A review by chaptersofchase
What Lies in the Woods by Kate Alice Marshall

mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Thank you, Flatiron Books, for the gifted copy of What Lies in the Woods {partner}

Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Format: 📖
Pub Date: 1.17.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆

"There were women who seemed made to disappear into the cracks, and those whose vanishing had turned communities upside down, and all of them were just as thoroughly gone."

What Lies in the Woods by Kate Alice Marshall was at the top of my 2023 reading list, AND it ended up being my first read of 2023 because I couldn't help myself. I started reading it while on my NYE getaway to a cabin in the mountains, and the setting + this book made for the most atmospheric read. Marshall formulated her book with just enough mystery that it kept me on my toes.

While I had my suspicions as to the direction of the story, Marshall supplied more than a few characters that helped to muddy the water, making me unsure. As the book got closer to concluding, my initial thoughts turned out to be true. My twist predictions turning out to be true is not a negative because the path from A-Z was entertaining and kept me curious!

The only issue that I did have was with the ending. It was too over the top for my liking. There's a fine line between answering key plot questions and everything being tied into a nice bow. It was too perfect of an ending.

🕵🏽‍♀️ Serial Killer?
🤫 Small town full of secrets
🆕 Adult thriller debut
👩🏽 Convincing protagonist
📖 Slow burn but does pick up at the 30% mark

I recommend reading What Lies in the Woods if you enjoyed reading Last to Vanish by Megan Miranda or Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica.


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