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

Tariq Ashkanani, author of the gripping crime-horror novel *The Hollow Boys*, joins Philippa Hall on *Quick Book Reviews* to dissect the eerie atmosphere and psychological tension that define his work. Set in a decaying Appalachian town haunted by a coal mine fire and a chilling mystery of missing boys, the novel blends procedural crime with creeping supernatural dread. Ashkanani reveals his deep affinity for small-town settings, character-driven horror, and the visual storytelling inspired by *True Detective*. He candidly discusses the emotional toll of balancing a day job as a solicitor with his writing ambitions, the guilt that comes with treating creativity as 'fun' rather than work, and the terrifying prospect of turning his passion into a full-time career. The conversation also touches on the slow pace of traditional publishing, the power of immersive formats like *Night Film*, and the surprisingly pivotal role of drumsticks—specifically, sticky, chewy ones—during his writing sessions. At its core, the episode is a meditation on how darkness, both literal and emotional, shapes compelling fiction. Ashkanani’s journey from unpublished writer to award-winning author is marked by two defining moments: seeing his book on a physical bookstore shelf for the first time and winning the McElvany Award for *The Midnight King*. These milestones underscore the profound emotional weight of recognition in a solitary craft.