Mind on Fire Books

If you’re craving a horror novel that blends spine-tingling dread with laugh-out-loud humor, The Hollow Places by T. Kingfisher might just be your next obsession. This book takes you on a surreal journey through a museum of oddities, a mysterious hole in the wall, and a reality where nightmares lurk behind every door. Here’s why this quirky cosmic horror deserves a spot on your reading list. In this The Hollow Places review, we’ll explore the elements that make it a must-read.

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Why I Picked Up The Hollow Places

I’ll admit it: the moment I saw “museum of curiosities” in the description, I was sold. What writer wouldn’t love a setting filled with taxidermy oddities and bizarre artifacts? Add a cat named Beau—grizzled, judgmental, and utterly perfect—and you’ve got my attention. As someone with three cats, I felt an instant connection to the setting described in The Hollow Places review.

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The Premise (Spoiler-Free)

Our protagonist, Kara, moves into her uncle’s museum after a messy divorce, hoping for a fresh start. But when she discovers a hole in the wall that leads to an alternate reality, things spiral into a Lovecraftian nightmare. Think endless corridors, whispering willows, and creatures that feed on fear. It’s unsettling, imaginative, and deeply atmospheric, elements emphasized in The Hollow Places review.

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What I Loved

• The Setting: The museum isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a character. Every dusty display case and weird artifact adds to the eerie charm.
• The Cat: Beau deserves his own novella. His aloof presence is oddly comforting amid the chaos.
• The Humor: Kara’s snark and Simon’s deadpan wit make this book feel like cosmic horror with a wink. Their banter is sharp, relatable, and often hilarious.
• The Pacing: It starts slow, letting you settle into Kara’s world, then ramps up into full-blown terror. That gradual build made the horror hit harder.
• Character Growth: Kara evolves from a vulnerable, newly divorced woman into someone who faces existential dread head-on. Simon’s loyalty and humor make him the ultimate apocalypse buddy.

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What Others Are Saying

I’m not alone in loving this book. Here’s the buzz:

• Goodreads readers praise the humor and Kara’s voice, though some wanted more tension.
• Fantasy Literature calls it “start-at-sounds and lie-awake-at-night creepy,” highlighting the museum’s eccentric vibe that many identify with The Hollow Places review.
• Kirkus Reviews dubs it “a perfect tale for fans of horror with heart,” noting its Lovecraftian undertones without cheap scares.
• On Reddit, opinions vary—some adore the cozy horror vibe, others think the humor softens the fear. Personally? That’s the charm.

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My Verdict: 4.5/5

The Hollow Places is like sipping coffee in a curiosity shop while the universe quietly unravels around you. It’s creepy, funny, and oddly comforting—a rare mix of horror and heart. If you love cats, museums, and the idea of patching drywall only to find a door to your worst nightmares, this book is for you, as emphasized in The Hollow Places review.

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Who Should Read This?

• Fans of Lovecraftian horror who appreciate humor.
• Readers who love quirky settings and strong character voices.
• Anyone who enjoys horror that’s unsettling but not relentlessly bleak.

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Final Thought: T. Kingfisher proves that horror doesn’t have to be humorless. Sometimes, the best way to face the void is with a sarcastic quip and a cat by your side.

Based on your taste in books, I think we could be great friends!