The Hollower

Got this book a while ago and wish I'd read it sooner. I'd read a few of her short stories and was anxious to dive into her novel. Was a great debut novel from Mary SanGiovanni. I love her style of writing; her descriptive narrative is fresh, vivid, and intense. The characters are fleshed out nicely. The story had sort of a Twilight Zone feel to it, which I enjoy very much. The ending reminded me of either a Clive Barker or Stephen King novel; not one in particular, but the action, the description, was (as Barker and King) extremely intense and visual. My only gripe is that, though it had suspense and action throughout, it didn't really take off "full speed" until about halfway through the book. From there on, it was hard to put down. SanGiovanni is a ripe talent in the writing world. Am so looking forward to reading more from here. Can't wait for her next book to come out!!

The Hollower is a monster novel that I wasn't expecting. After reading Brian Keene's introduction to the book, I expected nothing short of amazing. Mary SanGiovani crafts an amazing tale with her novel The Hollower. It all begins with the suicide of Max Feinstein, after a creature called `The Hollower' tortures him to death with its mind games. We soon learn that Mr. Feinstein wasn't the only man tortured by the hollower; there's several. One of these men is Dave Kohlar, who has enough problems without having to deal with the Hollower. Another of these men is Erik, a drug user, and a woman who runs a bar, Cheryl, is also afflicted. Even a young boy is haunted by the Hollower. There seems to be no reason for the Hollower preying on these people, but all they know is that the Hollower lives to torture them. The Hollower is a novel that I hadn't expected. Usually when I read a monster novel, I see lots of gore and violence. The Hollower is different, because it doesn't have to resort to the most primal things to make it scary. It's a novel that will remain amongst my favorites, and Mary SanGiovani is an author you need to check out.

Mary SanGiovanni's debut novel was a real treat to read. Technically well written and written more skillfully than many other debut novels in this regard. The story flows well and was a realtively fast read. Critics may be quick to point out that at the surface the characters are not developed well-enough or that there is little back story. For readers who want dropped right into the action this is the kind of novel for you. I do believe Sangiovanni gave adequete backstory and enough qualities to make these characters "real" and people I care about. Critics will also make the claim that the body count is too low, but horror is more than blood and gore, and this book does have its share. The opening scene is superb in its description of all five senses. The plot runs like a roller coaster, slowly building...building...building until finally sending readers on a thrill ride that ends with satisfaction. This books didn't "scare" me, but horror fiction really doesn't. I did sense the character's fear though and the feeling of impending dread. What impressed me most was how often Sangiovanni was able to "get me." Everytime I thought I knew who/where the Hollower was, it turned out I was wrong. Her ability to build suspense and mystery is uncanny.

Great debut from this first-time novelist. SanGiovanni takes the standard monster story and turns it on its ear. There are some genuine chills and believable characterization. Very hard to put down.

Let me be honest with you. It wasn't until a couple of months ago I head or Mary SanGiovanni by word-of-mouth by Brian Keene who had made mention of her. I'm a harsh reader when it comes to debuts. I always feel like if it's going to let me down, it will right away. I was wrong in this case. SanGiovanni kept me hanging on from page one. This was a quick-building, non-stop thrill ride, packed with all the knock-out punches a horror novel is supposed to have. Original. Creepy. Wonderfully told story. Those are all words I would use to describe this incredible debut. I'm a fan for life! Author of In the Wake of the Night, Phil's Place, Darkness Won't Rest: Phils Place II and Snow Hill (June 2008).