The Hollow Places

If you're a horror fan, I would definitely read this book. It grips you and disgusts you in the best way possible. The main characters are relatable and lovable so you are actually rooting for them to succeed. Not many authors are able to make you scared of the holes in your walls or of trees, but Kingfisher is not just any author. Great book!

I received an e-book ARC of The Hollow Places from Netgalley and Saga Press in return for my honest review, which follows below. I thank both for this opportunity. What struck me about this book and The Twisted Ones, her first novel I read, is how effortless her writing feels. I know that is far from the truth, but while reading both, the stories just flowed so wonderfully I would get towards the end and have to slow myself down, not yet ready for the pages to run out and the stories to end. The characters created by the author were engaging to read, plus a cat named Beau gave us the animal protector for this novel. I like the sense of humor that she gives her female protagonists, and their ability to handle the unbelievable felt honest. The museum the protagonists uncle owns becomes her residence and employment after divorcing and leaving her ex-husband the house. Fond memories give her solace, and the coffee shop next door keeps her caffeinated and connected to the world via WiFi. The comfort ends when a hole in one of the walls opens into a concrete hallway that doesn't make sense in relation to the building. The barista next door joins her in searching the anomaly, leading them both to a place that feels different then their world. They become embroiled in something they cannot control; the things they see and interact with are strange and predatory. They make it back to the museum, but the path to another place is still open, and things are drawing them back to danger. The descriptions of Them and the violence that happens are written beautifully, it puts you on edge and picks at you. The idea of the human body being manipulated by something so alien to us added a somber and heavy feel to the book for me. The idea that things like this could happen, without warning, is prevalent. This is not wandering into Narnia, but someplace more blood thirsty. In some ways it reminds me of Adam Nevill's worlds, but where his are ancient in a way that is falling to disrepair, derelict, and often times filthy, her worlds are more ethereal and lush but just as dangerous. Where his are firmly set in our world, hers runs parallel to us, leaking through the thin places where they touch. I absolutely love the imagery of her novels. I give this 5 stars because I thoroughly suggest this to anyone who enjoys dark, fantastical fiction and I could see giving this as a gift for several readers I know. I also intend to buy a hardcover copy of this book when it is released, I know it is one I will re-read.