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Northwoods #2
Wildwood
Not yet published
Expected 6 Jan 26From 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, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 6, 2026
25 people are currently reading
5811 people want to read
About the author
Amy Pease
4 books289 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.
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.
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.
October 10, 2025
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
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
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.
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.
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.
Currently reading
December 28, 2025Pre-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!
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!
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.
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 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.
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 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
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 :)
October 24, 2025
This is he second novel in the Northwoods series (I haven’t read the first one yet) featuring Deputy Sheriff Elis North and his mother the Sheriff along with FBI agent Alyssa Mason. This books ties somewhat into the first one, but enough background is provided to make the appropriate connections. It involves a CI who was recruited under less than ethical methods by another FBI agent, but it works out with the bad guy captured.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Goodreads, Net Galley, Amazon, and my fiction book review blog.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Goodreads, Net Galley, Amazon, and my fiction book review blog.
August 18, 2025
Sequels usually don’t live up to the first book’s hype—but Amy has officially proven that there’s an exception to that.
After Northwoods, I was dying to read more about Eli and Marge and the world of Shaky Lake. WILDWOOD packs just as much of a punch, except this time there’s even more near-death experiences, much more emotion, and more than one life at stake.
Take the journey to Shaky Lake (again) for an exciting, fast-paced, and gripping mystery with our favorite northern woods deputy, Sheriff, and FBI agent.
After Northwoods, I was dying to read more about Eli and Marge and the world of Shaky Lake. WILDWOOD packs just as much of a punch, except this time there’s even more near-death experiences, much more emotion, and more than one life at stake.
Take the journey to Shaky Lake (again) for an exciting, fast-paced, and gripping mystery with our favorite northern woods deputy, Sheriff, and FBI agent.
September 5, 2025
Talk about an absolute masterpiece of suspense and atmosphere. This book is a haunting and beautifully written tale that draws you into a dark, lush setting where secrets lurk at every turn.
Pease's prose is as captivating as the forest she describes, creating a sense of unease that lingers long after you've finished reading. The characters are rich and complex, and their intertwined stories will keep you guessing until the very end.
A truly stunning and memorable read that will stay with you.
Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books, and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for a temporary e-ARC!
Pease's prose is as captivating as the forest she describes, creating a sense of unease that lingers long after you've finished reading. The characters are rich and complex, and their intertwined stories will keep you guessing until the very end.
A truly stunning and memorable read that will stay with you.
Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books, and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for a temporary e-ARC!
August 24, 2025
Title: Wildwood
Author: Amy Pease
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trinity was working to uncover an illegal drug operation and had recently returned from an overseas trip where she met one of the higher ups in the organization when she goes missing, leaving behind a bloody mess and questions. Enter Eli North and his mother, Sheriff Marge, who once again look to take back their town before the lid blows off the hotbed of activity going on. FBI agent Alyssa returns to small Shaky Lake to determine what happened at the request of undercover DEA agent Adam who recruited Trinity into the dangerous position. What they learn is that even in small towns, there are places and things the locals don’t know or suspect.
Takeaways:
1. is Amy Pease a Ted Lasso fan? She did compare a minor character’s attention span to a goldfish. 🤔
2. Another great thriller starring Eli and Alyssa, with the steady presence and intellect of Sheriff Marge.
3. I’m hoping Pease continues this series with a third book next year.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed are my own. This book will be published on January 6, 2026.
#netgalley #arc #bookstagram @amypeasewrites #wildwood #atriabooks
Author: Amy Pease
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trinity was working to uncover an illegal drug operation and had recently returned from an overseas trip where she met one of the higher ups in the organization when she goes missing, leaving behind a bloody mess and questions. Enter Eli North and his mother, Sheriff Marge, who once again look to take back their town before the lid blows off the hotbed of activity going on. FBI agent Alyssa returns to small Shaky Lake to determine what happened at the request of undercover DEA agent Adam who recruited Trinity into the dangerous position. What they learn is that even in small towns, there are places and things the locals don’t know or suspect.
Takeaways:
1. is Amy Pease a Ted Lasso fan? She did compare a minor character’s attention span to a goldfish. 🤔
2. Another great thriller starring Eli and Alyssa, with the steady presence and intellect of Sheriff Marge.
3. I’m hoping Pease continues this series with a third book next year.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed are my own. This book will be published on January 6, 2026.
#netgalley #arc #bookstagram @amypeasewrites #wildwood #atriabooks
September 8, 2025
As the highly anticipated sequel to “Northwoods”, this checked every box for me. It’s highly suspenseful, emotional, and has that small town intrigue that really draws the reader in.
Deputy Sheriff Eli North is successfully putting his life back together, staying sober and trying to mend relationships when the disappearance of a confidential informant threatens his idyllic existence. When FBI Agent Alyssa Mason shows up on the scene, the investigation spirals into fractured loyalties and criminal conspiracies.
This is my favorite kind of sequel, where there’s barely a beat missed between books. It deepens the characterizations introduced in the first book and mingles perfectly the emotional realism with the suspense to give readers an enjoyable, well thought out plot.
Thank you, NetGalley and Atria Books for the eARC.
Deputy Sheriff Eli North is successfully putting his life back together, staying sober and trying to mend relationships when the disappearance of a confidential informant threatens his idyllic existence. When FBI Agent Alyssa Mason shows up on the scene, the investigation spirals into fractured loyalties and criminal conspiracies.
This is my favorite kind of sequel, where there’s barely a beat missed between books. It deepens the characterizations introduced in the first book and mingles perfectly the emotional realism with the suspense to give readers an enjoyable, well thought out plot.
Thank you, NetGalley and Atria Books for the eARC.
December 3, 2025
WILDWOOD takes place in rural Wisconsin. Eli North is a Deputy Sheriff working for his mother who is the Sheriff. They are almost the whole police force for their rural county. Eli is dealing with PTSD from his military deployment in Afghanistan. He has given up drinking and is attending his therapy sessions, but he is a changed man from his life before Afghanistan.
When a young woman disappears leaving blood spattered around her mobile home, Eli and his mother begin to investigate. Soon the appearance of the FBI om the person of Alyssa Mason complicates the case. The is in underground investigation going on revolving around the local and exclusive resort frequented by the rich.
Eli learns that the young woman has become a confidential informer working with the undercover agent at the resort. The search for the woman leads to the man she was seeing who winds up in an explosion in a warehouse filled with drugs.
The story is told from multiple points of view including Eli, Alyssa, and the missing woman. The missing woman's sections are also flashbacks.
This was a twisty story filled with damaged characters who are all struggling to do what is right. I enjoyed learning more about the characters and untwisting the plot to a satisfying conclusion.
When a young woman disappears leaving blood spattered around her mobile home, Eli and his mother begin to investigate. Soon the appearance of the FBI om the person of Alyssa Mason complicates the case. The is in underground investigation going on revolving around the local and exclusive resort frequented by the rich.
Eli learns that the young woman has become a confidential informer working with the undercover agent at the resort. The search for the woman leads to the man she was seeing who winds up in an explosion in a warehouse filled with drugs.
The story is told from multiple points of view including Eli, Alyssa, and the missing woman. The missing woman's sections are also flashbacks.
This was a twisty story filled with damaged characters who are all struggling to do what is right. I enjoyed learning more about the characters and untwisting the plot to a satisfying conclusion.
September 20, 2025
At the end of the (otherwise very satisfying) slow-burn police procedural/mystery Northwoods, there are some things left open-ended as far as the opioid-related corruption investigated by mother/son duo Sheriff Marge North and Deputy Eli North in their small Wisconsin town - and now I see why... the plan for a (just as satisfying) book #2. As with the first book, I really liked the Midwest setting and the relationships between the characters; this one had pacing that worked really well for me (finished in 2 days), and I liked delving a bit more into the backstory of the third main character from book #1, FBI Agent Alyssa Mason. I also thought the continuation of book #1 was nicely done - often these small-town procedurals can feel a bit weird in that you have to wonder, just how many crazy murders can happen in one idyllic little place? So I liked that it felt like it made sense for the team to be digging deeper into a criminal network, rather than two different episodic plots.
For fans of books like Long Bright River and the Cork O'Connor series by William Kent Kreuger. Sorry to report that this one doesn't publish until January (thanks to the publisher for sending me this advance copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review though!), but you can get your hands on Northwoods right now and start there if you haven't read it yet. Definitely recommend for a satisfying procedural with good character development.
For fans of books like Long Bright River and the Cork O'Connor series by William Kent Kreuger. Sorry to report that this one doesn't publish until January (thanks to the publisher for sending me this advance copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review though!), but you can get your hands on Northwoods right now and start there if you haven't read it yet. Definitely recommend for a satisfying procedural with good character development.
November 29, 2025
FULL REVIEW WILL BE ON JANUARY 6.
Shaky Lake, Sherman County, Wisconsin, 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.
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.
Shaky Lake, Sherman County, Wisconsin, 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.
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.
November 10, 2025
Wow, this was quite a ride. I finished it in one day. This is a fast moving murder mystery that evolved into so much more. There was a big twist towards the end that surprised me. The main characters were great. I hope Eli, Marge and Alyssa can get together again to solve more cases.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
December 1, 2025
A follow up for fans of the first book, this fast paced & succinct story will keep you interested through the end. This book is definitely a unique concept with the mother son police duo, and I enjoy the many POVs we get to read from. These books are more police investigating vibes than thriller vibes, just something to keep in mind so you’re in the right mood when you pick it up.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
August 12, 2025
Wildwood was one of my most anticipated novels for next year, so I'm absolutely thrilled that I had the opportunity to read in advance. Sincere appreciation and thanks to Netgalley, Atria Books & Amy Pease.
It's a sequel to one of the better crime novels in recent memory, Northwoods and it picks up shortly after the events in book one.
What sets these books apart from others in the genre is the character interplay and development. Everyone has evolved in Wildwood and it's refreshing to see a realistic portrayal of human and relationship growth. So often we see the main character backslide and rehash old demons, it was nice to see sustained and believable progression.
The plot is an interesting mystery that feels familiar but written with incredible restraint. It's clear that Pease is intelligent and thoughtful when constructing these stories which helps create a nice balance between 'big action' and plausibility.
Check this one out if you're looking for a well crafted page turner!
It's a sequel to one of the better crime novels in recent memory, Northwoods and it picks up shortly after the events in book one.
What sets these books apart from others in the genre is the character interplay and development. Everyone has evolved in Wildwood and it's refreshing to see a realistic portrayal of human and relationship growth. So often we see the main character backslide and rehash old demons, it was nice to see sustained and believable progression.
The plot is an interesting mystery that feels familiar but written with incredible restraint. It's clear that Pease is intelligent and thoughtful when constructing these stories which helps create a nice balance between 'big action' and plausibility.
Check this one out if you're looking for a well crafted page turner!
December 2, 2025
I still remember listening to Northwoods, my first audiobook selection from BOTM, and how pleasantly surprised I was. I couldn't press pause. So here we are with book 2 of the series, Wildwood.
Deputy Sheriff Eli North is one year sober, working through his PTSD, and repairing his relationships. When an undercover informant disappears and all signs point to murder, Eli must expose the dark underbelly of his Wisconsin small town. With the arrival of FBI Agent Alyssa Mason, Eli and his mother—the sheriff—are pulled deeper into a violent criminal network.
I loved the mother-son dynamic between Eli and Sheriff North. Watching them work together, navigate their complicated relationship, and support each other through the case added so much emotional depth.
The unlikely partnership with FBI Agent Alyssa Mason? There's definitely something brewing between her and Eli. I loved how the author hinted at it without rushing anything. Maybe future books?
The mystery around the missing girl kept me hooked. Multiple POVs and dual timelines helped shed light on the backstory while showing what's happening with Eli in the present. The structure worked perfectly.
I was surprised by the twist when it was revealed, but what really got me was the theme: drug abuse, specifically oxy distribution to youth who are trying to find their way. It felt relevant and important.
Eli's personal journey grounded everything. His fight for sobriety, his relationship with his son and ex-wife, the vulnerability beneath his gruff exterior—all of it made him so compelling. This wasn't just about solving a crime. It was about healing and second chances.
The writing was sharp, the pacing even, and I finished this in one sitting because I couldn't put it down.
If you love small-town mysteries with layered family dynamics, timely themes, and sharp writing, pick this up. Perfect for fans of procedural thrillers with heart.
Note: This is book 2, but you can read it standalone. I still recommend starting with Northwoods for the full impact of Eli's journey.
Another engrossing read and a strong follow-up. I'm a fan.
Thank you, Atria Books and NetGalley, for my advance reader’s copies. All opinions are my own.
Deputy Sheriff Eli North is one year sober, working through his PTSD, and repairing his relationships. When an undercover informant disappears and all signs point to murder, Eli must expose the dark underbelly of his Wisconsin small town. With the arrival of FBI Agent Alyssa Mason, Eli and his mother—the sheriff—are pulled deeper into a violent criminal network.
I loved the mother-son dynamic between Eli and Sheriff North. Watching them work together, navigate their complicated relationship, and support each other through the case added so much emotional depth.
The unlikely partnership with FBI Agent Alyssa Mason? There's definitely something brewing between her and Eli. I loved how the author hinted at it without rushing anything. Maybe future books?
The mystery around the missing girl kept me hooked. Multiple POVs and dual timelines helped shed light on the backstory while showing what's happening with Eli in the present. The structure worked perfectly.
I was surprised by the twist when it was revealed, but what really got me was the theme: drug abuse, specifically oxy distribution to youth who are trying to find their way. It felt relevant and important.
Eli's personal journey grounded everything. His fight for sobriety, his relationship with his son and ex-wife, the vulnerability beneath his gruff exterior—all of it made him so compelling. This wasn't just about solving a crime. It was about healing and second chances.
The writing was sharp, the pacing even, and I finished this in one sitting because I couldn't put it down.
If you love small-town mysteries with layered family dynamics, timely themes, and sharp writing, pick this up. Perfect for fans of procedural thrillers with heart.
Note: This is book 2, but you can read it standalone. I still recommend starting with Northwoods for the full impact of Eli's journey.
Another engrossing read and a strong follow-up. I'm a fan.
Thank you, Atria Books and NetGalley, for my advance reader’s copies. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley for providing a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was a major fan of Pease's debut novel "Northwood" that came out 2 years ago. It was a character-driven police procedural, full of heart, even though imperfect in plot execution. The ending of that first novel was rushed, but I didn't mind it simply because of the perfect opening, ending and overall character arc of Eli North (our protagonist, a Sheriff deputy) and Allysa Mason (FBI agents chasing drug-dealers to Eli's small town). When I picked up the follow up, I hoped we would get the same quality of character development, with fewer hops ahead at the end.
I did not get what I expect. "Wildwood" starts strong and interesting: with Trinity Campanella, a young addict being refused access to an addiction treatment clinic, and finally opting to take residence in a sober-living facility where almost no services are being provided. The novel positioned itself excellently to deliver a scathing analysis of how we set addicts for failure, and how socio-economic class is used against you when you're desperately trying to get yourself out of addiction. However, once Trinity disappears (and leaves behind a room full of blood, that looks like arterial spray), the FBI returns to Eli's town. We find out Trinity had been a reluctant confidential informant for special agent Diaz (DEA) who has been working undercover ever since the previous novel and is also a collaborator of special agent's Masons. Trinity wasn't just a junkie trying to get clean, stuck in a scheme to fraudulently bill health insurance companies while being refused basic treatment; she was also at the heart of a drug trafficking ring, and so much more. And the bigger the stakes got, the smaller the story became. Too. Much. Happened! The cast was small, but they had to run from place to place, which left little room for Eli or Alyssa's character arcs. Their interactions no longer felt natural and heart-felt, they were awkward. We didn't need a shared-cabin trope in this novel. We didn't need the 3rd act conflict that was resolved separately, not by talking it out. We didn't need Allysa's sister in this novel, because she didn't play an important role (yet). We needed a story were the investigation developed organically; instead we had too many leads, so in the second half we hopped ahead again. Worse, characters started drawing conclusions that were NOT the most logical ones, and they didn't consider alternatives. All that blood at the crime scene ended up having an unbelievable story (no, literally, that's not how it works). Cops let suspects go, because they have a change of heart, and even though there are witnesses to that outrages decision, there are no consequences for them. The big bad guy's real name is revealed 75% into the book, and my first question was: who on Earth is this? Turns out he was actually introduced in the first novel, a bit in the beginning and a bit at the end. I will give the author props, when I re-read parts of the first novel, the characters' reaction to the big baddie made sense; but he was so un-memorable, that the revelation in this second novel, where he's no longer mentioned until the last quarter means nothing. Then he's arrested, and although the state didn't have a case against him (they didn't know who he was, and they barely knew how he operated), he's convicted in less than SIX MONTHS??? In our year of the lord 2024-5? No, it's just not what happens. And then the cops, who we're supposed to root for, laugh about the fact that the big-baddie is likely to be killed in prison.
I don't know what happened here. Had the story stuck to the case of health-insurance fraud and the treatment of addicts in recovery, it could have been so tight, so powerful. Instead to me it read like a mess that lost its heart. Eli has some shining moments, when we see him use his therapy lessons to address his persisting PTSD. But he no longer has a clear arc in this story, and his interaction with the other characters feel depleted. I'm sad I can't rate this higher. But the plot really needs to stop hopping around like this. And procedures need to be more accurately depicted. The whole CI part? NONE of it read real. Sorry for being a bit of a downer.
PS: we also need to stop redeeming characters who were terrible throughout the novel by showing them interact lovingly with dogs; Hitler was an animal lover, and look what he did to people? I care that you love animals, but you can still be a piece of garbage. How you treat humans is also telling. So no, a character is not suddenly good because they love dogs.
I was a major fan of Pease's debut novel "Northwood" that came out 2 years ago. It was a character-driven police procedural, full of heart, even though imperfect in plot execution. The ending of that first novel was rushed, but I didn't mind it simply because of the perfect opening, ending and overall character arc of Eli North (our protagonist, a Sheriff deputy) and Allysa Mason (FBI agents chasing drug-dealers to Eli's small town). When I picked up the follow up, I hoped we would get the same quality of character development, with fewer hops ahead at the end.
I did not get what I expect. "Wildwood" starts strong and interesting: with Trinity Campanella, a young addict being refused access to an addiction treatment clinic, and finally opting to take residence in a sober-living facility where almost no services are being provided. The novel positioned itself excellently to deliver a scathing analysis of how we set addicts for failure, and how socio-economic class is used against you when you're desperately trying to get yourself out of addiction. However, once Trinity disappears (and leaves behind a room full of blood, that looks like arterial spray), the FBI returns to Eli's town. We find out Trinity had been a reluctant confidential informant for special agent Diaz (DEA) who has been working undercover ever since the previous novel and is also a collaborator of special agent's Masons. Trinity wasn't just a junkie trying to get clean, stuck in a scheme to fraudulently bill health insurance companies while being refused basic treatment; she was also at the heart of a drug trafficking ring, and so much more. And the bigger the stakes got, the smaller the story became. Too. Much. Happened! The cast was small, but they had to run from place to place, which left little room for Eli or Alyssa's character arcs. Their interactions no longer felt natural and heart-felt, they were awkward. We didn't need a shared-cabin trope in this novel. We didn't need the 3rd act conflict that was resolved separately, not by talking it out. We didn't need Allysa's sister in this novel, because she didn't play an important role (yet). We needed a story were the investigation developed organically; instead we had too many leads, so in the second half we hopped ahead again. Worse, characters started drawing conclusions that were NOT the most logical ones, and they didn't consider alternatives. All that blood at the crime scene ended up having an unbelievable story (no, literally, that's not how it works). Cops let suspects go, because they have a change of heart, and even though there are witnesses to that outrages decision, there are no consequences for them. The big bad guy's real name is revealed 75% into the book, and my first question was: who on Earth is this? Turns out he was actually introduced in the first novel, a bit in the beginning and a bit at the end. I will give the author props, when I re-read parts of the first novel, the characters' reaction to the big baddie made sense; but he was so un-memorable, that the revelation in this second novel, where he's no longer mentioned until the last quarter means nothing. Then he's arrested, and although the state didn't have a case against him (they didn't know who he was, and they barely knew how he operated), he's convicted in less than SIX MONTHS??? In our year of the lord 2024-5? No, it's just not what happens. And then the cops, who we're supposed to root for, laugh about the fact that the big-baddie is likely to be killed in prison.
I don't know what happened here. Had the story stuck to the case of health-insurance fraud and the treatment of addicts in recovery, it could have been so tight, so powerful. Instead to me it read like a mess that lost its heart. Eli has some shining moments, when we see him use his therapy lessons to address his persisting PTSD. But he no longer has a clear arc in this story, and his interaction with the other characters feel depleted. I'm sad I can't rate this higher. But the plot really needs to stop hopping around like this. And procedures need to be more accurately depicted. The whole CI part? NONE of it read real. Sorry for being a bit of a downer.
PS: we also need to stop redeeming characters who were terrible throughout the novel by showing them interact lovingly with dogs; Hitler was an animal lover, and look what he did to people? I care that you love animals, but you can still be a piece of garbage. How you treat humans is also telling. So no, a character is not suddenly good because they love dogs.
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