What Lies in the Woods: A Novel By Kate Alice Marshall (2023)

In Kate Alice Marshall's "What Lies in the Woods," a chilling narrative unfolds around Naomi Shaw, Cassidy, and Olivia, who, as eleven-year-olds, ventured into the woods and created a world called the Goddess Game. Their summer of imagination turned sinister when Naomi was attacked, leading to a miraculous survival and the identification of a serial killer. The girls became heroes and liars, hiding a secret that spans two decades.

Now, Olivia desires to unveil the concealed truth, setting in motion a dangerous journey into the past. The novel masterfully blends elements of thriller and psychological exploration. The New York Times Book Review lauds it for unexpected plot twists and a gripping dance between past and present, evoking the intensity of Gillian Flynn's works.

The story delves into the intricacies of friendship, secrets, and the courage to confront buried truths. Naomi's quest to unearth the events in the woods serves as a tense backdrop, filled with suspense and unexpected revelations. As the characters navigate the labyrinth of their shared history, the narrative explores the darkness within the hearts and imaginations of young girls.

Chandler Baker, author of "The Husbands," praises the novel as a gorgeous fever dream, and Kirkus, in a starred review, highlights the incisive light it sheds on small-town secrets.

"What Lies in the Woods" is not only a compelling thriller but also an exploration of the haunting consequences of childhood secrets and the complexities of truth and deception. 📚❤️