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Stevie Diaz #1
In the Woods Somewhere
Stevie Diaz has a husband she loves and a job she hates. Her life is unremarkable until she answers the phone at work one night only to hear a woman fleeing for her life before the call abruptly ends with what Stevie swears is a gunshot.
Stevie Diaz has never been great at leaving well enough alone, and unfortunately she recognized the voice on the other end of the call. Now, she’s determined to figure out what happened. And if she ruins her own life in the process, well, it’ll be worth it to learn the truth.
For someone who hates secrets, Stevie keeps a lot of them. For someone who’s not a fan of being lied to, Stevie has a problem with honesty—maybe with herself most of all.
In the Woods Somewhere is a neo-noir story of love and friendship, obsession and betrayal, secrets and lies, and what happens when the weight of the past comes crashing down.
Stevie Diaz has never been great at leaving well enough alone, and unfortunately she recognized the voice on the other end of the call. Now, she’s determined to figure out what happened. And if she ruins her own life in the process, well, it’ll be worth it to learn the truth.
For someone who hates secrets, Stevie keeps a lot of them. For someone who’s not a fan of being lied to, Stevie has a problem with honesty—maybe with herself most of all.
In the Woods Somewhere is a neo-noir story of love and friendship, obsession and betrayal, secrets and lies, and what happens when the weight of the past comes crashing down.
- GenresMystery
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 24, 2025
13 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Sam Evans
4 books22 followersSam Evans has lived all over the US but currently resides in the upper midwest. She’s a software engineer by day, but letting her imagination run wild is her full-time occupation. She lives with her partner, a high-strung border collie, and an insane kelpie. She routinely drinks too much coffee and gets too little sleep.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 15, 2025
This book really hooked me in from the start. Imagine being a 911 operator and you answer a call late one night that turns out to be your estranged childhood friend in trouble. I was sucked in immediately.
While I waited for the mystery to be solved, I realized I was stuck in the midst of a love triangle that started to take over the narrative. I can’t say I liked how the main character was acting in regard to her “romantic” situation. Let’s just say I felt bad for her husband (without saying too much here).
The ending that I was waiting for finally came and it was a tad rushed and lackluster. There were so many other interesting components to Andy’s story that turned out to be unrelated to the ultimate cause of her…situation.
I kept reading because I was invested in the mystery. I decidedly turned a bit against Stevie based on her actions aside from the mystery. But still I was compelled to finish the book and is a sequel comes out I’d probably give it a shot. Thank you #NetGalley and #supergravitypressllc for the chance to read an ARC of this book early.
While I waited for the mystery to be solved, I realized I was stuck in the midst of a love triangle that started to take over the narrative. I can’t say I liked how the main character was acting in regard to her “romantic” situation. Let’s just say I felt bad for her husband (without saying too much here).
The ending that I was waiting for finally came and it was a tad rushed and lackluster. There were so many other interesting components to Andy’s story that turned out to be unrelated to the ultimate cause of her…situation.
I kept reading because I was invested in the mystery. I decidedly turned a bit against Stevie based on her actions aside from the mystery. But still I was compelled to finish the book and is a sequel comes out I’d probably give it a shot. Thank you #NetGalley and #supergravitypressllc for the chance to read an ARC of this book early.
June 26, 2025
Stephanie 'Stevie' Diaz is happily married to Troy, but has a job as a 911 operator that she hates. One night, Stevie answers a call & hears a woman who is being followed by someone in a truck. Whilst online, the woman is forced off the road in an isolated area & starts running for her life, Stevie hears a gunshot, but the call is ended. The officers sent to the area find the woman's car but there is no sign of her or the other driver. Stevie can't let it go though because she recognised the caller, childhood friend Andrea (Andy) newly back in the area. They may have lost touch but Stevie knows if it were the other way round, Andy would look for her.
I have very mixed feelings on this one. On one hand, the mystery plotline is good & the book itself is well-written, but on the other hand, I just can't stand the main character. She was fine up until about halfway through but when I'd finished the book I ended up loathing her. This is all to do with the 'love triangle' aspect & Stevie's obvious narcissism. She lobs a grenade into the relationship with her husband, Troy, & then expects him to not have the normal reactions anyone would have & uses emotional manipulation to try & get what she wants. I almost cheered when he finally called her out on her BS. Although I mostly enjoyed this, I probably won't read any further books in the series mainly because Stevie is insufferable. 3.75 stars (rounded up)
Thank you to NetGalley & publishers, Super Gravity Press LLC, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
I have very mixed feelings on this one. On one hand, the mystery plotline is good & the book itself is well-written, but on the other hand, I just can't stand the main character. She was fine up until about halfway through but when I'd finished the book I ended up loathing her. This is all to do with the 'love triangle' aspect & Stevie's obvious narcissism. She lobs a grenade into the relationship with her husband, Troy, & then expects him to not have the normal reactions anyone would have & uses emotional manipulation to try & get what she wants. I almost cheered when he finally called her out on her BS. Although I mostly enjoyed this, I probably won't read any further books in the series mainly because Stevie is insufferable. 3.75 stars (rounded up)
Thank you to NetGalley & publishers, Super Gravity Press LLC, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
June 24, 2025
In the Woods Somewhere by @sam_evans_writer is officially out today and I’m begging you—go grab it. You’re not ready… and I mean that in the best way.
I was so stressed I started crying in chapter one. 😭
No spoilers, but this story pulls you in FAST and does not let up.
You’re right there with Stevie-every breath, every phone call, every gut-drop moment.
What I loved:
🖤 A 911 dispatcher MC who feels real
🌲 Small town suspense that slowly unravels
👀 The chapter titles?? So clever.
✍️ And the AUTHOR NOTES. Y’all. A good author note seals the deal for me and this one hit just right.
✨ Quick synopsis:
Stevie Diaz has a husband she loves and a job she hates. Her life is unremarkable until she answers the phone at work one night, only to hear a woman fleeing for her life before the call abruptly ends with what Stevie swears is a gunshot.
Stevie has never been great at leaving well enough alone… and unfortunately, she recognized the voice on the other end. Now she’s determined to find out what happened even if it means burning her own life down to do it.
This debut is packed with love, secrets, obsession, betrayal, and the kind of tension that makes your chest hurt (in the best way).
If you like slow-burn tension, characters you want to scream at and protect, and stories that leave you unsettled add this to your cart.
📚 And don’t forget BOOK TWO is coming. 👀 You’ll want it the second you finish this one.
I was so stressed I started crying in chapter one. 😭
No spoilers, but this story pulls you in FAST and does not let up.
You’re right there with Stevie-every breath, every phone call, every gut-drop moment.
What I loved:
🖤 A 911 dispatcher MC who feels real
🌲 Small town suspense that slowly unravels
👀 The chapter titles?? So clever.
✍️ And the AUTHOR NOTES. Y’all. A good author note seals the deal for me and this one hit just right.
✨ Quick synopsis:
Stevie Diaz has a husband she loves and a job she hates. Her life is unremarkable until she answers the phone at work one night, only to hear a woman fleeing for her life before the call abruptly ends with what Stevie swears is a gunshot.
Stevie has never been great at leaving well enough alone… and unfortunately, she recognized the voice on the other end. Now she’s determined to find out what happened even if it means burning her own life down to do it.
This debut is packed with love, secrets, obsession, betrayal, and the kind of tension that makes your chest hurt (in the best way).
If you like slow-burn tension, characters you want to scream at and protect, and stories that leave you unsettled add this to your cart.
📚 And don’t forget BOOK TWO is coming. 👀 You’ll want it the second you finish this one.
July 14, 2025
This book took me by surprise! After reading friends review for this book on instagram I KNEW I had to read this!
For starters.. I don’t think I have ever disliked a FMC more than I do Stevie but still felt SO COMPELLED to continue this read because it ropes you in and carries you away!
Stevie Diaz has an amazing husband but a job she hates with a passion. She lives a pretty normal life until one night she answers a call at work only to hear a woman fleeing for her life before the call cuts off abruptly with the sound of a gun shot.
Recognizing the voice on the other end of the line and Stevie being Stevie not able to leave things well enough alone decides she has to figure out what happened.
There was so much to this story.. betrayal, lies and secrets, long kept friendships and love. I would say this was a first for me as a book has never drove me more crazy. The way I was so pissed off and simultaneously so invested was interesting to say the least. There were so many little twists and turns right all the way up to the end of this book.. and let me just say Sam Evan’s REALLY knows how to write an ending! Can’t wait for book ✌🏼💚🤭
For starters.. I don’t think I have ever disliked a FMC more than I do Stevie but still felt SO COMPELLED to continue this read because it ropes you in and carries you away!
Stevie Diaz has an amazing husband but a job she hates with a passion. She lives a pretty normal life until one night she answers a call at work only to hear a woman fleeing for her life before the call cuts off abruptly with the sound of a gun shot.
Recognizing the voice on the other end of the line and Stevie being Stevie not able to leave things well enough alone decides she has to figure out what happened.
There was so much to this story.. betrayal, lies and secrets, long kept friendships and love. I would say this was a first for me as a book has never drove me more crazy. The way I was so pissed off and simultaneously so invested was interesting to say the least. There were so many little twists and turns right all the way up to the end of this book.. and let me just say Sam Evan’s REALLY knows how to write an ending! Can’t wait for book ✌🏼💚🤭
May 30, 2025
I'll be honest straight up here - I don't know how I feel about this book, and I'm not sure if I'm meant to. Do not get me wrong, I enjoyed it - it's just a wild ride.
I went in expecting a tight, suspenseful neo-noir mystery as per the description - a late night phone call, unknown danger, protagonist who can't leave it alone. And yes, it delivered on those aspects, but the journey along the way was complicated and fairly messy.
Stevie Diaz is a complicated, flawed lead - intelligent, stubborn, and hard to root for - especially once the story starts leaning into the unexpected romance subplot. Given the complexities of the romance and how it unfolds, I'm not sure if it landed for me.
There are moments where detailed descriptions of technical aspects, such as phone geolocation and surveillance evasion techniques - are given perhaps a little too much detailed time, feeling a little more instructional than immersive breaking the flow. Though also grounding us in the reality of Stevie not knowing these things, and having to rely on Reddit, I suppose.
The mystery itself, once we get back to it, is resolved in a twisty conclusion which arrives very suddenly, and leaves you feeling a little caught off guard. Really plays into Stevie's chaos and unpredictability, and secretive nature.
Also worth noting the book name and chapters are all song names - something that I noticed along the way but not knowing the songs, didn't really add much to the experience for me. Perhaps worth checking them out and making a playlist beforehand for a different experience?
It is certainly a moody, ambitious blend of noir, romance and drama. It's by no means a bad book, but also not what I was expecting. I'm compelled enough to continue into book two when it's released, but also still staring at the wall like "huh?" a little. I genuinely don't know if we're meant to like Stevie, or not - maybe that is the whole point?
If you enjoy characters who don't make good decisions, morally murky, messy relationships and being kept in the dark along the way - definitely recommend In The Woods Somewhere.
Thank you to the author, Sam Evans, and Super Gravity Press for this ARC read <3
I went in expecting a tight, suspenseful neo-noir mystery as per the description - a late night phone call, unknown danger, protagonist who can't leave it alone. And yes, it delivered on those aspects, but the journey along the way was complicated and fairly messy.
Stevie Diaz is a complicated, flawed lead - intelligent, stubborn, and hard to root for - especially once the story starts leaning into the unexpected romance subplot. Given the complexities of the romance and how it unfolds, I'm not sure if it landed for me.
There are moments where detailed descriptions of technical aspects, such as phone geolocation and surveillance evasion techniques - are given perhaps a little too much detailed time, feeling a little more instructional than immersive breaking the flow. Though also grounding us in the reality of Stevie not knowing these things, and having to rely on Reddit, I suppose.
The mystery itself, once we get back to it, is resolved in a twisty conclusion which arrives very suddenly, and leaves you feeling a little caught off guard. Really plays into Stevie's chaos and unpredictability, and secretive nature.
Also worth noting the book name and chapters are all song names - something that I noticed along the way but not knowing the songs, didn't really add much to the experience for me. Perhaps worth checking them out and making a playlist beforehand for a different experience?
It is certainly a moody, ambitious blend of noir, romance and drama. It's by no means a bad book, but also not what I was expecting. I'm compelled enough to continue into book two when it's released, but also still staring at the wall like "huh?" a little. I genuinely don't know if we're meant to like Stevie, or not - maybe that is the whole point?
If you enjoy characters who don't make good decisions, morally murky, messy relationships and being kept in the dark along the way - definitely recommend In The Woods Somewhere.
Thank you to the author, Sam Evans, and Super Gravity Press for this ARC read <3
July 7, 2025
This debut novel is an engaging mystery with where the past comes back to haunt Stevie Diaz, in more ways than one. This novel the really has you questioning what could have happened to Andy.
