Tariq Ashkanani on The Hollow Boys: Crime, Horror and Dark Small-Town Secrets

from Quick Book Reviews with Philippa Hall

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 MurrayBloom by Delilah S. DawsonThe Magic Faraway Tree by Enid BlytonIn this episodeTariq Ashkanani on The Hollow BoysHow crime and horror overlapWriting dark, atmospheric fictionWhy setting can become a characterSmall towns, secrets and creeping dreadThe influence of books such as Red DragonWriting while balancing another careerWhy publishing can move so slowlyPodcasting, author interviews and literary festivalsPhilippa’s spoiler-free reviewsAbout The Hollow BoysThe 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 fictionhorror-tinged thrillersdark small-town mysterieseerie atmospheremissing person storiesmorally complex charactersBooks reviewedDissection of a Murder – Jo MurrayA gripping legal thriller with courtroom tension, secrets and a compelling murder case.Bloom – Delilah S. DawsonA book that begins with cosy romance energy before taking a shocking turn into full horror.The Magic Faraway Tree – Enid BlytonA nostalgic return to Moon-Face, adventure, peril and childhood reading magic.Books and authors mentionedThe Hollow Boys – Tariq AshkananiThe Midnight King – Tariq AshkananiRed Dragon – Thomas HarrisThe Death of Us – Abigail DeanNight Film – Marisha PesslBiscuit verdictTariq goes rogue with drumstick sweets rather than biscuits — sticky, chewy, nostalgic, and officially allowed.Follow Quick Book Reviews for book recommendations, author interviews, and weekly podcast episodes.📧 Email: [email protected]📸 Instagram & Threads:@quick_book_reviews🎵 TikTok: @quickbookreviews🐦 X: @quickbookrevie3🦋 Bluesky: quickbookreviews Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What this episode covers

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 MurrayBloom by Delilah S. DawsonThe Magic Faraway Tree by Enid BlytonIn this episodeTariq Ashkanani on The Hollow BoysHow crime and horror overlapWriting dark, atmospheric fictionWhy setting can become a characterSmall towns, secrets and creeping dreadThe influence of books such as Red DragonWriting while balancing another careerWhy publishing can move so slowlyPodcasting, author interviews and literary festivalsPhilippa’s spoiler-free reviewsAbout The Hollow BoysThe 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 fictionhorror-tinged thrillersdark small-town mysterieseerie atmospheremissing person storiesmorally complex charactersBooks reviewedDissection of a Murder – Jo MurrayA gripping legal thriller with courtroom tension, secrets and a compelling murder case.Bloom – Delilah S. DawsonA book that begins with cosy romance energy before taking a shocking turn into full horror.The Magic Faraway Tree – Enid BlytonA nostalgic return to Moon-Face, adventure, peril and childhood reading magic.Books and authors mentionedThe Hollow Boys – Tariq AshkananiThe Midnight King – Tariq AshkananiRed Dragon – Thomas HarrisThe Death of Us – Abigail DeanNight Film – Marisha PesslBiscuit verdictTariq goes rogue with drumstick sweets rather than biscuits — sticky, chewy, nostalgic, and officially allowed.Follow Quick Book Reviews for book recommendations, author interviews, and weekly podcast episodes.📧 Email: [email protected]📸 Instagram & Threads:@quick_book_reviews🎵 TikTok: @quickbookreviews🐦 X: @quickbookrevie3🦋 Bluesky: quickbookreviews Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NOW PLAYING

Tariq Ashkanani on The Hollow Boys: Crime, Horror and Dark Small-Town Secrets

0:00 45:30

1×

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

I'm ok

Mar 26, 2026 ·1m

REMIX: Why we over-shop and compulsively acquire, and how to stop, with Dr Jan Eppingstall

Jan 9, 2026 ·61m

REMIX: OCD and hoarding disorder with Jenna Overbaugh

Jan 2, 2026 ·47m

REMIX: Therapy and hoarding disorder - what are the options? With Dr Jan Eppingstall

Dec 26, 2025 ·78m

REMIX: ADHD and hoarding disorder with Professor Sharon Morein

Dec 21, 2025 ·46m

#207 13 actionable pieces of mental health advice from six former podcast guests

Dec 12, 2025 ·53m

Similar Podcasts

MG Show MG Show The MG Show, hosted by Jeffrey Pedersen and Shannon Townsend, is a leading alternative media platform dedicated to uncovering the truth behind today’s most pressing political issues. Launched in 2019, the show has grown exponentially, offering unfiltered insights, comprehensive research, and real-time analysis. With a commitment to independent journalism and factual integrity, the MG Show empowers its audience with knowledge and encourages active participation in the political discourse. French Your Way Jessica: Native French teacher founder of French Your Way Boost your French listening skills and test your comprehension with this one of a kind series of podcasts. Get the chance to listen to a real conversation between native speakers talking at normal speed AND customise your learning experience through carefully designed sets of questions (2 levels of difficulty) available for download at www.frenchvoicespodcast.com. All interviews also come with the transcript. French teacher Jessica interviews native speakers of French from around the world who share a bit of their life and passion. Where else would you meet in one same place a French yoga teacher based in Melbourne, a soap manufacturer from Provence, or a couple cycling around the world? That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding That Hoarder Hoarding disorder is stigmatised and people who hoard feel vast amounts of shame. This podcast began life as an audio diary, an anonymous outlet for somebody with this weird condition. That Hoarder speaks about her experiences living with compulsive hoarding, she interviews therapists, academics, researchers, children of hoarders, professional organisers and influencers, and she shares insight and tips for others with the problem. Listened to by people who hoard as well as those who love them and those who work with them, Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That Hoarder aims to shatter the stigma, share the truth and speak openly and honestly to improve lives. The Small Business Startup School – Business Notes | Financial Literacy | Retail Psychology – For Professionals & Entrepreneurs The Small Business Startup School Inc. Starting or buying a small business? While personal circumstances may vary, business patterns remain timeless. On The Small Business Startup School, we explore strategies, insights, and practical solutions to help entrepreneurs confidently navigate their journey.Hosted by Ola Williams—a retail entrepreneur, fintech founder, and financial coach with over two decades of experience—this podcast marries financial awareness and retail psychology with optimism to deliver actionable takeaways.Join us to learn, grow, and connect as we uncover the keys to business success.Let’s continue to learn together and be encouraged to keep on connecting!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Quick Book Reviews with Philippa Hall?

This episode is 45 minutes long.

When was this Quick Book Reviews with Philippa Hall episode published?

This episode was published on May 11, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Can I download this Quick Book Reviews with Philippa Hall episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.

URL copied to clipboard!