What do you think?
Rate this book
Glenville #1
The Lady in the Woods
In a seemingly serene countryside home, there’s a dark and twisted history that threatens the lives of its new occupants...
When pregnant Alice Warren and her husband Paul settled into their dream home in the woods, all was blissful. But as Alice attempts to adjust to her new life in the countryside, a string of strange happenings occur, from a dead deer by the door to strange sounds in the night.
Alice believes that there’s more to these occurrences than they appear, but Paul believes her paranoia is simply an overreaction.
Until she vanishes, leaving behind a cryptic letter. The police force think that she ran away of her own accord.
But the town’s detective Heather Bishop believes differently.
From missing hikers to a twisted cold case, Heather learns that there’s more to the forest than the tall trees and the dark lake...
When pregnant Alice Warren and her husband Paul settled into their dream home in the woods, all was blissful. But as Alice attempts to adjust to her new life in the countryside, a string of strange happenings occur, from a dead deer by the door to strange sounds in the night.
Alice believes that there’s more to these occurrences than they appear, but Paul believes her paranoia is simply an overreaction.
Until she vanishes, leaving behind a cryptic letter. The police force think that she ran away of her own accord.
But the town’s detective Heather Bishop believes differently.
From missing hikers to a twisted cold case, Heather learns that there’s more to the forest than the tall trees and the dark lake...
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 9, 2023
325 people are currently reading
5620 people want to read
About the author
Cara Kent
20 books49 followersCara Kent lives in a cozy apartment in San Antonio, Texas with her feisty black cat.
She has spent most of her life dreaming of publishing her own novel. After the pandemic changed the course of her life, she found time and motivation to finish up her novels and have them published.
When not reading a thriller or romantic suspense novel in her apartment, you can find Cara Kent at a local coffee shop or volunteering at the local animal shelter.
She has spent most of her life dreaming of publishing her own novel. After the pandemic changed the course of her life, she found time and motivation to finish up her novels and have them published.
When not reading a thriller or romantic suspense novel in her apartment, you can find Cara Kent at a local coffee shop or volunteering at the local animal shelter.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 25, 2025
These are great. I got the novella on stuff your kindle thriller day, and was immediately hooked and downloaded the full 5.5 book series (available on KU!)
I love a good thriller and this didn’t disappoint. I’m actually disappointed in myself for not catching the twist, being the massive Harry Potter fan that I am (IYKYK!)
I love a good thriller and this didn’t disappoint. I’m actually disappointed in myself for not catching the twist, being the massive Harry Potter fan that I am (IYKYK!)
September 23, 2023
3 stars but SPOILERS IN THE REVIEW
This was a unique read. The mysterious and brutal history of the house was a good touch and used appropriately and I liked the main character Heather as a scorned city detective turned small town outcast. I also loved Gabriel’s sidekick work. I think that Heather suspected the husband too much right off the bat and her actions didn’t match her credentials or reputation.
The killer being absolutely insane and using a bear carcass to mislead the local police and scare the townspeople away from the murder shack was a cool concept.
This book could have been really good with some more editing and less POV’s. The Warren’s, Heathers and The Hunter’s POVs would have been more than enough but adding in The Others as a way to give Denis’s backstory was confusing to me. Also the author frequently mixed up the female MC’s names—calling Alice Heather and vice versa. Not crucial to the story if you know what’s going on but very sloppy. The ending was unexpected and sad.
This was a unique read. The mysterious and brutal history of the house was a good touch and used appropriately and I liked the main character Heather as a scorned city detective turned small town outcast. I also loved Gabriel’s sidekick work. I think that Heather suspected the husband too much right off the bat and her actions didn’t match her credentials or reputation.
The killer being absolutely insane and using a bear carcass to mislead the local police and scare the townspeople away from the murder shack was a cool concept.
This book could have been really good with some more editing and less POV’s. The Warren’s, Heathers and The Hunter’s POVs would have been more than enough but adding in The Others as a way to give Denis’s backstory was confusing to me. Also the author frequently mixed up the female MC’s names—calling Alice Heather and vice versa. Not crucial to the story if you know what’s going on but very sloppy. The ending was unexpected and sad.
July 31, 2023
I love a good thriller, specifically the kind that has me questioning things out loud as I try my best to wrap my head around what the heck is going on. The Lady in the Woods hit the nail on the head for me. I was captivated the entire time and just when I thought I had things figured out, I was thrown for a loop and trying to figure it out all over again.
I loved Paul and Alice’s relationship when they were first introduced, but then naturally started questioning if it was all an act as events started to unfold. But in the end, Paul’s determination to find his wife reinforced his love for her and their daughter and I found myself respecting him and appreciating him more than I did in the beginning.
I couldn’t help but love Heather and Gabriel’s partnership, but wasn’t sure how I felt about the vibes I was occasionally getting from them. It ranged from mentor to brother/sister to romantic couple, and I found myself wishing they could just pick one. I understand the conflicting feelings both could have in taking their relationship anything past a professional one, but it remained unspoken throughout the book and I wish there was at least some sort of closure on that.
I also was a little disappointment at the anti-climatic rescue mission. I was anticipating more of a build up and a struggle, but it just kind of fell flat for me. But I was glad there was one final twist at the end, although heartbreaking.
Overall, I absolutely loved this book. I would love to see it as a movie someday. And I will definitely be checking out Cara’s other books!
I loved Paul and Alice’s relationship when they were first introduced, but then naturally started questioning if it was all an act as events started to unfold. But in the end, Paul’s determination to find his wife reinforced his love for her and their daughter and I found myself respecting him and appreciating him more than I did in the beginning.
I couldn’t help but love Heather and Gabriel’s partnership, but wasn’t sure how I felt about the vibes I was occasionally getting from them. It ranged from mentor to brother/sister to romantic couple, and I found myself wishing they could just pick one. I understand the conflicting feelings both could have in taking their relationship anything past a professional one, but it remained unspoken throughout the book and I wish there was at least some sort of closure on that.
I also was a little disappointment at the anti-climatic rescue mission. I was anticipating more of a build up and a struggle, but it just kind of fell flat for me. But I was glad there was one final twist at the end, although heartbreaking.
Overall, I absolutely loved this book. I would love to see it as a movie someday. And I will definitely be checking out Cara’s other books!
January 4, 2024
The Lady in the Woods by Cara Kent is an intriguing psychological crime thriller. Expectant mother Alice Warren and her husband Paul have just moved into a beautiful—but isolated—lakeside home.
Pretty much immediately, Alice starts suspecting that she's being watched and that their home is being broken into. Her husband, naturally, brushes aside her concerns, as husbands often do in these types of books. Then Alice goes missing, ostensibly of her own free will, but the town's detective, Heather, isn't so sure.
The Lady in the Woods is fairly well-written, with vivid descriptions and interesting characters. But parts of it were confusing, and unintentionally so. Occasionally, Alice and Heather's name would be swapped. A chapter that's meant to be from the villain's POV includes the thoughts of another person, which the villain couldn't possibly know. I'm curious to read the second book, and see if the writing has improved.
This is subjective, but the ending left me feeling frustrated and, in some ways, more confused. We get a lot of vague hints of Heather's backstory (to the point where I stopped to make sure I hadn't accidentally skipped an earlier book) but I ended the story without feeling like I understood what she had been through.
Also....
Pretty much immediately, Alice starts suspecting that she's being watched and that their home is being broken into. Her husband, naturally, brushes aside her concerns, as husbands often do in these types of books. Then Alice goes missing, ostensibly of her own free will, but the town's detective, Heather, isn't so sure.
The Lady in the Woods is fairly well-written, with vivid descriptions and interesting characters. But parts of it were confusing, and unintentionally so. Occasionally, Alice and Heather's name would be swapped. A chapter that's meant to be from the villain's POV includes the thoughts of another person, which the villain couldn't possibly know. I'm curious to read the second book, and see if the writing has improved.
This is subjective, but the ending left me feeling frustrated and, in some ways, more confused. We get a lot of vague hints of Heather's backstory (to the point where I stopped to make sure I hadn't accidentally skipped an earlier book) but I ended the story without feeling like I understood what she had been through.
Also....
March 18, 2023
Married and pregnant couple Paul and Alice bought a home in the woods, surrounded by nothing but woods and a lake. A house were a tragedy occurred a decade ago, and a place where hikers have been disappearing attributed by the local authorities as the work of bears, even though one hasn’t been seen since forever.
Tragedy strikes again when Alice disappears from her house while Paul is away for work, or was he? Becoming the main suspect on her disappearing.
New detective Heather Bishop, with the help of detective Gabriel, set up to crack the case and save Alice and her baby, if she’s still alive. What they find is much more that one case, but something devious going on in the woods, in the little house in it.
Don’t read this book if you have pressing chores to do because once you start reading it you can’t stop until the shocking ending.
I’m looking forward to the following books in the Heather Bishop series.
Tragedy strikes again when Alice disappears from her house while Paul is away for work, or was he? Becoming the main suspect on her disappearing.
New detective Heather Bishop, with the help of detective Gabriel, set up to crack the case and save Alice and her baby, if she’s still alive. What they find is much more that one case, but something devious going on in the woods, in the little house in it.
Don’t read this book if you have pressing chores to do because once you start reading it you can’t stop until the shocking ending.
I’m looking forward to the following books in the Heather Bishop series.
October 10, 2024
So I liked the story of the book. The plot was interesting and kept me enthralled. However, I felt that it ended very abruptly and didn’t really tie everything up nicely at the end. The other big thing that kept bothering me were the typos and inconsistencies. The main character’s name became Paul Walker at one point, and his mom’s name went from Kathy to Pauline back to Kathy all within 4-5 paragraphs. The inconsistencies with the pregnancy were all over the place, with her being 26 weeks along, then 38 weeks, then 32 weeks. I try not to hold it against the author because like I said, I enjoyed the story itself, but it definitely needs some editing.
March 13, 2023
Do Not start this book if you have children to care for or tasks to be done because once you start it you won't put it down until you are finished. Heather and Gabriel have a mystery that the Sheriff doesn't think is a mystery. But that doesn't stop Heather. As Heather works to solve not one but three mysteries, the twists turns and characters keep you reading as fast as you can. Page after page will just fly by. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this new series and can't wait to see what is next.
July 24, 2024
Review for Lady in the Woods
I really loved the Lady in the Woods by Cara Kent because I some suspicion of who the bad guy was, but the way the suspense and mystery wad spun throughout the book had me questioning my own thoughts on who did the murders. My emotions through the story went all over the place because I was hoping the mystery would be solved and the bad guy would be caught. It just goes to show how good the story was that kept me enthralled through the whole book. Please keep up the great writing and I will keep reading your books. Thanks.
I really loved the Lady in the Woods by Cara Kent because I some suspicion of who the bad guy was, but the way the suspense and mystery wad spun throughout the book had me questioning my own thoughts on who did the murders. My emotions through the story went all over the place because I was hoping the mystery would be solved and the bad guy would be caught. It just goes to show how good the story was that kept me enthralled through the whole book. Please keep up the great writing and I will keep reading your books. Thanks.
January 16, 2025
What in the Island of Doctor Moreau did I just read? Absolutely could not finish. Nothing in the description prepared me for a hunter who hunts people. Sorry but that's just a notch too fucked up for my taste. I prefer mysteries with motive in the plot. Also the writing was a little messy and would have benefitted from some editing.
The mystery wasn't intriguing enough to keep me interested in spite of the psycho-in-the-woods, so marking as DNF and warning other readers that it gets really weird. Not for me, thanks.
The mystery wasn't intriguing enough to keep me interested in spite of the psycho-in-the-woods, so marking as DNF and warning other readers that it gets really weird. Not for me, thanks.
April 11, 2023
It was to be their dream house away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Alice and Paul Warren are expecting their first child, and there are strange things happening. Is it just her nervousness or is something else really happening? Then there are missing hikers that Detective Heather Bishop is looking into and into the strange things happening at the house. Are they connected or two totally different cases? I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
January 8, 2024
This was the first book of Kent’s Grenville mysteries I have read, after having loved her Mia Storm series. This one starts out in the forests of Washington in the small town of Glenville where strange events are happening. There is a dark and twisted history and when the pregnant wife disappears the hunt is on to find out what happened to her. Not to mention the missing hikers and strange happenings in the woods. Quite the story!
July 7, 2024
This book was good! Surprisingly I did guess who the “bear” was and how it was going to end. I think the only reason I can’t give it a 4 is because I did guess the ending. If I can’t guess the ending and it shocks me I’ll rate it higher. But overall it was a good read. It can be a TW for DV so heads up on that.
Also, the title has me a little confused. “Lady” in the woods doesn’t make sense to me.
Also, the title has me a little confused. “Lady” in the woods doesn’t make sense to me.
May 20, 2023
A real page turner!
The character development was good, story line had me hooked right away! I liked the way she shifted the narrative among the characters, the detective included! The setting was perfect, mixing in old flames, missing persons, and bears added to the suspense! A good read, I highly recommend it!
The character development was good, story line had me hooked right away! I liked the way she shifted the narrative among the characters, the detective included! The setting was perfect, mixing in old flames, missing persons, and bears added to the suspense! A good read, I highly recommend it!
May 27, 2023
Excellent reading
Suspenseful thriller.Looking forward to reading this series. Great characters, sad that you have a drunkard detective and an old uncaring sheriff. But sadly that's real life. Well maybe Gene will retire, a d Heather Will straighten up her life. Looking forward to reading more.
Suspenseful thriller.Looking forward to reading this series. Great characters, sad that you have a drunkard detective and an old uncaring sheriff. But sadly that's real life. Well maybe Gene will retire, a d Heather Will straighten up her life. Looking forward to reading more.
July 24, 2023
This book absolutely got my heart pumping. I didn't like how the end was so abrupt knowing there was 10 pages left and there was more back story that was unnecessary. I wanted more action! Overall great thriller and easy read. I love that when I read on my kindle I can look up the words I'm not familiar with, especially when the author adds those in.
March 24, 2024
Multiple story lines all pulled together for a hold on tight book.
If you enjoy chapters with murder, mystery, and intrigue that eventually all tie together in a shocking ending, this a book you will enjoy. I hated to put it down because the intrigue kept me reading just a few more pages.
If you enjoy chapters with murder, mystery, and intrigue that eventually all tie together in a shocking ending, this a book you will enjoy. I hated to put it down because the intrigue kept me reading just a few more pages.
March 17, 2023
This was yet another great mystery from Cara Kent, who is now, officially, one of my favorite authors. The story kept me engrossed and guessing until the very end. I couldn't put it down! I'm really looking forward to more installments in the Heather Bishop series.
April 3, 2023
New home
moving into a new home should be joyful but this one's a nightmare, who is taking hikers and now Alice home. Did her husband do this, will they find her before the baby comes? Wonderful book, you need to read this one
moving into a new home should be joyful but this one's a nightmare, who is taking hikers and now Alice home. Did her husband do this, will they find her before the baby comes? Wonderful book, you need to read this one
May 5, 2023
I liked the book. Characters were well defined some to love and some to hate. Several twist and turns some expected some not. I was disappointed in the ending but I guess it is what it is! I’ll read the next one later.
Want to read
June 29, 2023No stars because I couldn't finish this book. Read so many 4 and 5 stars reviews and I'm just not getting it. Read until page 160 and couldn't take it anymore. Most unlikable detective I've ever read about in any thriller/mystery and I really don't care what happened to Alice and Paul.
July 25, 2023
Excellent!
Ten years ago, a family was murdered at their secluded house on the lake. Around the same time, hikers start going missing. Now, a new owner has come along with a very pregnant wife. When she suddenly goes missing, it's a race to find her before she goes into labor.
Ten years ago, a family was murdered at their secluded house on the lake. Around the same time, hikers start going missing. Now, a new owner has come along with a very pregnant wife. When she suddenly goes missing, it's a race to find her before she goes into labor.
December 11, 2023
I dnf at 17%
I don't think it's bad but...the detective is already unlikable. The sheriff is unlikable. Really it looks like the rookie what's his name is the only character that has good character.
I can't get into it. I might pick it up again. I may not. We'll see.
I don't think it's bad but...the detective is already unlikable. The sheriff is unlikable. Really it looks like the rookie what's his name is the only character that has good character.
I can't get into it. I might pick it up again. I may not. We'll see.
August 4, 2024
I hate sad endings! There were no surprises or plot twists. Saw the ending coming a mile away but kept hoping I was going to be shocked by some crazy turn of events. Also noticed a few issues where character names were clearly incorrectly switched.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2024
I hadn't read a thriller in a while. This was an okay one. It didn't have too much horror stuff while creating a decent amount of anxiety for the unknown of what will happen. I will read book #2 in the series for sure.
May 14, 2023
It's more than a lady in the woods, isn't it??? Even the ones who survive lost someone. I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
May 20, 2023
Great read..
Wow that was kind of interesting.. It definitely kept my attention. Lots of twists that I didn't see coming. 😎
Wow that was kind of interesting.. It definitely kept my attention. Lots of twists that I didn't see coming. 😎
May 20, 2023
This was a very gripping story. I loved the writing style. Very gruesome, but necessary for the story.
May 21, 2023
your book
I couldn't put the book down, awesome and sad story but I loved it. Can't wait for your sequel's about Heather.
I couldn't put the book down, awesome and sad story but I loved it. Can't wait for your sequel's about Heather.
May 22, 2023
intense and emotional
The author has written this with so much emotion. I became a viewer from afar. This is to become a wonderful series. Thank you.
The author has written this with so much emotion. I became a viewer from afar. This is to become a wonderful series. Thank you.
May 23, 2023
New series!
I have a new series to add to my favorites list. This is an action filled, twisty story that had me hooked from beginning to end. I can't wait to read the next book.
I have a new series to add to my favorites list. This is an action filled, twisty story that had me hooked from beginning to end. I can't wait to read the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews