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Solitude
The wilderness is a place of beauty and danger. One woman is about to face both.
Megan Danforth thought she knew the dangers of the forest, but she was wrong. When a little girl goes missing deep in the woods, the young forest ranger must put her own demons aside and turn to an infamous hermit for help. But as secrets are revealed and the clock ticks down, Megan begins to suspect the man she's relying on to save the girl's life may have ties to a string of unsolved disappearances and to her own troubled past. Was he truly alone out there in the woods, or was something evil with him? Something that might have driven him to kill. Can Megan uncover the truth and bring the missing child home before it's too late, or will the darkness haunting the forest consume them all?
With heart-pumping suspense and twists that will leave you breathless, this supernatural thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Get lost in the spine-chilling world of Solitude now!
Megan Danforth thought she knew the dangers of the forest, but she was wrong. When a little girl goes missing deep in the woods, the young forest ranger must put her own demons aside and turn to an infamous hermit for help. But as secrets are revealed and the clock ticks down, Megan begins to suspect the man she's relying on to save the girl's life may have ties to a string of unsolved disappearances and to her own troubled past. Was he truly alone out there in the woods, or was something evil with him? Something that might have driven him to kill. Can Megan uncover the truth and bring the missing child home before it's too late, or will the darkness haunting the forest consume them all?
With heart-pumping suspense and twists that will leave you breathless, this supernatural thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Get lost in the spine-chilling world of Solitude now!
- GenresHorror
229 pages, Hardcover
Published March 24, 2023
25 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
About the author
Michael Penning
12 books130 followersMichael Penning is a bestselling author and award-winning screenwriter of horror and dark fiction, crafting stories so chilling they could make a ghost shiver. He has been weaving nightmares since before he could finish his own sack of trick-or-treat candy. When he's not conjuring new ways to make readers sleep with one eye open, he enjoys traveling, photography, and brewing beer. He lives in Montreal with his wife and daughter, who have yet to flee in terror. For free giveaways and updates on new releases, visit www.michaelpenning.com and sign up for Michael's newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 19, 2023
Michael Penning became an auto-read author for me after I got both invested and blown away by his Book of Shadows series, and I have to say this felt like quite the departure from those. While his other novels felt pretty fast-paced to me, Solitude was a pretty slow burn for the majority of the book, and the action really takes place in the last 20% (although to be fair, this particular thing also happens with his other books as well). I really enjoyed the slow build, and I thought it was super interesting that part of the book was inspired by a real person named Christopher Knight. The supernatural aspect, while not as prominent as with the other books of Penning's I've read, is definitely still there and supplied a fantastic creepy and ominous vibe throughout the story.
I ended up being really surprised by the conclusion to Solitude, but I also saw a few things coming before the characters did and spent some time yelling at my book saying what I thought they should be doing. As one does. I really enjoyed Megan's character which was good since she is the main viewpoint, but I also loved having all of the different POVs as a whole. It kept things interesting and really built suspense for me. The only thing that probably bugged me more than it should have is the repetitive use of a certain word near the end of the book. I started counting the number of times I saw it and it drove me a little crazy. Total personal preference though, and I recommend this book completely if you love supernatural elements, slow burns, and a great mystery.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I ended up being really surprised by the conclusion to Solitude, but I also saw a few things coming before the characters did and spent some time yelling at my book saying what I thought they should be doing. As one does. I really enjoyed Megan's character which was good since she is the main viewpoint, but I also loved having all of the different POVs as a whole. It kept things interesting and really built suspense for me. The only thing that probably bugged me more than it should have is the repetitive use of a certain word near the end of the book. I started counting the number of times I saw it and it drove me a little crazy. Total personal preference though, and I recommend this book completely if you love supernatural elements, slow burns, and a great mystery.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 12, 2023
This was such a fun and fast-paced dark paranormal thriller and the woodsy setting and mood of the story is just perfection. Michael Penning has a way of making you feel like you’re living in the pages and I’m always so impressed with his writing. Highly recommend if you like ghostly thrillers!
March 30, 2023
Incredible, intense, fulfilling these are three words to describe Michael Pennings newest novel. With his description and characters he hooks you in and takes you on a wild ride. If you have read his work in the past you will love this one, if your sitting on the fence about trying something new jump over and give Michael Penning a shot you won't regret it!
March 25, 2023
"Places aren't haunted. The ghosts are already there inside our heads, just waiting for us to open the door and let them out!"
This quote is the most profound quote of the whole book in my opinion. It rings so much truth and is the complete base of this great story. Michael Penning has a way of making you think beyond your own boundaries of how the spiritual world can and will work with enough energy put into them. I absolutely love Michaels writing style. He has a way of making you the perfect bystander to what is going on and I devour his work. This dark thriller takes you on a woodsy journey like no other. Just be cautious the next time you decide to venture out into nature.....I know I will!!
I received a complimentary copy of this tale and this is my honest and unbiased review.
This quote is the most profound quote of the whole book in my opinion. It rings so much truth and is the complete base of this great story. Michael Penning has a way of making you think beyond your own boundaries of how the spiritual world can and will work with enough energy put into them. I absolutely love Michaels writing style. He has a way of making you the perfect bystander to what is going on and I devour his work. This dark thriller takes you on a woodsy journey like no other. Just be cautious the next time you decide to venture out into nature.....I know I will!!
I received a complimentary copy of this tale and this is my honest and unbiased review.
March 20, 2023
Grab your survival gear and jump in now!
Michael never disappoints with his books, this one was no exception. A new story from the author who brought you The Book of Shadows series. If you have read any other books of Michaels then you are going to want to pick up Solitude. What a wild ride, great character development 🙌🏻 The female lead is honestly so bad ass you can’t ask for a better character. From the moment you pick this one up you are not going to want to put it down.
Michael never disappoints with his books, this one was no exception. A new story from the author who brought you The Book of Shadows series. If you have read any other books of Michaels then you are going to want to pick up Solitude. What a wild ride, great character development 🙌🏻 The female lead is honestly so bad ass you can’t ask for a better character. From the moment you pick this one up you are not going to want to put it down.
February 8, 2023
Full disclosure: I was given the opportunity to read an advance copy of Michael Penning’s “Solitude”, in exchange for an honest review.
The author is known for his series of historical horror novels. While “Solitude” is a departure from Michael’s “usual” theme of witches, werewolves, and the like, he certainly doesn’t deviate from what he truly does best: developing complex, likeable characters; tossing in a supernatural element(s); and providing his readers with a historical tidbit or two.
Michael’s writing style is beyond compare: he is articulate, descriptive without being too wordy, and knows how to ratchet up the tension. In addition, you feel like you really "know" his characters, and that you are actually "there" when things hit the fan – and rest assured, they always do.
“Solitude” is an exciting, fast-paced thriller that will captivate the reader from beginning to end. I give this book a solid 5 stars. You really do need to buy this book.
The author is known for his series of historical horror novels. While “Solitude” is a departure from Michael’s “usual” theme of witches, werewolves, and the like, he certainly doesn’t deviate from what he truly does best: developing complex, likeable characters; tossing in a supernatural element(s); and providing his readers with a historical tidbit or two.
Michael’s writing style is beyond compare: he is articulate, descriptive without being too wordy, and knows how to ratchet up the tension. In addition, you feel like you really "know" his characters, and that you are actually "there" when things hit the fan – and rest assured, they always do.
“Solitude” is an exciting, fast-paced thriller that will captivate the reader from beginning to end. I give this book a solid 5 stars. You really do need to buy this book.
March 19, 2023
I highly enjoyed this spooky and mysterious tale! It’s a little bit of true crime, psychological dissection, and paranormal wrapped up in superior storytelling, with a deliciously haunted setting and well thought out characters.
The story kept me guessing throughout but wasn’t difficult to follow. I appreciated the gradual unfolding of the plot, it kept events interesting throughout. The twists and turns were satisfying, but built up as the story unfolded, making them believable. I ended the book feeling like I lived through the experiences of the characters myself.
