There's something about small-town horror that gets under your skin. Maybe it's the way familiar streets turn sinister after dark. Maybe it's knowing that everyone around you is hiding something. Or maybe it's the realization that you can't escape — because the town itself won't let you go.
That's the world of The Hollow Men, my new horror novella that pays homage to the Stephen King classics we all grew up loving (and losing sleep over).
Welcome to Millfield, Maine
Sarah Whitmore thought she'd left Millfield behind years ago. The memories, the secrets, the suffocating feeling of a town that watches your every move — all of it was supposed to stay in the past.
But when her boyfriend disappears without a trace, Sarah has no choice but to return. What she finds waiting for her in the fog-shrouded streets of her hometown is something far worse than she ever imagined.
Something ancient. Something hungry. Something that's been waiting for her.
What Kind of Horror Are We Talking About?
If you're wondering whether this is your kind of scary, here's what you can expect:
Atmospheric Dread — This isn't about cheap jump scares. It's about that creeping feeling when you're walking alone at night and you know something's wrong, even if you can't see it yet.
Psychological Depth — The monsters outside are terrifying, sure. But what about the ones inside? Sarah's journey isn't just about surviving supernatural evil — it's about confronting trauma, guilt, and the choices we make when everything's on the line.
Small-Town Secrets — Millfield is a character in itself. Every alley holds a memory. Every resident knows more than they're saying. And beneath the surface of this ordinary Maine town, something extraordinary and horrifying is stirring.
Supernatural Suspense — There are things in Millfield that shouldn't exist. Ancient forces. Dark rituals. And a mystery that goes back further than anyone wants to admit.
Why 72 Pages?
In a world of 800-page door-stoppers, why write a novella?
Because sometimes, the most effective horror is concentrated. Distilled. Every scene matters. Every character serves the story. There's no filler, no padding — just pure, focused terror that respects your time while delivering maximum impact.
You can read The Hollow Men in a single sitting. Many people do. They tell me they have to — once they start, they can't put it down. There's something about the pacing, the way each revelation builds on the last, that pulls you deeper into Millfield's darkness.
And honestly? There's something perfect about finishing a horror story in one night. Especially if you're reading with all the lights on.
For Fans of Classic Horror
If you grew up on Stephen King novels, if you've ever felt that delicious dread while reading about ordinary people facing extraordinary evil, this novella is calling your name.
The Hollow Men captures that feeling of classic horror:
- The sense that something's off about this town
- Characters you genuinely care about
- Supernatural elements that feel earned, not arbitrary
- Themes that resonate beyond the scares — love, loss, duty, redemption
- That lingering unease that stays with you after you've finished
It's the kind of story that makes you think twice before turning off the lights. The kind that has you looking over your shoulder on dark streets. The kind that proves horror, at its best, is about so much more than just being scared.
What Readers Are Saying
The response so far has been incredible. Readers are telling me they:
- Couldn't put it down once they started
- Found themselves genuinely invested in Sarah's journey
- Felt that authentic small-town King vibe
- Appreciated the psychological depth alongside the scares
- Were surprised by how much story fits into 72 pages
One reader said it perfectly: "This is what horror should be — smart, scary, and impossible to forget."
Ready to Visit Millfield?
I won't lie to you — Millfield isn't a safe place. The streets are dark. The fog hides things you don't want to see. And once you enter, the town has a way of holding on.
But if you're brave enough, if you're curious enough, if you want a horror story that delivers both genuine scares and genuine heart...
Sarah Whitmore is waiting. The Hollow Men are watching. And Millfield's secrets are ready to be uncovered.
📖 Get Your Copy of The Hollow Men
Read it with the lights on. You'll thank me later.
Have you read The Hollow Men? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Did it scare you? Which character did you connect with? And most importantly — would you ever visit Millfield, Maine?
Tags: #HorrorNovel #TheHollowMen #StephenKingStyle #SupernaturalHorror #SmallTownHorror #HorrorFiction #NewRelease #Thriller #BookReview #MustRead #HorrorBooks #IndieAuthor
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your fellow horror fans. And if you pick up The Hollow Men, let me know what you think!
Stay spooky,
THE BERG CODEX
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