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Meadowlarks
. . . Carolyn and her eight-year-old son Jason unwittingly step into a maelstrom of horror partially brought about by their unwillingness to allow a long-standing ritual to continue. As family relationships, heritage, neighbors, and deadly forces intersect, evil becomes apparent in not only an unleashed supernatural beast, but in the hearts of men. Rural roots, supernatural horror, Native rituals, and family relationships blend seamlessly to build a nicely-paced drama that comes full circle for elderly Native John Crow, whose new neighbors have now become part of this sacred valley and its long-standing ritual practices, changing their lives forever. Meadowlarks is especially recommended for fans of Tony Hillerman-style intrigue who seek a vifgorous dose of the supernatural added into a mix of mystery and interpersonal struggle. Diane Donovan, Midwest Book Review All Carolyn Potter wanted was a safe haven in which to raise her son, Jason, not to find a night stalker lurking in the forest surrounding their new mountain home. Following the unsolved murder of her husband and a violent attack on her son, Carolyn Potter learns she has inherited a cattle ranch located in a remote valley high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. She eagerly leaps at the opportunity to escape urban violence, move out of her oppressive mother's home and get away from her hungry eyed, lip licking employer, Tom Kirby. Kirby, buried under gambling debts, is destroying Kirby Publications, a company built by his deceased father. Learning of Carolyn's inheritance compels him to win her favor in order to marry into her newfound wealth but Carolyn chooses Shangri-la, her dead husband's family ranch. Carolyn and Jason love their new home but soon learn of a local ritual being practiced on their land where a bull calf is brutally slaughtered with each cycle of the full moon. Seeking to end this gruesome practice, Carolyn saves the young calf and unleashes a monstrous creature, not realizing this creature is the protector of Shangri-la. After the creature attempts to break into their home, Carolyn calls on Tom Kirby for help. Kirby zooms to the rescue to confront the beast, rescue the girl and inherit her wealth, with which he intends to regain his prowess as a winning gambler. After her complete failure to end the slaughter of both bull calves and her neighbors, Carolyn must now decide whether to move back to civilization, stay and try to defeat her new threat or accept a bloody ritual that keeps the beast at bay.
455 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 16, 2021
166 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 19, 2025
Meadowlarks is a pretty good nature horror, thriller novel. I had not read a Thomas Holladay novel before, but after reading the cover blurb, one gets a sense as to what the general story might be about, and I will neither confirm nor deny. Part of the fun of reading the book is finding out for yourself. I think that the rating makes evident that I liked it a good deal.
There's a horrendously violent inciting incident which adds a level of urgency and purpose for the mom, Carolyn, and the eight-year-old son, Jason to move away from urban to go deep rural in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Many flee the dangers of city-life in exchange for small town, community living believing that one is inherently better than the other, and that is not necessarily the case.
When the Potter's move to a literal Shangri-la, they realize that they have inherited not just the ownership of a town, but the responsibility that comes with such affluence. Luckily, the property comes with people who can help with that education. Although, there are ritualistic behaviors that sometimes conflict with Native American and pseudo-Christian beliefs there appears to be a state of harmonious equilibrium that has been reached over the years of the town's existence.
The problem lies in the fact that Carolyn and Jason have frames of reference distinct from those of the townsfolk, and so what might be practical advice to some may to others sound primitive or even barbaric. Leaving a calf out in the night is meant to appease a force of nature; however, the Potter's think the idea inhumane, until nature comes around and the meadowlarks announce its arrival.
I'm happy to announce this as my #14 review of 20 horror books for my All Hallows Month goal.
There's a horrendously violent inciting incident which adds a level of urgency and purpose for the mom, Carolyn, and the eight-year-old son, Jason to move away from urban to go deep rural in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Many flee the dangers of city-life in exchange for small town, community living believing that one is inherently better than the other, and that is not necessarily the case.
When the Potter's move to a literal Shangri-la, they realize that they have inherited not just the ownership of a town, but the responsibility that comes with such affluence. Luckily, the property comes with people who can help with that education. Although, there are ritualistic behaviors that sometimes conflict with Native American and pseudo-Christian beliefs there appears to be a state of harmonious equilibrium that has been reached over the years of the town's existence.
The problem lies in the fact that Carolyn and Jason have frames of reference distinct from those of the townsfolk, and so what might be practical advice to some may to others sound primitive or even barbaric. Leaving a calf out in the night is meant to appease a force of nature; however, the Potter's think the idea inhumane, until nature comes around and the meadowlarks announce its arrival.
I'm happy to announce this as my #14 review of 20 horror books for my All Hallows Month goal.
August 23, 2023
Not what I expected.
I love a good werewolf story me, but this just didn't carry its weight like I thought I would.
In saying that, I actually enjoyed my read for the most part. I guess I expected it to be more thrillerish or more horrific.
I would possibly read it again, even knowing that it wasn't what I expected. The characters were well done, and I wished death on Kirby.
The lore the valley had was good, and I liked the general idea of the plot, I think, though it could have been executed better and with more fear.
It's a decent read either way.
I love a good werewolf story me, but this just didn't carry its weight like I thought I would.
In saying that, I actually enjoyed my read for the most part. I guess I expected it to be more thrillerish or more horrific.
I would possibly read it again, even knowing that it wasn't what I expected. The characters were well done, and I wished death on Kirby.
The lore the valley had was good, and I liked the general idea of the plot, I think, though it could have been executed better and with more fear.
It's a decent read either way.
September 2, 2021
Great story, keeps you guessing.
April 16, 2022
No Thanks
Not. Worth. It.
A profusion of grammatical errors obscure a cobbled together storyline which lacks a cohesive to bring it together.
No answers, no real showing of the monsters we were here to see, and a wishy-washy female character KIND of at the center of it all? But only as a foil for the KIND of (?) main character little boy?
A nasty piece-of-work guy shoved in with some screen time at the end just so you can enjoy his death.
A "message" about how white people ruined Native Americans and the land of America (which they did, no argument) shoe-horned in last minute.
This felt like half a book. I might believe the author had it half written, decided "good enough" (or someone demanded it's delivery early) and slapped a "the end" on it.
Blech.
Not. Worth. It.
A profusion of grammatical errors obscure a cobbled together storyline which lacks a cohesive to bring it together.
No answers, no real showing of the monsters we were here to see, and a wishy-washy female character KIND of at the center of it all? But only as a foil for the KIND of (?) main character little boy?
A nasty piece-of-work guy shoved in with some screen time at the end just so you can enjoy his death.
A "message" about how white people ruined Native Americans and the land of America (which they did, no argument) shoe-horned in last minute.
This felt like half a book. I might believe the author had it half written, decided "good enough" (or someone demanded it's delivery early) and slapped a "the end" on it.
Blech.
July 25, 2021
Up front I will tell you I am a democrat and live in the south, and yes I know a lot of people that are sort of falling off on that far right side, but I wasn't expecting to have every character so strong in their opinions. The other issue I had was with the ending....I felt that there is no ending. I was left with so many questions, At the same time I want to tell you that the actual writing and development o the book were good. Just the
rhetoric was way over the top
rhetoric was way over the top
November 24, 2021
If you like a story with intrigue, a bit of American Indian folklore, believable characters and a fast pace, you will love Meadowlarks.
Sometimes it is best not to meddle in things you know nothing about. Caroline is shown in a gruesome way why this particular ritual needs to be performed each full moon and the cost in human life when it isn't.
This is the first book I have read by this author but it definitely won't be the last.
Sometimes it is best not to meddle in things you know nothing about. Caroline is shown in a gruesome way why this particular ritual needs to be performed each full moon and the cost in human life when it isn't.
This is the first book I have read by this author but it definitely won't be the last.
June 22, 2021
Contains possible spoilers.
I did enjoy this book but only gave 3 stars for several reasons.
It definitely needs a thorough proof read and edit, there are too many homonym errors e.g. waste instead of waist and some rather obvious cut scenes/jumps. The characters are painted either very black or white e.g. Kirby has no redeeming or positive attributes as does Gilpin such that they seem set up to be killed off.
I thought that too many plot points were not covered leading one to assume a sequel and probably a prequel. My major one being that there are at least two “monsters” yet this point is never addressed.
The ending felt limp.
This could have been an excellent horror story, having used a fairly different take on the werewolf theme and how he is perceived by the local community. Yet, without further background, one is really forced to suspend disbelief in his/its acceptance.
I did enjoy this book but only gave 3 stars for several reasons.
It definitely needs a thorough proof read and edit, there are too many homonym errors e.g. waste instead of waist and some rather obvious cut scenes/jumps. The characters are painted either very black or white e.g. Kirby has no redeeming or positive attributes as does Gilpin such that they seem set up to be killed off.
I thought that too many plot points were not covered leading one to assume a sequel and probably a prequel. My major one being that there are at least two “monsters” yet this point is never addressed.
The ending felt limp.
This could have been an excellent horror story, having used a fairly different take on the werewolf theme and how he is perceived by the local community. Yet, without further background, one is really forced to suspend disbelief in his/its acceptance.
September 20, 2021
The book starts out very slowly and meanders around quite a bit. The first quarter of the book didn't make much sense. I almost abandoned it at that point but decided to stick with it.
There were many errors that were missed by the proofreaders, sloppy. But the story got better as it went along, mildly. Creature stories have always been my favorite. But after reading Meadowlarks, I couldn't figure out just what kind of creature it was. It had all the earmarks of a werewolf tale, i.e. full moon murders, partial description, etc.. But it was also described as an ape-like creature on a couple pages. It even said it walked sideways on all fours like an ape, so I'm not sure.
The ending was not great, could've been better. Overall, the story was decent, but not great. Annoying typos lost at least one star. If you can make it past the first quarter, it does turn entertaining.
There were many errors that were missed by the proofreaders, sloppy. But the story got better as it went along, mildly. Creature stories have always been my favorite. But after reading Meadowlarks, I couldn't figure out just what kind of creature it was. It had all the earmarks of a werewolf tale, i.e. full moon murders, partial description, etc.. But it was also described as an ape-like creature on a couple pages. It even said it walked sideways on all fours like an ape, so I'm not sure.
The ending was not great, could've been better. Overall, the story was decent, but not great. Annoying typos lost at least one star. If you can make it past the first quarter, it does turn entertaining.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2025
Meadowlarks pulled me in from the first page and refused to let go. Carolyn and Jason’s fight to protect their new home, and each other, is both terrifying and deeply human. I could feel the fear in the woods, the weight of the secrets, and the love of a mother willing to face anything to save her child.
Thomas Holladay, you’ve written a story that chills the bones and touches the soul. The blend of supernatural danger, family sacrifice, and Native tradition is unforgettable. This book doesn’t just scare you… it stays with you.
Thomas Holladay, you’ve written a story that chills the bones and touches the soul. The blend of supernatural danger, family sacrifice, and Native tradition is unforgettable. This book doesn’t just scare you… it stays with you.
May 12, 2022
Political and Racist
I tried to like this book but it was just to right winged and racist spouting off things that were absolutely not true. I love books that have strong well developed characters but this book is full of opinionated good old boys mentality which is a shame because the concept and plot are amazing. This is my honest review that I am voluntarily leaving of my own volition.
I tried to like this book but it was just to right winged and racist spouting off things that were absolutely not true. I love books that have strong well developed characters but this book is full of opinionated good old boys mentality which is a shame because the concept and plot are amazing. This is my honest review that I am voluntarily leaving of my own volition.
July 4, 2021
Meadowlarks
If you buy this book don't give up on it too soon, i almost did as i found the start very hard to follow & not that good but i stuck with it & boy am i glad i did because once i got right into tje story i could not put it down, will be looking for more from this author.
If you buy this book don't give up on it too soon, i almost did as i found the start very hard to follow & not that good but i stuck with it & boy am i glad i did because once i got right into tje story i could not put it down, will be looking for more from this author.
August 24, 2021
Intense mystery and Scary
It was hard to put this book down after starting it wondering why a beast was killing people on full moon nights. A widowed mother and her son inherited a cattle ranch and a town where the mystery took place. I recommend this book if you like reading scary books. It didn't have a satisfying ending.
It was hard to put this book down after starting it wondering why a beast was killing people on full moon nights. A widowed mother and her son inherited a cattle ranch and a town where the mystery took place. I recommend this book if you like reading scary books. It didn't have a satisfying ending.
December 18, 2025
Meadowlarks by Thomas Holladay is a thrilling mix of supernatural horror, mystery, and family drama. The story is suspenseful, well-paced, and full of unforgettable characters, blending rural life, Native rituals, and dark forces into a gripping tale. Fans of supernatural thrillers will be captivated from start to finish.
October 18, 2021
Great Read!!
Well written, wonderful charcters, lots of detail. There was a bit of confusion to me in the very beginning but it soon got better. Would love for a sequal to b ritten. Hint! Hint!!
Well written, wonderful charcters, lots of detail. There was a bit of confusion to me in the very beginning but it soon got better. Would love for a sequal to b ritten. Hint! Hint!!
September 13, 2022
California mountains and a Zombie
I liked the overall story, though I'm not sure who was the zombie. The final victim definitely deserved to be punished. There were a few mistakes which could have used a proofreader.
I liked the overall story, though I'm not sure who was the zombie. The final victim definitely deserved to be punished. There were a few mistakes which could have used a proofreader.
January 23, 2022
Interesting
This was actually quite good and nicely doesn't say what the monster is. An enjoyable and easy read. It flows well
This was actually quite good and nicely doesn't say what the monster is. An enjoyable and easy read. It flows well
June 29, 2025
Exciting and Fast Paced
Really well written. It kept me up all night. Hysterical large number of typos. My favorite is 'he smelled like colon.'
Really well written. It kept me up all night. Hysterical large number of typos. My favorite is 'he smelled like colon.'
December 11, 2025
This book was entertaining, but no real "meat" to the story. It just kinda wandered along. Really did not like the ending, all the sudden it was just "the end"
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews