Dark, folklore based Appalachian horror
Bittersweet in the Hollow is set in the small, isolated Applachian town of Caball Hollow which is encompassed by the National Forest. The story follows Linden James, her three sisters and their family. The James women all have a special "gift"; Linden's is being able taste the emotions of those around her.
Linden is haunted by the events of the summer solstice a year ago, when she vanished into the forest overnight, emerging traumatized and with hazy memories. Now, a year later, another girl goes missing, and is found murdered.
Linden and her sisters gradually unearth the tangled web of secrets and hidden motives in Caball Hollow. The world building is detailed, and characters are colorful and well-developed. The sensory descriptions of food are particularly vivid. This dark fast-paced YA thriller combining mystery, horror, folklore and a touch of romance, grips the reader from the beginning, the tension mounting with each revelation and twist. I completely devoured Bittersweet in the Hollow and absolutely recommend it.
Linden is haunted by the events of the summer solstice a year ago, when she vanished into the forest overnight, emerging traumatized and with hazy memories. Now, a year later, another girl goes missing, and is found murdered.
Linden and her sisters gradually unearth the tangled web of secrets and hidden motives in Caball Hollow. The world building is detailed, and characters are colorful and well-developed. The sensory descriptions of food are particularly vivid. This dark fast-paced YA thriller combining mystery, horror, folklore and a touch of romance, grips the reader from the beginning, the tension mounting with each revelation and twist. I completely devoured Bittersweet in the Hollow and absolutely recommend it.