Pennington is a master storyteller and his books always feel like I’m watching the story as a movie. Phenomenal talent! I was so privileged to receive an ARC of this book, and I highly recommend and appreciate the talent of this indie author!
If you enjoy horror, psychological, true crime, or paranormal reads, this is a must add to your list!
(CWs: murder, psychological disorders, abuse, criminal activity)
The story kept me guessing throughout but wasn’t difficult to follow. I appreciated the gradual unfolding of the plot, it kept events interesting throughout. The twists and turns were satisfying, but built up as the story unfolded, making them believable. I ended the book feeling like I lived through the experiences of the characters myself.
Pennington is a master storyteller and his books always feel like I’m watching the story as a movie. Phenomenal talent! I was so privileged to receive an ARC of this book, and I highly recommend and appreciate the talent of this indie author!
If you enjoy horror, psychological, true crime, or paranormal reads, this is a must add to your list!
(CWs: murder, psychological disorders, abuse, criminal activity)
July 19, 2025
Als ein kleines Mädchen spurlos im Wald verschwindet, bleibt Megan nichts anderes übrig, als nicht nur ihre eigenen Ängste zu bekämpfen, sondern auch mit einem Einsiedler zusammenzuarbeiten.
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Megan ist eine wirklich interessante Protagonistin. Sie ist nicht zwangsläufig unglaublich sympathisch, man merkt deutlich, dass sie Probleme mit ihrer Vergangenheit hat. Nicht nur sie, sondern auch die anderen Figuren sind vielschichtig aufgebaut, die Charakterzüge sind sehr gut durchdacht. Die Handlung ist wirklich spannend, es gab einige heftige Wendungen und ich konnte wirklich gut mitfiebern. Mir ist es teilweise schwer gefallen, das Buch wieder aus der Hand zu legen. Der Schreibstil war sehr angenehm zu lesen. Nur das Ende des Buches hat mich nicht ganz so sehr überzeugt.
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Spannende Handlung
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Megan ist eine wirklich interessante Protagonistin. Sie ist nicht zwangsläufig unglaublich sympathisch, man merkt deutlich, dass sie Probleme mit ihrer Vergangenheit hat. Nicht nur sie, sondern auch die anderen Figuren sind vielschichtig aufgebaut, die Charakterzüge sind sehr gut durchdacht. Die Handlung ist wirklich spannend, es gab einige heftige Wendungen und ich konnte wirklich gut mitfiebern. Mir ist es teilweise schwer gefallen, das Buch wieder aus der Hand zu legen. Der Schreibstil war sehr angenehm zu lesen. Nur das Ende des Buches hat mich nicht ganz so sehr überzeugt.
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Spannende Handlung
March 29, 2023
Megan thought she knew the dangers of the wilderness, but she was wrong. When a little girl goes missing deep in the woods, the young forest ranger must put her demons aside and turn to an infamous hermit for help. But as secrets are revealed, Megan realizes the man she relies on to save the girl's life may have ties to her troubled past. He wasn't alone out there in the forest. Something evil was with him. Can Megan uncover the truth and bring the lost child home before it's too late, or will the darkness haunting the forest consume them all?⠀
⠀
SOLITUDE is a supernaturally charged story of Megan's search for a missing child and the mysterious woods that may engulf them all. The descriptive nature of the forest is breathtaking as I embark on this journey with Megan, the forest ranger. Michael Penning does a beautiful job of capturing the spooky, atmospheric vibes that any reader would find visually satisfying. As for the characters, Megan is a bada$$ cookie with tremendous perseverance. She's also highly relatable because she suffers from her inner demons, just like all of us do. Now, the hermit in the woods she sought for help is questionable. I couldn't tell if this individual was good or bad, which made one hell of a suspenseful plot!⠀
⠀
Overall, SOLITUDE is an action-packed ride that will appeal to horror and thriller readers. Michael Penning knows how to write a captivating narrative that will unfold perfectly before your eyes. Penning's masterful storytelling grabbed my attention from the start and didn't let go until the explosive end. I had a good time piecing everything together, hoping to find the missing girl and digging into Megan's father's disappearance. I'm looking forward to checking out more works by this talented author!
⠀
SOLITUDE is a supernaturally charged story of Megan's search for a missing child and the mysterious woods that may engulf them all. The descriptive nature of the forest is breathtaking as I embark on this journey with Megan, the forest ranger. Michael Penning does a beautiful job of capturing the spooky, atmospheric vibes that any reader would find visually satisfying. As for the characters, Megan is a bada$$ cookie with tremendous perseverance. She's also highly relatable because she suffers from her inner demons, just like all of us do. Now, the hermit in the woods she sought for help is questionable. I couldn't tell if this individual was good or bad, which made one hell of a suspenseful plot!⠀
⠀
Overall, SOLITUDE is an action-packed ride that will appeal to horror and thriller readers. Michael Penning knows how to write a captivating narrative that will unfold perfectly before your eyes. Penning's masterful storytelling grabbed my attention from the start and didn't let go until the explosive end. I had a good time piecing everything together, hoping to find the missing girl and digging into Megan's father's disappearance. I'm looking forward to checking out more works by this talented author!
March 22, 2023
I have read a few Michael Penning books now, and honestly I enjoy each one more than the last. His Book of Shadows series is a fun and spooky supernatural series that I’ve loved, so I was really excited for this new stand alone of his.
Penning’s writing is beautiful and atmospheric without being drawn out or long winded. Everything is felt as if you are out there in the woods with our protagonist. Along with that, I find Penning’s works to have a very cozy feel to them. I would say this is considered a horror/mystery novel, but even the creepy parts of the book read as a scary story told to you by a loved one near the fire on some crisp, cool night. Usually with mysteries and horrors I find myself anxious and rushed to find out the ending, and know what happens. But after reading many of Michael Penning’s novels, I find myself content being submerged in his world, and to go along for the ride.
I love most of all our protagonist, Megan. She is fierce and determined in her convictions, but like most of us she has her demons as well. I loved how real and fleshed out she felt. She was also so independent and just a badass. Still not a fan of the animal deaths in his books. There’s at least one in every book, and I don’t always think they’re necessary.
This was a fun and thrilling read, with a bit of supernatural sprinkled in. I enjoyed this book immensely and definitely recommend it to thriller readers. Thank you to the author for gifting me this Arc in exchange for an honest review.
Penning’s writing is beautiful and atmospheric without being drawn out or long winded. Everything is felt as if you are out there in the woods with our protagonist. Along with that, I find Penning’s works to have a very cozy feel to them. I would say this is considered a horror/mystery novel, but even the creepy parts of the book read as a scary story told to you by a loved one near the fire on some crisp, cool night. Usually with mysteries and horrors I find myself anxious and rushed to find out the ending, and know what happens. But after reading many of Michael Penning’s novels, I find myself content being submerged in his world, and to go along for the ride.
I love most of all our protagonist, Megan. She is fierce and determined in her convictions, but like most of us she has her demons as well. I loved how real and fleshed out she felt. She was also so independent and just a badass. Still not a fan of the animal deaths in his books. There’s at least one in every book, and I don’t always think they’re necessary.
This was a fun and thrilling read, with a bit of supernatural sprinkled in. I enjoyed this book immensely and definitely recommend it to thriller readers. Thank you to the author for gifting me this Arc in exchange for an honest review.
March 19, 2023
Michael Penning was once again awesome enough to send me a copy of his fantastic new paranormal thriller, 'Solitude', for review.
Set the wilderness , the story follows Megan Danforth a young forest ranger who tries to find a little girl that went missing deep in the woods.
In her efforts, she has to turn to an infamous hermit for help while at the same time her own demons of the past aside.
But her trust in him will soon uncover secrets of her own past and terrible evil that lurks within the woods.
Will Megan save the lost child, or will the darkness haunting the forest consume them all?
This beautifully written story had it all. Suspense, action, supernatural elements, wonderfully penned characters and cliffhangers, enough to create a spine chilling roller-coaster thriller.
The author does an excellent job in creating a plot that pulls you in from the very beginning and never let's you go until the fantastic finale.
If you want your heart pumping in your chest from anticipation on what's gonna happen next, if you wanna lose sleep and be happy about it, then dive into this fantastic read the soonest.
Another superb literary offering by an author that manages to keep me in awe with his writing skills and fast becoming one of my favorites in the genre.
Set the wilderness , the story follows Megan Danforth a young forest ranger who tries to find a little girl that went missing deep in the woods.
In her efforts, she has to turn to an infamous hermit for help while at the same time her own demons of the past aside.
But her trust in him will soon uncover secrets of her own past and terrible evil that lurks within the woods.
Will Megan save the lost child, or will the darkness haunting the forest consume them all?
This beautifully written story had it all. Suspense, action, supernatural elements, wonderfully penned characters and cliffhangers, enough to create a spine chilling roller-coaster thriller.
The author does an excellent job in creating a plot that pulls you in from the very beginning and never let's you go until the fantastic finale.
If you want your heart pumping in your chest from anticipation on what's gonna happen next, if you wanna lose sleep and be happy about it, then dive into this fantastic read the soonest.
Another superb literary offering by an author that manages to keep me in awe with his writing skills and fast becoming one of my favorites in the genre.
March 29, 2023
Solitude opens with the discovery of human remains at the bottom of Balsam Lake. Forest ranger Megan Danforth had a complicated childhood growing up at the lake and has a personal interest in discovering the identity of the victim. When a young girl goes missing in the surrounding woods, Megan turns to a reclusive man known only as Thoreau for help. Megan is fighting bad weather, her personal demons, and the possibility of something or someone haunting the woods.
I loved the characters in this story. Michael Penning does a great job of creating dimensional people, whether they’re main or side characters, giving everyone depth. Megan has a painful backstory that has helped create the fierce woman she is today. The woodsman Thoreau was fascinating to me. Who is he really? How did he end up living in the woods on his own? The thriller aspects to the story is well-paced and kept me turning pages. The supernatural elements are well-developed and genuinely creepy. I recommend this one to horror fans as well as readers who enjoy a good thriller. Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy to review.
I loved the characters in this story. Michael Penning does a great job of creating dimensional people, whether they’re main or side characters, giving everyone depth. Megan has a painful backstory that has helped create the fierce woman she is today. The woodsman Thoreau was fascinating to me. Who is he really? How did he end up living in the woods on his own? The thriller aspects to the story is well-paced and kept me turning pages. The supernatural elements are well-developed and genuinely creepy. I recommend this one to horror fans as well as readers who enjoy a good thriller. Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy to review.
March 16, 2023
This was a gripping psychological thriller entwined with the supernatural that I just couldn’t put down!
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“𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘪𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘺, 𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.”
After young Piper Flynn goes missing while camping with her parents, a local conservation officer named Megan Danforth vows to find her with the help of an infamous hermit.
As she dives deeper into the investigation, Megan uncovers a connection between her troubled past and the hermit who calls himself Thoreau. Dark secrets are uncovered, and Megan discovers Thoreau was not working alone. A sinister entity has been stalking the local woods and may have driven him to kill.
“𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯’𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥,” 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥. “𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴, 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘰𝘶𝘵.”
Overall I really enjoyed this one! It was fast paced with some unexpected twists that left me absorbed in the story all the way to the last page. Highly recommend you pick this one up! Solitude is officially out March 29th 🙌
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“𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘪𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘺, 𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.”
After young Piper Flynn goes missing while camping with her parents, a local conservation officer named Megan Danforth vows to find her with the help of an infamous hermit.
As she dives deeper into the investigation, Megan uncovers a connection between her troubled past and the hermit who calls himself Thoreau. Dark secrets are uncovered, and Megan discovers Thoreau was not working alone. A sinister entity has been stalking the local woods and may have driven him to kill.
“𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯’𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥,” 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥. “𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴, 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘰𝘶𝘵.”
Overall I really enjoyed this one! It was fast paced with some unexpected twists that left me absorbed in the story all the way to the last page. Highly recommend you pick this one up! Solitude is officially out March 29th 🙌
February 25, 2023
Megan is a wilderness expert and ranger working in the forests of the Adirondacks.
When a child wanders to far into the forest and is lost she enlists the help of the local hermit to help with the search. But is he the danger, as evil stalks the forest, what dark secrets will be revealed, can Megan find the truth before it’s to late to save herself and the child.
This is a fabulous psychological thriller. As with all Michael’s writing the characters are so real, flawed and brave, damned and desperate. The forest is a character itself, it drips with malice and foreboding, it is deliciously creepy. There is a supernatural element but the main story itself is fast paced and exciting, it is a high octane thriller that constantly ramps up the tension I loved it! It twists and turns to an explosive ending.
Thank you to Michael for the copy
When a child wanders to far into the forest and is lost she enlists the help of the local hermit to help with the search. But is he the danger, as evil stalks the forest, what dark secrets will be revealed, can Megan find the truth before it’s to late to save herself and the child.
This is a fabulous psychological thriller. As with all Michael’s writing the characters are so real, flawed and brave, damned and desperate. The forest is a character itself, it drips with malice and foreboding, it is deliciously creepy. There is a supernatural element but the main story itself is fast paced and exciting, it is a high octane thriller that constantly ramps up the tension I loved it! It twists and turns to an explosive ending.
Thank you to Michael for the copy
April 13, 2023
This was a fun and fast paced read. Penning is a new author for me, so I didn’t know what to expect and what I got was an entertaining thrill ride. This is a dark read filled with a forbidding ambiance that left me consistently on edge as all good thrillers should. Well developed characters, a complex storyline and the surprising element of the supernatural, elevated this novel far beyond what I was expecting. Penning does a great job of weaving in the supernatural elements so that they seem plausible to the plot and never feel too outlandish which I really appreciated. And as with any good thriller there are twists and surprises along the way that I didn’t see coming. This was a quick read that I highly enjoyed and I look forward to going back and reading some of the author’s previous works.
November 9, 2025
is Death a supernatural event or is it natural? or something in between?
The main character, Megan is an environmentalist and world hard to help with keeping the forests nice. She finds quite a surprise when she sees wolves in an area not known for them.
At the same time, the town has been plagued by a thief who is a ghost for the past 30 years!
The plot thickens when we learn of missing people in the same area as well as her own father’s mysterious death.
Things come to a head when the mysterious man was caught breaking in and stealing things from a nearby cabin.
Will this lead to the ghost? Or the person behind the missing people? Is any of this related to Megan’s father’s death? Is the missing girl, Piper found or does her body become one with the elements?
This is a very intense and interesting story. I liked the mystery and all the pieces that come together in the end to give a final and lethal end.
The main character, Megan is an environmentalist and world hard to help with keeping the forests nice. She finds quite a surprise when she sees wolves in an area not known for them.
At the same time, the town has been plagued by a thief who is a ghost for the past 30 years!
The plot thickens when we learn of missing people in the same area as well as her own father’s mysterious death.
Things come to a head when the mysterious man was caught breaking in and stealing things from a nearby cabin.
Will this lead to the ghost? Or the person behind the missing people? Is any of this related to Megan’s father’s death? Is the missing girl, Piper found or does her body become one with the elements?
This is a very intense and interesting story. I liked the mystery and all the pieces that come together in the end to give a final and lethal end.
March 4, 2023
This supernatural toned thriller kept me on my toes and was such a quick, riveting read! It captivated me the entire way through.
Penning’s writing style once again shone through. I appreciate the effort he puts in with setting and character development without going into ‘fluffy’ territory.
Whilst different to other works he has written, this was just as enjoyable and it was wonderful to see him stepping outside of usual genre.
Thank you so much to the author for providing me with a free copy of Solitude to read and review!
Penning’s writing style once again shone through. I appreciate the effort he puts in with setting and character development without going into ‘fluffy’ territory.
Whilst different to other works he has written, this was just as enjoyable and it was wonderful to see him stepping outside of usual genre.
Thank you so much to the author for providing me with a free copy of Solitude to read and review!
March 22, 2023
Not quite what I expected. I knew it would be a different read than his previous books, so I was totally lulled into believing I was reading a very good story without supernatural goings on. Ooops, wee error on my part. Michael writes characters that you feel you know, they are just so real. With a style of writing that takes you right into the story and holds you there until the last page is under your belt. What a ride. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Just so nicely done with no hiccups, no going off on a tangent, just plain pure story. Loved it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and unbiased opinion of the tale.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and unbiased opinion of the tale.
April 24, 2023
Good reading
I enjoy reading Michael Pennings books. I have read all of them. This book was definitely good. Fell a bit short on the scary stuff but good reading. Great story, great characters. Towards the end is the most intense. 5 stars because Mr. Penning is an excellent author who has captured my imagination in the books he writes. Bring me Werewolves and Vampires and Ghosts and Witches!
I enjoy reading Michael Pennings books. I have read all of them. This book was definitely good. Fell a bit short on the scary stuff but good reading. Great story, great characters. Towards the end is the most intense. 5 stars because Mr. Penning is an excellent author who has captured my imagination in the books he writes. Bring me Werewolves and Vampires and Ghosts and Witches!
August 1, 2023
Another Grand Slam of Horror
As always, Michael Penning does not disappoint! This authors books are so well written. I get so involved with the stories I can't put them down,but I don't want them to end! Just do yourself a favor and start reading this man's stories!!! Go! What are you waiting for? Trust Me!
As always, Michael Penning does not disappoint! This authors books are so well written. I get so involved with the stories I can't put them down,but I don't want them to end! Just do yourself a favor and start reading this man's stories!!! Go! What are you waiting for? Trust Me!
February 24, 2025
I HATED rating this below a 4 because I LOVE this author. I devoured his Book of Shadows series. Maybe I was just having an off week, but this one didn’t quite land for me. Still, I’ll always be excited to see what he writes next!
Megan Danforth, a young forest ranger, is used to the dangers of the wilderness—but when a little girl goes missing deep in the woods, she’s forced to seek help from a notorious hermit with a dark past. As secrets unravel, Megan realizes the man she’s relying on may not be who he seems. Something evil lurks in the forest, and it may have already driven him to kill. With time running out, Megan must uncover the truth before the darkness claims them all.
I still really liked the paranormal elements and Penning’s writing style, but I found myself getting antsy with this one. The pacing felt slower than I expected, and it didn’t hold my attention the way his other books have. That said, it still has that eerie, atmospheric horror that Penning does so well, and I’d still recommend it if you enjoy horror/paranormal thrillers.
Megan Danforth, a young forest ranger, is used to the dangers of the wilderness—but when a little girl goes missing deep in the woods, she’s forced to seek help from a notorious hermit with a dark past. As secrets unravel, Megan realizes the man she’s relying on may not be who he seems. Something evil lurks in the forest, and it may have already driven him to kill. With time running out, Megan must uncover the truth before the darkness claims them all.
I still really liked the paranormal elements and Penning’s writing style, but I found myself getting antsy with this one. The pacing felt slower than I expected, and it didn’t hold my attention the way his other books have. That said, it still has that eerie, atmospheric horror that Penning does so well, and I’d still recommend it if you enjoy horror/paranormal thrillers.
March 29, 2023
HIS BEST WORK YET!!!
There is no shortage of mysteries and secrets in this suspenseful novel. It’s definitely a page turner filled with unexpected twists, I could not put it down and finished it in two days!
There is no shortage of mysteries and secrets in this suspenseful novel. It’s definitely a page turner filled with unexpected twists, I could not put it down and finished it in two days!
March 1, 2024
A real page turner!
I wasn't sure what to expect from this story, but I wasn't disappointed in what it gave. A real page turner and nothing was given to you. From start to finish, it kept me guessing.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this story, but I wasn't disappointed in what it gave. A real page turner and nothing was given to you. From start to finish, it kept me guessing.
December 20, 2025
Great read
Oh my gosh.....I couldn't wait to turn every page to get the story faster, if that makes sense. What a great storyline and Mr Penning thank you for making me get behind on my house chores. Now, on to the dishes and laundry, lol.
