The Hollows

Praise

—Top Ten Mysteries of 2020 List, Aunt Agatha’s Mysteries
—Named one of Chicago Sun-Times “Books Not To Miss”

“Intricate, atmospheric sequel to The Widows… Realistic characters complement a great sense of place.”
—Publishers Weekly (Read more)

“A skillfully told murder mystery that features a rich array of characters and a sophisticated portrayal of a small town…. Despite such complex plots and characters, the novel moves along briskly without sacrificing eloquence in its prose. A satisfying historical murder mystery set apart by its compelling female cast.”
—Kirkus Reviews (Read more)

“Skilled storyteller Montgomery takes up the issue of racial prejudice as it existed in that place and time in this historical mystery that shines with its strong and appealing female characters.”
—Booklist

“Set in 1926 in the western foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in southeastern Ohio, The Hollows is much more than a murder mystery. It weaves racial integration, labor organizing in the Appalachian coal mines, prohibition and women’s rights throughout the narrative, set against an authentic backdrop crafted by Montgomery’s careful attention to historic detail.”
—AP Newswire (Read more)

“The exploration of emotional hollowness, its origins and expressions, adds layers to this story. Montgomery has written another suspenseful mystery full of atmosphere and surprising historical details.”
—Criminal Element (Read more)

“Beautifully written, poetic, and full of fascinating historical detail, Montgomery masterfully portrays the strength of the brave women who became the pillars and support of their families in the face of their own grief after losing their husbands.”
—Crimereads

“Montgomery manages to deftly weave together believable characters, dark historical truths, and an enthralling mystery. The result is genuinely mysterious and utterly satisfying.”
—Greer Macallister, author of Woman 99 and The Magician’s Lie

“Colorful Appalachian dialect and details of geography and nature add to a well-crafted mystery… The Hollows [is] dynamic historical fiction as well as a riveting mystery.”
―Shelf Awareness (Read more)

“Readers will find Montgomery’s storytelling prowess in full bloom. Enjoy.”
―Dayton Daily News (Read more)

“Remarkable… memorable and vivid. My best advice: dive into these wonderful novels. It’s an immersive and beautiful experience.”
―Aunt Agatha’s (Read more)

“… a finely crafted, exciting page-turner…”
—Historical Novel Society Review (Read more)

“An extremely well researched and perfectly paced mystery. A feminist take on the struggles of Appalachian America… Jess Montgomery is one of the examples of a female writer with a unique voice and a story to tell.”
―Amy’s Booket List

“This character-based mystery has a strong and intriguing plot, a well written narrative with vivid characters that are authentic to its time and place.”
―Fresh Fiction

“…Montgomery writes with assured, engrossing prose…eagerly awaiting the next installment in this enjoyable series.”
—Bloggin’ ’bout books (Read more)

“Jess Montgomery’s writing is strong, flowing, and just draws you right in.”
—Bewitched Bookworms

“An absorbing Mystery, captivating characters, enthralling history.”
—Audio Killed the Bookmark

“Montgomery’s writing is vivid, that will take you back with her writing style that captures the rich details of the life and people of the Appalachians in the 1920’s.”
—Nurse Bookie

“The writing just wraps you up and won’t let you go. It’s never over done and yet there are turns of phrase that just take your breath away.”
—Broken Teepee