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What Lies in the Woods
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Mystery & Thriller (2023)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.
For decades afterward, the friends have kept a secret worth killing for. But now Olivia wants to tell, and Naomi sets out to find out what really happened in the woods―no matter how dangerous the truth turns out to be.
For decades afterward, the friends have kept a secret worth killing for. But now Olivia wants to tell, and Naomi sets out to find out what really happened in the woods―no matter how dangerous the truth turns out to be.
322 pages, Hardcover
First published January 17, 2023
About the author
Kate Alice Marshall
15 books3,270 followersKate Alice Marshall is the author of thrillers and horror for all ages. Her YA and Middle grade books include I AM STILL ALIVE, RULES FOR VANISHING, and THIRTEENS. Her adult thrillers include WHAT LIES IN THE WOODS and NO ONE CAN KNOW.
She lives outside of Seattle with her husband, two dogs named Vonnegut and Octavia, and two kids. They all conspire to keep her on her toes.
She lives outside of Seattle with her husband, two dogs named Vonnegut and Octavia, and two kids. They all conspire to keep her on her toes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 13,472 reviews
May 8, 2024
Oh my! My bookworm friends, you’re guaranteed to sleep lights on at least for months after reading this ultra disturbing, extra wild ride!
Kate Alicia Marshall returned back with different, jaw dropping adult thriller/ horror to whisper to your ears nightmarish fairy tales before you go to bed and suffer from night terrors!
What the actual heck I just read! So twisty, surprising, dark, tense, mind blowing but also scaring the daylights out of you!
Three little girls who are from different circles, playing a goddess game in the woods at the age of eleven after they found their secret and sacred thing left behind the boulder. Their rituals, sacrifices were bizarre. The last memorable summer of them tainted with a extremely violent and traumatic event!
Naomi- Cassidy- Olivia went to the woods. Naomi got attacked, suffering from 17 knife stabs as the other girls ran away, thinking their friend was already dead.
But Naomi Shaw is a survivor, a miracle child who stayed alive.
Three girls testified against a serial killer and sent him to the jail.
25 years later Naomi is trapped in a relationship she’s suffocating, shooting wedding photos to make ends meet, still suffering from invisible scars and the monsters lurking around in the shadows. She gets the news that the man who has been rooting in prison for trying to kill her is finally dead because of cancer.
Olivia keeps calling her to talk something important. Her urgency pushes Naomi to drive through the hell she’s escaping. She’s going back to hometown to meet her hoarder dad who is getting threatened to evacuate his house. She also reunites with her childhood best friends.
Olivia summoned her to convince about coming clean about the secret they kept: Persephone! That Greek goddess related with something they have been keeping as secret nearly 3 decades.
Cas and Naomi have hesitations to tell the truth and tell Olive wait for a little till things get soothed. She has too much to lose if the secret finally comes out!
Naomi still feels guilty because she deeply knows the man she’s sent to prison may not be the person who had stabbed her and there’s a podcast guy named Ethan already suspects about her testimony. He puts pressure on her to make an interview.
Naomi has a lot secrets she has to keep for her friend circle’s sake but unfortunately she will find herself in more dangerous situations. Once again she may fight to survive as the piled secrets and big mysteries start to unfold slowly!
Oh boy: ending was shocking! I never saw it coming! My blood went cold! This is perfectly written! Most of the characters including Naomi, flawed, broken but interestingly easy to empathize with!
Giving my shocking, shivering, horrifying five stars!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
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Kate Alicia Marshall returned back with different, jaw dropping adult thriller/ horror to whisper to your ears nightmarish fairy tales before you go to bed and suffer from night terrors!
What the actual heck I just read! So twisty, surprising, dark, tense, mind blowing but also scaring the daylights out of you!
Three little girls who are from different circles, playing a goddess game in the woods at the age of eleven after they found their secret and sacred thing left behind the boulder. Their rituals, sacrifices were bizarre. The last memorable summer of them tainted with a extremely violent and traumatic event!
Naomi- Cassidy- Olivia went to the woods. Naomi got attacked, suffering from 17 knife stabs as the other girls ran away, thinking their friend was already dead.
But Naomi Shaw is a survivor, a miracle child who stayed alive.
Three girls testified against a serial killer and sent him to the jail.
25 years later Naomi is trapped in a relationship she’s suffocating, shooting wedding photos to make ends meet, still suffering from invisible scars and the monsters lurking around in the shadows. She gets the news that the man who has been rooting in prison for trying to kill her is finally dead because of cancer.
Olivia keeps calling her to talk something important. Her urgency pushes Naomi to drive through the hell she’s escaping. She’s going back to hometown to meet her hoarder dad who is getting threatened to evacuate his house. She also reunites with her childhood best friends.
Olivia summoned her to convince about coming clean about the secret they kept: Persephone! That Greek goddess related with something they have been keeping as secret nearly 3 decades.
Cas and Naomi have hesitations to tell the truth and tell Olive wait for a little till things get soothed. She has too much to lose if the secret finally comes out!
Naomi still feels guilty because she deeply knows the man she’s sent to prison may not be the person who had stabbed her and there’s a podcast guy named Ethan already suspects about her testimony. He puts pressure on her to make an interview.
Naomi has a lot secrets she has to keep for her friend circle’s sake but unfortunately she will find herself in more dangerous situations. Once again she may fight to survive as the piled secrets and big mysteries start to unfold slowly!
Oh boy: ending was shocking! I never saw it coming! My blood went cold! This is perfectly written! Most of the characters including Naomi, flawed, broken but interestingly easy to empathize with!
Giving my shocking, shivering, horrifying five stars!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
May 9, 2024
When they were 11-years old, best friends, Naomi, Olivia and Cassidy, spent an entire summer playing a game of their own invention, dubbed The Goddess Game, in the woods of their town. It was secret and magical, the rules made up as they went, appeasing a goddess known only to them.
They loved it and truly got immersed in their play. Sadly, their summer came to a shocking close when Naomi was viciously attacked in their playground, the woods.
Somehow, the little girl is able to survive her 17-stab wounds. Naomi is left with many scars though, both on her physical body, as well as in her heart and mind.
Olivia and Cassidy saw the man who did it, identified as Allan Michael Stahl, a suspected serial killer. The testimony of the three girls helped to put him behind bars.
He had killed six women, but it was his attack on Naomi that ultimately lead to his incarceration. The girls are lauded as heroes for their courageous testimony.
22-years later, Naomi receives a phone call that brings that horrible summer back to the forefront of her mind. Stahl has died in prison.
One might think this would provide Naomi with a bit of relief. The man who brutally attacked her, tried to take her life, has come to the end of his. He can never hurt another person. But Naomi feels more guilt and doubt than relief.
It's clear from her reaction that there's much more to the story. The girls may not have been 100% truthful about what was going on in the woods that day.
Naomi travels back to her hometown. She needs to see Liv and Cass. Maybe they can work through this together. The reunion brings up a lot of feelings, including tension. Liv wants to reveal the truth, but Naomi's not even sure she knows the truth.
Naomi's determined to figure it out. She knows the story they gave the authorities wasn't the whole story, but what is? Naomi starts digging in and before long it's clear, someone doesn't want the truth coming out. Are they willing to kill to keep the secret?
I have really enjoyed some of Kate Alice Marshall's YA-books, so when I heard that she was coming out with a debut Adult novel, I was super stoked. She has a darker writing style and I was very interested to see what she could do with that in the Adult space.
I was not disappointed! What Lies in the Woods was super intriguing to me from the very start. I loved how the reveals were arranged and the pace was perfection for me.
I had a lot of theories, some turned out to be true, but there were also some fun surprises along the way.
The tone of this story, and even some of the themes, reminded me a lot of two YA-Thrillers that I have really enjoyed, Little Monsters and Broken Things. So, yes, while this is Adult, there is a past perspective that takes place when the girls are younger.
I liked this. I always enjoy an alternating timeline, especially when it helps to piece a story together like this one did. Additionally, I think that makes this one a great transitional book for Readers who may be moving from YA-stories in the Adult-space. This could be a great place to start.
While this wasn't perfect for me, I did lose track of some of the side characters every now and again, it is still such a strong debut for Marshall in this new space. I hope she continues to write more Adult Mystery/Thriller stories.
She definitely has a knack for the darker side of humanity and that's what I like to see in this genre. Her main characters are always super compelling as well and I definitely felt that way about Naomi.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Flatiron Books and Macmillan Audio, for providing me with copies to read and review. I had so much fun with this.
I will pick up anything Kate Alice Marshall writes, no matter the age range. Middle Grade to Adult, I'm here for it!!
They loved it and truly got immersed in their play. Sadly, their summer came to a shocking close when Naomi was viciously attacked in their playground, the woods.
Somehow, the little girl is able to survive her 17-stab wounds. Naomi is left with many scars though, both on her physical body, as well as in her heart and mind.
Olivia and Cassidy saw the man who did it, identified as Allan Michael Stahl, a suspected serial killer. The testimony of the three girls helped to put him behind bars.
He had killed six women, but it was his attack on Naomi that ultimately lead to his incarceration. The girls are lauded as heroes for their courageous testimony.
22-years later, Naomi receives a phone call that brings that horrible summer back to the forefront of her mind. Stahl has died in prison.
One might think this would provide Naomi with a bit of relief. The man who brutally attacked her, tried to take her life, has come to the end of his. He can never hurt another person. But Naomi feels more guilt and doubt than relief.
It's clear from her reaction that there's much more to the story. The girls may not have been 100% truthful about what was going on in the woods that day.
Naomi travels back to her hometown. She needs to see Liv and Cass. Maybe they can work through this together. The reunion brings up a lot of feelings, including tension. Liv wants to reveal the truth, but Naomi's not even sure she knows the truth.
Naomi's determined to figure it out. She knows the story they gave the authorities wasn't the whole story, but what is? Naomi starts digging in and before long it's clear, someone doesn't want the truth coming out. Are they willing to kill to keep the secret?
I have really enjoyed some of Kate Alice Marshall's YA-books, so when I heard that she was coming out with a debut Adult novel, I was super stoked. She has a darker writing style and I was very interested to see what she could do with that in the Adult space.
I was not disappointed! What Lies in the Woods was super intriguing to me from the very start. I loved how the reveals were arranged and the pace was perfection for me.
I had a lot of theories, some turned out to be true, but there were also some fun surprises along the way.
The tone of this story, and even some of the themes, reminded me a lot of two YA-Thrillers that I have really enjoyed, Little Monsters and Broken Things. So, yes, while this is Adult, there is a past perspective that takes place when the girls are younger.
I liked this. I always enjoy an alternating timeline, especially when it helps to piece a story together like this one did. Additionally, I think that makes this one a great transitional book for Readers who may be moving from YA-stories in the Adult-space. This could be a great place to start.
While this wasn't perfect for me, I did lose track of some of the side characters every now and again, it is still such a strong debut for Marshall in this new space. I hope she continues to write more Adult Mystery/Thriller stories.
She definitely has a knack for the darker side of humanity and that's what I like to see in this genre. Her main characters are always super compelling as well and I definitely felt that way about Naomi.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Flatiron Books and Macmillan Audio, for providing me with copies to read and review. I had so much fun with this.
I will pick up anything Kate Alice Marshall writes, no matter the age range. Middle Grade to Adult, I'm here for it!!
January 4, 2023
3.5 stars
This is Marshall's debut adult thriller, and while I liked it, I didn't love it. There are some surprises, but I did find it a bit predictable and the explanations for everything were a bit too OTT for me to completely buy into.
Naomi and her two childhood best friends Cass and Liv, created "The Goddess Game" in the woods one summer when they were eleven. Naomi was attacked and stabbed 17 times, she survived and the girls all identified Allan Michael Stahl as the attacker. He was a suspected serial killer so it was a relief when he was put behind bars. Now, twenty-two years later, Naomi receives word that Stahl has died from cancer, and she goes back to her hometown to talk to her friends who still live there and maybe confront the secrets they have been keeping from everyone.
One of the problems I had with this book were the large number of characters and none of them were very well defined. At one point a name was mentioned and I struggled to remember who he was in the scope of the story. There are a few good surprises that I didn't see coming, and everything was thoroughly explained in the end so that's always a positive for me. Yet like I said above, there are some OTT things that left me alternately rolling my eyes and wondering in bafflement how, small town or not, things could be so well covered up and hidden.
The storytelling was a little uneven, long periods of time would go with nothing happening and then bam! everythinghappensallatonce It is a decent mystery/thriller novel, just not one that will be super memorable for me. I know many others have liked it more than I did, so check out their reviews. I listened to the audiobook and Karissa Vacker and her whispering aren't a good match for me, but she does the story justice.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
This is Marshall's debut adult thriller, and while I liked it, I didn't love it. There are some surprises, but I did find it a bit predictable and the explanations for everything were a bit too OTT for me to completely buy into.
Naomi and her two childhood best friends Cass and Liv, created "The Goddess Game" in the woods one summer when they were eleven. Naomi was attacked and stabbed 17 times, she survived and the girls all identified Allan Michael Stahl as the attacker. He was a suspected serial killer so it was a relief when he was put behind bars. Now, twenty-two years later, Naomi receives word that Stahl has died from cancer, and she goes back to her hometown to talk to her friends who still live there and maybe confront the secrets they have been keeping from everyone.
One of the problems I had with this book were the large number of characters and none of them were very well defined. At one point a name was mentioned and I struggled to remember who he was in the scope of the story. There are a few good surprises that I didn't see coming, and everything was thoroughly explained in the end so that's always a positive for me. Yet like I said above, there are some OTT things that left me alternately rolling my eyes and wondering in bafflement how, small town or not, things could be so well covered up and hidden.
The storytelling was a little uneven, long periods of time would go with nothing happening and then bam! everythinghappensallatonce It is a decent mystery/thriller novel, just not one that will be super memorable for me. I know many others have liked it more than I did, so check out their reviews. I listened to the audiobook and Karissa Vacker and her whispering aren't a good match for me, but she does the story justice.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
March 21, 2023
I feel a bit torn about this book. Some parts were really good, but some just dragged on. A fellow reviewer wrote that suddenly everything happened at once, with long pauses in between. I agree, the build-up was sometime too long. The twists were decent, and I was surprised. But I couldn’t quite buy into it.
January 17, 2023
“We tried to forget. We didn’t tell the story. Not the real one. Not ever.”
As children, Naomi Shaw and her friends, Cassidy (Cass) and Olivia( Liv) believed in myth and magic. Being raised by a negligent father who was drunk most of the time, Naomi found comfort and companionship in her friends, whose lives were very different from hers. The eleven-year-olds invented games and imagined mythical adventures. One such game was the Goddess Game, where they pretended to be goddesses from Greek mythology. A surprise discovery in the woods, one that they kept to themselves, only fueled their imagination further and their game became more elaborate and intense. However, that summer would change Naomi’s life forever. A gruesome act of violence in the woods leaves Naomi fighting for her life after being stabbed seventeen times and leaves both of her friends traumatized. They identify the attacker, a serial killer who was responsible for the death of other women, who was caught and jailed based on the testimony of the three girls. Naomi’s memories are foggy at best but she and her friends survived to tell the tale. But, they lied and twenty-two years later, after the killer dies in prison, the three friends reunite in their hometown of Chester, their guilt and secrets pushing them in different directions - Liv, who struggles with her mental health issues, has been digging into the past, wants to own up to their lies and reveal what they had hidden from everyone; Naomi, who still bears the physical and emotional scars from the attack, is willing to hear what Liv has to share as she tries to remember what really happened in those woods over twenty years ago; Cass, the Mayor’s daughter and a single mother who has built a life for herself in Chester, would rather not revisit the events that occurred all those years ago.
A lot is going on in Chester. Secrets and lies permeate the atmosphere of this small town. As the narrative progresses, Naomi begins to realize that her memories of that night were tainted and there is a lot about that night and the attack that she has never remembered. But some people would rather let sleeping dogs lie and would do whatever it takes to stop Naomi from discovering the truth.
Kate Alice Marshall’s What Lies in the Woods is sharp, well-structured and absorbing. Naomi is a convincing protagonist – scarred by the violence she has endured, emotionally unavailable for the most part, cynical and distrustful of the world around her, she is immensely flawed and has not made the smartest choices. But she is a survivor and resilient. Initially, a slow burn, the story picks up at around the 30% mark. There are a lot of characters we meet along the way, but it is not hard to keep track of who’s who. The novel is narrated by Naomi, in the present-day in the first person. Flashbacks take us back to the events that occurred during her childhood. Full of twists and red herrings, this book had me hooked till the very last page. While one of the twists is not difficult to predict, this book kept proving me wrong as the story progressed and topped it with an ending that I did not see coming! (I love it when that happens!) Well-written, chilling, atmospheric, and suspenseful, Kate Alice Marshall’s What Lies in the Woods is a gripping read that I thoroughly enjoyed. This is the first book written by this author that I've read and and I look forward to reading more of her work.
Many thanks to the author, Flatiron Books and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this gripping thriller. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
As children, Naomi Shaw and her friends, Cassidy (Cass) and Olivia( Liv) believed in myth and magic. Being raised by a negligent father who was drunk most of the time, Naomi found comfort and companionship in her friends, whose lives were very different from hers. The eleven-year-olds invented games and imagined mythical adventures. One such game was the Goddess Game, where they pretended to be goddesses from Greek mythology. A surprise discovery in the woods, one that they kept to themselves, only fueled their imagination further and their game became more elaborate and intense. However, that summer would change Naomi’s life forever. A gruesome act of violence in the woods leaves Naomi fighting for her life after being stabbed seventeen times and leaves both of her friends traumatized. They identify the attacker, a serial killer who was responsible for the death of other women, who was caught and jailed based on the testimony of the three girls. Naomi’s memories are foggy at best but she and her friends survived to tell the tale. But, they lied and twenty-two years later, after the killer dies in prison, the three friends reunite in their hometown of Chester, their guilt and secrets pushing them in different directions - Liv, who struggles with her mental health issues, has been digging into the past, wants to own up to their lies and reveal what they had hidden from everyone; Naomi, who still bears the physical and emotional scars from the attack, is willing to hear what Liv has to share as she tries to remember what really happened in those woods over twenty years ago; Cass, the Mayor’s daughter and a single mother who has built a life for herself in Chester, would rather not revisit the events that occurred all those years ago.
A lot is going on in Chester. Secrets and lies permeate the atmosphere of this small town. As the narrative progresses, Naomi begins to realize that her memories of that night were tainted and there is a lot about that night and the attack that she has never remembered. But some people would rather let sleeping dogs lie and would do whatever it takes to stop Naomi from discovering the truth.
Kate Alice Marshall’s What Lies in the Woods is sharp, well-structured and absorbing. Naomi is a convincing protagonist – scarred by the violence she has endured, emotionally unavailable for the most part, cynical and distrustful of the world around her, she is immensely flawed and has not made the smartest choices. But she is a survivor and resilient. Initially, a slow burn, the story picks up at around the 30% mark. There are a lot of characters we meet along the way, but it is not hard to keep track of who’s who. The novel is narrated by Naomi, in the present-day in the first person. Flashbacks take us back to the events that occurred during her childhood. Full of twists and red herrings, this book had me hooked till the very last page. While one of the twists is not difficult to predict, this book kept proving me wrong as the story progressed and topped it with an ending that I did not see coming! (I love it when that happens!) Well-written, chilling, atmospheric, and suspenseful, Kate Alice Marshall’s What Lies in the Woods is a gripping read that I thoroughly enjoyed. This is the first book written by this author that I've read and and I look forward to reading more of her work.
Many thanks to the author, Flatiron Books and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this gripping thriller. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
January 11, 2023
Naomi, Cass, and Liv were childhood best friends. They spent their days roaming the woods all while playing the Goddess game. One day while out playing Naomi is attacked. She was brutally stabbed 17 times but lived to talk about it. Their testimony helped put a serial killer in jail.
Now adult Naomi is questioning if they put the right man away.
Unlike most other reviewers who claimed they struggled with the first 30% due to the slow burn style and then became invested in this story thereafter but, not me, I was the opposite. I enjoyed the first 30% and then it went off the rails for me. This is my first novel by Kate Alice Marshall and apparently it's her first adult thriller but strangely enough it still read as more YA to me. A lot of our time is spent with the girls when they're young and playing the Goddess game and you know what I think of that? Magic schmagic. I was so not interested in this storyline. 🤦♀️
Naomi was a character that I just didn't enjoy spending time with. She was rude to almost everyone and I just couldn't muster any sympathy for her. Cass was a stuck up bitch and Liv was a mousy little cry baby. As you can see I didn't like anyone in this book. And that goes for the extraneous characters as well.
At one point there is a conversation between Naomi and Cass. Naomi says they have to go to the police with the information they have while Cass insists it's a terrible idea. Then on the very next page Cass insists they go to the police and now Naomi thinks it's a terrible idea. That feels like sloppy writing to me.
There was one twist that managed to surprise me but it wasn't enough to redeem the book.
The grand finale turned out to be predictable and unsatisfying all at the same time. My opinion is only my opinion as you can see by reading all the other glowing reviews for this novel. 2 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for my complimentary copy.
Now adult Naomi is questioning if they put the right man away.
Unlike most other reviewers who claimed they struggled with the first 30% due to the slow burn style and then became invested in this story thereafter but, not me, I was the opposite. I enjoyed the first 30% and then it went off the rails for me. This is my first novel by Kate Alice Marshall and apparently it's her first adult thriller but strangely enough it still read as more YA to me. A lot of our time is spent with the girls when they're young and playing the Goddess game and you know what I think of that? Magic schmagic. I was so not interested in this storyline. 🤦♀️
Naomi was a character that I just didn't enjoy spending time with. She was rude to almost everyone and I just couldn't muster any sympathy for her. Cass was a stuck up bitch and Liv was a mousy little cry baby. As you can see I didn't like anyone in this book. And that goes for the extraneous characters as well.
At one point there is a conversation between Naomi and Cass. Naomi says they have to go to the police with the information they have while Cass insists it's a terrible idea. Then on the very next page Cass insists they go to the police and now Naomi thinks it's a terrible idea. That feels like sloppy writing to me.
There was one twist that managed to surprise me but it wasn't enough to redeem the book.
The grand finale turned out to be predictable and unsatisfying all at the same time. My opinion is only my opinion as you can see by reading all the other glowing reviews for this novel. 2 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for my complimentary copy.
February 19, 2024
BLOODY BRILLIANT!!! What a profoundly compelling, deeply unsettling and darkly twisted psychological mystery thriller that immediately seized my attention and held it in a vice-like grip until the very last page, leaving me utterly enthralled throughout!! The genuine innocence of childhood intertwined with greek mythology, riveting suspense, insane tension, action packed sequences, expertly placed red herrings, character driven plot, shocking twists and turns, intricately woven secrets and lies, a stellar conclusion, and an undeniably unique and original plot, collectively captivated and fully sold the entire concept. While the believable and heartbreaking ending left its mark, it's the chilling atmosphere and horrowing story that will linger in my mind for a long time. Another thriller to add to my favorites list for 2024!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Naomi Shaw once believed in magic. Twenty-two years ago, she and her two closest friends, Cassidy and Olivia, spent their summer exploring the woods, envisioning realm of enchantment and awe they called the Goddess Game. However, their idyllic summer was abruptly halted when Naomi was viciously attacked. Despite sustaining seventeen stab wounds, she miraculously survived and later identified her assailant, leading to the capture of a serial killer responsible for six murders. Branded as heroes, the trio has harbored a dangerous secret ever since. Now, Olivia seeks to reveal the truth, prompting Naomi to embark on a perilous journey to uncover what truly transpired in the woods, regardless of the dangers lurking within the shadows of their past.
I found myself utterly captivated from beginning to end!! It's definitely made me reconsider taking walks in the woods🫣😬!! i highly recommend this phenomenal thriller and it deserves all the stars!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Naomi Shaw once believed in magic. Twenty-two years ago, she and her two closest friends, Cassidy and Olivia, spent their summer exploring the woods, envisioning realm of enchantment and awe they called the Goddess Game. However, their idyllic summer was abruptly halted when Naomi was viciously attacked. Despite sustaining seventeen stab wounds, she miraculously survived and later identified her assailant, leading to the capture of a serial killer responsible for six murders. Branded as heroes, the trio has harbored a dangerous secret ever since. Now, Olivia seeks to reveal the truth, prompting Naomi to embark on a perilous journey to uncover what truly transpired in the woods, regardless of the dangers lurking within the shadows of their past.
I found myself utterly captivated from beginning to end!! It's definitely made me reconsider taking walks in the woods🫣😬!! i highly recommend this phenomenal thriller and it deserves all the stars!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 9, 2022
The games we play when we are children are priceless. Made up of imagination, dreams, and magic! Naomi Shaw and her two best friends, Cassidy and Olivia, were playing in the woods. They made up a game and spent hours playing and believing in their Goddess Game. They made a discovery in the woods and vowed to keep it as secret. It became a part of their game. It was all fun and games until Naomi was attacked viciously. She survived seventeen stab wounds. When interviewed by the police, Naomi identifies the man who attacked her- a serial killer wanted for the murder. The girls testified and he was put away. The town did a huge sigh of relief. A girl survived, a killer was put away and life could go back to normal - except the girls lied!
When the man they identified dies in prison, the three old friends reunite in their hometown. Naomi has been traumatized since the attack. How could she not be? She also knows deep down that the man she identified as her attacker, may not have been the one who stabbed her. The three friends bear guilt and carry secrets. But they are not the only ones. The town holds secrets as well.
This started a little slowly for me, but I was intrigued with Naomi, a wedding photographer who put her scars on display so people knew what they were getting with her. As her friend calls her, readers see Naomi grapple with both her present and past. Things really picked up for me when Naomi went back to her hometown and began interacting with her father, friends and a podcaster named Ethan.
What really happened in the woods? Who is responsible? Those questions kept going through my mind, and I was shocked when the final reveal occurred. What a shocker! Put that down into the I-did-not-see-that-coming department. Well done, Kate Alice Marshall, well done!
I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator did a fantastic job.
This one kept me on my toes and fully invested in the plot. I found this book to be well thought out, riveting and shocking! I can't wait to read what Marshall writes next!
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
When the man they identified dies in prison, the three old friends reunite in their hometown. Naomi has been traumatized since the attack. How could she not be? She also knows deep down that the man she identified as her attacker, may not have been the one who stabbed her. The three friends bear guilt and carry secrets. But they are not the only ones. The town holds secrets as well.
This started a little slowly for me, but I was intrigued with Naomi, a wedding photographer who put her scars on display so people knew what they were getting with her. As her friend calls her, readers see Naomi grapple with both her present and past. Things really picked up for me when Naomi went back to her hometown and began interacting with her father, friends and a podcaster named Ethan.
What really happened in the woods? Who is responsible? Those questions kept going through my mind, and I was shocked when the final reveal occurred. What a shocker! Put that down into the I-did-not-see-that-coming department. Well done, Kate Alice Marshall, well done!
I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator did a fantastic job.
This one kept me on my toes and fully invested in the plot. I found this book to be well thought out, riveting and shocking! I can't wait to read what Marshall writes next!
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
February 18, 2023
This is the author's first adult novel and it still reads very YA. This will be a positive for fans of the genre, but I struggled.
Three eleven-year-old girls spend all their time together in the woods playing and exploring. The fun ended when one of the girls survived a brutal stabbing. A serial killer was convicted of the crime, but now there is a question if the wrong man was put behind bars due to false testimony from the girls.
A lot of time is spent exploring the girls' lives when they were young, and the imaginary world where they played the "Goddess" game. This is where my eyes glazed over. As adults in the current timeline there is a lot of angsty drama and the girls doing stupid things.
YA is not my genre. Other reviewers have loved it so take my thoughts with a grain of salt.
* This was a buddy read with Marialyce and neither of us was a fan.
* I received a digital copy for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Three eleven-year-old girls spend all their time together in the woods playing and exploring. The fun ended when one of the girls survived a brutal stabbing. A serial killer was convicted of the crime, but now there is a question if the wrong man was put behind bars due to false testimony from the girls.
A lot of time is spent exploring the girls' lives when they were young, and the imaginary world where they played the "Goddess" game. This is where my eyes glazed over. As adults in the current timeline there is a lot of angsty drama and the girls doing stupid things.
YA is not my genre. Other reviewers have loved it so take my thoughts with a grain of salt.
* This was a buddy read with Marialyce and neither of us was a fan.
* I received a digital copy for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
January 29, 2024
4.25⭐
Publication date ~ January 17, 2023
Page Count ~ 326
Audio length ~ 11 hours 16 minute
Narrator ~ Karissa Vacker
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ childhood trauma, secrets, suicide references
Secrets run deep with childhood friends Naomi, Cassidy and Olivia and they're still haunted 22 years later.
There were some nice twists I didn't see coming ~ whoop whoop! This was a solid suspenseful thriller with a shocking conclusion and this author is on my radar now. From what I gather this is her debut in adult fiction as she normally writes YA, so job well done.
BTW ~ I liked that Naomi never wanted to cover up her facial scars.
I was fortunate enough to receive a kindle copy and the audiobook to review. Either way was great.
Narration notes:
Karissa is a well seasoned narrator and did a fantastic job as always.
*Thanks to Kate Alice Marshall, Macmillan audio, Flatiron Books and Netgally for my audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
Publication date ~ January 17, 2023
Page Count ~ 326
Audio length ~ 11 hours 16 minute
Narrator ~ Karissa Vacker
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ childhood trauma, secrets, suicide references
Secrets run deep with childhood friends Naomi, Cassidy and Olivia and they're still haunted 22 years later.
There were some nice twists I didn't see coming ~ whoop whoop! This was a solid suspenseful thriller with a shocking conclusion and this author is on my radar now. From what I gather this is her debut in adult fiction as she normally writes YA, so job well done.
BTW ~ I liked that Naomi never wanted to cover up her facial scars.
I was fortunate enough to receive a kindle copy and the audiobook to review. Either way was great.
Narration notes:
Karissa is a well seasoned narrator and did a fantastic job as always.
*Thanks to Kate Alice Marshall, Macmillan audio, Flatiron Books and Netgally for my audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Follow me here ➡ Blog ~ Facebook
February 9, 2023
In a Nutshell: Good enough, though not mind-blowing. Not sure how avid thriller readers would find this plot, but I, a dabbler in this genre, was entertained.
Story Synopsis:
Where the book worked for me:
✔ I am not an avid reader of this genre as I find most books pretty much the same in pattern. What made me try this title is that the serial killer was already caught and imprisoned, and the story deals with the aftermath of the gruesome attack. Unusual enough!
✔ For once, Naomi, the lead female protagonist, is not an alcoholic. She doesn’t hide her scars from the world, and despite her self-doubt, lives an unapologetic life. I liked her portrayal to a great extent. (I can’t remember the last time I liked a lead character in the thriller-mystery genre.)
✔ Though Naomi is still an unreliable narrator, her reveals are firmly controlled by the author. It’s not like Naomi lies to us outright (most of the times); she just doesn’t tell us something until and unless she wants to. I don’t mind this kind of unreliable narrator. The ones who contradict themselves with every subsequent chapter are the irritating ones.
✔ Naomi’s first person pov has limited rambling. It’s only in the final quarter that the inner monologues become too much.
✔ The author throws in enough of twists along the way. As we all know, whenever authors point fingers in the direction of one character, it becomes clear that THAT character can’t be the culprit; it’s always someone unexpected. So imagine the trouble (and the fun) when the author points fingers in the direction of almost every character. I kept guessing and second-guessing the identity of the villain.
✔ Though there were many characters, the proceedings never became confusing. The author takes her time to let us “know” the characters. (The “know” is in quotes because we never truly know any of them.)
✔ The woods are made use of wonderfully rather than just being a part of the title.
✔ It is somewhat slow at the start, but soon begins to pick up pace until it is almost galloping at the climax. (Still undecided if this is a good point or bad!)
Where the book could have worked better for me:
❌ The ending was much over the top. A few of the explanations were farfetched, and some were plain silly. I would have gone with a higher rating had the ending been better.
❌ Some of the big reveals about certain characters were quite predictable.
❌ The three woman characters do take stupid decisions at times. I still can’t understand why characters think going for a walk in the dark woods at night all alone is a good idea. All three ladies are kooky in one way or another.
The Audiobook Experience:
The audiobook, clocking at 11 hrs 16 min, is narrated by Karissa Vacker. I’ve heard many audiobooks by her and enjoy how she attempts to voice each character distinctly. I am still not a fan of her ‘male voice’, but other than that, no complaints. She is really good and makes the audiobook a treat to the ears.
This is the author’s debut adult work. (She has written only children’s and YA fiction prior to this.) She has handled the book mostly well. Some toning down of the exaggerated moments at the end would have worked in favour of the plot. But even as is, the book is interesting and entertaining enough to read.
This isn’t a thriller but a psychological drama. If you read it as a psych or crime thriller, you will be disappointed for sure. Recommended to those looking for an entertaining mystery with some unexpected twists. This won’t have a long-term impact, but as long as it lasts, it delivers pretty well.
4 stars.
My thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC of “What Lies in the Woods”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the audiobook.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Story Synopsis:
Twenty years ago, three eleven-year-old girls (Naomi, Cassidy, and Olivia)) were instrumental in sending a serial killer to prison. The girls didn’t escape unscathed. One of them almost died, and still lives with terrible scars on her body. Another has mental health issues, while the third has control issues. Yet, they were all made out to be heroes for their brave declaration.
Except for one thing.
All three of them were liars.
All three of them have been keeping secrets.
One of them wants to reveal the truth of what happened in the woods.
But someone wants to stop her.
The story comes to us in the first person pov of Naomi.
Where the book worked for me:
✔ I am not an avid reader of this genre as I find most books pretty much the same in pattern. What made me try this title is that the serial killer was already caught and imprisoned, and the story deals with the aftermath of the gruesome attack. Unusual enough!
✔ For once, Naomi, the lead female protagonist, is not an alcoholic. She doesn’t hide her scars from the world, and despite her self-doubt, lives an unapologetic life. I liked her portrayal to a great extent. (I can’t remember the last time I liked a lead character in the thriller-mystery genre.)
✔ Though Naomi is still an unreliable narrator, her reveals are firmly controlled by the author. It’s not like Naomi lies to us outright (most of the times); she just doesn’t tell us something until and unless she wants to. I don’t mind this kind of unreliable narrator. The ones who contradict themselves with every subsequent chapter are the irritating ones.
✔ Naomi’s first person pov has limited rambling. It’s only in the final quarter that the inner monologues become too much.
✔ The author throws in enough of twists along the way. As we all know, whenever authors point fingers in the direction of one character, it becomes clear that THAT character can’t be the culprit; it’s always someone unexpected. So imagine the trouble (and the fun) when the author points fingers in the direction of almost every character. I kept guessing and second-guessing the identity of the villain.
✔ Though there were many characters, the proceedings never became confusing. The author takes her time to let us “know” the characters. (The “know” is in quotes because we never truly know any of them.)
✔ The woods are made use of wonderfully rather than just being a part of the title.
✔ It is somewhat slow at the start, but soon begins to pick up pace until it is almost galloping at the climax. (Still undecided if this is a good point or bad!)
Where the book could have worked better for me:
❌ The ending was much over the top. A few of the explanations were farfetched, and some were plain silly. I would have gone with a higher rating had the ending been better.
❌ Some of the big reveals about certain characters were quite predictable.
❌ The three woman characters do take stupid decisions at times. I still can’t understand why characters think going for a walk in the dark woods at night all alone is a good idea. All three ladies are kooky in one way or another.
The Audiobook Experience:
The audiobook, clocking at 11 hrs 16 min, is narrated by Karissa Vacker. I’ve heard many audiobooks by her and enjoy how she attempts to voice each character distinctly. I am still not a fan of her ‘male voice’, but other than that, no complaints. She is really good and makes the audiobook a treat to the ears.
This is the author’s debut adult work. (She has written only children’s and YA fiction prior to this.) She has handled the book mostly well. Some toning down of the exaggerated moments at the end would have worked in favour of the plot. But even as is, the book is interesting and entertaining enough to read.
This isn’t a thriller but a psychological drama. If you read it as a psych or crime thriller, you will be disappointed for sure. Recommended to those looking for an entertaining mystery with some unexpected twists. This won’t have a long-term impact, but as long as it lasts, it delivers pretty well.
4 stars.
My thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC of “What Lies in the Woods”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the audiobook.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
January 17, 2023
3.5⭐
Twenty-two years ago, three girls were playing in the woods, and one was stabbed 17 times. She survived. They did put a man behind bars for the attack. Now that he's dead, they have reunited once again.
Overly self-doubt MCs usually turn me off. In this case, Naomi begins to question her memory of the attack over two decades ago and the guy is already dead. A little too late?
I give props to the author because although this bugs me, it didn't make me dislike Naomi. I enjoyed the podcast angle and the MC has an interesting relationship with her boyfriend and father.
What Lies in the Woods reminds me of a true crime story. If you read it, let me know what you think!
This is my first book by Kate Alice Marshall and I think it's very readable. I certainly enjoyed it even though I figured out the twist and was greatly disappointed with the ending. I like the writing style and I'll definitely read more from her in the future.
Narrated by Karissa Vacker, this was a very enjoyable listen. I might just listen to other authors with her narrating them.
Thank you Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for my ALC.
Published Jan 17, 2023!
Twenty-two years ago, three girls were playing in the woods, and one was stabbed 17 times. She survived. They did put a man behind bars for the attack. Now that he's dead, they have reunited once again.
Overly self-doubt MCs usually turn me off. In this case, Naomi begins to question her memory of the attack over two decades ago and the guy is already dead. A little too late?
I give props to the author because although this bugs me, it didn't make me dislike Naomi. I enjoyed the podcast angle and the MC has an interesting relationship with her boyfriend and father.
What Lies in the Woods reminds me of a true crime story. If you read it, let me know what you think!
This is my first book by Kate Alice Marshall and I think it's very readable. I certainly enjoyed it even though I figured out the twist and was greatly disappointed with the ending. I like the writing style and I'll definitely read more from her in the future.
Narrated by Karissa Vacker, this was a very enjoyable listen. I might just listen to other authors with her narrating them.
Thank you Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for my ALC.
Published Jan 17, 2023!
Shelved as 'read-audiobooks'
September 28, 2023 ** I do not give audiobooks star ratings as I cannot analyze the prose **
Audiobook Rating: eye roll | Performance: struggle-fest for the male voices
Before I get snarky, I can definitely see why people like this one. It ticks a lot of thriller boxes: kids doing spooky stuff, creepy ass forest, small town with bum ass police, someone trying to run the FMC outta town, etc. If you know about The Slender Man stabbing, this one might give you a lil deja vu. I was surprised the author didn't mention this inspo... it's giving me Ashley Flowers with her Jon Benet Ramsay rip off. ANYWHO. ONTO THE SNARK.
*CACKLES LOUDLY* NAH BRUVVAAAAAA. I'm SO glad I didn't read this with my eyeballs. When Oscar said: "Oscar the grouch loves trash. I'm Oscar and you're trash" I audibly gasped. NO. NOOOOOO. NOOOOOOOO. WE AREN'T SERIOUS. Is he going to start rubbing his hands together like a cartoon villain next??? Anyways, let me get into this with some spoilies:
SPOILERS ALERT. SCROLL TO BOTTOM.
I absolutely DESPISE insta-love in thrillers, especially when it's between the supposedly super guarded paranoid FMC and a journalist/podcaster who most definitely will be milking you for a byline. In this case, the insta-love was more laughable due to the fact that Naomi had just broken up with her journalist bf, moaning that he used her stories to advance his career, but then cozies up with a TRUE CRIME PODCASTER??? That's unserious behaviour. So not only does Naomi decide that Ethan the true crime podcaster is THEE person to confess her darkest secrets to, she has sex with him IN HER CHILDHOOD BEDROOM AFTER SHE FINDS OUT HE WAS LYING TO HER LMAOOOO. AND THEN AFTER SHE YELLS AT HIM TO GTFO??? GIRL HE LITERALLY RAW DAWGED YOU AND CAME ON YOUR STOMACH AND NOW YOU WANNA ACT TOUGH???? PICK A LANE!!!
Some other whackadoodle moments:
❌Naomi's refusing to tell the FBI pertinent info because she wants to find Parsnip herself (Persephone).
❌Naomi carrying Parsnip's knuckle bone around in her pocket. That's normal.........
❌Three 11-year-olds finding a bedazzled skeleton and not saying a word to anyone about it. Yeah right. I'd be screaming about it from the top of a mountain.
❌Naomi's dad telling Ethan that she's a super slut and not to feel special if she bussed it open for him. Pardon WHAT??? LOL.
❌Naomi's dad accepting a cash payment from Liv's parents to 'make up' for the fact Liv stabbed his daughter 17 times. And then saying it would help Naomi go to school etc...????
SPOILERS DONE
If you're new to thrillers and not a picky wanker like me, you may enjoy this one.
Audiobook Rating: eye roll | Performance: struggle-fest for the male voices
Before I get snarky, I can definitely see why people like this one. It ticks a lot of thriller boxes: kids doing spooky stuff, creepy ass forest, small town with bum ass police, someone trying to run the FMC outta town, etc. If you know about The Slender Man stabbing, this one might give you a lil deja vu. I was surprised the author didn't mention this inspo... it's giving me Ashley Flowers with her Jon Benet Ramsay rip off. ANYWHO. ONTO THE SNARK.
*CACKLES LOUDLY* NAH BRUVVAAAAAA. I'm SO glad I didn't read this with my eyeballs. When Oscar said: "Oscar the grouch loves trash. I'm Oscar and you're trash" I audibly gasped. NO. NOOOOOO. NOOOOOOOO. WE AREN'T SERIOUS. Is he going to start rubbing his hands together like a cartoon villain next??? Anyways, let me get into this with some spoilies:
SPOILERS ALERT. SCROLL TO BOTTOM.
I absolutely DESPISE insta-love in thrillers, especially when it's between the supposedly super guarded paranoid FMC and a journalist/podcaster who most definitely will be milking you for a byline. In this case, the insta-love was more laughable due to the fact that Naomi had just broken up with her journalist bf, moaning that he used her stories to advance his career, but then cozies up with a TRUE CRIME PODCASTER??? That's unserious behaviour. So not only does Naomi decide that Ethan the true crime podcaster is THEE person to confess her darkest secrets to, she has sex with him IN HER CHILDHOOD BEDROOM AFTER SHE FINDS OUT HE WAS LYING TO HER LMAOOOO. AND THEN AFTER SHE YELLS AT HIM TO GTFO??? GIRL HE LITERALLY RAW DAWGED YOU AND CAME ON YOUR STOMACH AND NOW YOU WANNA ACT TOUGH???? PICK A LANE!!!
Some other whackadoodle moments:
❌Naomi's refusing to tell the FBI pertinent info because she wants to find Parsnip herself (Persephone).
❌Naomi carrying Parsnip's knuckle bone around in her pocket. That's normal.........
❌Three 11-year-olds finding a bedazzled skeleton and not saying a word to anyone about it. Yeah right. I'd be screaming about it from the top of a mountain.
❌Naomi's dad telling Ethan that she's a super slut and not to feel special if she bussed it open for him. Pardon WHAT??? LOL.
❌Naomi's dad accepting a cash payment from Liv's parents to 'make up' for the fact Liv stabbed his daughter 17 times. And then saying it would help Naomi go to school etc...????
SPOILERS DONE
If you're new to thrillers and not a picky wanker like me, you may enjoy this one.
December 13, 2022
“Lies, lies, lies, yeah” ~ Written and performed by The Thompson Twins.
3.5⭐️
Naomi has done her level best to move on from the tragedy that nearly took her life over 20 years ago. She struggles every single day with deep scars…physically and mentally.
She and her two besties, Cassidy and Olivia were only 11 years old and doing what they loved most. Playing together in the woods. As with most curious children, they had no fear. Until the day Naomi was attacked and almost killed.
Now over 20 years later she receives startling information regarding her attacker in prison, bringing Naomi back home to see her friends. Only the past won’t cooperate and stay in the past!
And oh man…secrets are about to be exposed.
Honestly, what led me to this audio was the narrator - Karissa Vacker, my absolute favorite. And yes, she did an amazing job! But I felt the premise is one that has repeatedly been done (in one variation or another). So, I had a majority of the twists already worked out.
Overall, I’m glad I had the chance to listen to this audio and will definitely be looking to see what this author has in store for us next!
A buddy read with Susanne
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio 🎧
3.5⭐️
Naomi has done her level best to move on from the tragedy that nearly took her life over 20 years ago. She struggles every single day with deep scars…physically and mentally.
She and her two besties, Cassidy and Olivia were only 11 years old and doing what they loved most. Playing together in the woods. As with most curious children, they had no fear. Until the day Naomi was attacked and almost killed.
Now over 20 years later she receives startling information regarding her attacker in prison, bringing Naomi back home to see her friends. Only the past won’t cooperate and stay in the past!
And oh man…secrets are about to be exposed.
Honestly, what led me to this audio was the narrator - Karissa Vacker, my absolute favorite. And yes, she did an amazing job! But I felt the premise is one that has repeatedly been done (in one variation or another). So, I had a majority of the twists already worked out.
Overall, I’m glad I had the chance to listen to this audio and will definitely be looking to see what this author has in store for us next!
A buddy read with Susanne
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio 🎧
May 7, 2023
Live Discussion with GabbyReads and JordalineReads: https://www.youtube.com/live/VmZvQmGB...
Here's the thing, the first 40% of this book was great. I was genuinely confused on the bad ratings. Then that 'Riley Sager thing' happens and it all goes drastically down hill. I find it hard to believe that the same author wrote the first and second half of this book.
If I had to hear Naomi lament about how 'broken' and 'different' she was for another second, I would've thrown my headphones into the river. I swear Naomi legit thinks at one point "I don't know what he sees in someone as broken as me" okay, 2008 Tumblr post, keep it in the drafts.
I'm so frustrated because the beginning was so good.
iykyk but what point did the man doing the woman's makeup serve? And why not explain how he was an expert at it? I'm confused to this day about that scene.
Here's the thing, the first 40% of this book was great. I was genuinely confused on the bad ratings. Then that 'Riley Sager thing' happens and it all goes drastically down hill. I find it hard to believe that the same author wrote the first and second half of this book.
If I had to hear Naomi lament about how 'broken' and 'different' she was for another second, I would've thrown my headphones into the river. I swear Naomi legit thinks at one point "I don't know what he sees in someone as broken as me" okay, 2008 Tumblr post, keep it in the drafts.
I'm so frustrated because the beginning was so good.
iykyk but what point did the man doing the woman's makeup serve? And why not explain how he was an expert at it? I'm confused to this day about that scene.
January 15, 2023
The narrator of this audio, Karissa Vacker, did a fantastic job!
What Lies in the Woods starts slow but picks up just at the right time.
Three friends share a common past. At eleven, Cassidy, Olivia, and Naomi were best friends. They were always together despite coming from different upbringings.
Naomi's home life was not easy. Her father an alcoholic and hoarder didn't help her situation. In order to escape, she was more than willing to follow the games her friend, Cassidy created. This time the game is called The Goddess game where they all thought of themselves as goddesses and had to do different rituals in the woods. This is where they find a secret that they keep for twenty-five years.
While in the woods one day and only with one ritual left, Naomi is attacked and stabbed seventeen times. Her two friends run for help just in time and Naomi survives. They testify against a man, presumed to be a serial killer and Naomi's testimony sent him to jail. However, 25 years later, Naomi still has doubts about the identity of her stabber. When she gets a call that he has died in prison, she decides to go back home to see her two friends. Liv is ready to share the secret they have kept for so long. The other two are not sure this is the right time especially when a podcaster is lurking around trying to get their story.
What Lies in the Woods was quite enjoyable. I had a few theories and a couple turn out to be right which didn't deter my entertainment. I like Naomi and she felt reliable (quite surprisingly in this genre). The secrets and the whodunit kept my interest all the way through while the narration made it more real for me.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Macmillan Audio via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
What Lies in the Woods starts slow but picks up just at the right time.
Three friends share a common past. At eleven, Cassidy, Olivia, and Naomi were best friends. They were always together despite coming from different upbringings.
Naomi's home life was not easy. Her father an alcoholic and hoarder didn't help her situation. In order to escape, she was more than willing to follow the games her friend, Cassidy created. This time the game is called The Goddess game where they all thought of themselves as goddesses and had to do different rituals in the woods. This is where they find a secret that they keep for twenty-five years.
While in the woods one day and only with one ritual left, Naomi is attacked and stabbed seventeen times. Her two friends run for help just in time and Naomi survives. They testify against a man, presumed to be a serial killer and Naomi's testimony sent him to jail. However, 25 years later, Naomi still has doubts about the identity of her stabber. When she gets a call that he has died in prison, she decides to go back home to see her two friends. Liv is ready to share the secret they have kept for so long. The other two are not sure this is the right time especially when a podcaster is lurking around trying to get their story.
What Lies in the Woods was quite enjoyable. I had a few theories and a couple turn out to be right which didn't deter my entertainment. I like Naomi and she felt reliable (quite surprisingly in this genre). The secrets and the whodunit kept my interest all the way through while the narration made it more real for me.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Macmillan Audio via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
January 2, 2023
This book spun me around like a top. So many twists and turns that left me breathless by the end. Naomi is our narrator and is quite prickly. As we learn more about her story, it is easy to understand why. She has baggage. A survivor of a serial killer attack at the age of eleven, she now finds that the death of the convicted murderer has stirred things up twenty years later. There were three girls in the woods that day. All three were united in their story. They also shared a secret. Letting that piece of information out is like the opening of Pandora's box. Who will survive? What will Naomi have to do to get to the truth of that day in the woods? Dark and atmospheric, this book will worm its way into your dreams and make you a little afraid to go for a walk in the woods.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio, Flat Iron Books, and NetGalley for an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio, Flat Iron Books, and NetGalley for an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 10, 2023
The first rule about mysteries: trust no one.
The second rule about mysteries: always assume everyone is lying to you.
And last, but not so necessarily obvious, there's a reason why it's always the butler: the most unexpected suspects, the ones who break your heart for their cruelty, are usually the killer.
And I didn't see that coming.
I couldn't wait to finally grab my computer and write a review about all the paths the author tried to make me follow, all the suspects on my list - basically the whole town -, and all the different theories that my mind came up with in the past days. And even if I got something right, most of them were wrong.
I mean, there are lots of unpleasant people in this story, and it's not so difficult to blame all of them just for being shitty people, but not for a single moment I thought about what had actually happened.
Apparently, I'm not the great detective I thought I was.
Kate Marshall is a revelation in the thriller field for me. I don't always get along with how thrillers are written and the characters portrayed; also, the suspense can be an issue if you don't know how to build the feeling.
But here, she fooled me. Not only that, she actually made me hate and love - mostly hate - the characters, sympathize with some of them and then shockingly stare at the page when she ripped off all my knowledge and certainties.
I've never stopped thinking for one second about who could have done what and why. I lived there. I touched the trees in that damn wood. I got shot.
Since this was supposed to be a spoiler-free review I'm gonna shut up now, but first I need to express one last opinion: I find outrageously disrespectful the hate towards Naomi just because she’s survived when someone tried to KILL HER.
Now that I’ve finished the book and read the whole story I can understand some things, but not all of them. She still didn't deserve any of that.
↠ 4 stars
The second rule about mysteries: always assume everyone is lying to you.
And last, but not so necessarily obvious, there's a reason why it's always the butler: the most unexpected suspects, the ones who break your heart for their cruelty, are usually the killer.
And I didn't see that coming.
I couldn't wait to finally grab my computer and write a review about all the paths the author tried to make me follow, all the suspects on my list - basically the whole town -, and all the different theories that my mind came up with in the past days. And even if I got something right, most of them were wrong.
I mean, there are lots of unpleasant people in this story, and it's not so difficult to blame all of them just for being shitty people, but not for a single moment I thought about what had actually happened.
Apparently, I'm not the great detective I thought I was.
Kate Marshall is a revelation in the thriller field for me. I don't always get along with how thrillers are written and the characters portrayed; also, the suspense can be an issue if you don't know how to build the feeling.
But here, she fooled me. Not only that, she actually made me hate and love - mostly hate - the characters, sympathize with some of them and then shockingly stare at the page when she ripped off all my knowledge and certainties.
I've never stopped thinking for one second about who could have done what and why. I lived there. I touched the trees in that damn wood. I got shot.
Since this was supposed to be a spoiler-free review I'm gonna shut up now, but first I need to express one last opinion: I find outrageously disrespectful the hate towards Naomi just because she’s survived when someone tried to KILL HER.
Now that I’ve finished the book and read the whole story I can understand some things, but not all of them. She still didn't deserve any of that.
↠ 4 stars
February 2, 2023
Not a bad read! While this is the author’s adult debut, the narrative did still feel very YA, with it’s fade-to-black intimate scenes, copious flashbacks to a younger time with the girls, and an immature vibe to their grown counterparts. The villain unfortunately felt predictable from the moment they appeared on page, but there still was one twist that “got me”. A very fast paced popcorn thriller that will appeal to readers looking for an entertaining, time filling, story.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
January 13, 2023
So sick of thrillers that have 4-8 plot twists in the last 50 pages and every single one is more ridiculous than the next. Give me one, well-developed plot twist please!
March 25, 2023
I will say that I did enjoy this book (somewhat), but it was hard for me to get into because I knew from the first chapter how this story was going to play out. I also found this story to be longer than what it needed to be. It was a bit drawn out.
What is this story about? Well we have three “best friends”- Naomi, Olivia (Liv), and Cassidy (Cass). Cass is the rich mayor’s daughter who picks Naomi and Liv to be her best friends. Naomi’s father is a drunk and they are very poor. Liv’s parents are shunned in the county they live in, and Liv also seems unwell. Cass was more or less the ‘ringleader’ of the bunch. The three girls liked to play in the woods, and they also had a Goddess Game that they created. They liked to make “sacrifices” to their Goddesses, especially that of Persephone…
One day while they were in the woods, a terrible crime happens and Naomi is stabbed repeatedly. Naomi was able to survive this horrific attack, although she doesn’t remember much. However, Cass and Liv were able to see it all and identify the attacker. Naomi believed what they told her and what she thought see saw.
Now here comes the spoiler… I knew exactly how this story would play out because it reminded me too much of the Slender Man stabbing that happened in Waukesha, Wisconsin (USA), in 2014. In this true crime event, two 12 year old girls lured their friend into the woods and stabbed her 19 times and left her for dead. The two “friends” who stabbed the girl told police and media that Slender Man made them do it (Slender Man is a fictional supernatural character). Slender Man is often associated with being in the woods, hence the Goddesses in the woods in this book. The similarities were just too much for me between the Slender Man factual story and this one.
While I did like Naomi’s character well enough, I despised Cass from the get go. I was able to see right through her. Naomi was able to describe her relationship with Cass perfectly towards the end, and she stated, “ She’d chosen us because one glance was enough to tell her that we were so damaged we wouldn’t see the rot already festering inside her.”
This is a very popular book, and others seemed to have enjoyed it more than I have. I say give it a shot as the writing is very good. While I did guess this plot early on, I will still plan on reading more from this author.
What is this story about? Well we have three “best friends”- Naomi, Olivia (Liv), and Cassidy (Cass). Cass is the rich mayor’s daughter who picks Naomi and Liv to be her best friends. Naomi’s father is a drunk and they are very poor. Liv’s parents are shunned in the county they live in, and Liv also seems unwell. Cass was more or less the ‘ringleader’ of the bunch. The three girls liked to play in the woods, and they also had a Goddess Game that they created. They liked to make “sacrifices” to their Goddesses, especially that of Persephone…
One day while they were in the woods, a terrible crime happens and Naomi is stabbed repeatedly. Naomi was able to survive this horrific attack, although she doesn’t remember much. However, Cass and Liv were able to see it all and identify the attacker. Naomi believed what they told her and what she thought see saw.
Now here comes the spoiler… I knew exactly how this story would play out because it reminded me too much of the Slender Man stabbing that happened in Waukesha, Wisconsin (USA), in 2014. In this true crime event, two 12 year old girls lured their friend into the woods and stabbed her 19 times and left her for dead. The two “friends” who stabbed the girl told police and media that Slender Man made them do it (Slender Man is a fictional supernatural character). Slender Man is often associated with being in the woods, hence the Goddesses in the woods in this book. The similarities were just too much for me between the Slender Man factual story and this one.
While I did like Naomi’s character well enough, I despised Cass from the get go. I was able to see right through her. Naomi was able to describe her relationship with Cass perfectly towards the end, and she stated, “ She’d chosen us because one glance was enough to tell her that we were so damaged we wouldn’t see the rot already festering inside her.”
This is a very popular book, and others seemed to have enjoyed it more than I have. I say give it a shot as the writing is very good. While I did guess this plot early on, I will still plan on reading more from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2023
I’m going to go ahead and say that this is the best thriller I’ve read this year 👏👏👏 I didn’t want to put it down! There’s so many lies in this one that you can’t tell what is real and what isn’t. 🫣
January 16, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded down
What Lies in the Woods is a psychological thriller about three young women dealing with the repercussions of an episode from their youth. When they were eleven, Naomi, Cass and Liv spent the summer in the woods. One day, Naomi is attacked and left for dead. Luckily, she survives. She and her friends identify her attacker. But it turns out, they were liars.
When the man dies in prison twenty years later, Liv decides she needs to tell the truth.
All three of the women are damaged goods, as one would expect. I don’t expect to necessarily like unreliable characters, but I need to find them interesting. These gals didn’t elicit any response and felt too much like cliches. I couldn’t buy one of the main premises of the story, why they didn’t tell the adults about Persephone.
But the story was engaging enough that I wanted to see how it would play out. There were numerous individuals that could be behind the attack on Naomi. In fact, my opinion on who was behind the crime changed several times. There are multiple twists here. Some were obvious from miles away while others caught me off guard. And the pace does pick up as the story goes on.
I prefer my stories to be believable, which is why I seem to have a love/hate relationship with psychological thrillers. This veered too close to the unbelievable side. But it passed the entertainment requirement.
I have a problem with narrators with breathy voices. So I wasn’t a big fan of Karissa Vacker. But she does a good job of differentiating the various voices.
My thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an advance copy of this book.
What Lies in the Woods is a psychological thriller about three young women dealing with the repercussions of an episode from their youth. When they were eleven, Naomi, Cass and Liv spent the summer in the woods. One day, Naomi is attacked and left for dead. Luckily, she survives. She and her friends identify her attacker. But it turns out, they were liars.
When the man dies in prison twenty years later, Liv decides she needs to tell the truth.
All three of the women are damaged goods, as one would expect. I don’t expect to necessarily like unreliable characters, but I need to find them interesting. These gals didn’t elicit any response and felt too much like cliches. I couldn’t buy one of the main premises of the story, why they didn’t tell the adults about Persephone.
But the story was engaging enough that I wanted to see how it would play out. There were numerous individuals that could be behind the attack on Naomi. In fact, my opinion on who was behind the crime changed several times. There are multiple twists here. Some were obvious from miles away while others caught me off guard. And the pace does pick up as the story goes on.
I prefer my stories to be believable, which is why I seem to have a love/hate relationship with psychological thrillers. This veered too close to the unbelievable side. But it passed the entertainment requirement.
I have a problem with narrators with breathy voices. So I wasn’t a big fan of Karissa Vacker. But she does a good job of differentiating the various voices.
My thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an advance copy of this book.
Read
February 18, 2023DNF
January 19, 2023
What Lies in the Woods by Kate Alice Marshall was a riveting psychological thriller. I listened to the audiobook that was narrated very well by Karissa Vacker. There were many twists throughout the book that kept me guessing. The characters were vividly drawn, well developed and most believable. It was well plotted and fast paced. What Lies in the Woods drew me in from the very start and kept my attention all the way to the satisfying ending. Although I was able to figure out a twist or two, red herrings were thrown in and threw me off course more than once. This was the first book that I had read by Kate Alice Marshall. Her writing and masterful storytelling abilities impressed me a lot.
Naomi Shaw had moved away from her home town as soon as she was able to. She had become a very talented photographer. Most of Naomi’s clients were couples who had recently gotten engaged or married. Naomi was very good at her profession and she demanded a high payment for her quality work. Her reputation was stellar. Naomi lived in Seattle now but growing up she had lived in a small community where everyone knew one another.
Growing up Naomi had two best friends, Liv and Cass. The three girls were inseparable. During the summer Naomi, Liv and Cass were eleven they had loved playing in the woods that bordered their town. The three girls were very much into fantasy games that involved magic. They liked to link the Greek goddesses to the imaginary games they played. During one of those afternoons, something tragic occurred. Naomi was sitting eating her lunch when she was viciously attacked. Someone stabbed Naomi seventeen times with a knife. Naomi ended up in the hospital and by some miracle she survived the attack. Her friends claimed to have seen who attacked Naomi and described him to the police. Although Naomi had no memory of what had happened to her, she also gave the same description to the police figuring that Liv and Cass had seen her attacker. All three girls testified in court and their testimony put a serial killer who had killed six other women behind bars. Naomi was left with some scars but she never tried to hide them.
Now, twenty-two years later, Naomi received a phone call to let her know that her attacker had died in prison from cancer. Liv and Cass received the same call that informed them about the death of Naomi’s attacker. The three women decided to get together to celebrate. Naomi traveled to her home town. This was the first time she had been back since she left. Naomi always wondered if the right man had been found guilty and had been put in jail for stabbing her. Her memories of that day were nonexistent. Liv also brought up things about that day that were bothering her as well after Naomi brought up her concerns. The three of them should have been so happy about the news, so why weren’t they?
A few days later, Naomi received a phone message from Liv. Naomi could tell that something was very wrong. Liv had always suffered from mental health issues but medication had kept them under control. Naomi knew she had to find Liv. The first place Naomi looked was at Liv’s parent’s home. Liv was not there. Naomi decided to check the woods where the girls used to play all those years ago. When Naomi finally found Liv, she was dead. Was it suicide or murder? Naomi was determined to find out what had happened to Liv and what exactly happened to her all those years ago. Would Naomi be able to uncover the secrets that had stayed hidden for over twenty-two years? What dangers would she be made to face in doing so? What would Naomi uncover?
What Lies in the Woods was Kate Alice Marshall’s debut adult novel. It was suspenseful, gripping and hard to put down. What Lies in the Woods was about friendship, secrets, wanting to discover the truth, betrayal, lies, courage, choices, trust, determination and heartbreak. I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of What Lies in the Woods and highly recommend it.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of What Lie in the Woods by Kate Alice Marshall through Netgalley. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Publication was January 17, 2023.
Naomi Shaw had moved away from her home town as soon as she was able to. She had become a very talented photographer. Most of Naomi’s clients were couples who had recently gotten engaged or married. Naomi was very good at her profession and she demanded a high payment for her quality work. Her reputation was stellar. Naomi lived in Seattle now but growing up she had lived in a small community where everyone knew one another.
Growing up Naomi had two best friends, Liv and Cass. The three girls were inseparable. During the summer Naomi, Liv and Cass were eleven they had loved playing in the woods that bordered their town. The three girls were very much into fantasy games that involved magic. They liked to link the Greek goddesses to the imaginary games they played. During one of those afternoons, something tragic occurred. Naomi was sitting eating her lunch when she was viciously attacked. Someone stabbed Naomi seventeen times with a knife. Naomi ended up in the hospital and by some miracle she survived the attack. Her friends claimed to have seen who attacked Naomi and described him to the police. Although Naomi had no memory of what had happened to her, she also gave the same description to the police figuring that Liv and Cass had seen her attacker. All three girls testified in court and their testimony put a serial killer who had killed six other women behind bars. Naomi was left with some scars but she never tried to hide them.
Now, twenty-two years later, Naomi received a phone call to let her know that her attacker had died in prison from cancer. Liv and Cass received the same call that informed them about the death of Naomi’s attacker. The three women decided to get together to celebrate. Naomi traveled to her home town. This was the first time she had been back since she left. Naomi always wondered if the right man had been found guilty and had been put in jail for stabbing her. Her memories of that day were nonexistent. Liv also brought up things about that day that were bothering her as well after Naomi brought up her concerns. The three of them should have been so happy about the news, so why weren’t they?
A few days later, Naomi received a phone message from Liv. Naomi could tell that something was very wrong. Liv had always suffered from mental health issues but medication had kept them under control. Naomi knew she had to find Liv. The first place Naomi looked was at Liv’s parent’s home. Liv was not there. Naomi decided to check the woods where the girls used to play all those years ago. When Naomi finally found Liv, she was dead. Was it suicide or murder? Naomi was determined to find out what had happened to Liv and what exactly happened to her all those years ago. Would Naomi be able to uncover the secrets that had stayed hidden for over twenty-two years? What dangers would she be made to face in doing so? What would Naomi uncover?
What Lies in the Woods was Kate Alice Marshall’s debut adult novel. It was suspenseful, gripping and hard to put down. What Lies in the Woods was about friendship, secrets, wanting to discover the truth, betrayal, lies, courage, choices, trust, determination and heartbreak. I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook of What Lies in the Woods and highly recommend it.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of What Lie in the Woods by Kate Alice Marshall through Netgalley. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Publication was January 17, 2023.
December 13, 2023
Repeat after me: We are allowed to like predictable books
What Lies in the Woods follows Naomi, a woman who was attacked by a serial killer when she was a child and she and her friends were instrumental in putting him away. Now, they're all adults and the man they sent to prison has died, and with his death brings new questions. Naomi hunts for answers as she realizes those closest to her have been lying to her for years.
I really enjoyed this book, despite having predicted almost every single twist in it. There's actually something comforting about knowing where a book will go. I thought this book did a great job weaving the story and mystery together and I thought all the character dynamics were super interesting. This would make a really great tv series or movie.
What Lies in the Woods follows Naomi, a woman who was attacked by a serial killer when she was a child and she and her friends were instrumental in putting him away. Now, they're all adults and the man they sent to prison has died, and with his death brings new questions. Naomi hunts for answers as she realizes those closest to her have been lying to her for years.
I really enjoyed this book, despite having predicted almost every single twist in it. There's actually something comforting about knowing where a book will go. I thought this book did a great job weaving the story and mystery together and I thought all the character dynamics were super interesting. This would make a really great tv series or movie.
March 2, 2023
Really disappointing!!!
Can we please stop with these pointless heroines whose only interesting characteristic is that they're 'damaged'? The twists were very predictable, and the plot overly contrived.
I saw all the great reviews and thought I was getting a dark thriller but I ended up having to force myself to finish. In the end all I felt was annoyed and frustrated.
Can we please stop with these pointless heroines whose only interesting characteristic is that they're 'damaged'? The twists were very predictable, and the plot overly contrived.
I saw all the great reviews and thought I was getting a dark thriller but I ended up having to force myself to finish. In the end all I felt was annoyed and frustrated.
December 27, 2022
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WHAT LIES IN THE WOODS has so many of my favorite tropes in it that it felt like this author had written this book with me in mind: Naomi was the survivor of a serial killer's attack, but it left her with facial scars. Now she's a wedding photographer living with a dude who doesn't really appreciate her beyond the value of her story. When she finds out that the serial killer died in prison and her two friends are struggling with a secret that they hid as children, she shoots back home to confront her friends, Cass and Liv, about the past and why it should stay hidden.
Childhood games-turned-dangerous, toxic romance, suspicious and potentially dangerous hot guys, small town dynamics, and big secrets-- these are just some of the tropes in this book. It started out great but then the pacing started to feel a little uneven. There were too many "gotcha" twists at the end, which kind of made the book feel like a really bumpy rollercoaster that didn't have any dramatic or shocking falls. I thought this might have been a debut but I checked the author's backlist and it is not, although it does seem like it might be her debut for adult readers (she's a YA/MG author), which would explain the fade-to-black sex scenes (booo) and the really naive/youthful voice of the narrator.
I liked this book and would read more from this author, but it doesn't have anything that really makes it stand out from other books in the genre. The ending was also more bittersweet than I would have liked. I wanted Naomi to have a kick-ass and smutty happily-ever-after. But maybe that's just the romance reader in me. Anyway, if you like sad girl mystery thrillers a la Gillian Flynn, you'll love this.
Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review!
3 to 3.5 stars
January 6, 2023
4.5* review to come!
February 22, 2024
MY JAW DROPPED and is still on the ground.
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