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Deep in the Woods
Every small town has secrets. In this small town, some are buried deep...
Brandon has had the same dream each night until one night, that dream begins to turn into a nightmare. The nightmare will lead him back to the small town where his his mother mysteriously disappeared 20 years ago and he is about to learn that the visions in his dreams may hold the key to her whereabouts.
Together with his best friend, Madeline, he leaves the city to return to his childhood hometown, hoping that the dream will help guide him to get the closure he so desperately needs.
But this small town is full of dark secrets...
He soon learns that the town he once loved has a past that no one wants to talk about. And when Madeline suddenly disappears on his quest to find answers, Brandon finds himself thrust into the middle of a decades-long plot for revenge against his family. A killer has been waiting twenty years for his return and he will stop at nothing until Brandon is dead.
With no one to turn to, Brandon has only his dreams and his intuition to guide him. There is something, or someone, in his dream trying to warn him and he will have to find the killer before it's too late--for soon, the nightmare will become his reality.
Brandon has had the same dream each night until one night, that dream begins to turn into a nightmare. The nightmare will lead him back to the small town where his his mother mysteriously disappeared 20 years ago and he is about to learn that the visions in his dreams may hold the key to her whereabouts.
Together with his best friend, Madeline, he leaves the city to return to his childhood hometown, hoping that the dream will help guide him to get the closure he so desperately needs.
But this small town is full of dark secrets...
He soon learns that the town he once loved has a past that no one wants to talk about. And when Madeline suddenly disappears on his quest to find answers, Brandon finds himself thrust into the middle of a decades-long plot for revenge against his family. A killer has been waiting twenty years for his return and he will stop at nothing until Brandon is dead.
With no one to turn to, Brandon has only his dreams and his intuition to guide him. There is something, or someone, in his dream trying to warn him and he will have to find the killer before it's too late--for soon, the nightmare will become his reality.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2024
33 people are currently reading
1953 people want to read
About the author
Mica Merrill Rice
1 book39 followersMica is a mom to two beautiful sons and wife to her best friend, Dave. Her debut novella is set to release in November of 2024.
When she is not writing, she can be found cheering loudly at her youngest's soccer games, FaceTiming with her oldest when he's away at college, or sipping wine in the Gulf of Mexico with her sweetie.
Mica was born in New York and currently lives in Florida with her sons, husband, a black lab named Denver, and her grand fur-baby, a black cat named Oliver. She is lucky enough to escape the summer heat to return to the Hudson Valley each summer where she continues to find inspiration for her books.
When she is not writing, she can be found cheering loudly at her youngest's soccer games, FaceTiming with her oldest when he's away at college, or sipping wine in the Gulf of Mexico with her sweetie.
Mica was born in New York and currently lives in Florida with her sons, husband, a black lab named Denver, and her grand fur-baby, a black cat named Oliver. She is lucky enough to escape the summer heat to return to the Hudson Valley each summer where she continues to find inspiration for her books.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 12, 2025
Deep in the Woods by Mica Merrill Rice is a thrilling, suspense-filled story that blends dark secrets with eerie visions. Brandon, a college senior haunted by dreams of his mother’s disappearance, returns to his childhood hometown in search of answers. What follows is a journey filled with twists, as he uncovers the town’s dark past and faces new dangers when his best friend, Madeline, vanishes.
Rice is able to build tension, and the dream sequences add an intriguing supernatural element. The suspense keeps escalating as Brandon unravels a decades-old plot, relying on his dreams to guide him. While the pacing is strong and the mystery compelling, some plot points feel a bit predictable. Nonetheless, this book is a great pick for fans of psychological thrillers with a touch of the eerie.
Rice is able to build tension, and the dream sequences add an intriguing supernatural element. The suspense keeps escalating as Brandon unravels a decades-old plot, relying on his dreams to guide him. While the pacing is strong and the mystery compelling, some plot points feel a bit predictable. Nonetheless, this book is a great pick for fans of psychological thrillers with a touch of the eerie.
March 12, 2025
A SUSPENSEFUL, EDGE OF YOUR SEAT THRILLER. Brandon lost his dad before he was born and his mom disappeared into thin air when he was a toddler. He has had the same dream since he was child. What does it mean? Are there answers to find that will lead him to his mom? What will a week spent at the old home place, searching for answers, turn up? Who might want to keep a deep dark secret?
Rice's writing was engaging, fast paced and easy to read. You are on the edge of your seat, wanting to know what happens. The dialog and scene descriptions move the story along quickly but give you all the information you need to cause that suspenseful, edge of your seat, who is it gonna be when I turn the page feeling. There is a slight spiritual/supernatural aspect that is part of the story. It is not the main plot, but I enjoyed that inclusion within the story.
I definitely recommend this book!
Rice's writing was engaging, fast paced and easy to read. You are on the edge of your seat, wanting to know what happens. The dialog and scene descriptions move the story along quickly but give you all the information you need to cause that suspenseful, edge of your seat, who is it gonna be when I turn the page feeling. There is a slight spiritual/supernatural aspect that is part of the story. It is not the main plot, but I enjoyed that inclusion within the story.
I definitely recommend this book!
December 17, 2024
I need to branch out more!
I've been stuck on one genre for so long I've missed out on making my brain really think- really analyze a story and try to piece together the clues. I've forgotten the rush of adrenaline you get from somehow being genuinely scared... of text!
After reading Deep in the Woods, I got a taste of all of that again, plus more. I didn't find it wordy like one reviewer-- though the blurb did make me worry I would. In fact, I finished it in a day once I sat down and gave it a go. AND I'M SO GLAD I DID. My deduction skills may be rusty, but I'm ready for her next story to brush up on my analytical thinking skills.
I've been stuck on one genre for so long I've missed out on making my brain really think- really analyze a story and try to piece together the clues. I've forgotten the rush of adrenaline you get from somehow being genuinely scared... of text!
After reading Deep in the Woods, I got a taste of all of that again, plus more. I didn't find it wordy like one reviewer-- though the blurb did make me worry I would. In fact, I finished it in a day once I sat down and gave it a go. AND I'M SO GLAD I DID. My deduction skills may be rusty, but I'm ready for her next story to brush up on my analytical thinking skills.
January 6, 2025
A gripping tale of a small town mystery
I highly enjoyed this gripping tale from Author Mica Merill Rice! This was my first novella from her, and it was absolutely chilling!
Follow the mmc Brandon on his search in the truth behind his dreams and the truth of his mother's disappearance. The details the author portrayed about Brandon's dreams and the setting were spot on. It was a little slow for me in the beginning, but she quickly built up the characters and the setting, I was then hooked. The emotions this novella captured were unbelievable! The rawness of Brandon's fears, emotions, and the ending---was perfect! A full circle from the beginning!
I highly enjoyed this gripping tale from Author Mica Merill Rice! This was my first novella from her, and it was absolutely chilling!
Follow the mmc Brandon on his search in the truth behind his dreams and the truth of his mother's disappearance. The details the author portrayed about Brandon's dreams and the setting were spot on. It was a little slow for me in the beginning, but she quickly built up the characters and the setting, I was then hooked. The emotions this novella captured were unbelievable! The rawness of Brandon's fears, emotions, and the ending---was perfect! A full circle from the beginning!
September 23, 2025
suspenseful, great character development
I loved the fast pacing of this book, but also the slowed down places where description of characters built great character development. A really great thriller with some twists and turns but also a few love stories nestled underneath. Absolutely loved the descriptions of the various areas and buildings = I had great imagery of everyone and everything.
I loved the fast pacing of this book, but also the slowed down places where description of characters built great character development. A really great thriller with some twists and turns but also a few love stories nestled underneath. Absolutely loved the descriptions of the various areas and buildings = I had great imagery of everyone and everything.
November 18, 2024
Good read
It keeps you thinking of well maybe it is this one but then again maybe that one. The end and reason why they did it is a look at how this world is.
It keeps you thinking of well maybe it is this one but then again maybe that one. The end and reason why they did it is a look at how this world is.
