The Foe in the Forest

Stonehaven Mysteries #3

by Linn Chapel

Danger’s afoot in Stonehaven’s forest, and Marc Chevalier is determined to track it down before his treasured estate on the coast of Maine can be destroyed by a hidden foe.

Meanwhile, his mother has spotted Laurel Bachmann in the dining room of a local inn, only the beautiful young photojournalist was in the company of another man. Has she forgotten about Marc so soon?

As for Laurel, all of her helicopter flights to photograph the scenic Maine coast from the air had been going very well until they'd been suddenly interrupted by the Bar Harbor police, who'd showed up unexpectedly at the Schoodic Inn to search her luggage. Now she’s being detained for questioning in the Bar Harbor station, and only Marc knows what to do.

The Cat has his worries, too. His suspicious nature is alerted when two trespassers wash ashore at Stonehaven during a spring squall. One of them is a secretive man who hurries through the forest, bent on some unknown mission, and the other is a bedraggled feline. She may have the prettiest eyes the Cat has ever seen, but she’s frightened of him and she does her best to hide herself in Stonehaven’s forest.

Another cozy paranormal mystery set on the rugged coast of Maine

Categories: cozy paranormal mystery, romantic mystery, cozy cat mystery, cozy Maine mystery, woman sleuth mystery, romantic mystery series, romance mystery, Maine coast mystery novella, cozy fantasy mystery

Genres: Paranormal

178 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 8, 2021

Reviews

[Karen Siddall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exciting new entry in the fresh and unique Stonehaven Mysteries series.

The Foe of the Forest is the third entry in the paranormal series, the Stonehaven Mysteries, by Linn Chapel. Several months have passed since the events of the previous book, and Marc and Laurel, unable to reconcile their lifestyles with each other, have gone their separate ways, though clearly, they are still in love.

Marc's mother, Serena, falters in her hopes that the two will get back together when she sees Laurel and a male photographer in town, jumping to the conclusion that they are a couple. She reports her sighting and conclusion to Marc, who takes it to heart.

Marc's paranormal abilities and more about his magical legacy are explained and explored in this book. The author has created a fresh and unique plot, skill set, and an intriguing backstory for the Chevalier family. Laurel continues to work through her personal need for safety in her life, but she also displays great courage to help the man she loves. An author's note mentions that the next book will conclude the series. Although I'm greatly looking forward to what's ahead for Laurel and Marc, I will really hate to see this story end.

I recommend THE FOE IN THE FOREST to readers who have enjoyed the previous books in the series. I recommend the Stonehaven Mysteries to readers who enjoy a paranormal element in their mysteries, especially those looking for something fresh and new.

[Marion Over · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderfully warm cozy mystery from Stonehaven, Maine. I really enjoy the simple things that make these stories so good. They're a relaxing enjoyable read.
This installment added more characters and plot twists to this mystical piece of land. Of course I can't spoil it by telling you about it. Regardless, it's a wonderful little addition that only adds to the magic.
It makes it even harder to think Marc could give up who he is and the connection he has to this land to spare Laurels fear. She's so scared of him being hurt and he's so in love with her, I think they have missed the fact that his particular magic has saved them many times over.
Laurels is in trouble with the law this time. And all the characters must prove her innocence and save this historical land from a greater evil.
Our favorite flying cat played a big part in this book and he even finds a new friend.

I received this ARC from Booksirens for free, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Darla Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's something wrong in Stonehaven's forest and Marc Chevalier is determined to find the cause before the estate is destroyed. Meanwhile, Laurel Bachmann is being questioned by the Bar Harbor police for a serious crime so Marc steps in to help. The Cat is also worried as he sees two intruders come ashore during a storm. One is a man on a secret mission, and the other is a small feline with beautiful eyes.

I've really enjoyed this series and this book is no exception. It's well-written with wonderful characters and is one fantastic read. The book blends paranormal elements with more realistic ones making for an enchanting story. I was drawn into the book from the start and kept hooked until the finish. The mystery will keep you guessing throughout. I'm very eager for the next book. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order.

[Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m enjoying this series of novellas, featuring Marc Chevalier and Laurel Bachman, as well as the Cat. This time Laurel is accused of robbery, but protests her innocence and ends up being released from custody to stay at Stonehaven. There is an undercurrent of menace this time, somethings going on and they need to find out what before worse things happen. We’ve still got the ‘will they, won’t they’ theme running through the story, although I’m beginning to become a bit frustrated with Laurel. I’d also really like it if this was proper book length rather than a series of novellas. I need to know what’s going to happen next! However, there’s a decent story, intrigue and fantasy, some good characters and a new cat, all of which makes this an enjoyable read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Foe in the Forest is book #3 in the Stonehaven Mysteries series by Linn Chapel.

Laurel Bachmann is back in Maine with another man. She soon finds herself in trouble when the police search her bags. There is something going on at Stonehaven and Marc Chevalier has to fix it before they lose the house.

This series keeps getting better with each installment. The Cat has a big role which I really enjoy. We learn more about the secrets around Stonehaven as Marc and Laurel try to clear Laurel’s name. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Thank you to the author and BookSirens for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series, it's different from the mainline mystery - as it has a little bit of everything going on and in it. Of course, there's a mystery and Laurel finds herself as a suspect, but the setting and descriptions made of the forest and the mansion just bring the story to life. I've never been to Maine, but have always wanted to go and just reading this series (I know it's not real) makes me want to go there more! There's a touch of paranormal to the storyline, so that interests me even more. Marc is a little bit aggravating to me but I'll hold back until I read the whole series and see what happens. I will definitely be on the lookout for any of Linn Chapel's books.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Foe in the Forest is Book 3 in the Stonehaven Mysteries by Linn Chapel. I enjoyed book 3 as much as I did books 1 and 2. Linn Chapel puts so much in this book; fantasy, mystery, murder, outstanding characters, great writing, I thought The Foe in the Forest was fantastic! The Cat is an interesting character. He is very protective of the Forest and only likes Marc (for humans) and not many animals. The Foe is evil and a great adversary. I hope we get a book 4 because I am not ready for the series to end. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laurel is back in Maine, but is suspected of theft. Marc Chevalier is having his own problems on Stonehaven. Something evil and dark is living in the forest, and threatening the very existence of Stonehaven. This third book in the Stonehaven Mysteries series continues to enchant the reader. I enjoyed the introduction of a new character, the Hermit, to their magical world. The Stag and the Winged Cat are unique and impressive, and The Foe is creepy and scary. I was very excited to read The Foe in the Forest and it does not disappoint.
Thanks to BookSirens for the review copy.

[Korinne Tande · Rating 5 out of 5]

And just who - or what - is The Foe? While there is a battle with The Foe in this story, my initial question remains unanswered….perhaps the answers will be found in the next book! I enjoyed the book as it has a balance of fantasy, mystery, murder, romance, while leaving several questions unanswered. In my opinion, the Cat with wings needs to play a greater role in the story, but like several key characters, perhaps there is more to come in the next book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sue Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

another great book, my mysteries, another mysterious creature that lurks around stonehaven, more adventures. i assume there will be a 4th book to the series since now the new creatures needs to be figured out what it is and where it came from. also love the idea where she adds recipes at the end of the book as well the 2nd book, first one didn't have one that i remember. if you love mythical creatures like my twin and i do, adventures, mysteries, crime solving...yeah these series are the ones or yeah and romance LOL, can't wait for the next book to come out

[KK from KY · Rating 4 out of 5]

That Foe, though!

In this third installment, there is much more of the paranormal element than in the previous two. The story still follows Laural and Marc is their somewhat romantic journey. However, the non-human characters are the main focus this time around. It truly has all the elements of the typical fairytale. Nothing wrong with that. Looking forward to the last book, I’m hoping to learn then backstory to all the paranormal characters, find out way more about this foe in the forest and hopefully the happily ever after for Marc and Laural.

[Mickey Kay Troxell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this book and finished it too quickly…. I wanted more! I can’t wait for the 4th book in series to come out. The relationship between the main characters continues to grow and hopefully will solidify soon. Also, I really enjoyed the more in-depth development given on the animals, especially the cat.

Signed, Excitingly Waiting

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book three of this series brought on the suspense! Tension between our main characters is at a high level -- particularly due to assumptions made by one of them. Communication between these two needs a lot of work -- but it does add to the tension of the story. And an outside threat makes things even more perilous. A great addition to the story!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gareth Ellzey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good enjoyable read, but

This was billed as a trilogy. But (spoiler alert) I felt it ended in a cliffhanger.
The plot was good, if a little contrived. I wish Marc were not quite so I’ll-do-it-all-myself. I think the heroine is a bit neurotic, but may be willing to change. So I expect another episode.

[Nan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Foe in the Forest

Laurel ends up back at Stonehaven under less than stellar circumstances. Accused of theft, she and Marc work to prove her innocence while also fighting against an evil attacking Stonehaven itself. There’s old fashioned mystery, supernatural goings on, and finally some romance. All in all an excellent read and one I highly recommend.

[V · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoying this easy cozy mystery series. Has a little bit of everything in it. Romance? Of course but it is very slow burn and the tension is strong. Marc and Laurel just need to be together already. This book dealt with a robbery gone wrong and a hidden foe in the woods. Looking forward to the next and last book in this series.

[Patty Mele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a good book and I read it from the very beginning to the very end. The character built up was very thought out and made the most sense to me and this is my opinion. I thought the storyline was so well written and made the most sense to me and this is my opinion,

[Annarella]

A good story, well written and entertaining. I loved the Cat and the story with the stray and found the mystery well plotted.
Can't wait to read another story
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Melanie Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

another exciting installment

I like these books. The story is intriguing in the mystery always keeps my attention. I just feel like they leave me hanging way too much at the end. And there’s no satisfaction with the romance.

[Linda Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome three books!

This book is one that kept me reading from the first word to the last one. In fact the first two books were just as good, lol!
I would recommend any book that Linn Chapel writes.

[Lizz Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurel and Marc reunite… to bad it is under some shady circumstances. There are a lot of twists and turns and a satisfying conclusion. And the winged cat makes a "friend" which was a fun storyline. One could probably read this as a standalone but I think it is best to read the previous books.

[Dorothy Tyler]

Wow

Loved this book. The olive issues seem so real. Can't wait for the next one. This book is well worth the read.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A touch of mystery, some supernatural happenings, a love that cannot happen because of the danger and so much more in this fantastic series

[J Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evil is stalking Stonehaven!

Laurel is in Bar Harbor on assignment with another photographer when she falls under suspicion for a robbery. When she is arrested there is no one to turn to but Marc. Finding evidence to prove her innocence is their goal but it turns out that isn't their biggest problem.

There is a lot going on in this intriguing story. The Cat and Stag are amazing magical creatures! I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Sapphyria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 finds Laurel back in Bar Harbor, Maine. On an adventure with a friend photographing the coast of Maine, Laurel winds up the suspect of a major jewelry heist. Apparently, one of the missing gems is located in Laurel’s luggage. Marc manages to obtain permission from the local police for Laurel, and eventually her photography pal, Brandon, to be housed at Stonehaven instead inside a jail cell. Not one to just sit on the sidelines, both Laurel and Marc being their own investigation.

In the meantime, Marc observes some geological disturbances around Stonehaven that one day may compromise their location. He’s also noticed some unusual weather patterns to the north of the mansion. As Laurel and Marc investigate some of the occurrences, they come across some potential clues to the jewelry theft. Unfortunately, their method of obtaining the information cannot be provided to the police so they must search the forest around Stonehaven for tangible evidence of wrongdoing.

It was inevitable Laurel finds herself back in Stonehaven with Marc and his mother. Laurel and Marc are destined to be together, whether they admit it or not. The character development and world building continue in The Foe in the Forest. The tension between Laurel and Marc is palpable. They are still tap dancing around their feelings throughout the book. Laurel needs a safe and sound future and Marc can’t be that guy. Or can he?

I really love the Stonehaven Mystery series by Linn Chapel. The setting was spectacular, and I felt like I was at the mansion, in the foggy forest, or in the dining room with some of the characters. I was first introduced to the books on BookSirens. I purchased a copy of The Foe in the Forest from Amazon. The series intrigues me, and I look forward to the next book.