My neighbour is

A stroll through Cedar Hollow

Tucked away from the bustle of bigger places, Cedar Hollow has all the ingredients of a picture-perfect small town: independent shops, cafés, bakeries, and neighbours who stop for a chat. Children kick a ball along the street, flowers spill onto the pavement, and there’s always something to catch the eye.

Main Street

Déjà Brew brings a cheerful blue frontage and shaded outdoor tables to Main Street. Next door, Twilight Books has a black-and-red exterior softened by climbing ivy, with books, maps and curious ornaments filling the windows. Across the street, Evelyn’s Floral Emporium adds a profusion of colour around its purple storefront. Pearly Whites is easy to spot by its cartoon tooth in a bow tie.

A few curious sights

Not every local quite fits the postcard. A heavily bundled man shares crumbs with a gathering of crows despite the summer heat—a small glimpse of Cedar Hollow’s more unusual character.

Beyond the shopfronts

At the centre of town, a pale-stone town hall overlooks a cobblestone square and fountain. Its clock tower is a familiar landmark, while the observatory offers another connection to the night sky.

It’s the sort of place that could have wandered out of a cosy television romance. But beneath the familiar small-town charm, Cedar Hollow has a character entirely its own.

Maple Grove

In Cedar Hollow, Maine, Maple Grove brings together houses from different eras, each with a character of its own. Along its tree-lined pavement, a whitewashed cottage wrapped in climbing roses and honeysuckle shares the street with a turreted house full of clocks, a pristine silver-grey home, a purple shotgun house and a red-brick Edwardian.

There’s a gentle rhythm to life here: neighbours tend their gardens, a boy reads an improbably large leather-bound book on a porch, and a shaggy-haired dog walker passes with a companion large enough to be mistaken for a wolf. Summer breezes carry birdsong, flowers, and the scent of baking through the street.

Agnes Hart’s house

Number 5 Maple Grove is the red-brick Edwardian Oliver Hart inherits from his great-aunt Agnes. Time has weathered its exterior: paint peels from the white window frames, the garden has grown wild, and the sun-faded porch creaks beneath visitors’ feet.

Inside, the house holds the traces of a full and sociable life. Photographs crowd the hall, showing Agnes among neighbours at barbecues, summer fairs, book-club gatherings, Christmas celebrations, and Halloween festivities.

Coats still hang beside a crowded umbrella stand, dust settles on the stair banisters, and sunlight catches the quiet kitchen. In the spacious living room, furniture waits beneath old white sheets. For all its neglect, the house still feels like a home that was deeply loved.

Local favourites

See what’s pinned to the community board →

Read the Cedar Hollow Chronicle →

The Olive and Adder

With red leather booths, a chequered floor, and a jukebox in the corner, the Olive and Adder offers comfort with a Greek influence. White marble columns, golden olive branches and mosaics bring an ancient Greek flourish to the American diner. Its printed menus pair English with Ancient Greek, with burgers, spanakopita, moussaka, gyros and baklava among the temptations. Come hungry—and be polite to your waitress.

Take a look at the diner menu →

Holloway’s Convenience Store

Henry Holloway’s shop turns a simple grocery run into a small adventure. Narrow aisles wind between generously stocked shelves, where everyday essentials sit in unexpected company. Fortunately, Henry is usually ready to point a bewildered shopper towards whatever they need.

Second Chances

Maribel Finch’s antique shop and thrift emporium is a treasure hunt through Cedar Hollow’s past. Pocket watches, mismatched china, old books, and well-loved furniture crowd its winding pathways. Maribel has a sharp eye for an object’s history—and for the possibilities its next owner might see.

The town square

Old maple trees shade the benches, flowers brighten the beds, and a fountain provides a gentle soundtrack to town life. Overlooking it all stands the pale-stone town hall, crowned by a copper-roofed clock tower. The community noticeboard offers a glimpse of local priorities, from bake sales to missing pets.

Twilight Books

Behind its ivy-clad black-and-red frontage, Twilight Books offers crowded shelves, golden lamplight and comfortable armchairs made for lingering. It’s a welcoming little retreat for anyone who would rather spend an evening between the pages of a book.

Step inside Twilight Books →

Feather Flicks

Cedar Hollow’s old-fashioned cinema brings velvet seats, popcorn, and a little big-screen excitement to small-town life. Whether you prefer a quiet evening or a horror film, there’s something appealing about escaping into someone else’s story for a while.

THE SOUND OF CEDAR HOLLOW

A song for every chapter

I’ve put together a Spotify playlist inspired by My Neighbour Is a Vampire, with a different song for every chapter. Listen along as you read, or discover the music that accompanies Oliver’s journey to somewhere he belongs.

Open the playlist on Spotify (opens in a new tab)↗

Meet the neighbours

A few familiar faces, favourite businesses and everyday quirks from around Cedar Hollow. Their deeper secrets are yours to discover in the stories.

Oliver Hart — The newcomer

An inherited house brings Oliver to Cedar Hollow, but settling in proves rather less straightforward than unpacking his truck. Curious, quick with a joke, and determined to find a sensible explanation for almost anything, he approaches his new neighbours with a mixture of bewilderment and warmth. He’s looking for a fresh start—even if he isn’t quite sure what that should look like.

Noah Carter — Your usual, remembered

At Déjà Brew, Noah brings warmth, witty conversation and a remarkable memory for complicated coffee orders. His own drink is rather easier to misplace. He enjoys trying new recipes, offers pastries when someone needs cheering up, and makes newcomers comfortable without putting them on the spot. His latte art is still a work in progress.

Agnes Hart — The heart of the community

Warm, perceptive and quietly formidable, Oliver’s great-aunt made kindness a practical occupation. A pie, a batch of cookies, a few well-chosen words or an offer to help could brighten a neighbour’s day. Between gardening, scrapbooks, holiday gatherings and volunteering, Agnes found countless ways to bring people together. Her affectionate humour lives on in the memories of those who knew her—and in her occasional insistence that her house had a mind of its own.

Arthur Bell — Never a moment too late

At The Ticking Time Peace, Arthur repairs clocks with patience, precision and a mischievous sense of humour. Silver-haired and neatly dressed, he is rarely without his pocket watch or a well-timed remark. He listens closely, notices more than he says, and takes a dim view of the excuse that someone has run out of time.

Margaret Ashcombe — The mayor with muddy boots

Warm, diplomatic and quietly formidable, Margaret cares for Cedar Hollow through both official business and hands-on gardening. Seeds in her pockets and a long white braid are familiar sights around town. She can offer a cup of tea and settle a disagreement with equal authority, though a struggling flower bed may briefly interrupt the agenda.

Julian Vale — One more look at the sky

An astronomer with a dreamy manner and a fondness for midnight-blue coats, Julian finds plenty to ponder after sunset. His advice can sound rather like poetry, and his thoughts sometimes wander further than the conversation. He insists the moon looks different tonight—even when nobody else can see what he means.

Evelyn Greene — Retired from drama. Apparently.

A florist, former actress and devoted grandmother, Evelyn brings theatrical flair to even an ordinary afternoon. Vintage jewellery, floral aprons and firmly held opinions are all part of her charm. She organises the monthly book club, treasures her flowers, and considers a proper meal essential—particularly when Archie has become distracted by another book.

Archie Maximus — Just one more chapter

Curious, affectionate and mischievous, Archie is a high-school student rarely far from an oversized book. He enjoys sharing obscure facts, spending time with Jacques and finding something to eat between chapters. His memory for an encyclopaedia is impressive; remembering to hand in his homework is occasionally another matter.

Daniel Blackwood — An invitation between the shelves

Charming, intelligent and shamelessly flirtatious, Daniel makes Twilight Books a welcoming evening retreat. Rare editions, lively conversation and a little old-fashioned elegance are among his pleasures. For all his ease with a teasing remark, he keeps much of himself private. A bookshop owner is entitled to a little mystery.

Henry Holloway — Something for everyone

Henry turns a visit to Holloway’s Convenience Store into a conversation as well as a shopping trip. Generous, talkative and fond of colourful waistcoats, he takes pride in helping customers find what they need among his well-stocked shelves. He knows practically everyone and enjoys a little harmless mischief along the way.

Lucian Cross — Every word considered

Immaculately dressed and sharply dry-witted, Lucian brings exacting standards to Cross’s Hollow Attorneys at Law. Fountain pens, careful promises and properly written contracts all have their place in his world. His formal manner can be intimidating, but there is compassion behind the precision—and his summer barbecue is a much warmer affair than a legal consultation.

Gabriel Sterling — A reassuring presence

At Sterling Practice, Gabriel combines a patient manner with thoughtful, practical care. His reassuring smile and neatly pressed professional clothes are familiar to many residents. He checks on older neighbours and is inclined to work longer hours than he should, bringing quiet determination to the business of looking after people.

Greta Grindle — Nothing useful goes to waste

Resourceful, independent and fiercely proud of her work, Greta runs Gears & Grime with grease-stained overalls and a sharp tongue. Spare parts are worth keeping, engines are worth arguing with, and a good repair deserves respect. Her friendly mechanical rivalry with Arthur gives both of them plenty to discuss.

Maribel Finch — An eye for second chances

Stylish, theatrical and endlessly curious, Maribel sees possibilities in things other people have discarded. At Second Chances, rescued furniture and estate-sale discoveries find another audience. Vintage clothes and silver jewellery suit her eye for a striking detail, though she occasionally needs reminding that admiring something and borrowing it are different activities.

Amelia Wren — A little sugar and a bright idea

At Sugar Dust, Amelia creates seasonal treats and cakes decorated with edible flowers. Cheerful, optimistic and usually dusted with flour, she hums as she works and enjoys making something beautiful to share. She can be so absorbed in her baking that a compliment takes a moment to register.

Valentine Dae — Matters of the heart

The matchmaker at Ever After is romantic, charming and delightfully nosy. Valentine has a fondness for pink and burgundy tailoring, flowers and other people’s prospects. February keeps him especially busy, though advising others about romance is sometimes easier than taking his own advice.

Patrick Doyle — A well-polished opinion

At The Golden Clover, Patrick brings a jeweller’s eye to gemstones and an increasingly adventurous collection of stories. Witty, smartly dressed and generous to friends, he takes his work—and his valuables—seriously. A conversation with Sebastian about the value of gold may take longer than either originally intended.

Sebastian Drake — Carefully managed, fondly kept

Meticulous, proud and surprisingly sentimental, Sebastian brings immaculate suits and careful records to Cedar Hollow Savings & Trust. Rare coins and fine cufflinks are particular pleasures. His work connects him to much of town life, while his friendship with Lucian offers plenty of opportunities for dry exchanges away from the bank.

Pearl White — Have you remembered to floss?

Cheerful and reassuring, Pearl helps patients feel at ease at Pearly Whites. Her dazzling smile and immaculate attention to detail come with firm views about dental hygiene. Antique tooth boxes are a particular interest, and few residents are brave enough to admit they have forgotten to floss.

Warren Hund — A friend to four paws

Gentle, reserved and deeply loyal, Warren cares for Cedar Hollow’s animals at Four Paws Veterinary Clinic. He has a particular tenderness towards strays and abandoned pets, and is often happiest out walking. Difficult conversations are less comfortable territory than helping a frightened animal feel safe.

River Fisher — Drawn to the water

A marine biologist with an adventurous spirit, River is devoted to the coast and the creatures that depend on it. Early swims, seashells and time watching the harbour are among life’s pleasures. Compassionate and sometimes restless, River is always ready to speak up for marine life—and rarely sees the appeal of choosing a bath over the ocean.

Saz Step — Take the quieter trail

Exceptionally tall and rather shy, park ranger Saz knows the local trails and takes care of those who wander them. Patient with lost hikers and protective of the wilderness, he works with Margaret to look after the natural landscape. His well-worn hiking boots have seen a good deal more of it than most visitors ever will.

Caleb Ashford — Ready to lend a hand

Brave, practical and compassionate, fire chief Caleb takes both rescue work and everyday fire safety seriously. Copper-coloured hair and rolled-up sleeves make him easy to recognise around town. His willingness to help can run ahead of his caution, but keeping the community safe remains his priority.

Gideon Rook — Keeping a careful watch

Honourable, disciplined and protective, Sheriff Gideon brings a commanding presence to his patrols. He keeps meticulous files, checks on older residents and values a job done properly. Flexibility is not always his strongest quality, but his commitment to Cedar Hollow is difficult to question.

Reina Mori — The detail everyone else missed

Calm, clever and exceptionally perceptive, Deputy Reina is Gideon’s trusted colleague and a familiar face on Main Street. She enjoys puzzles, notices tiny details and has a mischievous streak beneath her professional manner. Gideon has his suspicions about the harmless oddities around the office; proving them is another matter.

Miles Skye — News along the scenic route

Sociable, optimistic and dependable, Miles carries the post through Cedar Hollow in almost any weather. A well-worn postal bag and a cheerful greeting are part of his everyday uniform. He enjoys a scenic route and a chat with familiar neighbours, though there are still letters to deliver.

Nicholas Klaus — Made with care

At Tinkers Toy Shop, Nicholas spends the year making things that bring people joy. Rosy-cheeked, patient and fond of comfortable woollens, he has a generous spirit and a surprisingly good memory for birthdays. Behind the jolly manner is someone who pays close attention to what matters to others.

Martha Klaus — Kindly, firmly organised

A kindergarten teacher with colourful cardigans and a warm manner, Martha knows how to make a room feel welcoming—and how to bring it to order with a look. Biscuits, favourite stories and carefully organised celebrations all have a place in her day. Her kindness comes with an excellent memory and clear expectations.

Jacques Winter — Ready for the next game

Playful, competitive and loyal, Jacques is a high-school student with a passion for ice hockey. He enjoys spending time with Archie at the rink or beachfront arcade and is rarely short of enthusiasm for the next adventure. Winter is his favourite season, although a thick jumper is seldom far away.

Porter Tinker — An idea worth trying

Enthusiastic and inventive, elementary-school student Porter is also a keen toymaker’s assistant. Toys, decorations and elaborate new projects are all liable to attract his attention. His creations often work beautifully—though the finished result may do something rather different from what he first had in mind.

Jack Crow — This year’s best harvest

Easygoing, hardworking and fond of a little mischief, produce farmer Jack is particularly proud of his pumpkins. Flannel shirts, work-worn hands and elaborate carved lanterns are familiar signs of his presence. Autumn celebrations bring out his enthusiasm, and every year he is certain the harvest will be his best yet.

Edward Davidson — A place kept with care

Quiet, thoughtful and dutiful, Edward tends Cedar Hollow’s cemetery with respect for its place in the community. An old-fashioned coat and a somewhat distant manner suit someone comfortable with peaceful surroundings. He takes pride in his work and considers the cemetery the quietest place in town.

Cassia Stone — Your usual, with a side of wit

At The Olive and Adder, Cassia remembers orders and delivers remarks with equally impressive accuracy. Confident, observant and wonderfully deadpan, she knows almost everyone through the diner. Her dark sunglasses and dry humour are familiar sights across the counter; a little politeness goes a long way.

Elias Mercer — Just one more question

Eccentric, excitable and devoted to a good story, Elias edits the Cedar Hollow Chronicle with an ink-stained notebook close at hand. Local rumours and unusual sightings are certain to catch his attention. His questions can lead in unexpected directions, but he takes uncovering the truth seriously.

Salem Sanders — Company on his own terms

The owner of Cedar Hollow’s cat café brings gothic style, a proud manner and an excellent line in sarcasm to the neighbourhood. Independent and difficult to impress, Salem pays close attention to an interesting conversation. Affection is offered on his own terms, with rather less ceremony than his opinions.

Lionel Maximus — The wandering garden ornament

Margaret’s pointed-hatted garden gnome has become a familiar subject of neighbourhood conversation. Lionel has a remarkable habit of being found somewhere other than his usual spot, and unexplained minor mishaps often earn him the blame. Whether deserved or not, his reputation gives residents plenty to discuss.

Felix Bellamy — The voice around town

Owner and presenter of WCHL 88.3, Felix addresses Cedar Hollow as though every listener has pulled up a chair at his kitchen table. Charismatic, quick-witted and hopelessly nosy, he brings theatrical flair and genuine affection to the local airwaves. Elias insists he borrows the Chronicle’s stories; Felix prefers to say he delivers them faster. Margaret, meanwhile, has firm views about festivals being announced before the arrangements are finished.

Silas Sommers — A quietly restful welcome

At The Slumbering Swan Bed & Breakfast, Silas offers an old-fashioned welcome, excellent coffee for his guests and chamomile tea for himself. Gentle, observant and soft-spoken, he delivers wonderfully dry remarks with a perfectly pleasant smile. Antique pillows and feather beds are particular interests; televisions in guest bedrooms are quite another matter. His ginger cat, Drowse, is an enthusiastic supporter of taking things slowly.