Oh my gosh.....I couldn't wait to turn every page to get the story faster, if that makes sense. What a great storyline and Mr Penning thank you for making me get behind on my house chores. Now, on to the dishes and laundry, lol.
February 4, 2023
Absolutely captivating, a skillfully written masterpiece. I couldn't put it down.
April 4, 2024
It was a suspenseful book,loved it!!!
April 5, 2023
A solid mystery, thriller with some good ghostly action thrown in. Superb setting and characters with nasty things in their past, disappearances and thefts from cottages over a long period of time. Do they all tie in together somehow? Tune in to find out.
Do it. Tune in.
Do it. Tune in.
March 29, 2023
Thank you, Michael, for the ARC copy of Solitude in exchange for an honest review!
Let me just say first that I absolutely love Michael's writing style. He is a phenomenal writer, and after first reading All Hallows Eve in 2021, he easily became one of my favorite authors.
Solitude was a bit different from his Book of Shadows series, but it is equally amazing.
Solitude is an incredible paranormal thriller with some heart-pounding twists.
Megan Danforth, an environmental conservation officer, is determined to close the case on her father's mysterious disappearance 13 years prior. When a child goes missing in the Adirondack wilderness the same night they catch a loner living in the wild they think might be the cause of a string of robberies decades old, during her quest, she finds herself with more questions than answers involving her father's disappearance. What follows is a nail-biting, heart-pounding thrill ride that'll have you fixated on this addictive story with an outcome you wouldn't expect.
This is a story that I will be reading again, it's that good!
Let me just say first that I absolutely love Michael's writing style. He is a phenomenal writer, and after first reading All Hallows Eve in 2021, he easily became one of my favorite authors.
Solitude was a bit different from his Book of Shadows series, but it is equally amazing.
Solitude is an incredible paranormal thriller with some heart-pounding twists.
Megan Danforth, an environmental conservation officer, is determined to close the case on her father's mysterious disappearance 13 years prior. When a child goes missing in the Adirondack wilderness the same night they catch a loner living in the wild they think might be the cause of a string of robberies decades old, during her quest, she finds herself with more questions than answers involving her father's disappearance. What follows is a nail-biting, heart-pounding thrill ride that'll have you fixated on this addictive story with an outcome you wouldn't expect.
This is a story that I will be reading again, it's that good!
March 29, 2023
3.5⭐️
Thank you, Michael Penning, for giving me the chance to read an ARC copy of Solitude in exchange for an honest review.
While Solitude is different for the usual genres approached by Penning, it is easy to recognize his writing style. Penning proves he isn't a one genre author by providing us with this captivating thriller that combines crimes and supernatural.
Personally, I am a big fan of morally grey characters and love when characters aren't easily labeled as good or bad. In Solitude, we meet an antigonist it is easy to feel empathy for and a side character with questionable methods. To me, the best part of the book is its complex characters.
Being a huge nerd, I also enjoy the bits of information the author gives us about nature.
I enjoyed reading this book and found myself putting aside a book I had already started to join Megan in this intriguing thriller. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thrillers and dark fantasy!
Solitude comes out on March 29th 2023. Make sure you mark your calendars!
Thank you, Michael Penning, for giving me the chance to read an ARC copy of Solitude in exchange for an honest review.
While Solitude is different for the usual genres approached by Penning, it is easy to recognize his writing style. Penning proves he isn't a one genre author by providing us with this captivating thriller that combines crimes and supernatural.
Personally, I am a big fan of morally grey characters and love when characters aren't easily labeled as good or bad. In Solitude, we meet an antigonist it is easy to feel empathy for and a side character with questionable methods. To me, the best part of the book is its complex characters.
Being a huge nerd, I also enjoy the bits of information the author gives us about nature.
I enjoyed reading this book and found myself putting aside a book I had already started to join Megan in this intriguing thriller. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thrillers and dark fantasy!
Solitude comes out on March 29th 2023. Make sure you mark your calendars!
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