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Monster Hunter #3
Beast of the North Woods
When a local fisherman is mauled to death, it seems like the only possible cause is a mythical creature in the latest puzzling entry in this USA Today bestselling series.
An ice fisherman is savagely mauled to death in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, and an eyewitness claims the man was attacked by a hodag. There's just one problem with it's well known that the creature is not real and was created by a local hoaxer. So how could an imaginary creature be chomping on local sportsmen?
The suggestion that a hodag killed someone isn’t well received by the townsfolk because of its beloved ties to the town and the money it generates from tourist dollars. Due to this, people begin to suspect the witness is the real killer, especially when it’s discovered he has a tangled past with the victim.
The witness to the attack happens to be the nephew of Morgan Carter’s bookstore employee, Rita Bosworth, who convinces the professional cryptozoologist to travel to Wisconsin to prove that a hodag not only exists but killed the victim.
Clues may be hard to come by, but one thing's for something killed that man, and that something now has its eyes focused on Morgan.
An ice fisherman is savagely mauled to death in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, and an eyewitness claims the man was attacked by a hodag. There's just one problem with it's well known that the creature is not real and was created by a local hoaxer. So how could an imaginary creature be chomping on local sportsmen?
The suggestion that a hodag killed someone isn’t well received by the townsfolk because of its beloved ties to the town and the money it generates from tourist dollars. Due to this, people begin to suspect the witness is the real killer, especially when it’s discovered he has a tangled past with the victim.
The witness to the attack happens to be the nephew of Morgan Carter’s bookstore employee, Rita Bosworth, who convinces the professional cryptozoologist to travel to Wisconsin to prove that a hodag not only exists but killed the victim.
Clues may be hard to come by, but one thing's for something killed that man, and that something now has its eyes focused on Morgan.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 28, 2025
132 people are currently reading
8343 people want to read
About the author
Annelise Ryan
19 books1,129 followersAnnelise Ryan is a pseudonym for Beth Amos, the USA Today bestselling author of 30 novels, including the Monster Hunter Mysteries featuring cryptozoologist and bookstore owner, Morgan Carter, the Mattie Winston mystery series, featuring a wryly cynical nurse-turned-coroner, and the Helping Hands Mysteries featuring social worker Hildy Schneider.
In addition, she is the author of the Mack's Bar Mystery series written as Allyson K. Abbott and five standalone paranormal thrillers written as Beth Amos.
She is a retired emergency room nurse living in Wisconsin. There are several reasons why she decided to use pseudonyms, not the least of which was that her ER patients might not have been comfortable knowing she spent her spare time thinking up clever ways to kill people.
In addition, she is the author of the Mack's Bar Mystery series written as Allyson K. Abbott and five standalone paranormal thrillers written as Beth Amos.
She is a retired emergency room nurse living in Wisconsin. There are several reasons why she decided to use pseudonyms, not the least of which was that her ER patients might not have been comfortable knowing she spent her spare time thinking up clever ways to kill people.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 292 reviews
August 10, 2024
Beast of the North Woods: Brought to you by Culver's. Okay, so maybe not really, but it's kind of funny how many times Culver's is mentioned in this novel.
But, anyway, this is another enjoyable installment of the Monster Hunter Mysteries series. I can't say that I enjoyed it quite as much as its predecessors, but it's a light and fluffy cryptid mystery and that's exactly what I was looking for when I picked it up. Newt, as always, is the star of the show, although I swear he spends most of this one sitting in the car. Honestly, I'm starting to worry about Newt a bit – Morgan doesn't seem to find leaving him in the car during the Wisconsin winter to be concerning, and does he ever eat actual dog food or does his diet consist solely of Culver's™ burgers??
The murder mystery is fun, though. I feel like it's a little less cryptid-y than the previous mysteries were, but I have no real proof to back up my claim. It was entertaining to learn about the Hodag and the town of Rhinelander, Wisconsin and its Hodag obsession. Morgan seems to lean on her friends particularly hard for solving this one, and somehow Devon the shop assistant has – conveniently for Morgan – progressed to hacking bank accounts and credit card systems at this point. And, although Morgan has always been a character with a defective sense of self-preservation, expect brilliantly stupid, um, stupidity (hey, you want a well-written review, go read The New York Times!) from her this time around. I mean, why shouldn't she walk off alone into the deep dark woods just because a random note pinned to a door tells her to??
There's also a short bit where Morgan becomes an insta-expert on pig breeding, so that's fun.
Ol' Flatfoot Sanders is back for this installment, although his and Morgan's relationship is pretty lacking in this one (which, whatever, he's boring and naggy). I mean, they spend an entire trip sleeping in separate beds in adjoining hotel rooms, you guys! And, sadly, no one actually calls him Flatfoot Sanders in this book, which is really a bit of a disappointment.
Anyway, this is an easy, uncomplicated, and entertaining read. It's not fine literature by any means, but I'm definitely still looking forward to the next book in the series. 3.6 stars, rounded up.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is January 28, 2025.
But, anyway, this is another enjoyable installment of the Monster Hunter Mysteries series. I can't say that I enjoyed it quite as much as its predecessors, but it's a light and fluffy cryptid mystery and that's exactly what I was looking for when I picked it up. Newt, as always, is the star of the show, although I swear he spends most of this one sitting in the car. Honestly, I'm starting to worry about Newt a bit – Morgan doesn't seem to find leaving him in the car during the Wisconsin winter to be concerning, and does he ever eat actual dog food or does his diet consist solely of Culver's™ burgers??
The murder mystery is fun, though. I feel like it's a little less cryptid-y than the previous mysteries were, but I have no real proof to back up my claim. It was entertaining to learn about the Hodag and the town of Rhinelander, Wisconsin and its Hodag obsession. Morgan seems to lean on her friends particularly hard for solving this one, and somehow Devon the shop assistant has – conveniently for Morgan – progressed to hacking bank accounts and credit card systems at this point. And, although Morgan has always been a character with a defective sense of self-preservation, expect brilliantly stupid, um, stupidity (hey, you want a well-written review, go read The New York Times!) from her this time around. I mean, why shouldn't she walk off alone into the deep dark woods just because a random note pinned to a door tells her to??
There's also a short bit where Morgan becomes an insta-expert on pig breeding, so that's fun.
Ol' Flatfoot Sanders is back for this installment, although his and Morgan's relationship is pretty lacking in this one (which, whatever, he's boring and naggy). I mean, they spend an entire trip sleeping in separate beds in adjoining hotel rooms, you guys! And, sadly, no one actually calls him Flatfoot Sanders in this book, which is really a bit of a disappointment.
Anyway, this is an easy, uncomplicated, and entertaining read. It's not fine literature by any means, but I'm definitely still looking forward to the next book in the series. 3.6 stars, rounded up.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is January 28, 2025.
May 12, 2025
**3.5-stars rounded up **
💚💛💛💚💛💛💚💛💛💚💛💛💚💛💛💚
Beast of the North Woods is the 3rd-installment to Annelise Ryan's Monster Hunter Cozy Mystery series. These quirky stories successfully combine two of my favorite things: creepy vibes and cozy mysteries.
These books follow MC, Morgan Carter, a cryptozoologist and specialty bookstore owner, who along with her adorable dog, Newt, investigates cases that may be linked to potential cryptid activity.
In this story, Morgan agrees to help her long-time store employee, Rita, after her nephew is accused of murder. He claims he is just a witness, having stumbled across the mutilated body of a local fisherman in the woods.
He also claims he saw a creature of many local legends, a Hodag, leaving the scene. He accuses the creature of being responsible for the gruesome crime.
The thing is, although his town of Rhinelander, Wisconsin, embraces the idea of the Hodag, incorporating it into their community, it's also widely believed to be a hoax.
Even though she doesn't believe Hodags to be real either, Morgan agrees to travel with Rita to Rhinelander to try to get to the bottom of it and clear Rita's nephew's name.
Once there though, Morgan's presence causes a stir with the townsfolk, and the deeper she digs, the more danger she seems to be in. If a Hodag didn't kill the fisherman, and Rita's nephew didn't either, who did?
This series is a bit silly, NGL, but it's also super-duper fun. I've grown so attached to this cast of characters, (I'm looking at you, Newt) and am definitely hoping for more installments. There's so many other cryptids to explore.
I had never heard of a Hodag before, so actually had to look it up. I liked how the author chose to use a lesser known cryptid this time. In the 1st-book, we had a Loch Ness Monster-like lake creature, and the 2nd-book revolved around Bigfoot, so this one was a surprise.
I also really love Morgan as an MC. She's smart, daring and most importantly, a great Dog Mom, always putting Newt's needs first. I never have to worry about him while reading, because I know Morgan is keeping him as safe as possible.
This was a solid mystery, that got increasingly complex the more we learned. I also appreciated that we dappled a little more into Morgan's past as well, so it felt well-rounded. I liked learning more about her.
As with many cozy mysteries, we do follow along with Morgan's personal life as well. She's in a budding relationship, and it's very new, so they are exploring those boundaries within this book, which was nice to see.
There were some fun twists, although a few things seemed obvious and it took Morgan longer to figure out than I would've thought. Otherwise, it did get more complicated than I expected and took some surprising turns. I had fun going along for the ride.
I would recommend this series to any Cozy Mystery fans, but particularly those looking for something a little different in their Cozy. It's one-of-a-kind.
Thank you to the publisher, Berkley, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm looking forward to whatever comes next for Morgan and Newt.
Please don't let this be the last!
💚💛💛💚💛💛💚💛💛💚💛💛💚💛💛💚
Beast of the North Woods is the 3rd-installment to Annelise Ryan's Monster Hunter Cozy Mystery series. These quirky stories successfully combine two of my favorite things: creepy vibes and cozy mysteries.
These books follow MC, Morgan Carter, a cryptozoologist and specialty bookstore owner, who along with her adorable dog, Newt, investigates cases that may be linked to potential cryptid activity.
In this story, Morgan agrees to help her long-time store employee, Rita, after her nephew is accused of murder. He claims he is just a witness, having stumbled across the mutilated body of a local fisherman in the woods.
He also claims he saw a creature of many local legends, a Hodag, leaving the scene. He accuses the creature of being responsible for the gruesome crime.
The thing is, although his town of Rhinelander, Wisconsin, embraces the idea of the Hodag, incorporating it into their community, it's also widely believed to be a hoax.
Even though she doesn't believe Hodags to be real either, Morgan agrees to travel with Rita to Rhinelander to try to get to the bottom of it and clear Rita's nephew's name.
Once there though, Morgan's presence causes a stir with the townsfolk, and the deeper she digs, the more danger she seems to be in. If a Hodag didn't kill the fisherman, and Rita's nephew didn't either, who did?
This series is a bit silly, NGL, but it's also super-duper fun. I've grown so attached to this cast of characters, (I'm looking at you, Newt) and am definitely hoping for more installments. There's so many other cryptids to explore.
I had never heard of a Hodag before, so actually had to look it up. I liked how the author chose to use a lesser known cryptid this time. In the 1st-book, we had a Loch Ness Monster-like lake creature, and the 2nd-book revolved around Bigfoot, so this one was a surprise.
I also really love Morgan as an MC. She's smart, daring and most importantly, a great Dog Mom, always putting Newt's needs first. I never have to worry about him while reading, because I know Morgan is keeping him as safe as possible.
This was a solid mystery, that got increasingly complex the more we learned. I also appreciated that we dappled a little more into Morgan's past as well, so it felt well-rounded. I liked learning more about her.
As with many cozy mysteries, we do follow along with Morgan's personal life as well. She's in a budding relationship, and it's very new, so they are exploring those boundaries within this book, which was nice to see.
There were some fun twists, although a few things seemed obvious and it took Morgan longer to figure out than I would've thought. Otherwise, it did get more complicated than I expected and took some surprising turns. I had fun going along for the ride.
I would recommend this series to any Cozy Mystery fans, but particularly those looking for something a little different in their Cozy. It's one-of-a-kind.
Thank you to the publisher, Berkley, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm looking forward to whatever comes next for Morgan and Newt.
Please don't let this be the last!
October 21, 2025
Another exciting case!
Beast of the North Woods
By Annelise Ryan
Another wonderful creature mystery, with extra side mysteries to solve along with the main one. Terrific plot, fleshed-out characters, great dialogue, and amazing world building. I stayed up most of the night to finish the book!
Beast of the North Woods
By Annelise Ryan
Another wonderful creature mystery, with extra side mysteries to solve along with the main one. Terrific plot, fleshed-out characters, great dialogue, and amazing world building. I stayed up most of the night to finish the book!
April 15, 2025
No offense to Wisconsinites, but I had never heard of their beloved monster, the Hodag, until 2021 when I read Ilona Andrews' book Blood Heir. And I thought the Andrews just made it up, so I was stunned when the Hodag became a factor in this mystery’s early pages.
Once I got over that little revelation, I was ready to proceed. Morgan, the cryptozoologist main character, gets dragged into a murder investigation by a valued employee. Rita's nephew is accused of brutally murdering a rival and then claiming that a Hodag did it. Rita and her brother hope that Morgan can find out if there's any truth in the tale. It quickly becomes apparent that there's more going on than just one man's death and Morgan finds herself in the crosshairs of several dangerous people.
The tension is good, the pacing works well, and the ending, while it felt a little unrealistic, was supported by information the author provides in an afterword. So far, I have enjoyed each book in this series and I really hope that Ms. Ryan continues to write them.
Once I got over that little revelation, I was ready to proceed. Morgan, the cryptozoologist main character, gets dragged into a murder investigation by a valued employee. Rita's nephew is accused of brutally murdering a rival and then claiming that a Hodag did it. Rita and her brother hope that Morgan can find out if there's any truth in the tale. It quickly becomes apparent that there's more going on than just one man's death and Morgan finds herself in the crosshairs of several dangerous people.
The tension is good, the pacing works well, and the ending, while it felt a little unrealistic, was supported by information the author provides in an afterword. So far, I have enjoyed each book in this series and I really hope that Ms. Ryan continues to write them.
June 7, 2025
I'm always happy to find a new mystery series and will have to go back and read the previous books in this one. Morgan runs a mystery bookstore also caters to those who like weird and odd items. She is also a cryptozoologist, which she has inherited from her deceased parents. I need more of the backstory on this too, even though this book could stand alone.
Rita, her store manager asks her to help her nephew in Wisconsin as he has been accused of murder. He proclaims his innocence and says a Hodag was involved and even spotted one. Morgan goes with Rita to help, and several subsequent plotlines develop with Morgan involved in all of them.
I enjoyed this book and there is really a cryptid in Wisconsin in the city of Rhinelander, with the description matching the one in the book. I liked the art tie-in also, but don't want to give it away as this was really a fun book to read.
Rita, her store manager asks her to help her nephew in Wisconsin as he has been accused of murder. He proclaims his innocence and says a Hodag was involved and even spotted one. Morgan goes with Rita to help, and several subsequent plotlines develop with Morgan involved in all of them.
I enjoyed this book and there is really a cryptid in Wisconsin in the city of Rhinelander, with the description matching the one in the book. I liked the art tie-in also, but don't want to give it away as this was really a fun book to read.
February 11, 2025
I can no longer pretend that the MC of this series acts or speaks like anyone even remotely close to the age she’s supposed to be (20s? 30s?) and YET - I love it anyways. These quirky Wisconsin mysteries are near and dear to my heart, and despite all of my misgivings, I will probably read them forever. A perfectly weird cozy to binge in a day or two - just focus more on the plot and weird Wisconsin facts than the characters. 🙃
December 25, 2024
Morgan Carter, the owner of the quirky bookstore “Odds and Ends,” is also a cryptozoologist. She’s been hired to hunt for legendary creatures like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster. But this time, she’s on a mission to find a hodag, a mythical creature from Algonquian folklore.
Beyond her bookstore responsibilities, Morgan is a compassionate boss who fosters a close relationship with her employees. When her employee, Rita, pleads with Morgan to investigate a strange death involving her nephew, Morgan can’t resist the urge to help. This unexpected turn of events proves to be advantageous for Morgan, as she’s already developed a knack for private investigation. Considering the claims of otherworldly creatures, she’s the perfect candidate for the job.
However, Morgan’s skepticism is a challenge she must overcome. Determined to find the truth, she and Rita embark on a journey to Wisconsin, accompanied by Morgan’s loyal rescue dog, Newt. Newt is more than just a pet to Morgan; he can sense her panic attacks, providing a calming presence during stressful moments. He’s also her best friend.
While paranormal genres aren’t usually my cup of tea, I couldn’t resist this cozy mystery with a unique twist. The combination of a captivating story and a series of books made it an irresistible read. I’m so glad I started with the first two books; all three were thoroughly enjoyable.
Many thanks to Berkley and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Beyond her bookstore responsibilities, Morgan is a compassionate boss who fosters a close relationship with her employees. When her employee, Rita, pleads with Morgan to investigate a strange death involving her nephew, Morgan can’t resist the urge to help. This unexpected turn of events proves to be advantageous for Morgan, as she’s already developed a knack for private investigation. Considering the claims of otherworldly creatures, she’s the perfect candidate for the job.
However, Morgan’s skepticism is a challenge she must overcome. Determined to find the truth, she and Rita embark on a journey to Wisconsin, accompanied by Morgan’s loyal rescue dog, Newt. Newt is more than just a pet to Morgan; he can sense her panic attacks, providing a calming presence during stressful moments. He’s also her best friend.
While paranormal genres aren’t usually my cup of tea, I couldn’t resist this cozy mystery with a unique twist. The combination of a captivating story and a series of books made it an irresistible read. I’m so glad I started with the first two books; all three were thoroughly enjoyable.
Many thanks to Berkley and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
November 7, 2024
4 stars Thank you to BookBrowse and Berkley for letting me read this ARC. Publication is January 28, 2025.
A man is found dead and gutted in a field. Andy, having found the man, and it being his well known rival, is accused of the murder. He swears that he saw a Hodag and that that was the killer. But Hodags are mythical and never seen.
A Hodag is a knock off of a Big Foot in a spiny form with large claws. And this Wisconsin town billed itself as having friendly Hodags - sculptures all over town, a festival in summer and most businesses using it as a logo. So when Andy accuses the Hodag of the murder the town revolts. Just so happens that Andy's aunt works for a cryptozoologist. And Morgan flies into town to prove it was not Andy but was a Hodag.
Interesting? Yes. But that is just the start. This investigation brings more and more problems into view. One thing leads to another and Morgan has more problems to solve than she could ever have wished for.
This is actually the third book of a series, but it reads like a stand alone. I had no problem getting into the story. The description makes it sound humorous, but it is not. There is tension, mystery, suspense and a loving dog.
Probably not the kind of book that I would choose to read, however I found it relatively good and a nice change of pace. I liked it well enough to back up and add books one and two to my reading list.
A man is found dead and gutted in a field. Andy, having found the man, and it being his well known rival, is accused of the murder. He swears that he saw a Hodag and that that was the killer. But Hodags are mythical and never seen.
A Hodag is a knock off of a Big Foot in a spiny form with large claws. And this Wisconsin town billed itself as having friendly Hodags - sculptures all over town, a festival in summer and most businesses using it as a logo. So when Andy accuses the Hodag of the murder the town revolts. Just so happens that Andy's aunt works for a cryptozoologist. And Morgan flies into town to prove it was not Andy but was a Hodag.
Interesting? Yes. But that is just the start. This investigation brings more and more problems into view. One thing leads to another and Morgan has more problems to solve than she could ever have wished for.
This is actually the third book of a series, but it reads like a stand alone. I had no problem getting into the story. The description makes it sound humorous, but it is not. There is tension, mystery, suspense and a loving dog.
Probably not the kind of book that I would choose to read, however I found it relatively good and a nice change of pace. I liked it well enough to back up and add books one and two to my reading list.
March 4, 2025
This cover immediately grabbed my attention, then there’s the Bigfoot phenomena I grew up hearing about.. as a child scared me, believed in it. Curiosity got the best of me. It looked like a fun popcorn mystery, and it was! I’ve never heard of a “hodag” but it apparently is a real thing, statues and all in Wisconsin where the story takes place. This is the 3rd installment in the “Monster Hunter” series. It is my first book in the series and offered a change from my usual go-to read. I enjoyed following alongside Morgan as she tries to help her employee/co-worker friend Rita by solving a local murder to prove Rita’s nephews innocence. The suspected killer is this living cryptid, a hodag, whom the nephew says he saw murdering a man. In disbelief the Police arrest him anyway. Morgan is skeptical the hodag exists. She is called in to investigate.. her snooping possibly putting her own safety at risk. This was a fun, whodunnit mystery.. with the feel of a cozy.. perfect for reading on a rainy Saturday morning. Was easy to get caught up anticipating whats happening next.. and who’s behind it all. This ended on a cliffhanger that now has me curious which cryptid is next?!? I definitely want to read the 4th. 🎧 4 stars — Pub. 1/28/25
March 13, 2025
This was okay. It kind of petered out and should have been 50 pages shorter.
Everything with David is largely unnecessary. I hadn't read the other two in the series and have no intention to. Those 50 pages should have been in the other book. I could see a brief Easter Egg moment, maybe where she sees the agent, but the characters spend forever talking about someone who plays no role in this story.
In fact, there are far too many story lines in this thing. Way too much going on. With the art smuggling, a flashback to a WWII romance, Rita's relationship with her nephew, the second murder, Roger basically disappears halfway through, as does Jon, she has to write Rita out of there so the character can face the climax by herself. A hitman, a big reveal that drops because we'd had virtually no interaction with the antagonist prior to her just showing up to announce herself.
The climax is alright, but it completely ends without any sort of closure. None of our questions are answered. She doesn't explore the creepy barn. She doesn't actually do anything.
This is a fairly tame cozy mystery. Our characters spend their entire time eating, the dog is mentioned on every page, and the one scene that might be too scary is quickly shortened so we can get back to talking about food and coffee.
My biggest problem with this entire thing is the cryptozoologist angle. I picked the thing up because I thought that was a cool premise. Morgan is a TERRIBLE cryptozoologist.
She spends the entire time telling us that the Hodag could never be real. She doesn't believe in the very animal she is claiming to hunt. She doesn't think they exist, and doesn't think it is worth the time. She spends the entire book trying to prove that Hodags aren't real.
COME ON! Shouldn't a cryptozoologist love these animals? Shouldn't she want to see them? Be excited to try to catch one? Shouldn't she actually believe the animals exist?
Morgan is a terrible cryptozoologist and a terrible investigator. She doesn't actually solve anything, it all just happens around her. I was pretty disappointed in this book.
Everything with David is largely unnecessary. I hadn't read the other two in the series and have no intention to. Those 50 pages should have been in the other book. I could see a brief Easter Egg moment, maybe where she sees the agent, but the characters spend forever talking about someone who plays no role in this story.
In fact, there are far too many story lines in this thing. Way too much going on. With the art smuggling, a flashback to a WWII romance, Rita's relationship with her nephew, the second murder, Roger basically disappears halfway through, as does Jon, she has to write Rita out of there so the character can face the climax by herself. A hitman, a big reveal that drops because we'd had virtually no interaction with the antagonist prior to her just showing up to announce herself.
The climax is alright, but it completely ends without any sort of closure. None of our questions are answered. She doesn't explore the creepy barn. She doesn't actually do anything.
This is a fairly tame cozy mystery. Our characters spend their entire time eating, the dog is mentioned on every page, and the one scene that might be too scary is quickly shortened so we can get back to talking about food and coffee.
My biggest problem with this entire thing is the cryptozoologist angle. I picked the thing up because I thought that was a cool premise. Morgan is a TERRIBLE cryptozoologist.
She spends the entire time telling us that the Hodag could never be real. She doesn't believe in the very animal she is claiming to hunt. She doesn't think they exist, and doesn't think it is worth the time. She spends the entire book trying to prove that Hodags aren't real.
COME ON! Shouldn't a cryptozoologist love these animals? Shouldn't she want to see them? Be excited to try to catch one? Shouldn't she actually believe the animals exist?
Morgan is a terrible cryptozoologist and a terrible investigator. She doesn't actually solve anything, it all just happens around her. I was pretty disappointed in this book.
February 18, 2025
I will never get over this main character—she is 30 but talks, thinks, and acts like someone at least 70.
dnf
December 4, 2025This was very boring and every chapter ended in a cheesy cliffhangery line
February 19, 2025
I’ve really enjoyed the first two books in Annelise Ryan’s Door County Cryptozoologist series, fun, lighthearted mysteries with just the right mix of monster lore, adventure, and humor.
Unfortunately, book three didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
The premise is intriguing, a murder possibly linked to the legendary hodag, but the execution felt bogged down in trauma and desperation rather than the mischievous, adventurous tone of the first two books.
The story took some unexpectedly dark turns, and while I don’t mind serious moments in a mystery, this one felt heavier than it needed to be.
Morgan, typically a fun and clever protagonist, makes some reckless choices in this installment, then seems surprised when others take issue with her behavior. It made her a little harder to root for this time around. I do not understand the whisper of romance storyline with Jon, at all.
The mystery itself was a bit scattered, with numerous side plots that didn’t always feel necessary.
That said, I did enjoy the real hodag history woven into the story, and the frequent Culver’s stops were a nice Midwest touch.
I’m not giving up on the series, as I’ve loved the previous books, but this one didn’t have the same spark for me. That said, plenty of other readers seem to have enjoyed it, so maybe I’m just in the minority on this one.
Here’s hoping book four brings back the fun, cryptid-chasing energy that made the first two such a delight.
Unfortunately, book three didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
The premise is intriguing, a murder possibly linked to the legendary hodag, but the execution felt bogged down in trauma and desperation rather than the mischievous, adventurous tone of the first two books.
The story took some unexpectedly dark turns, and while I don’t mind serious moments in a mystery, this one felt heavier than it needed to be.
Morgan, typically a fun and clever protagonist, makes some reckless choices in this installment, then seems surprised when others take issue with her behavior. It made her a little harder to root for this time around. I do not understand the whisper of romance storyline with Jon, at all.
The mystery itself was a bit scattered, with numerous side plots that didn’t always feel necessary.
That said, I did enjoy the real hodag history woven into the story, and the frequent Culver’s stops were a nice Midwest touch.
I’m not giving up on the series, as I’ve loved the previous books, but this one didn’t have the same spark for me. That said, plenty of other readers seem to have enjoyed it, so maybe I’m just in the minority on this one.
Here’s hoping book four brings back the fun, cryptid-chasing energy that made the first two such a delight.
March 24, 2025
It pains me to rate this so low as I love that the book is about Hodags and I’ve generally enjoyed this series. This one just has way too much going on and was pretty anti-climatic. I wasn’t impressed that multiple chapters hint something disastrous is going to happen, have it pretty much not happen, and then wrap things up with a pretty deus ex machina style ending. That being said, I love her Wisconsin set books and will be reading the next one. Think it’s time to wrap up this David/Jon/Morgan business.
January 30, 2025
Now is this a “good book?” I’m not sure. But who cares because it was fun and I really enjoyed this book in the series. Interesting twist as always !!!
January 19, 2025
Beast of the North Woods by Annelise Ryan
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Beast of the North Woods by Annelise Ryan is a fun and engaging murder mystery with a dash of intrigue, but it left me feeling a bit underwhelmed in the suspense department. The premise surrounding the legendary hodag was promising, but the build-up didn’t quite deliver the tension I’d hoped for, making the mystery feel a bit anticlimactic.
That said, there’s no denying the story’s ability to keep me guessing. With multiple plotlines weaving in and out, I found myself speculating about what would eventually surface. The pacing and twists did keep me intrigued, even if the overall payoff didn’t feel as bold as the eye-catching cover promised.
If you’re a fan of murder mysteries with a unique twist, Beast of the North Woods is still worth a read. It may not have hit all the high notes for me, but it’s an entertaining journey for those who enjoy small-town legends and a good whodunit.
Thank you Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this advanced reader copy.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Beast of the North Woods by Annelise Ryan is a fun and engaging murder mystery with a dash of intrigue, but it left me feeling a bit underwhelmed in the suspense department. The premise surrounding the legendary hodag was promising, but the build-up didn’t quite deliver the tension I’d hoped for, making the mystery feel a bit anticlimactic.
That said, there’s no denying the story’s ability to keep me guessing. With multiple plotlines weaving in and out, I found myself speculating about what would eventually surface. The pacing and twists did keep me intrigued, even if the overall payoff didn’t feel as bold as the eye-catching cover promised.
If you’re a fan of murder mysteries with a unique twist, Beast of the North Woods is still worth a read. It may not have hit all the high notes for me, but it’s an entertaining journey for those who enjoy small-town legends and a good whodunit.
Thank you Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this advanced reader copy.
January 31, 2025
I picked this up because I liked the first book in the series, A Death in Door County, and I really enjoyed the second, Death in the Dark Woods. I started this third book hoping that the upward trend continued.
It didn’t. At least not for this reader. As always, your reading mileage may vary.
What mostly worked in the first book – and definitely worked in the second – was the way that bookstore owner, budding amateur detective and professional cryptozoologist Morgan Carter uses her actual professional credentials for hunting monsters to find actual monsters, even though – or especially because – the monster she starts out hunting is absolutely not the monster she finds.
In other words, she’s usually on the track of Bigfoot. Or something like Bigfoot. Or Nessie. Or in the case of the Beast of the North Woods, a Hodag. Now the Hodag is a proven hoax – because the person who supposedly captured one in 1893 eventually confessed to the deception.
Not that the town of Rhinelander, Wisconsin, which really does exist, hasn’t made plenty of hay (or at least tourist dollars) out of being the home of the Hodag. But no one expects to see a living, breathing beast in the area.
The Hodag in its ‘natural’ habitat.
Except that someone claims they have, and that the beast they saw mauled a man to death in the woods. The local police are sure the dude who reported the body is attempting, badly, to cover up a murder. One that he committed himself, of course.
Morgan is 99% convinced he didn’t see a Hodag. Which doesn’t mean the guy is guilty of the murder. Even if the dead man seems to have been his lifelong rival if not outright enemy.
In Morgan’s previous adventures, she hasn’t found Bigfoot, or Nessie, or any other cryptids. She certainly doesn’t expect to find a Hodag in this case. That she actually DOES find one this time around is more than a bit of a surprise. That there are human monsters hiding in the shadows behind the cryptid is no surprise at all.
That her EvilEx™ seems to be messing with her head from the very beginning very nearly has Morgan running through the woods in terror LONG before the Hodag EVER makes the already messed-up scene in a way that threw this reader all the way out of a story that I was really hoping to love.
Escape Rating C: For this reader, the second book in this series, Death in the Dark Woods, was the one that hit the sweet spot. The first book went into just a bit too much detail about the flora and fauna of Door County, although that served as great background for just how Morgan approached her cryptid hunting. That first story also introduced the best character in the whole series and a very good boi, Morgan’s dog Newt. If I continue to read this series – and at the moment that issue is seriously in doubt – it’ll be to see how Newt is doing because he’s just awesome.
Unfortunately, that first book also introduced us, at least in absentia, to Morgan’s EvilEx™, David Johnson. David murdered her parents, framed her for his crime, disappeared into the wind and has been stalking her ever since. I have to confess that the stalker ex is one of my least favorite plot devices, so having him lurk over this particular entry in the series from not very far away at all just took me right out of the story. (I know this is a ‘me’ thing and may not be a ‘you’ thing and your mileage may vary, etc., etc., etc.)
This series, by its nature of starting out hunting mythical monsters, is always just a hair away from ‘jumping the shark’ and for me the frequent references to David Johnson – or whoever he really is – sent the whole thing right over the top of the shark and its wake.
And Morgan spends entirely too much of this story not thinking clearly, mostly because of David but not completely, that she seems to miss all the clues until its too late and she’s briefly in the frame for yet another murder she didn’t commit. Poor Newt has his work cut out for him this time around.
(I LOVE Newt. He’s a very good boi and don’t worry, he’s just fine throughout this story. It’s his human who keeps ending up in serious trouble.)
So this is the point where I’m going to admit that I’m seriously thinking of bailing on this series. I was hoping for something like Death in the Dark Woods, a cozy monster hunting mystery – as much of a contradiction in terms that should be but wasn’t. I needed a comfort read and that’s not what I got at all, so this was the wrong book at the wrong time and relied heavily on a plot device that makes me cringe. Color this reader disappointed.
I know I keep saying this, but it bears repeating, YOUR READING MILEAGE MAY VARY.
Originally published at Reading Reality
It didn’t. At least not for this reader. As always, your reading mileage may vary.
What mostly worked in the first book – and definitely worked in the second – was the way that bookstore owner, budding amateur detective and professional cryptozoologist Morgan Carter uses her actual professional credentials for hunting monsters to find actual monsters, even though – or especially because – the monster she starts out hunting is absolutely not the monster she finds.
In other words, she’s usually on the track of Bigfoot. Or something like Bigfoot. Or Nessie. Or in the case of the Beast of the North Woods, a Hodag. Now the Hodag is a proven hoax – because the person who supposedly captured one in 1893 eventually confessed to the deception.
Not that the town of Rhinelander, Wisconsin, which really does exist, hasn’t made plenty of hay (or at least tourist dollars) out of being the home of the Hodag. But no one expects to see a living, breathing beast in the area.
The Hodag in its ‘natural’ habitat.
Except that someone claims they have, and that the beast they saw mauled a man to death in the woods. The local police are sure the dude who reported the body is attempting, badly, to cover up a murder. One that he committed himself, of course.
Morgan is 99% convinced he didn’t see a Hodag. Which doesn’t mean the guy is guilty of the murder. Even if the dead man seems to have been his lifelong rival if not outright enemy.
In Morgan’s previous adventures, she hasn’t found Bigfoot, or Nessie, or any other cryptids. She certainly doesn’t expect to find a Hodag in this case. That she actually DOES find one this time around is more than a bit of a surprise. That there are human monsters hiding in the shadows behind the cryptid is no surprise at all.
That her EvilEx™ seems to be messing with her head from the very beginning very nearly has Morgan running through the woods in terror LONG before the Hodag EVER makes the already messed-up scene in a way that threw this reader all the way out of a story that I was really hoping to love.
Escape Rating C: For this reader, the second book in this series, Death in the Dark Woods, was the one that hit the sweet spot. The first book went into just a bit too much detail about the flora and fauna of Door County, although that served as great background for just how Morgan approached her cryptid hunting. That first story also introduced the best character in the whole series and a very good boi, Morgan’s dog Newt. If I continue to read this series – and at the moment that issue is seriously in doubt – it’ll be to see how Newt is doing because he’s just awesome.
Unfortunately, that first book also introduced us, at least in absentia, to Morgan’s EvilEx™, David Johnson. David murdered her parents, framed her for his crime, disappeared into the wind and has been stalking her ever since. I have to confess that the stalker ex is one of my least favorite plot devices, so having him lurk over this particular entry in the series from not very far away at all just took me right out of the story. (I know this is a ‘me’ thing and may not be a ‘you’ thing and your mileage may vary, etc., etc., etc.)
This series, by its nature of starting out hunting mythical monsters, is always just a hair away from ‘jumping the shark’ and for me the frequent references to David Johnson – or whoever he really is – sent the whole thing right over the top of the shark and its wake.
And Morgan spends entirely too much of this story not thinking clearly, mostly because of David but not completely, that she seems to miss all the clues until its too late and she’s briefly in the frame for yet another murder she didn’t commit. Poor Newt has his work cut out for him this time around.
(I LOVE Newt. He’s a very good boi and don’t worry, he’s just fine throughout this story. It’s his human who keeps ending up in serious trouble.)
So this is the point where I’m going to admit that I’m seriously thinking of bailing on this series. I was hoping for something like Death in the Dark Woods, a cozy monster hunting mystery – as much of a contradiction in terms that should be but wasn’t. I needed a comfort read and that’s not what I got at all, so this was the wrong book at the wrong time and relied heavily on a plot device that makes me cringe. Color this reader disappointed.
I know I keep saying this, but it bears repeating, YOUR READING MILEAGE MAY VARY.
Originally published at Reading Reality
June 4, 2025
What if I, the author, ended every chapter…on a cliffhanger that is resolved in the next sentence in the following chapter? Don’t worry, I won’t do it for every chapter. For all the rest, I’ll write a sentence to foreshadow something!
January 31, 2025
Unspeakably devastated that I now have to wait a whole year for book 4
April 19, 2025
throughout this 300-page book, at least three crucial plot points occur because the MC takes her dog out to pee
April 4, 2025
Beast of the North Woods is the third installment in Annelise Ryan’s Monster Hunter Mystery series, following cryptozoologist and bookstore owner Morgan Carter as she investigates mysterious creature sightings linked to local murders. In this novel, Morgan is drawn to Rhinelander, Wisconsin, after an ice fisherman is reportedly mauled to death by a hodag—a creature widely regarded as a local myth. Complicating matters, the sole witness to the attack is the nephew of Morgan’s employee, Rita Bosworth, who implores Morgan to prove the creature’s existence and her nephew’s innocence.   
Series Continuity and Book Identification
A recurring issue with this series is the lack of clear labeling indicating the sequence of the books. The absence of volume numbers on the covers can lead to confusion for readers attempting to follow the series in order. This oversight persists in the third book, making it challenging for new readers to identify its place in the series.
Plot Development and Pacing
At the midpoint of the book, it becomes evident that Ryan has found her stride. The narrative begins with a compelling setup: an ice fisherman is found dead under mysterious circumstances, and the primary witness claims a hodag is responsible. This premise effectively blends regional folklore with a modern mystery, offering a fresh take compared to the more familiar cryptids featured in previous installments. The pacing is well-balanced, with the initial chapters setting the scene and subsequent sections delving into the investigation. Morgan’s journey to Rhinelander introduces a new setting that revitalizes the series’ atmosphere. 
Character Dynamics and Subplots
The novel benefits from strong secondary characters, including Devyn and Rita, whose interactions with Morgan add depth to the story. The subplot involving Morgan’s ex-fiancé introduces personal stakes that intertwine seamlessly with the main narrative. Additionally, the introduction of Rhinelander’s residents provides a diverse cast of suspects, enhancing the mystery’s complexity. The resolution, while satisfying, feels somewhat neatly tied up, with certain character motivations, particularly those driven by financial gain, lacking depth. The subplot concerning stolen art and its repercussions also concludes in a manner that may leave readers seeking more substantial consequences. 
Morgan’s Relationships and Newt
Morgan’s romantic relationship continues to evolve in this installment. Her partner’s unwavering support, despite the challenges and dangers inherent in her investigations, adds a layer of complexity to their dynamic. His patience and commitment, even when Morgan offers little in return, highlight the nuances of their relationship. Additionally, Morgan’s dog, Newt, remains a standout character, providing moments of levity and warmth that enrich the narrative.
Conclusion
Overall, Beast of the North Woods stands out as a strong entry in the Monster Hunter Mystery series, earning a 4.25-star rating. The novel’s engaging plot, well-developed characters, and incorporation of lesser-known cryptids contribute to its appeal. Gratitude is extended to Berkley Publishing for providing a finalized copy in exchange for an honest review. My Anticipation is high for the next installment, especially given the intriguing cliffhanger that promises further exploration of both personal and professional challenges for Morgan. 
Series Continuity and Book Identification
A recurring issue with this series is the lack of clear labeling indicating the sequence of the books. The absence of volume numbers on the covers can lead to confusion for readers attempting to follow the series in order. This oversight persists in the third book, making it challenging for new readers to identify its place in the series.
Plot Development and Pacing
At the midpoint of the book, it becomes evident that Ryan has found her stride. The narrative begins with a compelling setup: an ice fisherman is found dead under mysterious circumstances, and the primary witness claims a hodag is responsible. This premise effectively blends regional folklore with a modern mystery, offering a fresh take compared to the more familiar cryptids featured in previous installments. The pacing is well-balanced, with the initial chapters setting the scene and subsequent sections delving into the investigation. Morgan’s journey to Rhinelander introduces a new setting that revitalizes the series’ atmosphere. 
Character Dynamics and Subplots
The novel benefits from strong secondary characters, including Devyn and Rita, whose interactions with Morgan add depth to the story. The subplot involving Morgan’s ex-fiancé introduces personal stakes that intertwine seamlessly with the main narrative. Additionally, the introduction of Rhinelander’s residents provides a diverse cast of suspects, enhancing the mystery’s complexity. The resolution, while satisfying, feels somewhat neatly tied up, with certain character motivations, particularly those driven by financial gain, lacking depth. The subplot concerning stolen art and its repercussions also concludes in a manner that may leave readers seeking more substantial consequences. 
Morgan’s Relationships and Newt
Morgan’s romantic relationship continues to evolve in this installment. Her partner’s unwavering support, despite the challenges and dangers inherent in her investigations, adds a layer of complexity to their dynamic. His patience and commitment, even when Morgan offers little in return, highlight the nuances of their relationship. Additionally, Morgan’s dog, Newt, remains a standout character, providing moments of levity and warmth that enrich the narrative.
Conclusion
Overall, Beast of the North Woods stands out as a strong entry in the Monster Hunter Mystery series, earning a 4.25-star rating. The novel’s engaging plot, well-developed characters, and incorporation of lesser-known cryptids contribute to its appeal. Gratitude is extended to Berkley Publishing for providing a finalized copy in exchange for an honest review. My Anticipation is high for the next installment, especially given the intriguing cliffhanger that promises further exploration of both personal and professional challenges for Morgan. 
March 25, 2025
Enjoyable read but way too much foreshadowing that seems to take the mystery out of the story. And a lot of similarities to the previous books that make it predictable. Such as; Morgan walks Newt at night, you can predict she's going to see something ominous. Or Morgan does something Jon warned her against, you can predict something nefarious is going to happen to her. You begin to feel that at this point, being the 3rd book in the series, Morgan would have more sense and situational awareness. And since it's very much a series, as she mentions previous monster hunter excursions, I don't think she needs to continue to explain her parent's death, who David is, her relationship with Jon, or Devon and Rita's role at the book store, it's so redundant.
April 26, 2025
Fun premise, but maybe too many plot threads going on, and I was aggravated (and stressed out) by the MC who kept doing very dumb things. Still, I will read more in this series because I love cryptids.
April 2, 2025
There was so much happening in this book. I couldn’t put it down! I’m sad I’ll have to wait a while for book #4 to see what happens next.
April 15, 2025
This book was so complex and interesting! It definitely kept me guessing and I once again loved the Wisconsin setting. And Newt is the best dog and deserves the whole world.
Catch me waiting for book 4 by researching Wisconsin cryptids to try to predict which monster Morgan might be hunting for next (I have already rabbit-trailed into learning about the Phantom Chickens of Seymour, which is a little too close for comfort...😉)
Catch me waiting for book 4 by researching Wisconsin cryptids to try to predict which monster Morgan might be hunting for next (I have already rabbit-trailed into learning about the Phantom Chickens of Seymour, which is a little too close for comfort...😉)
July 16, 2025
not gritty enough for me
March 26, 2025
A cute little cozy mystery. I guess the big reveal was ok but didn't really wow me. Honestly just like the first, very mid
March 3, 2025
A new mystery for cryptozoologist and bookstore owner, Morgan Carter, strikes a little close to home when her employee’s nephew is up on murder charges and he swears he saw a mythical Hodag in the woods. Annelise Ryan’s cozy mystery series that explores local monster legends while presenting clever, twisting murder mysteries has me hooked and I couldn’t wait to dive into the latest.
Beast of the North Woods is the third standalone Monster Hunter Mystery. There is a background story for Morgan and the recurring cast of characters building throughout the series that makes it best to read it in order.
Morgan is reluctant to take on this case because the Hodag has always been a hoax and not something that interested her, but also because of two personal reasons. For one, she doesn’t want the pressure of investigating a murder Rita’s nephew is in jail for because the case is stacked against him and Rita would never forgive her if Morgan ended up siding with the police. But, also, an unsigned message she knows is from her murdering ex-fiancé has her rattled that he’s nearby and watching her closely.
But, Morgan can’t say no to Rita so north to Rhinelander, home of the Hodag, she goes. The locals make quite a tourism bundle on souvenirs, festivals and more all around the “cute, lovable hodag” and they don’t want Morgan investigating the possibility that one is real and also killing people out in the woods. Morgan knows she’s being watched from the shadows and followed, but is it related to the case or her ex. Meanwhile, the evidence starts leading in dangerous and intriguing directions. Will her need to finish the case and make gutsy moves prove too much for the man who is coming to care for her? Or will her detecting rile a killer enough to add her death to their to-do list?
I enjoyed once again getting off the beaten path and exploring the mystery of a legend as well as a murder. There were some good suspenseful moments and an intriguing trail of witnesses and evidence for Morgan to follow. Like before, she digs up more than one mystery and it seems everyone has secrets. Also, like before, Morgan isn’t always smart when she leaps into action without telling others or taking decent back-up. There was the uptick in tension with that extra stalker ex factor and what he wants with Morgan still.
In the end, I was left with an exciting climax, a satisfying ending, and a need for more Monster Hunter Mystery stories. These are cozies that edge near paranormal and darker murder mysteries and I recommend them as good genre crossovers for readers who want to expand their interests either way.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy 2.10.25.
Beast of the North Woods is the third standalone Monster Hunter Mystery. There is a background story for Morgan and the recurring cast of characters building throughout the series that makes it best to read it in order.
Morgan is reluctant to take on this case because the Hodag has always been a hoax and not something that interested her, but also because of two personal reasons. For one, she doesn’t want the pressure of investigating a murder Rita’s nephew is in jail for because the case is stacked against him and Rita would never forgive her if Morgan ended up siding with the police. But, also, an unsigned message she knows is from her murdering ex-fiancé has her rattled that he’s nearby and watching her closely.
But, Morgan can’t say no to Rita so north to Rhinelander, home of the Hodag, she goes. The locals make quite a tourism bundle on souvenirs, festivals and more all around the “cute, lovable hodag” and they don’t want Morgan investigating the possibility that one is real and also killing people out in the woods. Morgan knows she’s being watched from the shadows and followed, but is it related to the case or her ex. Meanwhile, the evidence starts leading in dangerous and intriguing directions. Will her need to finish the case and make gutsy moves prove too much for the man who is coming to care for her? Or will her detecting rile a killer enough to add her death to their to-do list?
I enjoyed once again getting off the beaten path and exploring the mystery of a legend as well as a murder. There were some good suspenseful moments and an intriguing trail of witnesses and evidence for Morgan to follow. Like before, she digs up more than one mystery and it seems everyone has secrets. Also, like before, Morgan isn’t always smart when she leaps into action without telling others or taking decent back-up. There was the uptick in tension with that extra stalker ex factor and what he wants with Morgan still.
In the end, I was left with an exciting climax, a satisfying ending, and a need for more Monster Hunter Mystery stories. These are cozies that edge near paranormal and darker murder mysteries and I recommend them as good genre crossovers for readers who want to expand their interests either way.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy 2.10.25.
November 14, 2024
4.5 stars I really enjoyed this mystery author's writing. The amateur sleuth is a cryptozoologist. Morgan is smart and funny and has problems in her love life like most characters that get involved in solving mysteries. I like mysteries set in Wisconsin and this is in Northern Wisconsin, Rhinelander to be exact. The author's ability to take unique bits of history and folk lore and turn it into a good mystery made for an enjoyable read.
I took off a half star because the author kept telling us something bad was going to happen in the next chapter. Once was OK, but it happened numerous times. I would rather have the story telling tell me this-- which it was doing. Of course, there was also one decision Morgan made that I know was done to advance the plot, but I wish it could have been done a different way.
Now I have to go back and read the first two books in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing group for this ARC. It's publication date is 1/27/25.
I took off a half star because the author kept telling us something bad was going to happen in the next chapter. Once was OK, but it happened numerous times. I would rather have the story telling tell me this-- which it was doing. Of course, there was also one decision Morgan made that I know was done to advance the plot, but I wish it could have been done a different way.
Now I have to go back and read the first two books in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing group for this ARC. It's publication date is 1/27/25.
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