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The Hollow
Lydia bears silent testimony to her Appalachian town's dark underside. The townspeople might believe the bad luck began when a night of teenage partying led to the preacher's son falling to his death. But Lydia knows Peculiar's troubles started when a local child never made it home from school, when an arsonist set the mountains ablaze, and when her own daughter seemingly vanished.
But the past can't remain buried forever, especially now that Clara, who was present on the night of the accident, has returned with her daughter, setting off a new wave of violence and betrayals.
When the local sheriff organizes a meeting at the abandoned church where his brother mysteriously died, all the suspects are gathered together for a night of reckoning. This closed community's secrets will finally be laid bare, and the killer revealed.
But the past can't remain buried forever, especially now that Clara, who was present on the night of the accident, has returned with her daughter, setting off a new wave of violence and betrayals.
When the local sheriff organizes a meeting at the abandoned church where his brother mysteriously died, all the suspects are gathered together for a night of reckoning. This closed community's secrets will finally be laid bare, and the killer revealed.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2022
34 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Herbert
76 books683 followersDebbie Herbert, a USA Today and Publisher's Weekly bestselling writer, pens Psychological Suspense, romantic suspense and paranormal romance novels. She’s always been fascinated by magic, romance and Gothic stories.
Married and living in Alabama, she roots for the Crimson Tide football team. When not working on her upcoming books, Debbie enjoys recumbent bicycling and jet skiing with her husband.
2017 RITA® Finalist for Paranormal Romance in the national contest sponsored by the Romance Writers of America® Debbie has a degree in English (Berry College, GA) and a master’s in Library Studies (University of Alabama).
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 25, 2022
I absolutely love Debbie Herbert's suspense novels and try to read them the minute they hit the shelves. The Hollow is a perfect example of why her books are so addicting. Set in the somewhat quirky town of Peculiar, Alabama, the people are exactly like those I surrounded by in my youth. There's trouble but there also is goodness and when the two meet, the outcome can be deadly. I strongly recommend The Hollow and if you haven't read her other books, be sure to pick up those as well. Love Love Love....
September 15, 2022
“Skillfully crafted characters, a lurking sense of menace, and a riveting narrative combine for a suspenseful read. THE HOLLOW is a twisty, jet-fueled book that explodes on page one and has you happily abandoning work, sleep, and life as you race to the stunning end. Don’t miss it!”
September 15, 2022
I enjoyed reading this book, the storyline is filled with mystery, suspense ,danger and murder. I can't wait for more from this author. I received this book as a Free ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
September 15, 2022
Lydia is branded as a witch by local people in the town of Peculiar and so bears silent testimony to the Appalachian town's dark roots. Some people believe that the bad luck began when a teenage partying spree one night led to the preacher's son falling to his death, but Lydia knows it started when a child never made it home from school, an arsonist set the mountain ablaze and when her daughter seemed to vanish. Sadly the past can't remain buried forever when she looks at the bees swarm and the auras that she sees change. Clara who was there when the accident happened has returned with her daughter and that sets off a new wave of violence and betrayals. The local sheriff has organised a meeting with all of the suspects at the abandoned church where his brother mysteriously died. The secrets will finally be laid bare and the killer revealed.
I loved this book with its mixture of suspense, intrigue, mystery and magic. The characters were all rendered carefully so that I could picture them in my mind as I read through the book. Some events give a great distraction so I was completely surprised when the final killer was revealed. I loved Clara who felt responsible for something that was not her fault but I can understand why she felt that way. The meeting was suitably dramatic and full of suspense as secrets were revealed. Easy to read and understand, you will find this book addictive.
I loved this book with its mixture of suspense, intrigue, mystery and magic. The characters were all rendered carefully so that I could picture them in my mind as I read through the book. Some events give a great distraction so I was completely surprised when the final killer was revealed. I loved Clara who felt responsible for something that was not her fault but I can understand why she felt that way. The meeting was suitably dramatic and full of suspense as secrets were revealed. Easy to read and understand, you will find this book addictive.
September 15, 2022
The HOLLOW is an Appalachian Suspense thriller and my first book by Debbie Herbert. This story is a little slow in spots, but got going in the last half. There's a little magic, lots of anger and murder wrapped up in this story.
The town of Peculiar resides at the foot of the Appalachians and holds many dark secrets. Lydia is regarded as a witch by the locals, but she knows Peculiar’s dark secrets and they started many years ago when a local child never made it home from school.
Eighteen years ago, a graduation party at a nearby ghost town came to a frightening end when Clara's boyfriend was found dead at the base of the derelict church. It was never proved to be a murder, an accident or did Jace jump.
Now Clara has returned to Peculiar. As the old group gets together, secrets start to emerge. Not only are there lies and deception, but Clara's life could be in danger, maybe even her daughter's. So, so many secrets surround this group of high school friends
I did receive an advanced copy from the author and the above is my freely given and honest review.
The town of Peculiar resides at the foot of the Appalachians and holds many dark secrets. Lydia is regarded as a witch by the locals, but she knows Peculiar’s dark secrets and they started many years ago when a local child never made it home from school.
Eighteen years ago, a graduation party at a nearby ghost town came to a frightening end when Clara's boyfriend was found dead at the base of the derelict church. It was never proved to be a murder, an accident or did Jace jump.
Now Clara has returned to Peculiar. As the old group gets together, secrets start to emerge. Not only are there lies and deception, but Clara's life could be in danger, maybe even her daughter's. So, so many secrets surround this group of high school friends
I did receive an advanced copy from the author and the above is my freely given and honest review.
September 15, 2022
There is magic in this book. I am a huge fan of Debbie Herbert, and when I saw that her latest thriller features a town called Peculiar, I was hooked. It is the tale of Lydia, who the locals consider a witch, but who knows the town’s dark secrets starting with the mystery of a local child who never made it home from school many years ago. The author’s writing shines with descriptions of “moonglow shrouding silver tree limbs” and “apple cider moonshine from Skeeter McGraw.” Wonderful characters and atmosphere propel scenes like a graduation party at a nearby ghost town, and a body found dead on the steps of a derelict church.
The lives of Lydia and a woman named Clara intersect when Clara, who was present on the night of the tragedy at the church, returns to Peculiar with her daughter. Old high school friends regroup as secrets, lies and deception emerge as well as threats to both Clara and her daughter. Throughout, it’s the spooky Gothic atmosphere that stays in your mind – a fun escape from our world of gizmos and electronics. A most enjoyable read! Five stars!
The lives of Lydia and a woman named Clara intersect when Clara, who was present on the night of the tragedy at the church, returns to Peculiar with her daughter. Old high school friends regroup as secrets, lies and deception emerge as well as threats to both Clara and her daughter. Throughout, it’s the spooky Gothic atmosphere that stays in your mind – a fun escape from our world of gizmos and electronics. A most enjoyable read! Five stars!
September 25, 2022
Great Read
Twists and turns and a plot that keeps you on your toes. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.
Twists and turns and a plot that keeps you on your toes. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.
April 8, 2023
An Intriguing Read
For the most part, this was a good story. I enjoyed the small town, rural setting, and the characters were complex. The ending was satisfying, and it kept me guessing till the end.
My only complaint was that I sometimes got a bit mixed up with the alternating point of view.
For the most part, this was a good story. I enjoyed the small town, rural setting, and the characters were complex. The ending was satisfying, and it kept me guessing till the end.
My only complaint was that I sometimes got a bit mixed up with the alternating point of view.
August 10, 2023
This was my first book by this author. I was drawn to it from the cover. It was not a bad read. It was twisty, and I was surprised at the ending.
October 1, 2022
As a fan who's followed the author's journey from her paranormal romance beginning through to her gothic suspense stories, I got a thrill just reading the opening line about witch magic crackling in the air. The Hollow delivered on everything I've come to expect from the author: small town intrigue, countless twists and turns, rustic though realistic country magic, and a diverse cast of characters who you'll either love completely or loathe with passion. Highly recommend.
September 17, 2022
Once again Debbie Herbert manages to portray a particular locale with descriptive words that let the reader fully become immersed in what is taking place. Her way of depicting characters also had me connecting with numerous people featured in THE HOLLOW, and I truly did come to care about what would end up happening to many of those now residing in a small town where secrets have been hidden for years. What occurs when a woman who moved away comes back for personal reasons is a journey of discovery which is filled with one unexpected event after another.
An incident that occurred eighteen years ago in Peculiar, Alabama greatly affected several residents by drastically changing their lives in an instant, especially that of Clara Caudell who ended up being a single mother to a daughter because of the episode. It has been some time since she stayed for very long in her hometown in Appalachia, but she feels returning for at least a short period might aid her remaining parent. What Clara does not know is that events which took place during that fateful night in her life are still influencing current happenings, and the danger then is just as threatening now to certain individuals and perhaps even more so.
Right after I started reading THE HOLLOW, I felt as though I just had to learn what was really happening in this unique mountainous region, thus making it nearly impossible to find a play to stop, even for a few minutes. From characters with distinctive personalities to various customs not found in most areas, I was kept intrigued and eager for additional details to be exposed. As new facts about a situation or an individual were divulged, I was often left puzzled about who was responsible for a certain incident. As I tried to decipher the many clues Ms. Herbert scattered throughout the story, I frequently became more stumped as the lists of uncertainties just kept growing. One of the most interesting characters in the story is Lydia, a woman some residents think is a witch. How the supernatural is represented in the story definitely added to my fascination of this book. As for Clara and all the people with whom she comes in contact once back in Peculiar, I liked her spirited attitude when it was necessary, and her slight vulnerability at times also made her all the more realistic. THE HOLLOW has a cleverly thought-out plot that is constantly riveting.
An incident that occurred eighteen years ago in Peculiar, Alabama greatly affected several residents by drastically changing their lives in an instant, especially that of Clara Caudell who ended up being a single mother to a daughter because of the episode. It has been some time since she stayed for very long in her hometown in Appalachia, but she feels returning for at least a short period might aid her remaining parent. What Clara does not know is that events which took place during that fateful night in her life are still influencing current happenings, and the danger then is just as threatening now to certain individuals and perhaps even more so.
Right after I started reading THE HOLLOW, I felt as though I just had to learn what was really happening in this unique mountainous region, thus making it nearly impossible to find a play to stop, even for a few minutes. From characters with distinctive personalities to various customs not found in most areas, I was kept intrigued and eager for additional details to be exposed. As new facts about a situation or an individual were divulged, I was often left puzzled about who was responsible for a certain incident. As I tried to decipher the many clues Ms. Herbert scattered throughout the story, I frequently became more stumped as the lists of uncertainties just kept growing. One of the most interesting characters in the story is Lydia, a woman some residents think is a witch. How the supernatural is represented in the story definitely added to my fascination of this book. As for Clara and all the people with whom she comes in contact once back in Peculiar, I liked her spirited attitude when it was necessary, and her slight vulnerability at times also made her all the more realistic. THE HOLLOW has a cleverly thought-out plot that is constantly riveting.
September 20, 2022
This review is of The Hollow by Debbie Herbert. I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Because of this author, I no longer want to go camping or visit the swamp. Yes, this book adds to my list of fears, but I’m not going to tell you what it is. There are so many possibilities!
That comment must have clued you into the fact that this is not a happily ever after romance. It’s about witchcraft, betrayal, secrets, and death. One of the things that makes this book stand out are the characters. Clara is our main female character, but picking the main male character isn’t so easy. Is it Jace who dies in the first chapter which happened 18 years ago or his brother Eric who has become the town sherif? Everyone knows how Jace died 18 years ago, but who was with him when it happened? What happened to Katie Billingsley, Quinn, and Lydia’s daughter? How could there be so much death and disappearances in such a small place? But where the author really shines is in the relationships all of these people have with each other and the town. Lydia is a recluse, but is she an evil witch? Is Clara just the bitter mother of a now 18 year old girl? Why did she come back? Is the devil near as Lydia believes? So many questions! Every time I thought I had the answer, another question would pop up keeping me reading long into the night.
And you are going to have to read the book to find the answers! What will your fear be? Will it be the same as mine? Will you be drawn into the secrets and questions and not be able to put this book down? Or will you think you are safe?
Because of this author, I no longer want to go camping or visit the swamp. Yes, this book adds to my list of fears, but I’m not going to tell you what it is. There are so many possibilities!
That comment must have clued you into the fact that this is not a happily ever after romance. It’s about witchcraft, betrayal, secrets, and death. One of the things that makes this book stand out are the characters. Clara is our main female character, but picking the main male character isn’t so easy. Is it Jace who dies in the first chapter which happened 18 years ago or his brother Eric who has become the town sherif? Everyone knows how Jace died 18 years ago, but who was with him when it happened? What happened to Katie Billingsley, Quinn, and Lydia’s daughter? How could there be so much death and disappearances in such a small place? But where the author really shines is in the relationships all of these people have with each other and the town. Lydia is a recluse, but is she an evil witch? Is Clara just the bitter mother of a now 18 year old girl? Why did she come back? Is the devil near as Lydia believes? So many questions! Every time I thought I had the answer, another question would pop up keeping me reading long into the night.
And you are going to have to read the book to find the answers! What will your fear be? Will it be the same as mine? Will you be drawn into the secrets and questions and not be able to put this book down? Or will you think you are safe?
September 20, 2022
This is an interesting book that should not leave you indifferent....it's not an horror book at all but at some moments the tension is so high that you won't feel at ease. Really it's well written .
Lydia is seen as a witch because she listens to nature signs but she is also troubled by events happening around her like the disappearence of a young child year ago, the accusation of murder on her daughter's friend etc. When a group of teenagers gathers and a tragedy happen..., the death of one of them, questions happen: accident, suicide, murder...only Lydia knows it 's not the beginning
I loved Lydia, she is kind hearted even with all what happened, her rooster pet is hilarious for sure.
The story is mostly the one of Clara, a young lady who became pregnant and whose boyfriend died in suspect circumstances. We see the events at that time and the follow up 18y later when she is back in the city with her daughter Ivy.
We see the point of view of different characters but it's really well written so like Clara or Ivy you are not sure who to trust until the very end
i don't want to reveal too much but it's gripping and haunting and an excellent suspens tokeep you on edge just perhaps it's best not to read it during a stormy evening .
Lydia is seen as a witch because she listens to nature signs but she is also troubled by events happening around her like the disappearence of a young child year ago, the accusation of murder on her daughter's friend etc. When a group of teenagers gathers and a tragedy happen..., the death of one of them, questions happen: accident, suicide, murder...only Lydia knows it 's not the beginning
I loved Lydia, she is kind hearted even with all what happened, her rooster pet is hilarious for sure.
The story is mostly the one of Clara, a young lady who became pregnant and whose boyfriend died in suspect circumstances. We see the events at that time and the follow up 18y later when she is back in the city with her daughter Ivy.
We see the point of view of different characters but it's really well written so like Clara or Ivy you are not sure who to trust until the very end
i don't want to reveal too much but it's gripping and haunting and an excellent suspens tokeep you on edge just perhaps it's best not to read it during a stormy evening .
September 15, 2022
I remember reading gothic romances many years ago by authors like Victoria Holt and Phyllis Whitney. Fast forward and I am ecstatic to have found Debbie Herbert's books! This book is a great mix of Appalachian folklore and magic, spooky gothic atmosphere and a decades old mystery.
The author has created a great story shrouded in magic and mystery. The characters are well-written and include a young unwed mother, a drug addict, a fire and brimstone preacher and a (supposed) witch. The opening scene sets the stage and then the story develops as the main character returns to her hometown and her past, complete with friends (or maybe they aren't truly friends) and family that may or may not have her best interests at heart. Add in a missing young girl, a suspicious death or two and a ghostly town and you have a wildly entertaining book!
I can always count on Ms. Herbert to keep me up well past my bedtime reading her latest Southern gothic!
The author has created a great story shrouded in magic and mystery. The characters are well-written and include a young unwed mother, a drug addict, a fire and brimstone preacher and a (supposed) witch. The opening scene sets the stage and then the story develops as the main character returns to her hometown and her past, complete with friends (or maybe they aren't truly friends) and family that may or may not have her best interests at heart. Add in a missing young girl, a suspicious death or two and a ghostly town and you have a wildly entertaining book!
I can always count on Ms. Herbert to keep me up well past my bedtime reading her latest Southern gothic!
October 10, 2022
The Hollow
Debbie Herbert, author
Absolutely thrilling ride in the spooky Appalachian Mountains in the town of Peculiar.
Clara and her18-year-old daughter, Ivy return to Peculiar for an extended visit to help her father after the death of her brother. However, Clara and Ivy get drawn into the a huge chaotic mess of voodoo, mystical beliefs, lies, distrust, old wounds, and murder.
There are lots of characters in the story and all have incredible roles in the story-line.
I love reading Ms. Herbert's books. They are full of twists, turns and unsuspecting occurrences. This book was no different.
I was gifted an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I do so happily.
Debbie Herbert, author
Absolutely thrilling ride in the spooky Appalachian Mountains in the town of Peculiar.
Clara and her18-year-old daughter, Ivy return to Peculiar for an extended visit to help her father after the death of her brother. However, Clara and Ivy get drawn into the a huge chaotic mess of voodoo, mystical beliefs, lies, distrust, old wounds, and murder.
There are lots of characters in the story and all have incredible roles in the story-line.
I love reading Ms. Herbert's books. They are full of twists, turns and unsuspecting occurrences. This book was no different.
I was gifted an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I do so happily.
September 17, 2022
Powerful
Another great book by Herbert. The characters are strongly built, and you can't wait to get taken to the next piece of the puzzle. The Hollow is not a fluff read. It is thoroughly thought out and well executed. The book is full of emotion; Anger, sadness, joy. It ends full circle, and you feel satisfied. I received an arc (advanced readers copy) from the author, but decided to download the kindle as soon as it was released. I recommend this book. You won't be disappointed.
Another great book by Herbert. The characters are strongly built, and you can't wait to get taken to the next piece of the puzzle. The Hollow is not a fluff read. It is thoroughly thought out and well executed. The book is full of emotion; Anger, sadness, joy. It ends full circle, and you feel satisfied. I received an arc (advanced readers copy) from the author, but decided to download the kindle as soon as it was released. I recommend this book. You won't be disappointed.
September 15, 2022
I really enjoy a good mystery suspenseful thriller and this one did not disappoint. So many twists - who actually comitted the murder of the preacher's son? What was the purpose behind the arson? Why did the vanished child seem to be so intrical to the small community? For every answer, there just seemed to be another question. No one is safe and everyone is a suspect. But who really is behind it all?
September 15, 2022
Another great suspense read by this author! Once I started this book I couldn't put it down. When Clara goes home with her daughter to help her father she doesn't expect much. What she gets is a visit filled with suspense, death, secrets and oh so much more! The author does an amazing job bringing you into her story, she's that descriptive. This is a definite must read story even if it's not a genre you don't normally read, it's that good!
September 15, 2022
What a fantastic suspense filled story set in the town of Peculiar which contains many interesting characters that are worth getting to know. I was sucked into the Appalachian Gothic setting of the story and it held my attention to the very end. I really enjoy Debbie Herbert's writing style and this book does no disappoint
November 7, 2022
breathtaking and complex
The Hollow had me in the first half dozen pages. And it grew ever more gripping from there. Evil was rampant and it was impossible to know who it was until almost the end. Debbie Herbert brings even teen angst to life but especially the love of a mother for her child. Clara will always put that love first. The ending was a balm.
The Hollow had me in the first half dozen pages. And it grew ever more gripping from there. Evil was rampant and it was impossible to know who it was until almost the end. Debbie Herbert brings even teen angst to life but especially the love of a mother for her child. Clara will always put that love first. The ending was a balm.
July 20, 2024
First half is brilliant, who/what is it, what’s going on? Virtual narrator mostly good. But then, when we’ve discovered whodunnit, the author insists on continuing the speculation in a way that only seems designed to draw out the word count. By the end I’d lost interest, but will check out more of the author as the atmosphere of the first half really is good.
February 19, 2025
Thank you, Debbie, for signing my book and for using the town name Peculiar.
In the small Appalachian town of Peculiar, there is a dark secret. Was it an accident or was it murder?
Lydia easily understands people and is trustworthy to keep secrets, despite being labeled as a witch by some towns people.
Debbie is a superb author who makes the reader feel part of the story.
In the small Appalachian town of Peculiar, there is a dark secret. Was it an accident or was it murder?
Lydia easily understands people and is trustworthy to keep secrets, despite being labeled as a witch by some towns people.
Debbie is a superb author who makes the reader feel part of the story.
September 26, 2022
Emotionally thrilling and action packed journey filled with engaging charters, witty dialog, heart racing twists, memorable moments and bone chilling turns. Highly entertaining adventure that had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.
October 11, 2022
This could have been such a great book, but it felt like I didn't get to know all the characters enough to try to figure out who did it or be surprised by it. I did a lot of eye rolling also. I know that these authors put their heart and soul into their books, but I did not like it. Sorry.
February 1, 2023
Didn’t realize how much I’d love this book. Beautiful writing and interesting plot. It’s an Appalachian tale with a bit of Appalachian Witcher thrown in. There is a definite twist. Plan to read more from this author. Major fan of this book.
July 11, 2024
Great book!
I loved this book! Full of suspense and mystery till the end! I accidentally fell into this author and I have loved every book I've read. Also, the fact that it takes place in Alabama drew me to her because I also love Alabama.
I loved this book! Full of suspense and mystery till the end! I accidentally fell into this author and I have loved every book I've read. Also, the fact that it takes place in Alabama drew me to her because I also love Alabama.
October 27, 2022
I didn't love it. Kind of anticlimactic and just "eh."
October 3, 2023
Good Reading
This was a good storyline and I enjoyed the characters and their history and interactions. Their were some surprises and I enjoyed every one.
This was a good storyline and I enjoyed the characters and their history and interactions. Their were some surprises and I enjoyed every one.
June 2, 2024
Gripping Story
May start a little slow, but when it picks up it grabs your attention and holds it till the end. Have to say I didn’t have a clue who was behind everything, a shocker of an ending for sure.
May start a little slow, but when it picks up it grabs your attention and holds it till the end. Have to say I didn’t have a clue who was behind everything, a shocker of an ending for sure.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews