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The Briars
The USA TODAY bestselling author of Middletide returns with a lush and atmospheric novel of suspense following a young woman whose job as a game warden puts her in the path of a murderer in a small town eager to protect its own.
Desperate to escape a relationship gone bad, Annie Heston flees north to accept a job as a game warden in Lake Lumin, a picturesque town in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest.
A cougar has been spotted in the area, and as Annie warns the community of the threat, she quickly discovers that not everyone in the tight-knit town is welcoming of outsiders, except for Daniel Barela, a reclusive carpenter who lives in the shadow of the mountain. They form an instant bond, though Annie soon comes to realize there is more to his past than meets the eye.
When the body of a young woman is found in the briars that border Daniel’s property, the peace Annie has found in Lake Lumin shatters. As she assists the local sheriff with the investigation, Annie must rely on her wilderness training and intuition to find a murderer hiding in plain sight.
Urgent and emotionally complex, The Briars is a captivating literary thriller that marries an exploration of human nature with a plot as thorny and twisted as the brambles for which it is named.
Desperate to escape a relationship gone bad, Annie Heston flees north to accept a job as a game warden in Lake Lumin, a picturesque town in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest.
A cougar has been spotted in the area, and as Annie warns the community of the threat, she quickly discovers that not everyone in the tight-knit town is welcoming of outsiders, except for Daniel Barela, a reclusive carpenter who lives in the shadow of the mountain. They form an instant bond, though Annie soon comes to realize there is more to his past than meets the eye.
When the body of a young woman is found in the briars that border Daniel’s property, the peace Annie has found in Lake Lumin shatters. As she assists the local sheriff with the investigation, Annie must rely on her wilderness training and intuition to find a murderer hiding in plain sight.
Urgent and emotionally complex, The Briars is a captivating literary thriller that marries an exploration of human nature with a plot as thorny and twisted as the brambles for which it is named.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 13, 2026
143 people are currently reading
11855 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Crouch
3 books346 followersSarah Crouch is the USA TODAY Bestselling author of MIDDLETIDE and THE BRIARS, literary thrillers set in the Pacific Northwest where she was raised. She is also known in the world of athletics as a professional marathon runner.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 328 reviews
December 11, 2025
Sarah Crouch takes readers to the small town of Lake Lumin, Washington. This novel is atmospheric and suspenseful as readers get to know the three main characters. Annie Heston is a game warden who has just transferred to this town of less than 1,000 people to get away from her ex-husband. The only police officer in the town is Jake Proudy. They share an office and work closely together. The third main character is Daniel Barela, a person who takes his privacy seriously. This story is a combination of police investigation and game warden activities, with a subplot of a romance.
A cougar has been spotted in the area and Annie warns the community of the threat as she tries to snare it and put a radio collar on it. Meanwhile, the body of a young woman has been found dead in the woods.
Annie is smart, funny, afraid of horses, hates paperwork, and loves to be outdoors in the forest. Jake is friendly with as quick speech and ready laughter. It’s difficult for some of the townspeople to respect his abilities since they’ve known him since he was a baby. Daniel is a handyman, a skeptic, and reclusive. He is also an artist and loves windstorms.
The author did a great of job of building suspense and providing atmosphere. The story is from the points of view of the three main characters, with seamless transitions that worked well for me. My biggest quibble is that while the relationships develop over weeks, readers don’t get a feeling for that transition. A sentence or two may sum up progressions in the relationships over weeks. While there is a twist at the end, I suspected it was coming, and wasn’t extremely surprised by the antagonist. Additionally, some aspects of the ending were somewhat quick and questionable, but wrapped up the story nicely.
Overall, this was a suspenseful, intriguing, and entertaining story with excellent atmosphere. I enjoyed it and would like to read another book by this author.
Atria Books and Sarah Crouch 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 13, 2026.
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My 4.07 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
A cougar has been spotted in the area and Annie warns the community of the threat as she tries to snare it and put a radio collar on it. Meanwhile, the body of a young woman has been found dead in the woods.
Annie is smart, funny, afraid of horses, hates paperwork, and loves to be outdoors in the forest. Jake is friendly with as quick speech and ready laughter. It’s difficult for some of the townspeople to respect his abilities since they’ve known him since he was a baby. Daniel is a handyman, a skeptic, and reclusive. He is also an artist and loves windstorms.
The author did a great of job of building suspense and providing atmosphere. The story is from the points of view of the three main characters, with seamless transitions that worked well for me. My biggest quibble is that while the relationships develop over weeks, readers don’t get a feeling for that transition. A sentence or two may sum up progressions in the relationships over weeks. While there is a twist at the end, I suspected it was coming, and wasn’t extremely surprised by the antagonist. Additionally, some aspects of the ending were somewhat quick and questionable, but wrapped up the story nicely.
Overall, this was a suspenseful, intriguing, and entertaining story with excellent atmosphere. I enjoyed it and would like to read another book by this author.
Atria Books and Sarah Crouch 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 13, 2026.
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My 4.07 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
August 9, 2025
Gripping, atmospheric, mysterious, and wonderfully written, Sarah Crouch delivered with The Briars! I was drawn in by the mystery, the wonderful writing, the vivid descriptions and the intriguing characters! Sarah Crouch won me over with Middletide and took me into the woods again with The Briars. I could almost smell the scent of the leaves, hear the chilling Cougar calls at night, and the sounds of insects, and the sound of oars in the lake water. Make no mistake about it, the outdoors is very much a character in this book. The descriptions of the wilderness and the lake had me wanting to leave my cares behind and go for a long hike in the woods.
After a breakup, Annie Heston moved to the Pacific northwest to accept a job as a game warden in Lake Lumin. As she investigates a Cougar in the area, she finds herself involved in the murder investigation of a young woman whose body was found in the Briars. Annie begins helping Jake Proudy, a friendly and helpful local law enforcement officer, with the murder investigation. She also finds herself drawn to Daniel, a mysterious handsome man whose property is near where the murder victim's body was found.
This was an intriguing and captivating read. I found myself completely invested in the plot after the first chapter. The three main characters of Annie, Jake and Daniel were likeable and very well developed. They mystery kept me on my toes, and I tried my best to solve the care right along with Annie and Jake. I thought Sarah Crouch did a great job with the descriptions in this book. I felt as I was right in the middle of the scenes along with the characters. She also did a great job with setting up the twists, inserting tension, doubt, and danger as the book progressed.
This is Sarah Crouch's second book, and she delivered once again. Her lush descriptions, use of nature, and intriguing characters are her strong points. As with her previous book, Middletide, she has proven that she knows how to expertly use atmosphere in her books. The Briars is a great book which delivers a riveting mystery with a little romance sprinkled in along the way.
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
After a breakup, Annie Heston moved to the Pacific northwest to accept a job as a game warden in Lake Lumin. As she investigates a Cougar in the area, she finds herself involved in the murder investigation of a young woman whose body was found in the Briars. Annie begins helping Jake Proudy, a friendly and helpful local law enforcement officer, with the murder investigation. She also finds herself drawn to Daniel, a mysterious handsome man whose property is near where the murder victim's body was found.
This was an intriguing and captivating read. I found myself completely invested in the plot after the first chapter. The three main characters of Annie, Jake and Daniel were likeable and very well developed. They mystery kept me on my toes, and I tried my best to solve the care right along with Annie and Jake. I thought Sarah Crouch did a great job with the descriptions in this book. I felt as I was right in the middle of the scenes along with the characters. She also did a great job with setting up the twists, inserting tension, doubt, and danger as the book progressed.
This is Sarah Crouch's second book, and she delivered once again. Her lush descriptions, use of nature, and intriguing characters are her strong points. As with her previous book, Middletide, she has proven that she knows how to expertly use atmosphere in her books. The Briars is a great book which delivers a riveting mystery with a little romance sprinkled in along the way.
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
January 8, 2026
Part love story, part murder mystery, and part something hard to describe, The Briars was an immersive experience in the very best way. You see, from the evocative prose to the atmospheric feel, I was quickly and easily drawn into the realistic gossip-hungry small town. That, however, was just the cherry on top of an already dynamite read. Packed full of dark secrets and mysterious pasts, the harrowing start led into a romance for the ages between two believably broken characters. Through their burgeoning love—complete with true-to-life near-misses—we got to see who the two complex narrators were through eye-opening backstories and perfectly timed reveals. Trust me when I say that you’re going to be rooting for them as much as I was. I mean, not only were they compelling and real, but they were endearing as well.
Just when I was swooning over the romance, however, the tension and suspense playing about at the edges of the story caught fire and exploded onto the page. Chill-inducing and haunting but also perfect edge-of-your-seat reading, the twisty plot brought together the echoing beauty of Ms. Crouch’s words with the thrills that I always love. You see, from the halfway point on, there wasn’t a moment of downtime, which easily turned this book into a one-sitting read. Even better? There was plenty of depth to this romantic yet action-packed storyline. Exploring trauma, love, survival, and redemption, I’m sure that I’ll be thinking about this one long after I’ve finished reading. After all, not only was it beyond memorable, but it made me smile with glee from the riveting start until the unguessable conclusion. Rating of 5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Desperate to escape a relationship gone bad, Annie Heston flees north to accept a job as a game warden in Lake Lumin, a picturesque town in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest.
A cougar has been spotted in the area, and as Annie warns the community of the threat, she quickly discovers that not everyone in the tight-knit town is welcoming of outsiders, except for Daniel Barela, a reclusive carpenter who lives in the shadow of the mountain. They form an instant bond, though Annie soon comes to realize there is more to his past than meets the eye.
When the body of a young woman is found in the briars that border Daniel’s property, the peace Annie has found in Lake Lumin shatters. As she assists the local sheriff with the investigation, Annie must rely on her wilderness training and intuition to find a murderer hiding in plain sight.
Thank you Sarah Crouch and Atria Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 13, 2026
Content warning: animal death/injury, child abuse, murder, violence, infidelity, gun violence
Just when I was swooning over the romance, however, the tension and suspense playing about at the edges of the story caught fire and exploded onto the page. Chill-inducing and haunting but also perfect edge-of-your-seat reading, the twisty plot brought together the echoing beauty of Ms. Crouch’s words with the thrills that I always love. You see, from the halfway point on, there wasn’t a moment of downtime, which easily turned this book into a one-sitting read. Even better? There was plenty of depth to this romantic yet action-packed storyline. Exploring trauma, love, survival, and redemption, I’m sure that I’ll be thinking about this one long after I’ve finished reading. After all, not only was it beyond memorable, but it made me smile with glee from the riveting start until the unguessable conclusion. Rating of 5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Desperate to escape a relationship gone bad, Annie Heston flees north to accept a job as a game warden in Lake Lumin, a picturesque town in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest.
A cougar has been spotted in the area, and as Annie warns the community of the threat, she quickly discovers that not everyone in the tight-knit town is welcoming of outsiders, except for Daniel Barela, a reclusive carpenter who lives in the shadow of the mountain. They form an instant bond, though Annie soon comes to realize there is more to his past than meets the eye.
When the body of a young woman is found in the briars that border Daniel’s property, the peace Annie has found in Lake Lumin shatters. As she assists the local sheriff with the investigation, Annie must rely on her wilderness training and intuition to find a murderer hiding in plain sight.
Thank you Sarah Crouch and Atria Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 13, 2026
Content warning: animal death/injury, child abuse, murder, violence, infidelity, gun violence
November 29, 2025
A lush, atmospheric literary thriller set in the misty wilderness of the Pacific Northwest.
