Something is terrorizing the small West Virginia town of Switcher's Hollow. A trail of mangled, mutilated bodies is all Sheriff Taryn Givens has to go on, until one night she comes face to face with the most terrifying monster she could ever imagine. A werewolf. Now it's a race against time to stop the monster before it kills again. Can Taryn stop the savage beast before it kills her and those she loves?
Carol Hall is an American author who was born and raised in Chester, West Virginia, but currently resides in southern West Virginia with her husband.
Her writing career began with her first book, Disappeared, in November 2019. Since then she has written several more books including The Journey North, The Inheritance, Full Moon Rising, The Witch of Broenwyck, Saving Grace and A King's Ransom, A King's Victory, The Legend of Rogue's Hollow Swamp, Monster, Maddy, and Fractured.
Carol's love of writing has spread across several different genres including, action/adventure, mystery, horror, and drama.
When she's not writing, Carol enjoys hiking, reading and hanging out with her friends and family.
Oh, I so enjoyed this novel. It was dark, disturbing, and had me guessing me until the end!
I’ll say here that I’m not normally a fan of alternating perspectives – flipping between first person and third person often seems to create confusion and misunderstandings in the plot. In Full Moon Rising though, this totally works and actually, enhanced the darkness of the story. I loved being able to experience things through the eyes of the wolf while also trying to figure out the mystery along with Sheriff Givens. The writing was well done and immersive, and the small town setting gave it yet another level of creepiness. Definitely recommended and will be looking for more by this author!
Thank you Voracious Readers and Carol Hall for my copy!
Received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. Scary werewolf story that grabs you by the throat at the beginning and doesn’t let you go. Good atmospheric writing that immerses you so well into the rural setting you’ll almost feel the werewolf breathing on your neck!
This was a good book, really interesting. It held my attention and it was hard to guess who was committing the crimes. The details were inline with what we hear of myths. I'd honestly look for other books by the author.
Look. I’ve been an avid werewolf lover since I was little. It’s hard for me to find a movie or book that scares me. This book scared me. You know that “What was that noise?? Oh it was just the ice maker.. *whew*” feeling? Yeah it gave me that. It didn’t help I only read this at night 🥴 Carol Hall did a great job painting the small town and the characters. I found myself thinking “Please don’t let such and such die!” The killings were graphic and violent. With the way Hall describes them, you can’t help but grimace and feel for the victim but you also can’t stop reading. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is because I predicted who the werewolf was. Probably my favorite horror book I’ve read this year so far!!
Werewolves. It's one of my most favourite subjects, yet I can imagine writing a novel about this particular topic can be a challenge. Some authors attempt to avoid the typical setting of a small town, lone werewolf, basically not a 'whodunit' but a 'whoisit'. Actually, I can live with such a setting. I'm not really a fan of gigantic lycanthropic armies, trying to take over the world, blood feuds between vampires and werewolves, or werewolves that stalk teenage girls and turn into slightly larger than average, yet equally cute dogs (sorry Twilight fans out there).
This book basically sets up the typical setting: a small town if confronted with vicious killings, each one getting more violent. The local sheriff, Taryn Givens is dumbstruck at first, trying to figure out who or what is responsible for the brutal killings. Assisted by her two trusted deputies and with the mental support of their dispatcher, Taryn slowly starts to come to the conclusion these killings are not committed by a person. And when I say 'slowly', I actually mean pretty fast. That's one of the lesser aspects of this book: the leap from 'who or what could of done this?' to 'it must be a werewolf!' is made pretty quick. Granted, sometimes people are ignoring the obvious, but this leap was a bit too fast in my opinion. While we're on the lesser aspects, let's cover those first, because in all honesty, they are minor. Apart from the 'werewolf conclusion', there are some minor editing issues in the book. Sometimes noticeable but hardly disturbing. The characters are nicely established and they are likeable. The dialogue seems genuine, but in a few places, the banter seems to be a bit too light, considering the circumstances. Then there are some minor issues with the way Taryn performs as a sheriff. One example is when the sheriff department issues a curfew, yet the sheriff herself is afraid the caught outside at night. Now, I'm pretty much a layman, but I would assume it's the sheriff's job to make sure people abide by the curfew and they do so by actually going out…at night… when the curfew is in action.
But, those are just minor points. Overall, this book was very enjoyable and the main reason is pretty simple, yet quite hard for authors to actually manage to do (hence the diversion from the 'typical' werewolf story to the more elaborate storylines): create an atmosphere of dread. Carol Hall expertly manages to do so. The reader is drawn to the story: the start of the killings, the surprise, the shock, the sense of dread when the beast will strike again, people fearing the sun going down. When written correctly, it creates a sense of anticipation and, in a way, the same sense of dread for the reader and that works here.
Like I said earlier, the characters are real, the dialogue is realistic and, this might sound strange, they are actual human beings: they are equally shocked as everyone else, they have doubts, they are scared, they are at loss for what to do. Those are perfectly normal emotions, even for professional law enforcement, when confronted with such circumstances. The other thing that worked really well was the lore part in the movie. I'm a nitpick, a purist if you will: I'm a big fan of the traditional werewolf lore; I will except a few diversions but when taken too far, it loses my interest. The lore is slightly diverting from the traditional lore in this novel, but it is written well. The backstory is interesting and believable and the mental aspect is a nice and well written addition to the story. Finally, the question of 'who is it?' is also done well in the story. Throughout the book, I've had my suspicions and it is fun to be left questioning, right up to the very end…well, almost. All in all, this is a very well written horror novel. It covers my absolute favourite horror subject and it does so in a way that sticks close to the traditional lore and settings, yet manages to keep things interesting, making the reader share in the sense of dread and horror that befalls the small town and keeping the reader questioning, wondering, wanting more…
Full Moon Rising by Carol Hall is a spine-chilling supernatural thriller that plunges you into the heart of rural Appalachia. In the mist-shrouded town of Switcher’s Hollow, West Virginia, Sheriff Taryn Givens faces a gruesome series of mutilations that defy all reason—until she comes face-to-fangs with a creature of legend. Hall’s masterful world-building paints every moonlit forest and building with an unsettling sense of dread, making you double-check the shadows long after you’ve closed the book. Full Moon Rising is a must-read for fans of cryptid horror, strong female leads, and stories that howl with intensity. Hall masterfully blends horror, mystery, and folklore, crafting a tale that is both terrifying and emotionally resonant. Perfect for a stormy night—or any time you’re craving a chilling escape.
This book was great. Carol Hall wrote an amazing story of who done it. After reading this I didn't want to look out my windows because I was afraid to see red glowing eyes. I would definitely recommend, 5 ⭐️
Something is terrorizing the small West Virginia town of Switcher's Hollow. A trail of mangled, mutilated bodies is all Sheriff Taryn Givens has to go on, until one night she comes face to face with the most terrifying monster she could ever imagine. A werewolf. Now it's a race against time to stop the monster before it kills again. Can Taryn stop the savage beast before it kills her and those she loves?
sted in werewolves. I love werewolf books set in small towns and this book is set in a very small town. The characters are very likeable and the storyline is somewhat unique. It is a quick read and I would love to read more books by this author.
If you're looking for an action-packed, suspense-filled book, this is the one for you! I was engrossed in this story from beginning to end, and wow, talk about an edge-of-your-seat ending! Do yourself a favor and buy this book now! You won't be disappointed!
I gobbled this book up in one day! I felt like I was in the small town with the FMC and I found myself checking to make sure my doors were locked. The book kept me guessing who the Were was and it got more suspenseful with each murder.
This book is very good but super scary because of the graphic attack scenes involving a werewolf biting and clawing at the flesh of each person it attacks. The best part about the story is the main character remarrying her ex.
A all around great werewolf tale. Keeps you engaged and turning the pages without wanting to put it down. This author also keeps it clean enough for your younger horror lovers to read without sacrificing the blood and gore.
Dark disturbing, twisting, and page turning. It certainly kept me guessing up until the end. There were a few plot holes but maybe I just missed a few things. I would highly suggest this for an October read or for anyone who like classic werewolf stories with dark spooky settings.
This book is one of my current reads, and I won't give any spoilers, but it will keep you saying "just one more chapter."""" You won't want to put it down. Full Moon Rising was a really good book. I enjoyed the tense moments that had you hanging on the edge of your seat!!! I definitely recommend this book.
This book was so good! Gore, Comedic relief, refreshing, adventure, and mystery this book made you want more from the author! I've read two of her books so far but this is one author you don't want to miss!