Wednesday, July 10, 2024

What Lies in the Woods by Kate Alice Marshall

 

From the blurb:  

"Naomi Shaw used to believe in magic. Twenty-two years ago, she and her two best friends, Cassidy and Olivia, spent the summer roaming the woods, imagining a world of ceremony and wonder. They called it the Goddess Game. The summer ended suddenly when Naomi was attacked. Miraculously, she survived her seventeen stab wounds and lived to identify the man who had hurt her. The girls’ testimony put away a serial killer, wanted for murdering six women. They were heroes. They were liars. 

"Now, decades later, Olivia wants to tell the whole story. Then she goes missing, and Naomi sets out to find out what really happened in the woods—no matter how dangerous the truth turns out to be."

What this book has:   Suspense. Mystery. Atmosphere. Flawed yet likable characters. Lyrical prose. Taut plotting. 

My thoughts:  Can you tell I really liked this one? It's a very fun summer read! I appreciated Naomi's sass and attitude, and her grim determination to figure out the truth despite her inner fears and struggles. She's not a perfect character, but I was rooting for her. And I thought the twists and revelations along the way were so well-timed. Some of the secrets I guessed, others were unexpected. But they were all good. 

My rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Happy Reading!




23 comments:

  1. You share the best books. Regine

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  2. "They were heroes. They were liars." I'm so intrigued and want to know what really happened. I need to read this one. So glad you enjoyed it! :D

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    1. I think you would like this one, Ashley.

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  3. Oh wow, what an interesting premise. I already have so many questions. I'm glad you enjoyed this one. I'm going to check my library for it.

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    1. It's a fast read. One that really drew me in.

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  4. I have a copy of this one on my shelf. A Book of the Month pick several months ago. Anyway, thanks for sharing about it and I'll likely try it before too long.

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  5. Lark, this was a good one. So glad you liked it :)

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  6. I enjoyed this one too! Poor Naomi with her trash friends! I'm happy with how it all worked out!

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    1. I'm glad it worked out for her, too, though it was looking a little grim there at the end.

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    1. It was a fun read. And thanks for commenting!

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  8. Wooo! I really like the sound of this. Reminds me of In the Woods by Tana French.

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    1. There is a similar feel to the premise of both of those books. Though this one has a much more satisfying wrap up at the end.

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  9. Naomi sounds like a great character. I really like the sound of this. I am glad you enjoyed it!

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    1. Naomi was likable despite her problems. And she did have some. But it was understandable with what she'd gone through as a kid.

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  10. Oooh this sounds good! The blurb has me so curious and the fact that you really enjoyed it makes it a must read!

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    1. I thought it was a great summer thriller.

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  11. Wow, 17 stab wounds! It does sound like a good, summer thriller. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

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    1. It's very compelling and kept me guessing.

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  12. Very nice review, Lark. I think it would be too tense for me but maybe someday I will try it.

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