The God of the Woods: A Novel

This book has been touted as THE book of the summer, and honestly? It lives up to the hype. An easy five stars.Set at a stunning lake estate and summer camp in the Adirondacks, the atmosphere is perfect for an immersive mystery. The setting alone is rich with potential, but Liz Moore’s writing takes full advantage, pulling you in with every turn.What makes God of the Woods stand out is the layers. It’s a slow-burn mystery where the plot unravels bit by bit, but somehow the pacing still feels fast. There are multiple characters, multiple scenarios, and plenty of suspects to keep you on your toes. I couldn’t guess where it was going—always a win in my book.This is no run-of-the-mill whodunit; it’s a literary mystery that’s smart, well-written, and full of surprises. If you’re into a good brain workout with a side of suspense, this one’s a must-read.

Starts off slow. I'm almost didn't finish it. But I kept going and it got a lot better, actually so good I didn't want it to end. I think in the beginning it was hard to follow because it's broken into characters and different time lines. So it's a little confusing. But once it starts to take off it starts to get easier to follow . Some good twists and turns. Overall a pretty good book. Some things are left a little open that I would have liked closure on. But not big stuff. The characters are a little difficult to like and connect with. But mostly well written

This was an awesome book to end the year with. I loved it. It moved along, excellent character development, good plot. Got a little confusing when the truth started to come out but by the end it all made sense. I recommend this to all readers, I’d classify it as a mystery who done it. Not my norm but really enjoyable. CH

It's been awhile since I picked up a book that was so well written. Intriguing characters, ideal pacing, sufficiently complex to keep you guessing.

This is a book that's hard to review because there were many things I didn't like about it—in particular, its fragmented nature, with too many points-of-view and endless time-jumps that weren't always organic to the ongoing story—BUT about halfway through I literally could not put it down! That's no easy feat for an author =bravo! The story was fresh, surprising, full of twists, with a cast of compelling characters who (for the most part) were complex, original, and easy to root for. In retrospect, some of it was highly implausible BUT (again) it kept me riveted! Well worth reading.

This book is definitely one where a chance to rate it separately on several different aspects would be helpful. It’s well written in comparison with a lot of other current novels. The plot is engaging and rocks along at a decent pace, for the most part the characters are well flushed out, and the setting is described in sufficient detail to draw the reader into the story. Five stars for basic craftsmanship. However, there are several shortcomings. The story is littered with way too many characters and subplots that serve as fillers and distractions. For example, there are a great number of pages devoted to Tracy, a likable character who ultimately adds nothing to the overall story. Likewise for the character of Louise (who’s initially targeted as a suspect), we are provided with extensive details of her background (alcoholic mother, struggling younger brother), but this subplot only meanders eventually to a wan conclusion. Two stars for unnecessary subplots and background clutter. The main thrust of the novel is the story of a brother and sister born of wealthy parents, who both go missing in upstate New York some 14 years apart. Older brother “Bear” vanished first, casting a shadow over the entire family. Younger sister Barbara, lonely and neglected, disappears in the same area years later. The young inspector working on Barbara’s disappearance is the most interesting character in the book and I’d like to see more of her: Judyta. She deserves a story where she’s front and center. Judyta, inexperienced and facing a variety of skeptical witnesses needing to be interviewed, as well as the not so subtle disdain and chauvinism of her male colleagues, manages to solve both disappearances. Unfortunately, the climax of this novel is where it really goes off track and into the ditch. Have you ever read a novel where you reached the last page, closed the book, and wanted to throw it through the nearest window? Yeah, that kind of going off track. The solutions to both mysteries are preposterous, far fetched, ridiculous, unsatisfactory. . . I’m running out of adjectives here. There is so much squandered potential in this novel—the work of a truly talented author who I believe could have crafted a remarkable story. Maybe next time. One star for the outlandish and disappointing ending.

Las hijas son gruesa, la tipografía es linda. El diseño de la portada es espectacular y tiene un forro de papel rico al tacto que te puede servir de separador. Me gustó mucho los acabados de hot stamping en la portada del libro. Me chifló!

I couldn’t put this book down. The first Liz Moore book I have read and well worth the read!

Can recommend

Excellent book very much in the manner of Chris Whitaker and his Tall Oaks and All the colours of the Dark - both of which were fantastic. A slow burning mystery about the disappearance of a young teenager, whose elder brother also mysteriously disappeared 10 years previously, both from a kids camp in the Adirondacks. Also the story of the detective investigating the case. I really enjoyed everything about this - the characters, in particular Barbara, TJ and Judyta, the descriptions of the Adirondacks and the plot. I didn't guess the ending but wasn't surprised by it and everything was beautifully tied up in a decent time frame, unlike so many books where the ending is revealed in one or two pages. I hate that. Its as if the author has had enough and can't wait to finish it. Nothing like that here. It's a slow, meandering book which is fairly long. I'm definitely going to read more by this author. Excellent.

Truly a great book. Couldn't recommend it more.