HOLLOW OF LIES Book Review

Hollow of Lies by J.J. Jax, eBook, 52 pages

Synopsis from GoodReads: In the eerie shadows of Pine Hollow, darkness whispers secrets and shadows hide lies. Emily Carter, seasoned FBI agent, dives into chaos while on vacation, drawn by murder that echoes her past. Oliver, the gruff sheriff, stands firm amongst uncertainty; Emily’s keen insight sees beyond his rough exterior to a man caught in the town’s turmoil. Noah, the brooding ex-SEAL, offers his skills and a shrouded past; Emily sees beneath his hardened surface.

The town's sinister underbelly unravels, leaving terror in its wake. A stranger lurks, cloaked in deception, threatening to bury Emily's own demons. Time ticks like a relentless clock, each clue a heartbeat leading them closer to a twisted truth. But peace shimmers just beyond, as Emily and Noah form an unbreakable bond in the eye of the storm. The truth waits, cold and calculating. Who will survive Pine Hollow’s deadly dance?

BOOK REVIEW: This novella is a prequel to Hollow of Secrets (my next read I think). While I understand that this is a novella and not a novel, the story felt rushed. The characters were running from place to place with little transition. Overall, this did leave me intrigued to read the next book however I'm not sure how necessary this all was. I think if it was to give backstory prior to Hollow of Secrets, it could have felt less rushed if it had been maybe 100 pages.

I think this is the lowest I've ranked a book in awhile and it really stems from the fact that it felt rushed and doesn't seem like it is necessary to have been released. It is a very quick read at only 52 pages and like I said, I'm hooked on the story line and I want to find out what happens but overall this is a 3.75 that I would round up to a 4 star. Is this necessary to read before Hollow of Secrets...I don't know but I'll let you know in that review coming soon!

3.75/5 Stars

2025 Reading Challenge: 22/50 complete