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The Hollow #1
Horseman
New to Sleepy Hollow, teens Aimee and Shane Lancaster find that upon their arrival an ancient curse has been unleashed upon the town, tracing back to the town's famous legend, which just might be more truth than myth. Now an array of evil demons is after them, with the infamous Headless Horseman leading the pack.
246 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
13 people are currently reading
415 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Golden
799 books2,972 followersCHRISTOPHER GOLDEN is the New York Times bestselling, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of such novels as Road of Bones, Ararat, Snowblind, Of Saints and Shadows, and Red Hands. With Mike Mignola, he is the co-creator of the Outerverse comic book universe, including such series as Baltimore, Joe Golem: Occult Detective, and Lady Baltimore. As an editor, he has worked on the short story anthologies Seize the Night, Dark Cities, and The New Dead, among others, and he has also written and co-written comic books, video games, screenplays, and a network television pilot. Golden co-hosts the podcast Defenders Dialogue with horror author Brian Keene. In 2015 he founded the popular Merrimack Valley Halloween Book Festival. He was born and raised in Massachusetts, where he still lives with his family. His work has been nominated for the British Fantasy Award, the Eisner Award, and multiple Shirley Jackson Awards. For the Bram Stoker Awards, Golden has been nominated ten times in eight different categories. His original novels have been published in more than fifteen languages in countries around the world. Please visit him at www.christophergolden.com
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 11, 2015
So, let me just start by saying that I've read all four books in this series at least four or five times each! It might have something to do with my slight obsession with the Legend of Sleepy Hollow, in just about any form. Surprisingly there aren't that many retellings of the legend. So, I make do with what is available. This series just so happens to be extremely well-written, so thankfully it lends itself to re-reading! Horseman is the first of four books, and while it does do a lot of plot set-up, it manages to be pretty action filled anyways. From the moment Shane Lancaster and his sister Aimee cross the town line of Sleepy Hollow with their Dad, weird stuff starts happening. All the street lights blow out, people report seeing what sounds like a hellhound and then the murders start. The only problem is that the murderer can't be stopped by normal, human means - seeing as he's already dead. The murderer is the Headless Horseman himself, back from the grave and terrorizing the town once more. It's up to Shane and Aimee, along with their friend Stacia, to figure out why the Horseman has reappeared now and what he wants - before their heads are the ones left rolling!
The series mixes real-life teen drama (and family drama) with the supernatural and the series itself reminds me of some of those dime-a-dozen Alloy series from the late 90s. You know, the mass-produced, short and sweet teen books. Most of them were crap. This isn't. It deals with the fact that the Lancasters are all grieving the loss of their Mom/Wife and dealing with it in their own way. The kids' Dad decided to move them to a small town and he buries himself in running the local newspaper. Shane has buried himself in schoolwork and books, shutting out people. Aimee has become the life of the party, taking risks and breaking rules. But in the face of danger and the unknown, Shane and Aimee manage to band together to investigate and stay safe. Albeit, not without some sibling rivalry and heated, sometimes truly nasty, bickering (not that their Dad is perfect either, careless with his words to the point of hurting both Shane and Aimee's feelings at different times).
There was a LOT of thought put in to the twists and turns of the plot and it was obvious the writers knew what they were talking about. There are a lot of references to Washington Irving, Ichabod Crane, Baltus Van Tassel and other people thought to be fictional (also, not everyone was who you thought they were, hero or villain).
There are some great investigations, like when Stacia and Aimee check out a supposed Gossip Tree, which is far more sinister than it sounds. Or when they go to put a protection ward up at the crossroads and run into the hellhound-like black dog called Hizzoner. I won't say too much more so as not to spoil it, but one of my favorite scenes is the flashback sequence with a ghostly Theodore Hasselbeck at Aimee's friend (and Shane's crush) Stacia's house. It explains quite a bit, and turns the legend on its head! Be prepared to rethink everything you thought you knew about Sleepy Hollow. If you're looking for a fun, slightly creepy read greatly steeped in myth and legend for the Halloween season, I highly recommend this series!
VERDICT: 4/5 Stars
**No money or favors were exchanged for this review. This book is now available in stores, online, or maybe even at your local library.**
The series mixes real-life teen drama (and family drama) with the supernatural and the series itself reminds me of some of those dime-a-dozen Alloy series from the late 90s. You know, the mass-produced, short and sweet teen books. Most of them were crap. This isn't. It deals with the fact that the Lancasters are all grieving the loss of their Mom/Wife and dealing with it in their own way. The kids' Dad decided to move them to a small town and he buries himself in running the local newspaper. Shane has buried himself in schoolwork and books, shutting out people. Aimee has become the life of the party, taking risks and breaking rules. But in the face of danger and the unknown, Shane and Aimee manage to band together to investigate and stay safe. Albeit, not without some sibling rivalry and heated, sometimes truly nasty, bickering (not that their Dad is perfect either, careless with his words to the point of hurting both Shane and Aimee's feelings at different times).
There was a LOT of thought put in to the twists and turns of the plot and it was obvious the writers knew what they were talking about. There are a lot of references to Washington Irving, Ichabod Crane, Baltus Van Tassel and other people thought to be fictional (also, not everyone was who you thought they were, hero or villain).
There are some great investigations, like when Stacia and Aimee check out a supposed Gossip Tree, which is far more sinister than it sounds. Or when they go to put a protection ward up at the crossroads and run into the hellhound-like black dog called Hizzoner. I won't say too much more so as not to spoil it, but one of my favorite scenes is the flashback sequence with a ghostly Theodore Hasselbeck at Aimee's friend (and Shane's crush) Stacia's house. It explains quite a bit, and turns the legend on its head! Be prepared to rethink everything you thought you knew about Sleepy Hollow. If you're looking for a fun, slightly creepy read greatly steeped in myth and legend for the Halloween season, I highly recommend this series!
VERDICT: 4/5 Stars
**No money or favors were exchanged for this review. This book is now available in stores, online, or maybe even at your local library.**
August 15, 2013
Very interesting re-telling of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow set in contemporary times, but with some twists! I really liked the characters in the story and the unique situations they found themselves in. Though this story continues in the next book, I think there was enough here for it to be considered a complete story.
But, I will be reading the next one to find out what happens in the Hollow next, with all its supernatural residents!
But, I will be reading the next one to find out what happens in the Hollow next, with all its supernatural residents!
October 22, 2020
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is one of my all-time favorite stories. I was super stoked to come across this YA retelling. The mythology invented by the authors is compelling and has a lot of potential. Unfortunately, the characterization isn’t great. I simply don’t care much about any of these characters. Also, the authors switch perspectives between several characters randomly. It can be jarring. Nevertheless, I will continue the series.
January 12, 2011
i pick this book because, ilike scray stroys. the genre of this book is horror.this book takes place in the town called sleepy hollow.there are two main chaters there names are shane and annie.they are brother and sister. the plot is that this haed less horse man came back and killing every one. the promble is that shane and annie and annies best friend have to find out why and the horseman is back and how to get rid of him. they solve this promble by finding the horse man head. i like this book alot cause there is alot of killing and people getting there head chop off.
November 5, 2016
This marvelous book is filled with almost everything! Suspense, drama, romance, but most of all, thrills! I love how it included all my favorite genres in one. Jump into this exciting book where myth and legend come to life through the eyes of teens and you'll surely be in for a big surprise. This is the best book since it's movie!
March 4, 2023
Young adult literature can be strangely affecting. Maybe it’s because it often deals with falling in love for the first time, and many of us remember that quite well. In any case, Christopher Golden and Ford Lyle Gilmore’s team-written novel Horseman in their four-book series “The Hollow” (now rebranded as “Sleepy Hollow High”), is a quick read. The pacing is pretty good and they make it a legitimate horror novel for young readers.
The story follows Aimee and Shane Lancaster, a high-school aged brother and sister, as they relocate to Sleepy Hollow. From the moment they arrive strange things start happening, including a headless horseman attacking people. There’s plenty of supernatural action here for those craving speculative fiction. The siblings team up with Stasia Traeger, a local from an old family in the area, and investigate these strange happenings.
The narrative moves along as the three find different ways of gathering information while flying under the radar of the adults, who, as is often the case, don’t believe in ghosts. The book won’t terrify adults, but it could be scary for younger readers. It’s a pleasant enough of a guilty pleasure read for anyone interested in a retelling of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” set at the turn of the millennium. I wrote a bit more about it here: Sects and Violence in the Ancient World.
The story follows Aimee and Shane Lancaster, a high-school aged brother and sister, as they relocate to Sleepy Hollow. From the moment they arrive strange things start happening, including a headless horseman attacking people. There’s plenty of supernatural action here for those craving speculative fiction. The siblings team up with Stasia Traeger, a local from an old family in the area, and investigate these strange happenings.
The narrative moves along as the three find different ways of gathering information while flying under the radar of the adults, who, as is often the case, don’t believe in ghosts. The book won’t terrify adults, but it could be scary for younger readers. It’s a pleasant enough of a guilty pleasure read for anyone interested in a retelling of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” set at the turn of the millennium. I wrote a bit more about it here: Sects and Violence in the Ancient World.
October 31, 2025
A fun Sleepy Hollow reimagining that I actually enjoy amongst a sea of bad ones. Obviously written for young adults, but I find it a good guilty pleasure read. Includes an actually menacing Horseman and surprising twists on the classic characters that works. Fairly welll-rounded protagonists that aren't just copy-paste versions of each other. Overall, a fun read for someone who enjoys the original story of Sleepy Hollow.
September 18, 2019
Despite giving it only 2 stars, it was a fairly quick and easy read. Not as creepy as I remember the second book being (which I read first). Even now, I want to reread book 2 and continue the series.
November 4, 2020
It's an intriguing take in the Sleepy Hollow story. Murder, Mystery, and Magic- always more waiting to be discovered.
February 5, 2017
Book Review- Sleepy Hollow High: Horseman by Christopher Golden & Ford Lytle Gilmore
Aimee Lancaster is moving to Sleepy Hollow with her brother and father. She is not thrilled to leave Boston behind. Unfortunately the minute they enter town things get weird. All the street lights blow out and dogs start howling and barking all over town. Then even stranger things are being reported. There are several sighting of a giant black dog called Hizzoner. There is someone riding a black horse cutting off people’s heads.
Aimee and Shane witness one such murder. The horseman seems to be playing with them. Their father doesn’t believe what is really going on. The two siblings are determined to prove everything is real. The legend of Sleepy Hollow and the headless horseman are terrorizing the town. Aimee, Shane and Stasia are the only ones to stop what is happening.
This book had a great storyline. The legend of Sleepy Hollow was a cool twist. I liked the ideas the author came up with as he was building on the original story. It was a modern day curse if you will. The horseman was awesome to read about. Nothing like gruesome decapitations to make an evil villain. The idea of the real story by Washington Irving made a big impact on the current story.
Aimee was one of the main characters and I got tired of her attitude and brattiness. I wanted to shake her. She was the one thing about the story I didn’t like. She was so immature that she came across younger than she was. She didn’t win me over in the end either. Some characters do but she didn’t. I was very disappointed. The other characters I liked. They fit with the story and didn’t annoy me. It was a good read. I give it a 3 out of 5.
Aimee Lancaster is moving to Sleepy Hollow with her brother and father. She is not thrilled to leave Boston behind. Unfortunately the minute they enter town things get weird. All the street lights blow out and dogs start howling and barking all over town. Then even stranger things are being reported. There are several sighting of a giant black dog called Hizzoner. There is someone riding a black horse cutting off people’s heads.
Aimee and Shane witness one such murder. The horseman seems to be playing with them. Their father doesn’t believe what is really going on. The two siblings are determined to prove everything is real. The legend of Sleepy Hollow and the headless horseman are terrorizing the town. Aimee, Shane and Stasia are the only ones to stop what is happening.
This book had a great storyline. The legend of Sleepy Hollow was a cool twist. I liked the ideas the author came up with as he was building on the original story. It was a modern day curse if you will. The horseman was awesome to read about. Nothing like gruesome decapitations to make an evil villain. The idea of the real story by Washington Irving made a big impact on the current story.
Aimee was one of the main characters and I got tired of her attitude and brattiness. I wanted to shake her. She was the one thing about the story I didn’t like. She was so immature that she came across younger than she was. She didn’t win me over in the end either. Some characters do but she didn’t. I was very disappointed. The other characters I liked. They fit with the story and didn’t annoy me. It was a good read. I give it a 3 out of 5.
September 3, 2015
Yet here again is a cover that called out to me when I was glancing at books at my local library. When I started reading the synopsis I saw the word "Sleepy Hollow" and "Headless Horseman," at that point I just grabbed the book flipped pages to see how long would it take me to read it. Just in case I finished in a day and needed to grab book two.
I have to say the book almost reminded me of a R.L. Stine book with paranormal and teenagers and I mean that in a good way.
Aimee and her brother Shane have to move from Boston to Sleepy Hollow when they first arrive lights explode and howling is heard, but what is the cause of it? They both find it to be weird but don't put much thought into it that is until they meet Stasia who loves anything to do with ghosts and the legend of Sleepy Hollow. Then comes the black dog that is huge that people see and hear. Aimee and Shane's father works at the newspaper and is getting calls about all sorts of things. He finds them not to be true but Aimee and Shane are not too sure about that.
The horseman is back and there is a reason, it is up to Aimee and Shane along with the help of Stasia to end the terror of him before it becomes to late.
This book would be perfect to read at Halloween and I really want to read the other's in this series but I may not until it gets closer.
There is mystery, paranormal, action all rolled up into one and it was very enjoyable. I really liked the history that we got on how the Horseman become who he is and why. I have to say the one scene that got to me was the cats and the lady in her home, the authors did a great job with detail and had me very glad I don't own cats. Man I am getting chills just thinking about that scene.
I have to say the book almost reminded me of a R.L. Stine book with paranormal and teenagers and I mean that in a good way.
Aimee and her brother Shane have to move from Boston to Sleepy Hollow when they first arrive lights explode and howling is heard, but what is the cause of it? They both find it to be weird but don't put much thought into it that is until they meet Stasia who loves anything to do with ghosts and the legend of Sleepy Hollow. Then comes the black dog that is huge that people see and hear. Aimee and Shane's father works at the newspaper and is getting calls about all sorts of things. He finds them not to be true but Aimee and Shane are not too sure about that.
The horseman is back and there is a reason, it is up to Aimee and Shane along with the help of Stasia to end the terror of him before it becomes to late.
This book would be perfect to read at Halloween and I really want to read the other's in this series but I may not until it gets closer.
There is mystery, paranormal, action all rolled up into one and it was very enjoyable. I really liked the history that we got on how the Horseman become who he is and why. I have to say the one scene that got to me was the cats and the lady in her home, the authors did a great job with detail and had me very glad I don't own cats. Man I am getting chills just thinking about that scene.
November 7, 2012
Aimee, her brother Shane, and their father have just moved to Sleepy Hollow to make a fresh start. However, as soon as they cross the town line, weird things start happening and many of them are violent and horrific. Suddenly people are losing their heads and being terrorized by giant black dogs. Pets are turning on their owners and a magical tree is telling cruel truths. Aimee and Shane must learn what they can about the town's secrets and discover how they fit into the history.
I wasn't expecting this book to be as good as it was. It reminded me a lot of how I loved Lois Duncan books when I was a teen. It's the right amount of grit scary and actual teen problems that makes this such an enjoyable read. It got a little predictable toward the end, but that could have just been because I was paying attention. Also, the need for a series felt forced at the end of the book but that idea may change after I read the rest of them.
I wasn't expecting this book to be as good as it was. It reminded me a lot of how I loved Lois Duncan books when I was a teen. It's the right amount of grit scary and actual teen problems that makes this such an enjoyable read. It got a little predictable toward the end, but that could have just been because I was paying attention. Also, the need for a series felt forced at the end of the book but that idea may change after I read the rest of them.
December 20, 2014
Interesting take on the Sleepy Hollow/Headless Horseman mythology that was undermined by serious plot holes and obvious plot devices. The book is written in a very cinematic manner, and clearly serves as the lead-in to a series, but I spent way too much time being annoyed with Aimee and then with the writers for so obviously shoe-horning the characters into dramatic action scenes instead of letting them develop in a way that felt unforced. Not a piece of YA literature I would recommend to anyone who isn't looking for a fast, slight read a/o a twist on the traditional Sleepy Hollow tales.
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November 8, 2016The book I was reading The Hollow it was pretty interesting but not as good as I expected it to be.
But everyone has different taste and different likes on books.I think it could've been better but I wanted it to be the characters telling the story but it was like narrator reading. and it wasn't scary at all. But everyone has there preference in reading reading.
But everyone has different taste and different likes on books.I think it could've been better but I wanted it to be the characters telling the story but it was like narrator reading. and it wasn't scary at all. But everyone has there preference in reading reading.
June 14, 2009
Fun little scary read. I am going to read the other three. Interested in this author. I am always looking for a good suspense, horror book without the massive amount of four letter words that are in adult horror books.
July 27, 2012
Picked this up on a whim from the library and I was not disappointed! A new take on the legend of sleepy hollow. I loved the characters, the different stories woven together and the fact that this is a series woo!
February 13, 2015
A fast read! This is book one in a series. YA in nature. Christopher Golden at his best! Perfect round of spookiness, excellent modern account of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. I cant wait to get book 2. This is great for teens and adults who like the spook factor!
October 12, 2008
This book was not what i exepceted!!! IT WAS AWESOME!!!!
April 12, 2010
Really good story packed full of suspense and horror. I really enjoyed reading this book and I'm looking forward to reading the other three after it.
November 9, 2012
Loved it! I wish my library had the rest of the series!
October 13, 2013
Really enjoyed this. Love reading about Sleepy Hollow, and really enjoy Chris Goldens writing
October 13, 2014
It's okay, I might the rest of books unless something happens in the second book that I don't like.
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December 8, 2010It was terrible. I couldn't even read the rest of the series because it was boring.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews