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The Ruins of Woodman's Village
When twin teenage sisters go missing at the height of tourist season, Laurel, Maine Police Chief Tim Nichols’ summer of patrolling beaches and leading parades comes to an abrupt end. A desperate search for the girls takes him from seaside bars and abandoned farms to million dollar estates and cobbled-together shacks. As Nichols doggedly unearths scraps of information and deciphers a steady flow of half-truths, he finds a darkness coursing through Laurel’s sunny, tree-lined streets. He races to piece together the girls’ disappearance, knowing that doing so may tear the façade off his postcard-perfect town.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2023
6 people are currently reading
6272 people want to read
About the author
Albert Waitt
4 books184 followersFlood Tide, the second book in Albert Waitt's L.T. Nichols mystery series, was published by Level Best Books in April 2024. The Ruins of Woodman’s Village, the first in the series, was released in 2023. Set on the Maine coast in the 1980's, they feature small town police chief LT Nichols.
The Portland Press Herald stated: "Maine writer Waitt reveals a great talent for crafting a provocative, compelling mystery in 'The Ruins of Woodman’s Village.' He exhibits masterful confidence in pacing, taking time to lay out all the pieces, then deeply setting the hook to reel in the ending without a snag. It is a story with social substance, making it all the more engaging."
Waitt’s first novel, Summer to Fall, was published in 2013 by Barrel Fire Press. His short fiction has appeared in The Literary Review, Third Coast, The Beloit Fiction Journal, Words and Images, Stymie: A journal of sport and literature, and other publications. Waitt is a graduate of Bates College and the Creative Writing Program at Boston University.
Experiences ranging from tending bar, teaching writing, playing punk rock guitar, coaching, and frying clams can be found bleeding through his work.
The Portland Press Herald stated: "Maine writer Waitt reveals a great talent for crafting a provocative, compelling mystery in 'The Ruins of Woodman’s Village.' He exhibits masterful confidence in pacing, taking time to lay out all the pieces, then deeply setting the hook to reel in the ending without a snag. It is a story with social substance, making it all the more engaging."
Waitt’s first novel, Summer to Fall, was published in 2013 by Barrel Fire Press. His short fiction has appeared in The Literary Review, Third Coast, The Beloit Fiction Journal, Words and Images, Stymie: A journal of sport and literature, and other publications. Waitt is a graduate of Bates College and the Creative Writing Program at Boston University.
Experiences ranging from tending bar, teaching writing, playing punk rock guitar, coaching, and frying clams can be found bleeding through his work.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 2, 2025
This was an entertaining mystery!
May 30, 2023
In his latest mystery novel, The Ruins of Woodman's Village, Albert Waitt weaves a gripping narrative that is both compelling and disquieting. Set on the picturesque Maine coast in 1986, Waitt's tale is the first in a series featuring Police Chief LT Nichols, a character whose tenacity and dedication are as deep as the coastal waters he patrols.
The tranquil serenity of a sunlit, tree-lined summer is abruptly interrupted when two teenage sisters go missing at the height of the tourist season. From that point on, Police Chief Nichols' summer of beach patrols ends, replaced by a desperate search that takes him from seaside bars to abandoned farms, from million-dollar estates to cobbled-together shacks. The coastal town of Laurel, Maine, with its postcard-perfect façade, undergoes a metamorphosis as Nichols doggedly unearths information, revealing a darkness coursing through its sunny, tree-lined streets.
Waitt's prose is evocative and engaging, crafting a world that is as vivid as it is unsettling. His mastery of suspense creates an ebb and flow of tension that reflects the coastal setting. There's a meticulous attention to detail that adds authenticity to the narrative, with each location visited by Nichols during his investigation painted in rich, realistic strokes.
The character of Police Chief LT Nichols stands as a beacon of steadfast dedication amidst the chaos. His struggle is palpable as he battles not just the mystery of the girls' disappearance, but also the looming threat of exposing the sinister underbelly of his beloved town.
However, despite its strengths, The Ruins of Woodman's Village is not without its shortcomings. At times, the pace of the narrative slows, causing the tension to wane. Additionally, some of the supporting characters lack depth, appearing more as plot devices than fully fleshed-out individuals. Nonetheless, these flaws do not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment of the book.
Overall, The Ruins of Woodman's Village is a compelling mystery novel that successfully blends a richly detailed setting with a gripping, if occasionally uneven, narrative. Waitt's latest offering is a captivating exploration of a small town's secrets and the relentless lawman determined to uncover them. While not the best book of the year, it is certainly worth the read, particularly for fans of the genre.
The tranquil serenity of a sunlit, tree-lined summer is abruptly interrupted when two teenage sisters go missing at the height of the tourist season. From that point on, Police Chief Nichols' summer of beach patrols ends, replaced by a desperate search that takes him from seaside bars to abandoned farms, from million-dollar estates to cobbled-together shacks. The coastal town of Laurel, Maine, with its postcard-perfect façade, undergoes a metamorphosis as Nichols doggedly unearths information, revealing a darkness coursing through its sunny, tree-lined streets.
Waitt's prose is evocative and engaging, crafting a world that is as vivid as it is unsettling. His mastery of suspense creates an ebb and flow of tension that reflects the coastal setting. There's a meticulous attention to detail that adds authenticity to the narrative, with each location visited by Nichols during his investigation painted in rich, realistic strokes.
The character of Police Chief LT Nichols stands as a beacon of steadfast dedication amidst the chaos. His struggle is palpable as he battles not just the mystery of the girls' disappearance, but also the looming threat of exposing the sinister underbelly of his beloved town.
However, despite its strengths, The Ruins of Woodman's Village is not without its shortcomings. At times, the pace of the narrative slows, causing the tension to wane. Additionally, some of the supporting characters lack depth, appearing more as plot devices than fully fleshed-out individuals. Nonetheless, these flaws do not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment of the book.
Overall, The Ruins of Woodman's Village is a compelling mystery novel that successfully blends a richly detailed setting with a gripping, if occasionally uneven, narrative. Waitt's latest offering is a captivating exploration of a small town's secrets and the relentless lawman determined to uncover them. While not the best book of the year, it is certainly worth the read, particularly for fans of the genre.
May 9, 2023
A mesmerizing mystery to satisfy on every level!
Maine author Albert Wyatt earned his degrees from Bates College and from Boston University’s Creative Writing Program. He has published short stories in important journals, and his books to date - SUMMER TO FALL and now THE RUINS OF WOODMAN’S VILLAGE. Wyatt lives in Kennebunkport and his knowledge of Maine’s coastal towns is evident not only in his atmospheric settings but also in the social vagaries that pulse this fine mystery into a meaningful status. Engaging the reader at the outset, he writes: ‘”Chief, you better come out here.” I put down the sports page of the County Star. Estelle Maynard’s eyebrows were in a V and her chin was quivering. She hadn’t knocked, never mind used the intercom. I couldn’t even guess what that meant. I sighed as I leaned into the arms of my chair and pushed myself up…A sheet of sweat broke out across my back when I saw the woman glaring at me from the counter…’That intro to Chief LT Nichols and a hint of the mystery that follows blossoms.
Wyatt successfully creates an absorbing, attention addictive mystery novel that works on every level. He condenses the plot well - ‘When twin teenage sisters go missing at the height of tourist season, Laurel, Maine Police Chief Tim Nichols' summer of patrolling beaches and leading parades comes to an abrupt end. A desperate search for the girls takes him from seaside bars and abandoned farms to million dollar estates and cobbled-together shacks. As Nichols doggedly unearths scraps of information and deciphers a steady flow of half-truths, he finds a darkness coursing through Laurel's sunny, tree-lined streets. He races to piece together the girls' disappearance, knowing that doing so may tear the façade off his postcard-perfect town.’ Reading this well-scribed novel is akin to visiting the coast of Maine, so well is the locale painted. Add a clever and convincing mystery and this book is satisfying on every level. Highly recommended.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
Maine author Albert Wyatt earned his degrees from Bates College and from Boston University’s Creative Writing Program. He has published short stories in important journals, and his books to date - SUMMER TO FALL and now THE RUINS OF WOODMAN’S VILLAGE. Wyatt lives in Kennebunkport and his knowledge of Maine’s coastal towns is evident not only in his atmospheric settings but also in the social vagaries that pulse this fine mystery into a meaningful status. Engaging the reader at the outset, he writes: ‘”Chief, you better come out here.” I put down the sports page of the County Star. Estelle Maynard’s eyebrows were in a V and her chin was quivering. She hadn’t knocked, never mind used the intercom. I couldn’t even guess what that meant. I sighed as I leaned into the arms of my chair and pushed myself up…A sheet of sweat broke out across my back when I saw the woman glaring at me from the counter…’That intro to Chief LT Nichols and a hint of the mystery that follows blossoms.
Wyatt successfully creates an absorbing, attention addictive mystery novel that works on every level. He condenses the plot well - ‘When twin teenage sisters go missing at the height of tourist season, Laurel, Maine Police Chief Tim Nichols' summer of patrolling beaches and leading parades comes to an abrupt end. A desperate search for the girls takes him from seaside bars and abandoned farms to million dollar estates and cobbled-together shacks. As Nichols doggedly unearths scraps of information and deciphers a steady flow of half-truths, he finds a darkness coursing through Laurel's sunny, tree-lined streets. He races to piece together the girls' disappearance, knowing that doing so may tear the façade off his postcard-perfect town.’ Reading this well-scribed novel is akin to visiting the coast of Maine, so well is the locale painted. Add a clever and convincing mystery and this book is satisfying on every level. Highly recommended.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
August 8, 2023
I recently had the pleasure of diving into a novel by Albert Wyatt, a writer who hails from Maine and has studied at Bates College and Boston University. His book, The Ruins of Woodman’s Village is the latest addition to his collection, and I must say, I enjoyed it a lot.
Wyatt's deep connection to Maine's coastal towns is palpable in his writing. As a resident of Kennebunkport, he paints a vivid picture of the locale, and his understanding of the social intricacies adds depth to the mystery. I was immediately drawn in by the opening lines: '"Chief, you better come out here." I glanced up from the County Star's sports page, noticing Estelle Maynard's furrowed brows and trembling chin. Without a knock or a word through the intercom, she was there, and I had no idea why. Rising from my chair, I was met with a woman's glare from the counter...' This introduction to Chief LT Nichols was just a glimpse of the mystery that awaited.
What I found most impressive about Wyatt's writing was his ability to craft a mystery that kept me hooked from start to finish. The story revolves around the disappearance of twin teenage sisters in Laurel, Maine. Police Chief Tim Nichols' summer takes a dark turn as he searches through bars, farms, estates, and shacks, uncovering secrets and lies that reveal a hidden darkness in the town. The way Wyatt described the setting made me feel like I was right there on the coast of Maine, unraveling the mystery alongside Nichols.
I must commend Wyatt for his skill in condensing the plot without losing any of its richness. The novel is not just a mystery; it's a journey through a town that seems perfect on the surface but hides something sinister beneath. Reading it was like visiting Maine's coast, with the added thrill of a clever and convincing mystery.
I can't recommend this book enough. Whether you're a fan of mysteries or simply love well-written stories that transport you to another place, The Ruins of Woodman’s Village is a must-read. It's satisfying on every level, and I'm already looking forward to Wyatt's next work.
Wyatt's deep connection to Maine's coastal towns is palpable in his writing. As a resident of Kennebunkport, he paints a vivid picture of the locale, and his understanding of the social intricacies adds depth to the mystery. I was immediately drawn in by the opening lines: '"Chief, you better come out here." I glanced up from the County Star's sports page, noticing Estelle Maynard's furrowed brows and trembling chin. Without a knock or a word through the intercom, she was there, and I had no idea why. Rising from my chair, I was met with a woman's glare from the counter...' This introduction to Chief LT Nichols was just a glimpse of the mystery that awaited.
What I found most impressive about Wyatt's writing was his ability to craft a mystery that kept me hooked from start to finish. The story revolves around the disappearance of twin teenage sisters in Laurel, Maine. Police Chief Tim Nichols' summer takes a dark turn as he searches through bars, farms, estates, and shacks, uncovering secrets and lies that reveal a hidden darkness in the town. The way Wyatt described the setting made me feel like I was right there on the coast of Maine, unraveling the mystery alongside Nichols.
I must commend Wyatt for his skill in condensing the plot without losing any of its richness. The novel is not just a mystery; it's a journey through a town that seems perfect on the surface but hides something sinister beneath. Reading it was like visiting Maine's coast, with the added thrill of a clever and convincing mystery.
I can't recommend this book enough. Whether you're a fan of mysteries or simply love well-written stories that transport you to another place, The Ruins of Woodman’s Village is a must-read. It's satisfying on every level, and I'm already looking forward to Wyatt's next work.
April 24, 2023
This is my first experience reading author Albert Waitt. I found Ruins of Woodman’s Village to be a gripping mystery that explores the complexities of class and social equity in a fictional rural town. Waitt has a real talent for creating multidimensional characters that feel like they could be your next-door neighbors. Through the perspectives of the town's residents, we get an intimate look into their lives, secrets, and motivations.
The novel's main character, Police Chief Nichols, is a flawed but relatable protagonist who is navigating personal issues while doggedly pursuing a missing person's case. As a reader, I felt like I was immersed in the scenes with Nichol's as he worked to uncover the truth. The pacing of the novel is excellent, and the tension builds steadily until the very end.
One of the things that I appreciated about Ruins was the way it tackled relevant and poignant issues such as class and social equity. Waitt's exploration of these themes feels honest and nuanced, and he never shied away from addressing the complexities and contradictions inherent in them.
Overall, I found this to be a great read that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a good mystery novel with well-developed characters and a thought-provoking exploration of social issues. Waitt has hit with this one I feel, and I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.
The novel's main character, Police Chief Nichols, is a flawed but relatable protagonist who is navigating personal issues while doggedly pursuing a missing person's case. As a reader, I felt like I was immersed in the scenes with Nichol's as he worked to uncover the truth. The pacing of the novel is excellent, and the tension builds steadily until the very end.
One of the things that I appreciated about Ruins was the way it tackled relevant and poignant issues such as class and social equity. Waitt's exploration of these themes feels honest and nuanced, and he never shied away from addressing the complexities and contradictions inherent in them.
Overall, I found this to be a great read that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a good mystery novel with well-developed characters and a thought-provoking exploration of social issues. Waitt has hit with this one I feel, and I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.
May 12, 2023
The Ruins of Woodman's Village: An LT Nichols Mystery by Albert Waitt is a gripping and well-written small-town Maine murder mystery that immerses the reader in a complex web of characters, each with their own relatable and quirky qualities. From the opening pages to the climactic ending, the story takes us through a variety of harsh class disparity realities and introduces both endearing and despicable characters. As the plot develops fairly quickly, you learn about a tragic incident and follow Laurel, Maine Police Chief Tim Nichols as he navigates the mystery of missing twins. Nichols is a relatable character full of flaws, and this makes him all the more believable. The author weaves specific locales into the story, creating an authentic and immersive reading experience as well. This is a book that will leave you eager for a sequel. Highly recommend.
January 19, 2024
A fine read!
If you live in Maine, or at least northern New England, you'll recognise all these characters: the local "yokels" who are often held in low regard, the vacationers from away, and the regular folks just trying to enjoy life in a nice, quiet small town. Throw in a low-key police force used to dealing with little more than parking tickets and the occasional bar-fight, and a couple of missing teenagers who may have met with foul play and enjoy watching the action unfurl.
This novel is well written and tells a very horrible, but believable story, and is populated with a cast of well-drawn characters, going through a dramatic period of life in a small town.
If you live in Maine, or at least northern New England, you'll recognise all these characters: the local "yokels" who are often held in low regard, the vacationers from away, and the regular folks just trying to enjoy life in a nice, quiet small town. Throw in a low-key police force used to dealing with little more than parking tickets and the occasional bar-fight, and a couple of missing teenagers who may have met with foul play and enjoy watching the action unfurl.
This novel is well written and tells a very horrible, but believable story, and is populated with a cast of well-drawn characters, going through a dramatic period of life in a small town.
May 28, 2025
An exciting read here from Albert Waitt, I found it hard to put the book down. The protagonist, Tim Nicholls was a pleasantly relatable law enforcement officer. His flawed, grounded and upright character was real and easy to root for, as if he were a friend. On top on this, Waitt’s ability to create a vivid geographic backdrop with words threw me head first into the swells of Laurel; I felt like a slightly buzzed and sunburnt local. (in the best way possible). I cannot wait to pick up the next addition to the series.
September 1, 2025
Albert Waitt takes inland Maine and coastal Maine and plunks them down together in the town of Laurel, stirs the pot, and then lets it boil over. Chief of police, LT Nichols, has to weave his way through years of pent up local animosity, a love life that scares him almost as much as it embraces him, and a cast of colorful characters to catch a killer. Like a bowl of lobster stew, "The Ruins of Woodman's Village" is meant to be savored.
May 8, 2023
A diverse cast of characters and a well-crafted narrative make this novel a must-read for mystery lovers. Author Albert Waitt presents a flawed hero just trying to do his job by doing what's right, and paints a compelling - and sometime disturbing - picture of life in small-town coastal Maine in the 1980s. Looking forward to reading the next LT Nichols mystery.
June 23, 2024
Hard to put down - whether or not you are from Maine
Albert writes with an easy to follow style that becomes more engrossing the longer the book goes on. All loose ends, that are in the mind of LT Nichols, wind up tied together by the end. Of course this is only the end of.the beginning and I look forward to Part 2 in Flood Tide.
Albert writes with an easy to follow style that becomes more engrossing the longer the book goes on. All loose ends, that are in the mind of LT Nichols, wind up tied together by the end. Of course this is only the end of.the beginning and I look forward to Part 2 in Flood Tide.
September 22, 2023
On a perfect town with a dark neighboring village LT tries to keep control of the visitors. He lets the villagers police themselves until he can’t.
Great dialogue, great plot. Page turning and compelling.
Can’t wait to read more
Great dialogue, great plot. Page turning and compelling.
Can’t wait to read more
March 26, 2024
I was excited to read after I got it as a gift! Started out very slow but picked up after 100 or so pages. Cute story, Maine towns and places which I enjoy but too many characters and moving parts made it hard to follow!
August 18, 2024
Only heard of this book because my interns father wrote it and he recommended it. This was a good ol fashioned who-done-it
September 8, 2025
Author is a friend of a friend. Recommended by Rob O'Regan.
Purchased from Amazon Prime August 1st, 2025. Received August 10th 2025.
Started Reading August 11th, 2025
Enticing opening Chapter.
4.0 / 5.0
Biased review of a friends book. Very entertaining and full of twists. End ties things up nicely.
Narrator uses a lot of cliches but they do not detract from story line.
Purchased from Amazon Prime August 1st, 2025. Received August 10th 2025.
Started Reading August 11th, 2025
Enticing opening Chapter.
4.0 / 5.0
Biased review of a friends book. Very entertaining and full of twists. End ties things up nicely.
Narrator uses a lot of cliches but they do not detract from story line.
June 21, 2024
Its a good read. Small town mystery. Held my attention and really liked the characters. Cant wait to read 2 & 3
November 22, 2025
The Ruins of Woodman's Village by Albert Waitt is a gripping mystery novel that follows the search for two missing teenage sisters in a small town. The book's protagonist, Police Chief Tim Nichols, is a well-developed character who struggles with his personal issues while attempting to solve the case. The novel's pacing is excellent, with tension building steadily until the very end, keeping readers engaged throughout.
What distinguishes this book is its insightful treatment of pertinent and emotive issues concerning class and social justice. The author's exploration of these themes is candid and unflinching, and he deftly confronts the inherent complexities and contradictions. As a result, the novel possesses a profound sense of depth, rendering it an engaging and thought-provoking read.
The Ruins of Woodman's Village is a well-crafted mystery novel that will keep you engaged from beginning to end. Waitt's excellent pacing and exploration of important themes make it a standout in the genre. A good read for fans of mystery novels or anyone looking for a thought-provoking read.
You might like to wander through a few artistic journals — they’re full of sparks and surprises.
What distinguishes this book is its insightful treatment of pertinent and emotive issues concerning class and social justice. The author's exploration of these themes is candid and unflinching, and he deftly confronts the inherent complexities and contradictions. As a result, the novel possesses a profound sense of depth, rendering it an engaging and thought-provoking read.
The Ruins of Woodman's Village is a well-crafted mystery novel that will keep you engaged from beginning to end. Waitt's excellent pacing and exploration of important themes make it a standout in the genre. A good read for fans of mystery novels or anyone looking for a thought-provoking read.
You might like to wander through a few artistic journals — they’re full of sparks and surprises.
July 30, 2023
Having grown up in rural Maine, I recognize much of what transpires in this story. It's gritty, dark, and sometimes profane, but pretty accurate. There are small towns in Maine with enclaves like the one ruled by Boomer. Greed runs a lot of things in places like Laurel and Woodman's Village as well.
I like dark tales and this certainly fills the bill. I look forward to more by this author.
I like dark tales and this certainly fills the bill. I look forward to more by this author.
March 28, 2023
Good fun book, read it!
Looking forward to next one…
Looking forward to next one…
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews