When journalist Lena Mercer receives a cryptic message from her estranged brother claiming that “they are already here,” she dismisses it as paranoia.
Three days later, he disappears without a trace.
Searching for answers leads Lena to Black Hollow, an isolated town buried deep within the northern wilderness — a place where people avoid eye contact, conversations stop when strangers enter the room, and no one seems willing to acknowledge the growing number of missing residents.
At first, the town appears ordinary.
Until Lena notices the mistakes.
A waitress who forgets how to blink.
Neighbors who repeat the same phrases word for word.
Children who draw the same faceless figures over and over again.
Vernon Watters writes with a deep affection for small towns, eccentric characters, and the traditions that bind communities together. His storytelling blends humor, heart, and a touch of mischief, capturing how ordinary people turn everyday struggles into unforgettable adventures. When he isn’t writing, Vernon can often be found exploring local fairs, tinkering with odd gadgets, or collecting stories from neighbors that spark his next tale.View all by VERNON WATTERS
