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Detective Rita Myers #2
What Waits in the Woods
In an atmospheric, propulsive novel of domestic suspense featuring seasoned Boston detective Rita Myers, a young woman finds her past unraveling when the body of a childhood friend is discovered in the woods behind her house. Perfect for fans of Megan Miranda and Shari Lapena.
When Esmé Foster left the Boston suburbs to become a professional ballerina, the future shimmered with promise. Eleven years later, her career has been derailed by an injury, and Esme knows it’s time to come back to Graybridge to help her brother care for their ailing father. But her return coincides with an unthinkable crime. Kara Cunningham, one of Esme’s high school friends, is found dead in the woods behind the Fosters’ house.
Esmé is shocked and grieving, but also uneasy. In her dreams, she still sees the man who showed up at the scene of the car accident that killed her mother—and told Esmé he was going to kill her too. Family and friends insisted the figure was a product of Esmé’s imagination, that she was concussed after the crash. But she and Kara looked alike, sharing the same petite build, the same hair color. Could Kara’s murder have been a case of mistaken identity?
Detective Rita Myers is familiar with close-knit communities like Graybridge, where, beneath the friendliness, there are whispers and secrets. The town has seen other tragedies too, including the long-ago drowning of a young girl in a pond, deep in the woods. Even within the once-close circle of friends that included Kara and Esmé, Rita discerns a ripple of mistrust.
Day by day, Esmé discovers more about the place she left behind—and the friends and family she thought she knew. Soon, shining a light into the darkness to learn what really happened the night Kara died is the only way she can bring the nightmare to an end . . .
When Esmé Foster left the Boston suburbs to become a professional ballerina, the future shimmered with promise. Eleven years later, her career has been derailed by an injury, and Esme knows it’s time to come back to Graybridge to help her brother care for their ailing father. But her return coincides with an unthinkable crime. Kara Cunningham, one of Esme’s high school friends, is found dead in the woods behind the Fosters’ house.
Esmé is shocked and grieving, but also uneasy. In her dreams, she still sees the man who showed up at the scene of the car accident that killed her mother—and told Esmé he was going to kill her too. Family and friends insisted the figure was a product of Esmé’s imagination, that she was concussed after the crash. But she and Kara looked alike, sharing the same petite build, the same hair color. Could Kara’s murder have been a case of mistaken identity?
Detective Rita Myers is familiar with close-knit communities like Graybridge, where, beneath the friendliness, there are whispers and secrets. The town has seen other tragedies too, including the long-ago drowning of a young girl in a pond, deep in the woods. Even within the once-close circle of friends that included Kara and Esmé, Rita discerns a ripple of mistrust.
Day by day, Esmé discovers more about the place she left behind—and the friends and family she thought she knew. Soon, shining a light into the darkness to learn what really happened the night Kara died is the only way she can bring the nightmare to an end . . .
388 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 26, 2023
295 people are currently reading
33796 people want to read
About the author
Terri Parlato
6 books580 followersTerri Parlato was born and raised in upstate New York. She currently lives in a small north Georgia town with her husband and their dog Lucy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 657 reviews
December 26, 2023
More police procedural than thriller, this sophomore effort from Terri Parlato, reunites us with Detective Rita Myers for a second case in Graybridge, Massachusetts, although it can easily be read as a stand-alone.
When Esmé Foster left the Boston suburbs to become a professional ballerina, her future looked bright. Eleven years later, her contract has not been renewed, her career ended by injury, and it’s time to admit that her 6 year relationship is probably over too.
She decides to return to her hometown of Graybridge to help her brother care for their ailing father., and to regroup. But her return coincides with a shocking crime which has occurred in the woods behind her childhood home.
Kara Cunningham, Esme’s closest high school friend has been found dead and it doesn’t appear to be an accident. Could it possibly be a case of mistaken identity. Could she have been the intended target?
Esmé is still haunted by the memory of the night of a childhood car accident that claimed the life of her mother-one where she remembers a man who showed up at the scene of the car accident and told Esmé he was going to kill her too. Family and friends insist that no man exists and that her memory is faulty. But is it? The timing is too coincidental.
Told from the alternating perspectives of both Esmé and Rita, I was immediately engaged! There are plenty of unsavory suspects to choose from, and I was eager to find out who was responsible for Kara’s death.
My only small critique is that I felt like the ending came out of left field. I prefer to have an “AHA” moment where I can say to myself-“That’s the clue I missed”!
Although I think the author’s debut “All the Dark Places” was stronger, this is still a worthy follow up, and I will definitely be watching for her next release!
Review for “All The Dark Places” : https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
3.75 rounded up!
A buddy read with DeAnn-be sure to watch for her amazing review!
AVAILABLE NOW!!
Thank You to Kensington for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
When Esmé Foster left the Boston suburbs to become a professional ballerina, her future looked bright. Eleven years later, her contract has not been renewed, her career ended by injury, and it’s time to admit that her 6 year relationship is probably over too.
She decides to return to her hometown of Graybridge to help her brother care for their ailing father., and to regroup. But her return coincides with a shocking crime which has occurred in the woods behind her childhood home.
Kara Cunningham, Esme’s closest high school friend has been found dead and it doesn’t appear to be an accident. Could it possibly be a case of mistaken identity. Could she have been the intended target?
Esmé is still haunted by the memory of the night of a childhood car accident that claimed the life of her mother-one where she remembers a man who showed up at the scene of the car accident and told Esmé he was going to kill her too. Family and friends insist that no man exists and that her memory is faulty. But is it? The timing is too coincidental.
Told from the alternating perspectives of both Esmé and Rita, I was immediately engaged! There are plenty of unsavory suspects to choose from, and I was eager to find out who was responsible for Kara’s death.
My only small critique is that I felt like the ending came out of left field. I prefer to have an “AHA” moment where I can say to myself-“That’s the clue I missed”!
Although I think the author’s debut “All the Dark Places” was stronger, this is still a worthy follow up, and I will definitely be watching for her next release!
Review for “All The Dark Places” : https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
3.75 rounded up!
A buddy read with DeAnn-be sure to watch for her amazing review!
AVAILABLE NOW!!
Thank You to Kensington for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
December 27, 2023
Yay! I'm glad to see Detective Rita Myers again. Although this is the second book, it'll be fine as a standalone.
Esmé Foster returns to Graybridge, Mass. to help her brother care for their ailing father. Her professional ballerina dream is no more after an injury and she's starting over doing whatever she could. Once home she learns about an old high school friend murdered in the woods near her home.
Two PoVs alternating by Rita and Esmé, What Waits in the Woods is a whodunit police procedural, murder mystery, and family drama. We get to know Esmé through her chapters and she had quite a traumatic childhood life.
There's quite a bit of misdirection before the reveal but I remained firm with my prediction. I thought I had it in the bag, but boy was I wrong. 😅
The audio narrators Christina Moore and Leah Horowitz are both terrific and make a very enjoyable listening experience. Thank you Recorded Books and Netgalley for the ALC.
10H 53M
Out today, December 26, 2023.
Esmé Foster returns to Graybridge, Mass. to help her brother care for their ailing father. Her professional ballerina dream is no more after an injury and she's starting over doing whatever she could. Once home she learns about an old high school friend murdered in the woods near her home.
Two PoVs alternating by Rita and Esmé, What Waits in the Woods is a whodunit police procedural, murder mystery, and family drama. We get to know Esmé through her chapters and she had quite a traumatic childhood life.
There's quite a bit of misdirection before the reveal but I remained firm with my prediction. I thought I had it in the bag, but boy was I wrong. 😅
The audio narrators Christina Moore and Leah Horowitz are both terrific and make a very enjoyable listening experience. Thank you Recorded Books and Netgalley for the ALC.
10H 53M
Out today, December 26, 2023.
January 5, 2025
What Waits in the Woods is the 2nd-book in Terri Parlato's Detective Rita Myers series. This is an Adult Police Procedural Mystery following, you guessed it, Detective Rita Myers.
I actually didn't read the 1st-book, All the Dark Places, prior to reading this one, but I enjoyed this so much, I started the 1st-book immediately after and have already finished it.
It's fair to say, I will continue to pick up each book in this series as they're released. Keep 'em coming, Parlato!
This is a dual perspective story following Detective Myers and Esmé Foster, a young woman directly connected to the mystery investigated in this book.
I listened to the audiobook and the dual narrators truly brought these two perspectives to life.
Esmé left her small hometown of Graybridge, 11-years ago to pursue her ballet career. After an injury and a recent break-up though, she decides it's finally time to return after she gets a call from her brother stating their father isn't well.
The day that Esmé returns, a body is discovered on her family property. She arrives home to police cars and questions, not exactly the homecoming she was expecting.
Making matters worse is the fact that the dead body isn't just some stranger, it's Kara Cunningham, one of Esmé's closest childhood friends.
Esmé is devastated by the loss of her friend, but there's something else needling her as well. Esmé and Kara looked a lot alike, what if she was actually the intended target?
Esmé has her reasons for believing this could be the case, but it's going to take her processing a lot of old baggage to actually figure it out.
Detective Rita Myers gets called to the Foster property after the discovery of Kara's body and immediately digs in to her investigation. Detective Myers has a lot of experience and genuine care in her work.
There's no doubt she is going to get to the bottom of this grisly crime, no matter what it takes.
I had so much fun reading this. The mystery was intriguing, the plot was fast-paced and the reveals were exciting and more often than not, unexpected.
I think Detective Myers is a fabulous main character and I know I am just going to become more and more attached to her as the series continues.
She's a seasoned detective, no-nonsense and smart. She works with a lot of younger detectives and cops and you can tell that they look up to her as a leader.
I also enjoyed getting to know her more on a personal side outside of work. She has some interesting neighbors and even a potential love interest that I am hoping to learn more about in subsequent books.
As with many Mystery series, I don't feel like you need to necessarily read these books in order. I didn't feel like I was missing anything going into this because I hadn't read the 1st-book yet. It's a complete story unto itself.
I do feel, though, that this is the type of series where the longer you stay involved with this group of characters, the more attached you become, and the higher your enjoyment level will ultimately be.
I knew right away that I would continue on with this series. The writing is compelling, the mystery is well-formatted and the characters are likable.
This is a very solid Police Procedural Mystery. I would recommend it for fans of Caz Frear's Cat Kinsella series, or Gytha Lodge's DCI Jonah Sheens series, as I feel like the tone here and quality of the mystery are very similar to those.
Thank you to the publisher, Recorded Books, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
I'm so excited to have a new Mystery author to follow. I hope this series keeps going for a long, long time!
I actually didn't read the 1st-book, All the Dark Places, prior to reading this one, but I enjoyed this so much, I started the 1st-book immediately after and have already finished it.
It's fair to say, I will continue to pick up each book in this series as they're released. Keep 'em coming, Parlato!
This is a dual perspective story following Detective Myers and Esmé Foster, a young woman directly connected to the mystery investigated in this book.
I listened to the audiobook and the dual narrators truly brought these two perspectives to life.
Esmé left her small hometown of Graybridge, 11-years ago to pursue her ballet career. After an injury and a recent break-up though, she decides it's finally time to return after she gets a call from her brother stating their father isn't well.
The day that Esmé returns, a body is discovered on her family property. She arrives home to police cars and questions, not exactly the homecoming she was expecting.
Making matters worse is the fact that the dead body isn't just some stranger, it's Kara Cunningham, one of Esmé's closest childhood friends.
Esmé is devastated by the loss of her friend, but there's something else needling her as well. Esmé and Kara looked a lot alike, what if she was actually the intended target?
Esmé has her reasons for believing this could be the case, but it's going to take her processing a lot of old baggage to actually figure it out.
Detective Rita Myers gets called to the Foster property after the discovery of Kara's body and immediately digs in to her investigation. Detective Myers has a lot of experience and genuine care in her work.
There's no doubt she is going to get to the bottom of this grisly crime, no matter what it takes.
I had so much fun reading this. The mystery was intriguing, the plot was fast-paced and the reveals were exciting and more often than not, unexpected.
I think Detective Myers is a fabulous main character and I know I am just going to become more and more attached to her as the series continues.
She's a seasoned detective, no-nonsense and smart. She works with a lot of younger detectives and cops and you can tell that they look up to her as a leader.
I also enjoyed getting to know her more on a personal side outside of work. She has some interesting neighbors and even a potential love interest that I am hoping to learn more about in subsequent books.
As with many Mystery series, I don't feel like you need to necessarily read these books in order. I didn't feel like I was missing anything going into this because I hadn't read the 1st-book yet. It's a complete story unto itself.
I do feel, though, that this is the type of series where the longer you stay involved with this group of characters, the more attached you become, and the higher your enjoyment level will ultimately be.
I knew right away that I would continue on with this series. The writing is compelling, the mystery is well-formatted and the characters are likable.
This is a very solid Police Procedural Mystery. I would recommend it for fans of Caz Frear's Cat Kinsella series, or Gytha Lodge's DCI Jonah Sheens series, as I feel like the tone here and quality of the mystery are very similar to those.
Thank you to the publisher, Recorded Books, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
I'm so excited to have a new Mystery author to follow. I hope this series keeps going for a long, long time!
December 30, 2023
As a child, the only dream Esmé Foster ever had was to become a professional ballerina. At the age of eighteen, she reached that goal and left her small town of Graybridge in order to dance. Eleven years later, however, Esmé finds herself back in her hometown after a career ending injury. On her return, she knows she’ll be facing a desperately ill father and her somewhat distant younger brother. What she doesn’t expect, however, is to learn that one of her childhood best friends, Kara Cunningham, has been found murdered—in Esmé’s very own backyard.
Between the shocking crime and the memories that being back home have brought to the surface, Esmé finds herself tense and worried, reliving the car accident that killed her mother. But it’s what happened after the crash that haunts her dreams even now as a strange man showed up at her car window snarling that he was going to kill her too. After the fact, however, all of Esmé’s family and friends insisted that he’d been a mere figment of her imagination. Nevertheless, Esmé is now consumed with the fear that that very same man is behind Kara’s murder. Could he have murdered the wrong girl by mistake? After all, she and Kara have always looked so much alike.
Meanwhile, Detective Rita Myers is on the case. Having worked in the small town for over two decades, she knows the many trials that have befallen the area. From the death of a young girl at the hands of her sister to the more mundane tribulations, however, many other secrets are often kept close to the vest. Especially to the likes of Rita—the outsider. And now that a murderer is in their midst, Rita can’t help but wonder whether any of the people involved in the case are to be trusted. For if she is to be truly honest with herself, even they seem to look at one another with guarded suspicion.
Finally back in Graybridge’s fold, however, it is Esmé who starts to unearth information about the very people being investigated by Rita, otherwise known as Esmé’s friends and family. As secrets and lies start to rain down around her, she begins to realize that the only way to find the culprit is to look in the darker places that few want to search. Who is responsible for Kara’s death? Is it one of Esmé’s friends or a member of her own family? Or is it that shadowy figure who still shows up in her nightmares? When all is said and done, even Esmé might not be prepared for the answer.
Phew! What a dark and twisted tale. From the beginning, What Waits in the Woods presented an intriguing view into Esmé’s re-entry into her former life in her hometown. Trying to find her spot in her remaining family and now adult friend’s lives, she struggled to find her place once again. It was there that this novel truly shined, even if the intricate plot felt decidedly slower than Parlato’s debut novel, All the Dark Places. I do have to say, though, that the ever ratcheting suspense and questionable motives still made for quite the enjoyable read.
As for the characters, their deep backstories and thorough development were simply sublime. Told in dual alternating POVs, both Rita and Esmé provided the backdrop to a cleverly interwoven mix of domestic suspense and police procedural. With genuine, authentic voices and behaviors, each persona felt true to the events, and made me lose myself in the story. Even better, I could feel Esmé struggling to fit in to her suddenly rearranged world as her paranoia threatened to take over.
The only fly in the ointment that I found as I read this spellbinding book was the conclusion. Seeming to come out of left field, there was no predicting that adrenaline-fueled finale. While I usually love that in a book, this one required a definite suspension of disbelief that wasn’t required up until then. Because of that, it felt out of sync with the plot and left me scratching my head as I closed the book. Don’t get me wrong, in hindsight, there were some deftly obscured clues scattered about, but they still somehow missed the mark, in my opinion.
Still, as I closed the cover, I was left stunned yet again by this humdinger of a book that Ms. Parlato has crafted. Throwing in plenty of insights about what growing up, moving away, and then returning just might feel like, I was impressed by the depth of the novel. Add in the fact that this had plenty of creepy, creepy topics as well as a definite atmospheric feel and I was won over hook, line, and sinker. So if you haven’t heard of this slow burn novel of suspense just yet, be sure to pre-order this puppy today. Rating of 4 stars.
Note: While this was the second novel following Detective Rita Myers, it can easily be read as a stand-alone.
Thank you to Terri Parlato and Kensington Books for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: December 26, 2023
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: alcoholism, death of a parent, getting drugged, abduction, mention of: fatal car accident, opioid abuse, voyeurism, infidelity
Between the shocking crime and the memories that being back home have brought to the surface, Esmé finds herself tense and worried, reliving the car accident that killed her mother. But it’s what happened after the crash that haunts her dreams even now as a strange man showed up at her car window snarling that he was going to kill her too. After the fact, however, all of Esmé’s family and friends insisted that he’d been a mere figment of her imagination. Nevertheless, Esmé is now consumed with the fear that that very same man is behind Kara’s murder. Could he have murdered the wrong girl by mistake? After all, she and Kara have always looked so much alike.
Meanwhile, Detective Rita Myers is on the case. Having worked in the small town for over two decades, she knows the many trials that have befallen the area. From the death of a young girl at the hands of her sister to the more mundane tribulations, however, many other secrets are often kept close to the vest. Especially to the likes of Rita—the outsider. And now that a murderer is in their midst, Rita can’t help but wonder whether any of the people involved in the case are to be trusted. For if she is to be truly honest with herself, even they seem to look at one another with guarded suspicion.
Finally back in Graybridge’s fold, however, it is Esmé who starts to unearth information about the very people being investigated by Rita, otherwise known as Esmé’s friends and family. As secrets and lies start to rain down around her, she begins to realize that the only way to find the culprit is to look in the darker places that few want to search. Who is responsible for Kara’s death? Is it one of Esmé’s friends or a member of her own family? Or is it that shadowy figure who still shows up in her nightmares? When all is said and done, even Esmé might not be prepared for the answer.
Phew! What a dark and twisted tale. From the beginning, What Waits in the Woods presented an intriguing view into Esmé’s re-entry into her former life in her hometown. Trying to find her spot in her remaining family and now adult friend’s lives, she struggled to find her place once again. It was there that this novel truly shined, even if the intricate plot felt decidedly slower than Parlato’s debut novel, All the Dark Places. I do have to say, though, that the ever ratcheting suspense and questionable motives still made for quite the enjoyable read.
As for the characters, their deep backstories and thorough development were simply sublime. Told in dual alternating POVs, both Rita and Esmé provided the backdrop to a cleverly interwoven mix of domestic suspense and police procedural. With genuine, authentic voices and behaviors, each persona felt true to the events, and made me lose myself in the story. Even better, I could feel Esmé struggling to fit in to her suddenly rearranged world as her paranoia threatened to take over.
The only fly in the ointment that I found as I read this spellbinding book was the conclusion. Seeming to come out of left field, there was no predicting that adrenaline-fueled finale. While I usually love that in a book, this one required a definite suspension of disbelief that wasn’t required up until then. Because of that, it felt out of sync with the plot and left me scratching my head as I closed the book. Don’t get me wrong, in hindsight, there were some deftly obscured clues scattered about, but they still somehow missed the mark, in my opinion.
Still, as I closed the cover, I was left stunned yet again by this humdinger of a book that Ms. Parlato has crafted. Throwing in plenty of insights about what growing up, moving away, and then returning just might feel like, I was impressed by the depth of the novel. Add in the fact that this had plenty of creepy, creepy topics as well as a definite atmospheric feel and I was won over hook, line, and sinker. So if you haven’t heard of this slow burn novel of suspense just yet, be sure to pre-order this puppy today. Rating of 4 stars.
Note: While this was the second novel following Detective Rita Myers, it can easily be read as a stand-alone.
Thank you to Terri Parlato and Kensington Books for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: December 26, 2023
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: alcoholism, death of a parent, getting drugged, abduction, mention of: fatal car accident, opioid abuse, voyeurism, infidelity
December 26, 2023
3.5 Stars
A slow burn mystery
*Can be read as a standalone.*
After a career-ending injury, Esmé Foster realized it was time to return to her hometown of Graybridge and support her brother in caring for their ailing father. However, the very day she arrived home, a shocking discovery unfolded behind her family's house - the lifeless body of her beloved high school best friend. Now, Esmé finds herself plunged into a perplexing mystery as she grapples with the question of who would want to end her friend's life. Is there a connection to the enigmatic figure she once spotted years ago, lurking at the scene of her mother's tragic car accident?
I was hoping for more excitement and thrill. Overall, I found the story to be just average. However, if you are a fan of slow-burn mysteries, then this book is suitable for you.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Terri Parlato, and RB Media for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
A slow burn mystery
*Can be read as a standalone.*
After a career-ending injury, Esmé Foster realized it was time to return to her hometown of Graybridge and support her brother in caring for their ailing father. However, the very day she arrived home, a shocking discovery unfolded behind her family's house - the lifeless body of her beloved high school best friend. Now, Esmé finds herself plunged into a perplexing mystery as she grapples with the question of who would want to end her friend's life. Is there a connection to the enigmatic figure she once spotted years ago, lurking at the scene of her mother's tragic car accident?
I was hoping for more excitement and thrill. Overall, I found the story to be just average. However, if you are a fan of slow-burn mysteries, then this book is suitable for you.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Terri Parlato, and RB Media for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
December 17, 2023
The cover and description drew me in, but I hard a hard time really getting into this story. I think part of it was that I didn’t like any of the characters and this made it more difficult to be invested in the story. The story is told from the perspectives of the detective Rita and Esme Foster who returns home the day an old friend is found dead in the woods by her house. Rita didn’t seem to do too much detecting, I mean there were some good interviews, but a lot of her story was her family or personal drama which I was not interested in. Esme’ a story had a lot to do with the friends she had in high school that she abandoned to pursue her dream of being a ballerina. There were a couple of twists that were interesting especially near the end, but overall it wasn’t as thrilling or exciting as I was hoping for. Overall I gave it 3.5 stars rounded up because I like the ending (not the epilogue, that didn’t feel necessary to me at all).
November 13, 2023
When Esme was sixteen years old, a car accident killed her mother. Esme survived the crash but a man appeared to say he was going to kill her. She left her hometown to be a ballerina. Now, approaching 30 years of age, Esme is traveling back home to help her brother take care of her ailing, alcoholic father.
Detective Rita Meyers has been with the Graybridge Police Dept for almost 20 years and she was Boston PD prior to this. When a body is found in the edge of the woods behind Esme's childhood home, Rita investigates.
The story is told in chapters narrated by Rita and by Esme. Rita is an older cop with lots of experience under her belt. Steady as she goes. The book is a police procedural, which I love. I always enjoy reading about cop interviews and following the evidence. The story is full of potential suspects and I could see many of them being the killer.
I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. The publish date is set for 12/26/2023. Never heard of the author before. I'm sorry I missed the debut from last year with Rita but I see where my library has it and I'm putting it on my want to read list and hoping I get around to it.
Detective Rita Meyers has been with the Graybridge Police Dept for almost 20 years and she was Boston PD prior to this. When a body is found in the edge of the woods behind Esme's childhood home, Rita investigates.
The story is told in chapters narrated by Rita and by Esme. Rita is an older cop with lots of experience under her belt. Steady as she goes. The book is a police procedural, which I love. I always enjoy reading about cop interviews and following the evidence. The story is full of potential suspects and I could see many of them being the killer.
I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. The publish date is set for 12/26/2023. Never heard of the author before. I'm sorry I missed the debut from last year with Rita but I see where my library has it and I'm putting it on my want to read list and hoping I get around to it.
August 20, 2023
Esmé is returning home to her small town after her career as a ballerina is cut short. She comes back to find her high school best friend, Kara, has been murdered and found outside her yard in the woods they frequented as a kid. Detective Rita Myers is in charge of the case and struggling to find viable leads.
Everyone seems to be hiding something. There were so many characters who could have played a hand in the murder: Byron, Esmé’s brother; Esmé’s dad turned alcoholic who heard the scream the night of the murder; Ray, the neighbor with sketchy dealings; Cynthia, Ray’s sister who was found guilty of killing her younger sister as a child; Mr. York, the artistic elderly neighbor who’s eccentricity made people nervous; and the group of Kara and Esmé’s high school friends who seem to know more than they let on. As Rita works through the list and evidence, Esmé tries to rebuild her life, but also finds herself constantly pulled into the investigation because of her link to all of them.
I love that this was told from the POV of Esmé as well as the detective. It allowed for us to gain insight that would have otherwise been missed with only one of them telling the story. Even so, I still kept changing my mind on who I thought did it! As more of the past unraveled, Rita is met with repeated dead ends while Esmé discovers there was a lot she didn’t know about those in her town and inner circle. I think everything unfolded perfectly, making it hard to know who to trust and keeping me turning the pages to find out the truth.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
Everyone seems to be hiding something. There were so many characters who could have played a hand in the murder: Byron, Esmé’s brother; Esmé’s dad turned alcoholic who heard the scream the night of the murder; Ray, the neighbor with sketchy dealings; Cynthia, Ray’s sister who was found guilty of killing her younger sister as a child; Mr. York, the artistic elderly neighbor who’s eccentricity made people nervous; and the group of Kara and Esmé’s high school friends who seem to know more than they let on. As Rita works through the list and evidence, Esmé tries to rebuild her life, but also finds herself constantly pulled into the investigation because of her link to all of them.
I love that this was told from the POV of Esmé as well as the detective. It allowed for us to gain insight that would have otherwise been missed with only one of them telling the story. Even so, I still kept changing my mind on who I thought did it! As more of the past unraveled, Rita is met with repeated dead ends while Esmé discovers there was a lot she didn’t know about those in her town and inner circle. I think everything unfolded perfectly, making it hard to know who to trust and keeping me turning the pages to find out the truth.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
December 4, 2023
Esme Foster suffers a hip injury and leaves the ballet. She returns to Boston after 11 years to help care for her sick father and finds out her old friend Kara who resembles her has been killed in her back yard near the woods.
This was a creepy read that had me on the edge of my seat. Thanks NetGalley and Kensington Books for this ARC that will be released December 26, 2023!
This was a creepy read that had me on the edge of my seat. Thanks NetGalley and Kensington Books for this ARC that will be released December 26, 2023!
January 23, 2024
This is my second glimpse into the world of Detective Rita Myers. Esme has returned to her childhood home, only to find one of her closest friends murdered. I enjoyed how the suspects were revealed as red herrings accumulated. I also liked how the story was told from the POV of Detective Myers and Esme. The eerie atmosphere of the woods added an element of suspense with an overall creepy feeling that saturated the plot. This character-driven mystery captivated me from start to finish. I look forward to more books with Detective Myers in the future. Thank you, NetGalley and Kensington for my copy.
January 19, 2024
Was it just me or was this detective really bad at her job?
January 15, 2024
4,0✨✨✨
( Audiobook)
( Audiobook)
December 31, 2023
Last book of the year
133 📖
133 📖
May 27, 2024
I read the first installment back in Dec2022 and just recently stumbled across this second installment and was excited about finally getting around to reading it. Like All the Dark Places, Parlato features a whole cast of suspicious characters in this installment. I actually like these kinds of stories; they really bring out the armchair detective in me. Parlato, once again, has the reader guessing until the end (at least I was) about who the killer is.
Detective Rita Myers and her partner Chase are back with a new case and investigation in Graybridge, a small suburb of Boston. There’s also Esme, a professional dancer who unexpectedly shows up back home, broke and injured after having been let go from her dance company and leaving her chef boyfriend of six years. The book summary introduces the two storylines. One is the murder of Kara (Esme’s high school best friend) on a path from the woods on the edge of Esme’s backyard. The second is the return of the nightmares that Esme had from a night 13yrs earlier when her mother died in a car crash and Esme, who was in the back, escaped a man who, she believes, tried to kill her.
The story flips back and forth between Rita and Esme. From the get-go, I’m flipping back and forth between a bunch of different characters on who I suspect the most. There’s Esme’s divorced brother, Byron, who was dating Kara until their recent breakup. There are also the creepy neighbors, siblings Ray and Cynthia, who have always been outcasts in Graybridge since Cynthia was institutionalized after being accused of killing their sister, Wendy, many years ago. There’s also Esme’s three friends from high school who were all in the same friend’s group with Kara too. I’m also not putting anything past Irene, who is the friend of Esme’s sick and dying father. There’s just something extremely suspicious about her too. Once again, a whole gang of suspects for the murder.
It's into the second half that the two storylines begin merge and a couple of new characters show up in the cast of suspects. At this point, I have no idea who the killer is and Parlato is pretty stingy with any real clues. Heck, even Rita is frustrated at this point because she too has no idea who the killer is. The scary and intense ending was kind of a shocker, yet at the same time, not. As much as I did enjoy this story, I like the first installment better. While I liked this installment and I am committed to the series, I just liked the first installment better than this one. I did like the final scene with Rita though, which was a lead-in for the next installment. I really like Rita!
The characterization was ok for most of the characters. The pacing was good too, the second half a little faster paced than the rest. The storyline was also good, at least good enough to keep me interested and Parlato’s writing had me all over the place trying to guess who the killer was. I like it when a story can do that. I’m looking at an overall rating of 3.4 that I will be rounding down to a 3star rating.
Detective Rita Myers and her partner Chase are back with a new case and investigation in Graybridge, a small suburb of Boston. There’s also Esme, a professional dancer who unexpectedly shows up back home, broke and injured after having been let go from her dance company and leaving her chef boyfriend of six years. The book summary introduces the two storylines. One is the murder of Kara (Esme’s high school best friend) on a path from the woods on the edge of Esme’s backyard. The second is the return of the nightmares that Esme had from a night 13yrs earlier when her mother died in a car crash and Esme, who was in the back, escaped a man who, she believes, tried to kill her.
The story flips back and forth between Rita and Esme. From the get-go, I’m flipping back and forth between a bunch of different characters on who I suspect the most. There’s Esme’s divorced brother, Byron, who was dating Kara until their recent breakup. There are also the creepy neighbors, siblings Ray and Cynthia, who have always been outcasts in Graybridge since Cynthia was institutionalized after being accused of killing their sister, Wendy, many years ago. There’s also Esme’s three friends from high school who were all in the same friend’s group with Kara too. I’m also not putting anything past Irene, who is the friend of Esme’s sick and dying father. There’s just something extremely suspicious about her too. Once again, a whole gang of suspects for the murder.
It's into the second half that the two storylines begin merge and a couple of new characters show up in the cast of suspects. At this point, I have no idea who the killer is and Parlato is pretty stingy with any real clues. Heck, even Rita is frustrated at this point because she too has no idea who the killer is. The scary and intense ending was kind of a shocker, yet at the same time, not. As much as I did enjoy this story, I like the first installment better. While I liked this installment and I am committed to the series, I just liked the first installment better than this one. I did like the final scene with Rita though, which was a lead-in for the next installment. I really like Rita!
The characterization was ok for most of the characters. The pacing was good too, the second half a little faster paced than the rest. The storyline was also good, at least good enough to keep me interested and Parlato’s writing had me all over the place trying to guess who the killer was. I like it when a story can do that. I’m looking at an overall rating of 3.4 that I will be rounding down to a 3star rating.
December 23, 2023
I read a lot of good things about the author. So when the opportunity arose to read What Waits in the Woods, I immediately took advantage of the offer. Needless to say, I was disappointed.
For me, the issues I had with the novel were the pacing and the "white noise" that detracted from the murder investigation. A lot of the "white noise" came from the two main protagonist's family dramas that really took a lot away from the suspense and mystery. And nothing exciting gets revealed even by the 33% point. By which time I gave up from boredom. An unfortunate one star DNF.
I received a DRC from Kensington Books through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
For me, the issues I had with the novel were the pacing and the "white noise" that detracted from the murder investigation. A lot of the "white noise" came from the two main protagonist's family dramas that really took a lot away from the suspense and mystery. And nothing exciting gets revealed even by the 33% point. By which time I gave up from boredom. An unfortunate one star DNF.
I received a DRC from Kensington Books through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
January 9, 2024
A twisty thriller on envy and deception. Using the woods as an all seeing, silent witness to crime and deception, this novel is a suspenseful journey through the dark. Exposing shocking truths and breaking open relationships overflowing with tension and unspoken resentment, What Waits in the Woods is also a look into what drives people to snap, how people craft new personas, divert suspicion, lurk in the shadows. Combing the fun, readable patterns of a thriller with the hard hitting themes of loss, grief, and rebuilding a life derailed, this a read that satisfies page turners and pensive readers alike.
June 24, 2023
Esme's mom died in a car accident when she was sixteen. Her father was driving that day and since then her life was forever changed. She eventually moved away to pursue her ballet career and it has now been two and a half years since she last visited home. Now, her career is over and she's broken up with her boyfriend, so she decides it is time to move back to Greybridge. When she pulls up to her home, she sees police cars everywhere and learns that a body was found. It happens to be her best friend from high school, Kara. Detective Rita Myers takes on the case to find out what happened.
WHAT LIES IN THE WOODS starts off with a bang. I was very interested to see what happened to Kara. Who killed her and why? There are many creepy neighbors and I suspected it had to be one of them, but then thought that would be too obvious. I enjoyed reading about the character of Rita the most. She took her job seriously and never stopped trying to figure out what happened to Kara. In the end, I was happy to get the answers I was looking for. This was a quick story and I enjoyed it overall.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books, for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be shared to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) closer to pub date.
WHAT LIES IN THE WOODS starts off with a bang. I was very interested to see what happened to Kara. Who killed her and why? There are many creepy neighbors and I suspected it had to be one of them, but then thought that would be too obvious. I enjoyed reading about the character of Rita the most. She took her job seriously and never stopped trying to figure out what happened to Kara. In the end, I was happy to get the answers I was looking for. This was a quick story and I enjoyed it overall.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books, for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be shared to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) closer to pub date.
January 7, 2024
ARC audiobook provided in exchange for an honest review.
I highly enjoyed the dual female narrators of this book! They both really made the story come to life and they both sound so different that it was easy to know what character was speaking! The story is about a girls who returns back home only to find her old best friend murdered in her backyard, right up against some woods. It all seemed pretty predictable to me until it got to the end and the twists made my head spin! I would definitely recommend if you like psychological thrillers!
I highly enjoyed the dual female narrators of this book! They both really made the story come to life and they both sound so different that it was easy to know what character was speaking! The story is about a girls who returns back home only to find her old best friend murdered in her backyard, right up against some woods. It all seemed pretty predictable to me until it got to the end and the twists made my head spin! I would definitely recommend if you like psychological thrillers!
November 4, 2023
Esmé Foster left Graybridge, Massachusetts eleven years ago to pursue her dream of becoming a ballerina. That dream was quashed when she developed a hip problem. She returns home on the day her best friend from high school is found murdered in the woods behind her family home.
As she renews her friendship with her old clique, suspicion falls on many of those close to her. It is up to Detective Rita Myers to solve the mystery. Secrets that have been hidden for years are revealed about many of Esmé’s friends, family, and acquaintances.
There is no shortage of possible suspects in this character driven, engrossing thriller. This dark tale of a small town is told from two POVs, Esmé’s and Rita’s. There are twists, turns, red herrings, and a surprise ending.
Although this book is not touted as part of a series, this is the second Parlato novel I have read featuring Rita Myers. She is a good detective who is sometimes “creative” in her pursuit of criminals. I follow a number of mysteries/police procedural series featuring strong,capable female characters and I am pleased to add this one to the list.
Thanks to #netgalley and @kensingtonbooks for the ARC
As she renews her friendship with her old clique, suspicion falls on many of those close to her. It is up to Detective Rita Myers to solve the mystery. Secrets that have been hidden for years are revealed about many of Esmé’s friends, family, and acquaintances.
There is no shortage of possible suspects in this character driven, engrossing thriller. This dark tale of a small town is told from two POVs, Esmé’s and Rita’s. There are twists, turns, red herrings, and a surprise ending.
Although this book is not touted as part of a series, this is the second Parlato novel I have read featuring Rita Myers. She is a good detective who is sometimes “creative” in her pursuit of criminals. I follow a number of mysteries/police procedural series featuring strong,capable female characters and I am pleased to add this one to the list.
Thanks to #netgalley and @kensingtonbooks for the ARC
December 12, 2024
Nothing will ruin a home coming like the appearance of a dead body in your family’s yard....and if it is even possible... it gets worse. The dead woman has been beaten to death and we learn that it's Kara Cunningham, best friend of Esme Foster, who, was forced retire from her chosen career two years ago, after she had pushed herself too hard, and she also decided to "retire" from her live-in boyfriend and go back to Graybridge, Massachusetts, and her alcoholic father, Thomas Foster, who has cirrhosis of the liver and is dying a horrible death at his own hands. Thirteen years ago, Thomas was driving the car that killed his wife, Jennifer.
The troubled Esme is traumatized further by her persistent memory of an unidentified man that appeared at the window of the car that she’d been trapped in with her unconscious father and her dead mother and loudly announced: “I’m going to kill you!”. Then we have the neighbors...the Ridleys that have been equally messed up ever since Cynthia Ridley, whose brain has injured since a childhood fall down a flight of stairs, was sent to a psychiatric facility after a quarrel on a boat led to the drowning of her younger sister, Wendy.
The chapters alternate between the viewpoints of Esme and veteran police detective Rita Myers, who also has a less than glowing family history. The author loads us up with rumors, menace, and revelations until the reader is loaded down with a plethora of situations and memories, but little clues to what has happened or is happening in the present. We can only watch as one mystery after another is cleared up with very little logical progression, much less inevitability. The story had promise especially if you are willing to skip the last 50 or so pages....and I'm still not sure what waits in the woods.
The troubled Esme is traumatized further by her persistent memory of an unidentified man that appeared at the window of the car that she’d been trapped in with her unconscious father and her dead mother and loudly announced: “I’m going to kill you!”. Then we have the neighbors...the Ridleys that have been equally messed up ever since Cynthia Ridley, whose brain has injured since a childhood fall down a flight of stairs, was sent to a psychiatric facility after a quarrel on a boat led to the drowning of her younger sister, Wendy.
The chapters alternate between the viewpoints of Esme and veteran police detective Rita Myers, who also has a less than glowing family history. The author loads us up with rumors, menace, and revelations until the reader is loaded down with a plethora of situations and memories, but little clues to what has happened or is happening in the present. We can only watch as one mystery after another is cleared up with very little logical progression, much less inevitability. The story had promise especially if you are willing to skip the last 50 or so pages....and I'm still not sure what waits in the woods.
January 8, 2024
Oh wow! What a brilliant police procedural this was!
In usual style, I found out this was the second book in a series - although I do believe this can be read as a stand alone as I have done.
Esmé Foster left her hometown to follow her dream of becoming a professional dancer. She wanted to leave her small town behind and never look back, but after a career ending injury, she is called back to care for her ailing father.
Upon arrival home, she is not only greeted with her long ago left family drama but also a murder that has been committed in her backyard - literally. Detective Rita Meyers, a local has been called in to investigate.
Told in dual narrative by Rita and Esmé we follow and uncover buried secrets, lies and betrayal. Full of gripping twists and turns, all leading to a dramatic conclusion that kept me turning the pages furiously right to the end!
Many thanks to @netgalley and #rbmedia for an ALC in exchange for my honest review.
In usual style, I found out this was the second book in a series - although I do believe this can be read as a stand alone as I have done.
Esmé Foster left her hometown to follow her dream of becoming a professional dancer. She wanted to leave her small town behind and never look back, but after a career ending injury, she is called back to care for her ailing father.
Upon arrival home, she is not only greeted with her long ago left family drama but also a murder that has been committed in her backyard - literally. Detective Rita Meyers, a local has been called in to investigate.
Told in dual narrative by Rita and Esmé we follow and uncover buried secrets, lies and betrayal. Full of gripping twists and turns, all leading to a dramatic conclusion that kept me turning the pages furiously right to the end!
Many thanks to @netgalley and #rbmedia for an ALC in exchange for my honest review.
January 4, 2024
This one didn’t work for me. I was so bored by the plot, characters and the oppressive setting that I couldn’t wait to be done. This is technically the second in the series but it can be read as a standalone story,
Esme is returning to her small hometown after failing to make it big in NY. When she arrives she finds her childhood best friend murdered in the backyard of her family house. Concerned that it might be connected to her own past trauma, she decides to investigate.
The red herrings in this one had way too many pages invested in them. I couldn’t believe how much time and energy was used to flesh out past stories that had no relevance. Not to mention the amount of detail in the detective’s life that were utterly irrelevant. I wish we had more about the main murder and a narrower suspect list, I might have cared a lot more about what happened.
Esme is returning to her small hometown after failing to make it big in NY. When she arrives she finds her childhood best friend murdered in the backyard of her family house. Concerned that it might be connected to her own past trauma, she decides to investigate.
The red herrings in this one had way too many pages invested in them. I couldn’t believe how much time and energy was used to flesh out past stories that had no relevance. Not to mention the amount of detail in the detective’s life that were utterly irrelevant. I wish we had more about the main murder and a narrower suspect list, I might have cared a lot more about what happened.
January 15, 2024
A fascinating dance between a detective seeking answers and a ballerina unraveling secrets…..i>
Book Information
What Waits in the Woods by Terri Parlatois a 342 page mystery published on December 26, 2023. The audio version is Narrated by Christina Moore & Leah Horowitz and spans 10 hours. Thank you to RB Media for providing me with an Advance Readers Copy for review.
Summary
Esmé Foster, once a promising ballerina, returns to her hometown of Graybridge after a career-ending injury, only to find herself amidst a shocking crime – the murder of her high school friend, Kara Cunningham. Haunted by memories of a past threat and questioning if Kara's death is a case of mistaken identity, Esmé, along with Detective Rita Myers, unravels hidden secrets in the close-knit community. As she delves into the town's dark history, Esmé must confront the truth to bring closure to the nightmare surrounding Kara's murder.
My Thoughts
In Terri Parlatois' "What Waits in the Woods," we dive into an engaging mystery with a touch of police procedural. Even though it's the second book in the Rita Myers series, you can easily enjoy it on its own, thanks to solid character development and a storyline that stands independently.
The book has a deliberate pace, more of a slow-burn approach, emphasizing character exploration and family dynamics. Through the perspectives of Esmé and Detective Myers, the story gains depth, especially when experienced through the two distinct narrators in the audio version.
While the plot offers twists and turns with misdirection and red herrings, some readers might find the storytelling a bit measured. There's a fair amount of revisiting suspects, discussing day to day activities, and delving into details that might seem less crucial to the main storyline.
The conclusion, though surprising, might leave some readers wanting more. Unlike mysteries with clues leading readers to connect the dots, this ending appears to come out of the blue. This is not a mystery that you will smack your head and ask yourself how you missed the critical elements.
The use of two narrators to achieve very distinct voices that effectively differentiate the two main characters was a good choice and both were proficient. However, I was not entirely satisfied with the fit of the detective's voice to the character. This is obviously just my experience and while your mileage may vary, this disconnect detracted from my overall immersion in the story.
Recommendation
"What Waits in the Woods" by Terri Parlatois is a decent mystery with a deliberate pace and strong character development. While the plot was not a roller coaster ride and the ending was less than predictable, the book's nuanced storytelling makes it a decent choice for those seeking a family dynamic leaning mystery.
Rating
3 Family Stars
Book Information
What Waits in the Woods by Terri Parlatois a 342 page mystery published on December 26, 2023. The audio version is Narrated by Christina Moore & Leah Horowitz and spans 10 hours. Thank you to RB Media for providing me with an Advance Readers Copy for review.
Summary
Esmé Foster, once a promising ballerina, returns to her hometown of Graybridge after a career-ending injury, only to find herself amidst a shocking crime – the murder of her high school friend, Kara Cunningham. Haunted by memories of a past threat and questioning if Kara's death is a case of mistaken identity, Esmé, along with Detective Rita Myers, unravels hidden secrets in the close-knit community. As she delves into the town's dark history, Esmé must confront the truth to bring closure to the nightmare surrounding Kara's murder.
My Thoughts
In Terri Parlatois' "What Waits in the Woods," we dive into an engaging mystery with a touch of police procedural. Even though it's the second book in the Rita Myers series, you can easily enjoy it on its own, thanks to solid character development and a storyline that stands independently.
The book has a deliberate pace, more of a slow-burn approach, emphasizing character exploration and family dynamics. Through the perspectives of Esmé and Detective Myers, the story gains depth, especially when experienced through the two distinct narrators in the audio version.
While the plot offers twists and turns with misdirection and red herrings, some readers might find the storytelling a bit measured. There's a fair amount of revisiting suspects, discussing day to day activities, and delving into details that might seem less crucial to the main storyline.
The conclusion, though surprising, might leave some readers wanting more. Unlike mysteries with clues leading readers to connect the dots, this ending appears to come out of the blue. This is not a mystery that you will smack your head and ask yourself how you missed the critical elements.
The use of two narrators to achieve very distinct voices that effectively differentiate the two main characters was a good choice and both were proficient. However, I was not entirely satisfied with the fit of the detective's voice to the character. This is obviously just my experience and while your mileage may vary, this disconnect detracted from my overall immersion in the story.
Recommendation
"What Waits in the Woods" by Terri Parlatois is a decent mystery with a deliberate pace and strong character development. While the plot was not a roller coaster ride and the ending was less than predictable, the book's nuanced storytelling makes it a decent choice for those seeking a family dynamic leaning mystery.
Rating
3 Family Stars
January 8, 2024
3.5 stars rounding down to 3 stars on Goodreads.
When I read the synopsis, I knew I had to read this book and while started out with a bang it quickly fizzled out. I found myself not connecting with any of the characters and perhaps that had to do with the narration in the audiobook. This was an intriguing police procedural but it seemed to drag and then when the murderer was revealed, I was left down since it felt like so far in left field.
I feel like I was getting into an audiobook slump so maybe it has nothing to do with this book and just poor timing.
****Many thanks to Kensington Books, RB Media, and NetGalley for my gifted copies in exchange for an honest review.
When I read the synopsis, I knew I had to read this book and while started out with a bang it quickly fizzled out. I found myself not connecting with any of the characters and perhaps that had to do with the narration in the audiobook. This was an intriguing police procedural but it seemed to drag and then when the murderer was revealed, I was left down since it felt like so far in left field.
I feel like I was getting into an audiobook slump so maybe it has nothing to do with this book and just poor timing.
****Many thanks to Kensington Books, RB Media, and NetGalley for my gifted copies in exchange for an honest review.
February 8, 2024
I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ARC provided by Kensington Books.
When Esmé Foster left the Boston suburbs to become a professional ballerina, the future shimmered with promise. Eleven years later, her career has been derailed by an injury, and Esme knows it is time to come back to Graybridge to help her brother care for their ailing father. But her return coincides with an unthinkable crime. Kara Cunningham, one of Esme’s high school friends, is found dead in the woods behind the Fosters’ house.
Esmé is shocked and grieving, but also uneasy. In her dreams, she still sees the man who showed up at the scene of the car accident that killed her mother and told Esmé he was going to kill her too. Family and friends insisted the figure was a product of Esmé’s imagination, that she was concussed after the crash. But she and Kara looked alike, sharing the same petite build, the same hair color. Could Kara’s murder have been a case of mistaken identity?
Detective Rita Myers is familiar with close-knit communities like Graybridge, where, beneath the friendliness, there are whispers and secrets. The town has seen other tragedies too, including the long-ago drowning of a young girl in a pond, deep in the woods. Even within the once close circle of friends that included Kara and Esmé, Rita discerns a ripple of mistrust.
Day by day, Esmé discovers more about the place she left behind and the friends and family she thought she knew. Soon, shining a light into the darkness to learn what really happened the night Kara died is the only way she can bring the nightmare to an end .
What Waits in the Woods is a whodunit police procedural, murder mystery, and family drama. It had all the creepy, small town vibes going. The woods behind the houses are just creepy enough to keep you indoors. I loved the dual POV of the book and allowed for us to gain insight that would have otherwise been missed with only one POV. I always enjoy reading about cop interviews and following the evidence. This story is full of potential suspects and I could see many of them being the killer. I also loved that I was guessing the whole time. and trying to identify the killer before the reveal, and boy was I wrong with who I thought did it. The writing was very readable and I was flying through the pages whenever I picked it up. And the short chapters was a bonus. I would definitely recommend if you like psychological thrillers.
When Esmé Foster left the Boston suburbs to become a professional ballerina, the future shimmered with promise. Eleven years later, her career has been derailed by an injury, and Esme knows it is time to come back to Graybridge to help her brother care for their ailing father. But her return coincides with an unthinkable crime. Kara Cunningham, one of Esme’s high school friends, is found dead in the woods behind the Fosters’ house.
Esmé is shocked and grieving, but also uneasy. In her dreams, she still sees the man who showed up at the scene of the car accident that killed her mother and told Esmé he was going to kill her too. Family and friends insisted the figure was a product of Esmé’s imagination, that she was concussed after the crash. But she and Kara looked alike, sharing the same petite build, the same hair color. Could Kara’s murder have been a case of mistaken identity?
Detective Rita Myers is familiar with close-knit communities like Graybridge, where, beneath the friendliness, there are whispers and secrets. The town has seen other tragedies too, including the long-ago drowning of a young girl in a pond, deep in the woods. Even within the once close circle of friends that included Kara and Esmé, Rita discerns a ripple of mistrust.
Day by day, Esmé discovers more about the place she left behind and the friends and family she thought she knew. Soon, shining a light into the darkness to learn what really happened the night Kara died is the only way she can bring the nightmare to an end .
What Waits in the Woods is a whodunit police procedural, murder mystery, and family drama. It had all the creepy, small town vibes going. The woods behind the houses are just creepy enough to keep you indoors. I loved the dual POV of the book and allowed for us to gain insight that would have otherwise been missed with only one POV. I always enjoy reading about cop interviews and following the evidence. This story is full of potential suspects and I could see many of them being the killer. I also loved that I was guessing the whole time. and trying to identify the killer before the reveal, and boy was I wrong with who I thought did it. The writing was very readable and I was flying through the pages whenever I picked it up. And the short chapters was a bonus. I would definitely recommend if you like psychological thrillers.
February 2, 2025
Nothing much happens. People talk a lot. The talk isn't very interesting. Mediocre narration, mediocre story.
First POV from a young woman who was a dancer and goes home to some pretty awful people (I always like writing that, 'pretty awful') and which makes absolutely no sense to me. BUT, on the day she does return a dead body is found in her backyard. (Talk about pretty awful coincidences!) At any rate, after that not much happens for pages and pages.
Then there's a second POV from a detective who doesn't seem all that interesting, neither is she very professional. I cringed reading her interview people who might have seen something. The questioning goes from: what did you see/do and where were you at such and such a time - to 'yeah, did you invite her out there and she hit you and you hit back and then she hit her head on a rock.' Except for the most disinterested and unprofessional police investigators, who does that? Pretty pretty awful.
Anyhow, in fairness, the writer is faily adept - at writing. At telling a story - not so much. I read 140 pages and stopped when I asked myself what else was in my reading pile and answered myself with just about anything has to be better than this.
One star
First POV from a young woman who was a dancer and goes home to some pretty awful people (I always like writing that, 'pretty awful') and which makes absolutely no sense to me. BUT, on the day she does return a dead body is found in her backyard. (Talk about pretty awful coincidences!) At any rate, after that not much happens for pages and pages.
Then there's a second POV from a detective who doesn't seem all that interesting, neither is she very professional. I cringed reading her interview people who might have seen something. The questioning goes from: what did you see/do and where were you at such and such a time - to 'yeah, did you invite her out there and she hit you and you hit back and then she hit her head on a rock.' Except for the most disinterested and unprofessional police investigators, who does that? Pretty pretty awful.
Anyhow, in fairness, the writer is faily adept - at writing. At telling a story - not so much. I read 140 pages and stopped when I asked myself what else was in my reading pile and answered myself with just about anything has to be better than this.
One star
April 6, 2024
I may manage a better review in the future, but this surprised me with how engaging it was -- it zoomed along with no wasted time, and I looked forward to picking it back up every time I had to stop reading. The only reason I gave it four stars is because the big reveal was a little out of left field, so it didn't feel as satisfying as I'd hoped. But it didn't fail the story in any way -- it held with everything that had led up to it. I'm definitely game to read this author's previous book.
December 17, 2023
This is my very first book by Terri Parlato and she had me hooked from the very beginning!! Este’s ballerina career had come to an end so she decided to leave her bf of 12 years and move back to her home town while her father was dying. A murder takes place and then more things start taking place. I really enjoyed this thriller and just when I thought I knew who did it, it wasn’t the case. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for my honest review. I look forward to more books by this author.
October 23, 2025
This was a solid police procedural mystery. Multi POV between the detective on the case- Rita- and Esme- a woman back in her hometown. I was all in on this until the last 25%, just disappointed in the disjointed ending.
June 15, 2023
I wish there were words to express how excited I was when I saw that I was approved for this arc. Thrillers will always be one of my favourite genres and the fact that this was a murder mysteries screamed that it was right up my alley.
After her dreams are cut short and a failed relationship, Esmé decides to move back to her hometown to help her brother take care of their unwell father. Things quickly take a sinister turn when one of Esmé’s old friends is found dead in her backyard.
The story follows the point of view of Esmé and Rita, the detective who is investigating the murder. Usually, I find it can become quite confusing when there are dual points of view because it can become jumbled but thankfully this was written well and i found myself excited to see each different view of Esmé and Rita.
I loved trying to solve the mystery along with the other characters. As we learnt more about the characters and their pasts, I tried to figure out on my own who the killer was and I can confirm that I was not even close.
I feel like the ending was slightly rushed. It felt like it came out of left field as I hadn’t seen any reason for the story to go that way which could have been my fault because I could have missed some foreshadowing and clues.
Overall, I had great fun with this tense and fantastically paced Thriller.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me with this ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
After her dreams are cut short and a failed relationship, Esmé decides to move back to her hometown to help her brother take care of their unwell father. Things quickly take a sinister turn when one of Esmé’s old friends is found dead in her backyard.
The story follows the point of view of Esmé and Rita, the detective who is investigating the murder. Usually, I find it can become quite confusing when there are dual points of view because it can become jumbled but thankfully this was written well and i found myself excited to see each different view of Esmé and Rita.
I loved trying to solve the mystery along with the other characters. As we learnt more about the characters and their pasts, I tried to figure out on my own who the killer was and I can confirm that I was not even close.
I feel like the ending was slightly rushed. It felt like it came out of left field as I hadn’t seen any reason for the story to go that way which could have been my fault because I could have missed some foreshadowing and clues.
Overall, I had great fun with this tense and fantastically paced Thriller.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me with this ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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