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Troubled Spirits #7
Black Hollow Hideaway: A Troubled Spirits Novel
A stand-alone paranormal mystery inspired by a chilling true story... When Alley is chosen for a six-week writing residency in an isolated stone house, she’s elated. As a single, working mom, she’s spent most of her adult life caring for others. The residency is a dream come true and an opportunity to finish her memoir. However, the idyllic Black Hollow Hideaway houses a disturbing mystery. Twenty-five years ago, a seventeen-year-old babysitter vanished from the house while watching a young boy. She was never seen again. As Alley unravels the twisted tale of that long ago night when the babysitter vanished, she encounters forces in the house intent on keeping the secret buried. Need a spooky escape? Start reading Black Hollow Hideaway today.
270 pages, Paperback
First published November 25, 2022
499 people are currently reading
629 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Erickson
39 books884 followersJ.R. Erickson writes novels that blend murder mysteries with haunted houses. Her Northern Michigan Asylum series are novels of paranormal suspense inspired by a real former asylum in Traverse City. Her current books, the Troubled Spirits series, are all inspired by real crimes, which she covers in her true crime podcast, Bitter Endings.
Jacki is a lifelong lover of all things spooky, and started penning scary stories in childhood. She grew up in Mason, Michigan and is a graduate of Michigan State University with a B.A. in Psychology. These days, Jacki resides near Traverse City, Michigan with her husband, son, and three cats.
Jacki is a lifelong lover of all things spooky, and started penning scary stories in childhood. She grew up in Mason, Michigan and is a graduate of Michigan State University with a B.A. in Psychology. These days, Jacki resides near Traverse City, Michigan with her husband, son, and three cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
June 29, 2025
Murder mystery with ghosts. What's not to like?
October 18, 2022
Alley is the mother and aspiring writer who is struggling to maintain a good relationship with her teen daughter and mother. She decides to attend a solo writers retreat to focus on writing her memoir. During the retreat she is faced with haunting history and paranormal haunts that will lead her on a scavenger hunt of "who done it". The best of the story is yet to come. This is a page turner that completely immersing! Its full of twist, turns, and bone chilling moments sure to give any reader a thrill.
October 20, 2022
I absolutely love the Troubled Spirits books and grabbed Black Hollow Hideaway as soon as it was released. Each book is its own little mystery, but sometimes you do get people pop up from the other books or even mentions of their stories. The Ashwood Girls was mentioned in this one, but as with all these books you can read them as standalone and don't need knowledge of the previous ones.
I really liked Alley as a character, she was somewhat like me in how she thinks. Being given the opportunity to stay at the Black Hollow Hideaway to work on her memoir about her mother and her own life as a mother was an interesting niche in the book. The mystery its self of the missing baby sitter plus the supernatural aspect kept me guessing a lot. I didn't work it out, I admit that! And that's why I love these books as its not always possible too. So many red herrings that make sense to throw you off. It's hard to know what's true and what not. I also love that the author uses a real mystery/case as an idea for her books and includes that at the end of the story.
A solid 4 stars, this was clever and read in almost one sitting. If you subscribe to kindle unlimited all the books (I believe less they have removed any of them) are available on that so free reads. Cannot wait for the next one now next year, Grave Devotion (Less the author would like to send me an ARC? Please!!).
I really liked Alley as a character, she was somewhat like me in how she thinks. Being given the opportunity to stay at the Black Hollow Hideaway to work on her memoir about her mother and her own life as a mother was an interesting niche in the book. The mystery its self of the missing baby sitter plus the supernatural aspect kept me guessing a lot. I didn't work it out, I admit that! And that's why I love these books as its not always possible too. So many red herrings that make sense to throw you off. It's hard to know what's true and what not. I also love that the author uses a real mystery/case as an idea for her books and includes that at the end of the story.
A solid 4 stars, this was clever and read in almost one sitting. If you subscribe to kindle unlimited all the books (I believe less they have removed any of them) are available on that so free reads. Cannot wait for the next one now next year, Grave Devotion (Less the author would like to send me an ARC? Please!!).
December 15, 2022
I always enjoy J.R. Erickson's books but this one was particularly good. Part of it is because, as always, the plot advances seamlessly and the twists, even when they are surprising, made perfect sense.
Then, we have the characters, who are outstanding. They are three-dimensional, and both their actions and the reasons they have for carrying them out are easy to understand in the context of the story, particularly, Alley. She is such an interesting woman, someone whose life is changing and who isn't so sure that this is really what she wanted. Facing being alone and with no responsibilities at all for the first time in her life, is less of the gift she had imagined.
The uneasy atmosphere of the story grows slowly but steadily and soon Alley finds herself unable to resist the lure of the mysterious disappearances that happened in Black Hollows Hideaway house.
And, while solving those old mysteries she will end up sorting the motif of the original book she was planning to write: the intricate way in which mothers and daughters relate to each other.
A fantastic read, wholeheartedly recommended.
Then, we have the characters, who are outstanding. They are three-dimensional, and both their actions and the reasons they have for carrying them out are easy to understand in the context of the story, particularly, Alley. She is such an interesting woman, someone whose life is changing and who isn't so sure that this is really what she wanted. Facing being alone and with no responsibilities at all for the first time in her life, is less of the gift she had imagined.
The uneasy atmosphere of the story grows slowly but steadily and soon Alley finds herself unable to resist the lure of the mysterious disappearances that happened in Black Hollows Hideaway house.
And, while solving those old mysteries she will end up sorting the motif of the original book she was planning to write: the intricate way in which mothers and daughters relate to each other.
A fantastic read, wholeheartedly recommended.
October 18, 2022
This was a fast-paced, interesting read, that I found I did not want to put down! Great, multi-faceted characters. Vivid descriptions. Kept me captivated from the first page to the last. A uniquely-cool read!
*I received a complimentary ARC 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 ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
July 3, 2023
This is my favorite in the series so far.
July 3, 2023
Loved it!
I didn't see the ending going that way at all!! This is one of the best ones!! Can't wait to start the next book!
I didn't see the ending going that way at all!! This is one of the best ones!! Can't wait to start the next book!
October 18, 2022
Alley moves into the isolated Black Hollow Hideaway house for 6 weeks of solitude to complete her memoir about mothers and daughters. From the first day however, she is faced with unsettling and eerie occurrences that quickly shift her focus to investigate the mysteries of the house.
The plot is intricate and twisty, and the pacing is spot on and keeps you reading into the wee hours. The characters are well rounded and developed, especially Alley the MC, who is a strong and resolute character and whose fears, obsession and obstacles feel completely real all the way.
A climatic finale completes this excellent paranormal thriller mystery.
One of Ms Erickson's best and highly recommended.
The plot is intricate and twisty, and the pacing is spot on and keeps you reading into the wee hours. The characters are well rounded and developed, especially Alley the MC, who is a strong and resolute character and whose fears, obsession and obstacles feel completely real all the way.
A climatic finale completes this excellent paranormal thriller mystery.
One of Ms Erickson's best and highly recommended.
October 21, 2022
This is another story that sucks you in and you can't stop until it is over. Such a good story. Single mom gets a great opportunity to try to write a book she has been working on. She finds out the place she is staying for her writing retreat has a sordid history and starts investigating a babysitter who went missing years ago. I did nothing but read this book until it was done and I wanted the story to go on and on. JR Erickson has a great talent for story telling and I cannot wait for her next spooky story! I highly recommend this book.
February 16, 2023
Alley is an emergency dispatcher, but her dream is to write her memoir. She is given the chance to fulfill this dream while staying at Black Hollow Hideaway for 6 weeks. She should be able to focus on writing, but instead, she is drawn into the history of the house. As her time at the house progresses, she becomes determined to solve a decades old disappearance and switch from her memoir to a true crime tale. But, it seems like the house (or something in it) is equally determined to scare her away.
Based on a true story, this book was well-written and fast paced. There are supernatural elements, plenty of tension, a few ghosts and normal interactions between mothers and daughters. I read the book in one sitting and couldn't put it down once I started it. The author has done a great job in creating a gothic atmosphere in a creepy house and I recommend this to anyone who loves a good gothic ghostly tale. I was given the chance to read this book early and chose to review it.
Based on a true story, this book was well-written and fast paced. There are supernatural elements, plenty of tension, a few ghosts and normal interactions between mothers and daughters. I read the book in one sitting and couldn't put it down once I started it. The author has done a great job in creating a gothic atmosphere in a creepy house and I recommend this to anyone who loves a good gothic ghostly tale. I was given the chance to read this book early and chose to review it.
October 16, 2022
Black Hollow Hideaway, #7 in J. R. Erickson's Troubled Spirits collection, is a riveting tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Although part of the series, like all the others, Black Hollow Hideaway can be read as a standalone novel loosely based on a true event. The storyline is fast-paced and very well written, filled with mystery, ghostly occurrences, family secrets, unusual characters, intrigue, subterfuge and a writer-wanna-be that can't walk away until the truth is unlocked. The writing is so well done I felt as if I was right there in the house with Alley, terrified but unable to leave. The characters are well developed and engaging. Alley is the current writer in residence, and is supposed to be working on her memoir. She quickly gets swept up in the tale of a 17 year old babysitter that vanished 25 years ago from the very house she is staying in. Determined to write Laurel Shannon's story, Alley doggedly hunts down every lead she can to get to the bottom of the mystery. But will she uncover the truth, or will she end up another tragic tale for Black Hollow Hideaway? Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who likes a good who-done-it, particularly one with a little paranormal twist.
October 11, 2022
BLACK HOLLOW HIDEAWAY is a book you should read during the day! The characters are well developed: Alley is a divorced, single mother and her teenage daughter is everything to her. She works as a 911 operator (which in itself is an heroic, and scarey job). Alley has always wanted to write but has no "spare" time to work on a book. When she wins a free six weeks writing residency at an isolated house near Manistique, Michigan, she feels this is her opportunity to prove she can write a novel. Or can she?
The house has dark secrets and is situated far from town. There is no television and cell phone reception is poor.
The twists and turns are dark and amazing, and the reverse in time to when the disappearance took place in the 1990's, is nail biting. It only took me two days to read it, and I have always enjoyed J.R.'s books and this one is an A+!
I don't have any idea who J.R. comes up with these themes, but she is certainly a gifted writer.
The house has dark secrets and is situated far from town. There is no television and cell phone reception is poor.
The twists and turns are dark and amazing, and the reverse in time to when the disappearance took place in the 1990's, is nail biting. It only took me two days to read it, and I have always enjoyed J.R.'s books and this one is an A+!
I don't have any idea who J.R. comes up with these themes, but she is certainly a gifted writer.
August 18, 2025
Listen. I absolutely love J.R. Erikson's books. And this one was no different. However, I have never been more frustrated at a singular choice that a main character has made.
Alley literally finds a body of a missing teen girl and the very next day she leaves her 14 year old daughter alone with a strange man that she met maybe two weeks ago? She has had like 4 interactions with him over that time. And she left her teenage daughter alone with him? At the haunted house with a ghost that tempts people to kill themselves? This was the WILDEST decision I have ever seen a character make. ESPECIALLY as a 9-1-1 dispatcher.
All that aside, amazing story. I loved it. I found the story gripping and intriguing. One of my favorites of the series. And some people might say that they knew who it was before the end, and I did too. But I dont find that a negative. For me it feels good to have been able to guess the whodunnit.
Alley literally finds a body of a missing teen girl and the very next day she leaves her 14 year old daughter alone with a strange man that she met maybe two weeks ago? She has had like 4 interactions with him over that time. And she left her teenage daughter alone with him? At the haunted house with a ghost that tempts people to kill themselves? This was the WILDEST decision I have ever seen a character make. ESPECIALLY as a 9-1-1 dispatcher.
All that aside, amazing story. I loved it. I found the story gripping and intriguing. One of my favorites of the series. And some people might say that they knew who it was before the end, and I did too. But I dont find that a negative. For me it feels good to have been able to guess the whodunnit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2022
Based on a true story, Black Hollow Hideaway is the seventh book in the Troubled Spirits collection. This paranormal gem from master storyteller J.R. Erickson takes the creep factor to a whole new level in this finely penned tale. Alley may be trying to write her memoirs in an isolated house, but a twenty-five-year-old disappearance will turn her stay into a twisted tale involving secrets, odd occurrences and a mystery that needs solving. However, not everyone wants this story told. I loved the characters and the setting of this well-written novel. It is a very tightly woven story by someone who knows how to write a chilling tale. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 17, 2022
This author has a way of writing that the reader can never forget what transpired within the pages of the book. I was drawn into the story right away. I became so enthralled with what was happening to Alley that I had to put off all other projects to get done. I could feel the spirit within the house, I could see the woman sitting in the rocking chair and I could hear the chimes of the grandfather clock. There was even a mention of one of the other books, Ashwood’s Girls. This whole book was based around a story that really happened, which the author places at the end of the book. Please read this chilling story. If you like a good book about ghosts, murder and unwilling victims.
October 18, 2022
JR Erickson has done it again! Black Hollow Hideaway moves quickly to give you the background behind a disappearance of a young local girl that has never been solves. The story then draws you in so you can't put the book down! Some of the best writing and you feel like you're there along with the main character, Alley, as the story unfolds. The story is based in Northern Michigan and mentions places I'm familiar with and other readers may be as well. Definitely on my bucket list to follow up with a visit up North to see the real Black Hollow Hideaway, but most likely from a distance. Not sure I could risk seeing the spirits inside!!
This story is fabulous!!
This story is fabulous!!
July 26, 2023
Mediocre book
I gave this book a mediocre rating because it was not the same quality read as previous books by this author. The book seemed to drag although the premise for the book was good. It is a narrative type story where the reader must follow the thoughts of the main character. She is a wannabe author that is attempting to resolve a cold case murder. I prefer to read the story as the story unravels and through the eyes of the characters involved. I feel like I had to shift through layers of gossip before anything begins to be explained. However, that didn't happen until the last few chapters of the book.
I gave this book a mediocre rating because it was not the same quality read as previous books by this author. The book seemed to drag although the premise for the book was good. It is a narrative type story where the reader must follow the thoughts of the main character. She is a wannabe author that is attempting to resolve a cold case murder. I prefer to read the story as the story unravels and through the eyes of the characters involved. I feel like I had to shift through layers of gossip before anything begins to be explained. However, that didn't happen until the last few chapters of the book.
April 26, 2025
I always get sucked right into these books written by this author. knowing that they are based on a true crime makes them something a little more that's hard to put into words. but it captures you making you try to solve it. but there's so many twists and turns you probably won't guess right until it's the words at the end.
this book was another example. I had a feeling about who Declan was, but I definitely didn't guess the person who did it. who set it in motion for this particular story.
I recommend this for those who love true crime or thrillers. love twists and turns. something to drag you in.
this book was another example. I had a feeling about who Declan was, but I definitely didn't guess the person who did it. who set it in motion for this particular story.
I recommend this for those who love true crime or thrillers. love twists and turns. something to drag you in.
October 18, 2022
This wasn't my first J.R. Erickson book and it definitely won't be my last! I love that her books are loosely based on actual events, which she reveals at the end. She is an exceptional writer with an ability to pull you into the story, allowing you to see, feel, and hear everything surrounding her characters. Black Hollow Hideaway was no different, and I felt myself get lost in this story, walking next to Alley through each heart thumping twist and turn, with every turn of the page.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
January 10, 2023
What a read!
First time reading this authors work and my gosh was I taken in immediately, the story, the back story about a baby sitter going missing and it's still unsolved, an aspiring author thinks she has hit the jackpot when she is to finish her manuscript in black hollow Hideaway, but that soon turns to dread as Laurels story is unearthed.
What a fantastic read, I loved the characters, I loved the story, I also love how it was based on true events! 🙌
Cannot wait to read more by this author! 👏👏👏👏
First time reading this authors work and my gosh was I taken in immediately, the story, the back story about a baby sitter going missing and it's still unsolved, an aspiring author thinks she has hit the jackpot when she is to finish her manuscript in black hollow Hideaway, but that soon turns to dread as Laurels story is unearthed.
What a fantastic read, I loved the characters, I loved the story, I also love how it was based on true events! 🙌
Cannot wait to read more by this author! 👏👏👏👏
September 1, 2023
Chills
Man this story gave me chills. I mean I am a sucker for a good haunted house story but the twist was one that had my jaw dropping and if you read then you'll know I'm talking about the final twist. Not going to give anything away, you'll have to read it to know what I am talking about.
Anyway I am a huge fan of the series so if your looking for a mystery with some paranormal element but that's not consuming the entire story then I definitely recommend any book by this author. I
Man this story gave me chills. I mean I am a sucker for a good haunted house story but the twist was one that had my jaw dropping and if you read then you'll know I'm talking about the final twist. Not going to give anything away, you'll have to read it to know what I am talking about.
Anyway I am a huge fan of the series so if your looking for a mystery with some paranormal element but that's not consuming the entire story then I definitely recommend any book by this author. I
October 18, 2022
Alley is thrilled to be given an opportunity as a residency writer in Black Hollows until she learns about a baby sitter who vanished. Alley experiences nightmares and becomes obsessed with finding out the truth. Alley's unveiling of the dark secrets of Black Hollows made my skin crawl. I like the twists in the storyline and the cast of characters. Highly recommended for fans of macabre mysteries.
October 18, 2022
I received this book as an ARC. This is my review. Alley is set up in the hideaway, intent on unraveling the legend surrounding the disappear of a babysitter twenty-five years ago. Weird happenings start up to begin to make her pay attention to the story she is trying to write. Fast paced, great characters, an intriguing
story that grabbed me immediately, especially as the storyline is based on facts.
story that grabbed me immediately, especially as the storyline is based on facts.
January 21, 2023
A great mystery
This was such a great story ,it had me reading it in a few hours.It had a bit of suspense ,crime and the paranormal ,it was a great whodunit and I never would have guessed the ending .It was so much better then I expected and was more creepy knowing it was based on a real sad story about a missing teen ,this book is definitely worth reading if you love a paranormal mystery that'll keep you guessing
This was such a great story ,it had me reading it in a few hours.It had a bit of suspense ,crime and the paranormal ,it was a great whodunit and I never would have guessed the ending .It was so much better then I expected and was more creepy knowing it was based on a real sad story about a missing teen ,this book is definitely worth reading if you love a paranormal mystery that'll keep you guessing
April 8, 2023
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
October 10, 2022
Another gripping story!!
I first learned of J.R. Erickson through TikTok, I can’t remember now which book she was promoting but I immediately went to Amazon and downloaded it. I have been a fan every since. Black Hollow Hideaway does not disappoint. I literally cannot put her books down. An exceptional story based on a real life crime. All of her books have my heart pounding until the end.
I first learned of J.R. Erickson through TikTok, I can’t remember now which book she was promoting but I immediately went to Amazon and downloaded it. I have been a fan every since. Black Hollow Hideaway does not disappoint. I literally cannot put her books down. An exceptional story based on a real life crime. All of her books have my heart pounding until the end.
October 11, 2022
This was incredible! My favorite book in the series. The main character is so relatable. The story will keep you in the edge of your seat. So many twists and turns! I can’t say enough good things about JR Erickson. Her stories are inventive and engaging. Definitely recommend this book and anything else by this author!
October 18, 2022
I am so sad!!
You may wonder why I am so sad. It's because I have finished another EXCELLENT book by J.R. Erickson and now I am waiting for the next one!!!
I loved this book!! I could not put it down. I would tell myself ok, just one more page, then one more chapter and the next thing I knew BOOM I was at the end of the book!!
Cannot wait for the next one!
You may wonder why I am so sad. It's because I have finished another EXCELLENT book by J.R. Erickson and now I am waiting for the next one!!!
I loved this book!! I could not put it down. I would tell myself ok, just one more page, then one more chapter and the next thing I knew BOOM I was at the end of the book!!
Cannot wait for the next one!
October 18, 2022
She is a single mum who wants to finish the book she is writing so she is over the moon when she is offered a place at a wring camp. She is in for a shock once she gets there as a person disappeared while looking after a young children but was never seen again. How will she deal with it all? See just how she gets on
October 25, 2022
This was such a riveting, captivating, suspenseful, thrilling, creepy, phenomenal and so on book. I absolutely loved it. You’ll be in the edge of your seat reading this wondering what’s next, what’s gonna happen, will she change or give up? The sad/creepy story if perfect for this time of year to read!
I received this as an arc and this is my honest and voluntary review.
I received this as an arc and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews