What Lies in the Woods by Kate Alice Marshall
4.5 / 5 Stars
319 Pages
Originally Published in 2023
Finished Reading on April 16, 2024
Do you ever feel like some childhood memories should just stay buried? As a mom, I’ve often thought about how wild kids’ imaginations can be, but what if those games and fantasies turned into something darker?
That’s the premise of What Lies in the Woods, a thrilling read that kept me hooked until the very last page. I read this book fueled by too much coffee, and let me tell you, I skipped bedtime for it—and I regret nothing.
“I remember when the woods were magical. Before they became something else entirely.”
What I Loved
The story’s premise is chilling: a group of girls plays a dangerous game in the woods, leading to a horrifying crime. Years later, they reunite to confront the lies that bound them together.
The shifting timelines were handled brilliantly, unraveling secrets at just the right pace. And those plot twists? Let’s just say they had me gasping into my cup of French roast.
The relationships between the characters—both then and now—felt raw, real, and heartbreakingly tangled.
“The truth isn’t always the kind of thing you can hold up to the light. Sometimes, it’s better left in the dark.”
What I Didn’t Love
While I loved the suspense, the pacing did drag in a few spots, particularly in the middle. There were moments where I found myself wanting to skip ahead to uncover the next secret.
The ending, while satisfying, felt a little too neatly tied up for such a messy story. But hey, I’m just a mom with a knack for overthinking—I can’t help it!
“We all have our scars. Some are just harder to see than others.”
Final Thoughts
This book dives deep into the power of friendship, the weight of guilt, and the ways trauma can shape us. It also touches on the question of how far people will go to protect their secrets—and each other. If you love thrillers with a side of emotional complexity, this one’s for you.
This book is for:
- Fans of psychological thrillers that keep you guessing
- Readers who enjoy exploring complex female friendships
- Anyone who loves a mix of suspense and emotional depth
What Lies in the Woods is a compelling, haunting story that lingers long after you turn the last page. It’s not perfect, but it’s a wild, gripping ride that’s well worth your time.
I’d give it 4/5 stars!
What do you think? If you uncovered a secret from your past, would you want to dig deeper or let it lie? Share your thoughts below!