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Ozark Ghost Hunter #1
Horribly Haunted in Hillbilly Hollow
The ghosts of Hillbilly Hollow are whispering – and only Emma can hear them.
Emma Hooper thought coming home to small town life and the family farm would give her a chance to rest and recover from a traumatic accident. But that was before she started seeing ghosts. It was before Grandma Hooper started singing on the roof, and it was way, way before anybody spotted a ghost in a 19th century cavalry uniform coming out of an outhouse.
Can Emma learn to handle her newfound ability to see spirits, while figuring out a confusing relationship with the handsome local doctor? All while solving the ghastly murder of Preacher Jacob? Or is Hillbilly Hollow doomed to be forever haunted by a cold-blooded killer and a restless spirit?
Emma Hooper thought coming home to small town life and the family farm would give her a chance to rest and recover from a traumatic accident. But that was before she started seeing ghosts. It was before Grandma Hooper started singing on the roof, and it was way, way before anybody spotted a ghost in a 19th century cavalry uniform coming out of an outhouse.
Can Emma learn to handle her newfound ability to see spirits, while figuring out a confusing relationship with the handsome local doctor? All while solving the ghastly murder of Preacher Jacob? Or is Hillbilly Hollow doomed to be forever haunted by a cold-blooded killer and a restless spirit?
176 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 29, 2018
1148 people are currently reading
704 people want to read
About the author
Blythe Baker
117 books386 followersBlythe Baker is a thirty-something bottle redhead from the South Central part of the country. When she’s not slinging words and creating new worlds and characters, she’s acting as chauffeur to her children and head groomer to her household of beloved pets.
Blythe enjoys long walks with her dog on sweaty days, grubbing in her flower garden, cooking, and ruthlessly de-cluttering her overcrowded home. She also likes binge-watching mystery shows on TV and burying herself in books about murder.
Blythe enjoys long walks with her dog on sweaty days, grubbing in her flower garden, cooking, and ruthlessly de-cluttering her overcrowded home. She also likes binge-watching mystery shows on TV and burying herself in books about murder.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
October 31, 2025
CUTE & COZY.
March 17, 2019
It was fine, but I really didn't get hooked, I expected a little more mystery, more ghost appearances. It's a book of life in a small town and her high school friends. I know, maybe in the next book there will be more explanations to many things that happen, for example with her grandmother, but in reality, I don't think continue reading the series. If the first book doesn't leave me wanting to know what is going to happen, I don't follow the series, simple...
June 28, 2019
Quick Info
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Emma Hooper
Will
Suzy
----------------------------------
What happens?
Emma goes back home to get some rest and recover from a bad accident which has left her seeing what she believes is hallucinations.
When a local man dies during her first day there she begins to see a ghost in his image. The ghost is determined to show her something and get help in solving his murder.
Final thoughts
Quick read, finished this in about an hour so that is how short it is. It did feel very short, the mystery is very basic but for my purposes of reading this its fine.
If you like complex mystery this won't be for you but it is a nice read with a slight paranormal underlying here; the only thing so far is her seeing ghosts. The cover to me and the name almost implies more but hey its fine.
Would I read again?: Yes
Would I read this author again?: Yes
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Emma Hooper
Will
Suzy
----------------------------------
What happens?
Emma goes back home to get some rest and recover from a bad accident which has left her seeing what she believes is hallucinations.
When a local man dies during her first day there she begins to see a ghost in his image. The ghost is determined to show her something and get help in solving his murder.
Final thoughts
Quick read, finished this in about an hour so that is how short it is. It did feel very short, the mystery is very basic but for my purposes of reading this its fine.
If you like complex mystery this won't be for you but it is a nice read with a slight paranormal underlying here; the only thing so far is her seeing ghosts. The cover to me and the name almost implies more but hey its fine.
Would I read again?: Yes
Would I read this author again?: Yes
October 10, 2023
Very fun series.
November 14, 2023
3.25 stars (Audible plus catalog). Better than most of the cozies I've been reading of late. Going to read more in the series.
August 21, 2023
Pros:
The narrator did a great job with what they had to work with.
Cons:
This book relies heavily on already built relationships that have miraculously not changed despite distance, time apart and personal growth. Beyond that it attempts to shock the main character with suddenly showing these changes, like grandpa hurting himself lifting something, and her having no idea! It makes it seem as though common sense escapes her.
The concept of a brain injury allowing someone to see ghosts has such potential. It is wasted by not immersing the reader into the small town life and gives the main character no real purpose other than to “heal”.
The narrator did a great job with what they had to work with.
Cons:
This book relies heavily on already built relationships that have miraculously not changed despite distance, time apart and personal growth. Beyond that it attempts to shock the main character with suddenly showing these changes, like grandpa hurting himself lifting something, and her having no idea! It makes it seem as though common sense escapes her.
The concept of a brain injury allowing someone to see ghosts has such potential. It is wasted by not immersing the reader into the small town life and gives the main character no real purpose other than to “heal”.
October 28, 2018
A delightful story
I enjoy a good cozy mystery that keeps me interested and entertained and this fit the bill. Emma has some new abilities after an accident and she returns to her old hometown to deal with it. It was fun seeing everything from her perspective as she comes back so we learn along with her about everyone in town. The mystery was good and I enjoyed it.
I enjoy a good cozy mystery that keeps me interested and entertained and this fit the bill. Emma has some new abilities after an accident and she returns to her old hometown to deal with it. It was fun seeing everything from her perspective as she comes back so we learn along with her about everyone in town. The mystery was good and I enjoyed it.
August 1, 2019
Fun short mystery!
The author manages to weave together a short and sweet tale about a young woman's hometown return and newfound supernatural abilities. Definitely great comfort reads! There are a lot of critics put there but this author is writing. Bravo!
The author manages to weave together a short and sweet tale about a young woman's hometown return and newfound supernatural abilities. Definitely great comfort reads! There are a lot of critics put there but this author is writing. Bravo!
October 21, 2019
2 1/2 stars. A small town cozy with interesting characters and a cute goat. Not a complicated mystery.
October 11, 2024
This was an okay book. It worked great for my morning listening while I got ready for work. It wasn’t too dark, deep or complex. The book kept me interested in a I don’t need to rush to finish it or contemplate where it’s going.
The book has some items that were so out of time that I couldn’t figure out if the author was trying to portray some of the townsfolks as stereotypical backwoods or what was the purpose. This instances especially with Emma’s grandparents were very jarring. Like using an outhouse but also needing a hotspot for internet connections.
I felt no connection to the murder other than it helped connect Emma to the town and to her old friendships. I did find it odd that her old friends just took her in without questioning why she left them and the town behind. They picked up like she had never been gone. I did like her friends and grandparents. The author did a job of setting up the chemistry between everyone and I found that appealing.
The paranormal aspect was lacking when you see the title and read the synopsis. I haven’t picked up the next in the series and not sure if I will.
The book has some items that were so out of time that I couldn’t figure out if the author was trying to portray some of the townsfolks as stereotypical backwoods or what was the purpose. This instances especially with Emma’s grandparents were very jarring. Like using an outhouse but also needing a hotspot for internet connections.
I felt no connection to the murder other than it helped connect Emma to the town and to her old friendships. I did find it odd that her old friends just took her in without questioning why she left them and the town behind. They picked up like she had never been gone. I did like her friends and grandparents. The author did a job of setting up the chemistry between everyone and I found that appealing.
The paranormal aspect was lacking when you see the title and read the synopsis. I haven’t picked up the next in the series and not sure if I will.
October 23, 2024
Maybe 2.5 stars
This was one of those stories where nothing really stands out and I'll probably forget about it a month from now. The mystery was so obvious and I didn't understand why the main character struggled to figure it out. The grandparents were strange and kind of rude to her for moving away to chase her dreams. Just not for me I guess.
This was one of those stories where nothing really stands out and I'll probably forget about it a month from now. The mystery was so obvious and I didn't understand why the main character struggled to figure it out. The grandparents were strange and kind of rude to her for moving away to chase her dreams. Just not for me I guess.
February 9, 2023
This was .🙄🙄🙄 not much movement for most of the book and then towards the end the MC rushes headlong into TSTL land and the classic “I can take care of myself” after almost getting herself killed. 🙄🙄🙄
November 22, 2018
One major TSTL moment, otherwise on a par with most other cozy witch mysteries.
September 9, 2023
The name of the book says it all
January 28, 2022
I love cozy mysteries and I sure enjoyed this one. The small town of Hillbilly Hollow is just so welcoming. Emma is a fun character. I enjoyed seeing her friendships. I cannot wait to learn more about her ability to see ghosts.
July 4, 2024
This was a short, sweet mystery. I actually ended up liking it more than I thought I would. Emma was a sweetheart, and her hometown was fairly charming. Mystery was okay and I liked guessing who it might be. But I liked following Emma, as she reconnected with her family and friends after being absent for 5 years, even more. I would read more in this series.
August 16, 2020
This book is one of those quick, fun, easy reads that you can just enjoy and not have to use much brain power. The characters are fun and likable.
The MC Emma gets hit by a taxi and is injured, but she also gets a power: the power/ability to see ghosts. Her doctor, however, convinces her that the "hallucinations" will go away in due time. So she visits her grandparents in (love the name of this town) Hillbilly Hollow in order to heal, but even with her apparently healed brain she still sees ghosts.
For a cozy mystery, I thought the mystery aspect of the story was quite good. I love reading about ghosts like back in my day with Casper the friendly ghost. LOL Scary ones - not so much. But this fun, light-hearted cozy mystery was quite enjoyable and I'll definitely read the next one in the series.
The MC Emma gets hit by a taxi and is injured, but she also gets a power: the power/ability to see ghosts. Her doctor, however, convinces her that the "hallucinations" will go away in due time. So she visits her grandparents in (love the name of this town) Hillbilly Hollow in order to heal, but even with her apparently healed brain she still sees ghosts.
For a cozy mystery, I thought the mystery aspect of the story was quite good. I love reading about ghosts like back in my day with Casper the friendly ghost. LOL Scary ones - not so much. But this fun, light-hearted cozy mystery was quite enjoyable and I'll definitely read the next one in the series.
November 18, 2018
Horribly Haunted in Hillbilly Hollow by Blythe Baker
Ozark Ghost Hunter Mysteries Book One
The book opens with Emma Hooper returning to her grandparents farm in Hillbilly Hollow, Missouri, after an accident in New York had left her under doctors instructions to rest and take things easy. After a late arrival during which her luggage was discovered to be in Vancouver she discovers that a murder had taken place just beforehand. As her accident appears to have left her seeing ghosts, although the doctor calls it synapses misfiring, she is curious enough to want to find out more about the murder, especially after the ghost of the victim appears to her.
It doesn't take long for her to get back into the midst of local life, meeting up again with her two best friends from school, one now the owner of the town boutique and the other the town doctor, helping her grandparents out on the farm, discovering her grandmother sometimes sleepwalks up to the house roof and starts singing to the moon, and acquiring a goat where others might have a pet dog. With help from the victim's ghost, who leaves a mysterious clue made of twigs, and a bright idea she works out the probable who while already knowing the how but having no idea of the why. A close encounter with the guilty party soon solves the why, and and which who did the actual killing but it takes practical help from the ghost to stop from becoming the next victim.
After a long, and overdue, frank talk with her grandparents she discovers that a long line of family members have received head injuries – from a variety of causes – over the generations resulting in them seeing ghosts so it would appear her current ability is a family quirk.
Told in a sensible and forthright way this book has a main character returning to her family roots after running away to the big city and realising that in her absence those left behind have grown much older, although not as feeble as she had imagined them they still miss her and need some assistance around the farm. It reminds readers that keeping in touch with close childhood friends is really a good idea, because however good your new city friends are they can't know you as well as those who have grown up with you, who know all your childhood scrapes and secrets, and who in the end will always be there for you. An excellent book and I am glad I found it to read, I will be buying the next in the series as well as this looks as though it will be a series that is a good mix of paranormal and mundane, mysterious and normal, told in a way that enables the reader to imaging themselves onlookers and able to see what is happening, even to looking up and expecting to see a cute little white goat waiting to have a rub under her chin before curling up at the bottom of the bed just like a dog.
Ozark Ghost Hunter Mysteries Book One
The book opens with Emma Hooper returning to her grandparents farm in Hillbilly Hollow, Missouri, after an accident in New York had left her under doctors instructions to rest and take things easy. After a late arrival during which her luggage was discovered to be in Vancouver she discovers that a murder had taken place just beforehand. As her accident appears to have left her seeing ghosts, although the doctor calls it synapses misfiring, she is curious enough to want to find out more about the murder, especially after the ghost of the victim appears to her.
It doesn't take long for her to get back into the midst of local life, meeting up again with her two best friends from school, one now the owner of the town boutique and the other the town doctor, helping her grandparents out on the farm, discovering her grandmother sometimes sleepwalks up to the house roof and starts singing to the moon, and acquiring a goat where others might have a pet dog. With help from the victim's ghost, who leaves a mysterious clue made of twigs, and a bright idea she works out the probable who while already knowing the how but having no idea of the why. A close encounter with the guilty party soon solves the why, and and which who did the actual killing but it takes practical help from the ghost to stop from becoming the next victim.
After a long, and overdue, frank talk with her grandparents she discovers that a long line of family members have received head injuries – from a variety of causes – over the generations resulting in them seeing ghosts so it would appear her current ability is a family quirk.
Told in a sensible and forthright way this book has a main character returning to her family roots after running away to the big city and realising that in her absence those left behind have grown much older, although not as feeble as she had imagined them they still miss her and need some assistance around the farm. It reminds readers that keeping in touch with close childhood friends is really a good idea, because however good your new city friends are they can't know you as well as those who have grown up with you, who know all your childhood scrapes and secrets, and who in the end will always be there for you. An excellent book and I am glad I found it to read, I will be buying the next in the series as well as this looks as though it will be a series that is a good mix of paranormal and mundane, mysterious and normal, told in a way that enables the reader to imaging themselves onlookers and able to see what is happening, even to looking up and expecting to see a cute little white goat waiting to have a rub under her chin before curling up at the bottom of the bed just like a dog.
November 4, 2023
This book was available for free on Audible, and I found the cover and the title interesting.
I didn't get hooked on the story as much as I had hoped. There wasn't enough mystery built up to get lost in suspense and a book about ghosts - I expected more ghosts! I found the book focused more on character relationships (that hadn't changed over many years which made no sense) instead of focusing on the plot. I was looking forward to seeing a story about a character whose brain injury allows them to see ghosts but nowhere as this the actual focus. Instead it was about the character needing to 'heal' which could've worked if you were just focusing on writing a contemporary novel and removing all the supernatural aspects. I also dislike reading about characters with the mindset of 'I can take care of myself' and then constantly finding themselves in near-death situations and still not waking up with common sense.
Read more here: https://sincerelyyoursannie.wordpress...
Maybe cozy mysteries aren't my thing. Maybe I just need more paranormal elements when reading books about witches and supernatural beings. That said, I won't be continuing with the series.
I didn't get hooked on the story as much as I had hoped. There wasn't enough mystery built up to get lost in suspense and a book about ghosts - I expected more ghosts! I found the book focused more on character relationships (that hadn't changed over many years which made no sense) instead of focusing on the plot. I was looking forward to seeing a story about a character whose brain injury allows them to see ghosts but nowhere as this the actual focus. Instead it was about the character needing to 'heal' which could've worked if you were just focusing on writing a contemporary novel and removing all the supernatural aspects. I also dislike reading about characters with the mindset of 'I can take care of myself' and then constantly finding themselves in near-death situations and still not waking up with common sense.
Read more here: https://sincerelyyoursannie.wordpress...
Maybe cozy mysteries aren't my thing. Maybe I just need more paranormal elements when reading books about witches and supernatural beings. That said, I won't be continuing with the series.
September 7, 2018
Ghosts or misfiring in the brain?
A good read that should get better as the series progresses. After an accident involving a taxi and a severe knock to her head she starts to see things. According to her doctor these are just hallucinations caused by her injury and will disappear with rest and relaxation. Therefore she heads back to her grandparents, who took her in after her parents death, even if her luggage didn't make it she did. Her stay however coincided with seeing another apparition and the death of the beloved local preacher. Can she find the killer? Will she reconnect with her best friends from childhood? A good plot although I must admit I pegged the killer from the start. However the characters and the lifestyle, relationships described kept me enthralled.
A good read that should get better as the series progresses. After an accident involving a taxi and a severe knock to her head she starts to see things. According to her doctor these are just hallucinations caused by her injury and will disappear with rest and relaxation. Therefore she heads back to her grandparents, who took her in after her parents death, even if her luggage didn't make it she did. Her stay however coincided with seeing another apparition and the death of the beloved local preacher. Can she find the killer? Will she reconnect with her best friends from childhood? A good plot although I must admit I pegged the killer from the start. However the characters and the lifestyle, relationships described kept me enthralled.
December 30, 2018
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
February 13, 2019
Cosy mystery with a twist
I really enjoyed HHiHH, and found the characters rather charming. Emma, and her grandparents were cute - even if they seemed rather prickly at times - and her reunion with her childhood friends, Suzy and Billy (call me Will), was sweet and adds another dimension to the ensemble. I foresee a few potential nemesis for Emma, and I can’t wait to see how that unfolds.
As to the twist, it’s refreshing to come across an ability born out of an accident - and medically possible - instead of characters with all powerful, inherited abilities. The murder mystery itself was rather short, and took a backseat to character development and I’m not mad at it.
3.5 stars 🌟
I really enjoyed HHiHH, and found the characters rather charming. Emma, and her grandparents were cute - even if they seemed rather prickly at times - and her reunion with her childhood friends, Suzy and Billy (call me Will), was sweet and adds another dimension to the ensemble. I foresee a few potential nemesis for Emma, and I can’t wait to see how that unfolds.
As to the twist, it’s refreshing to come across an ability born out of an accident - and medically possible - instead of characters with all powerful, inherited abilities. The murder mystery itself was rather short, and took a backseat to character development and I’m not mad at it.
3.5 stars 🌟
February 13, 2019
Very good mystery with great characters
Being a hillbilly myself, felt obligated to check out this series and was pleasantly surprised. Author did a fine job of addressing small-town life along with many of the positives and a few of the negatives. Book was engrossing and well-plotted with a satisfying ending that left me wanting to know how the characters fared after the story ended. So, on to the next book. Recommended
Being a hillbilly myself, felt obligated to check out this series and was pleasantly surprised. Author did a fine job of addressing small-town life along with many of the positives and a few of the negatives. Book was engrossing and well-plotted with a satisfying ending that left me wanting to know how the characters fared after the story ended. So, on to the next book. Recommended
February 20, 2019
I'd love to visit Hillbilly Hollow! Just this brief introduction has me in love with it. Best of all, I would love Snowball, the goat familiar, to snuggle in my attic bedroom, just like Emma. Very good short, cozy mystery. I love how Emma used the small-town proclivities to solve the murder.
July 6, 2024
Horribly Haunted in Hillbilly Hollow: Ozark Ghost Hunter Mysteries Book 1
Chronological order is not necessary but recommended.
In a Nutshell: In this blend of recovery, rumination, and romance, Emma Hooper returns to her small farm home to recuperate from an accident and find respite from her ability to ‘see things.’ However, she soon discovers that she can see the ghost of a recently murdered local. Emma becomes embroiled in the investigation to solve the ghastly murder of Preacher Jacob.
The Protagonists:
Emma Hooper is insecure about her ability to see ghosts and otherworldly phenomena and about her potential romance with an old-time friend. I appreciate her affection for the goat Snowball, curiosity, and overall pleasant demeanour. However, Emma also tends to be deceptive and reckless.
Why Read It?:
This paranormal cosy mystery is a quick and enjoyable read. The quirky characters and supernatural occurrences create an enchanting backdrop. The story begins with Emma’s return home for convalescence rather than fleeing from a broken romance. The inclusion of the goat adds a sweet touch, and the grandparents are an endearing couple. I also appreciate the exploration of old friendships and Emma’s evaluation of the qualities and realities of life in New York versus the Hilly Billy Hick town.
However, the book is not without its irritations—the protagonist’s propensity for lying puts her in unnecessary danger, and she is reckless.
The novel, written in a paranormal style, left me curious about where Emma and her ‘gift’ will go next. Will she be able to communicate with Snowball? I look forward to reading book 2.
Book Rating
Sexual Content: U
Language: U
Violent: U
Would I read the next one or reread ?: Yes
My rating system (* = star)
0* Could not finish this book (waste of time)
1* Finished the book but didn't like it.
2* Finished the book it was okay.
3* A good read worth your time.
4* An excellent read often with a novel concept or unusual plot.
5* A magnificent read. A prominent example of the genre.
Chronological order is not necessary but recommended.
In a Nutshell: In this blend of recovery, rumination, and romance, Emma Hooper returns to her small farm home to recuperate from an accident and find respite from her ability to ‘see things.’ However, she soon discovers that she can see the ghost of a recently murdered local. Emma becomes embroiled in the investigation to solve the ghastly murder of Preacher Jacob.
The Protagonists:
Emma Hooper is insecure about her ability to see ghosts and otherworldly phenomena and about her potential romance with an old-time friend. I appreciate her affection for the goat Snowball, curiosity, and overall pleasant demeanour. However, Emma also tends to be deceptive and reckless.
Why Read It?:
This paranormal cosy mystery is a quick and enjoyable read. The quirky characters and supernatural occurrences create an enchanting backdrop. The story begins with Emma’s return home for convalescence rather than fleeing from a broken romance. The inclusion of the goat adds a sweet touch, and the grandparents are an endearing couple. I also appreciate the exploration of old friendships and Emma’s evaluation of the qualities and realities of life in New York versus the Hilly Billy Hick town.
However, the book is not without its irritations—the protagonist’s propensity for lying puts her in unnecessary danger, and she is reckless.
The novel, written in a paranormal style, left me curious about where Emma and her ‘gift’ will go next. Will she be able to communicate with Snowball? I look forward to reading book 2.
Book Rating
Sexual Content: U
Language: U
Violent: U
Would I read the next one or reread ?: Yes
My rating system (* = star)
0* Could not finish this book (waste of time)
1* Finished the book but didn't like it.
2* Finished the book it was okay.
3* A good read worth your time.
4* An excellent read often with a novel concept or unusual plot.
5* A magnificent read. A prominent example of the genre.
October 26, 2018
Reviewed at Haunted Bookshelf
After being hit by a taxi in a New York City sidewalk Emma walked away with some broken ribs, some bruises… and the ability to see ghosts. Not that she actually believes what she’s experiencing, since her doctor is saying her brain is just recovering from the trauma of the accident and the visions will fade in time. But to be on the safe side Emma has left New York City behind as she returns home to Hillbilly Hollow to visit with her grandparents and give her brain a chance to heal. Trouble is… she’s still seeing ghosts, one recently departed resident of her small hometown whose death is still unsolved to be precise.
Horribly Haunted in Hillbilly Hollow is a light, interesting Cozy Paranormal Mystery – heavy on the mystery, light on the paranormal aspect. Since this is the first story in the series there is definitely world building as Emma’s childhood friendships and enemies are reintroduced and brought up to date.
It’s easy to follow along and pick up clues about the murder. Often humorous moments between goat shenanigans and old friendship memories. I enjoyed the story for what it was… a light Cozy Paranormal Mystery. I will go back for the second story before I make my final decision on continuing with the series. It’s often not so easy to see how a series will play out when there is definite world building in the first story. Knowing the history of the series with the next story will make that decision easier.
I had fun with this one, it’s light with an edge of danger, interesting characters yet it is a bit light on the ghost part, and that is why I read Cozy Paranormal Mystery.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
After being hit by a taxi in a New York City sidewalk Emma walked away with some broken ribs, some bruises… and the ability to see ghosts. Not that she actually believes what she’s experiencing, since her doctor is saying her brain is just recovering from the trauma of the accident and the visions will fade in time. But to be on the safe side Emma has left New York City behind as she returns home to Hillbilly Hollow to visit with her grandparents and give her brain a chance to heal. Trouble is… she’s still seeing ghosts, one recently departed resident of her small hometown whose death is still unsolved to be precise.
Horribly Haunted in Hillbilly Hollow is a light, interesting Cozy Paranormal Mystery – heavy on the mystery, light on the paranormal aspect. Since this is the first story in the series there is definitely world building as Emma’s childhood friendships and enemies are reintroduced and brought up to date.
It’s easy to follow along and pick up clues about the murder. Often humorous moments between goat shenanigans and old friendship memories. I enjoyed the story for what it was… a light Cozy Paranormal Mystery. I will go back for the second story before I make my final decision on continuing with the series. It’s often not so easy to see how a series will play out when there is definite world building in the first story. Knowing the history of the series with the next story will make that decision easier.
I had fun with this one, it’s light with an edge of danger, interesting characters yet it is a bit light on the ghost part, and that is why I read Cozy Paranormal Mystery.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
March 1, 2024
Well, I finished it; but had to force myself to complete it. (& audiobooks make that easier). I didn’t resonate with the narrator either.
My takeaways:
There were very few supernatural elements or events in this story, although there are placeholders for ongoing occurrences (i.e. Series). I found that quite disappointing.
There were also elements of a [potentially] very slow burn romance, but that didn’t catch my interest at all.
On a positive note, I did really enjoy the cover artwork. That was my favorite element of this book.
Plot summary:
After a traumatic head injury, a woman leaves New York City & returns to her roots on her parent’s farm. She slowly reintegrates with her old small, Southern/Hillbilly home town culture. She discovers there has been a murder then essentially trips over herself to “solve” it via mild social misdirection, and a little logic. Mainly it’s an incompetent villain story that mainly tries to glorify country living.
Having grown up [, & escaping,] in a small town on a farm, it hit too close to home & I HATED those story themes. The Southern cultural elements expanded my understanding of my fellow Americans, but generally I disliked that too.
I shouldn’t have invested in this book and likely will [/should] avoid cozy mysteries/mild paranormal fantasy stories aimed at a female audience [assumption] in the future. My ratio is ~85% dislikes/15% like for those type of stories so far, but sadly I keep trying to expand my reading “tastebuds”.
My takeaways:
There were very few supernatural elements or events in this story, although there are placeholders for ongoing occurrences (i.e. Series). I found that quite disappointing.
There were also elements of a [potentially] very slow burn romance, but that didn’t catch my interest at all.
On a positive note, I did really enjoy the cover artwork. That was my favorite element of this book.
Plot summary:
After a traumatic head injury, a woman leaves New York City & returns to her roots on her parent’s farm. She slowly reintegrates with her old small, Southern/Hillbilly home town culture. She discovers there has been a murder then essentially trips over herself to “solve” it via mild social misdirection, and a little logic. Mainly it’s an incompetent villain story that mainly tries to glorify country living.
Having grown up [, & escaping,] in a small town on a farm, it hit too close to home & I HATED those story themes. The Southern cultural elements expanded my understanding of my fellow Americans, but generally I disliked that too.
I shouldn’t have invested in this book and likely will [/should] avoid cozy mysteries/mild paranormal fantasy stories aimed at a female audience [assumption] in the future. My ratio is ~85% dislikes/15% like for those type of stories so far, but sadly I keep trying to expand my reading “tastebuds”.
October 4, 2018
This was a cute paranormal mystery in which Emma Hooper returns from the big city to recover from a traumatic brain injury at her grandparents' home in the Ozarks where she was raised after the deaths of her parents. She feels guilty for not making it home more often, and she doesn't even tell them about her being hit by a taxi when crossing a street.
But the real problem is that after the accident, Emma can see spirits. And when the town's pastor is murdered nearby, seeing his ghost doesn't help her to believe that all of this spirit-stuff will just go away as her brain heals--which is her hope, one that wanes the longer she's in Hillbilly Hollow.
Emma quickly picks up her high school friendships...one of which may become "more than a friend." And she also adopts a "dog" (actually a goat) named "Snowball" who follows her around the farm and even inside the farmhouse. And while her grandparents seem hale and hearty at first, there are some problems with her grandmother that make Emma want to stick around for a while. Emma keeps nosing around, and it's only with the help of Preacher Jacob's ghost that the murderer is captured and brought to justice.
This was a cute cozy mystery with the right amount of humor and paranormal without being creepy. I think that the series will continue to develop well. I definitely enjoyed it.
But the real problem is that after the accident, Emma can see spirits. And when the town's pastor is murdered nearby, seeing his ghost doesn't help her to believe that all of this spirit-stuff will just go away as her brain heals--which is her hope, one that wanes the longer she's in Hillbilly Hollow.
Emma quickly picks up her high school friendships...one of which may become "more than a friend." And she also adopts a "dog" (actually a goat) named "Snowball" who follows her around the farm and even inside the farmhouse. And while her grandparents seem hale and hearty at first, there are some problems with her grandmother that make Emma want to stick around for a while. Emma keeps nosing around, and it's only with the help of Preacher Jacob's ghost that the murderer is captured and brought to justice.
This was a cute cozy mystery with the right amount of humor and paranormal without being creepy. I think that the series will continue to develop well. I definitely enjoyed it.
August 24, 2023
4.5/5 stars
I listened to the audio for this book at 2x speed and loved the narrator and the story. It was a short quick listen just about 2 and a half hours.
The ghosts of Hillbilly Hollow are whispering - and only Emma can hear them.
Emma Hooper thought coming home to small town life and the family farm would give her a chance to rest and recover from a traumatic accident. But that was before she started seeing ghosts. It was before Grandma Hooper started singing on the roof, and it was way, way before anybody spotted a ghost in a 19th century cavalry uniform coming out of an outhouse.
Can Emma learn to handle her newfound ability to see spirits, while figuring out a confusing relationship with the handsome local doctor? All while solving the ghastly murder of Preacher Jacob? Or is Hillbilly Hollow doomed to be forever haunted by a cold-blooded killer and a restless spirit?
Loved the aspect that due to a head injury she can now see ghosts. Not in a they are popping up everywhere and won’t shut up but in a hey look at that blob over there in the distance.
Emma is a strong independent character that is slowly realizing she should have kept in better contact with the people she loves and I loved listening as she reconnected with her grandparents and old friends.
I can’t wait to listen/read the other books in the series.
I listened to the audio for this book at 2x speed and loved the narrator and the story. It was a short quick listen just about 2 and a half hours.
The ghosts of Hillbilly Hollow are whispering - and only Emma can hear them.
Emma Hooper thought coming home to small town life and the family farm would give her a chance to rest and recover from a traumatic accident. But that was before she started seeing ghosts. It was before Grandma Hooper started singing on the roof, and it was way, way before anybody spotted a ghost in a 19th century cavalry uniform coming out of an outhouse.
Can Emma learn to handle her newfound ability to see spirits, while figuring out a confusing relationship with the handsome local doctor? All while solving the ghastly murder of Preacher Jacob? Or is Hillbilly Hollow doomed to be forever haunted by a cold-blooded killer and a restless spirit?
Loved the aspect that due to a head injury she can now see ghosts. Not in a they are popping up everywhere and won’t shut up but in a hey look at that blob over there in the distance.
Emma is a strong independent character that is slowly realizing she should have kept in better contact with the people she loves and I loved listening as she reconnected with her grandparents and old friends.
I can’t wait to listen/read the other books in the series.
April 22, 2020
After run-in with a NY taxi Emma has recupered with an ability to see ghosts- namely dead people who have unfinished business in this realm. Not ready to accept her ability she moves temporarily back home to rural Missouri where her childhood family and friends still reside.
On her arrival she hears that local pastor has been murdered and she encounters a shadow in the backyard which spirals her into trying to solve the mystery.
On her arrival she hears that local pastor has been murdered and she encounters a shadow in the backyard which spirals her into trying to solve the mystery.
Interesting cozy-mystery set into a small town and supernatural beings. What better? Unfortunately the novella is a quite a boring tale. 85% of the book nothing much occurs except mundane activities. Emma barely sees or talks about ghosts throughout the book even though exactly that is what sold the book for me based on the cover and blurb.. So one would expect some level of haunting to occur.
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