that enjoys a good horror/mystery tale will be glad they got their hands on this one!
April 6, 2026
NOT WHAT I EXPECTED!
I’m not a fan of supernatural/psychic novels, but “Even Pretty Things Rot” by Farrah Ali has changed my mind. This well-written novel has great characters, multiple plot-twists, and a vividly-described storyline.
The Protagonists are both flawed and well-defined Characters. Our Antagonists are the epitome of evil with a ‘dash’ of psychopathic malevolence mixed together.
I have already recommended this book to my friends & relatives, and look forward to reading more of Farrah Ali’s works.
I’m not a fan of supernatural/psychic novels, but “Even Pretty Things Rot” by Farrah Ali has changed my mind. This well-written novel has great characters, multiple plot-twists, and a vividly-described storyline.
The Protagonists are both flawed and well-defined Characters. Our Antagonists are the epitome of evil with a ‘dash’ of psychopathic malevolence mixed together.
I have already recommended this book to my friends & relatives, and look forward to reading more of Farrah Ali’s works.
November 6, 2018
Even Pretty Things Rot (Deerleap Hollow Series Book #1)
This was a deeply emotional , moving story reached my my heart on so many levels. Lila can not remember the most life changing night in her life, the night that her parents and her sister were killed. Things are definitely now what they seem, is someone afraid she just might remember what actually happened the night her parents died?
This was a deeply emotional , moving story reached my my heart on so many levels. Lila can not remember the most life changing night in her life, the night that her parents and her sister were killed. Things are definitely now what they seem, is someone afraid she just might remember what actually happened the night her parents died?
December 3, 2019
Pleasantly surprised
I have had this book on my reading list for about a month, and finally got to read it and I wish I would have read it sooner. I like how this author introduced the reader to the killers before the end of the book, and gave us readers insight into their lives and back story. I am going to be reading the next book in this series. I hope we as readers get to experience a love story too.
I have had this book on my reading list for about a month, and finally got to read it and I wish I would have read it sooner. I like how this author introduced the reader to the killers before the end of the book, and gave us readers insight into their lives and back story. I am going to be reading the next book in this series. I hope we as readers get to experience a love story too.
January 14, 2022
Absolutely love this book!!
This book is a must read! I could not put it down, the author keeps you engaged from the very start all the way to the end. The book is written beautifully and flows easily.
The characters are very well written and the storyline is addictive. The auther creates a beautifully sinister atmosphere at times. I really can't recommend this book enough. If you like a good thriller with some creepy twists and turns, you will not be disappointed!
This book is a must read! I could not put it down, the author keeps you engaged from the very start all the way to the end. The book is written beautifully and flows easily.
The characters are very well written and the storyline is addictive. The auther creates a beautifully sinister atmosphere at times. I really can't recommend this book enough. If you like a good thriller with some creepy twists and turns, you will not be disappointed!
July 6, 2022
A gorgeous modern fable!
An idyllic town with a haunting past, a serial killer, and a psychic with a tragic family history. Even Pretty Things Rot is a gorgeous and expertly woven modern fable, tinged with aching sorrow and full of dark secrets.
I honestly can’t say enough about this book! It was so well paced, and Farah Ali’s writing is really such a pleasure to read. I loved each and every one of the characters, and the story was gripping—right to the very last page!
An idyllic town with a haunting past, a serial killer, and a psychic with a tragic family history. Even Pretty Things Rot is a gorgeous and expertly woven modern fable, tinged with aching sorrow and full of dark secrets.
I honestly can’t say enough about this book! It was so well paced, and Farah Ali’s writing is really such a pleasure to read. I loved each and every one of the characters, and the story was gripping—right to the very last page!
September 15, 2019
A mystery with a psychic and paranormal elements.
A very good mystery. Jack is the new police detective in town. Lila is a psychic. Both have tragic pasts. Jack must find a serial killer, and discover who murdered Lila's family 18 years ago. I like the characters and the quirks the town itself has due to its unique location. There are surprises
A very good mystery. Jack is the new police detective in town. Lila is a psychic. Both have tragic pasts. Jack must find a serial killer, and discover who murdered Lila's family 18 years ago. I like the characters and the quirks the town itself has due to its unique location. There are surprises
February 23, 2020
Not for me
I gave three stars as I didn't read enough to say this was good or bad. I just couldn't read last the second chapter where our hero, I assume, runs into a terrified woman running half naked through the woods...and he doesn't run after her??? Did I mention he was a cop? I just couldn't get past it. Sorry.
I gave three stars as I didn't read enough to say this was good or bad. I just couldn't read last the second chapter where our hero, I assume, runs into a terrified woman running half naked through the woods...and he doesn't run after her??? Did I mention he was a cop? I just couldn't get past it. Sorry.
March 17, 2021
Even Pretty Things Rot
I don't ordinarily read eerie books, but really enjoyed this one. The story of several murdered women in a very gory manner. A women who's family had been murdered years ago helped the inspector to solve the case. She was a psychic. The book wouldn't let me put it down.
Donna P.
I don't ordinarily read eerie books, but really enjoyed this one. The story of several murdered women in a very gory manner. A women who's family had been murdered years ago helped the inspector to solve the case. She was a psychic. The book wouldn't let me put it down.
Donna P.
January 20, 2022
Unexpectedly Wonderful
I never thought I would read a book about a psychic and give it 5 stars, but I have. I read this straight through. I enjoyed the characters, especially the psychic, and the plot, although the end was easy to guess. The addition of the ghosts and tradition of the deer added to the mystery. I look forward to book 2.
I never thought I would read a book about a psychic and give it 5 stars, but I have. I read this straight through. I enjoyed the characters, especially the psychic, and the plot, although the end was easy to guess. The addition of the ghosts and tradition of the deer added to the mystery. I look forward to book 2.
May 22, 2022
Loved it
Great book. I like how it has a touch of the supernatural. The haunted forest is cool. The tale of how it became haunted was very good. The characters have a lot of depth. The writing is wonderful and the story does not feel rushed. Looking forward to reading more in this series.
Great book. I like how it has a touch of the supernatural. The haunted forest is cool. The tale of how it became haunted was very good. The characters have a lot of depth. The writing is wonderful and the story does not feel rushed. Looking forward to reading more in this series.
February 21, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. Farah Ali’s writing style is easy to read but not simplified in any way. The story twists and turns with both a primary and a secondary mystery that keeps you guessing til the very end. Both are dark and twisted and also satisfying at their conclusion. I’m excited to see what comes in the next book!
October 26, 2023
Death or life everlasting
Excellent horror story. A town cursed and afraid to do anything about all the deaths. A perfect setting for true evil to flourish.
But this tale does not abuse the scare, but gradually adds layered, and then the twisted logic used to justify the deaths.
Would make an excellent movie.
Excellent horror story. A town cursed and afraid to do anything about all the deaths. A perfect setting for true evil to flourish.
But this tale does not abuse the scare, but gradually adds layered, and then the twisted logic used to justify the deaths.
Would make an excellent movie.
July 16, 2024
An exceptional horror story
Absolutely brilliant, I devoured it in two sittings! The writing is compelling, haunting yet beautiful, the characters are layered and feel real, and the world-building is strong and intriguing.
I highly recommend this book, and am eager to explore the rest of the series!
Absolutely brilliant, I devoured it in two sittings! The writing is compelling, haunting yet beautiful, the characters are layered and feel real, and the world-building is strong and intriguing.
I highly recommend this book, and am eager to explore the rest of the series!
September 22, 2019
Different
Please note I am not criticizing the story. It was a very different story in a genre that is not my usual. Note; this story is of paranormal nature and if your tastes tend in that direction you will more than likely enjoy.
Please note I am not criticizing the story. It was a very different story in a genre that is not my usual. Note; this story is of paranormal nature and if your tastes tend in that direction you will more than likely enjoy.
October 15, 2020
Headline (required)
Nicely done by author Farrah Ali. Didn’t know what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised. A little bit of physic phenomena mixed in made for a very good read. Was well worth my time.
Nicely done by author Farrah Ali. Didn’t know what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised. A little bit of physic phenomena mixed in made for a very good read. Was well worth my time.
December 11, 2022
Even Pretty Things Rot
Really excellent writing and keeps you on your toes. Kind of figured out where this was going but the kidnappings threw me off. What an ending. Highly recommend reading.
Really excellent writing and keeps you on your toes. Kind of figured out where this was going but the kidnappings threw me off. What an ending. Highly recommend reading.
June 15, 2023
Interesting read…
A mixture of “who done it” and the supernatural. I purchased a package deal so I intend to read the next book in the series. Interested in seeing how the “supernatural” plays out in the series.
A mixture of “who done it” and the supernatural. I purchased a package deal so I intend to read the next book in the series. Interested in seeing how the “supernatural” plays out in the series.
October 27, 2018
Another free book that surprised me.
I thought it wouldn't be very interesting but I was wrong. I will be reading the rest of the series.
I thought it wouldn't be very interesting but I was wrong. I will be reading the rest of the series.
September 30, 2021
Pretty good!
I gave this 4 stars because it was pretty good! It isn't one of my favorites. I am not sure if I will read the series but I probably would. ☺
I gave this 4 stars because it was pretty good! It isn't one of my favorites. I am not sure if I will read the series but I probably would. ☺
July 15, 2022
Haunting
Fast paced book about a subject sensitive to many... Are there really psychics among us? Written extremely well; had me flipping pages late into the night!
Fast paced book about a subject sensitive to many... Are there really psychics among us? Written extremely well; had me flipping pages late into the night!
February 18, 2022
A deep and moving, yet exciting read!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews