The Hollow Places by T. Kingfisher was my first spooky read for October, and it definitely didn’t disappoint!
After her marriage falls apart, Kara moves in with her uncle in his taxidermy museum, dubbed by their small town as ‘The Wonder Museum’. But just as she’s getting settled in, she stumbles on a hole in the wall that wasn’t there before, and a corridor that shouldn’t be there.
With her friend Simon from the coffee shop next door, she decides to go through the door at the end of the corridor and explore the strange land on the other side. But when she sees what’s on the other side, she realizes what a huge mistake she’s made.
*I received this book for free from the publisher (Gallery – Saga Press) in exchange for an honest review.
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The Hollow Places by T. Kingfisher: My Thoughts
This book was so much fun and wildly imaginative, with a great sense of humor! It’s a quirky mix of horror, fantasy, and sci fi – like a cross between an adult Stranger Things and Pan’s Labyrinth.
I loved the characters. Uncle Earl was kindly and strange (in the best way). I especially enjoyed the friendship between Kara and Simon. Their hilarious banter balanced out the darkness of the situation they were in, and kept me chuckling throughout the story.
There were two very different settings in this story, and they were both unique and eerie. I’ve always been fascinated by museums, and I absolutely loved hearing about the oddities of the Wonder Museum. As for the other side of the hole in the wall…you’ll just have to find out for yourself. 😉
The Hollow Places is best-enjoyed with a sense of humor. It’s creepy and a bit grotesque, but also campy and funny and so entertaining. A perfect book for October. Highly recommended for those who can handle a bit of a scare!
T. Kingfisher has such a unique imagination, so if you read and enjoy this book, definitely check out some of her others! If you’re looking for a scare, check out her series Sworn Soldier. For fantasy lovers, her book Nettle & Bone is popular!
Rating: 4.5 (out of 5) stars
Publication date: October 6th, 2020