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Monster Hunter #2
Death in the Dark Woods
A potential Bigfoot sighting is linked to a vicious murder, but skeptical cryptozoologist Morgan Carter is on the case in this new Monster Hunter Mystery by USA Today bestselling author Annelise Ryan.
Business has been booming since Morgan Carter solved the case of the monster living in Lake Michigan. The Odds and Ends bookstore is thriving, of course, but Morgan is most excited by the doors that were opened for her as a cryptid hunter.
Recently, there have been numerous sightings of a Bigfoot-type creature in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest area of Bayfield County, Wisconsin. After a man is found dead from a vicious throat injury in the forest, the conservation warden asks Morgan to investigate.
When Morgan and her dog, Newt, go there to investigate, they uncover a trail of lies, deception, and murder. It seems a mysterious creature is indeed living in the forest, and Morgan might be its next target.
Business has been booming since Morgan Carter solved the case of the monster living in Lake Michigan. The Odds and Ends bookstore is thriving, of course, but Morgan is most excited by the doors that were opened for her as a cryptid hunter.
Recently, there have been numerous sightings of a Bigfoot-type creature in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest area of Bayfield County, Wisconsin. After a man is found dead from a vicious throat injury in the forest, the conservation warden asks Morgan to investigate.
When Morgan and her dog, Newt, go there to investigate, they uncover a trail of lies, deception, and murder. It seems a mysterious creature is indeed living in the forest, and Morgan might be its next target.
336 pages, ebook
First published December 12, 2023
200 people are currently reading
15319 people want to read
About the author
Annelise Ryan
19 books1,163 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 499 reviews
January 30, 2026
“More than anything, I wanted to bag a Bigfoot.”Morgan Carter, skeptical cryptozoologist, has another case on her hands.
After the Loch Ness sighting turned out to be a bust, Morgan thought she might have a bit more time before the next cryptozoology investigation...until Officer Jon "Flatfoot" Flanders waltzes into her shop with Warden Charlotte "Charlie" Aberdeen.
Morgan can't help but feel a bit miffed by Charlie's obvious interest in Jon but she's even more interested in the bigfoot case - the body of a bowhunter was found, mutilated, in Bayfield County, Wisconsin.
"It's true, we certainly have our share of Bigfoot sightings up north, but this was more than just a sighting. One of them may have torn a man apart."
Without further ado, she packs up her supplies and Newt (her dog) and heads off to solve the case. (hopefully) (fingers crossed it's actually Bigfoot).
Sooo, I will say that I liked this one more than the first.
I still struggle (a lot) with connecting to Morgan as a main character - I did a dissertation in my last review, but essentially, she feels abrasive, monologues, and deliberately withholds information in order to prolong the story in a way that frustrates me.
That being said, I do think her character feels a bit more fleshed out in this one (or maybe I was too interested in the plot to care as much about the character)....HOWEVER, I will say, the romance in this book leaves much to be desired.
It's a dead fish.
I just...don't buy any chemistry between her and Officer Flanders. In part because this mental image constantly popped up in my brain:
Which, quick aside, why would that name be chosen? FLANDERS? Yeeesh.
But also, I don't think that Morgan ever considers Flanders in a romantic light - I could see her being very close friends but the romance vibe was non-existent (which made her apparent jealousy over Charlie seem rather odd to me).
The plot itself was okay. I liked the various twists and turns. The grand reveal felt good - maybe a tad unbelievable BUT not too bad.
And I was rather amused how Morgan kept insisting that she isn't like all those other cryptozoologists because she needs scientific proof to believe in them...but as a scientist I can definitely say that the evidence she was looking for and her methods for finding it didn't feel particularly rigorous.
Overall, I was entertained by this one. Onwards to the third!
December 5, 2023
Death in the Dark Woods is an enjoyable second installment of Annelise Ryan's Monster Hunter series. This time Morgan Carter and her dog Newt are on the hunt for Bigfoot (Bigfeet? Bigfoots?) in the forests of northern Wisconsin. But is the elusive cryptid really to blame for the recent murders in the area?
If you've read the first book in the series, A Death in Door County, you probably already know what to expect with this one since they follow a pretty similar formula. And, like in the previous installment, the mystery in this one isn't really all that complicated. There are no Agatha Christie-esque twists and turns, just a straightforward but entertaining who(what?)dunit.
I think I actually enjoyed this one a bit more than the first book – there's less romance and more cryptid hunting, which is a win-win situation as far as I'm concerned. Ol' Flatfoot Flanders is still the love interest, but he's not around quite as much this time … but don't worry, because when he is, he and Morgan are just as awkward with each other as ever.
Newt, of course, is still the star of the show. If Newt were a real dog, I'd totally take a trip to Door County just to pet him.
Basically, if you liked A Death in Door County, you'll probably enjoy this one, too. If you haven't read the previous book in the series, maybe go back and read that one first? While this one might work okay as a stand-alone if you really want it to, you'll miss out on a lot of the backstory.
Final rating: 4.25 stars, rounded down.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.
If you've read the first book in the series, A Death in Door County, you probably already know what to expect with this one since they follow a pretty similar formula. And, like in the previous installment, the mystery in this one isn't really all that complicated. There are no Agatha Christie-esque twists and turns, just a straightforward but entertaining who(what?)dunit.
I think I actually enjoyed this one a bit more than the first book – there's less romance and more cryptid hunting, which is a win-win situation as far as I'm concerned. Ol' Flatfoot Flanders is still the love interest, but he's not around quite as much this time … but don't worry, because when he is, he and Morgan are just as awkward with each other as ever.
Newt, of course, is still the star of the show. If Newt were a real dog, I'd totally take a trip to Door County just to pet him.
Basically, if you liked A Death in Door County, you'll probably enjoy this one, too. If you haven't read the previous book in the series, maybe go back and read that one first? While this one might work okay as a stand-alone if you really want it to, you'll miss out on a lot of the backstory.
Final rating: 4.25 stars, rounded down.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.
January 21, 2026
Death in the Dark Woods is the 2nd-installment to Annelise Ryan's Monster Hunter Cozy Mystery series.
This series features cryptozoologist and specialty bookstore owner, Morgan Carter, who helps investigate mysteries that may be linked to potential cryptid activity.
The beauty of this series is that it combines two of my very favorite things: creepy vibes and cozy mysteries.
I really enjoyed the 1st-book, A Death in Door County, when I read it last year and was looking forward to going on more adventures with Morgan and her lovable dog, Newt.
While that first story featured a potential lake monster, in this one, Morgan travels a little farther from home to help investigate possible Bigfoot sightings.
Specifically, the Bigfoot sightings have occurred around the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest area of Bayfield County, Wisconsin. When a man is found dead, with an injury to his throat not thought to be cause by a human, a local warden, Charlie, calls Morgan for help.
Morgan is excited that her cyptid hunter business is finally getting some traction after gaining notoriety following the lake monster case. She's more than happy to assist Charlie.
Nevertheless, Morgan is a skeptic at heart, so it's gonna take solid proof for her to claim a Bigfoot is responsible for the fatal attack they're investigating.
Morgan and Newt travel there and meet up with Charlie, who introduces them to their comfortable temporary lodgings, and then they get straight to work.
Morgan immerses herself in the small town, questioning numerous people about their experiences and opinions when it comes to the area's Bigfoot legends.
It's true that some claim to have seen Bigfoot type creatures, but that's not the only thing Morgan uncovers. She reveals a trail of secrets and lies that could end up having more to do with the recent murder than anyone seems to be suspecting.
As the pressure starts to build, will Morgan and Newt be able to sniff out the killer before they strike again, or could Morgan end up being the next victim?
I had so much fun with this. I actually enjoyed it even more than the 1st-book. I loved that Morgan was traveling away from home, and that she was sort of inserting herself into this new place and digging around, trying to figure out whatever she could.
I loved learning about the local area along with her and meeting the various colorful characters of the small town.
Jon Flanders, the Police Chief, who asked for Morgan's assistance in the 1st-book, appears in this one as well, as their relationship has continued to grow.
There have been some sparks between them and I love the way the chemistry is continuing to build. They both have some traumas in their past, so I like that it's moving slowly, at a pace that seems realistic. It makes sense.
I also liked the dynamic between Morgan and Charlie. Charlie, as the local girl, has her own very strong opinions on the Bigfoot legends and I liked how Morgan didn't let Charlie really sway her one way or another.
The highlight for me though is definitely the relationship between Morgan and Newt. I absolutely adore and appreciate the way that Ryan writes their connection.
As a Dog Mom, who frequently spends the majority of a book worrying about any doggie characters who may be involved, it was so nice to just sit back and enjoy the fact that Newt got to participate in pretty much everything Morgan does.
And I never worried about him! You can tell that Annelise Ryan is a dog person, and I just knew that she wouldn't take it anywhere uncomfortable. It was freaking great!
At this point, I'm not sure what the long-term plans are for this series, but I really hoping for more books. There's so much left to explore with Morgan, both as far as potential cryptid mysteries, but also with her personal life.
At this point, I am properly attached to Morgan, Newt and even Jon. Keeping my fingers crossed that we'll be getting news of a 3rd-book soon!
Thank you so much to the publisher, Berkley, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
I recommend this to Cozy Mystery fans. It's a unique series and a lot of fun. I've never read anything quite like it!
This series features cryptozoologist and specialty bookstore owner, Morgan Carter, who helps investigate mysteries that may be linked to potential cryptid activity.
The beauty of this series is that it combines two of my very favorite things: creepy vibes and cozy mysteries.
I really enjoyed the 1st-book, A Death in Door County, when I read it last year and was looking forward to going on more adventures with Morgan and her lovable dog, Newt.
While that first story featured a potential lake monster, in this one, Morgan travels a little farther from home to help investigate possible Bigfoot sightings.
Specifically, the Bigfoot sightings have occurred around the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest area of Bayfield County, Wisconsin. When a man is found dead, with an injury to his throat not thought to be cause by a human, a local warden, Charlie, calls Morgan for help.
Morgan is excited that her cyptid hunter business is finally getting some traction after gaining notoriety following the lake monster case. She's more than happy to assist Charlie.
Nevertheless, Morgan is a skeptic at heart, so it's gonna take solid proof for her to claim a Bigfoot is responsible for the fatal attack they're investigating.
Morgan and Newt travel there and meet up with Charlie, who introduces them to their comfortable temporary lodgings, and then they get straight to work.
Morgan immerses herself in the small town, questioning numerous people about their experiences and opinions when it comes to the area's Bigfoot legends.
It's true that some claim to have seen Bigfoot type creatures, but that's not the only thing Morgan uncovers. She reveals a trail of secrets and lies that could end up having more to do with the recent murder than anyone seems to be suspecting.
As the pressure starts to build, will Morgan and Newt be able to sniff out the killer before they strike again, or could Morgan end up being the next victim?
I had so much fun with this. I actually enjoyed it even more than the 1st-book. I loved that Morgan was traveling away from home, and that she was sort of inserting herself into this new place and digging around, trying to figure out whatever she could.
I loved learning about the local area along with her and meeting the various colorful characters of the small town.
Jon Flanders, the Police Chief, who asked for Morgan's assistance in the 1st-book, appears in this one as well, as their relationship has continued to grow.
There have been some sparks between them and I love the way the chemistry is continuing to build. They both have some traumas in their past, so I like that it's moving slowly, at a pace that seems realistic. It makes sense.
I also liked the dynamic between Morgan and Charlie. Charlie, as the local girl, has her own very strong opinions on the Bigfoot legends and I liked how Morgan didn't let Charlie really sway her one way or another.
The highlight for me though is definitely the relationship between Morgan and Newt. I absolutely adore and appreciate the way that Ryan writes their connection.
As a Dog Mom, who frequently spends the majority of a book worrying about any doggie characters who may be involved, it was so nice to just sit back and enjoy the fact that Newt got to participate in pretty much everything Morgan does.
And I never worried about him! You can tell that Annelise Ryan is a dog person, and I just knew that she wouldn't take it anywhere uncomfortable. It was freaking great!
At this point, I'm not sure what the long-term plans are for this series, but I really hoping for more books. There's so much left to explore with Morgan, both as far as potential cryptid mysteries, but also with her personal life.
At this point, I am properly attached to Morgan, Newt and even Jon. Keeping my fingers crossed that we'll be getting news of a 3rd-book soon!
Thank you so much to the publisher, Berkley, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
I recommend this to Cozy Mystery fans. It's a unique series and a lot of fun. I've never read anything quite like it!
June 29, 2024
Could it be Bigfoot? What happened to Brodie in Wisconsin’s Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest?
Morgan a cryptozoologist, has special talents, besides being a bookstore owner of books and strange “Odds & Ends.” When she is called to investigate with her dog Newt, what will she discover?
What makes this story interesting, isn’t just Morgan’s character, but the author’s interest in deep diving into the history of Bigfoot and the mysteries of this particular forest. Some of the solutions made sense, and Morgan’s character showing reason and intellect felt realistic and easy to follow.
This book was filled with atmosphere, her charming dog named Newt, and a well-built mystery.
Morgan a cryptozoologist, has special talents, besides being a bookstore owner of books and strange “Odds & Ends.” When she is called to investigate with her dog Newt, what will she discover?
What makes this story interesting, isn’t just Morgan’s character, but the author’s interest in deep diving into the history of Bigfoot and the mysteries of this particular forest. Some of the solutions made sense, and Morgan’s character showing reason and intellect felt realistic and easy to follow.
This book was filled with atmosphere, her charming dog named Newt, and a well-built mystery.
July 4, 2025
3.5 🌟
Mood/Seasonal Reading: takes place in mid October with lots of lovely autumnal descriptions but had some camping vibes I enjoyed for summer as well.
First I’ll start by saying I wouldn’t consider this a cozy mystery by any means. It has a pretty intense narrative throughout as well as some solid gore.
That being said it was very well written. The writing flows easily and I could not find fault in it. The main character feels unique enough to propel the story.
Once again I sadly found the mystery a little lacking. In fact, I’m not sure what really kept me going in this one. The reveal was just too obvious.
I think the concept of this series is so intriguing to me I’m willing to keep pushing through despite not enjoying this one as much. I’m hoping the next book has more suspects and excitement.
Mood/Seasonal Reading: takes place in mid October with lots of lovely autumnal descriptions but had some camping vibes I enjoyed for summer as well.
First I’ll start by saying I wouldn’t consider this a cozy mystery by any means. It has a pretty intense narrative throughout as well as some solid gore.
That being said it was very well written. The writing flows easily and I could not find fault in it. The main character feels unique enough to propel the story.
Once again I sadly found the mystery a little lacking. In fact, I’m not sure what really kept me going in this one. The reveal was just too obvious.
I think the concept of this series is so intriguing to me I’m willing to keep pushing through despite not enjoying this one as much. I’m hoping the next book has more suspects and excitement.
February 10, 2024
Morgan Carter has an unusual and complicated life. She is still recovering and grieving the deaths of her parents. She has inherited their wealth and the business they established. She has also inherited their penchant for hunting cryptids, those mysterious animals whose existence is hotly debated. The first book was lake monsters, this one it's Bigfoot. Morgan insists on scientific proof but hopes for the miraculous.
It's difficult to gain the trust of the true believers when you regularly play the devil's advocate. But humans aren't the best observers. I've experienced this frustration when non-birders describe birds to me. They fixate on the wrong characteristics and fail to note significant behaviour. They misjudge size and ignore vocalizations. They describe colour in odd ways. I endured a long description of a “beautiful bird" only to figure out eventually that it was a gull. Certainly well adapted for what they do, but pretty boring (to me, anyway). There are lots of gull species that can be tricky to distinguish from each other, causing long, boring discussions among “gull guys."
As with most of my preferred mystery series, there is continuing personal development of the main character, Morgan. We watch her friendships deepen and see her edge gingerly towards a new romance with lawman Jon Flanders. We wonder when the other shoe will drop with the absent ex-fiance. Obviously there will be at least one more book and I will be reading it when it comes out.
It's difficult to gain the trust of the true believers when you regularly play the devil's advocate. But humans aren't the best observers. I've experienced this frustration when non-birders describe birds to me. They fixate on the wrong characteristics and fail to note significant behaviour. They misjudge size and ignore vocalizations. They describe colour in odd ways. I endured a long description of a “beautiful bird" only to figure out eventually that it was a gull. Certainly well adapted for what they do, but pretty boring (to me, anyway). There are lots of gull species that can be tricky to distinguish from each other, causing long, boring discussions among “gull guys."
As with most of my preferred mystery series, there is continuing personal development of the main character, Morgan. We watch her friendships deepen and see her edge gingerly towards a new romance with lawman Jon Flanders. We wonder when the other shoe will drop with the absent ex-fiance. Obviously there will be at least one more book and I will be reading it when it comes out.
April 7, 2024
I am a permanent fan of the monster hunter series, I am hooked! If you read either of the two books, you won’t be disappointed. Death in the Dark Woods is a fun read that picks up where the last one left off. The characters continue to develop but it is written in such a way that you won’t be lost if you haven’t read the first one.
Death in the Dark Woods inspects a couple of deaths that might be connected to a Bigfoot sighting. The way the author wove this mystery was brilliant and intriguing. I was hooked right away. Ryan does a fantastic job of tying some local history in that made me appreciate the story even more. Her writing style is so comforting and she has quickly caught my attention.
I will say this one was hard to rate. I was torn between 3 and 4 stars and went with 4.
The only thing that kept me from 5 was the recapping.
There was almost too much recapping for my own liking, but I understood why the author made sure to give a thorough summary of book one. I just found it repetitive and it took away from the new story.
Overall, great book and start reading these mysteries!
I would recommend if you like:
Like mysteries with a different spin
Outside the box thinking
Cozy mysteries
Quirky characters
Descriptive sceneries
Mythological creatures
Dogs as a main character
Depth and tragedy sprinkled in
I would caution you if:
You don’t like mysteries that veer off the beaten path
You don’t like “monster” stories
You like classic mystery books
Death in the Dark Woods inspects a couple of deaths that might be connected to a Bigfoot sighting. The way the author wove this mystery was brilliant and intriguing. I was hooked right away. Ryan does a fantastic job of tying some local history in that made me appreciate the story even more. Her writing style is so comforting and she has quickly caught my attention.
I will say this one was hard to rate. I was torn between 3 and 4 stars and went with 4.
The only thing that kept me from 5 was the recapping.
There was almost too much recapping for my own liking, but I understood why the author made sure to give a thorough summary of book one. I just found it repetitive and it took away from the new story.
Overall, great book and start reading these mysteries!
I would recommend if you like:
Like mysteries with a different spin
Outside the box thinking
Cozy mysteries
Quirky characters
Descriptive sceneries
Mythological creatures
Dogs as a main character
Depth and tragedy sprinkled in
I would caution you if:
You don’t like mysteries that veer off the beaten path
You don’t like “monster” stories
You like classic mystery books
January 30, 2024
Very slow paced and the beginning was filled with repetitive exposition. Didn’t start getting interesting until about 60% in, at which point I just wanted to finish it up and move on.
Another beef I have is that the main character sounds like she’s in her mid-50’s rather than the late 20’s I think she’s supposed to be. It kept taking me out of the story and making me feel confused.
It did get a little better but I don’t think I’ll read another one from this series.
Another beef I have is that the main character sounds like she’s in her mid-50’s rather than the late 20’s I think she’s supposed to be. It kept taking me out of the story and making me feel confused.
It did get a little better but I don’t think I’ll read another one from this series.
May 17, 2024
There is not a single person who talks, acts, or thinks the way any of these characters do.
December 12, 2023
This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
This was entertaining! I enjoyed the first book in this series so I was eager to pick up this installment. I love a good mystery and the fact that these mysteries deal with possible cryptid situations only added to the appeal. I was hooked by this mystery early in the story and couldn’t wait to see if Bigfoot was really what was responsible for the murders in the small Wisconsin town asking Morgan for her help.
Morgan is called to help out on a case once again, but this time she is looking for Bigfoot. I have to admit that I kind of wanted to see her find the creature but I like that she tends to look for other possible explanations. I enjoyed Morgan’s approach to investigation and was impressed that the story kept me guessing until the very end. The fact that Morgan always has her dog, Newt, with her only adds to the appeal of this story.
I listened to the audiobook and thought that Susan Bennett did a wonderful job with the story. I liked the various voices that she used in the narration of this story and thought that she brought a lot of life to the story through her reading. I found her voice to be very pleasant and had no problems listening to this book for hours at a stretch. I am certain that her performance added to my overall enjoyment of this book.
I would recommend this book to others. This book could work as a stand-alone since the mystery is contained in this volume but I would recommend reading the series in order if possible. I found this installment to be very entertaining and must admit that I liked it a bit more than the first book. I was very satisfied with how things worked out in the end and look forward to the next installment.
I received a review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing Group and Penguin Random House Audio.
This was entertaining! I enjoyed the first book in this series so I was eager to pick up this installment. I love a good mystery and the fact that these mysteries deal with possible cryptid situations only added to the appeal. I was hooked by this mystery early in the story and couldn’t wait to see if Bigfoot was really what was responsible for the murders in the small Wisconsin town asking Morgan for her help.
Morgan is called to help out on a case once again, but this time she is looking for Bigfoot. I have to admit that I kind of wanted to see her find the creature but I like that she tends to look for other possible explanations. I enjoyed Morgan’s approach to investigation and was impressed that the story kept me guessing until the very end. The fact that Morgan always has her dog, Newt, with her only adds to the appeal of this story.
I listened to the audiobook and thought that Susan Bennett did a wonderful job with the story. I liked the various voices that she used in the narration of this story and thought that she brought a lot of life to the story through her reading. I found her voice to be very pleasant and had no problems listening to this book for hours at a stretch. I am certain that her performance added to my overall enjoyment of this book.
I would recommend this book to others. This book could work as a stand-alone since the mystery is contained in this volume but I would recommend reading the series in order if possible. I found this installment to be very entertaining and must admit that I liked it a bit more than the first book. I was very satisfied with how things worked out in the end and look forward to the next installment.
I received a review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing Group and Penguin Random House Audio.
January 15, 2026
Book Review 🌲⛺️👣
Death in the Dark Woods
by Annelise Ryan
out now!
Business has been booming since Morgan Carter solved the case of the monster living in Lake Michigan. The Odds and Ends bookstore is thriving, of course, but Morgan is most excited by the doors that were opened for her as a cryptid hunter.
Recently, there have been numerous sightings of a Bigfoot-type creature in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest area of Bayfield County, Wisconsin. After a man is found dead from a vicious throat injury in the forest, the conservation warden asks Morgan to investigate.
When Morgan and her dog, Newt, go there to investigate, they uncover a trail of lies, deception, and murder. It seems a mysterious creature is indeed living in the forest, and Morgan might be its next target.
👣 My thoughts:
I will literally devour ANY book, ANY genre if there are cryptids in it. And so far it’s Berkley that’s delivering on the romance and mystery front with them. 👏🏽 After reading A Death in Door County I knew this would be a series I will continue and keep forever AND prioritizing this year. I’ve got two down and two more to go! I loved our main character Morgan and her pup Newt… Newt is definitely a main character. This is the second installment but it can be read as a standalone as the author does mention the going ons of book one (but I still recommend reading book one). It’s a solid mystery that had my full attention and I absolutely loved to collect the clues leading up to the reveal! I’m a big big fan and highly recommend this series!
For fans of 👇🏽
👣 Cryptids
🔎 Cozy Mysteries
🌲 Monster Hunting
Happy reading 📖 🌲👣⛺️
Death in the Dark Woods
by Annelise Ryan
out now!
Business has been booming since Morgan Carter solved the case of the monster living in Lake Michigan. The Odds and Ends bookstore is thriving, of course, but Morgan is most excited by the doors that were opened for her as a cryptid hunter.
Recently, there have been numerous sightings of a Bigfoot-type creature in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest area of Bayfield County, Wisconsin. After a man is found dead from a vicious throat injury in the forest, the conservation warden asks Morgan to investigate.
When Morgan and her dog, Newt, go there to investigate, they uncover a trail of lies, deception, and murder. It seems a mysterious creature is indeed living in the forest, and Morgan might be its next target.
👣 My thoughts:
I will literally devour ANY book, ANY genre if there are cryptids in it. And so far it’s Berkley that’s delivering on the romance and mystery front with them. 👏🏽 After reading A Death in Door County I knew this would be a series I will continue and keep forever AND prioritizing this year. I’ve got two down and two more to go! I loved our main character Morgan and her pup Newt… Newt is definitely a main character. This is the second installment but it can be read as a standalone as the author does mention the going ons of book one (but I still recommend reading book one). It’s a solid mystery that had my full attention and I absolutely loved to collect the clues leading up to the reveal! I’m a big big fan and highly recommend this series!
For fans of 👇🏽
👣 Cryptids
🔎 Cozy Mysteries
🌲 Monster Hunting
Happy reading 📖 🌲👣⛺️
February 11, 2024
Death in the Dark Woods is a classic case of a book with a great concept falling flat. The book is a mystery/thriller following cryptozoologist Morgan who is called to a Midwestern town to investigate deaths thought to be caused by Bigfoot. Somehow, Annelise Ryan takes a fun, quirky plot and makes it unusually sterile. It reads like a scientific investigation rather than playing up the monster/fantasy side. After learning Ryan used to work in the ER, it explained the clinical writing style, but I was still disappointed. The mystery itself wasn't extremely obvious, which I liked, but the motives of the suspects were weak and I didn't feel any shock or confusion once the pieces came together. There's some really great visual descriptions, but for every good description, there's one that's overdone and clunky. It's very much telling not showing. There's a few subplots that feel unnecessary as well. This book reads quickly, and is worth it for the setting alone, but for a "Monster Hunter Mystery" it's lacking in both monsters and mystery.
December 24, 2023
I am giving 3⭐️ for Wisconsin but 2⭐️ for the actual book. This one felt way more cozy leaning than the first one.
I was so disappointed in the twist/reveal about what the Big Foot sightings actually were. I didn’t like it at all and it felt like a weird cop out to not actually be anything supernatural or anything that anyone would have been able to come to that conclusion. If a reveal comes so far out of nowhere I feel like there weren’t enough clues given or it’s really just that unbelievable. Coworkers- I will spoil it for you in detail if you want.
And I am still unsure about the motive for the actual murder that took place. Did I miss something? Why did Trip kill that guy??
Not sure if I’ll continue the series or not - maybe just to keep up with it because Wisconsin but I was disappointed. ☹️
I was so disappointed in the twist/reveal about what the Big Foot sightings actually were. I didn’t like it at all and it felt like a weird cop out to not actually be anything supernatural or anything that anyone would have been able to come to that conclusion. If a reveal comes so far out of nowhere I feel like there weren’t enough clues given or it’s really just that unbelievable. Coworkers- I will spoil it for you in detail if you want.
And I am still unsure about the motive for the actual murder that took place. Did I miss something? Why did Trip kill that guy??
Not sure if I’ll continue the series or not - maybe just to keep up with it because Wisconsin but I was disappointed. ☹️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2023
This was another fun cozy mystery featuring cryptozoologist Morgan Carter, this time she is enlisted to help disprove that there is a Bigfoot type creature hunting the woods along Lake Michigan. I really liked how this story wrapped up, the history of circuses and runaway animals (based on actual events) and finally learning what was actually behind the deaths. Full of equal parts suspense, cleverness and a touch of romance, Jon makes another cameo in this one and Morgan finds herself fighting for her life once again. Good on audio narrated by Susan Bennet. Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
December 25, 2024
Two victims and strange circumstances has a police chief, Jon Flanders, seeking the help of bookstore owner and cryptozoologist Morgan Carter yet again. Morgan has gained more than a bit of fame after helping to solve a case that was thought to have been caused by a cryptid. Morgan’s interest in the otherworldly is mainly due to the work of her parents, but she has gained expertise in her own right.
So Morgan begins looking for answers. Although her focus is sharp, Morgan thinks about the attraction between her and Jon, but the baggage between them seemingly holds more weight. Morgan will go deep into the woods to find the monster that is said to be behind the recent deaths. Along with her dog Newt, Morgan begins her search for answers.
This cozy mystery with a twist weaves a captivating and atmospheric narrative, making it an enjoyable read for all.
So Morgan begins looking for answers. Although her focus is sharp, Morgan thinks about the attraction between her and Jon, but the baggage between them seemingly holds more weight. Morgan will go deep into the woods to find the monster that is said to be behind the recent deaths. Along with her dog Newt, Morgan begins her search for answers.
This cozy mystery with a twist weaves a captivating and atmospheric narrative, making it an enjoyable read for all.
July 7, 2025
These are mostly just notes for me for when my old lady self says,”I READ THAT? Huh. I don’t think I remember reading that.” Dear Sarah, you old nincompoop, you did read this. Some bow hunter gets attacked in the forest by what a witness swears was a Bigfoot. Some cute forest cop girl with a thing for Bigfoot also has a thing for Jon. Remember? It bored the hell out of you.
January 18, 2024
Reading this book was similar to watching paint dry.
February 6, 2024
This is a fun murder mystery read, based on the premise that Bigfoot could be killing people in the Wisconsin northwoods. I enjoyed the details of the milieu of Bayfield and the Chequamegon.
July 4, 2024
I did not want to give this 3 stars, but I was forced to. This is gonna contain spoilers so if you want to read just be warned this does spoil the whole book.
Okay so I checked out a Bigfoot murder mystery book from the library to read about Bigfoot committing murder, BUT INSTEAD there were ZERO Bigfoots and the “Monster” was just a pair of CHIMPANZEES that had gotten loose in the Wisconsin wilderness. That’s correct, no Bigfoot, only Apes.
Also the Narrator was annoying. I did not enjoy the way she was telling the story, and her dog (I love dogs don’t get me wrong) was just there so the Author could use him as a scape goat. Every time the author needed to so do something to move the plot along the dog would magically do that and it was very annoying. She was making the dog more human than dog and it was kinda annoying.
ALSO the second murder in the book. I have no idea why he was killed. We were told who killed him and why, but it made zero sense, like none at all?? Idk it just felt rushed and confusing.
When I thought it was Bigfoot I was interested, but when it wasn’t I was very upset I was misled. This was not a Cryptid book smh
Okay so I checked out a Bigfoot murder mystery book from the library to read about Bigfoot committing murder, BUT INSTEAD there were ZERO Bigfoots and the “Monster” was just a pair of CHIMPANZEES that had gotten loose in the Wisconsin wilderness. That’s correct, no Bigfoot, only Apes.
Also the Narrator was annoying. I did not enjoy the way she was telling the story, and her dog (I love dogs don’t get me wrong) was just there so the Author could use him as a scape goat. Every time the author needed to so do something to move the plot along the dog would magically do that and it was very annoying. She was making the dog more human than dog and it was kinda annoying.
ALSO the second murder in the book. I have no idea why he was killed. We were told who killed him and why, but it made zero sense, like none at all?? Idk it just felt rushed and confusing.
When I thought it was Bigfoot I was interested, but when it wasn’t I was very upset I was misled. This was not a Cryptid book smh
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2024
This author has a way of making Wisconsin seem like the most magical, mythical place in Earth. And I'm not going to give anything away, but the solution to the mystery is so deep-cut Wisco, I jumped up and said "Hey I know about that! I've been there!" Between that, the solid mystery, and the cryptid hunting, I swear to you, I am the exact target audience here.
May 5, 2025
i’ll say it again, the most unrealistic part of this perfect cozy cryptid murder mystery is that mild mannered midwest cop john named his son bjorn. he absolutely did not please stop mentioning it.
December 18, 2023
I really loved the first book in this series so I have been anxiously awaiting this second one, which might be why it feel a bit flat for me.
I still love the concept of a cryptozoologist who ends up accidentally solving murders instead, and I love that they take place in the upper Midwest. But for this book I don't know why but I had a harder time connecting with the story and characters. I think partly because this one we didn't get as much of Morgan's background - it was just dropped in since it was explored more in the first one - so it was harder for me to connect with Morgan and there was no one really around that she wasn't suspicious of to see her interact more. I also feel like this one walked the border of horror genre more than the previous book, and I personally don't enjoy horror books, so I was left trying to push through the book to get to the parts that weren't as horror filled.
I would still read more in this series, and I am interested to see what American cryptids will show up next.
I still love the concept of a cryptozoologist who ends up accidentally solving murders instead, and I love that they take place in the upper Midwest. But for this book I don't know why but I had a harder time connecting with the story and characters. I think partly because this one we didn't get as much of Morgan's background - it was just dropped in since it was explored more in the first one - so it was harder for me to connect with Morgan and there was no one really around that she wasn't suspicious of to see her interact more. I also feel like this one walked the border of horror genre more than the previous book, and I personally don't enjoy horror books, so I was left trying to push through the book to get to the parts that weren't as horror filled.
I would still read more in this series, and I am interested to see what American cryptids will show up next.
December 19, 2023
I really enjoyed this cryptid-hunting dark cozy. Morgan is a cryptozoologist with a difficult past. Her parents were murdered by her ex-fiancé and now she runs their oddity store in Wisconsin. In this latest mystery, Bigfoot appears to be tearing apart hunters in the Chequamegon Forest, but Morgan is skeptical its Bigfoot until she has proof. Dealing with a questionable DNR warden, a town full of people she can't trust, and a Bigfoot-like creature roaming around in the forest, Morgan has a lot to deal with before finding the truth. Her adventure camping in the deep dark woods is admirable, but downright scary. Morgan has guts! This mystery series is a nice departure from the normal, and I enjoyed every minute of Morgan's investigation.
January 13, 2024
I have absolutely loved this series and I can’t wait for more! The best way I can describe them is like grown up Scooby-Doo! They are charming and clean and I just can’t say enough. I also love being outdoors, camping hiking etc and Wisconsin I a place we frequent. It’s fun to read about these places in fiction this way. I loved it.
March 26, 2025
Another fun read! The ending wasn’t my favorite - it felt a bit far-fetched (yes, even for a book about Bigfoot) and rushed. But I am still loving these characters and this fun cryptid mystery series!
March 18, 2025
actual resolution was crazier than if bigfoot had just been living in bayfield, wi
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2024
I was so blown away by Annelise’s descriptive story telling. I couldn’t put this book down. If you like Cryptids and logical story telling I could not recommend this book more.
Best book I’ve read all year!
Best book I’ve read all year!
July 18, 2024
Bigfoot more like big feet am I right or am I right
October 24, 2025
There’s something about Wisconsin that gives rise to many monster myths and legends. Maybe it’s the largely rural character of the state, with sparsely populated forests, prairies, and farmlands, myriads of small lakes and misty marshes, long stretches of lonely roads, lots of furtive wildlife, and long stretches of treacherous, rocky great lakes coastlines. This is the second book in a series of murder mysteries that raise questions of whether local monsters were involved. Morgan Carter, a bookstore/creepy curiosity shop owner (who also sells things like shrunken heads in addition to books) and who describes herself as a cryptozoologist in Sister Bay in Door County, investigates these monster suspicions.
In this book, there have been Bigfoot sightings in close proximity to a couple of deaths in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest area of Bayfield County, Wisconsin. I enjoyed reading this book well-enough, but I liked the first book, A Death in Door County (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...), much more. Morgan is much more initially skeptical of the Bigfoot sightings in this novel than she was of the sea monster sightings in the first novel, and although she has good reasons for this, it lessened some of the fun spooky October vibes I was hoping for. Also, I would have liked more of the natural history of the area and history of the Bigfoot legend traditions, which I think would have added to the sense of “plausible existability” Morgan talks about in relation to her investigations. Another problem I had with this book was trouble with the believability that Morgan was able to get some of the information and evidence she was able to obtain in the ways she was supposed to have obtained it, given that she is not in law enforcement and was not officially engaged by law enforcement. Despite being a bit disappointed in this book, I will read the next book in the series next October and hope it is more like A Death in Door County.
In this book, there have been Bigfoot sightings in close proximity to a couple of deaths in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest area of Bayfield County, Wisconsin. I enjoyed reading this book well-enough, but I liked the first book, A Death in Door County (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...), much more. Morgan is much more initially skeptical of the Bigfoot sightings in this novel than she was of the sea monster sightings in the first novel, and although she has good reasons for this, it lessened some of the fun spooky October vibes I was hoping for. Also, I would have liked more of the natural history of the area and history of the Bigfoot legend traditions, which I think would have added to the sense of “plausible existability” Morgan talks about in relation to her investigations. Another problem I had with this book was trouble with the believability that Morgan was able to get some of the information and evidence she was able to obtain in the ways she was supposed to have obtained it, given that she is not in law enforcement and was not officially engaged by law enforcement. Despite being a bit disappointed in this book, I will read the next book in the series next October and hope it is more like A Death in Door County.
November 13, 2025
3.1 Stars
Good, but I don't think I will remember it
Plot - 2 boring and the ending is far-fetched
Exposition - 3.5
Atmosphere - 4 love the Fall setting; peak Autumn vibes
Shards of sunlight shone down through a canopy of green and gold, highlighting the forest floor in an undulating mosaic of dark and light. Fog hovered over the surface of the lake, and I wouldn’t have been surprised to see a ghost ship emerge from the mist. There was something magical and miraculous about watching the world awaken and doing it in a forest populated with all manner of flora and fauna. It made me feel privileged and special.
Characters - 3.5 still love the main character; one of the side characters was slightly annoying
Heart - 2.5 I don't think I will remember this.
Good, but I don't think I will remember it
Plot - 2 boring and the ending is far-fetched
Exposition - 3.5
Atmosphere - 4 love the Fall setting; peak Autumn vibes
Shards of sunlight shone down through a canopy of green and gold, highlighting the forest floor in an undulating mosaic of dark and light. Fog hovered over the surface of the lake, and I wouldn’t have been surprised to see a ghost ship emerge from the mist. There was something magical and miraculous about watching the world awaken and doing it in a forest populated with all manner of flora and fauna. It made me feel privileged and special.
Characters - 3.5 still love the main character; one of the side characters was slightly annoying
Heart - 2.5 I don't think I will remember this.
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