In The Woods

by S.E. Smyth

Jamie is stuck at the site of the family cabin, in the woods and off-balance, as the world dissolves around her. She lost her job. She doomed her marriage. Her wife is dating the boss of her new side gig. She lives for the time being on jointly owned property but refuses to go inside the cabin. Everything is in disarray, and things cannot possibly look up. Until someone from Jamie’s past appears and breathes new hope into the situation. She evaluates and weighs her life and recent decisions to find out what’s important and what’s worth fighting for. In Jamie’s world of crime and deceit, love presents the only light. It’s a love she’s held onto. The journey, the hike through the brush in the metaphorical woods, can cut and mar, but the light Jamie is searching for is so bright.

265 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2023

About the author

S.E. Smyth is a multi-genre author writing multi-faceted sapphic characters, often with mental health issues, however they fit into a plot. By exploring the intersections of identity, she finds imaginable goodness in the questionably bad.

While known for her masterful cat belly rubs, she can also often be seen taking brisk walks. She travels when the air is right looking for antique stores, records, bike trails, and the perfect beach. S.E. rises unnecessarily early and usually falls asleep by 9 p.m.

You can find her on most social media sites as @se_smyth and also at https://sesmythauthor.com

Reviews

[Carol Hutchinson]

An Emotional Journey

Jamie’s world is falling apart. Her wife, Ellen starts dating Jamie’s new boss and their daughter, Michelle worries for her being on this new path that appears to be leading to darkness. When the past comes calling, it’s just what Jamie needs to take a good look at the position she is in and start making decisions about her future and happiness.

There was a lot packed into this very emotional story. Jamie’s life is very complex and it leads to a very deep insight into her emotional health. S.E. Smyth has handled everything Jamie and her family are experiencing with sensitivity, while delivering the gritty edge that accompanies falling into the circles and work Jamie has found herself in. It was also very cleverly engineered to be deceptive in delivering the truth of the story, which I found lent really well to the story being told. Snapshots of the past and events that happened between Ellen and Jamie, and with Michelle, really help to shape the characters and understand their decisions.

It was lovely how Michelle really cared about what was happening to Jamie, and although Ellen appeared more reserved, it was obvious she had her own concerns and wanted to be supportive too. There was something so unconventional about their family and yet it also felt completely normal, just like life. I really felt for Jamie and was glad she had support, but she was also very strong and independent in making choices and decisions when she realised what she wanted. She put her mind to it and I knew that no matter what, she’d succeed and overcome any challenges.

I really enjoyed the story. It was gripping, kept me intrigued, and was so cleverly put together. A great mystery come thriller, with depth and heart to really take you on a physical and emotional journey.

[Max Austin]

An outstanding five star review. I was gripped from the first page of ‘ In The Woods.’ S.E Smyth beautifully use of words and artististry quickly immersed me into the complex and chaotic world of Jamie, Ellen and Michelle. We are delivered into a world where Jamie is living with a mental health illness. The author sensitively explores the emotional impact of mental health illness on people around Jamie. S.E Smyth’s abundance of literary skill gives us a totally believable and authentic experience. As this beautifully crafted and gritty story develops I was captivated. We really get to see why the characters makes their decisions. They are all completely rounded people with histories of their own. It is beautiful to see the love between the family and Michelle’s determination to keep the them together, despite the challenges they all face. The relationship between the characters made me want to know more. I was completely immersed in this story. S.E Symth kept me on the edge of my seat with this amazing mystery crime thriller.

[Ngoni Brian]

When I started reading this book I was a bit confused but it didn't last too long. The whole story began to come alive very fast and hot. I enjoyed it immensely,what a gripping story it is. The way it's laid out and paced is just phenomenal. The character development was top notch. I loved the dedication between Ellen, Jaime and Michelle to save their family. The unique way of writing was just awesome, I think that's what made the whole story even more engulfing.

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

[Frances Bell]

Good book

I never read a book like this before the story line was very interesting it had me intrigued Love the characters the story line with very different but I like that a lot I would like to read more from this author

[Laury A. Egan]

A maelstrom revolves around Jamie (Ma), who has bipolar disease; her bisexual wife, Ellen (Mom); and their daughter, Michelle (Ellen is her birth mother). The novel is narrated primarily by these three women, who are in turmoil because of Jamie’s highs and lows, Ellen’s temper, and the fact that Jamie and Ellen have an open marriage, thus allowing the malevolent Mick into their midst. Jamie’s psychiatrist, Dr. Prince, is a dubious character who becomes enmeshed with shady dealings, and there are episodes in Switzerland with Jamie and Gerry, a supportive friend.
Through the first third of the novel, the history and interwoven relationships are explored in detail so that when the situation erupts, it’s clear how the familial, emotional, and psychological stresses caused the disintegration. From this point onward, the action is ratcheted up. Jamie has lost her job and escapes into the woods, while Michelle attempts to keep her family together despite the turmoil and the insidious threats to Jamie and to Ellen. Will love between the women and their daughter survive mental illness, the infiltration of criminal enterprises, and police investigations? Both a portrait of a tormented marriage and a work of suspense, In The Woods is an in-depth tale that will captivate LesFic crime fiction readers.

[William P]

Great read!

[Jay Beau]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I enjoyed reading this, but I had difficulty understanding it. I read it twice to make sure that I understood it. I would be less confused if, with each new POV, the name of the character was above it so the reader can know. I found myself thinking "Is this Michelle/Ellen/Jamie?" Overall, it's a nice story. I see what the author was aiming for.

[Liz Arncliffe]

IN THE WOODS is an intriguing and gripping story of a woman gone missing and the events leading up to her disappearance. The depiction of Ma's inner life as a bipolar woman is fascinating. Reading about her daughter and partner as they try to navigate family turmoil unleashed by Jamie's mental health and challenges in her marriage are heartbreaking and infuriating. Worth a read, even if you have to work a bit to follow some of the character arcs.

[Eule Grey]

In The Woods is actually an excellent title for this complex tale that weaves and winds throughout the dense pathways of mental health, family, and the ties that bind. An intriguing story which will appeal to anyone.

Another great offering from the amazing S.E. Smyth!