Mother's Mouth

An Appalachian Horror Inspired by the Legend of Gryla (Seasons of the Hollow, Book 1)

Centuries ago, Iceland cast out Gryla, the Christmas Witch, after her hunger for children became uncontrollable.
She fled across the sea and found a new home in the mountains of West Virginia.

And every winter since, her rituals have continued.

Journalist Paige Warren doesn’t believe in monsters, until she witnesses Gryla’s return.
Ranger Eli Davis carries the trauma of a childhood disappearance that Gryla caused.
Together, they must stop her before she claims another child during the town’s Christmas festival.

To save him, they must enter Mother’s Mouth, Gryla’s cave, and perform a dangerous ritual powerful enough to challenge an ancient predator.

Gryla has taken a child every year for centuries.
This winter, she intends to be successful once again, and she will not let The Ranger or The Journalist stand in her way.

©2025 Barbara Groves (P)2026 Barbara Groves