Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Death in the Dark Woods - Cozy Mystery Review

Goodreads: Death in the Dark Woods (A Monster Hunter Mystery #2) by Annelise Ryan

Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)
Source:   Publisher

Description:  A potential Bigfoot sighting is linked to a vicious murder, but skeptical cryptozoologist Morgan Carter is on the case in this new Monster Hunter Mystery by USA Today bestselling author Annelise Ryan.

Business has been booming since Morgan Carter solved the case of the monster living in Lake Michigan. The Odds and Ends bookstore is thriving, of course, but Morgan is most excited by the doors that were opened for her as a cryptid hunter.

Recently, there have been numerous sightings of a Bigfoot-type creature in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest area of Bayfield County, Wisconsin. After a man is found dead from a vicious throat injury in the forest, the conservation warden asks Morgan to investigate.

When Morgan and her dog, Newt, go there to investigate, they uncover a trail of lies, deception, and murder. It seems a mysterious creature is indeed living in the forest, and Morgan might be its next target.

Genre: Mystery - Cozy    

Why I Picked This Book:  I really enjoyed the first book in the series so of course I had to read the second book!

My Impression:  I really loved the first book in this somewhat grittier cozy mystery series with an added twist of monster hunting.  In this book Morgan is looking for Bigfoot in an isolated area in Wisconsin where two violent deaths have already occurred.  Morgan is away from her usual hunting grounds and away from her support system.  Charlie, the conservation warden, that got Morgan pulled into this has her own motivations and Morgan isn't quite sure just how far she can trust her.  The townspeople are of two minds on the existence of Bigfoot and even the believers aren't quite sure that Morgan isn't a fraud.  Add in an actual fraud inserting himself into the investigation and Morgan has an uphill battle in front of her when it comes to figuring out the truth.

I really like Morgan.  She's not exactly a believer but isn't an unbeliever either.  She's had an incredibly difficult past that she is still struggling to heal from and get past.  She's building her found family and has a fantastic dog which I can't help but appreciate.  

That said the pacing on this book felt a bit slower than the first book.  There's more setup and the investigation feels like it is in the early stages well into halfway through the book.   I really enjoy the author's writing style so it never felt like a slow read but it definitely isn't a blinding pace.  The mystery is really intriguing and I really had no idea how everything was going to wrap up until right before it did.

This is an entertaining read with a unique premise and a likable main character.  Definitely a great read if you're looking for something different but still want a cozy-ish read!  There is some rather gruesome descriptions but they aren't too graphic and for the most part are kept to a minimum.  

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Definitely!  I really enjoy this series and this author's writing style.  I'd like to read more from her.

Would I Recommend this Book?  If you like mysteries and are looking for something a bit different this is a great series!

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review.  As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *

3 comments:

  1. I mentioned this book today on my blog in a 'waiting on' post. I have the first book in the series on my Kindle, but I haven't read it yet. I'll get to it. Love your thoughts on this new one. I think I had read someone else's thoughts that the pace was a little slow. I'll remember that. Thanks for sharing, Katherine!

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  2. I really enjoyed her first book in this series, and can't wait to read this one. Gotta love a book with some bigfoot sightings! ;D

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  3. Sounds a bit creepy, but with a bit of a point of difference gives it points for sure.

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