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Three Houses on a Hill
Lazalier Brady is an ex-firefighter on the verge of homelessness. When he discovers his sick toddler, Ellie, abandoned by her mother, fatherly instincts take hold despite his dark, haunting secret. Intent on providing for Ellie, Laz accepts a humble position as groundskeeper to a wealthy oil tycoon in the wild and frozen interior of Alaska. By day, Laz tends to the structure and the grounds of the Dilbrook Mansion. By night, he sits huddled within his Cabin, haunted by the secrets of an eerie Shack perched on the western ridge of Horseshoe Hill. When he stumbles upon a charred corpse in the woods, Laz unearths a web of murderous secrets kept hidden by the mysterious Dilbrooks, and suddenly finds himself in the deadly center of it all.
363 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2020
12 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas Holloway
2 books62 followersNicholas Holloway is an award-winning mystery author based in Texas. His debut novel, "The Loop", won the Book Excellence Award for Suspense Fiction. His thrilling new mystery thriller, "Three Houses on a Hill," recently won the 2020 Killer Nashville Claymore Award.
Nick grew up in southern California and earned his master’s degree from the MFA Screenwriting Program at California State University Fullerton.
While living abroad in New Zealand, Portugal, and Morocco, Nick garnered a love of landscapes. He utilizes dramatic backdrops in his stories, believing that a story’s terrain is just as important as its characters.
"Three Houses on a Hill" is NOW AVAILABLE.
Nick lives in Austin with his wife and their dog-child, Harvey.
Nick grew up in southern California and earned his master’s degree from the MFA Screenwriting Program at California State University Fullerton.
While living abroad in New Zealand, Portugal, and Morocco, Nick garnered a love of landscapes. He utilizes dramatic backdrops in his stories, believing that a story’s terrain is just as important as its characters.
"Three Houses on a Hill" is NOW AVAILABLE.
Nick lives in Austin with his wife and their dog-child, Harvey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
January 29, 2021
4.5 stars rounded up.
What a book! I really enjoyed the author’s previous book, The Loop, but this book was next level! Set in Alaska, this is a genre blending, sweeping, convoluted, epic and riveting story. Lazalier (Laz) Brady has just hit rock bottom - he’s lost his job, his wife and little daughter and is about to be evicted from his home in Anchorage when he gets an offer he can’t refuse. A beautiful young lawyer, Sophie Dilbrook, offers him a job as groundskeeper at her family’s estate in the wild north of the state. The Dilbrook family is stinking rich, the wealth coming from the oil wells the family owns. But money has not brought happiness and contentment to the family or the denizens of the nearby town of Ukippa. Dark secrets swirl in the frozen mists and in this somewhat gothic tale.
When Laz returns to his soon to be ex-home from meeting Sophie he finds his daughter abandoned their by her mother, Laz’s wife Vanessa, and he knows he’s made the right decision to care for little Ellie. So off they set. The three houses on the hill overlook the town and are the Dilbrook mansion, the guesthouse where Laz will be staying with Ellie, and a rough shack where the previous groundskeeper, Moose, lives. It is coming up to winter and the atmosphere is dark and brooding which works so well for this story. There are many unreliable narrators, the trick is knowing which is which. There are many secrets, people have disappeared and some deaths occur during the telling of the story. The story, however, is not gory at all.
Rather it is a very layered mystery where everything you learn raises more questions. The characters are at times likeable and at other times unlikeable. The problem is knowing how to trust. Laz starts his whole detective effort because he thinks a couple of people are ‘watching him’ and yes, they are and then he watches them and then...by the end of the book he is wishing he’d left it all alone. But he didn’t and so we follow his conflicted path of discovery in the frozen Alaskan wilderness.
I love a book set in a cold climate and I love convoluted mysteries. This book ticked both those boxes and threw in some gothic creepiness as well. It was so well done, it was gripping, it never dragged and I never guessed what was coming. What more could you ask for? Even the dog survived! I took off half a star because Laz was a bit like the energiser bunny, he kept on coming and never gave up when in truth he should have been out for the count but...that’s fiction! Thanks to BookSirens and Nicholas Holloway for providing a copy of the book for me to review. My opinions are my own.
What a book! I really enjoyed the author’s previous book, The Loop, but this book was next level! Set in Alaska, this is a genre blending, sweeping, convoluted, epic and riveting story. Lazalier (Laz) Brady has just hit rock bottom - he’s lost his job, his wife and little daughter and is about to be evicted from his home in Anchorage when he gets an offer he can’t refuse. A beautiful young lawyer, Sophie Dilbrook, offers him a job as groundskeeper at her family’s estate in the wild north of the state. The Dilbrook family is stinking rich, the wealth coming from the oil wells the family owns. But money has not brought happiness and contentment to the family or the denizens of the nearby town of Ukippa. Dark secrets swirl in the frozen mists and in this somewhat gothic tale.
When Laz returns to his soon to be ex-home from meeting Sophie he finds his daughter abandoned their by her mother, Laz’s wife Vanessa, and he knows he’s made the right decision to care for little Ellie. So off they set. The three houses on the hill overlook the town and are the Dilbrook mansion, the guesthouse where Laz will be staying with Ellie, and a rough shack where the previous groundskeeper, Moose, lives. It is coming up to winter and the atmosphere is dark and brooding which works so well for this story. There are many unreliable narrators, the trick is knowing which is which. There are many secrets, people have disappeared and some deaths occur during the telling of the story. The story, however, is not gory at all.
Rather it is a very layered mystery where everything you learn raises more questions. The characters are at times likeable and at other times unlikeable. The problem is knowing how to trust. Laz starts his whole detective effort because he thinks a couple of people are ‘watching him’ and yes, they are and then he watches them and then...by the end of the book he is wishing he’d left it all alone. But he didn’t and so we follow his conflicted path of discovery in the frozen Alaskan wilderness.
I love a book set in a cold climate and I love convoluted mysteries. This book ticked both those boxes and threw in some gothic creepiness as well. It was so well done, it was gripping, it never dragged and I never guessed what was coming. What more could you ask for? Even the dog survived! I took off half a star because Laz was a bit like the energiser bunny, he kept on coming and never gave up when in truth he should have been out for the count but...that’s fiction! Thanks to BookSirens and Nicholas Holloway for providing a copy of the book for me to review. My opinions are my own.
February 15, 2021
It's 4am. I did it again, I am losing precious sleep because of Holloway's incredible stories.
This was a rollercoaster.
I'm crying because of the really shocking, heartbreaking ending, but wow. He's done it again.
I loved Holloway's debut novel 'The Loop' and I was so excited to finally get to read this one.
I thought I had the plot twist figured out, several times, and I couldn't have been more wrong.
It's not even a shocking twist, it's so unexpected but done so incredibly well that I'm in awe.
Lazalier is someone I connected with because of his parenting alone and wanting the best for his daughter Ellie. There were so many times where I was silently raging at this book in regards to his parenting choices, but then I realized I was gripped and believing this story.
I check out of stories sometimes when they drag on or get a bit boring, but out of both of Holloway's books thus far, I have been glued to the story. I've been so impressed and heartbroken by his storytelling and his ability to completely change direction when I think I figure it all out. Everything makes sense and there are no loose ends.
This is my second ever mystery novel, yes ever.
As long as Nicholas Holloway is writing them, I'll be reading them.
Truly an incredible and hard to put down read.
I'll be buying a copy of this for my collection, and another for a gift.
I got to read a review copy of this book for free, which I'm incredibly grateful for. I'm leaving this honest review voluntarily.
✨
This was a rollercoaster.
I'm crying because of the really shocking, heartbreaking ending, but wow. He's done it again.
I loved Holloway's debut novel 'The Loop' and I was so excited to finally get to read this one.
I thought I had the plot twist figured out, several times, and I couldn't have been more wrong.
It's not even a shocking twist, it's so unexpected but done so incredibly well that I'm in awe.
Lazalier is someone I connected with because of his parenting alone and wanting the best for his daughter Ellie. There were so many times where I was silently raging at this book in regards to his parenting choices, but then I realized I was gripped and believing this story.
I check out of stories sometimes when they drag on or get a bit boring, but out of both of Holloway's books thus far, I have been glued to the story. I've been so impressed and heartbroken by his storytelling and his ability to completely change direction when I think I figure it all out. Everything makes sense and there are no loose ends.
This is my second ever mystery novel, yes ever.
As long as Nicholas Holloway is writing them, I'll be reading them.
Truly an incredible and hard to put down read.
I'll be buying a copy of this for my collection, and another for a gift.
I got to read a review copy of this book for free, which I'm incredibly grateful for. I'm leaving this honest review voluntarily.
✨
April 30, 2021
Three houses on a hill, each with their own mystery and secrets. Laz finds himself sinking into a depression when his wife leaves him, he looses his job as a firefighter, and he is left caring for his two year old Ellie, who is currently hooked up to an oxygen machine. Luckily, his best friend Tom introduces him to his new girlfriend Sophie at just the right time. Sophie has an offer for him, to whisk away to Alaska, in the midst of snow and nothing but nature to help her mother around the house. But the town holds many secrets, and most of them are nestled within the three houses on the hill he is to live on.
I was excited for this one after reading the reviews and seeing the cover which portrayed mystery, intrigue and horror. I love a spooky story, I love anything with location based atmosphere, and secrets and mystery. This one contained lots of thriller based action, murder, intruders, and small townsfolk who hate the newcomer. There were lots of twists and turns, and the main protagonist has to be the most unlucky guy in history with the amount of mishaps he has. He’s also the most careless father too but I’m not sure you’re meant to notice that...despite the twists and turns though, I actually had guessed all the plots main ‘twists’ though, which made it less of a shock at the end. It was more of a location based creep, than a full blown gothic horror and more of a thriller than a horror at all as despite some appearances by Laz's ghosts, there was no horror included. Alaska provided the perfect scenario for solitude, wild scenery though.
I am grateful to the publishers and Booksirens who provided me with an arc of this book.my reviews are my own honest opinions.
I was excited for this one after reading the reviews and seeing the cover which portrayed mystery, intrigue and horror. I love a spooky story, I love anything with location based atmosphere, and secrets and mystery. This one contained lots of thriller based action, murder, intruders, and small townsfolk who hate the newcomer. There were lots of twists and turns, and the main protagonist has to be the most unlucky guy in history with the amount of mishaps he has. He’s also the most careless father too but I’m not sure you’re meant to notice that...despite the twists and turns though, I actually had guessed all the plots main ‘twists’ though, which made it less of a shock at the end. It was more of a location based creep, than a full blown gothic horror and more of a thriller than a horror at all as despite some appearances by Laz's ghosts, there was no horror included. Alaska provided the perfect scenario for solitude, wild scenery though.
I am grateful to the publishers and Booksirens who provided me with an arc of this book.my reviews are my own honest opinions.
April 23, 2021
I received a copy of this for free.
The blurb peaked my interest, it seemed very dark, so of course I had to read it.
Just the first lines got me hooked. They were so beautifully written, and promised of a really good story to come.
The protagonist is Lazalier, and he's writing what we're reading to his daughter Ellie. He's a great character, he's not perfect, but has his heart in the right place. In the beginning he's pretty far down, and when his daughter is dropped off on his doorstep by the mother who doesn't want to take care of her anymore (she had lung cancer), he tries to get his shit together for her.
He takes a job as a groundkeeper for wealthy family in Alaska, and while there he discovers many horrifying mysteries.
This story has so many layers, and the author did an excellent job stringing them all together. All the different things we learn happen in a timely fashion, it all flows really well. While there is a lot of instances where Lazalier is in danger, gets knocked out and such, plus a lot of dialogue at times, this book is really good. Very close to perfection, so I just couldn't give it less than 5 stars!
I was in tears at the end, it was wrapped up so nicely.
I definitely recommend for any fan of dark mystery thrillers.
The blurb peaked my interest, it seemed very dark, so of course I had to read it.
Just the first lines got me hooked. They were so beautifully written, and promised of a really good story to come.
The protagonist is Lazalier, and he's writing what we're reading to his daughter Ellie. He's a great character, he's not perfect, but has his heart in the right place. In the beginning he's pretty far down, and when his daughter is dropped off on his doorstep by the mother who doesn't want to take care of her anymore (she had lung cancer), he tries to get his shit together for her.
He takes a job as a groundkeeper for wealthy family in Alaska, and while there he discovers many horrifying mysteries.
This story has so many layers, and the author did an excellent job stringing them all together. All the different things we learn happen in a timely fashion, it all flows really well. While there is a lot of instances where Lazalier is in danger, gets knocked out and such, plus a lot of dialogue at times, this book is really good. Very close to perfection, so I just couldn't give it less than 5 stars!
I was in tears at the end, it was wrapped up so nicely.
I definitely recommend for any fan of dark mystery thrillers.
April 21, 2021
Cold climates and gloomy atmospheres make such a wonderful background for a dark story. Nicholas Holloway milks it very well for Three Houses on a Hill.
If The Loop was good, this one was even better.
Laz sets off to a family estate in northern Alaska to work as a groundskeeper. The estate belongs to Sophie Dilbrook. Laz has his young daughter with him as well.
But once he gets there, Laz realizes that the Dilbrook family is the next level of dysfunctional. Plus, there seem to be dark shadows of old secrets everywhere. Should Laz try to search out the shadows or should he let well be?
The book was so atmospheric, I could forget my current surroundings and be shivering in the harsh Alaskan cold. Laz's decisions do not look stupid - if anything, we are left rooting for him. His internal conflicts are also very well-written.
I think I have found my new favorite author - Nicholas Holloway.
Thanks to Booksirens for the ARC. The opinions are all my own.
4.5 stars.
If The Loop was good, this one was even better.
Laz sets off to a family estate in northern Alaska to work as a groundskeeper. The estate belongs to Sophie Dilbrook. Laz has his young daughter with him as well.
But once he gets there, Laz realizes that the Dilbrook family is the next level of dysfunctional. Plus, there seem to be dark shadows of old secrets everywhere. Should Laz try to search out the shadows or should he let well be?
The book was so atmospheric, I could forget my current surroundings and be shivering in the harsh Alaskan cold. Laz's decisions do not look stupid - if anything, we are left rooting for him. His internal conflicts are also very well-written.
I think I have found my new favorite author - Nicholas Holloway.
Thanks to Booksirens for the ARC. The opinions are all my own.
4.5 stars.
December 18, 2020
Wow! I would definitely recommend "Three Houses on a Hill," by Nicholas Holloway. I read his first novel, "The Loop," and loved it, so I have been waiting for his second novel to come out, and it did not disappoint! It was similar in theme - a mysterious murder - but was also extremely different from his debut novel, from location, characters, maturity of the writing, and storyline. The secrets that take place on the Hill involve so many twists and turns that I was shocked by the ending! I kept thinking I had the story figured out, and Holloway would change directions, and keep me guessing! If you love murder mysteries, definitely check this one out!
December 28, 2020
"By the time you read these pages, I will be bones in the earth."
Are you kidding me?! Absolutely the best opening line of a thriller I have ever read. Three Houses On A Hill by Nicholas Holloway only gets better with each written line. As a lover of thrillers this second book from the immensely creative mind of its writer is not only so much fun to read but is a joy to experience as an example of brilliant writing.
Lazalier is not the quintessential hero. He is the poster child for flawed characters. He is a drunk out of work fireman haunted by the ghosts of those he couldn't save. He is a single dad of a very sick baby girl. He is out of options. That is until an offer from a beautiful stranger to be a caretaker for her oil rich parents enormous property at the end of the coldest darkest part of Alaska where there are three houses on a hill and each has its own terrifying secret.
Just like his first mind blowing murder thriller, The Loop, there is not much I can reveal about this jaw dropping of an ending novel except to say the writing is perfection. When we think of the beauty of words we often imagine books of poetry and romance but this writer changes all of that with his ability to make you feel fear, anxiety, empathy and excitement with his unique combination of words and thoughts. I had to put on a sweater while running with Laz through the bitter cold wilderness looking for his loyal dog Harvey (have to love a man who loves his dog). I shed tears when Laz's daughter is missing from her crib in the middle of the night and my mind was blown when the truth was told about the people in the houses on the hill.
I urge you to treat yourself right for the New Year and read this book that will leave you speechless with shock and awe.
I received a free copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Are you kidding me?! Absolutely the best opening line of a thriller I have ever read. Three Houses On A Hill by Nicholas Holloway only gets better with each written line. As a lover of thrillers this second book from the immensely creative mind of its writer is not only so much fun to read but is a joy to experience as an example of brilliant writing.
Lazalier is not the quintessential hero. He is the poster child for flawed characters. He is a drunk out of work fireman haunted by the ghosts of those he couldn't save. He is a single dad of a very sick baby girl. He is out of options. That is until an offer from a beautiful stranger to be a caretaker for her oil rich parents enormous property at the end of the coldest darkest part of Alaska where there are three houses on a hill and each has its own terrifying secret.
Just like his first mind blowing murder thriller, The Loop, there is not much I can reveal about this jaw dropping of an ending novel except to say the writing is perfection. When we think of the beauty of words we often imagine books of poetry and romance but this writer changes all of that with his ability to make you feel fear, anxiety, empathy and excitement with his unique combination of words and thoughts. I had to put on a sweater while running with Laz through the bitter cold wilderness looking for his loyal dog Harvey (have to love a man who loves his dog). I shed tears when Laz's daughter is missing from her crib in the middle of the night and my mind was blown when the truth was told about the people in the houses on the hill.
I urge you to treat yourself right for the New Year and read this book that will leave you speechless with shock and awe.
I received a free copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
January 19, 2021
“The trees behind that hill, they change folks. Stay out there long ‘nuff, you might not come back at all.”
Holloway is undoubtedly establishing his thriller signature with this second book! A promising tale that takes you to the frigid Great North amidst a storm of unbearable wealth and deceit.
The story is woven with beautiful imagery. The red herrings had me so fooled that I began worrying the story was veering down a dangerously unrealistic path. Needless to say I was guessing until the answer was right in front of me!
What I appreciate most in Holloway’s writing is the humanity he writes into his characters. People feel like people; flawed, usually judged by their peers, and simply trying to do the best with the cards they were handed.
Thank you so much to the author for this free copy in exchange for an honest review!
Holloway is undoubtedly establishing his thriller signature with this second book! A promising tale that takes you to the frigid Great North amidst a storm of unbearable wealth and deceit.
The story is woven with beautiful imagery. The red herrings had me so fooled that I began worrying the story was veering down a dangerously unrealistic path. Needless to say I was guessing until the answer was right in front of me!
What I appreciate most in Holloway’s writing is the humanity he writes into his characters. People feel like people; flawed, usually judged by their peers, and simply trying to do the best with the cards they were handed.
Thank you so much to the author for this free copy in exchange for an honest review!
December 20, 2020
I think I finally understand what the word “spellbinding” means. Nicholas Holloway did it again! Three Houses on a Hill introduces us to a group of unlikely and lovably rugged characters, one of them being the wild Alaskan landscape where the story is set. From the first page, I was hooked. As I read, I kept thinking I had it all figured out but in the end, I definitely didn’t see the conclusion coming. This story culminates the same way “The Loop” did- neatly, concisely, and in a way that leaves readers wanting more. The prose is flowery yet poignant- so many elements come together to create a truly exceptional novel. I finished this book and couldn’t believe my eyes when I opened my front door to see the streets of Seattle- I was certain I had been in Ukippa only moments before. This is a remarkable and enchanting must read for 2021. Sophomore slumps are for bitches anyway, are they not? Six stars all the way around.
January 15, 2021
Wow! What a great read. I love a good thriller with surprise twists at every turn and this book delivered just that! Kept me wanting more. Who did it? Why? What the heck is going on?! First book by this author and it's safe to say I'm a fan now. I work in a library and I definitely will be recommending this book to our patrons.
January 18, 2021
Don't miss out on this book
Three Houses on a Hill kept me at the edge of my seat! You will love the descriptive ways the author paints the setting! I felt like I lived there. There were so many twists and turns that capture your attention that you can't put it down. You never know how it's going to end. Overall, a great book that you don't want to miss!!
Three Houses on a Hill kept me at the edge of my seat! You will love the descriptive ways the author paints the setting! I felt like I lived there. There were so many twists and turns that capture your attention that you can't put it down. You never know how it's going to end. Overall, a great book that you don't want to miss!!
September 6, 2021
The tale begins as it ends, with Laz Brady writing a letter to his daughter. I loved this way of connecting to true reader and the references throughout the novel to this continued letter writing.
The novel is set outside a tiny town in Alaska, where on a sprawling property sits 3 houses, all aligned on a hill (love when the novel’s title fits into the book).
The novel traipses through a labyrinth of mystery and lies to get to the truth behind the myriad of disappearances and deaths of people in the small town.
I love how Laz is portrayed in this novel. His character is so well thought out and my heart ached for him. His care for Ellie and Harvey, as well as his investigative skill were so wonderful to read.
All the characters were very well done, the author obviously took great care in forming them to tell such a marvellous story. I really did not expect all the twists and turns that the journey took.
I look forward to reading more novels from this author in the future. I received this novel for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
See this review and more on my blog:
https://bookshelfadventures.home.blog/
The novel is set outside a tiny town in Alaska, where on a sprawling property sits 3 houses, all aligned on a hill (love when the novel’s title fits into the book).
The novel traipses through a labyrinth of mystery and lies to get to the truth behind the myriad of disappearances and deaths of people in the small town.
I love how Laz is portrayed in this novel. His character is so well thought out and my heart ached for him. His care for Ellie and Harvey, as well as his investigative skill were so wonderful to read.
All the characters were very well done, the author obviously took great care in forming them to tell such a marvellous story. I really did not expect all the twists and turns that the journey took.
I look forward to reading more novels from this author in the future. I received this novel for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
See this review and more on my blog:
https://bookshelfadventures.home.blog/
April 3, 2021
This is a beautifully written book. Intriguing and addictive. It has many twists and turns that keep you guessing. The characters are strong and well defined. I thought I had it worked out several times just to be proven wrong. I massively enjoyed this book and recommend it to all readers of this type of book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 30, 2021
Don’t let the title of this book dissuade you from reading this story. It’s a terrific mystery.
Lazalier (Laz) Brady is all but homeless. He is an ex-firefighter suffering from the memory of a tragedy that killed his best friend and Captain. His wife who fought her own drug addled demons has left him and taken their baby daughter.
One morning through the bleary eyed fog of alcohol, Laz discovers his baby girl, Elle, abandoned on his doorstep. Determined to raise her the best he can and pull himself out of this depth of despair, he accepts a position as a groundskeeper from the family of a wealthy oil tycoon and moves onto the grounds of their mansion in the wild interior of Alaska.
The grounds seem to contain three structures. The Dillbrook Mansion, his small Caretakers cabin and a wild mysterious shack that he has been warned to avoid.
Laz stumbles onto a charred corpse in the woods that leads him to search for more about the Dillbrook family, including the beautiful women and daughter that hired him; the wife and caregiver for the bedridden, wealthy owner and all of the people in the small town who each seem to have something to hide.
Fast paced, excellent mystery. Nicholas Holloway has a winner here!
4.5 stars
Lazalier (Laz) Brady is all but homeless. He is an ex-firefighter suffering from the memory of a tragedy that killed his best friend and Captain. His wife who fought her own drug addled demons has left him and taken their baby daughter.
One morning through the bleary eyed fog of alcohol, Laz discovers his baby girl, Elle, abandoned on his doorstep. Determined to raise her the best he can and pull himself out of this depth of despair, he accepts a position as a groundskeeper from the family of a wealthy oil tycoon and moves onto the grounds of their mansion in the wild interior of Alaska.
The grounds seem to contain three structures. The Dillbrook Mansion, his small Caretakers cabin and a wild mysterious shack that he has been warned to avoid.
Laz stumbles onto a charred corpse in the woods that leads him to search for more about the Dillbrook family, including the beautiful women and daughter that hired him; the wife and caregiver for the bedridden, wealthy owner and all of the people in the small town who each seem to have something to hide.
Fast paced, excellent mystery. Nicholas Holloway has a winner here!
4.5 stars
June 17, 2021
Thank you to BookSirens for an e-arc copy. I very much enjoyed this book! The way the book was written lent itself to be very engaging and worked for the majority of the book. I will say that the telling aspect of the narration felt clunky in some small areas but I overall enjoyed that the story was narrated by Laz who was telling the story to a specific someone. I went into this one completely blind and it took me a little bit to be fully invested but Laz had me instantly hooked and I loved his character. Some of the other characters felt a bit over the top but it oddly worked for the story. The setting was another amazing thing about this one and I think it may be the first Alaskan setting I've read. The mystery kept me guessing and, although I had some parts of it figured out by the end, the reveal was done in a unique way that I found appealing. Definitely recommend this novel to people who love mystery novels with a great lead character!
February 16, 2021
An addictive, sinister crime thriller that will have readers on the edge of their seat.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
January 14, 2021
From the chilling first lines of this book I was gripped. When I read "The loop" by Nicholas Holloway I eagerly awaited this next book hoping that I wouldn't be disappointed but he has exceeded all expectations.
Lazalier Brady, or Laz as he was known, is an ex fireman who had been deserted by his wife and was blaming himself for his friends Smitty's death.
When he was offered a job as maintenance man at her parents mansion by the beautiful Sophie Dilbrook he and his sick, oxygen dependant toddler daughter Ellie, started on the arduous journey from Anchorage to Fairbanks for a new life.....a decision Laz would come to regret.
There were three houses on the hill, the mansion, a cabin where Laz and Ellie would live and a shack....but who lived in the shack ?
Living in the mansion was multi millionaire and CEO of the largest oil fields in the area, Don Dilbrook and his wife Gloria , Laz was told that Don had terminal cancer, was bed ridden and had lost his power of speech.
I don't want to spoil the story by revealing too much but I can say that I was drawn right into the mystery and the eerie atmosphere. The characters are so diverse some which made my skin crawl. Why were people disappearing or dying, who did Laz see spying from the woods? why was he still seeing the ghost of his friend Smitty, was it his imagination or a warning?
I found it very difficult to put into words the nail biting suspense, the uncertainty and anticipation but mainly the all encompassing atmosphere of fear and danger.
I found the authors descriptive powers brilliant, I had absolutely no idea how this story would end, it is the best mystery story that I have read for a long time, a well deserved five stars.
Lazalier Brady, or Laz as he was known, is an ex fireman who had been deserted by his wife and was blaming himself for his friends Smitty's death.
When he was offered a job as maintenance man at her parents mansion by the beautiful Sophie Dilbrook he and his sick, oxygen dependant toddler daughter Ellie, started on the arduous journey from Anchorage to Fairbanks for a new life.....a decision Laz would come to regret.
There were three houses on the hill, the mansion, a cabin where Laz and Ellie would live and a shack....but who lived in the shack ?
Living in the mansion was multi millionaire and CEO of the largest oil fields in the area, Don Dilbrook and his wife Gloria , Laz was told that Don had terminal cancer, was bed ridden and had lost his power of speech.
I don't want to spoil the story by revealing too much but I can say that I was drawn right into the mystery and the eerie atmosphere. The characters are so diverse some which made my skin crawl. Why were people disappearing or dying, who did Laz see spying from the woods? why was he still seeing the ghost of his friend Smitty, was it his imagination or a warning?
I found it very difficult to put into words the nail biting suspense, the uncertainty and anticipation but mainly the all encompassing atmosphere of fear and danger.
I found the authors descriptive powers brilliant, I had absolutely no idea how this story would end, it is the best mystery story that I have read for a long time, a well deserved five stars.
February 1, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Where do I start? Nicholas Holloway has done it again! I think this book was better than his debut novel which in itself was an astounding read.
Laz Brady lost his job as a fireman after a tragic accident and was struggling to get on his two feet. His wife ran off with their baby and Laz was on the verge of being kicked out of his appartment. When all hope was lost, his best friend Tom, came to the rescue. He hooked Laz up with a new job that required him to move to Horseshoe Hill in Alaska where there sat three houses. Laz was hesitant at first, but took the offer when he got home and found his baby alone in his cold dark appartment with a note. Moving to a new town and getting a fresh start is not all that Laz experienced next. He walked out of his appartment that day, and into hell on the next.
The first few opening pages of this book were some of the best opening pages I've read in all my years of reading. The story begins with the protagonist speaking as though it was a letter he was writing, to later discover that the protagonist was acutally writing a manuscript with the entire story of what happened when his daughter was a baby. His purpose was to enlighten her of her early childhood and uncover the truths and every question she may have asked.
Just like Holloway's previous book, there are many characters in this novel as well. However, the way that the author wrote the story, it was quite easy to keep track of the characters and their traits. Holloway tends to build his character profiles as the story flows, rather than introduce them and all of their traits at the beginning. I think that this makes the story even more interesting and successful because we get to know and learn about each character as the story unfolds.
I specifically like the way that the author pays attention to details when describing scenery and sounds. I also like the pacing of this book. Everything flowed nicely into the other and at the end of each chapter, there was always that one line that would make you continue to read. It was very hard to put down this book.
Now let's talk about the emotions I felt whilst reading. This book is labeled as a thriller and I was thrilled indeed. Many a times I closed this book because I felt unsettled, especially because I read at night. Keep your lights on!! I was scared lol. The ending however, was mindblowing in the sense where everything, even the littlest details, pulled together to form one knot. I also shed some tears after reading the last page of this novel. It was so sad to me and also really pleasing to read Laz's story.
I rate this book five bright and shining stars. Hands down, the best book I've read since early 2020. I highly recommend Three Houses on a Hill. Please read it.
Where do I start? Nicholas Holloway has done it again! I think this book was better than his debut novel which in itself was an astounding read.
Laz Brady lost his job as a fireman after a tragic accident and was struggling to get on his two feet. His wife ran off with their baby and Laz was on the verge of being kicked out of his appartment. When all hope was lost, his best friend Tom, came to the rescue. He hooked Laz up with a new job that required him to move to Horseshoe Hill in Alaska where there sat three houses. Laz was hesitant at first, but took the offer when he got home and found his baby alone in his cold dark appartment with a note. Moving to a new town and getting a fresh start is not all that Laz experienced next. He walked out of his appartment that day, and into hell on the next.
The first few opening pages of this book were some of the best opening pages I've read in all my years of reading. The story begins with the protagonist speaking as though it was a letter he was writing, to later discover that the protagonist was acutally writing a manuscript with the entire story of what happened when his daughter was a baby. His purpose was to enlighten her of her early childhood and uncover the truths and every question she may have asked.
Just like Holloway's previous book, there are many characters in this novel as well. However, the way that the author wrote the story, it was quite easy to keep track of the characters and their traits. Holloway tends to build his character profiles as the story flows, rather than introduce them and all of their traits at the beginning. I think that this makes the story even more interesting and successful because we get to know and learn about each character as the story unfolds.
I specifically like the way that the author pays attention to details when describing scenery and sounds. I also like the pacing of this book. Everything flowed nicely into the other and at the end of each chapter, there was always that one line that would make you continue to read. It was very hard to put down this book.
Now let's talk about the emotions I felt whilst reading. This book is labeled as a thriller and I was thrilled indeed. Many a times I closed this book because I felt unsettled, especially because I read at night. Keep your lights on!! I was scared lol. The ending however, was mindblowing in the sense where everything, even the littlest details, pulled together to form one knot. I also shed some tears after reading the last page of this novel. It was so sad to me and also really pleasing to read Laz's story.
I rate this book five bright and shining stars. Hands down, the best book I've read since early 2020. I highly recommend Three Houses on a Hill. Please read it.
February 14, 2021
Thank you to the publisher and BookSirens for providing me with a copy of this novel for an honest review. It has been published in December 2020.
"Three Houses on a Hill" is the new pageturner by Nicholas Holloway, a stand-alone thriller set in the harsh, unforgiving Alaskan landscape.
What I think of this book is best summarised in a quote I found among these very pages: "In all the books I've read in all my years, I've garnered a sort of respect for authors who can hold my attention from the first page until the very end." This is exactly what happens with "Three Houses on a Hill": the flawed, unforgettable characters, the perfectly polished writing style, the compelling plot and unique atmosphere of the novel make this impossible to put down, even if it's late at night and you know you have an early start the next day.
I really enjoyed all the twists and turns that made this story so unpredictable. I loved the way the author kept challenging all the stereotypes of the genre throughout the narration. And it's so refreshing to read about a protagonist who never indulges in self-pitying, even though he'd have so many good reasons to!
I also liked very much the landscape descriptions - very captivating - that almost made the Alaskan nature into a character in its own right. Also, the dialogues were exceptionally true to life, and a pleasure to read.
Kudos to the author for the anti-ableist messages the text manages to convey without ever coming across as contrived or preachy.
Overall, I can definitely recommend this novel to every thriller aficionado.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
"Three Houses on a Hill" is the new pageturner by Nicholas Holloway, a stand-alone thriller set in the harsh, unforgiving Alaskan landscape.
What I think of this book is best summarised in a quote I found among these very pages: "In all the books I've read in all my years, I've garnered a sort of respect for authors who can hold my attention from the first page until the very end." This is exactly what happens with "Three Houses on a Hill": the flawed, unforgettable characters, the perfectly polished writing style, the compelling plot and unique atmosphere of the novel make this impossible to put down, even if it's late at night and you know you have an early start the next day.
I really enjoyed all the twists and turns that made this story so unpredictable. I loved the way the author kept challenging all the stereotypes of the genre throughout the narration. And it's so refreshing to read about a protagonist who never indulges in self-pitying, even though he'd have so many good reasons to!
I also liked very much the landscape descriptions - very captivating - that almost made the Alaskan nature into a character in its own right. Also, the dialogues were exceptionally true to life, and a pleasure to read.
Kudos to the author for the anti-ableist messages the text manages to convey without ever coming across as contrived or preachy.
Overall, I can definitely recommend this novel to every thriller aficionado.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 10, 2021
If you want to read an edge of the seat thriller, then this one is for you.
Lazalier Brady or Laz, is the former fireman who has hit a rock bottom in his life. He has lost his job and his wife has abandoned him and taken their daughter along.
Sophie Dilbrook, who is her best friend Tom’s love interest, offers him a job as a groundskeeper at her wealthy parents’ mansion. He takes a long journey from Anchorage to Ukippa and start a new life on a hill with three houses – The mansion, the cabin and the shack. He works at the mansion and lives in the cabin. He has been told, the Devil lives in the shack.
This is the first story I read that is based in Alaska. It was fascinating to know about life and struggles of people living there. The author had set the atmosphere for the story very well.
I was hooked from the first page. The suspense builds subtly and story unfolds effortlessly. I thought I had guessed what the mystery is, but it turned out I was wrong. The ending is so unexpected and that is the best part about it.
Thanks to BookSirens for a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
The review is also posted on www.instagram.com/stellarcupofbooks
Lazalier Brady or Laz, is the former fireman who has hit a rock bottom in his life. He has lost his job and his wife has abandoned him and taken their daughter along.
Sophie Dilbrook, who is her best friend Tom’s love interest, offers him a job as a groundskeeper at her wealthy parents’ mansion. He takes a long journey from Anchorage to Ukippa and start a new life on a hill with three houses – The mansion, the cabin and the shack. He works at the mansion and lives in the cabin. He has been told, the Devil lives in the shack.
This is the first story I read that is based in Alaska. It was fascinating to know about life and struggles of people living there. The author had set the atmosphere for the story very well.
I was hooked from the first page. The suspense builds subtly and story unfolds effortlessly. I thought I had guessed what the mystery is, but it turned out I was wrong. The ending is so unexpected and that is the best part about it.
Thanks to BookSirens for a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
The review is also posted on www.instagram.com/stellarcupofbooks
February 9, 2021
This was an excellent book. I went into it only reading the synopsis and wasn't sure if it was going to be a horror, mystery, alien abduction, what-have-you... I am really glad I did that because it played right into the mysteriousness of Horseshoe Hill. I loved the characters; the way they interacted and popped into and out of the story was great. Laz was a feverishly flawed hero in this story. He "solved the mystery" about 10 times. He broke things down the way I did and was gobsmacked each time. Nicholas Holloway did a great job keeping me on my toes and still somehow avoided making me feel frustrated about the twists. The story was well-written and the premise was solid in a way that I didn't expect. There were flaws in the plot, but you absolutely "know" how the story has to end because of the way it is laid out. Can't say anymore because it was too much fun going through it to ruin it for anyone. I need to read The Loop now; I need to see if his debut novel holds up to what I just read.
I was given this book for free at my request for this honest review.
I was given this book for free at my request for this honest review.
November 5, 2023
I read another book by this author, The Loop, and really enjoyed it, so I jumped on the chance to read this one as well. I love how it starts out, the manner in which it's written, and it kept me hooked throughout. There were some spots that felt a bit too draggy, and I thought they probably could've been cut down to keep the action/intrigue a bit more to the forefront, but it didn't keep me from enjoying the story at all. I figured out a couple things, but others left me with my eyes wide upon the reveal, and I love when I find books like that. I can't wait to read more of this author's work!
4 stars
**I received a review copy from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Any thoughts and comments contained within are my own.**
4 stars
**I received a review copy from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Any thoughts and comments contained within are my own.**
February 2, 2021
Have you ever had a book which resounds in the depths of your consciousness for a prolonged period of time? If you wish to discover this feeling, I present to you "Three Houses on a Hill" by Nicholas Holloway. This book demands your full attention from page one and is an exceptional mix of multilayered genres and elements of goth, mystery, and horror. Lazalier or Laz finds himself in a corner, beaten down in the game of life. He's been fired from his job and abandoned by his wife. Haunted by the ghost of his friend and on the verge of being homeless, he knows and has to turn things around for his silver linings - his loyal dog, Harvey and his oxygen-dependent daughter Ellie who has been a survivor. Apart from vivid imagery that deports you to the harsh winter and the snowy blankets of the Alaskan landscape, Holloway presents multiple characters that are deeply flawed, those that ignite a sense of anger and disdain occasionally but also fuel a sense of empathy, beautifully capturing the delicate meaning of what it is to be human. The ending tugged my heart and tears threatened to escape my eyes. The suspense is masterfully built up, and when all the puzzle pieces came together, I was in awe and truly spellbound by the literary magic created by this talented author. I cannot wait to dig in and devour more of Nicholas's work.
I received an ARC from Booksirens, and this honest review is left voluntarily.
I received an ARC from Booksirens, and this honest review is left voluntarily.
February 10, 2021
A truly thrilling and exciting read. A fast paced read with a storyline that will draw you in from the begining to the to end.
The characters were very interesting and well described, I would highly recommend picking up a copy!
A clever twist and an unexpected ending make this book a page-turner.
Full of suspense and anticipation, it was impossible to put this book down.
I would like to thank Nicholas Holloway and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Summary: Highly recommended !! Looking forward to more exciting reads from this author.
The characters were very interesting and well described, I would highly recommend picking up a copy!
A clever twist and an unexpected ending make this book a page-turner.
Full of suspense and anticipation, it was impossible to put this book down.
I would like to thank Nicholas Holloway and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Summary: Highly recommended !! Looking forward to more exciting reads from this author.
April 15, 2021
Wow, this was way better than I expected.
Lazalier, a firefighter, known as Laz, is down on his luck. Out of work, wife takes off with his Baby Daughter, no money and is about to be evicted. But his luck changes when he meets the beautiful Sophie who offers him a job. Laz doesn’t want to take it because it’s whoop whoop Alaska, but when he returns home that night he has a nice surprise waiting for him, his wife has dropped his daughter of at his apartment and left a note saying you can have her, I can’t cope anymore. So Laz takes the job, and I’m sure he wishes he didn’t.
The story is very well written, Laz writes a long letter to his Daughter, of her early years with him and the things they go through. This is how you read the story. I thoroughly enjoyed it, you where kept guessing as to what had transpired earlier with the three houses on a hill.
A very gripping read, and I will admit I did cry at the end. I’m sure you will too. Recommended reading.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Lazalier, a firefighter, known as Laz, is down on his luck. Out of work, wife takes off with his Baby Daughter, no money and is about to be evicted. But his luck changes when he meets the beautiful Sophie who offers him a job. Laz doesn’t want to take it because it’s whoop whoop Alaska, but when he returns home that night he has a nice surprise waiting for him, his wife has dropped his daughter of at his apartment and left a note saying you can have her, I can’t cope anymore. So Laz takes the job, and I’m sure he wishes he didn’t.
The story is very well written, Laz writes a long letter to his Daughter, of her early years with him and the things they go through. This is how you read the story. I thoroughly enjoyed it, you where kept guessing as to what had transpired earlier with the three houses on a hill.
A very gripping read, and I will admit I did cry at the end. I’m sure you will too. Recommended reading.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
January 10, 2021
Another great book by Nicholas Holloway. A gripping murder mystery that keeps you wanting to read more. He does a fantastic job developing his characters. Just as in his first book, The Loop, he kept me guessing the entire book. If you are a fan of a good murder mystery, I highly recommend reading this one. Can’t wait for the next book!!!
April 22, 2021
Three Houses on a Hill - What a great mystery/ thriller! I have never read the author, Nicholas Holloway, before, but, I will again.
The setting in Alaska & the premise of a single father, with a toddler daughter, starting over sounded interesting. I truly don't know what to add that other reviewers haven't said better than I can.
It was creepy, thrilling, fast-paced, truly different concept, twists, secrets, lies, romance, murder & I never saw the ending coming. What more could you want!?
Only two small thing annoyed me: overuse of phrase "hairs on the back of my neck", & who sprints on a broken kneecap?
Would definitely recommend with a strong 4.5 stars.
The setting in Alaska & the premise of a single father, with a toddler daughter, starting over sounded interesting. I truly don't know what to add that other reviewers haven't said better than I can.
It was creepy, thrilling, fast-paced, truly different concept, twists, secrets, lies, romance, murder & I never saw the ending coming. What more could you want!?
Only two small thing annoyed me: overuse of phrase "hairs on the back of my neck", & who sprints on a broken kneecap?
Would definitely recommend with a strong 4.5 stars.
November 30, 2021
Wow! This book was so good! A totally different kind of thriller told in a unique format. The protagonist Laz Brady our main character tells the story of the three houses on A hill and how they affect his and his little girl's life. He was a firefighter that is until a tragic accident happened. Now he has no job and is homeless. Then, he is invited to be the grounds keeper at the Mansion on Notable Hill. He takes the job. Its a mystery and it left me with some questions that weren't answered till the end. I loved it and highly recommend it! I will definitely read more of Nick Holloway's books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2021
I received an ARC via Booksirens and voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Lazalier Brady is an ex-firefighter that is on the brink of being a homeless. Not only that, he also has his daughter Ellie to take care of. Laz has no choice but to accept a job as groundsman for the Dilbrook family. Unfortunately, the place is not as safe and perfect as it expected to be.
Eerie and unpredictable. That's what I would describe this book. It is such a page turner because of it's mystery and the characters that seem like hiding something from Laz. I also like that it felt like Laz was telling a story to Ellie. It felt much more closer to understand Laz.
This book is twisty and I would recommend readers to read without knowing what's they're in for. Overall I liked it.
Lazalier Brady is an ex-firefighter that is on the brink of being a homeless. Not only that, he also has his daughter Ellie to take care of. Laz has no choice but to accept a job as groundsman for the Dilbrook family. Unfortunately, the place is not as safe and perfect as it expected to be.
Eerie and unpredictable. That's what I would describe this book. It is such a page turner because of it's mystery and the characters that seem like hiding something from Laz. I also like that it felt like Laz was telling a story to Ellie. It felt much more closer to understand Laz.
This book is twisty and I would recommend readers to read without knowing what's they're in for. Overall I liked it.
January 31, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
After reading Holloway's debut book, The Loop, last year, I was excited to see his sophmore novel on BookSirens for reviews. Holloway is quickly becoming a favorite author for me. Both books have remote settings and a complex mystery to solve, and I really enjoyed them both.
Three Houses on a Hill is set in Alaska, and has a lot of moving parts that the reader learns about in present time and memories/flashbacks. Holloway is excellent at providing small tidbits of needed information throughout the book without giving away the ending. All the elements fit together in the end to create a solid and slightly disturbing conclusion to the mystery.
After reading Holloway's debut book, The Loop, last year, I was excited to see his sophmore novel on BookSirens for reviews. Holloway is quickly becoming a favorite author for me. Both books have remote settings and a complex mystery to solve, and I really enjoyed them both.
Three Houses on a Hill is set in Alaska, and has a lot of moving parts that the reader learns about in present time and memories/flashbacks. Holloway is excellent at providing small tidbits of needed information throughout the book without giving away the ending. All the elements fit together in the end to create a solid and slightly disturbing conclusion to the mystery.
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