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Northwoods #2
Wildwood
From the acclaimed author of the “riveting debut” (People) Northwoods, a mother-son law enforcement team confront buried secrets in their small town as they work to expose a conspiracy that goes far beyond the tight-knit community.
Deputy Sheriff Eli North has spent the last year getting his life back together. He hasn’t touched a drop of alcohol, he’s working through his PTSD from his military deployment, and he’s repairing his most important relationships. When an undercover informant disappears and all signs point to murder, Eli must expose the dark underbelly of his idyllic Wisconsin small town while safeguarding his newfound stability.
Then, with the unexpected arrival of FBI Agent Alyssa Mason, Eli and his mother, the sheriff, are pulled deeper into a violent criminal network built on the backs of the lost and forgotten.
As the case deepens, loyalties fracture and the line between justice and survival begins to blur. In a town where everyone has something to hide, exposing the truth may cost them everything.
Deputy Sheriff Eli North has spent the last year getting his life back together. He hasn’t touched a drop of alcohol, he’s working through his PTSD from his military deployment, and he’s repairing his most important relationships. When an undercover informant disappears and all signs point to murder, Eli must expose the dark underbelly of his idyllic Wisconsin small town while safeguarding his newfound stability.
Then, with the unexpected arrival of FBI Agent Alyssa Mason, Eli and his mother, the sheriff, are pulled deeper into a violent criminal network built on the backs of the lost and forgotten.
As the case deepens, loyalties fracture and the line between justice and survival begins to blur. In a town where everyone has something to hide, exposing the truth may cost them everything.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 6, 2026
62 people are currently reading
6196 people want to read
About the author
Amy Pease
4 books314 followersAmy Pease is an alumnus of the University of Wisconsin and the Madison Writer’s Studio, and works as a nurse practitioner, where she is a nationally recognized HIV specialist. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband and two children. Northwoods is her first novel.
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December 4, 2025
Wildwood
by Amy Pease combines a crime thriller with a police procedural and a story of the personal struggles of the main character, sheriff’s deputy Eli North. This is the second book in the Northwoods series. This gripping and suspenseful novel pulls at the heart strings as it takes readers to the events occurring in Shaky Lake, Wisconsin. Eli has gotten his life to a better place than in book one. He’s stopped drinking alcohol and bought and renovated a log cabin where he and his dog Bella live. However, he is still suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder after a deployment to Afghanistan. However, he is going to therapy. He and his wife Michelle are divorced and share custody of their twelve-year-old son Andy. He’s also working to repair this most important relationships.
When Ronnie reports her friend, Trinity Campanella, as missing, Eli and his mother, Sheriff Marge North go to the place Trinity was renting. Suddenly FBI Special Agent Alyssa Mason and Agent Adam Diaz with the United States Drug Enforcement Agency show up at the residence. They find a chilling scene that pulls them deeper into a violent criminal network.
Eli has the need to discover the truth, is kind, and loves Andy and Michelle. His relationships with them, his mother, and others in the town made Eli more relatable. He’s insightful, observant, and tends to want to protect people. Alyssa is an excellent investigator, helps support her sister, and has a knack for getting people to talk. Both are driven to uncover the truth. Most of the characters have significant depth, which is shown through their actions and dialogue.
This novel has a complex and multi-layered plot that is intriguing and pulls readers into the story quickly. There are several flashback scenes which help the reader piece together what has happened. While they adversely affect the flow of the story, they also provide valuable backstory information. The author brings strong characters, a great plot, and fascinating relationships and personal challenges to the novel. The story is told from the points of view of Eli, Alyssa, and Trinity.
Overall, this tense, gritty, suspenseful, and atmospheric novel gripped me from the beginning. It has more suspense and action in it than book one and kept me rapidly turning the pages. Written for those who love crime novels and police procedurals, Wildwood is a thought-provoking story. I can’t wait to read what the author writes next.
Atria Books – Atria – Emily Bestler Books and Amy Pease provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for January 06, 2026.
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My 4.27 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
When Ronnie reports her friend, Trinity Campanella, as missing, Eli and his mother, Sheriff Marge North go to the place Trinity was renting. Suddenly FBI Special Agent Alyssa Mason and Agent Adam Diaz with the United States Drug Enforcement Agency show up at the residence. They find a chilling scene that pulls them deeper into a violent criminal network.
Eli has the need to discover the truth, is kind, and loves Andy and Michelle. His relationships with them, his mother, and others in the town made Eli more relatable. He’s insightful, observant, and tends to want to protect people. Alyssa is an excellent investigator, helps support her sister, and has a knack for getting people to talk. Both are driven to uncover the truth. Most of the characters have significant depth, which is shown through their actions and dialogue.
This novel has a complex and multi-layered plot that is intriguing and pulls readers into the story quickly. There are several flashback scenes which help the reader piece together what has happened. While they adversely affect the flow of the story, they also provide valuable backstory information. The author brings strong characters, a great plot, and fascinating relationships and personal challenges to the novel. The story is told from the points of view of Eli, Alyssa, and Trinity.
Overall, this tense, gritty, suspenseful, and atmospheric novel gripped me from the beginning. It has more suspense and action in it than book one and kept me rapidly turning the pages. Written for those who love crime novels and police procedurals, Wildwood is a thought-provoking story. I can’t wait to read what the author writes next.
Atria Books – Atria – Emily Bestler Books and Amy Pease provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for January 06, 2026.
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My 4.27 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
January 27, 2026
Procedurals are sporadic on my reading list because I can get burned out on them fast making me extra selective on the ones I reach for. The rural noir vibe in the Northwoods series is the mix of complex characters, captivating cases, and compelling clues that pull me in. Much like peeling back the layers of an onion there's what it obvious and then much more below the surface.
Sheriff Marge and her son Eli are called in to investigate a bloody scene that has all the makings of a homicide the only thing missing is the victim's body. As local dive teams turn up zip in the water it comes to their attention that the missing woman is an informant for the FBI. It's small-town Wisconsin and law enforcement is comprised of Marge, Eli, and their dispatcher who is afraid of blood. Needless to say, the team is stretched thin and welcomes FBI agent Alyssa Mason for her work ethic and investigative prowess. There's a dark undercurrent in their quaint little town.
Eli is coping better with his PTSD. He is steering clear of the booze, spending time with his son, getting along with his former wife, and living in a hundred-year-old cabin he refurbished himself. Marge really stepped up for her son and their bond shows. I thought it was lovely to experience that level of devotion. Alyssa's homelife felt off to me leaving me wanting better for her. Her backstory broke my heart, and I hope we see more of her in the future. The unspoken attraction between Eli and Alyssa, adds tension, but with Alyssa's engagement and many irons in the fire no one is racing towards it.
The case here was fascinating and went places I didn't see coming. The clues were smart. The writing is conversational in tone which makes the pages turn faster. I liked how we got to know Trinity the missing woman through flashbacks from her POV so she wasn't some random victim. The momentum built steady and I kept finding excuses to grab just a few more minutes of reading time.
I can't wait to make a return trip to the Northwoods!
*Now Available*
Thank you to Atria Books for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sheriff Marge and her son Eli are called in to investigate a bloody scene that has all the makings of a homicide the only thing missing is the victim's body. As local dive teams turn up zip in the water it comes to their attention that the missing woman is an informant for the FBI. It's small-town Wisconsin and law enforcement is comprised of Marge, Eli, and their dispatcher who is afraid of blood. Needless to say, the team is stretched thin and welcomes FBI agent Alyssa Mason for her work ethic and investigative prowess. There's a dark undercurrent in their quaint little town.
Eli is coping better with his PTSD. He is steering clear of the booze, spending time with his son, getting along with his former wife, and living in a hundred-year-old cabin he refurbished himself. Marge really stepped up for her son and their bond shows. I thought it was lovely to experience that level of devotion. Alyssa's homelife felt off to me leaving me wanting better for her. Her backstory broke my heart, and I hope we see more of her in the future. The unspoken attraction between Eli and Alyssa, adds tension, but with Alyssa's engagement and many irons in the fire no one is racing towards it.
The case here was fascinating and went places I didn't see coming. The clues were smart. The writing is conversational in tone which makes the pages turn faster. I liked how we got to know Trinity the missing woman through flashbacks from her POV so she wasn't some random victim. The momentum built steady and I kept finding excuses to grab just a few more minutes of reading time.
I can't wait to make a return trip to the Northwoods!
*Now Available*
Thank you to Atria Books for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 25, 2025
What a page turner. The build up is definitely there throughout and you want to know what is going to happen next. This book was tense, the characters are so well developed and the book was about as atmospheric as you can get. Highly recommend.
January 29, 2026
With three-dimensional characters and two complex, interwoven plot lines, Wildwood was quite the intoxicating read. You see, between the mystery behind a woman’s disappearance and the continuing saga of a healthcare fraud scheme, I was instantly transported into this small crime-ridden town. Evocatively described and with the feel of being a character all on its own, Shaky Lake was haunting, creepy, and exceptionally well-drawn. The characters, however, were the true stars of the show. After all, this mother-son duo not only felt true-to-life, but their fully fleshed out personas and complicated relationship made them come alive. Paired with the tense atmosphere, the steadily paced storyline made the book into a quick, easy read despite the heavy yet perceptive themes.
All said and done, the second book in the Northwoods series was a fantastic take on a police procedural novel. Gritty, thought-provoking, immersive, and atmospheric, I’m definitely mad at myself that I read these two out of order. You see, despite the fact that I had no problem reading it as a standalone novel, I’m sure that I missed out on quite a bit of character development. Ultimately, though, regardless of how and when I first met these authentically flawed characters, they quickly worked their way into my heart. So if you love intrigue, conspiracies, and shady dealings as well as raw insight into addiction, recovery, and family, grab this one now. Despite a somewhat slow start, I couldn’t stop reading and finished it in one single go. Now I’m just praying for a book three! Rating of 4.25 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Deputy Sheriff Eli North has spent the last year getting his life back together. He hasn’t touched a drop of alcohol, he’s working through his PTSD from his military deployment, and he’s repairing his most important relationships. When an undercover informant disappears and all signs point to murder, Eli must expose the dark underbelly of his idyllic Wisconsin small town while safeguarding his newfound stability.
Then, with the unexpected arrival of FBI Agent Alyssa Mason, Eli and his mother, the sheriff, are pulled deeper into a violent criminal network built on the backs of the lost and forgotten.
As the case deepens, loyalties fracture and the line between justice and survival begins to blur. In a town where everyone has something to hide, exposing the truth may cost them everything.
Thank you Amy Pease and Atria Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 6, 2026
Content warning: drug abuse, panic attacks, murder, fire, alcoholism, addiction, violence
All said and done, the second book in the Northwoods series was a fantastic take on a police procedural novel. Gritty, thought-provoking, immersive, and atmospheric, I’m definitely mad at myself that I read these two out of order. You see, despite the fact that I had no problem reading it as a standalone novel, I’m sure that I missed out on quite a bit of character development. Ultimately, though, regardless of how and when I first met these authentically flawed characters, they quickly worked their way into my heart. So if you love intrigue, conspiracies, and shady dealings as well as raw insight into addiction, recovery, and family, grab this one now. Despite a somewhat slow start, I couldn’t stop reading and finished it in one single go. Now I’m just praying for a book three! Rating of 4.25 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Deputy Sheriff Eli North has spent the last year getting his life back together. He hasn’t touched a drop of alcohol, he’s working through his PTSD from his military deployment, and he’s repairing his most important relationships. When an undercover informant disappears and all signs point to murder, Eli must expose the dark underbelly of his idyllic Wisconsin small town while safeguarding his newfound stability.
Then, with the unexpected arrival of FBI Agent Alyssa Mason, Eli and his mother, the sheriff, are pulled deeper into a violent criminal network built on the backs of the lost and forgotten.
As the case deepens, loyalties fracture and the line between justice and survival begins to blur. In a town where everyone has something to hide, exposing the truth may cost them everything.
Thank you Amy Pease and Atria Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 6, 2026
Content warning: drug abuse, panic attacks, murder, fire, alcoholism, addiction, violence
January 9, 2026
the setup…
It’s been a year and Deputy Sheriff Eli North has spent it well, giving up alcohol and getting professional help to gain control over his PSTD. He and his mother Marge, the Shaky Lake Sheriff are the sole law enforcement team in this rural town. They’re dispatched to the trailer of Trinity Campanella and find what looks like a murder scene sans a body. When the FBI shows up, they learn the young woman was a Confidential Informant (CI) for Agent Adam Diaz. Agent Alyssa Mason has returned to assist him, bringing some complicated feelings to the surface for Eli who worked with her on last year’s opioid investigation.
the heart of the story…
I was rooting for Eli to clean up his act after the last story because even in his sad state, you could see he was a skilled investigator. My instincts were right about him as the sober deputy was in fine form. The search for Trinity led them to a shady health care system with ties to some powerful people. There were some loose threads from that last case that seem to have some connection. We get the points of view from Eli in the present with transitions to Tiffany from six-months earlier going forward, all woven seamlessly.
the narration…
Chris Henry Coffey returns as the primary narrator with Amanda Dolan being the voice for Trinity. Using two elevated the storytelling factor, providing clarity. They delivered wonderful performances.
the bottom line…
While having such major illegal drug enterprises operating in such a small town where everyone knows everybody’s business might bring skepticism, the vast rural nature does allow for some hiding in plain sight. This was one of my most anticipated sequels and I got the twisty story I was hoping for. There’s a whiff of something between Eli and Alyssa that needs to be explored and I still think there’s more going on in this town. Book #3?
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio and Libro.fm for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
It’s been a year and Deputy Sheriff Eli North has spent it well, giving up alcohol and getting professional help to gain control over his PSTD. He and his mother Marge, the Shaky Lake Sheriff are the sole law enforcement team in this rural town. They’re dispatched to the trailer of Trinity Campanella and find what looks like a murder scene sans a body. When the FBI shows up, they learn the young woman was a Confidential Informant (CI) for Agent Adam Diaz. Agent Alyssa Mason has returned to assist him, bringing some complicated feelings to the surface for Eli who worked with her on last year’s opioid investigation.
the heart of the story…
I was rooting for Eli to clean up his act after the last story because even in his sad state, you could see he was a skilled investigator. My instincts were right about him as the sober deputy was in fine form. The search for Trinity led them to a shady health care system with ties to some powerful people. There were some loose threads from that last case that seem to have some connection. We get the points of view from Eli in the present with transitions to Tiffany from six-months earlier going forward, all woven seamlessly.
the narration…
Chris Henry Coffey returns as the primary narrator with Amanda Dolan being the voice for Trinity. Using two elevated the storytelling factor, providing clarity. They delivered wonderful performances.
the bottom line…
While having such major illegal drug enterprises operating in such a small town where everyone knows everybody’s business might bring skepticism, the vast rural nature does allow for some hiding in plain sight. This was one of my most anticipated sequels and I got the twisty story I was hoping for. There’s a whiff of something between Eli and Alyssa that needs to be explored and I still think there’s more going on in this town. Book #3?
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio and Libro.fm for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
January 6, 2026
I have been really excited to catch up with Eli and his mother, Marge, the Sheriff for Shaky Lake in the WI Northwoods. FBI Agent, Alyssa, is also back and is partnered up with a DEA Agent, Diaz, who has been working undercover in Shaky Lake on an illegal drug ring for more than a year. Alyssa and Diaz are working on a joint task force investigating a healthcare fraud scheme regarding illegal prescription drugs. Diaz was actually introduced in the last installment where he was working undercover to catch the healthcare executives who were involved in the fraud.
As the book summary introduces most of the MC’s and primary storyline. However, what the book summary is really vague on is the secondary storyline of the DEA informant, Trinity, a recovering addict just trying to stay clean and how she got caught way over her head into a dangerous situation she never saw coming.
The story flips back and forth between present day activity surrounding the task force investigation and Trinity’s disappearance, and six months ago when Trinity left rehab and got blackmailed by Diaz to become an informant for him. It’s deep into the second half that the two storylines collide into some explosive (literally) and intense scenes for Eli and Alyssa.
The character development of Eli and Alyssa, along with Trinity, was very well done. The pacing was steady to fast with something always happening and never dragging. The storylines were very interesting, and the writing was also very well done. I loved how Pease wrapped up the two storylines. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.4 that I will be rounding down to a 4star review. I want to thank NetGalley and Atria Books for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #AtriaBooks #Wildwood
As the book summary introduces most of the MC’s and primary storyline. However, what the book summary is really vague on is the secondary storyline of the DEA informant, Trinity, a recovering addict just trying to stay clean and how she got caught way over her head into a dangerous situation she never saw coming.
The story flips back and forth between present day activity surrounding the task force investigation and Trinity’s disappearance, and six months ago when Trinity left rehab and got blackmailed by Diaz to become an informant for him. It’s deep into the second half that the two storylines collide into some explosive (literally) and intense scenes for Eli and Alyssa.
The character development of Eli and Alyssa, along with Trinity, was very well done. The pacing was steady to fast with something always happening and never dragging. The storylines were very interesting, and the writing was also very well done. I loved how Pease wrapped up the two storylines. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.4 that I will be rounding down to a 4star review. I want to thank NetGalley and Atria Books for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#NetGalley #AtriaBooks #Wildwood
December 31, 2025
(4.25 stars)
Thank you to Atria/Emily Bestler Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of Wildwood by Amy Pease. All opinions are my own.
Amy Pease has written a terrific sequel to her debut novel of 2024 (Northwoods), with Wildwood. I loved being back in northern Wisconsin with Eli North, deputy sheriff and his mother, Marge North, the local sheriff. We follow Eli and Marge, along with Alyssa Mason, another returning character who is an FBI agent, on a complex case. As they try to figure out what happened to a young woman, Trinity Campanella, they realize that the case is way more far-ranging than “just” a disappearance, and includes opioid abuse again, and also complex healthcare fraud.
We get a lot of chapters from Trinity’s point of view, going back several months, but the main investigation takes place in the fall. Pease’s descriptions of the fall weather in northern Wisconsin were vivid and sounded quite realistic to me.
Eli is such a wonderful, complicated character. He’s been working hard over the previous year to recover from severe PTSD from his time in Afghanistan, which led to alcohol abuse. He’s got it mostly under control, but now and then, a situation will trigger a panic attack. His dog (wolf?) Bella is a source of comfort for him when that happens. Since it’s such a remote area (very popular in the summer with all the lakes and forests in the area), the sheriff’s department is severely strained in terms of manpower and budget. So having the FBI’s help is both a blessing and a complication. This go-round we learn a lot more about Alyssa’s backstory, which we only got a glimmer of in Northwoods. Both Alyssa and Eli have trouble reaching out to other people. I like the way that Pease handled their at times awkward relationship and hope we’ll see more of them in future books in this series.
Marge North is another great character - one of the book’s characters even wishes she were HER mother instead of the dreadful one she had. She has supported Eli through his troubles and is very smart. I just wish she had a more robust department to manage!
You can definitely read Wildwood without having read the first book, but of course your appreciation of the recurring characters will be stronger if you’ve read that one first. I whole-heartedly recommend this series.
Thank you to Atria/Emily Bestler Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of Wildwood by Amy Pease. All opinions are my own.
Amy Pease has written a terrific sequel to her debut novel of 2024 (Northwoods), with Wildwood. I loved being back in northern Wisconsin with Eli North, deputy sheriff and his mother, Marge North, the local sheriff. We follow Eli and Marge, along with Alyssa Mason, another returning character who is an FBI agent, on a complex case. As they try to figure out what happened to a young woman, Trinity Campanella, they realize that the case is way more far-ranging than “just” a disappearance, and includes opioid abuse again, and also complex healthcare fraud.
We get a lot of chapters from Trinity’s point of view, going back several months, but the main investigation takes place in the fall. Pease’s descriptions of the fall weather in northern Wisconsin were vivid and sounded quite realistic to me.
Eli is such a wonderful, complicated character. He’s been working hard over the previous year to recover from severe PTSD from his time in Afghanistan, which led to alcohol abuse. He’s got it mostly under control, but now and then, a situation will trigger a panic attack. His dog (wolf?) Bella is a source of comfort for him when that happens. Since it’s such a remote area (very popular in the summer with all the lakes and forests in the area), the sheriff’s department is severely strained in terms of manpower and budget. So having the FBI’s help is both a blessing and a complication. This go-round we learn a lot more about Alyssa’s backstory, which we only got a glimmer of in Northwoods. Both Alyssa and Eli have trouble reaching out to other people. I like the way that Pease handled their at times awkward relationship and hope we’ll see more of them in future books in this series.
Marge North is another great character - one of the book’s characters even wishes she were HER mother instead of the dreadful one she had. She has supported Eli through his troubles and is very smart. I just wish she had a more robust department to manage!
You can definitely read Wildwood without having read the first book, but of course your appreciation of the recurring characters will be stronger if you’ve read that one first. I whole-heartedly recommend this series.
January 31, 2026
Well d*mn if this isn't my new favorite author for MI rep, and my third (ever) auto-buy author!
Pre-Read Notes:
My review of Northwoods, the first book in the series.
I really liked the first book in this series. I think Pease managed excellent representation for people with mental illness/addiction. I am really excited to read this one!
"Tough love was a principle that was deeply ingrained in a lot of people. The idea that mental health problems and addiction could be remedied with a swift kick in the pants was ridiculous, but it could be difficult to make the right decision when someone you loved was struggling." p77
Final Review I didn't take as many notes this time because I was absorbed and emotionally invested. Hope this helps!
My Favorite Things:
✔️ I will be a forever Pease fan because of how much her narrator empathizes with MI people. It's a rare and bold creative choice and I love it. "“I’ll just make a note that you declined additional services.” She scribbled something on Trinity’s application, then folded her hands on the desk and took a cleansing breath. “Well, best of luck to you, Tiffany.” “My name is Trinity.”" p13 Pease knows the stigma her main character feels in this moment. And in a single brave act, shows us how vulnerable Trinity is, and how much courage it takes to grasp for dignity like straws. "She needn’t have worried. Sandra had already turned her back and was busy at her computer, as if Trinity had never existed. Somehow , it would have been less painful if security had dragged her out." p13
Notes: MI, addiction, weed, pills, stigma, inaccess to care, abusive medical chart practices,
Thank you to Amy Pease, Balantine Books, and NetGalley for an accessible digital arc of WILDWOOD. All views are mine.
Pre-Read Notes:
My review of Northwoods, the first book in the series.
I really liked the first book in this series. I think Pease managed excellent representation for people with mental illness/addiction. I am really excited to read this one!
"Tough love was a principle that was deeply ingrained in a lot of people. The idea that mental health problems and addiction could be remedied with a swift kick in the pants was ridiculous, but it could be difficult to make the right decision when someone you loved was struggling." p77
Final Review I didn't take as many notes this time because I was absorbed and emotionally invested. Hope this helps!
My Favorite Things:
✔️ I will be a forever Pease fan because of how much her narrator empathizes with MI people. It's a rare and bold creative choice and I love it. "“I’ll just make a note that you declined additional services.” She scribbled something on Trinity’s application, then folded her hands on the desk and took a cleansing breath. “Well, best of luck to you, Tiffany.” “My name is Trinity.”" p13 Pease knows the stigma her main character feels in this moment. And in a single brave act, shows us how vulnerable Trinity is, and how much courage it takes to grasp for dignity like straws. "She needn’t have worried. Sandra had already turned her back and was busy at her computer, as if Trinity had never existed. Somehow , it would have been less painful if security had dragged her out." p13
Notes: MI, addiction, weed, pills, stigma, inaccess to care, abusive medical chart practices,
Thank you to Amy Pease, Balantine Books, and NetGalley for an accessible digital arc of WILDWOOD. All views are mine.
January 6, 2026
🎊Publication Day 1/6/26!! Suggest reading/listening to book one first if you haven’t already!! 🎊
8/10: 4⭐️’s
Welcome back to Shaky Lake, Sherman County, WI. Population about 1,000.
When Sheriff Marge North calls her son, deputy Eli North, to the bloody crime scene at a trailer park, there is something missing: a body.
As they wait for the less than stellar forensics team they hire out for to show up, unexpected company arrives. FBI agent Alyssa Mason from Chicago is back. And DEA agent Adam Diaz. This isn’t just a missing person. This is agent Diaz’s informant for an ongoing undercover investigation.
Agent Diaz has some explaining to do. And no nonsense Marge is going to make him explain. This hugely understaffed, budget constricted sheriff’s office consists of the Sheriff, Eli, and Phil, the dispatch officer. Once again Marge and Eli have their hands full with an investigation that goes well beyond the scope of their man power. Drugs, fraud, corruption and a little murder thrown in to that mix.
After book one, I was so eager to return to Shaky Lake. It’s small, but boy do they have a mess going on here. And mother-son duo of Marge North and Eli North are the perfect team to sort it out.
Marge, I mean, how can you not love this woman?!
Eli, I am rooting for you! I have a deep fondness for this broken, but mending man. The flannel shirt and lumberjack log-splitting doesn’t hurt! He is well into his sobriety and his life is getting back on track as best it can with his dog/wolf Bella as a huge source of support.
Agent Alyssa, I like you, but…well I have a small issue that comes in the form of your fiancé. Agent Diaz….I am not your biggest fan.
If I say too much more I might end up giving away things. I don’t want to ruin the book for anyone with spoilers!
I would love to see more of Eli’s son, Andy, in the series.
I hope there is a book three in the works for me to look forward to! Please please please let there be! I am a big fan of this series. Amy Pease your debut series is a hit with me!I truly enjoy the way you write.
Make sure to read book one as well!
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for this digital arc. All thoughts are my own.
Expected publication: January 6, 2026
Original rating and review posted: 10/9/25
Minor additions added: 10/10/25
Re-posted for publication day: 1/6/26
8/10: 4⭐️’s
Welcome back to Shaky Lake, Sherman County, WI. Population about 1,000.
When Sheriff Marge North calls her son, deputy Eli North, to the bloody crime scene at a trailer park, there is something missing: a body.
As they wait for the less than stellar forensics team they hire out for to show up, unexpected company arrives. FBI agent Alyssa Mason from Chicago is back. And DEA agent Adam Diaz. This isn’t just a missing person. This is agent Diaz’s informant for an ongoing undercover investigation.
Agent Diaz has some explaining to do. And no nonsense Marge is going to make him explain. This hugely understaffed, budget constricted sheriff’s office consists of the Sheriff, Eli, and Phil, the dispatch officer. Once again Marge and Eli have their hands full with an investigation that goes well beyond the scope of their man power. Drugs, fraud, corruption and a little murder thrown in to that mix.
After book one, I was so eager to return to Shaky Lake. It’s small, but boy do they have a mess going on here. And mother-son duo of Marge North and Eli North are the perfect team to sort it out.
Marge, I mean, how can you not love this woman?!
Eli, I am rooting for you! I have a deep fondness for this broken, but mending man. The flannel shirt and lumberjack log-splitting doesn’t hurt! He is well into his sobriety and his life is getting back on track as best it can with his dog/wolf Bella as a huge source of support.
Agent Alyssa, I like you, but…well I have a small issue that comes in the form of your fiancé. Agent Diaz….I am not your biggest fan.
If I say too much more I might end up giving away things. I don’t want to ruin the book for anyone with spoilers!
I would love to see more of Eli’s son, Andy, in the series.
I hope there is a book three in the works for me to look forward to! Please please please let there be! I am a big fan of this series. Amy Pease your debut series is a hit with me!I truly enjoy the way you write.
Make sure to read book one as well!
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for this digital arc. All thoughts are my own.
Expected publication: January 6, 2026
Original rating and review posted: 10/9/25
Minor additions added: 10/10/25
Re-posted for publication day: 1/6/26
November 7, 2025
4.5 Stars
Wildwood, by Amy Pease, is the second book in the Northwoods series, the first being Northwoods. I really liked the first book, and I LOVED this one!!
This story follows the same mother/son law enforcement team, Deputy Sheriff Eli North and his mother, the Sheriff. They're hot on the trail of a missing, and possibly murdered Confidential Informant, while at the same time they're sifting through a boatload of secrets. Added to that, is the possibility of a violent criminal network in their small town, Shaky Lake. (I love that name!)
Eli has made amazing strides in dealing with his PTSD and alcoholism, and his fabulous mom stands behind him through thick or thin. The only character I like more than those two, is Eli's dog, Bella!
My only disappointment was with another of the characters at the end of the book, hence the 4.5 stars, instead of five giant stars. I hope Ms. Pease writes fast, because I can't wait to see what happens, next!
Huge thanks to #AtriaEmilyBestlerBooks, for providing this book for review and consideration via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Wildwood has an expected publication date of January 6, 2026.
#AmyPease #Crime #Mystery #Suspense #Series
Wildwood, by Amy Pease, is the second book in the Northwoods series, the first being Northwoods. I really liked the first book, and I LOVED this one!!
This story follows the same mother/son law enforcement team, Deputy Sheriff Eli North and his mother, the Sheriff. They're hot on the trail of a missing, and possibly murdered Confidential Informant, while at the same time they're sifting through a boatload of secrets. Added to that, is the possibility of a violent criminal network in their small town, Shaky Lake. (I love that name!)
Eli has made amazing strides in dealing with his PTSD and alcoholism, and his fabulous mom stands behind him through thick or thin. The only character I like more than those two, is Eli's dog, Bella!
My only disappointment was with another of the characters at the end of the book, hence the 4.5 stars, instead of five giant stars. I hope Ms. Pease writes fast, because I can't wait to see what happens, next!
Huge thanks to #AtriaEmilyBestlerBooks, for providing this book for review and consideration via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Wildwood has an expected publication date of January 6, 2026.
#AmyPease #Crime #Mystery #Suspense #Series
October 1, 2025
Marge North is the sheriff in a small rural town in Wisconsin, and her son Eli, a combat veteran with PTSD, is her deputy. They are called out to a small trailer because a woman named Trinity is missing. The trailer is full of blood, so everyone assumes Trinity is dead. Trinity had been an addict, but the DEA recruited her as a confidential informant to help solve one of their cases. The FBI is also involved, but this case is only the tip of the iceberg. Illegal drug treatment centers and Medicare/ Medicaid fraud are big money, but who is the kingpin? As the compelling plot evolves, so many secrets come to light in this small town with multi-faceted characters. This book had recommendations from two of my favorite authors, William Kent Krueger and Craig Johnson, and it really was exceptional. Highly recommended. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the opportunity to review this advance copy.
December 7, 2025
4.25 stars. Shady Lake.. it might be small, but oh my.. the criminal goings-on would make your head spin 😉 .. what an excellent crime mystery/thriller series!! 🖤
Sheriff Marge North and her son, Deputy Eli North are back in this 2nd installment of Amy Pease’s “Northwoods” series. They’re on the hunt for the culprit(s) behind the disappearance of an FBI informant after discovering a disturbing bloody crime scene at a trailer park. A deeply layered narrative kept my fingers turning pages to find out the who’s, what’s, and why’s behind the mystery. Amy Pease’ writing is so inventive.. her storytelling in Wildwood brings out all these creepy, sinister feels that keep you in a state of suspenseful tension. And I really liked how the Wisconsin small-town/lake setting felt like a character in of itself. I can’t wait for the next up.. or at least hope there’s a book three in the works! Can be read alone.. but you won’t want to miss the 1st book, “Northwoods.” Both are fantastic, do recommend. Pub. 1/6/26
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
Sheriff Marge North and her son, Deputy Eli North are back in this 2nd installment of Amy Pease’s “Northwoods” series. They’re on the hunt for the culprit(s) behind the disappearance of an FBI informant after discovering a disturbing bloody crime scene at a trailer park. A deeply layered narrative kept my fingers turning pages to find out the who’s, what’s, and why’s behind the mystery. Amy Pease’ writing is so inventive.. her storytelling in Wildwood brings out all these creepy, sinister feels that keep you in a state of suspenseful tension. And I really liked how the Wisconsin small-town/lake setting felt like a character in of itself. I can’t wait for the next up.. or at least hope there’s a book three in the works! Can be read alone.. but you won’t want to miss the 1st book, “Northwoods.” Both are fantastic, do recommend. Pub. 1/6/26
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 24, 2025
Wildwood is my introduction to Amy Pease’s young series set in the upper Midwest, in small town Shakey Lake, Wisconsin. The sequel to Pease first book, Northwoods, Wildwood continues the Sheriffs’ office sometimes difficult work with federal agents to investigate criminal elements that seem to be operating at will in the area. In summer, the area is bustling with tourists and visitors, but in winter the county is very quiet, and like so many areas of the country, awash with drugs.
The story begins with evidence of an apparent murder and moves on from there in what is a complicated crime novel, well written for the reader to follow. Some references are made to actions and situations that occurred during police actions the year before. While I haven’t read the earlier Northwoods, I was able to follow everything without problem and want to read the earlier book now.
The primary characters are interesting and complex. Even some of the secondary characters, like them or not, are multifaceted. I want to read more about them all. The plot keeps your attention. The unknown keeps you returning to the book, wondering who did what, why and what in blazes will happen next. There are two strands to the narrative, one that of Eli North, his mother, the Sheriff, and the primary investigation centered in the Sheriff’s Department. The other is another character in the story who adds a different perspective.
I am happy to say I have now added two writers to my list of mystery/suspense authors I intend to follow after discovering them this year. The first was Archer Sullivan with Witch’s Orchard. The second is Amy Pease here with Wildwood. 2025 has been good to give me these two writers as they begin their work.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for an early review copy of this book. This review is my own.
The story begins with evidence of an apparent murder and moves on from there in what is a complicated crime novel, well written for the reader to follow. Some references are made to actions and situations that occurred during police actions the year before. While I haven’t read the earlier Northwoods, I was able to follow everything without problem and want to read the earlier book now.
The primary characters are interesting and complex. Even some of the secondary characters, like them or not, are multifaceted. I want to read more about them all. The plot keeps your attention. The unknown keeps you returning to the book, wondering who did what, why and what in blazes will happen next. There are two strands to the narrative, one that of Eli North, his mother, the Sheriff, and the primary investigation centered in the Sheriff’s Department. The other is another character in the story who adds a different perspective.
I am happy to say I have now added two writers to my list of mystery/suspense authors I intend to follow after discovering them this year. The first was Archer Sullivan with Witch’s Orchard. The second is Amy Pease here with Wildwood. 2025 has been good to give me these two writers as they begin their work.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for an early review copy of this book. This review is my own.
January 6, 2026
Author Amy Pease (favorite) triumphantly returns after her sensational debut and the captivating kickoff of her popular series, Northwoods (5 stars), with the eagerly awaited sequel, WILDWOOD.
In this gripping installment, readers are once again drawn into the mysterious world of Shaky Lake, Wisconsin, a picturesque resort town that hides a sinister secret beneath its charming facade.
Deputy Sheriff Eli North, determined and resourceful, teams up with his formidable mother, Sheriff Marge North, as they delve into a complex web of conspiracy that threatens the peaceful existence of their community. As they navigate the intertwining threads of intrigue, danger lurks in the serene landscape, making for an enthralling exploration of both the light and dark aspects of small-town life.
Pease focuses on a core group of returning and new characters whose lives are intertwined with a massive criminal conspiracy in northern Wisconsin.
The Characters...
Law Enforcement Team
~Eli North:
A Deputy Sheriff and combat veteran struggling with severe PTSD from his deployment in Afghanistan. Now one year sober, Eli uses his intuitive investigative skills to navigate a town filled with secrets while relying on his emotional support dog, Bella, to manage panic attacks.
~Marge North:
Eli’s mother and the Sheriff of Sherman County. She is a respected, intuitive "top cop" who manages an underfunded department and supports her son’s recovery while tackling a case that grows far beyond local boundaries.
~Alyssa Mason:
An FBI agent returns to Shaky Lake to help investigate the disappearance of a federal informant. She shares a complicated, burgeoning romantic tension with Eli as they work to untangle the criminal network.
~Agent Diaz:
Alyssa’s federal partner often appears to be withholding critical information from the local sheriff's department.
Other Primary Characters
~Trinity Campanella:
A 23-year-old recovering addict and artist who serves as the novel's primary "victim" and occasional narrator through dual timelines. She was working as a confidential informant (CI) for the DEA, tasked with infiltrating the social circle of the town's most powerful businessman.
~Charles Dawson:
A suave attorney and healthcare CEO who owns multiple rehab facilities and group homes. He is the primary target of the federal investigation, suspected of orchestrating a massive scheme involving healthcare fraud and the distribution of laced synthetic opioids.
~Ronnie:
Trinity’s friend, who first alerts the police to her disappearance after finding a bloody crime scene in Trinity's trailer.
About...
A dark underbelly" conspiracy is suspected when investigation reveals that the town’s idyllic resort facade hides a violent criminal network.
Following up from the last book, the plot centers on healthcare fraud and the illegal distribution of oxycodone, targeting local youth and vulnerable populations in group homes.
FBI Agent Alyssa Mason (from the previous book) returns to assist. The team discovers that "suave businessman" Charles Dawson, who owns most of the local group homes and recovery facilities, is at the center of the drug and fraud scheme.
One year sober, Eli continues to battle PTSD from his military deployment in Afghanistan. He relies on his emotional support dog, Bella, to manage panic attacks while navigating a deepening relationship with Alyssa.
The novel skillfully uses dual timelines and multiple perspectives. Chapters from Trinity's point of view detail the months leading up to her disappearance, while the present-day investigation tracks Eli and Marge’s efforts to expose the truth.
My thoughts...
I absolutely loved the first book, Northwoods, and was excited to catch up with the characters and the happenings at Shaky Lake in WILDOOD, which is equally as compelling.
While the first book, NORTHWOODS, establishes a broader geographic location, WILDWOOD suggests a more specific, untamed, and "terrifying" depth to the mystery, shifting from a general setting to a focused investigation of corporate malfeasance and human resilience.
WILDWOOD is gritty, thoughtful, timely, relevant, compelling, and powerful! Amy Please's prose is lovely; dark, moody, and evocative, drawing you into the northern Wisconsin setting that is a sharp contrast with its beauty against the dark, shadowed underbelly.
The author cleverly uses a non-linear narrative structure that alternates between two distinct time periods to gradually reveal the truth behind a complex conspiracy.
1. Present-Day Timeline: The Investigation
Follows Eli North, his mother, Sheriff Marge North, and FBI Agent Alyssa Mason.
Time: Set in the fall, one year after the events of the first book, Northwoods.
Focus: This timeline tracks the immediate search for Trinity Campanella after a bloody scene is discovered in her trailer. It follows the procedural steps of the local and federal authorities as they uncover a massive criminal network involving healthcare fraud and synthetic opioids.
2. Past Timeline: Trinity’s Backstory
Told from the POV of the "victim," Trinity Campanella.
Time: Covers the months leading up to her disappearance.
Focus: These chapters humanize Trinity, showing her struggles with recovery and her motivation to stay clean to regain custody of her son. It details her work as a confidential informant (CI) for the DEA, specifically her high-stakes assignment to infiltrate the inner circle of the suave CEO Charles Dawson.
The alternating chapters act as a "slow-burn," driving the story, building suspense by leaving questions in the present that are answered by the past.
By giving the missing woman her own voice, Pease skillfully ensures Trinity is more than just a "missing person" trope; readers experience her personal stakes and the danger she faced in real-time with rich character insights.
The structure allows the scale of the crime—which involves corporate malfeasance far larger than a local disappearance—to be revealed piece by piece, keeping the true nature of the conspiracy hidden until later in the book.
The atmospheric fall and winter landscapes are vivid, and the lakes are seductive and sinister. Northwoods is portrayed as a vacation paradise of rustic charm, fishing trips, campfires, and lush forests. But there is a dark sense of creeping dread and foreboding with darkness below the surface. The author does a great job of drawing you into the nostalgic small-town setting.
Pease emphasizes the contrast between Northern Wisconsin's "bucolic veneer" and its grim reality through several key environmental and societal details:
~Lakeside Beauty vs. Hidden Decay
~Pricey Retreats vs. Local Hardships.
~The "Paul Bunyan" Facade vs. the Opioid Crisis
~Weather as a Threat
~Isolation as a "Locked-Room" Trap
Dawson's operation exploits the very populations his facilities are meant to protect. Despite being on federal radar for years, Dawson has managed to remain untouchable until the events of the novel, largely due to his outward respectability and the complexity of his illegal schemes.
Pease uses the Northwoods setting to explore dark social issues, focusing on the vulnerability of individuals at the margins of society.
Themes:
~The Sinister Side of Healthcare: Drawing on her career as a nurse practitioner, Pease explores healthcare fraud and the exploitation of vulnerable populations. The plot critiques systems that appear to be "tasked with healing" but instead profit from the "lives of the lost and addicted".
~The Fragility of Sobriety and Recovery
~PTSD and Mental Health Resilience
~Socioeconomic Disparity in Resort Towns
~Corruption and Lost Trust
Despite the dark topics, the novel maintains an underlying message of resilience, hope, and kindness, focusing on troubled, flawed people trying to do the right thing against enormous odds
Sheriff Marge North is a favorite, steady, and the moral anchor of Sherman County. Her strengths as a leader stem from a combination of local expertise and deep emotional intelligence. Her greatest personal strength is her unwavering support for her son, Eli. Even she remains focused on the potential victim and the integrity of the scene.
Deputy Sheriff Eli North has evolved from the "flawed hero" of the first book into a man actively rebuilding his life while remaining deeply marked by his past. Having hit rock bottom in Northwoods, Eli is now one year sober. He is focused on safeguarding his "newfound stability," though he remains vulnerable to the stress of active investigations with the help of Bella his support dog.
Takeaway Message
The central takeaway of WILDWOOD is a message of resilience and hope amidst systemic corruption. While the novel addresses dark subjects like mental illness, corporate greed, and the opioid crisis, it emphasizes that "troubled people trying to do the right thing" can find redemption through connection and kindness.
Ultimately, the novel serves as a reminder that even in shadowed underbellies and bleak situations, the persistence of love and loyalty prevents the world from becoming entirely dark.
The title, WILDWOOD, carries multiple layers of significance that bridge the literal setting with the novel's deeper psychological and social themes:
~The Literal Setting
~The "Impassable" Moral Landscape
~A Sanctuary for the "Lost."
~Eli’s Internal "Wilderness."
In summary, I wholeheartedly recommend this captivating series (be sure to read Northwoods first!). It's not just compelling; it's a masterful exploration of its themes, filled with informative insights and relevant details that resonate deeply with readers. It's character-driven, literary suspense, mystery, crime fiction, cop procedural, and rural noir, with profound social commentary, showing how addiction and those who use it for their own greed erode families and communities.
The storytelling is vibrant and immersive, creating an emotional experience that is truly unputdownable. Each page draws you in, and the emotional impact is profound, leaving a lasting impression that lingers long after you've turned the last page.
Recs...
Readers who enjoyed the character-driven, atmospheric, and socially relevant rural noir of Amy Pease's Wildwood may also like books from the following authors and series:
~William Kent Krueger, Allen Eskens, Karin Slaughter, SA Cosby, and Joshua Moehling
~C. J. Box's (Joe Pickett series)
~When the Mountains Burn by David Joy
~Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
~Liz Moore's Long Bright River
~Chris Whitaker's We Begin at the End
Non-fiction:
~Death in Mud Lick: A Coal Country Fight against the Drug Companies That Delivered the Opioid Epidemic by Eric Eyre
~Unstitched: My Journey to Understand Opioid Addiction and How People and Communities Can Heal by Brett Ann Stanciu
Many thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for sharing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. I can't wait to see what comes next from this talented, favorite storyteller and series.
blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Jan 06, 2026
My Rating: 5 Stars
Jan Newsletter
In this gripping installment, readers are once again drawn into the mysterious world of Shaky Lake, Wisconsin, a picturesque resort town that hides a sinister secret beneath its charming facade.
Deputy Sheriff Eli North, determined and resourceful, teams up with his formidable mother, Sheriff Marge North, as they delve into a complex web of conspiracy that threatens the peaceful existence of their community. As they navigate the intertwining threads of intrigue, danger lurks in the serene landscape, making for an enthralling exploration of both the light and dark aspects of small-town life.
Pease focuses on a core group of returning and new characters whose lives are intertwined with a massive criminal conspiracy in northern Wisconsin.
The Characters...
Law Enforcement Team
~Eli North:
A Deputy Sheriff and combat veteran struggling with severe PTSD from his deployment in Afghanistan. Now one year sober, Eli uses his intuitive investigative skills to navigate a town filled with secrets while relying on his emotional support dog, Bella, to manage panic attacks.
~Marge North:
Eli’s mother and the Sheriff of Sherman County. She is a respected, intuitive "top cop" who manages an underfunded department and supports her son’s recovery while tackling a case that grows far beyond local boundaries.
~Alyssa Mason:
An FBI agent returns to Shaky Lake to help investigate the disappearance of a federal informant. She shares a complicated, burgeoning romantic tension with Eli as they work to untangle the criminal network.
~Agent Diaz:
Alyssa’s federal partner often appears to be withholding critical information from the local sheriff's department.
Other Primary Characters
~Trinity Campanella:
A 23-year-old recovering addict and artist who serves as the novel's primary "victim" and occasional narrator through dual timelines. She was working as a confidential informant (CI) for the DEA, tasked with infiltrating the social circle of the town's most powerful businessman.
~Charles Dawson:
A suave attorney and healthcare CEO who owns multiple rehab facilities and group homes. He is the primary target of the federal investigation, suspected of orchestrating a massive scheme involving healthcare fraud and the distribution of laced synthetic opioids.
~Ronnie:
Trinity’s friend, who first alerts the police to her disappearance after finding a bloody crime scene in Trinity's trailer.
About...
A dark underbelly" conspiracy is suspected when investigation reveals that the town’s idyllic resort facade hides a violent criminal network.
Following up from the last book, the plot centers on healthcare fraud and the illegal distribution of oxycodone, targeting local youth and vulnerable populations in group homes.
FBI Agent Alyssa Mason (from the previous book) returns to assist. The team discovers that "suave businessman" Charles Dawson, who owns most of the local group homes and recovery facilities, is at the center of the drug and fraud scheme.
One year sober, Eli continues to battle PTSD from his military deployment in Afghanistan. He relies on his emotional support dog, Bella, to manage panic attacks while navigating a deepening relationship with Alyssa.
The novel skillfully uses dual timelines and multiple perspectives. Chapters from Trinity's point of view detail the months leading up to her disappearance, while the present-day investigation tracks Eli and Marge’s efforts to expose the truth.
My thoughts...
I absolutely loved the first book, Northwoods, and was excited to catch up with the characters and the happenings at Shaky Lake in WILDOOD, which is equally as compelling.
While the first book, NORTHWOODS, establishes a broader geographic location, WILDWOOD suggests a more specific, untamed, and "terrifying" depth to the mystery, shifting from a general setting to a focused investigation of corporate malfeasance and human resilience.
WILDWOOD is gritty, thoughtful, timely, relevant, compelling, and powerful! Amy Please's prose is lovely; dark, moody, and evocative, drawing you into the northern Wisconsin setting that is a sharp contrast with its beauty against the dark, shadowed underbelly.
The author cleverly uses a non-linear narrative structure that alternates between two distinct time periods to gradually reveal the truth behind a complex conspiracy.
1. Present-Day Timeline: The Investigation
Follows Eli North, his mother, Sheriff Marge North, and FBI Agent Alyssa Mason.
Time: Set in the fall, one year after the events of the first book, Northwoods.
Focus: This timeline tracks the immediate search for Trinity Campanella after a bloody scene is discovered in her trailer. It follows the procedural steps of the local and federal authorities as they uncover a massive criminal network involving healthcare fraud and synthetic opioids.
2. Past Timeline: Trinity’s Backstory
Told from the POV of the "victim," Trinity Campanella.
Time: Covers the months leading up to her disappearance.
Focus: These chapters humanize Trinity, showing her struggles with recovery and her motivation to stay clean to regain custody of her son. It details her work as a confidential informant (CI) for the DEA, specifically her high-stakes assignment to infiltrate the inner circle of the suave CEO Charles Dawson.
The alternating chapters act as a "slow-burn," driving the story, building suspense by leaving questions in the present that are answered by the past.
By giving the missing woman her own voice, Pease skillfully ensures Trinity is more than just a "missing person" trope; readers experience her personal stakes and the danger she faced in real-time with rich character insights.
The structure allows the scale of the crime—which involves corporate malfeasance far larger than a local disappearance—to be revealed piece by piece, keeping the true nature of the conspiracy hidden until later in the book.
The atmospheric fall and winter landscapes are vivid, and the lakes are seductive and sinister. Northwoods is portrayed as a vacation paradise of rustic charm, fishing trips, campfires, and lush forests. But there is a dark sense of creeping dread and foreboding with darkness below the surface. The author does a great job of drawing you into the nostalgic small-town setting.
Pease emphasizes the contrast between Northern Wisconsin's "bucolic veneer" and its grim reality through several key environmental and societal details:
~Lakeside Beauty vs. Hidden Decay
~Pricey Retreats vs. Local Hardships.
~The "Paul Bunyan" Facade vs. the Opioid Crisis
~Weather as a Threat
~Isolation as a "Locked-Room" Trap
Dawson's operation exploits the very populations his facilities are meant to protect. Despite being on federal radar for years, Dawson has managed to remain untouchable until the events of the novel, largely due to his outward respectability and the complexity of his illegal schemes.
Pease uses the Northwoods setting to explore dark social issues, focusing on the vulnerability of individuals at the margins of society.
Themes:
~The Sinister Side of Healthcare: Drawing on her career as a nurse practitioner, Pease explores healthcare fraud and the exploitation of vulnerable populations. The plot critiques systems that appear to be "tasked with healing" but instead profit from the "lives of the lost and addicted".
~The Fragility of Sobriety and Recovery
~PTSD and Mental Health Resilience
~Socioeconomic Disparity in Resort Towns
~Corruption and Lost Trust
Despite the dark topics, the novel maintains an underlying message of resilience, hope, and kindness, focusing on troubled, flawed people trying to do the right thing against enormous odds
Sheriff Marge North is a favorite, steady, and the moral anchor of Sherman County. Her strengths as a leader stem from a combination of local expertise and deep emotional intelligence. Her greatest personal strength is her unwavering support for her son, Eli. Even she remains focused on the potential victim and the integrity of the scene.
Deputy Sheriff Eli North has evolved from the "flawed hero" of the first book into a man actively rebuilding his life while remaining deeply marked by his past. Having hit rock bottom in Northwoods, Eli is now one year sober. He is focused on safeguarding his "newfound stability," though he remains vulnerable to the stress of active investigations with the help of Bella his support dog.
Takeaway Message
The central takeaway of WILDWOOD is a message of resilience and hope amidst systemic corruption. While the novel addresses dark subjects like mental illness, corporate greed, and the opioid crisis, it emphasizes that "troubled people trying to do the right thing" can find redemption through connection and kindness.
Ultimately, the novel serves as a reminder that even in shadowed underbellies and bleak situations, the persistence of love and loyalty prevents the world from becoming entirely dark.
The title, WILDWOOD, carries multiple layers of significance that bridge the literal setting with the novel's deeper psychological and social themes:
~The Literal Setting
~The "Impassable" Moral Landscape
~A Sanctuary for the "Lost."
~Eli’s Internal "Wilderness."
In summary, I wholeheartedly recommend this captivating series (be sure to read Northwoods first!). It's not just compelling; it's a masterful exploration of its themes, filled with informative insights and relevant details that resonate deeply with readers. It's character-driven, literary suspense, mystery, crime fiction, cop procedural, and rural noir, with profound social commentary, showing how addiction and those who use it for their own greed erode families and communities.
The storytelling is vibrant and immersive, creating an emotional experience that is truly unputdownable. Each page draws you in, and the emotional impact is profound, leaving a lasting impression that lingers long after you've turned the last page.
Recs...
Readers who enjoyed the character-driven, atmospheric, and socially relevant rural noir of Amy Pease's Wildwood may also like books from the following authors and series:
~William Kent Krueger, Allen Eskens, Karin Slaughter, SA Cosby, and Joshua Moehling
~C. J. Box's (Joe Pickett series)
~When the Mountains Burn by David Joy
~Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
~Liz Moore's Long Bright River
~Chris Whitaker's We Begin at the End
Non-fiction:
~Death in Mud Lick: A Coal Country Fight against the Drug Companies That Delivered the Opioid Epidemic by Eric Eyre
~Unstitched: My Journey to Understand Opioid Addiction and How People and Communities Can Heal by Brett Ann Stanciu
Many thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for sharing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. I can't wait to see what comes next from this talented, favorite storyteller and series.
blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Jan 06, 2026
My Rating: 5 Stars
Jan Newsletter
October 5, 2025
As a sequel to Northwoods, I wish that I had retained more details from book 1. I found that I had forgotten most of what happened prior to starting this book.
Even without most of my memory from book 1, I don't feel that it took away from book 2. The characters felt well-developed with an intriguing plot line. The pacing was steady and the flow was continuous. I didn't feel like this story was dragging at any point. The investigation was thoroughly thought through and interesting to follow along. This was a little bit of a shorter book, but thankfully didn't feel rushed or like it could've benefited from some added length.
This is another author that I'll continue to reach for in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Even without most of my memory from book 1, I don't feel that it took away from book 2. The characters felt well-developed with an intriguing plot line. The pacing was steady and the flow was continuous. I didn't feel like this story was dragging at any point. The investigation was thoroughly thought through and interesting to follow along. This was a little bit of a shorter book, but thankfully didn't feel rushed or like it could've benefited from some added length.
This is another author that I'll continue to reach for in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
January 28, 2026
Great continuation of Sheriff Marge and her Veteran son deputy Eli! FBI agent Alyssa is back too and the team must uncover what has happened to confidential informant Trinity plus a whole operation that is getting people killed in their small town. Love the service dog Bella!
Great cover! Enjoyed the story and hope there will be a book 3 in the series. Definitely could be read as a standalone as well.
Thanks to netgalley for my electronic advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Great cover! Enjoyed the story and hope there will be a book 3 in the series. Definitely could be read as a standalone as well.
Thanks to netgalley for my electronic advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5⭐ This is the second book in the crime thriller series, Northwoods. I did not read the first book and I would say you could definitely read this as a standalone. I listened to this on audiobook and I really enjoyed both narrators, as they both brought out the characters' personalities and brought them to life. I really loved it. It took me a little bit to get into the story but once I did, I was hooked. Deputy sheriff, Eli North, is now sober and getting his life back on track. He keeps his anxiety in check by staying busy with his work. A young FBI informant, who is in a rehab facility, goes missing and blood is found all over her room. Eli, his sheriff mother, and FBI agent Alyssa work together to expose a dark, violent criminal network in the small Wisconsin town. Such a great crime fiction full of twists and secrets. I loved how I couldn't guess where it was heading and I loved how it all came together. I can't wait to get to the first book now.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
January 6, 2026
Shaky Lake, Sherman County, Wiconsin, and Sheriff Marge and her deputy officer Eli welcome us back for another crime investigation.
For a small town of one thousand, there are always brutal crimes happening.
This time they are investigating a missing undercover agent, Trinity, but it doesn't look good from the bloody scene in her trailer.
That isn’t the only brutal scene they come upon, and this person was connected to Trinity.
We follow the investigation and enjoy the detailed writing of Miss peace. It is the second book in the series, but you can still follow what’s going on. It’s the same characters, but just a different situation.
Readers who enjoy thrillers, surprises, great characters, and great descriptions will enjoy WILDWOOD.
It is a bit of a slow start, but you will get invested in the story and the characters and enjoy how it all cleverly turns out. 4/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
For a small town of one thousand, there are always brutal crimes happening.
This time they are investigating a missing undercover agent, Trinity, but it doesn't look good from the bloody scene in her trailer.
That isn’t the only brutal scene they come upon, and this person was connected to Trinity.
We follow the investigation and enjoy the detailed writing of Miss peace. It is the second book in the series, but you can still follow what’s going on. It’s the same characters, but just a different situation.
Readers who enjoy thrillers, surprises, great characters, and great descriptions will enjoy WILDWOOD.
It is a bit of a slow start, but you will get invested in the story and the characters and enjoy how it all cleverly turns out. 4/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
September 21, 2025
saw Wildwood was available then I immediately jumped into it. Another really good read of the same series characters from the first book and some new ones that were effective in this story. I continue to enjoy the small town setting in rural Wisconsin that has a case possibly too big for its britches??? For me, the book is well written page turner. I will definitely be on the lookout for book 3 in the series down the road.
Thank you to both Netgalley and the publisher with this opportunity in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to both Netgalley and the publisher with this opportunity in exchange for an honest review.
January 9, 2026
Set in Shaky Lake, WI, this small town doesn't know what is happening in its own backyard. That is, until a young woman goes missing, and a larger picture emerges.
This book is the second in the series, but can be read on its own. I think you might miss a few things that tie Eli and Alyssa together from the first book, but nothing that impacts the current case.
Multiple crimes are peppered throughout this book, more than you would expect for a small town in Wisconsin! The storyline jumps between months, which threw me off at first, but once I understood that the information was shared a bit at a time, the story flowed and made sense. I found myself engaged in wondering what would happen next, and who was at the core of the criminal activities.
There are characters to love and hate. Agent Diaz is a bit slimy, Alyssa seems like a good woman, but she has bad taste in fiancés. There is Eli and his mother, Marge, both dedicated officers in the Sheriff's office, but they have their own issues as well. Or should I say, Eli does. He has PTSD, but doesn't seem to address that as reality. However, his connection with Alyssa might lead to more in future books.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention Bella, the emotional support dog. I always love seeing a dog in books.
Even though I didn't read the first book, I truly enjoyed the journey to Wisconsin and this sleepy little town.
We give the book 4 paws up.
This book is the second in the series, but can be read on its own. I think you might miss a few things that tie Eli and Alyssa together from the first book, but nothing that impacts the current case.
Multiple crimes are peppered throughout this book, more than you would expect for a small town in Wisconsin! The storyline jumps between months, which threw me off at first, but once I understood that the information was shared a bit at a time, the story flowed and made sense. I found myself engaged in wondering what would happen next, and who was at the core of the criminal activities.
There are characters to love and hate. Agent Diaz is a bit slimy, Alyssa seems like a good woman, but she has bad taste in fiancés. There is Eli and his mother, Marge, both dedicated officers in the Sheriff's office, but they have their own issues as well. Or should I say, Eli does. He has PTSD, but doesn't seem to address that as reality. However, his connection with Alyssa might lead to more in future books.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention Bella, the emotional support dog. I always love seeing a dog in books.
Even though I didn't read the first book, I truly enjoyed the journey to Wisconsin and this sleepy little town.
We give the book 4 paws up.
December 20, 2025
Thank you @atriabooks @simon.audio @librofm #partner for the gifted copy of this book!
This is book two in the Northwoods series and I jumped right in without reading book one and in my opinion it read totally fine on its own! I’ve been slowly filling my shelves with crime thrillers lately because they give me that true-crime-meets-thriller vibe without the actual trauma of it being real and this one hit that sweet spot perfectly.
I think Amy delivered a layered and well constructed mystery . I loved how it included flashbacks that added a lot of background that made the story feel more complete. I was fully pulled in from the start with the bloody trailer and the missing girl. Definitely set the stage to be quite the atmospheric read! The story felt tense, moody, and eerie to me from the start. Then, as it continued it had a steady build that became more action packed!
The pacing I felt was spot on and the secrets were JUICY and I loved the sense of unease that lingered throughout. Plus…it was set in Wisconsin! Being that I consider myself part Wisconsinite I felt right at home. 🧀🌲I personally would love to go back and read the first as this one was solid. I recommend this one for anyone who loves atmospheric crime thrillers!
This is book two in the Northwoods series and I jumped right in without reading book one and in my opinion it read totally fine on its own! I’ve been slowly filling my shelves with crime thrillers lately because they give me that true-crime-meets-thriller vibe without the actual trauma of it being real and this one hit that sweet spot perfectly.
I think Amy delivered a layered and well constructed mystery . I loved how it included flashbacks that added a lot of background that made the story feel more complete. I was fully pulled in from the start with the bloody trailer and the missing girl. Definitely set the stage to be quite the atmospheric read! The story felt tense, moody, and eerie to me from the start. Then, as it continued it had a steady build that became more action packed!
The pacing I felt was spot on and the secrets were JUICY and I loved the sense of unease that lingered throughout. Plus…it was set in Wisconsin! Being that I consider myself part Wisconsinite I felt right at home. 🧀🌲I personally would love to go back and read the first as this one was solid. I recommend this one for anyone who loves atmospheric crime thrillers!
November 26, 2025
Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is Pease's second installment in the Northwoods mystery series, bringing us back to the small vacation town of Shaky Lake, Wisconsin as we follow Sheriff Marge North and her son Eli as they work the case of a missing young woman and her potential link to much larger criminal conspiracy. I am not a thriller reader, and Pease's slow burn, smart mysteries are just what I'm typically looking for in a mystery. There are no crazy twists, everything seems entirely possible, and she writes wonderfully realistic, flawed, and fully human characters. Due to her characters' histories, Pease also writes about the struggle with mental health issues, trauma, and addiction, and does so in a dignified and realistic manner, which I greatly appreciate.
I do hope this series continues, and if they do, I'm guaranteed to keep reading them.
This is Pease's second installment in the Northwoods mystery series, bringing us back to the small vacation town of Shaky Lake, Wisconsin as we follow Sheriff Marge North and her son Eli as they work the case of a missing young woman and her potential link to much larger criminal conspiracy. I am not a thriller reader, and Pease's slow burn, smart mysteries are just what I'm typically looking for in a mystery. There are no crazy twists, everything seems entirely possible, and she writes wonderfully realistic, flawed, and fully human characters. Due to her characters' histories, Pease also writes about the struggle with mental health issues, trauma, and addiction, and does so in a dignified and realistic manner, which I greatly appreciate.
I do hope this series continues, and if they do, I'm guaranteed to keep reading them.
February 3, 2026
4.5 Stars rounded up to 5 Stars.
Wonderful sophomore novel by Amy Pease.
Fast paced page turner.
Atmospheric.
Depth of characters.
Good dialogue.
Great plot.
Well written.
I want more.
I hope there’s at least a third book in the “Northwoods” series.
Wildwood (book #2) can be read without reading Northwoods (book #1). However, this is a new series by a new author. I suggest starting at the beginning for a more in-depth understanding of the characters.
I highly recommend Wildwood & Northwoods!
Please check out The Poisoned Pen Bookstore’s streamed interview with Amy Pease on U-Tube, date January 11, 2026 (located in The Pen’s archives).
Wonderful sophomore novel by Amy Pease.
Fast paced page turner.
Atmospheric.
Depth of characters.
Good dialogue.
Great plot.
Well written.
I want more.
I hope there’s at least a third book in the “Northwoods” series.
Wildwood (book #2) can be read without reading Northwoods (book #1). However, this is a new series by a new author. I suggest starting at the beginning for a more in-depth understanding of the characters.
I highly recommend Wildwood & Northwoods!
Please check out The Poisoned Pen Bookstore’s streamed interview with Amy Pease on U-Tube, date January 11, 2026 (located in The Pen’s archives).
August 10, 2025
Out January 6th, 2026
Wildwood is a haunting, atmospheric novel that blends mystery, grief, and resilience into a story that lingers long after the final page. Amy Pease crafts a setting that feels both beautiful and isolating—think dense forests, small-town secrets, and the kind of quiet that makes you lean in closer. The protagonist is deeply compelling, navigating personal loss while unraveling a mystery that’s as emotionally charged as it is suspenseful. Pease’s prose is lyrical without being flowery, and she knows how to build tension with subtlety.
What really makes Wildwood stand out is its emotional depth. It’s not just about solving a puzzle—it’s about healing, confronting the past, and finding strength in unexpected places. The relationships are complex and real, especially the ones strained by trauma and time. Pease doesn’t rush the emotional beats; she lets them simmer, which makes the payoff feel earned and powerful.
If you’re into character-driven mysteries with a strong sense of place and a touch of melancholy, Wildwood is a must-read. It’s perfect for fans of slow-burn suspense and stories that explore the human heart as much as the whodunit. Just be ready to feel a little raw when it’s over—in the best way.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for this fun read!
Wildwood is a haunting, atmospheric novel that blends mystery, grief, and resilience into a story that lingers long after the final page. Amy Pease crafts a setting that feels both beautiful and isolating—think dense forests, small-town secrets, and the kind of quiet that makes you lean in closer. The protagonist is deeply compelling, navigating personal loss while unraveling a mystery that’s as emotionally charged as it is suspenseful. Pease’s prose is lyrical without being flowery, and she knows how to build tension with subtlety.
What really makes Wildwood stand out is its emotional depth. It’s not just about solving a puzzle—it’s about healing, confronting the past, and finding strength in unexpected places. The relationships are complex and real, especially the ones strained by trauma and time. Pease doesn’t rush the emotional beats; she lets them simmer, which makes the payoff feel earned and powerful.
If you’re into character-driven mysteries with a strong sense of place and a touch of melancholy, Wildwood is a must-read. It’s perfect for fans of slow-burn suspense and stories that explore the human heart as much as the whodunit. Just be ready to feel a little raw when it’s over—in the best way.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for this fun read!
November 19, 2025
A young woman, an addict, arrives into town hoping to get a placement in a rehab facility. Without even learning her name, she's pushed away to another, cheaper option. It isn't long before she's missing and her room is found, covered in blood and everyone wondering what's happened.
We're back with a very sober Eli. He's learning to channel his anxiety into staying busy, especially with work. His favorite FBI agent comes back for a visit because, this missing girl, she's tied to her assigned FBI partner and they need to dig into what's happened.
It's a great story, great to be back with these characters and in this small town. I found the plot very believable, almost uncomfortably so. This was a fast read, a real page-turner, and I found that once I started, I didn't want to stop. Good pacing, all around good story. I really liked this one and I hope we get a 3rd in the series!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
We're back with a very sober Eli. He's learning to channel his anxiety into staying busy, especially with work. His favorite FBI agent comes back for a visit because, this missing girl, she's tied to her assigned FBI partner and they need to dig into what's happened.
It's a great story, great to be back with these characters and in this small town. I found the plot very believable, almost uncomfortably so. This was a fast read, a real page-turner, and I found that once I started, I didn't want to stop. Good pacing, all around good story. I really liked this one and I hope we get a 3rd in the series!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
November 5, 2025
Second in the series of a PTSD haunted ex-military officer and his mother as law enforcers in an idyllic resort town in Wisconsin. There are some familiar themes here of corruption in a small town, but what sets this apart is some great writing and observation of human conditions, connections that are not intuitive. With the exception of needing a little trimming, it was a very good read.
January 16, 2026
Wildwood is a fantastic mystery that is book 2 in the. Northwoods series by Amy Pease. I haven't read book 1 yet and still enjoyed this book very much! Deputy Sheriff Eli North works in a small town with his mom, Sheriff Marge North. Eli had a hard time when returning home from his military service suffering from PTSD and drinking more than he should. He has gotten the PTSD under control thanks to a service dog and hasn't had any alcohol in a year. Working alongside his mom has been good for Eli and he has worked hard to overcome what he witnessed and did while on deployment. .
When an undercover informant goes missing it looks like she could've been murdered. There's blood everywhere in her trailer, but no body. To help with the case, FBI agent Alyssa Mason comes to town. As the investigation progresses, it turns out the small town in Wisconsin has a lot to hide. There are people taking advantage of the neediest people in town. Who would do this and what are they hiding? The closer they get to uncovering the truth, the more danger they find at every turn. Wildwood is a fantastic thriller with characters you will grow to love and root for. I thoroughly enjoyed Wildwood and rate it 5 stars with my highest recommendation. I look forward to the next book in the series. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Atria Books for an advanced copy of Wildwood in exchange for a fair review. #Wildwood
When an undercover informant goes missing it looks like she could've been murdered. There's blood everywhere in her trailer, but no body. To help with the case, FBI agent Alyssa Mason comes to town. As the investigation progresses, it turns out the small town in Wisconsin has a lot to hide. There are people taking advantage of the neediest people in town. Who would do this and what are they hiding? The closer they get to uncovering the truth, the more danger they find at every turn. Wildwood is a fantastic thriller with characters you will grow to love and root for. I thoroughly enjoyed Wildwood and rate it 5 stars with my highest recommendation. I look forward to the next book in the series. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Atria Books for an advanced copy of Wildwood in exchange for a fair review. #Wildwood
January 27, 2026
3.5 rounding up. I loved Northwoods and while this sequel maintained the atmosphere, it felt like it lost its edge a little. I think I was also a little bored and confused by healthcare fraud and how it works and the big bad wasn’t anyone I recognized making the reveal anticlimactic
Detective Eli North and his mother, Sheriff Marge North find a bedroom that is clearly a crime scene. The problem is, the actual body is missing. When the FBI show up claiming ownership of the case the two teams will have to work together to uncover yet another conspiracy in their small town.
It was nice to see Eli healing slowly but I wish we got more speed in their personal developments. I don’t know how many more books I can read of Alyssa and her slowly devolving relationship or Eli and his awkwardness with his ex wife. It would be great to push to the next chapter but this is a book that likes to linger. I love the mystery writing style so I’ll be back for the next one
Detective Eli North and his mother, Sheriff Marge North find a bedroom that is clearly a crime scene. The problem is, the actual body is missing. When the FBI show up claiming ownership of the case the two teams will have to work together to uncover yet another conspiracy in their small town.
It was nice to see Eli healing slowly but I wish we got more speed in their personal developments. I don’t know how many more books I can read of Alyssa and her slowly devolving relationship or Eli and his awkwardness with his ex wife. It would be great to push to the next chapter but this is a book that likes to linger. I love the mystery writing style so I’ll be back for the next one
January 22, 2026
Thank you to Atria, Emily Bestler Books, and NetGalley for both the physical and eARC copies of Wildwood in exchange for an honest review.
Wildwood is the second installment in the Northwoods series, which is named after book one, Northwoods, set in Wisconsin. The series follows a mother-son law enforcement team that is the force behind the three person Sheriff team in Shaky Lakes, WI. Northwoods released in 2024 and Wildwood followed in January 2026.
First and foremost, I highly recommend picking up Northwoods first as you are introduced to all of the characters and get their backstories as while the two books are self-contained cases, threads intertwine to connect the two. If you only have access to Wildwood, you’d still e able to read it as a standalone.
Pease has introduced us to the idyllic Shaky Lakes in the Northwoods of Wisconsin with this slow burn police procedural. The characters are real and very Midwestern at heart and the mysteries tackle series subjects such as addiction, opioid schemes, mental health, and trauma from both war and childhood.
The characters are well fleshed out and the plot moves at a steady pace. There are no plot holes that leave the reader confused and instead the mother-son duo, along with an FBI helper, pull the plot along seamlessly.
I highly recommend that you pick up this new mystery series, especially if you’re not someone who enjoys super dark and gritty thrillers. The mysteries here can get a little dark, but not too heavy to startle you.
As a Midwesterner, I always love to pick up books set in our neck of the woods and I’m happy that Amy Pease is now a part of that list.
Wildwood is the second installment in the Northwoods series, which is named after book one, Northwoods, set in Wisconsin. The series follows a mother-son law enforcement team that is the force behind the three person Sheriff team in Shaky Lakes, WI. Northwoods released in 2024 and Wildwood followed in January 2026.
First and foremost, I highly recommend picking up Northwoods first as you are introduced to all of the characters and get their backstories as while the two books are self-contained cases, threads intertwine to connect the two. If you only have access to Wildwood, you’d still e able to read it as a standalone.
Pease has introduced us to the idyllic Shaky Lakes in the Northwoods of Wisconsin with this slow burn police procedural. The characters are real and very Midwestern at heart and the mysteries tackle series subjects such as addiction, opioid schemes, mental health, and trauma from both war and childhood.
The characters are well fleshed out and the plot moves at a steady pace. There are no plot holes that leave the reader confused and instead the mother-son duo, along with an FBI helper, pull the plot along seamlessly.
I highly recommend that you pick up this new mystery series, especially if you’re not someone who enjoys super dark and gritty thrillers. The mysteries here can get a little dark, but not too heavy to startle you.
As a Midwesterner, I always love to pick up books set in our neck of the woods and I’m happy that Amy Pease is now a part of that list.
December 24, 2025
Thank you to Amy Pease and Simon Audio for the ARC/ALC!
While “Wildwood” picks up a year after “Northwoods” ends, this could very easily be read as a standalone! Eli has been getting his life back together with his mom, the Sheriff, when an undercover informant (Trinity) disappears. With excellent pacing, this character-driven mystery is everything I love in a good police procedural-type story. Eli and FBI Agent Alyssa are relatable, and I loved how Pease shone a light on how people that are often chosen as informants could be forgotten about - but Eli was determined to not give up. Cleverly-placed flashbacks show Trinity’s perspective and quietly reveal what she had gotten herself into. The setting of the woods in Wisconson provide the perfect backdrop.
It's hard to put into words, but Pease's quiet intention with every bit of of this story truly blew me away. I love this series so far, both books have been outstanding! I can’t wait to see what is next for the Wildwoods of Wisconsin - because I’m sure the story isn’t over yet!
“Wildwood” releases on January 6, 2026. This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)
While “Wildwood” picks up a year after “Northwoods” ends, this could very easily be read as a standalone! Eli has been getting his life back together with his mom, the Sheriff, when an undercover informant (Trinity) disappears. With excellent pacing, this character-driven mystery is everything I love in a good police procedural-type story. Eli and FBI Agent Alyssa are relatable, and I loved how Pease shone a light on how people that are often chosen as informants could be forgotten about - but Eli was determined to not give up. Cleverly-placed flashbacks show Trinity’s perspective and quietly reveal what she had gotten herself into. The setting of the woods in Wisconson provide the perfect backdrop.
It's hard to put into words, but Pease's quiet intention with every bit of of this story truly blew me away. I love this series so far, both books have been outstanding! I can’t wait to see what is next for the Wildwoods of Wisconsin - because I’m sure the story isn’t over yet!
“Wildwood” releases on January 6, 2026. This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)
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