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Great book. Very interesting. Read it through mostly in a couple of days. Would recommend.Intriguing Mystery Secrets in the Hollow by Barbara Dullaghan is a debut mystery set in the small town of Sleepy Hollow. Not only does the storyline follow Carrie Peters - a woman of forty who has yet to figure out her life because she has been hiding her past, but it also provides readers with a great sense of place.Throughout the story, we learn of the history of Sleepy Hollow, its cemetery, and its ghosts. At the same time, we learn of Carrie's secrets - her own personal ghosts that haunt every waking minute.What happens when secrets final come out? Do friendships remain? Can Carrie find her happily-ever-after?I enjoyed Dullghan's first novel. Those who enjoy mystery will certainly find this to be a good read.Everyone Has secrets. The characters in Barbara's novel have a couple of particularly nasty ones. I knew the story involved secrets, but I had NO idea how many there would be, nor how interwoven the characters' stories would become, both in the past and present. Barbara does a good job gradually revealing all that happened in the past and I thought the portrayal of high school life of the characters very accurate. I particularly liked Nessa all the way through the book as both an amazing person and an amazing friend. I want to go visit the Bronze Lady and Sleepy Hollow!Read this mystery!! If you like mysteries, you will love this fast paced read by Barbara Dullaghan. There are many secrets and twists in the plot line that make this a compelling story. The author has created an anxious and interesting main character!A family legacy of keeping secrets, mistakes made when young, and living with consequences I enjoyed the story of a young girl living with large mistakes. The questions of what happened between Danny and Carrie and whether their secrets would be found out kept me turning the pages until the end. I’ve never been to Sleepy Hollow, but now it’s on my bucket list, due to Dullaghan’s lovely descriptions. Her love for the town shines through her words.Falling apart Born and raised in Sleepy Hollow, now in my sixties, I have to say I truly enjoyed reading this book. It took me to places I once created great memories at. It was a quick and easy read. The only problem I had with this book was the binding. Pages fell out every time I turned the page. I purchased this book as a keepsake of my hometown and it literally fell apart as I was reading it. Shame on the company that did the binding!Sleepy Hollow This book was an engaging, and interesting read. The main character, Carrie has many issues from her past to contend with, including a very dark secret. There are twists and turns that make it difficult to put the book down. I thoroughly enjoyed this story!Compelling mystery Secrets in the Hollow is a well-written, well-plotted mystery with lots of twists & turns, and unexpected happenings. Carrie, the main character is believable as someone haunted by her past, afraid of facing the present and her part in some pretty terrible stuff. Ms. Dullaghan keeps you guessing throughout. I did find this book hard to put down once I got deep into the mysterious events and wondering about the secrets of Carrie's life.I also enjoyed the setting of the real place, Sleepy Hollow in NY, the setting of another famous story of the Headless Horseman. This time we read about another true legend--the Bronze Lady-- and the stories & legends surrounding her- fascinating info. The places & legends lend a kind of brooding, ominous, mysterious tone to the story, along with the graveyard scenes.And for fun, Ms. Dullaghan includes stories and music from the era (60s) that bring realism and nostalgia to the novel. All together, these elements make for a fast-paced, compelling mystery with facts & fun included!A quick read !! Loved this book! Born & still live here!! Great story & memories of places in the book!!Hard to keep a secret in the hollow Totally enjoyed this page turning story. The story gives the reader pause to think about what they might have done as a teen in the same situations as the main characters. Would definitely recommend this book!Great Read I loved everything about this book a real page turner. Hard to put it down. I hope Barb writes another book.Trip down memory lane Wonderful book. I live in this town and was very surprised when my dad's Deli was mentioned. Every place mentioned has a memory for me. Worth the read. Thanks for the walk down memory lane. ❤️The Secrets of the Hollow is a MUST READ! Many themes are explored in this suspenseful novel by Barbara Dullaghan. We meet Carrie, a young woman returning to her home town of Sleepy Hollow, NY, after the death of her parents. Against the background of this historical town, the reader is swept into our protagonist's lies, guilt and anxiety about an incident in her past. It is soon evident that Carrie must confront her secrets in order to gain peace.The mystery unfolds and I was not be able to put the book down!I highly recommend it.Interesting and fast moving! Great book which grabs you right away. A compelling mystery that keeps you guessing. The details in the setting makes this seem very real.Love this book! This is a book that completely drags you in. You will love the main character despite her flaws, and it will keep you reading because it is so interesting. The suspense kept my attention from the beginning to the end. Great format and easy to read. I highly recommend it!Enjoyable read! Characters are realistic and interesting with a bit of mystery in the plot. I enjoyed the ending.Interesting concept The book, "Secrets In The Hollow", was an interesting read. It began with introductions of several characters important to the plot and time changes switching back and forth. Once I began to digest the story line in getting to "know the characters" and their personalities, I could not put the book down. It became a page turner to learn the secrets and see how it would eventually affect the lives of many. I would encourage you to give this book a read!Vivid location, suspenseful mystery The author sets a vivid image of the Sleepy Hollow region which provides the location for a suspenseful story. The story begins slowly with hints of trouble to come. It intensifies and the fast pace of events kept me reading. The story causes one to think of how we would react in such situations. I had no idea how the tale would end, but could not wait to get there!Love, friendship and secrets crafted into a heartfelt story A warm and comfortable stroll through the past of many a Tarrytowner! Well written; riddled with mysteries and twists that compels/propels the reader forward.A must read!!Highly recommend A wonderful story, great characters and setting. Perfect summer vacation read!Great Read Easy to read, interesting plot, relatable characters and a sneak peak into washington Irving's historic village, Sleepy Hollow. Put it on your reading list!An Exciting Mystery! This is not exactly a whodunnit but it is an exciting mystery. The first half sets the stage for the second half, and the second half will leave you gasping for breath. I would never have guessed the outcome and I loved that it was set partially in Plattsburgh. It’s a great read!Carrie Peters faces hard choices from her past. What will she do? Carrie can not understand how her life turned out such a mess. When her parents unexpectedly die, she is forced to return to her hometown of Sleep Hollow, NY. The past is catching up with her and she must face the decisions she made that led to tough choices and horrible consequences. What will happen if she finally releases her demons and talk? Her best friend, Nessa, is a police detective and wants to help, but Carrie continues to push her away. As Carrie's secrets come out, what will happen?A deep story of choices and their consequences, told against the backdrop of Sleepy Hollow and its secrets. A good read! 4 Stars!Family Secrets and Trauma Excellent debut novel. The author brings Tarrytown to life while slowing unraveling the main character's adolescent trauma. Quick read that kept me reading into the wee hours.A great story with a message of tragic mistakes and forgiveness The author crafted a great book with an important message about mistakes made, restitution, and forgiveness. In the book, Carrie and Danny live their current lives with a terrible secret from their teenage years. Their secret affected them profoundly throughout their lives and impacted most of their family and friends. When Carrie returns home, she knows she must confront her demons to be truly free. The characters are relatable, and the book was a quick page-turner because I could not put it down.Sleepy Hollow is back Secrets in the Hollow by Barbara Dullaghan is a well crafted story about secrets and the damage they can do to a person over time. The fabled town of Sleepy Hollow is back and Carrie is struggling with her past. She has returned to the town after learning the her parents had been killed in a car crash. Rather than being devastated, she seems more relived than anything. But the relief is short lived as secrets surrounding the deaths of her friends when she was younger start to creep back into her life. A detective in town, also a friend of Carrie's, has started to notice the strange ways she has been acting and has begun to piece together the mystery on his own. Fans of mysteries and thrillers will enjoy this, but also those who enjoy stories will a bit of supernatural darkness. The narrative moves at a fast pace, and the action does a great job of keeping the reader interested from beginning to end.Intriguing, well developed characters I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed and the story intriguing. Well done Barbara Dullaghan. Looking forward to reading your next novel.Secrets changes events and cannot be buried Secrets in the Hollow (Copyright © 2023 by Barbara Dullaghan.Carolyn the daughter of Philip and Marjorie Peters of Sleepy Hollow, New York, is 40 years old and unmarried. She needs a release from the anxiety of trying to be the perfect child.Her mother had it right. She would always be running from something. Their fascination with Tarrytown began with visits to Sleepy Hollow Cemetery to leave flowers on the grave of her mother’s Aunt Susa. The book’s cover shows the theme of death and its consequences. We hear of the death of her parents and a family scandal. She thinks : “ Maybe Mother and Father will not be together like I imagined... I didn’t have their shared history after going back to her place of youth after 20 years.”This is a story of daily happenings of the townspeople, from early childhood to dating, family life, some throw-back accounts of youth in to 1960’s- 1970’s. There is a sense of peril and panic and relationships with death and cemetery, ghosts and creepy experiences.I am looking to find merit to this story. There is a lot of detailed circumstantial events describing thoughts, movements and a domestic environment that is fit for a young adult’s lifestyle with some suspense and backstories, particularly a scandal surrounding Carolyn’s father’s life.The author sees this story as a love letter to her hometown and to her parents who had the wisdom to raise her there until she left for college. Readers who have lived in Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow will notice many familiarities as well as some differences. For the purposes of the story, the setting is Sleepy Hollow, not North Tarrytown. They may recognize names of places, teachers, and friends with minor changes. Hopefully, all readers will feel the magic and energy of the towns with the diversity of cultures and abundance of history.Mystery caused by secrets, drives the narrative. Carolyn has been a keeper of secrets and is always appearing to be solid, strong and letting herself be eaten away by guilt. This an easy read building internal suspense of the unexplained for the reader.Scarlett Jensen26 May 2023An amazing thriller set in Sleepy Hollow Secrets in the Hollow is the intriguing story of Carrie Peterson, a remorseful mid-40s woman that returns to her hometown after her parents died. That town is Sleepy Hollow.The story is set in the past and the present, where Carrie feels guilty about what happened to her friends a long time ago and now, she's keeping secrets that are eating her alive but she plans to reveal the truth once and for all.In this book, Barbara Dullahagan made the infamous town come alive. The worst coming out of the pages and happening in my head. The plotline, as well as the character development, was dramatic and suspenseful. And to point out the obvious, I was hyped up and hooked on the story, with great dramatic writing and page-turner chapters. Highly recommend it!Slow-burn thriller “Secrets in the Hollow” by Barbara Dullaghan is a very intense thriller about a woman dealing with a dark past. Carrie Peters returns to her home town, Sleepy Hollow. This triggers strange behaviour on Carrie’s part, which makes a detective who is also Carrie’s best friend suspicious of her role in the deaths of some of her former classmates.The story builds gradually and maintains suspense by switching between episodes in the past and the present. This is definitely a good choice for slow-burn thriller fans. However, I think the book description needs to contain a trigger warning, as it deals with some topics that readers could find very triggering, including rape and self-harm.Secrets in the Hollow. Guilt, secrets, and past regrets, Carrie Peters returns to her hometown of Sleepy Hollow after her parents die. Tormented by the bad decisions of her past, she tries to deal alone with the guilt of the death of her friends at school. Her only support could be her ex-boyfriend, but he is the living memory of her mistakes. On the other hand is her best friend, a homicide detective, who grows increasingly concerned about her erratic behavior.This is an engaging novel full of mystery, romance and secrets. It is interesting for me and it was very good how the author interspersed stories from the past and the present. The story built a little slowly but even so it kept me intrigued throughout the entire novel. I really liked the characters and the plot. I recommend it!compelling thriller. The compelling thriller “Secrets in the Hollow” explores the complicated life of Carrie Peters, a tormented individual plagued by dangerous secrets and remorse. This fascinating story, written by Barbara Dullaghan, covers themes of regret, self-discovery and the devastating effects of prior errors.After the devastating passing of her parents, forty-year-old Carrie returns to Sleepy Hollow where the narrative begins to develop. In a deft interweaving of the present-day story with flashbacks to the protagonist’s adolescent years, the author progressively reveals the sequence of events that resulted in the catastrophe that still haunts her. The story's depth and complexity are enhanced by the well realized characters, particularly Carrie's ex-boyfriend, who illustrates the effects of shame, concealment, and the weight of bearing one's history.A must read Secrets in the Hollow by author Barbara Dullaghan is a middle length story that captured my attention from the very beginning. The description of the setting is so accurate that I am not surprised the author grew up in Sleepy Hollow, where the story is set. This gives the story a certain magnetism I adored.The development of the scenes and of characters was marvelously done. I think the author is a very good storyteller and this is what captured my attention the most. The story is very good and was very well told. I recommend it because it hooks you from the very beginning and keeps your attention till the end.A twisted and absorbing novel "Secrets in the Hollow", written by Bárbara Dullagham, is an absorbing novel. It delves into feelings of extreme sadness, guilt, secrecy, hatred and love.The story is set in a tranquil Town called Sleepy Hollow. That is the birthplace of Carrie Peters who decides to leave due to her ex-boyfriend and other personal issues. But after her parents' death, she needs to return because of her guilt and sadness. Being there, she realizes that she must speak out before it's too late.The moment I started reading, I was glued to the pages. It has a twisted plot with unexpected turns that were changing my ideas all the time. The characters are dynamic and a bit dark but I think that they spice the story a lot. I devoured this novel and I highly recommend it.Overall enjoyable I thought that using the real town of Sleepy Hollow is a great, intriguing aspect about this book, and I really enjoyed learning about it as I read. The writing is about what you would expect, as well as the plot. It is very enjoyable.The one thing that is a bit overused in stories is a middle-aged person coming across their old flame.But despite, the old flame aspect, it is pretty good read!Unique mystery novel I love stories that brim with mystery, romance, and drama and this is exactly the kind of book that I want to read when I am in the mood for these storylines. Secrets in the Hollow by Barbara Dullaghan has all the interesting elements to keep you from reading, making you guess what secrets the characters are keeping and how the story would unfold. I love how the story was written in a way where the plot was not in a hurried pace. The writing style and the dialogues compliment well with each other. I also love how we switch back and forth in different timelines from time to time and how the characters were very consistent all throughout the book. Over all, it was a unique, well-written mystery novel.Gripping thriller Secrets in the Hollow by Barbara Dullaghan is a mystery thriller novel in which the protagonist, 40-year-old Carrie Peters, has spent the past few decades burying her past. Although I got the impression that Carrie had a haunting past from the description, I was intrigued when in the opening chapter Carrie is notified of her parents’ death in a crash and seems almost relieved. It was an enjoyable read until the end—where Carrie is on a run through Sleepy Hollow, but has stopped running from life the way her mother always said she had. I liked her relationship with Nessa and Danny especially. The author is talented in writing character development.Dont miss this one! There's a lot going on in this book that will keep you feeling engaged as you try to figure it all out. The author has a way with description that will keep you on edge while you read through the plot with vigor. I really enjoyed the author's voice and how well-crafted the book was. You'll feel lost in its pages as the author is truly crafty. A must-read!Fun read Secrets in the Hollow is a really enjoyable, engaging, and good read. The story doesn't move too quickly, but rather at just the right pace for me. It's a story of a woman who has to go back to her childhood home after her parents' sudden death. Secrets that her parents had kept begin to emerge soon after she arrives, and Carrie has to learn to deal with all this new information. Throw in some old flames, old friendships, all the old feelings of being back in her home town, not to mention her own dark secrets, along with Carrie's anxiety and panic attacks (dealt with by therapy and running) and you have a character that you are rooting for. Good book.A captivating story. "You can run but you cannot hide, Carolyn"Secrets in the Hollow tells the story of Carolyn Peters, a troubled woman who suddenly finds out her parents passed away in a car accident. She then returns to her hometown; a difficult but necessary choice after breaking up with her boyfriend. But the past always finds a way to come back, when you least expect it.Barbara Dullaghan writes this novel keeping the suspense from page one. It is the kind of story that traps you and you can't leave the couch till you finish it. Definitely, it's a recommended book for people looking for a captivating suspense story, suited for adults in my opinion due to the plot.A compelling redemption story with secrets, twists, and engaging characters. Secrets in the Hollow by Barbara Dullaghan is a captivating novel that follows a middle-aged woman on a journey of redemption. Set in a small town, it explores themes of self-reflection and complex relationships. With intriguing secrets, surprising twists, and vivid settings, it keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The well-paced plot and authentic dialogue add depth to the story, making it difficult to put down. If you enjoy thought-provoking tales of personal growth, Secrets in the Hollow is a must-read that will leave you engaged and satisfied.A SWEEET AND YET A FASCINATING DRAMA STORYLINE A story about a woman struggling with a vast array of secrets and issues at its best between; meet Carrie, struggling with what went wrong between her and her ex boyfriend, the guilt as a result of the death of her high school friends, and her just-passed parents ; I would highly recommend this 'Secrets in the hollow' book to people who love themselves a perfectly crafted dilemma drama when it comes down to choosing the best option on dealing with the past. IT WON'T DISSAPOINT YOU AT ALL!Carrie is the book's main character who is just complicated in her own way; for instance she has secrets which she has kept from everyone for ages now, and it is already killing her. Back to her hometown she has to find a way to get out what has been bothering her -her past! Through her best friend Nessa who is an homicide detective and Chester a local history buff, Carrie's woes and character her brought to the light and the once dull hollow town is brought back to life.Barbara does justice to this piece and helps readers understand that we all have secrets and we have options all around us to choose from in dealing with what happened in the past. It is a perfect read for readers who are trying to start a new life and forget the pastA very interesting read. Carrie Peters, the protagonist of this captivating novel, grapples with guilt, secrets, and a haunting past. In her forties and burdened by remorse, Carrie returns to her hometown of Sleepy Hollow following the death of her parents. The weight of the deaths of her high school friends, caused by her own indiscretions, continues to torment her. As her behavior becomes increasingly erratic, her best friend, a homicide detective, grows concerned. Carrie's only confidant is her ex-boyfriend, who shares her secrets, but their connection is painful, reminding her of a life she tried to leave behind. In order to confront her guilt, she must face a life-altering incident and risk her own freedom. Barbara Dullaghan's intimate knowledge and love for the setting shine through in this enthralling tale, making Sleepy Hollow come alive.Wonderfully Engaging and Entertaining... In her first novel, Barbara Dullaghan, has woven a story of suspense, intrigue and guilt. The secret shared by the two main characters is one that slowly eats away at their soul as it would any of us. The book challenges the reader to consider how they would react if they had been in their shoes. I always enjoy novels that take part in two time periods and Barbara has connected them masterfully. Great character development as well as very interesting historical facts of this well known area of New York State, keeps your interest page after page. Wonderful job, Barbara....Fascinating drama! Secrets in the Hollow by Dullaghan is a compelling read. The author weaves a mysterious tale of intrigue and suspense in a small town. The characters are well-developed and keep you invested in their individual stories. The Hollow itself becomes a character in the story, adding an eerie atmosphere to the book. Overall, Secrets in the Hollow is an engaging and captivating book that will leave you wanting more from this brilliant author.The momentum builds quite quickly in The Secrets of the Hollow. Captivating, I could not put it down! I so enjoyed Barbara Dullaghan’s first novel, I am eager for her next one.Compelling mystery A compelling mystery which draws the reader in. the author has crafted a story filled with full characters, and the plot proceeds apace, quickly enough to keep interest but still filling out the details. Would enjoy exploring this world further.Great drama and mystery! I have just finished this book and I loved it! Loved the secrets, the drama, the surprises, the relationships, the settings, and the characters . I couldn’t put it down as I had to see what happened next! Great plot development and dialogue resulted in engaging reading right through to the end!Loved It! “Secrets in the Hollow,” by Barbara Dullaghan is a truly engaging read that will grab your attention and hold onto it with each and every turn of the page. This book really does have something for everyone. From great characters to a wonderful plotline, this one is a great page-turner that will leave you guessing right up until the very end. I am most certainly looking forward to reading more from this super talented author. She certainly has a knack for crafting great writing.Interesting read, that makes us thing about choices we make "Secrets in the Hollow" is an exploration of guilt, redemption, and the power of confronting one's past. With well-crafted characters, a captivating setting, and a gripping storyline, Barbara Dullaghan delivers a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant tale, that will leave us reflecting on the choices we make and the paths we choose.Carrie's return to her hometown after the passing of her parents. Dullaghan paints a vivid portrait of Carrie's internal struggle, as she grapples with the weight of her past actions. The character development shines as Carrie's guilt consumes her, leaving her feeling isolated and alone, with her only confidant being her ex-boyfriend, who shares her burdensome secrets. However, the pain of their connection pushes her further awayLoad more