After a devastating breakup, game warden Annie Heston takes a job in Lake Lumin, a quiet mountain town surrounded by endless forest settled at the foot of Mount St. Helens, where reports of a cougar sighting stir the community. But when a young woman’s body is discovered, Annie finds herself caught between her duty to protect and the town's wary, insular resistance to outsiders, the line between safety and threat blurring completely. As suspicion among the locals deepens, Annie must use every instinct and bit of training she has to navigate the wilderness - and the darkness within it.
Sarah Crouch's writing is gorgeously atmospheric, capturing the landscape with such precision that her descriptions practically leap of the page. The setting becomes a character in itself - at once beautiful, untamed, and dangerous - reminding me of "The God of the Woods" and "Heartwood", both of which I adored. Annie is a wonderfully grounded, strong, empathetic protagonist I'd love to see again in future novels. The novel's pacing is excellent, and this would have been a five-star red for me if not for the romantic thread that occasionally slows the tension, taking up more space than needed. Still, the combination of vivid atmosphere, emotional depth, and an undercurrent of dread made this a gripping one-sitting read for me.
Moody, immersive, and beautifully written, "The Briars" is a suspenseful meditation on survival, trust, and the suspicions that thrive in the shadows of small towns - a literary thriller steeped in the wild beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Many thanks to Atria Books for providing me with an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
"The Briars" is slated to be released on January 13, 2026.
After a devastating breakup, game warden Annie Heston takes a job in Lake Lumin, a quiet mountain town surrounded by endless forest settled at the foot of Mount St. Helens, where reports of a cougar sighting stir the community. But when a young woman’s body is discovered, Annie finds herself caught between her duty to protect and the town's wary, insular resistance to outsiders, the line between safety and threat blurring completely. As suspicion among the locals deepens, Annie must use every instinct and bit of training she has to navigate the wilderness - and the darkness within it.
Sarah Crouch's writing is gorgeously atmospheric, capturing the landscape with such precision that her descriptions practically leap of the page. The setting becomes a character in itself - at once beautiful, untamed, and dangerous - reminding me of "The God of the Woods" and "Heartwood", both of which I adored. Annie is a wonderfully grounded, strong, empathetic protagonist I'd love to see again in future novels. The novel's pacing is excellent, and this would have been a five-star red for me if not for the romantic thread that occasionally slows the tension, taking up more space than needed. Still, the combination of vivid atmosphere, emotional depth, and an undercurrent of dread made this a gripping one-sitting read for me.
Moody, immersive, and beautifully written, "The Briars" is a suspenseful meditation on survival, trust, and the suspicions that thrive in the shadows of small towns - a literary thriller steeped in the wild beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Many thanks to Atria Books for providing me with an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
"The Briars" is slated to be released on January 13, 2026.
January 13, 2026
HAPPY PUB DAY
Annie Heston transfers as a game warden to Lake Lumin after a terrible breakup. It’s a small town nestled in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest.
Shortly after she arrives, a woman’s body has been found dead. Her body just happens to be on the property of a man who keeps to himself, meet Daniel. Annie and Daniel start to form a bond. Although, he’s definitely hiding some secrets.
This story is a slow burn that’s very atmospheric and features some romance, mystery, and with a literary fiction feel. Her writing is stunning and I could picture the scenes in my mind vividly. Her characterization is excellent, so much so that you care for these characters.
I highly recommend you adding this to your TBR! Thank you to my sweet friend Bibliopeeks for sending me a copy!
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub Date 1/13/26
Annie Heston transfers as a game warden to Lake Lumin after a terrible breakup. It’s a small town nestled in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest.
Shortly after she arrives, a woman’s body has been found dead. Her body just happens to be on the property of a man who keeps to himself, meet Daniel. Annie and Daniel start to form a bond. Although, he’s definitely hiding some secrets.
This story is a slow burn that’s very atmospheric and features some romance, mystery, and with a literary fiction feel. Her writing is stunning and I could picture the scenes in my mind vividly. Her characterization is excellent, so much so that you care for these characters.
I highly recommend you adding this to your TBR! Thank you to my sweet friend Bibliopeeks for sending me a copy!
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub Date 1/13/26
September 20, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
I really liked where this book started out with a game warden going to a new town with this mysterious Lake and her new job. I think when it turned into more of a romance, I started to lose interest. The mystery of the women who were found killed, was left behind. The romance was not believable for me, and I think I struggled to connect with any of the characters. The plot just didn’t work anymore. The writing is definitely atmospheric and beautiful and if you like slow burn books, I do think you would end up liking it.
I really liked where this book started out with a game warden going to a new town with this mysterious Lake and her new job. I think when it turned into more of a romance, I started to lose interest. The mystery of the women who were found killed, was left behind. The romance was not believable for me, and I think I struggled to connect with any of the characters. The plot just didn’t work anymore. The writing is definitely atmospheric and beautiful and if you like slow burn books, I do think you would end up liking it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2026
After reading almost this entire book and enjoying the main characters, Annie the game warden, Daniel the reclusive artist and Jake the local law enforcement officer I couldn't wait for the ending.
Being a big fan of character development I felt the author did a great job of it.
Secondly I was totally invested in the storyline and also the very immersive prose Crouch used to serve it up to us.
And then...
the end came. The solution to the murder mystery was served up. It came out of nowhere. She didn't even drop enough in the storyline to know anything at all about the murderer.
Even though I didn't drop who it was I still had to call it a spoiler which is appropriate because the book was spoiled with the ending which seemed to be grabbed out of thin air.
Liking her gift for words I most likely will give her another shot.
Being a big fan of character development I felt the author did a great job of it.
Secondly I was totally invested in the storyline and also the very immersive prose Crouch used to serve it up to us.
And then...
the end came. The solution to the murder mystery was served up. It came out of nowhere. She didn't even drop enough in the storyline to know anything at all about the murderer.
Even though I didn't drop who it was I still had to call it a spoiler which is appropriate because the book was spoiled with the ending which seemed to be grabbed out of thin air.
Liking her gift for words I most likely will give her another shot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2025
Thank you so much to Atria for the gifted book!
Sarah Crouch's debut book, Middletide, absolutely stole my heart last year and was my favorite book of the year. I jumped on the opportunity to read THE BRIARS the first chance I had! There's no "sophomore slump" here at all; it's either equal with or better than Middletide!
My best advice going into this book would be to not put it in a box. as it almost defies a genre label. I wouldn't dare put the main character Annie Heston in a box either! A female game warden who isn't intimated by any creature human or otherwise. She spends her days chasing cougars and other wildlife, but when she happens upon dead body, her focus shifts dramatically.
This book truly has it all: gorgeous writing, beautiful PNW scenery, mysterious characters, small town secrets, murders, romance, etc.
I'm so glad I read it early, but also so sad that now I'm back to waiting for a new Sarah Crouch book!
You absolutely won't want to miss this one when it comes out in January!
Sarah Crouch's debut book, Middletide, absolutely stole my heart last year and was my favorite book of the year. I jumped on the opportunity to read THE BRIARS the first chance I had! There's no "sophomore slump" here at all; it's either equal with or better than Middletide!
My best advice going into this book would be to not put it in a box. as it almost defies a genre label. I wouldn't dare put the main character Annie Heston in a box either! A female game warden who isn't intimated by any creature human or otherwise. She spends her days chasing cougars and other wildlife, but when she happens upon dead body, her focus shifts dramatically.
This book truly has it all: gorgeous writing, beautiful PNW scenery, mysterious characters, small town secrets, murders, romance, etc.
I'm so glad I read it early, but also so sad that now I'm back to waiting for a new Sarah Crouch book!
