What Lies in the Woods

Kate Alice Marshall
56 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Adult
Published in 2023

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Book Brief

Kate Alice Marshall

What Lies in the Woods

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023
Book Details
Pages

322

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Horror & Suspense

•

Mystery & Crime Fiction

•

Modern Classic Fiction
Setting

Pacific Northwest • 1990s

Theme
Friendship

•

Conflict

•

Guilt
Topic
Trauma & Abuse

•

Gender & Feminism
First Publication Year

2023

Publisher

Flatiron Books

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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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.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Dark

Emotional

Gritty

Reviews & Readership

4.0

235,708 ratings

74%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

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.

4.0

235,708 ratings

74%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

Naomi is the central character and narrator, marked by her independence and resilience, navigating a path dotted with past traumas and ongoing mysteries.

Cass is a strong-willed individual from a wealthy family whose interactions with Naomi and Liv are pivotal to the storyline.

Liv is a sensitive and artistic friend whose actions set much of the conflict in motion, and her story continues to influence events even after her death.

Ethan is a supportive figure and love interest to Naomi, whose background and motives unravel as the story progresses.

Cody is initially seen as a protector, but his true character reveals complexities that challenge Naomi's perception.

Oscar is a member of the Green family whose past behavior impacts Naomi’s journey, serving as a misleading figure in the unfolding events.

Book Details
Pages

322

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Horror & Suspense

•

Mystery & Crime Fiction

•

Modern Classic Fiction
Setting

Pacific Northwest • 1990s

Theme
Friendship

•

Conflict

•

Guilt
Topic
Trauma & Abuse

•

Gender & Feminism
First Publication Year

2023

Publisher

Flatiron Books

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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