The main character felt real and organic, although she is hard to like at times. Stevie is determined, a strong will of character, and imperfect. She deals with real themes of internal struggles with her job (leave or stay) and with her marriage (leave or stay). Stevie is ready to risk it all to solve her long lost friend’s disappearance and Sam Evan’s has done a great job of keeping the reader involved in problem solving this mystery.
I additionally love the authors taste in music which is sprinkled throughout the book, and has its own Spotify playlist.
Looking forward to the next book, Down By the Water.
The main character felt real and organic, although she is hard to like at times. Stevie is determined, a strong will of character, and imperfect. She deals with real themes of internal struggles with her job (leave or stay) and with her marriage (leave or stay). Stevie is ready to risk it all to solve her long lost friend’s disappearance and Sam Evan’s has done a great job of keeping the reader involved in problem solving this mystery.
I additionally love the authors taste in music which is sprinkled throughout the book, and has its own Spotify playlist.
Looking forward to the next book, Down By the Water.
June 5, 2025
I was hooked from the start. Stevie is a stubborn amateur detective determined on finding her friend’s killer. Alongside this, the story follows Stevie trying to understand the changes and new parameters within her marriage. I really enjoyed reading this book. The character development was good and i really appreciated seeing how they changed in the end. I do wish there were more surprises and a bit more depth in the killer’s character of why they killed the friend. Andy seemed like a very interesting and multilayered character and would have loved to read more about the different facets of her life that were touched upon. I would say the spice is about 🌶️🌶️.5
I received this book as an e-ARC and this review is voluntary.
I received this book as an e-ARC and this review is voluntary.
May 27, 2025
First, thank you Sam Evans and Netgalley for the advance copy.
I really enjoyed this book. It grabbed my attention from the first chapter and had me turning pages wanting to find out what was going to happen. I had a lot of fun reading and trying to figure out the mystery of the story.
There wasn't anything I disliked about the story but I really didn't like the characters. Stevie wasn't a very likable person and I didn't think she treated her husband very well while he seemed to mostly support her. I didn't like her husband, Troy, for questioning her past. Finally, I didn't like Brad for some of his questionable behavior.
Overall, I give the book a solid 4/5 stars.
I really enjoyed this book. It grabbed my attention from the first chapter and had me turning pages wanting to find out what was going to happen. I had a lot of fun reading and trying to figure out the mystery of the story.
There wasn't anything I disliked about the story but I really didn't like the characters. Stevie wasn't a very likable person and I didn't think she treated her husband very well while he seemed to mostly support her. I didn't like her husband, Troy, for questioning her past. Finally, I didn't like Brad for some of his questionable behavior.
Overall, I give the book a solid 4/5 stars.
June 20, 2025
I received this book as an e-arc (thanks to the author for that) so my thoughts on it…. I liked it but didn’t love it. It was interesting from the beginning but started dragging during the middle while Stevie tried to decide what it was that she wanted. I started out liking her character but by the end of the book I’m not sure how I felt about her. There was more detail and time spent explaining about phone tracing than when she figured out who the killer was it was very rushed without much background as to why they did it. If or when a sequel is released I’m not sure if I will read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2025
This book was an easy read. It keeps you wanting to read more and I wish there was more, the end does leave you hanging. But don't worry there is a second book coming. So don't Iet me discourage you from reading this book. It is worth reading, and will have you guessing of who did it and why. It starts with a 911 call. Stevie is the dispatcher and she gets a call from an ex-bestfriend who is being followed and run off the road. You won't believe what she does to find her friend or that person who hurt her. I hope you enjoy this book, like I did, give it a try.
July 1, 2025
I loved this book. I was hooked from the beginning and didnt put it down until I reached the end. A one sitting read!
The characters came to life and had me invested in all aspects of their lives.
The storylines were very well formed and felt as though I was reading 2 books in 1 which I loved. It kept me turning the pages.
Thank you Vivacious Readers and Sam Evans for allowing me an early read for an honest review.
Now, on to the next book.
The characters came to life and had me invested in all aspects of their lives.
The storylines were very well formed and felt as though I was reading 2 books in 1 which I loved. It kept me turning the pages.
Thank you Vivacious Readers and Sam Evans for allowing me an early read for an honest review.
Now, on to the next book.
May 8, 2025
I read this book via NetGalley, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I read it in an evening, quite easy to read and kept the reader entertained. I gave this book a 4 star review as I feel there are to many cooking scenes. Other than that, the book was fast paced, well written and kept you guessing!
June 23, 2025
Wow this book had me from the first page. I ty light I had it all figured out then bam plot twist. I couldn’t stop reading this book also the fact that the chapter title are actual songs and she mentions the group singer etc within the chapter was genius m. Definitely wieth the time to read
December 24, 2025
come for the mystery, stay for the love triangle. i really liked how both were handled – characters actually communicating? unheard of!
for my taste, i would've liked a little more tension and a sense of threat with the murder/investigation plot, but the main character and characters dynamics brought the drama
i look forward to reading the sequel!
for my taste, i would've liked a little more tension and a sense of threat with the murder/investigation plot, but the main character and characters dynamics brought the drama
i look forward to reading the sequel!
May 27, 2025
Wow! A great read that grabbed me in the first chapter. I had trouble putting it down. Loved the main character, not to mention the twist in the plot! The ending left we wondering and wanting more.
Will definitely read more Sam Evans!
Will definitely read more Sam Evans!
September 21, 2025
ARC Review-
In the Woods Somewhere centers on 911 operator Stephanie “Stevie” Diaz after she receives a panicked call one shift from none other than her former best friend, Andy. After her ex bestie turns up missing and then eventually dead, Stevie takes solving the mystery into her own hands by hyper-focusing on gathering clues regardless of how her fixation affects her life. Amidst uncovering just what the heck happened to her ex bestie friend that fateful night in the woods somewhere, her personal life and marriage begin to implode after she “runs into” her other ex bestie and former crush. I loved everything about this mystery thriller and it was a gripping rollercoaster of whodunnit, but also what’s going to happen next. I thought the chapter titles were clever, IYKYK. I found Stevie’s personal life & love triangle to be commonplace, but also empowering in a way and I’m sure many people could see a little bit of themselves in Stevie’s bold personality. She’s imperfect, raw, and messy just like the rest of us. She makes mistakes but is trying her best to “figure it all out”. Her two beaus were also quite special and I enjoyed the fact that they were very much polar opposites, but both had Stevie at the center of their universes much like she was their sun. Additionally, the thrill of following Stevie as she began putting pieces of the puzzle together was fun and to be honest, the killer could have been a number of suspects. I would highly recommend to all lovers of thrilling mysteries and especially those who love raw and flawed characters just making their way through life. I look forward to reading the next installment in the Stevie Diaz Mystery Series “Down by the Water”!
In the Woods Somewhere centers on 911 operator Stephanie “Stevie” Diaz after she receives a panicked call one shift from none other than her former best friend, Andy. After her ex bestie turns up missing and then eventually dead, Stevie takes solving the mystery into her own hands by hyper-focusing on gathering clues regardless of how her fixation affects her life. Amidst uncovering just what the heck happened to her ex bestie friend that fateful night in the woods somewhere, her personal life and marriage begin to implode after she “runs into” her other ex bestie and former crush. I loved everything about this mystery thriller and it was a gripping rollercoaster of whodunnit, but also what’s going to happen next. I thought the chapter titles were clever, IYKYK. I found Stevie’s personal life & love triangle to be commonplace, but also empowering in a way and I’m sure many people could see a little bit of themselves in Stevie’s bold personality. She’s imperfect, raw, and messy just like the rest of us. She makes mistakes but is trying her best to “figure it all out”. Her two beaus were also quite special and I enjoyed the fact that they were very much polar opposites, but both had Stevie at the center of their universes much like she was their sun. Additionally, the thrill of following Stevie as she began putting pieces of the puzzle together was fun and to be honest, the killer could have been a number of suspects. I would highly recommend to all lovers of thrilling mysteries and especially those who love raw and flawed characters just making their way through life. I look forward to reading the next installment in the Stevie Diaz Mystery Series “Down by the Water”!
July 27, 2025
In the Woods Somewhere is the debut novel for author Sam Evans, but trust me - it doesn't read like a debut. It reads like an author who has already cut their teeth in the industry and knows what they're doing, and readers, make no doubt - Sam Evans knows EXACTLY what she's doing.
Spoiler-free review:
Stevie Diaz is a relatable millennial - stuck in a job as a 911 dispatcher that she doesn't love, but is good at, and it pays the bills - married to a sweet, thoughtful, and understanding husband who adores her. Things seem mundane until one night, Stevie takes an emergency call that puts her back in contact with her estranged best friend from high school, until the line goes dead and she loses her, potentially for good. This sends Stevie into a spiral as she works to put the pieces of this mystery together, following the breadcrumbs of her former friend's return after her breakup, a potential loose end from her life before she moved back to their hometown, another estranged friend, and someone that Stevie once held a torch for but never acted on. Except those feelings might not be as dead as she believed, putting her in yet another predicament. The twists and turns of the race to find the truth will keep you guessing up to the end - and also make this book unput-downable (I made that word up probably, just go with it). The only warning I can give is to start this book when you have no other plans and can sit and read it the whole day - because you WILL read it in one sitting, even if that means that you're up at 3 am (don't ask me how I know, just trust me on this.)
Do not sleep on this book or this author!! You will not be disappointed.
Spoiler-free review:
Stevie Diaz is a relatable millennial - stuck in a job as a 911 dispatcher that she doesn't love, but is good at, and it pays the bills - married to a sweet, thoughtful, and understanding husband who adores her. Things seem mundane until one night, Stevie takes an emergency call that puts her back in contact with her estranged best friend from high school, until the line goes dead and she loses her, potentially for good. This sends Stevie into a spiral as she works to put the pieces of this mystery together, following the breadcrumbs of her former friend's return after her breakup, a potential loose end from her life before she moved back to their hometown, another estranged friend, and someone that Stevie once held a torch for but never acted on. Except those feelings might not be as dead as she believed, putting her in yet another predicament. The twists and turns of the race to find the truth will keep you guessing up to the end - and also make this book unput-downable (I made that word up probably, just go with it). The only warning I can give is to start this book when you have no other plans and can sit and read it the whole day - because you WILL read it in one sitting, even if that means that you're up at 3 am (don't ask me how I know, just trust me on this.)
Do not sleep on this book or this author!! You will not be disappointed.
January 12, 2026
For being her first published work, this book is incredible and so well thought out. Every moment feels intentional and contributes to Stevie’s journey of solving the mystery of the 911 call she just can’t get out of her mind.
Growing up I was obsessed with reading mysteries with female sleuths, I spent many years of my childhood borrowing grocery store paperbacks by Sue Grafton and Mary Higgins Clark from my grandma. This story evokes all of the feelings I’ve been missing since the last time I picked up a true mystery - BUT this book had one thing those were missing for me - STEVIE.
Stevie is such a relatable FMC, her attitude, her thought process, and her ridiculous notion that she can solve a crime and exact justice all by herself. She also finds herself in the middle of a compelling (and at times very frustrating!) romance subplot - stuck between her husband and her childhood crush.
Will Stevie be able to juggle her difficult job, complicated relationships, and solve the mystery of her childhood friend’s death? Or will she end up biting off way more than she can chew?
Growing up I was obsessed with reading mysteries with female sleuths, I spent many years of my childhood borrowing grocery store paperbacks by Sue Grafton and Mary Higgins Clark from my grandma. This story evokes all of the feelings I’ve been missing since the last time I picked up a true mystery - BUT this book had one thing those were missing for me - STEVIE.
Stevie is such a relatable FMC, her attitude, her thought process, and her ridiculous notion that she can solve a crime and exact justice all by herself. She also finds herself in the middle of a compelling (and at times very frustrating!) romance subplot - stuck between her husband and her childhood crush.
Will Stevie be able to juggle her difficult job, complicated relationships, and solve the mystery of her childhood friend’s death? Or will she end up biting off way more than she can chew?
February 3, 2026
⚠️ Disclaimer
Books are subjective. I said what I said. You can disagree, write a rebuttal in your Notes app, or stage a one-person protest in the comments — none of that will change my opinion or suddenly make me care. This is how this book hit me. Read on, or don’t. Either way, I’m sleeping just fine. Probably. Maybe.
🏃💨 The Quick and Dirty
This is not a thriller that grabs you by the throat. This is a slow, eerie, emotionally claustrophobic spiral that waits patiently while you ruin yourself. It’s heavy on vibes, light on hand-holding, and absolutely committed to making you sit with discomfort like it just pulled up a chair. I loved it in a “why do I feel watched” kind of way.
🕵️♀️ The Non-Spoilery Situation Report
Stevie Diaz answers 911 calls for a living, which means she listens to other people’s worst days while aggressively ignoring her own. She’s married to Troy, a man who communicates primarily through baked goods and silence, which is not a love language, it’s a cry for help. One night at work, Stevie answers a call that cracks open something she thought she buried years ago — a scream, a gunshot, and a voice from her past that refuses to stay dead and quiet.
Instead of doing the sensible thing — therapy, boundaries, minding her damn business — Stevie starts digging. Into the past. Into herself. Into a town that feels like it’s holding its breath. This is not a fast story. This is a foggy one. Missing women. Guilt. Grief. Trauma. A marriage slowly fermenting into resentment like milk left in a hot car.
🤔💭 The Review
This book does not sprint. It doesn’t jog. It doesn’t even briskly walk. In the Woods Somewhere squats in the corner, lights a cigarette, and waits for you to get uncomfortable first. And somehow — against my better judgment, my caffeine dependency, and my general impatience — it works.
Sam Evans wrote a debut novel like she had nothing to prove and everything to say, which is rude. Frankly. This book is confident in a way that feels illegal for a first outing. There’s no frantic need to impress. No twist-chasing. No LOOK AT ME energy. Just a steady drip of dread, like a leaky faucet you swear you’ll fix tomorrow while it slowly drives you insane.
Stevie Diaz is not an easy protagonist. She’s distant. Defensive. Emotionally locked down like a Nokia phone from 2003. She compartmentalizes trauma the way some people hoard throw pillows — aggressively and without ever addressing the underlying problem. She hears horror for a living, then goes home and pretends her own life is fine. Fine. Totally fine. This is fine. Cue the dog in the burning room meme.
Her job as a 911 operator is used perfectly here — not as a gimmick, not as a plot engine, but as an emotional lens. Stevie is trained to stay calm. To detach. To triage. And that detachment bleeds into everything else. Her marriage. Her memories. Her sense of responsibility. She’s the kind of character who would rather gnaw off her own arm than admit she’s scared and watching that self-denial play out is both fascinating and infuriating.
And Troy. My god, Troy. A man who processes his feelings by baking loaves instead of language. Pies instead of participation. It’s almost funny until it’s not, like watching someone bring cupcakes to a funeral because they don’t know what else to do with their hands. Their marriage is quiet in the most alarming way — not hostile, not explosive, just hollow. Two people orbiting each other like abandoned satellites, hoping gravity will eventually do the work.
This book understands silence. It understands what isn’t said. Whole chapters feel like that awkward pause after someone drops a truth bomb at dinner and everyone suddenly finds the table fascinating. The tension doesn’t come from action — it comes from avoidance. From the things Stevie won’t confront. From the town’s collective amnesia. From the sense that everyone knows something and no one wants to be the first to say it out loud.
Let’s talk pacing, because this is where people are going to bounce if they’re not ready. This is a slow burn in the truest sense. Not “slow for 50 pages and then chaos.” No. This is steady. Consistent. Relentless in its restraint. If you’re expecting a thriller that behaves like an episode of Criminal Minds on fast-forward, this will feel like punishment. But if you’re willing to sit in mood — real mood, not aesthetic Pinterest-board mood — it’s hypnotic.
Is every chapter explosive? No. Some chapters end quietly. Some drift. Some exist purely to deepen character rather than advance plot. And honestly? I respected the hell out of that. This book isn’t interested in entertaining you every second. It’s interested in immersing you. Big difference. The past feels close enough to breathe on your neck. Evans doesn’t overdescribe — she suggests. Let's your brain fill in the gaps. Which is always worse. Your imagination is a bastard.
There’s also something deeply queer about the emotional tension here — not in a performative way, not in a checkbox way, but in the way identity, repression, and longing are tangled up and left to fester. This book understands that desire doesn’t always announce itself. Sometimes it just sits there, unsatisfied, warping everything around it like a gravity well.
And yes, there is sexual content. One scene in particular that made me pause, stare at the wall, and recalibrate my soul. Not because it was bad — because it was intimate in a way that felt invasive, like accidentally walking in on someone mid-confession. It fit the story. It made sense. I just wasn’t emotionally buckled in.
The writing itself is sharp without being flashy. Evans doesn’t flex her vocabulary. She doesn’t drown you in metaphor. She trusts the reader. Which I appreciate. There’s an elegance to the restraint — like watching someone land a plane in bad weather without announcing every move. You feel safe. Uneasy, but safe.
By the time I finished, I didn’t feel adrenaline. I felt… saturated. Like I’d been underwater too long and just surfaced, lungs burning, not entirely sure what I’d seen down there but certain it mattered. This isn’t a book you tear through like a raccoon in a dumpster. This is a book you live in for a while. Let it seep into your clothes. Your thoughts. Your unresolved shit.
For a debut, it’s impressive. For a story about guilt, grief, and the lies we tell ourselves to survive, it’s devastating in a very quiet, very controlled way. No cheap tricks. No shock-for-shock’s-sake. Just a slow unraveling that trusts you to stay.
Books are subjective. I said what I said. You can disagree, write a rebuttal in your Notes app, or stage a one-person protest in the comments — none of that will change my opinion or suddenly make me care. This is how this book hit me. Read on, or don’t. Either way, I’m sleeping just fine. Probably. Maybe.
🏃💨 The Quick and Dirty
This is not a thriller that grabs you by the throat. This is a slow, eerie, emotionally claustrophobic spiral that waits patiently while you ruin yourself. It’s heavy on vibes, light on hand-holding, and absolutely committed to making you sit with discomfort like it just pulled up a chair. I loved it in a “why do I feel watched” kind of way.
🕵️♀️ The Non-Spoilery Situation Report
Stevie Diaz answers 911 calls for a living, which means she listens to other people’s worst days while aggressively ignoring her own. She’s married to Troy, a man who communicates primarily through baked goods and silence, which is not a love language, it’s a cry for help. One night at work, Stevie answers a call that cracks open something she thought she buried years ago — a scream, a gunshot, and a voice from her past that refuses to stay dead and quiet.
Instead of doing the sensible thing — therapy, boundaries, minding her damn business — Stevie starts digging. Into the past. Into herself. Into a town that feels like it’s holding its breath. This is not a fast story. This is a foggy one. Missing women. Guilt. Grief. Trauma. A marriage slowly fermenting into resentment like milk left in a hot car.
🤔💭 The Review
This book does not sprint. It doesn’t jog. It doesn’t even briskly walk. In the Woods Somewhere squats in the corner, lights a cigarette, and waits for you to get uncomfortable first. And somehow — against my better judgment, my caffeine dependency, and my general impatience — it works.
Sam Evans wrote a debut novel like she had nothing to prove and everything to say, which is rude. Frankly. This book is confident in a way that feels illegal for a first outing. There’s no frantic need to impress. No twist-chasing. No LOOK AT ME energy. Just a steady drip of dread, like a leaky faucet you swear you’ll fix tomorrow while it slowly drives you insane.
Stevie Diaz is not an easy protagonist. She’s distant. Defensive. Emotionally locked down like a Nokia phone from 2003. She compartmentalizes trauma the way some people hoard throw pillows — aggressively and without ever addressing the underlying problem. She hears horror for a living, then goes home and pretends her own life is fine. Fine. Totally fine. This is fine. Cue the dog in the burning room meme.
Her job as a 911 operator is used perfectly here — not as a gimmick, not as a plot engine, but as an emotional lens. Stevie is trained to stay calm. To detach. To triage. And that detachment bleeds into everything else. Her marriage. Her memories. Her sense of responsibility. She’s the kind of character who would rather gnaw off her own arm than admit she’s scared and watching that self-denial play out is both fascinating and infuriating.
And Troy. My god, Troy. A man who processes his feelings by baking loaves instead of language. Pies instead of participation. It’s almost funny until it’s not, like watching someone bring cupcakes to a funeral because they don’t know what else to do with their hands. Their marriage is quiet in the most alarming way — not hostile, not explosive, just hollow. Two people orbiting each other like abandoned satellites, hoping gravity will eventually do the work.
This book understands silence. It understands what isn’t said. Whole chapters feel like that awkward pause after someone drops a truth bomb at dinner and everyone suddenly finds the table fascinating. The tension doesn’t come from action — it comes from avoidance. From the things Stevie won’t confront. From the town’s collective amnesia. From the sense that everyone knows something and no one wants to be the first to say it out loud.
Let’s talk pacing, because this is where people are going to bounce if they’re not ready. This is a slow burn in the truest sense. Not “slow for 50 pages and then chaos.” No. This is steady. Consistent. Relentless in its restraint. If you’re expecting a thriller that behaves like an episode of Criminal Minds on fast-forward, this will feel like punishment. But if you’re willing to sit in mood — real mood, not aesthetic Pinterest-board mood — it’s hypnotic.
Is every chapter explosive? No. Some chapters end quietly. Some drift. Some exist purely to deepen character rather than advance plot. And honestly? I respected the hell out of that. This book isn’t interested in entertaining you every second. It’s interested in immersing you. Big difference. The past feels close enough to breathe on your neck. Evans doesn’t overdescribe — she suggests. Let's your brain fill in the gaps. Which is always worse. Your imagination is a bastard.
There’s also something deeply queer about the emotional tension here — not in a performative way, not in a checkbox way, but in the way identity, repression, and longing are tangled up and left to fester. This book understands that desire doesn’t always announce itself. Sometimes it just sits there, unsatisfied, warping everything around it like a gravity well.
And yes, there is sexual content. One scene in particular that made me pause, stare at the wall, and recalibrate my soul. Not because it was bad — because it was intimate in a way that felt invasive, like accidentally walking in on someone mid-confession. It fit the story. It made sense. I just wasn’t emotionally buckled in.
The writing itself is sharp without being flashy. Evans doesn’t flex her vocabulary. She doesn’t drown you in metaphor. She trusts the reader. Which I appreciate. There’s an elegance to the restraint — like watching someone land a plane in bad weather without announcing every move. You feel safe. Uneasy, but safe.
By the time I finished, I didn’t feel adrenaline. I felt… saturated. Like I’d been underwater too long and just surfaced, lungs burning, not entirely sure what I’d seen down there but certain it mattered. This isn’t a book you tear through like a raccoon in a dumpster. This is a book you live in for a while. Let it seep into your clothes. Your thoughts. Your unresolved shit.
For a debut, it’s impressive. For a story about guilt, grief, and the lies we tell ourselves to survive, it’s devastating in a very quiet, very controlled way. No cheap tricks. No shock-for-shock’s-sake. Just a slow unraveling that trusts you to stay.
May 31, 2025
I was hooked from the first page. I really enjoy mysteries and thrillers and this book exceeded my expectations. I’m really glad I was gifted an ARC copy by the author. I really enjoyed following the story and trying to solve the mystery and I also enjoyed the romantic subplot between the main characters. I’m very excited to read the sequel to the book and other work done by the author. I highly recommend the book for those wanting to read mystery or wanting a story with interesting and complex characters
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / out of 5 stars ⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / out of 5 stars ⭐️
October 4, 2025
With IN THE WOODS SOMEWHERE, Sam Evans has penned a fabulous thriller set in a wintery landscape of backroads, small towns, bars and woodlands. Her tale begins with a compelling 911 call, which is picked up by the protagonist Stevie Diaz, who works as a call hander for the service. Stevie recognises the voice on the other end of the line and listens in horror while events transpire beyond her reach.
Stevie as a character is so well defined, I actually felt pretty emotional reading her inner monologue as actions unfolded, whether defined by her, or controlled by her, or not controlled by her. She is headstrong and resourceful. Throughout this book she has many wonderful moments of astute observation, like describing how another character appeared to have their own gravitational effect in the way their dark eyes absorbed light, like a giant astronomical object. Stevie, the character, in this book, feels very special.
Evans has delivered a book with a beautifully naturalistic, conversational first-person delivery that I really warmed to. Seriously, it was a real treat to read, and to experience the story in this way. One particular layer of the story is a poignant depiction of a marriage under strain. It packs a punch because it felt so very real. Beyond this, as a reader, I spent a good proportion of the novel analysing the interactions between all the characters for clues about who might have orchestrated the diabolical event that punctuated the opening pages.
There's a wonderful denouement, that applauds Stevie's resourcefulness, and delivers a good deal of satisfaction. We really root for her, and I'm pleased to see that Sam Evans has released a follow up featuring Stevie Diaz called DOWN BY THE WATER.
Stevie as a character is so well defined, I actually felt pretty emotional reading her inner monologue as actions unfolded, whether defined by her, or controlled by her, or not controlled by her. She is headstrong and resourceful. Throughout this book she has many wonderful moments of astute observation, like describing how another character appeared to have their own gravitational effect in the way their dark eyes absorbed light, like a giant astronomical object. Stevie, the character, in this book, feels very special.
Evans has delivered a book with a beautifully naturalistic, conversational first-person delivery that I really warmed to. Seriously, it was a real treat to read, and to experience the story in this way. One particular layer of the story is a poignant depiction of a marriage under strain. It packs a punch because it felt so very real. Beyond this, as a reader, I spent a good proportion of the novel analysing the interactions between all the characters for clues about who might have orchestrated the diabolical event that punctuated the opening pages.
There's a wonderful denouement, that applauds Stevie's resourcefulness, and delivers a good deal of satisfaction. We really root for her, and I'm pleased to see that Sam Evans has released a follow up featuring Stevie Diaz called DOWN BY THE WATER.
November 4, 2025
First thing I have to say is I saw the title and was immediately sold 😅 second, ALL OF THE CHAPTERS ARE SONG TITLES AND THERE IS A PLAYLIST 😍
Now about the writing. I LOVE this book! Stevie is insanely relatable, the writing is very hooking and immersive and does a very well job of balancing humor with seriousness.
Emotionally this book is wrecking my heart and I'm held in extreme suspense!
It's hard to write a book with low action and still have it be hooking, suspenseful and engaging. This book does a wonderful job of it.
The vibes are both mysterious and cozy, ANGERING, suspenseful and relaxing. I am very very glad I stumbled across this book on tiktok.
Now let's talk about the Characters:
Steevie, a 911 opportater who is impulsive yet incredibly smart. I find her relatable in many small ways. I'm also extremely pissed at her, even as I am thoroughly impressed by her.
She has many flaws as all humans do. That is one thing I adore about this book. People are messy. Steevie is messy. But messy is real.
Brad, owns a bar and is a skilled bartender. He is a very likeable character in almost every way. He is funny, supportive, caring, tragic, sweet, loyal. Everything a book girl loves. And yet everything would be so much simpler if he just never showed up.
Troy, he is my favorite! He likes to bake and he's sooooooo caring and literally deserves the world! Sam (the author) I love you but can we stop hurting this man? Please?
Andy, I love it when characters haunt the narrative even when they're never in it. She seems like such a real person, with complications and ups and downs and so many shades of gray that I'm not convinced she isn't a real person. So many fictional characters feel flat but none of the ones in this book do.
Now about the writing. I LOVE this book! Stevie is insanely relatable, the writing is very hooking and immersive and does a very well job of balancing humor with seriousness.
Emotionally this book is wrecking my heart and I'm held in extreme suspense!
It's hard to write a book with low action and still have it be hooking, suspenseful and engaging. This book does a wonderful job of it.
The vibes are both mysterious and cozy, ANGERING, suspenseful and relaxing. I am very very glad I stumbled across this book on tiktok.
Now let's talk about the Characters:
Steevie, a 911 opportater who is impulsive yet incredibly smart. I find her relatable in many small ways. I'm also extremely pissed at her, even as I am thoroughly impressed by her.
She has many flaws as all humans do. That is one thing I adore about this book. People are messy. Steevie is messy. But messy is real.
Brad, owns a bar and is a skilled bartender. He is a very likeable character in almost every way. He is funny, supportive, caring, tragic, sweet, loyal. Everything a book girl loves. And yet everything would be so much simpler if he just never showed up.
Troy, he is my favorite! He likes to bake and he's sooooooo caring and literally deserves the world! Sam (the author) I love you but can we stop hurting this man? Please?
Andy, I love it when characters haunt the narrative even when they're never in it. She seems like such a real person, with complications and ups and downs and so many shades of gray that I'm not convinced she isn't a real person. So many fictional characters feel flat but none of the ones in this book do.
June 30, 2025
"I lock the doors again as soon as I’m inside, because if there’s one thing this job has taught me, it’s how to be afraid."
In the Woods Somewhere by Sam Evans is a haunting neo-noir mystery that kicks off with a chilling 911 call and turns into a tense, emotional rollercoaster.
Stevie Diaz, a dispatcher, has a relatively unhappening life, working a job with odd hours. When she hears her friend over a 911 call that gets disconnected after what might be a gunshot, the story begins. She tries to pursue the truth behind the call, absolutely obsessed with it, and several messy decisions later, puts her own love life in shambles
It's a compelling story, with small-town suspense and painful emotional twists. Stevie’s flawed, impulsive and sometimes childish - but, yeah, that's how a real life is.
The book has just the right amount of details, no paragraph long descriptions trying to drain your brain, either for characters or the environment. Pretty much is left to your imagination, and I feel that's good. You don't need unnecessary details.
It's quite fast-paced, considering that Stevie isn't a pro detective. Her work life gets enough mentions and so is her personal life.
One put off was the detour into extramarital affair. It wasn't needed. Kind of takes the story off track. But yeah, that part is left incomplete which keeps the opening for a sequel.
It's a good book, still. People who love to read small-town crime mystery will love the story. It's not a professional detective story, but something with personal life entangled.
In the Woods Somewhere by Sam Evans is a haunting neo-noir mystery that kicks off with a chilling 911 call and turns into a tense, emotional rollercoaster.
Stevie Diaz, a dispatcher, has a relatively unhappening life, working a job with odd hours. When she hears her friend over a 911 call that gets disconnected after what might be a gunshot, the story begins. She tries to pursue the truth behind the call, absolutely obsessed with it, and several messy decisions later, puts her own love life in shambles
It's a compelling story, with small-town suspense and painful emotional twists. Stevie’s flawed, impulsive and sometimes childish - but, yeah, that's how a real life is.
The book has just the right amount of details, no paragraph long descriptions trying to drain your brain, either for characters or the environment. Pretty much is left to your imagination, and I feel that's good. You don't need unnecessary details.
It's quite fast-paced, considering that Stevie isn't a pro detective. Her work life gets enough mentions and so is her personal life.
One put off was the detour into extramarital affair. It wasn't needed. Kind of takes the story off track. But yeah, that part is left incomplete which keeps the opening for a sequel.
It's a good book, still. People who love to read small-town crime mystery will love the story. It's not a professional detective story, but something with personal life entangled.
April 5, 2025
I absolutely loved In the Woods Somewhere! If you’re a fan of Veronica Mars, you’ll definitely enjoy this book. Stevie Diaz’s life feels unremarkable—until a mysterious phone call thrusts her into a dangerous world of secrets and lies. The suspense is intense, and Stevie’s relentless determination to uncover the truth, no matter the cost, keeps you hooked from beginning to end.
The story is filled with twists, betrayal, and a deep dive into Stevie's own complex character. She’s a woman who hates secrets yet finds herself tangled in them, much like Veronica Mars, who isn’t afraid to dig deep, even when it’s uncomfortable. The neo-noir atmosphere and the slow unraveling of mysteries reminded me of the best detective stories, with a compelling lead you can’t help but root for.
I can't wait to see where Stevie’s journey goes next. If you love a gripping mystery with a strong, flawed protagonist, this is a must-read. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a great detective story with a lot of heart and suspense!
The story is filled with twists, betrayal, and a deep dive into Stevie's own complex character. She’s a woman who hates secrets yet finds herself tangled in them, much like Veronica Mars, who isn’t afraid to dig deep, even when it’s uncomfortable. The neo-noir atmosphere and the slow unraveling of mysteries reminded me of the best detective stories, with a compelling lead you can’t help but root for.
I can't wait to see where Stevie’s journey goes next. If you love a gripping mystery with a strong, flawed protagonist, this is a must-read. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a great detective story with a lot of heart and suspense!
January 9, 2026
Stevie the MFC is in a job she hates. As a 911 operator, she is stressed out. One night when she's working she gets a call from her former childhood best friend Andrea who is being followed and ran off the road. Stevie takes it upon herself to solve the mystery of her friend's disappearance.
Her husband, Troy who loves her very much is by her side even if he doesn't like her methods. Her other former best friend Brad who she also was in love with enters the picture after years of avoiding her to help out. What follows is a love triangle.
I loved that the mystery was solved and I had no idea who the culprit was. I'm still questioning how I feel about Stevie and how she's treated her husband Troy. The relationship between Stevie, Troy, and Brad didn't have a conclusion and I hope the second book has a satisfying ending for all three of them. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery.
Her husband, Troy who loves her very much is by her side even if he doesn't like her methods. Her other former best friend Brad who she also was in love with enters the picture after years of avoiding her to help out. What follows is a love triangle.
I loved that the mystery was solved and I had no idea who the culprit was. I'm still questioning how I feel about Stevie and how she's treated her husband Troy. The relationship between Stevie, Troy, and Brad didn't have a conclusion and I hope the second book has a satisfying ending for all three of them. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery.
September 1, 2025
In The Woods Somewhere is a captivating read that completely pulled me into the chaotic and complex life of Stevie. As a 911 operator juggling the high-stakes demands of her job, her marriage, and the re-emergence of an old love interest, Stevie’s story feels raw, real, and utterly compelling. The author does a fantastic job weaving together the who, what, when, where, and why of the unfolding events, keeping you hooked until the very end.
What I loved most was how fully I was able to dive into Stevie’s world, not just through the story, but through the incredible playlist that accompanies the book. Reading while listening made the experience that much richer and more immersive.
If you’re looking for a well-written novel with layered characters, emotional depth, and a unique multimedia twist, In The Woods Somewhere is an absolute must-read.
What I loved most was how fully I was able to dive into Stevie’s world, not just through the story, but through the incredible playlist that accompanies the book. Reading while listening made the experience that much richer and more immersive.
If you’re looking for a well-written novel with layered characters, emotional depth, and a unique multimedia twist, In The Woods Somewhere is an absolute must-read.
July 20, 2025
This moody neo-noir delivers a slow-burning mystery centered on Stevie Diaz, a woman whose ordinary life shatters after a chilling phone call from a familiar voice ends in a gunshot. As Stevie digs into the truth, she unearths more than secrets - she confronts the lies she's told herself.
Tense and introspective, the story explores the cost of obsession, the fragility of identity, and the way the past refuses to stay buried. Stevie's contradictions make her compelling. She's a truth seeker who hides her own, a well-meaning wife trumped by her desire to do the right thing on behalf of someone she knew who was senselessly murdered. A dark, emotionally layered journey that lingers after the last page.
Jon-Blair Jacques
Tense and introspective, the story explores the cost of obsession, the fragility of identity, and the way the past refuses to stay buried. Stevie's contradictions make her compelling. She's a truth seeker who hides her own, a well-meaning wife trumped by her desire to do the right thing on behalf of someone she knew who was senselessly murdered. A dark, emotionally layered journey that lingers after the last page.
Jon-Blair Jacques
June 11, 2025
This book was a wild ride. It had me gripped since the very start and had me guessing the whole way through. This was a really easy but exciting read for me and I can’t wait to see what happens next
Stevie Diaz is working her job as a 911 dispatcher, when she answers a call from a woman feeling for her life. Panicking she realises it’s someone from her past when she hears a gun shot and the call suddenly drops. Now determined to find out what happened to her estranged friend, Stevie will stop at nothing to find out the truth
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC
Stevie Diaz is working her job as a 911 dispatcher, when she answers a call from a woman feeling for her life. Panicking she realises it’s someone from her past when she hears a gun shot and the call suddenly drops. Now determined to find out what happened to her estranged friend, Stevie will stop at nothing to find out the truth
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC
June 22, 2025
Stevie, Andy, and Brad grew up together. Then Andy got murdered, and Stevie wants to find out who did it. One of the people she asks questions is Brad. Stevie is married to Troy, but now Stevie and Brad are having an affair. The book is entertaining, the characters are good, and the world-building is great. With the suspense, the infidelity, and emotions go haywire, it's a book that's a page-turner. I enjoyed it and recommend it to all fans of this genre.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 18, 2025
Stevie Diaz is chaos. A heroine who dives headfirst, hoping she can fix things on her own.
It starts with a 911 call and spirals into a mystery layered with memory, guilt, and old desire. In the Woods Somewhere feels like the kind of mystery we used to sneak from our mother’s nightstand, but Sam Evans gives it new life. Stevie makes this debut shine. She’s messy, stubborn, and morally gray, but impossible to look away from. Even when she’s making bad choices, you still want her to win.
Oh, and the playlist? It straight slaps.
Excited to read the next Stevie Diaz mystery.
It starts with a 911 call and spirals into a mystery layered with memory, guilt, and old desire. In the Woods Somewhere feels like the kind of mystery we used to sneak from our mother’s nightstand, but Sam Evans gives it new life. Stevie makes this debut shine. She’s messy, stubborn, and morally gray, but impossible to look away from. Even when she’s making bad choices, you still want her to win.
Oh, and the playlist? It straight slaps.
Excited to read the next Stevie Diaz mystery.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews