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High Lonesome Sound
Fans of Stephen King, Shirley Jackson, and Cherie Priest will love this Southern Gothic tale about the haunted heart of Appalachia. In Moon Hollow, secrets won't stay buried. Neither will the dead.
On the day her mama died, Ruby Barrett stopped hearing the mountain’s song, and her daddy, Cotton, climbed into a barrel of moonshine.
With no future to look forward to in Moon Hollow, Ruby prays for a miracle to help her escape. When horror author Peter West arrives looking for a story idea to resurrect his failing career, Ruby believes he’s the answer to her prayers.
But her daddy has some whiskey-soaked prayers of his own. He wants his wife back, and he’s willing to strike a deal with the devil himself to make it happen.
For Peter to find his big story and Ruby to earn her freedom, they must work together to save Moon Hollow from the ghosts of its past. "A story that will leave you shivering in the dead of summer." - Cherie Priest
"Harrowing, haunting, and ultimately triumphant with a deeply satisfying conclusion." - Kevin Hearne
"Feels like Stephen King after he really hit his stride." - Stephen Blackmoore
On the day her mama died, Ruby Barrett stopped hearing the mountain’s song, and her daddy, Cotton, climbed into a barrel of moonshine.
With no future to look forward to in Moon Hollow, Ruby prays for a miracle to help her escape. When horror author Peter West arrives looking for a story idea to resurrect his failing career, Ruby believes he’s the answer to her prayers.
But her daddy has some whiskey-soaked prayers of his own. He wants his wife back, and he’s willing to strike a deal with the devil himself to make it happen.
For Peter to find his big story and Ruby to earn her freedom, they must work together to save Moon Hollow from the ghosts of its past. "A story that will leave you shivering in the dead of summer." - Cherie Priest
"Harrowing, haunting, and ultimately triumphant with a deeply satisfying conclusion." - Kevin Hearne
"Feels like Stephen King after he really hit his stride." - Stephen Blackmoore
466 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2018
87 people are currently reading
685 people want to read
About the author
Jaye Wells
31 books2,159 followersJaye Wells is a former magazine editor whose award-winning speculative fiction novels have hit several bestseller lists. She holds an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University, and is a sought-after speaker on the craft of writing. When she’s not writing or teaching, she loves to travel to exotic locales, experiment in her kitchen like a mad scientist, and try things that scare her so she can write about them in her books. She lives in Texas.
Want free fiction from Jaye? Check out www.jayewells.com for details!
Want free fiction from Jaye? Check out www.jayewells.com for details!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
October 31, 2019
I've started and stopped this review a couple of times now and I can't come up with anything to properly convey how much I enjoyed this one. Believe me, this novel is incredibly original and it totally does its own thing but I kind of felt shades of Needful Things by Uncle Stevie and The Hungry Moon by Ramsey Campbell. I was sucked into the small-town dynamics, politics, and religiosity from the first page. And who the hell would think that a novel set in some mountaintop backwoods town could be so... EPIC. Honestly if this was just a story about the people of this town it would have been good enough, but you add the whole supernatural enemy lurking behind the scenes shit and now I want to marry Jaye Wells. I spent a lot of time rereading certain passages just because her descriptions and writing were so spot on and fresh they needed to be and the way she can turn a phrase is wholly her own.
This book IMO is flawless. The writing, the characters, the emotions, the story, the scares, the beginning, the end, and everything in between. No dull spots to drag anything down and I honestly could have read another five hundred pages about these people. Five, tears on the last page because it was done and I wanted more, stars.
This book IMO is flawless. The writing, the characters, the emotions, the story, the scares, the beginning, the end, and everything in between. No dull spots to drag anything down and I honestly could have read another five hundred pages about these people. Five, tears on the last page because it was done and I wanted more, stars.
January 26, 2018
A gothic horror set in the heart of Appalachia; Wells’ High Lonesome Sound is a darkly immersive storytelling tour de force.
When struggling horror novelist Peter West rents a cabin in a remote place called Moon Hollow for a few weeks, his goal is to find the seed of a new story—instead he finds an ancient evil hidden in the hollers of southern Virginia. Fueled by rich description and sublime imagery, the author’s use of dichotomy throughout was outstanding, particularly the play between the fire and brimstone of the town’s religious leader Deacon Fry and the mountain magic of Granny Maypearl. In this sequence, far below the earth in a mineshaft, Wells again uses dichotomy brilliantly: “Inside the main tunnel, support beams reinforced the rock walls and ceiling. Christ the Redeemer Church had a vaulted ceiling, too. But in the mines, instead of the Lord’s Supper, the worshippers took coal as communion. Like those tasteless wafers Reverend Peale handed out, each lump of coal promised future salvation in exchange for their sacrifices.”
A word of caution: reading this novel may compel readers to seek out and consume copious amounts of apple pie moonshine.
When struggling horror novelist Peter West rents a cabin in a remote place called Moon Hollow for a few weeks, his goal is to find the seed of a new story—instead he finds an ancient evil hidden in the hollers of southern Virginia. Fueled by rich description and sublime imagery, the author’s use of dichotomy throughout was outstanding, particularly the play between the fire and brimstone of the town’s religious leader Deacon Fry and the mountain magic of Granny Maypearl. In this sequence, far below the earth in a mineshaft, Wells again uses dichotomy brilliantly: “Inside the main tunnel, support beams reinforced the rock walls and ceiling. Christ the Redeemer Church had a vaulted ceiling, too. But in the mines, instead of the Lord’s Supper, the worshippers took coal as communion. Like those tasteless wafers Reverend Peale handed out, each lump of coal promised future salvation in exchange for their sacrifices.”
A word of caution: reading this novel may compel readers to seek out and consume copious amounts of apple pie moonshine.
February 24, 2018
I've read a number of novels by author Jaye Wells in the past and have always enjoyed her style of urban fantasy and other variants.
"High Lonesome Sound" is a horse of an altogether different color. Gothic Southern. Appalachian horror. Coal country noir - the labels are endless but this book is unique.
Wells writes with a deft and steady hand, conjuring vivid and memorable characters forth and immediately giving them HUGE challenges and choices. The plot unfolds quickly and the reader is almost immediately transported right into the action.
She provides just enough background to get oriented and then complication after complication roll over the main characters like waves at the beach.
Where the work really shined for me was in the details of the setting. Without resorting to 50 cent words, Wells has created living, breathing character out of the setting itself - no easy task.
I suppose the most impressive aspect of the work, to me, was the incredibly consistent tone and voice of the work. Just superbly done throughout.
This isn't scream out loud, "jump-scare" work. No, this is a much more subtle, chilling of the spine sort of work. The kind of novel which leaves you staring at nothing with wide eyes when you finish.
Strongly recommended.
"High Lonesome Sound" is a horse of an altogether different color. Gothic Southern. Appalachian horror. Coal country noir - the labels are endless but this book is unique.
Wells writes with a deft and steady hand, conjuring vivid and memorable characters forth and immediately giving them HUGE challenges and choices. The plot unfolds quickly and the reader is almost immediately transported right into the action.
She provides just enough background to get oriented and then complication after complication roll over the main characters like waves at the beach.
Where the work really shined for me was in the details of the setting. Without resorting to 50 cent words, Wells has created living, breathing character out of the setting itself - no easy task.
I suppose the most impressive aspect of the work, to me, was the incredibly consistent tone and voice of the work. Just superbly done throughout.
This isn't scream out loud, "jump-scare" work. No, this is a much more subtle, chilling of the spine sort of work. The kind of novel which leaves you staring at nothing with wide eyes when you finish.
Strongly recommended.
August 17, 2018
I initially picked up this book, because Wells mentioned on Twitter that her urban fantasy fans didn't want to read her Southern Gothic novel. It was nice to stumble into that conversation, because I told her that after reading her blurb, High Lonesome Sound seemed right up my alley, and it was.
For those who avoid horror because it's usually equated with gore, High Lonesome Sound isn't in that category. This is excellent Southern Gothic that explores the seedier side of religion and small town secrets without drowning the reader in graphic violence. While there are certainly moments of dread and spookiness galore, the overall theme is uplifting and Wells avoids the downer ending. I loved the exploration of women in small town dynamics, too.
Wells shows a deft touch of subtlety with her characterization, which made all of the people seem very real. The tension remained high right up until the end, and I greatly enjoyed the read.
For those who avoid horror because it's usually equated with gore, High Lonesome Sound isn't in that category. This is excellent Southern Gothic that explores the seedier side of religion and small town secrets without drowning the reader in graphic violence. While there are certainly moments of dread and spookiness galore, the overall theme is uplifting and Wells avoids the downer ending. I loved the exploration of women in small town dynamics, too.
Wells shows a deft touch of subtlety with her characterization, which made all of the people seem very real. The tension remained high right up until the end, and I greatly enjoyed the read.
February 5, 2019
Haunting story
Kate Wells tells a story that is both ancient and new: a young woman's journey to find her true self .
Kate Wells tells a story that is both ancient and new: a young woman's journey to find her true self .
September 30, 2020
5/5 stars!
I went into High Lonesome Sound with no expectations at all. I actually only picked this book up on a whim because it was suggested by my local library. The blurb on the back gives very little info, which I appreciate. For me, going into a book not knowing too much about it often adds something to the story. I'm not a huge fan of blurbs or summaries where half the book's plot is given away. Give me just enough to hook me but no more. I'm glad this was the case with High Lonesome Sound because let me tell you, this book is such an underrated gem!
High Lonesome Sound follows multiple POVs of various characters around the small, southern Virginian town of Moon's Hollow. Each POV adds something to the build up of the plot. You have a town deacon with a secret, an eighteen year old girl coming of age, a pagan mountain Granny (who is a total badass), a struggling horror author trying to find a story and rekindle his passion with writing, and a few other minor viewpoints. Jaye Wells does a fantastic job making each perspective unique. Each voice is distinct and it's easy to differentiate between the characters. Each POV character is fleshed out too. With a book set in a small town it can be easy to stereotype, but I felt like that didn't happen here. Even the deacon character had some depth.
The small mountain town of Moon Hollow is well described and felt very authentic. Wells definitely did her research on Appalachian culture, especially "Granny Magic" and it was so cool to read. There is a lot fantastic descriptions of magic, nature, and of course the vivid scenes of horror. High Lonesome Sound has a steady pace throughout which is great. Something is always happening to move the story forward. There are creepy things happening from the very beginning to the climax. There are also a lot of great messages in the story, especially about finding your purpose and coming into your power. The ending is wonderful and very satisfying.
I have no criticisms of the book except for one, and that is it does need to be edited a bit more. My copy had a decent amount of typos, missing words, and some misspellings. However, that is on the editor and for me I can look past editing issues. It's why I don't take off stars for editing issues (unless it's a super massive, how did this get published issue).
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to any horror fans or readers looking for a creepy yet charming book with a distinctive Appalachian setting.
I went into High Lonesome Sound with no expectations at all. I actually only picked this book up on a whim because it was suggested by my local library. The blurb on the back gives very little info, which I appreciate. For me, going into a book not knowing too much about it often adds something to the story. I'm not a huge fan of blurbs or summaries where half the book's plot is given away. Give me just enough to hook me but no more. I'm glad this was the case with High Lonesome Sound because let me tell you, this book is such an underrated gem!
High Lonesome Sound follows multiple POVs of various characters around the small, southern Virginian town of Moon's Hollow. Each POV adds something to the build up of the plot. You have a town deacon with a secret, an eighteen year old girl coming of age, a pagan mountain Granny (who is a total badass), a struggling horror author trying to find a story and rekindle his passion with writing, and a few other minor viewpoints. Jaye Wells does a fantastic job making each perspective unique. Each voice is distinct and it's easy to differentiate between the characters. Each POV character is fleshed out too. With a book set in a small town it can be easy to stereotype, but I felt like that didn't happen here. Even the deacon character had some depth.
The small mountain town of Moon Hollow is well described and felt very authentic. Wells definitely did her research on Appalachian culture, especially "Granny Magic" and it was so cool to read. There is a lot fantastic descriptions of magic, nature, and of course the vivid scenes of horror. High Lonesome Sound has a steady pace throughout which is great. Something is always happening to move the story forward. There are creepy things happening from the very beginning to the climax. There are also a lot of great messages in the story, especially about finding your purpose and coming into your power. The ending is wonderful and very satisfying.
I have no criticisms of the book except for one, and that is it does need to be edited a bit more. My copy had a decent amount of typos, missing words, and some misspellings. However, that is on the editor and for me I can look past editing issues. It's why I don't take off stars for editing issues (unless it's a super massive, how did this get published issue).
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to any horror fans or readers looking for a creepy yet charming book with a distinctive Appalachian setting.
March 12, 2018
Fantastic edge of your seat reading
I love Jaye Wells's writing, so it's obvious why I would choose this to read. However, this is different from anything I've read from her up until now. She's created a town, a world, that is rich and full of stories, and made it a suspenseful, edge of your seat ride. It's scary and pulls you forward, making you need to learn all of it's secrets. Hig Lonesome Sound is an amazing read! Looking for more like this from Wells.
I love Jaye Wells's writing, so it's obvious why I would choose this to read. However, this is different from anything I've read from her up until now. She's created a town, a world, that is rich and full of stories, and made it a suspenseful, edge of your seat ride. It's scary and pulls you forward, making you need to learn all of it's secrets. Hig Lonesome Sound is an amazing read! Looking for more like this from Wells.
February 5, 2018
2.5/5
I’ve always loved all of the Jaye Wells’s novels that I read and when I saw that she was releasing a new story, I was very intrigued! How not to be?
The author brings original and different ideas from what we usually found here. It is thus very intriguing to discover this little town of Moon Hollow and all the secrets that the inhabitants hide. We then follow different characters throughout the story while trying to understand what exactly is happening. In addition, the arrival of a stranger is consistent with the death of two people and everyone is afraid of what this could mean.
I always have trouble when there are several characters to follow but, if I was afraid of that at the beginning of the story, I found that the story was well done and I finally did not have any worries. However, I am a little sad to say that, but I did not connect on the novel. If the general idea is nice, I did not get attached to the characters nor managed to really enter the story. There was probably a little too much religion for me or too many characters. I do not know what exactly but it did not work for me. By cons I’m sure the novel will please others.
I’ve always loved all of the Jaye Wells’s novels that I read and when I saw that she was releasing a new story, I was very intrigued! How not to be?
The author brings original and different ideas from what we usually found here. It is thus very intriguing to discover this little town of Moon Hollow and all the secrets that the inhabitants hide. We then follow different characters throughout the story while trying to understand what exactly is happening. In addition, the arrival of a stranger is consistent with the death of two people and everyone is afraid of what this could mean.
I always have trouble when there are several characters to follow but, if I was afraid of that at the beginning of the story, I found that the story was well done and I finally did not have any worries. However, I am a little sad to say that, but I did not connect on the novel. If the general idea is nice, I did not get attached to the characters nor managed to really enter the story. There was probably a little too much religion for me or too many characters. I do not know what exactly but it did not work for me. By cons I’m sure the novel will please others.
February 13, 2018
Horror writer Peter West is watching his life go off the rails. He hasn't written a new book in too long, and his ex-wife is now writing an expose book about their life together. He's depressed, but random inspiration found in a book about ghostly mining towns gives him the kick in the butt he needs.
He needs a new book, and he needs it now.
Peter rents a house in the remote mining town of Moon Hollow, figuring the isolation and colorful characters that live there will prove inspiring enough to get his story off the ground. He has no idea how much inspiration he's just stumbled into.
The town sits above a mine that's claimed lives, and has a past that intends to claim souls.
Deacon Fry holds sway over the town, and he doesn't believe in the old stories of mountain magic and the real reason they hold a day of respect for the dead every year.
A young woman named Ruby, however, grows up with that magic--and not only hear's the mountain's song, but can raise the dead.
Both need to come to peace with their pasts, as both secrets and the dead don't want to stay buried.
High Lonesome Sound has all the hallmarks of classic southern gothic horror. Wells' characters weave a colorful picture of stereotypical small town isolation, and while the time period isn't explicitly spelled out it has an almost timeless quality that many stories of it's type display. It's more about the quirky, weird people you get within truly isolated communities. In such communities, you don't need the internet to know what your neighbors are up to--the local grapevine makes everyone's life far more open than any social media users sharing everything with the public.
The story has a very classic feel to it, and it entertained well throughout. While it has a few characters that are hard to like, they were all interesting to follow. A fun read throughout, and a good choice for your buy list.
He needs a new book, and he needs it now.
Peter rents a house in the remote mining town of Moon Hollow, figuring the isolation and colorful characters that live there will prove inspiring enough to get his story off the ground. He has no idea how much inspiration he's just stumbled into.
The town sits above a mine that's claimed lives, and has a past that intends to claim souls.
Deacon Fry holds sway over the town, and he doesn't believe in the old stories of mountain magic and the real reason they hold a day of respect for the dead every year.
A young woman named Ruby, however, grows up with that magic--and not only hear's the mountain's song, but can raise the dead.
Both need to come to peace with their pasts, as both secrets and the dead don't want to stay buried.
High Lonesome Sound has all the hallmarks of classic southern gothic horror. Wells' characters weave a colorful picture of stereotypical small town isolation, and while the time period isn't explicitly spelled out it has an almost timeless quality that many stories of it's type display. It's more about the quirky, weird people you get within truly isolated communities. In such communities, you don't need the internet to know what your neighbors are up to--the local grapevine makes everyone's life far more open than any social media users sharing everything with the public.
The story has a very classic feel to it, and it entertained well throughout. While it has a few characters that are hard to like, they were all interesting to follow. A fun read throughout, and a good choice for your buy list.
January 22, 2018
I’m a huge fan of Jaye Wells and her urban fantasy series. When I heard she was writing an American gothic tale, I could hardly wait. “High Lonesome Sound” has it all – fear, horror, shock, suspense, death, decay, family curses, ghosts, madness. But it also has beauty, nature, love, and justice. All the aspects of a good gothic tale and more.
Welcome to Moon Hollow, Virginia. The name alone makes you shiver. Toss in a church with a crooked steeple in a tiny Appalachian mining town where everyone knows everything about everyone (or thinks they do), bring a stranger to town, throw in a preacher with an unholy hand on the congregation, an old granny with secrets, magic and herbs, a strong-willed young girl named Ruby in an impossible situation, a cemetery with traditions that must be met, and Ms. Wells has the reader tightly in her grasp.
I think “High Lonesome Sound” may be her best writing to date. There are characters that will stick with you and touch your heart. There are others, well, let’s just say they get what they deserve. So lean back, get comfortable, and don’t forget to leave a light on.
Welcome to Moon Hollow, Virginia. The name alone makes you shiver. Toss in a church with a crooked steeple in a tiny Appalachian mining town where everyone knows everything about everyone (or thinks they do), bring a stranger to town, throw in a preacher with an unholy hand on the congregation, an old granny with secrets, magic and herbs, a strong-willed young girl named Ruby in an impossible situation, a cemetery with traditions that must be met, and Ms. Wells has the reader tightly in her grasp.
I think “High Lonesome Sound” may be her best writing to date. There are characters that will stick with you and touch your heart. There are others, well, let’s just say they get what they deserve. So lean back, get comfortable, and don’t forget to leave a light on.
February 3, 2018
I love Jaye Wells. Have done since my intro to Sabina Kane. Haven't met her? RED-HEADED STEPCHILD is first in the series....go..get...it!
Horror takes many forms. I like mine with atmosphere. Draw me in, make me scared, make me care what's going to happen to the characters, make me scared [yes, again]. This one does that. I loved being scared by this story. I read this before bed. Yep, made for some intriguing dreams.
There's magic in the hills and the power of one religious zealot who takes the joy out of living in the town for his own selfish reasons. Abhorred the zealot. That's how well written the characters are, when I hope for something awful to happen one of them. He is truly horrid and self-serving.
It's set in my husband's home area of Virginia, near Big Stone Gap. Lots of hollows and ridges there. I asked him if there was a Moon Hollow {or Holler as it's said there} and he said it wouldn't surprise him.
Gothic horror at its finest. I was intrigued by the premise and especially the setting of HIGH LONESOME SOUND. So good!
I can definitely recommend this book and author.
Horror takes many forms. I like mine with atmosphere. Draw me in, make me scared, make me care what's going to happen to the characters, make me scared [yes, again]. This one does that. I loved being scared by this story. I read this before bed. Yep, made for some intriguing dreams.
There's magic in the hills and the power of one religious zealot who takes the joy out of living in the town for his own selfish reasons. Abhorred the zealot. That's how well written the characters are, when I hope for something awful to happen one of them. He is truly horrid and self-serving.
It's set in my husband's home area of Virginia, near Big Stone Gap. Lots of hollows and ridges there. I asked him if there was a Moon Hollow {or Holler as it's said there} and he said it wouldn't surprise him.
Gothic horror at its finest. I was intrigued by the premise and especially the setting of HIGH LONESOME SOUND. So good!
I can definitely recommend this book and author.
January 25, 2018
I loved this book. It was haunting and tense, with a beautiful use of words to set the mood and build the feeling of dread and anticipation of the horror to come.
The characters: a young woman raised in a small mountain town but yearning to leave, an elderly granny/wise woman whose warnings go unheeded, a frustrated former best-selling author who seeks inspiration to overcome his writer's block by traveling to the mining town, and a self-righteous holy man who is anything but. The characters are well-rounded and came to life on the page.
I haven't read a horror novel in years, but having read the author's previous novels, trusted that she wouldn't lead me somewhere I didn't want to go. And I was rewarded with a gripping story I finished in two days.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The characters: a young woman raised in a small mountain town but yearning to leave, an elderly granny/wise woman whose warnings go unheeded, a frustrated former best-selling author who seeks inspiration to overcome his writer's block by traveling to the mining town, and a self-righteous holy man who is anything but. The characters are well-rounded and came to life on the page.
I haven't read a horror novel in years, but having read the author's previous novels, trusted that she wouldn't lead me somewhere I didn't want to go. And I was rewarded with a gripping story I finished in two days.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 10, 2020
Jaye Wells gave this book away free to her Twitter followers while we're all under stay at home orders, and this gothic horror set in the heart of Appalachia was a nice escapist read. A small town has made a pact with evil forces to keep a consecrated cemetery, and as you can expect things go awry and a battle must be happen.
There are mountain "witches," deacons who aren't as godly as they'd have you believe, a washed-up horror writer, and a pitiful bear cub. Basically everything you'd expect in a story about a demon tormenting a town for generations.
Overall I didn't find it as fun and fast paced as her Prospero series - this is a much slower paced story that unfolds more leisurely - but I still found it enjoyable enough, and I could picture all of the townsfolk as real people (which I always appreciate).
There are mountain "witches," deacons who aren't as godly as they'd have you believe, a washed-up horror writer, and a pitiful bear cub. Basically everything you'd expect in a story about a demon tormenting a town for generations.
Overall I didn't find it as fun and fast paced as her Prospero series - this is a much slower paced story that unfolds more leisurely - but I still found it enjoyable enough, and I could picture all of the townsfolk as real people (which I always appreciate).
January 25, 2018
WOW!!!
I have enjoyed several of Wells' Urban Fantasy books but this was amazing.
A small town run by a deacon of the church.
An author who comes upon a story about the town in a book of small town legends.
A girl who just wants out of the small town.
Two bodies that have been added to the cemetery in the last month.
This is the recipe for an excellent horror book.
The characters were so real that I kept thinking they were my relatives. Their actions felt authentic.
The settings are very realistically described.
The plot is evenly paced and well developed.
I want more of this from Ms. Wells.
I have enjoyed several of Wells' Urban Fantasy books but this was amazing.
A small town run by a deacon of the church.
An author who comes upon a story about the town in a book of small town legends.
A girl who just wants out of the small town.
Two bodies that have been added to the cemetery in the last month.
This is the recipe for an excellent horror book.
The characters were so real that I kept thinking they were my relatives. Their actions felt authentic.
The settings are very realistically described.
The plot is evenly paced and well developed.
I want more of this from Ms. Wells.
January 20, 2018
When I started this book I was unsure where the story would take me, and a little hesitant about the fact it jumped from character to character every chapter. I was worried I would not be able to get to know the characters in depth but I was definitely wrong to worry. Jaye did an amazing job developing the characters and their story. High Lonesome Sound tells the story of a town in the Appalachian Mountains and what a story it tells. I was continually surprised by what twists were thrown into the story. Just when I thought I had the story figured out, it changed on me and I loved it. If you love horror and a bit of supernatural this is a must read.
January 25, 2018
Demons and legends and a dash of witchcraft - everything I love in a book! High Lonesome Sound is the tale of a man looking for a story, he didn’t plan on entering a different world. And Moon Hollow is definitely a different world. Steeped in local lore and history, the town is as much a pivotal character as the people residing there.
What a great read, I generally choose my books closer to the side of paranormal than horror, but I do enjoy Jaye Well’s writing so was excited to give this a shot. High Lonesome Sound was a well crafted, perfectly told tale. I really enjoyed it.
What a great read, I generally choose my books closer to the side of paranormal than horror, but I do enjoy Jaye Well’s writing so was excited to give this a shot. High Lonesome Sound was a well crafted, perfectly told tale. I really enjoyed it.
May 13, 2018
I was excited what I saw that this author came out with a new book and intrigued that with this book she jumped to a different genre than what I normally read from her. Sadly this one didn't work for me. I made it 65 pages before giving up, a big reason why is that I was bored while reading. Sure things were sort of picking up at this point, the "big bad" showed up, but it wasn't enough to keep me reading. In the end this one wasn't for me.
June 14, 2021
I am not usually a fan of horror stories, but this book was so well written I couldn't put it down.
The characters are well developed and the metaphorical prose pulled me along and kept me on the edge of my seat through the entire tale. I also appreciate a book that can tell a complex story without needing explicit content to rescue it. If you enjoy ghosts, demons, buried secrets and musical magic, you will enjoy this book.
The characters are well developed and the metaphorical prose pulled me along and kept me on the edge of my seat through the entire tale. I also appreciate a book that can tell a complex story without needing explicit content to rescue it. If you enjoy ghosts, demons, buried secrets and musical magic, you will enjoy this book.
January 2, 2019
This is much more than a horror story. Wells paints her characters as flawed people, existing at many points in the spectrum of human quality. The setting of Moon Hollow is as tangible as it is fantastic, filled with natural wonder as well as a claustrophobic darkness that has a way of sinking into your bones with each page.
March 19, 2020
This one was a slow burn. It was interesting enough throughout the book but nothing really happened until the end. There were some creepy parts in between to keep you interested but three quarters of the book was mainly character and setting development. The characters were great. Ones that you love to hate and some you just love. Set in mountain town in VA, where the folks keep to themselves. Not much happens here until the dead awaken and demons attack. Once that starts up, all hell breaks loose.
did-not-finish
January 4, 2020I am just not interested enough, and that makes me sad.
April 2, 2020
Ok!! I loved this.
July 24, 2025
Wells has become one of my go-to authors over the years, and this novel is no exception to her list of hits. I love the way this was written. It's original, haunting, full of suspense and beautifully done.
Read
June 16, 2019I'm putting this aside for a while. I'll come back to it soon as I'm just not enjoying it at the moment.
March 9, 2018
I was a fan of Jaye Wells from her great Prospero's War books. High Lonesome Sound is very different, and a real leap in quality. It still has the fast pace, and, like her other books, I had a hard time putting it down (I devoured it in 2 days), but there's a new dimension in this one. The setting is gorgeous (a small Appalachian town). The magic is subtle at times, very direct in others, but always fascinating. I love the characters. And I want a pet bear.
It's a little scary, but not terrifying (I'm a horror wimp and I was fine). Definitely exciting and a really fun, enchanting read.
It's a little scary, but not terrifying (I'm a horror wimp and I was fine). Definitely exciting and a really fun, enchanting read.
July 24, 2019
Best book of the year that no one is talking about.
That may seem like hyperbole but let me tell you a few things:
High Lonesome Sound is a story of family loss and triumph, a good old fashioned ghost story, a real look into what insular southern towns are like for the outsider, an homage to the magic of the cultures from which we descend, and an adventure forcing a writer to pluck up his courage and be a hero instead of just writing about one.
I discovered Jaye Wells last year at the DFW Writer’s Workshop conference and was impressed with her knowledge and teaching style. When I found three of her urban fantasy books in the Audible Romance package (though they are not romances), I devoured them. They were good. Entertaining. They were not this.
High Lonesome Sound has the artistry of a woman who has honed her craft and devoted her powers to telling a tale of heart and soul. Go read High Lonesome Sound. Go. Now.
High Lonesome Sound is a story of family loss and triumph, a good old fashioned ghost story, a real look into what insular southern towns are like for the outsider, an homage to the magic of the cultures from which we descend, and an adventure forcing a writer to pluck up his courage and be a hero instead of just writing about one.
I discovered Jaye Wells last year at the DFW Writer’s Workshop conference and was impressed with her knowledge and teaching style. When I found three of her urban fantasy books in the Audible Romance package (though they are not romances), I devoured them. They were good. Entertaining. They were not this.
High Lonesome Sound has the artistry of a woman who has honed her craft and devoted her powers to telling a tale of heart and soul. Go read High Lonesome Sound. Go. Now.
March 1, 2018
WOW. Okay, let me start off by saying that this book is rough on your emotions. It's not going to shy away from harsh and grim realities, and more often that not, it's going to punch you in the feels (and it shows little mercy to authors, either). But it's AMAZING, and absolutely worth the read. The main story following this strange town will leave you with chills. There were some chapters that actually gave me shivers, and a lot is left to the imagination, an expert example of showing rather than telling. And yet, for as much as I adored the main story and its unique magic, it's the characters that truly shine. None of them is a traditional hero (except for maybe Ruby and Granny, because they're AWESOME), and they all carry their own griefs and flaws. Ruby is an ideal lead that you can't help but cheer for, Peter is as complex as they get, and even Deacon Fry has an engaging history and past that isn't easy to read. On top of all of that, the prose is written beautifully. You won't be able to tear your eyes from it. I cannot recommend this book more highly for horror fans looking for strong and severely flawed characters trapped in a highly atmospheric story. An absolute must read that nobody should pass by.
March 4, 2018
A great friend gifted me with a copy of the newest book from author Jaye Wells. I read the first chapter and immediately wanted more. But then life intervened and I had to put the book down for a bit. Well, I started it again and read it in a day. I put everything else aside. I even cooked dinner for my family with the book in hand and lost out on some much-needed sleep.
Jaye Wells tells a good story. She builds suspense and keeps you turning pages, but more importantly, she crafts sentences that are beautifully put together and a blessing to read.
"Something deep in her chest, some burning knowledge that was not of the brain but of the heart, told her that if she didn't find her song, Moon Hollow would become a tomb and she'd be buried alive."
This is exactly the kind of horror novel I like to curl up with. There is horror, but not for horror's sake. Every bloody drop is pertinent to the story and makes it all the more complete.
Jaye Wells tells a good story. She builds suspense and keeps you turning pages, but more importantly, she crafts sentences that are beautifully put together and a blessing to read.
"Something deep in her chest, some burning knowledge that was not of the brain but of the heart, told her that if she didn't find her song, Moon Hollow would become a tomb and she'd be buried alive."
This is exactly the kind of horror novel I like to curl up with. There is horror, but not for horror's sake. Every bloody drop is pertinent to the story and makes it all the more complete.
August 1, 2018
4.5 stars, that book was good. But going in, you should know there is a lot of set up and getting to know the setting, people, and their background. So the crazy action doesn't go down until the last 100 pages or so. It is worth it. Freaking A. Very satisfying. Upsetting too. My favorite character - I can't go into it. But I was really mad at Wells for a bit. Anyway...
Demons, ghosts, a writer, redemption and a reckoning. Good stuff
Demons, ghosts, a writer, redemption and a reckoning. Good stuff
November 17, 2019
Classic Southern Gothic yarn worth taking the time to read! A novelist, Peter, is searching for inspiration and finds an old book about scary stories in Appalachia. Away he goes to basically step back in time in a rural, coal-mining village in Virginia. Families are deeply rooted in Moon Hollow. Of course, no proper Southern Goth would be complete without supernatural, so we have talking mountain spirits, demons, possessions, undead, and a tenacious bear to keep things moving nicely.
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