Read
December 9, 2024A very good read! Kept you on the edge of your seat and made you want to keep reading it to figure out what was going to happen!! Can’t wait for more by her !!
September 23, 2025
I loved the fast pacing of this book, but also the slowed down places where description of characters built great character development. A really great thriller with some twists and turns but also a few love stories nestled underneath. Absolutely loved the descriptions of the various areas and buildings = I had great imagery of everyone and everything.
January 3, 2025
What a great spooky/thriller read, would definitely recommend!
June 10, 2025
I loved this book so much. Brandon and Maddie are the cutest! I love this book sm. This might get me to read more thrillers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2025
I loved this eerie page turner! Brandon was a fantastic character to follow and his creepy dreams made this book exactly what I was hoping for!
December 24, 2025
Good concept, poor execution.
February 28, 2025
I’ve recently read Deep In The Woods by Mica M. Rice.
What a phenomenal story! I was invested from the very beginning - intrigued to learn what happened to the main character’s parents.
As the story started to unfold I grew quite attached to Brandon and Maddie as they attempt to uncover the secrets held in the small town Brandon spent his early childhood. Everyone has a different theory about what happened when he was young and you’re left suspecting so many people.
Then comes the unexpected, which takes the story in a new direction. The tension, suspense, atmosphere, angst, pain - it keeps you turning those pages! I honestly felt like I was there and experiencing it all.
This story was brilliant and incredibly well told. The characters were developed perfectly and the relationships between them were complex - you could not only identify with them but empathise.
Mica is such a talented writer. I honestly didn’t want to leave the world she created. Thank you Mica for a thrilling journey!
What a phenomenal story! I was invested from the very beginning - intrigued to learn what happened to the main character’s parents.
As the story started to unfold I grew quite attached to Brandon and Maddie as they attempt to uncover the secrets held in the small town Brandon spent his early childhood. Everyone has a different theory about what happened when he was young and you’re left suspecting so many people.
Then comes the unexpected, which takes the story in a new direction. The tension, suspense, atmosphere, angst, pain - it keeps you turning those pages! I honestly felt like I was there and experiencing it all.
This story was brilliant and incredibly well told. The characters were developed perfectly and the relationships between them were complex - you could not only identify with them but empathise.
Mica is such a talented writer. I honestly didn’t want to leave the world she created. Thank you Mica for a thrilling journey!
July 14, 2025
This book is full of suspense and twists that kept me on edge to uncover the mystery. Set in an atmospheric town full of unreliable characters, Mica gives enough hints without spoiling the plot before we uncover the killer. Well done, Mica!
November 14, 2025
Love
Absolutely love this book it kept me from beginning all the way to the end I think I have found a new author that I absolutely love
Absolutely love this book it kept me from beginning all the way to the end I think I have found a new author that I absolutely love
December 31, 2024
I read this book after winning a Goodreads giveaway and it was interesting! I liked the concept and the writing was descriptive and well done, but I hate to say that the characters felt very 1 dimensional to me. The description also said that this was a book about a student about to head to medical school, but that was the only mention of his schooling or interest in medicine. I assumed it would lead to using his medical knowledge to uncover the mystery, or his busy schedule leading to some oversight, but that was not at all the case. Mysterious circumstances almost ended up being almost religious in nature? There were also many instances in the beginning of the book that seemed rushed - it almost seemed like the end was written first. For example, there were two instances in the beginning where Brandon and Maddie sat down for coffee and ordered, but either did not stay to receive the coffee or pay for the coffee and both got up and left. Most disruptive to me was that in the beginning of the book it said that Brandon's mom was only engaged to Jimmy, but then the rest of the book says that they are married. I went back several times to make sure I didn't miss anything, but even though I didn't see where it said they got married, might have still missed it? I was also thrown by Maddie's upbringing and how forced it felt. The reader is left to assume that Maddie received aid to attend this private school since her mom was a drunk and abandoned her, but then her mom came around asking for money? Did Maddie have a part time job? Was her mom asking for money from Brandon's dad? The other characters on the "farm" and in town also felt very forced and almost stick-figure-esque. They played their one part and that was it, they had no other life outside how they worked into this story. While I felt it was a bit of a slog to get here, I thought the book finished strong! I hope to see more of the author's work in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2025
Deep in the Woods by Mica Merrill Rice is a fast-paced, easy read that delivers on suspense with the familiar "who killed my mom" thriller setup. The story kept me engaged, and I appreciated the relatability of the characters, especially the connection between Brandon and Maddie, which was sweet and well-developed.
There were moments where the dialogue felt a bit unnatural and the point of view occasionally slipped. The book is told from Brandon’s perspective in third-person limited, but it occasionally slips into the thoughts or feelings of Maddie or Chad, which breaks POV consistency. It’s a small thing, but it took me out of the story a few times. Also, Brandon gets dreams about his mom and the killer that feel a bit too convenient. Honestly, with skills like that, he might want to consider detective work instead of med school!
I’m still giving this book five stars. Why? Because I met the author personally, and I recognize passionate work when I see it. It’s clear this story was written with love and care, and I want to support that. Overall, it’s an enjoyable, accessible read!
Looking forward to seeing more from Mica Merrill Rice in the future!
There were moments where the dialogue felt a bit unnatural and the point of view occasionally slipped. The book is told from Brandon’s perspective in third-person limited, but it occasionally slips into the thoughts or feelings of Maddie or Chad, which breaks POV consistency. It’s a small thing, but it took me out of the story a few times. Also, Brandon gets dreams about his mom and the killer that feel a bit too convenient. Honestly, with skills like that, he might want to consider detective work instead of med school!
I’m still giving this book five stars. Why? Because I met the author personally, and I recognize passionate work when I see it. It’s clear this story was written with love and care, and I want to support that. Overall, it’s an enjoyable, accessible read!
Looking forward to seeing more from Mica Merrill Rice in the future!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2025
I really wanted to like it however there was a lot of inconsistencies in scenes. for example they go into a restaurant and order just water but then they’re finishing food that was never ordered or said another one was when Evan finds him on the side of the road with the Jeep he says to go back to the farm, but then they just start walking off Those little things just got me and I could never connect really with the characters and it was all kind of a little predictable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2025
Deep and Intriguing
What a mystery! This book will have you entertained and mesmerized for hours. You will find yourself so immersed in the intrigue and mystery of finding out what secret the woods hold, how the characters plot their next move, and react to the situations they encounter, you won’t be able to put the book down.
What a mystery! This book will have you entertained and mesmerized for hours. You will find yourself so immersed in the intrigue and mystery of finding out what secret the woods hold, how the characters plot their next move, and react to the situations they encounter, you won’t be able to put the book down.
November 16, 2025
I really enjoyed the second half of the book! the beginning was a bit slow and repetitive but keep reading because omg it gets so much better! The ending was a little bit expected but I still was shook at what happened!!
November 26, 2025
Well written! Good mystery
Well written , hardly any mistakes and a very good crime mystery. Kept me wondering who the killer was. I enjoyed the book and lo
ok forward to more of her books...
Well written , hardly any mistakes and a very good crime mystery. Kept me wondering who the killer was. I enjoyed the book and lo
ok forward to more of her books...
January 7, 2026
Just below 3 stars for me. This was a quick paced easy read, but every twist and turn was predictable. The quick shifts in point of view and a few grammar errors also made it annoying to go through, but all in all, a quick thriller especially for those who are new to the genre.
February 22, 2025
This one just didn't grip me. It started strong but took too long to really get going.
May 26, 2025
Evan did it lol and Chad was a creep but there was to much romance for my liking in the book ! And it was basically the same thing over and over and was pretty predictable for the most part
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2025
The book was not written in the most perfect way, but it was a nice short story
September 7, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
March 13, 2025
I liked it a lot it was fast paced quick read kept you gripped wanting to know what happens next it was not dragged out long explanations it was to the pont telling you what you need and want to know. Great book overall.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews