53 pages • 1 hour read
Kate Alice MarshallA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
What Lies in the Woods by Kate Alice Marshall follows Naomi Shaw Cunningham, who returns to her small hometown to unravel the traumatic events from her childhood involving her two best friends, Cass and Liv. As they played in the woods, Naomi was attacked and they found a skeleton they kept secret. Years later, with new evidence emerging, Naomi seeks the truth behind these events, exploring themes of maturity, friendship tensions, and the destructive power of secrets and lies. The novel includes references to suicide, domestic violence, sexual assault of a minor, and alcohol use disorder.
Kate Alice Marshall’s What Lies in the Woods has received a mix of praise and criticism. Readers appreciate the gripping and twist-filled narrative, along with strong character development. However, some felt the plot became convoluted and the pacing uneven. Overall, it’s a compelling thriller with engaging elements but may not satisfy all mystery enthusiasts.
Readers who relish gripping, twist-filled psychological thrillers akin to Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl or Paula Hawkins' The Girl on the Train will be captivated by Kate Alice Marshall's What Lies in the Woods. This novel will appeal to those who enjoy uncovering dark secrets and unraveling complex mysteries.
Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction
Mystery / Crime Fiction
Modern Classic Fiction
Relationships: Friendship
Emotions/Behavior: Conflict
Emotions/Behavior: Guilt
Trauma / Abuse / Violence
Gender / Feminism