What Lies in the Woods

By: Kate Alice Marshall

4/5 🔪 🔪 🔪 🔪

Naomi and her two best friends—Cassidy and Olivia—believed in magic twenty-two years ago. The girls lived for the magic of the woods, the cover of the trees, the feel of nature. Creating a Goddess Game, the three girls could always be found in the woods. Until one day, Naomi Shaw is found covered in blood and stab wounds. Cassidy and Olivia witnessed the entire attack, eventually using their recollections to put a known serial killer behind bars.

The three girls are seen as heroes and survivors, but when the serial killer dies in prison, the truth threatens to come out. A web of lies and false memories rise to the surface as Naomi returns to the place she swore she would leave forever.

Reminiscent of many Slenderman retellings, What Lies in the Woods is definitely my favorite thus far! I could not put this book down. The writing style and character development was beautifully done. The mystery was so enticing. There was even a touch of romance added in, which created a relief during the most difficult parts.

I found myself highlighting so many parts of this book, as well. Marshall writes such hauntingly beautiful sentences. She really allows you to feel empathy for the characters. Their deepest fears and inner thoughts are so beautifully conveyed, the reader can't help but cry alongside each character.

Of course, the final reveal was the best part! I was audibly gasping as I was devouring—and I mean DEVOURING—the last pages. I could not read fast enough! I was so entranced, I found myself skipping sentences and hurriedly running back to reread what I'd skipped. It's been a long time since I've read a book that I've been so completely lost in. I highly recommend this one!