Episode
Tariq Ashkanani on The Hollow Boys: Crime, Horror and Dark Small-Town Secrets
- Published
- May 11, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2730
- Processing state
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- https://shows.acast.com/quick-book-reviews/episodes/tariq-ashkanani-on-the-hollow-boys-crime-horror-and-dark-sma
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Summary
In this episode of Quick Book Reviews , Philippa talks to Tariq Ashkanani about his latest novel The Hollow Boys , a dark, atmospheric blend of crime, horror and small-town mystery. Set in the fictional Appalachian town of Aurora, The Hollow Boys begins after two boys go missing. Ten months later, one boy returns — but claims he is the other boy. What follows is a chilling investigation into identity, memory, fear and the secrets buried beneath a dying town. Philippa also reviews three very different books: Dissection of a Murder by Jo Murray Bloom by Delilah S. Dawson The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton In this episode Tariq Ashkanani on The Hollow Boys How crime and horror overlap Writing dark, atmospheric fiction Why setting can become a character Small towns, secrets and creeping dread The influence of books such as Red Dragon Writing while balancing another career Why publishing can move so slowly Podcasting, author interviews and literary festivals Philippa’s spoiler-free reviews About The Hollow Boys The Hollow Boys is a tense, unsettling mystery about two missing boys, one impossible return, and a town haunted by what lies beneath it. Perfect for readers who enjoy: crime fiction horror-tinged thrillers dark small-town mysteries eerie atmosphere missing person stories morally complex characters Books reviewed Dissection of a Murder – Jo Murray A gripping legal thriller with courtroom tension, secrets and a compelling murder case. Bloom – Delilah S. Dawson A book that begins with cosy romance energy before taking a shocking turn into full horror. The Magic Faraway Tree – Enid Blyton A nostalgic return to Moon-Face, adventure, peril and childhood reading magic. Books and au…