53 pages 1 hour read

Kate Alice Marshall

What Lies in the Woods

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

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.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read What Lies in the Woods?

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.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Modern Classic Fiction

Themes

Relationships: Friendship

Emotions/Behavior: Conflict

Emotions/Behavior: Guilt

Topics

Trauma / Abuse / Violence

Gender / Feminism