In The Denizens by Brennan LaFaro, we visit the town of Maylene’s Hollow, where the residents of the town live with a loose understanding of their town’s supernatural history. One day, a life-or-death decision leaves the town forever changed.
Let’s dive in!
My Thoughts on The Denizens by Brennan LaFaro –
When a grieving widow, Sam, takes a job as the Maylene’s Hollow pharmacist, he thinks he has found the perfect small town to heal and restart a quiet life in. But even before he arrives, he is given a glimpse into what may await him within the town borders, and it’s not long once he’s in town that he learns that this town has some healing to do of its own.
I was hooked right into this tale from page one! As the story went along, I kept thinking how much darker and more suspenseful this felt, and boy, has Brennan written dark and suspenseful before! There was just something about this one that had a little extra.
The vibe of the small town was set so well, and the characters were each developed perfectly; readers won’t be able to help but feel that they’re right there in the story. This happened both in the quiet scenes, but especially during the scenes of action and horror! The suspense and tension were so thick at times that I caught myself holding my breath and tensing up, just hoping that everyone would make it to the next page of the story!
And of course, I have to say again that the way Brennan can layer in emotion to any genre he sets his sights on is always so wonderful.
My Favorite Passages from The Denizens –
Branches swooped overhead, reaching out to hold hands and keep the worst of the Georgia sun from beating down on him.
“Sorry” ain’t worth the time it takes to say, if you could’ve prevented the sorrow in the first place.’
Sam took a seat across from Anne, each waiting for the other to speak. The ticking of a clock made for the only conversation.
At the thought of Jillian, Anne took a step closer and laid a hand on the poor girl’s shoulder. It trembled under her touch. Not a startle reflex, but an idling engine, fright and adrenaline coursing through her system.
On the night of his death, Arthur took her to The Buzzard’s Edge, the kind of restaurant named after a defunct old west town, where the servers brought bowls of peanuts as an appetizer and expected you to toss the shells on the floor after feasting on the sweet insides.
A bevy of hands shot through the newfound gap between door and frame, reaching for anyone or anything within their grasp.
My Final Thoughts on The Denizens –
Calling all undead devotees and lovers of grief-driven horror!! The Denizens is a tale made for you.
Preorder your copy today (and stay tuned for more links other than Kindle)! The Denizens is expected to release on February 17, 2026!
Thanks for reading!
And Brennan, thank you for the quick check-in with Morton! 🙂
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