You absolutely won't want to miss this one when it comes out in January!
January 17, 2026
4.5 stars. 🎧
November 6, 2025
OMG — when I finished *The Briars*, that was all I could say! Once I hit the halfway point, I couldn’t stop reading. I didn’t see the killer coming, and I loved that the story mixed mystery, tension, and even a little happiness at the end. Sarah Crouch did an amazing job with this one!
December 10, 2025
The Briars started off well for me, as kind of a wilderness adventure-murder mystery, but I found myself becoming more disengaged with the plot as the book went on.
The protagonist is Annie Heston, who has recently relocated to Lake Lumin, a picturesque mountain town in the Pacific Northwest. Annie is a game warden and sets to work right away, tracking a cougar that’s been spotted in the area – but she soon finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. In a town of strangers where everyone has secrets, Annie must figure out who she can trust before it’s too late.
In The Briars, Sarah Crouch brings the Pacific Northwest completely to life with lush, vivid descriptions of the forests, lakes, and mountains for which the area is known. It’s so atmospheric that I felt completely transported, walking the trails alongside Annie. As for Annie herself, she’s a sympathetic character with a strong growth arc – a bit naïve and reckless, but still likeable.
Where the book started to fall apart for me was in some of Crouch’s plot choices. What started as a small-town police investigation, rooted in nature and human behavior in an insular community, became something else entirely. The genre shift to romance was honestly unwelcome. I wanted to the focus to remain on the murder victims and investigation, but instead it became a study in romantic angst complete with my least favorite trope in all of fiction: the miscommunication trope. Seriously, people, have one tough conversation! I also couldn’t get myself invested in the romance because it felt like insta-love; although the plot is slow-burning, it didn’t include that gradual build-up of romantic tension, that wonderful “will they or won’t they?” that simmers until it overflows.
In the end, the thriller aspects felt secondary to the romance – and since I didn’t completely buy into the attraction between the characters, it fell flat for me. Thank you to Atria Books for the early reading opportunity.
The protagonist is Annie Heston, who has recently relocated to Lake Lumin, a picturesque mountain town in the Pacific Northwest. Annie is a game warden and sets to work right away, tracking a cougar that’s been spotted in the area – but she soon finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. In a town of strangers where everyone has secrets, Annie must figure out who she can trust before it’s too late.
In The Briars, Sarah Crouch brings the Pacific Northwest completely to life with lush, vivid descriptions of the forests, lakes, and mountains for which the area is known. It’s so atmospheric that I felt completely transported, walking the trails alongside Annie. As for Annie herself, she’s a sympathetic character with a strong growth arc – a bit naïve and reckless, but still likeable.
Where the book started to fall apart for me was in some of Crouch’s plot choices. What started as a small-town police investigation, rooted in nature and human behavior in an insular community, became something else entirely. The genre shift to romance was honestly unwelcome. I wanted to the focus to remain on the murder victims and investigation, but instead it became a study in romantic angst complete with my least favorite trope in all of fiction: the miscommunication trope. Seriously, people, have one tough conversation! I also couldn’t get myself invested in the romance because it felt like insta-love; although the plot is slow-burning, it didn’t include that gradual build-up of romantic tension, that wonderful “will they or won’t they?” that simmers until it overflows.
In the end, the thriller aspects felt secondary to the romance – and since I didn’t completely buy into the attraction between the characters, it fell flat for me. Thank you to Atria Books for the early reading opportunity.
December 4, 2025
Thank you @atriabooks #partner for the gifted copy of this book!
OOOH…this is my second book by Sarah Crouch and let me tell you her books are a VIBE. She has this way of writing slow, creepy, eerie suspense that worms its way under your skin and before you even realize it you’re knee deep in a small town mystery that grabs hold and refuses to let go.
I was a big fan of Middletide because of its atmospheric small town setting and The Briars gives you that same moody feel except this time it had an extra layer of wilderness and nature woven in. Let’s just say there is a focus on cougars which just so happen to be one of the animals I’m most scared about. I’ll chalk that up to too many “I shouldn’t have survived shows.” Anywho, Crouch’s descriptions are so vivid that I genuinely felt like I was out in the forest, tracking animals, studying scat and footprints, and trying not to become the one being hunted. The immersion was real.
This story is part crime mystery, part suspense, part procedural and all around deeply intriguing. I never felt my attention drift. I also really loved the subtle and unsuspecting romance tucked into the story. It added just the right touch of warmth to balance the tension. Our main character was also pretty darn smart and determined which made it easy to get behind!
If you loved Middletide, this one absolutely follows in its footsteps. The descriptions are lush, the atmosphere is thick and easy to envision and the whole book just sinks into your bones. I simply loved it!
OOOH…this is my second book by Sarah Crouch and let me tell you her books are a VIBE. She has this way of writing slow, creepy, eerie suspense that worms its way under your skin and before you even realize it you’re knee deep in a small town mystery that grabs hold and refuses to let go.
I was a big fan of Middletide because of its atmospheric small town setting and The Briars gives you that same moody feel except this time it had an extra layer of wilderness and nature woven in. Let’s just say there is a focus on cougars which just so happen to be one of the animals I’m most scared about. I’ll chalk that up to too many “I shouldn’t have survived shows.” Anywho, Crouch’s descriptions are so vivid that I genuinely felt like I was out in the forest, tracking animals, studying scat and footprints, and trying not to become the one being hunted. The immersion was real.
This story is part crime mystery, part suspense, part procedural and all around deeply intriguing. I never felt my attention drift. I also really loved the subtle and unsuspecting romance tucked into the story. It added just the right touch of warmth to balance the tension. Our main character was also pretty darn smart and determined which made it easy to get behind!
If you loved Middletide, this one absolutely follows in its footsteps. The descriptions are lush, the atmosphere is thick and easy to envision and the whole book just sinks into your bones. I simply loved it!
January 21, 2026
This was such a great audiobook. I really loved the mystery and the lush PNW setting. Annie starts a new job as a game warden in Lake Lumen. In the mountains of the PNW. When she happens to come across a dead body, things take on a new direction! This isn't necessarily a “thriller” but the mystery with the murders definitely keeps you invested. There's even some romance, and small town vibes that just added to it. A really atmospheric book that I was totally into. The audiobook narration was excellent.
Thank you to the publisher, and librofm for the gifted copy and audiobook. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher, and librofm for the gifted copy and audiobook. All opinions are my own.
October 5, 2025
After Middletide and now The Briars, I've discovered that I really enjoy this author's writing. The story was compelling and the descriptions were engaging. I'll be honest, the setting is what drew me into this book and thankfully it didn't disappoint. I'll continue to read this author in the future. I also appreciated the competency of the FMC and the creeping, ominous tone that this book had.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
January 13, 2026
Sarah Crouch's latest novel, THE BRIARS, is an evocative literary thriller that immerses readers in the hauntingly beautiful yet mysterious landscape of Lake Lumin. The story unfolds through the eyes of game warden Annie Heston, who is drawn into the depths of a chilling murder investigation that shakes the foundations of this small, tightly-knit community.
As whispers of suspicion surround the enigmatic recluse, Daniel Barela, Annie must navigate the town's secrets and shadows, unraveling a web of intrigue that threatens to consume her as she delves deeper into the chilling truths hidden within the briars of this fascinating locale.
About...
Annie Heston moves to the picturesque, remote town of Lake Lumin, in the Pacific Northwest, to start a new life and a new job as a game warden following a difficult breakup and a failed marriage.
Upon arrival, one of Annie's first duties is to track a cougar that has been spotted in the area and warn the local residents of the danger.
During her patrols, she meets Daniel Barela, a reclusive carpenter who lives in a house near the edge of the woods and is unwelcoming to outsiders.
A young woman's body is discovered in the briars that border Daniel's property. Although the cause of death is initially suspected to be a cougar attack, the coroner's report reveals she was strangled.
Annie assists the local sheriff, Jake Proudy, with the investigation, using her wilderness training and intuition. Despite the town's suspicions and Daniel's reclusiveness, Annie forms an instant bond with him and starts to believe he is not the murderer.
A second woman is found murdered, and the evidence points toward Daniel, increasing the town's suspicion and testing Annie's trust in him.
The novel builds tension as Annie must rely on her instincts to find the real murderer, who is hiding in plain sight. The story culminates in a dramatic ending with a jaw-dropping twist that reveals the true killer's identity.
The central characters include a trio of individuals whose lives intersect during a murder investigation in the fictional town of Lake Lumin.
My thoughts...
In her latest enthralling novel, THE BRIARS, Crouch weaves a mesmerizing tapestry of atmospheric suspense and profound emotional resonance, much like her acclaimed work, Middletide. The narrative follows Annie, a resilient protagonist who expertly navigates the wilderness, employing her unique skills to peel back the layers of secrecy shrouding her close-knit community. Here, in this seemingly idyllic setting, the true menace may lurk amidst familiar faces, hiding in plain sight.
The title, THE BRIARS, serves not only as a vivid landscape but also as a rich metaphor, encapsulating the intricate themes woven throughout the story. It evokes a sense of entanglement and complexity, mirroring the challenges Annie faces as she seeks to illuminate the darkness that envelops her world.
The novel masterfully employs vivid imagery to delve into the complexities of secrets and suspicions, portraying them as sharp and treacherous as a dense thicket that one must cautiously navigate.
Themes of trust and betrayal weave through the narrative, accompanied by an unsettling obsession and a web of small-town secrets. The author skillfully harnesses misdirection, leading readers on a thrilling journey toward a twisty ending that promises to leave them utterly shocked.
The setting is its own character, using the "lush and majestic" wilderness of the Washington mountains—complete with misty forests and damp evergreen scents—to mirror the story's emotional weight and rising tension.
The narrative skillfully explores interconnected themes:
The takeaway is a meditation on survival, trust, and the elusive nature of peace. Annie must trust her own instincts and intuition. The story explores that even the most picturesque and isolated locations, like Lake Lumin, cannot fully shield an individual from human darkness, exploring the lengths a small-town community will go to protect its own.
The usage of beautiful motifs and symbols draws parallels between the untamed Pacific Northwest wilderness and the "treacherous landscape" of human nature.
Recs...
I highly recommend the author's work, and if you enjoy atmospheric tension, small-town secrets, and a strong female protagonist like that of Sarah Crouch's The Briars, check out the following:
~Middletide by Sarah Crouch
~Wildwood by Amy Pease
~Descent by Tim Johnston
~The Nature of Disappearing by Kimi Cunningham Grant
~Where He Left Me by Nicole Baart
~The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
~Heartwood by Amity Gaige
~The Overnight Guest by Heather Gudenkauf:
Special thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for sharing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Jan 13, 2026
Jan Newsletter
As whispers of suspicion surround the enigmatic recluse, Daniel Barela, Annie must navigate the town's secrets and shadows, unraveling a web of intrigue that threatens to consume her as she delves deeper into the chilling truths hidden within the briars of this fascinating locale.
About...
Annie Heston moves to the picturesque, remote town of Lake Lumin, in the Pacific Northwest, to start a new life and a new job as a game warden following a difficult breakup and a failed marriage.
Upon arrival, one of Annie's first duties is to track a cougar that has been spotted in the area and warn the local residents of the danger.
During her patrols, she meets Daniel Barela, a reclusive carpenter who lives in a house near the edge of the woods and is unwelcoming to outsiders.
A young woman's body is discovered in the briars that border Daniel's property. Although the cause of death is initially suspected to be a cougar attack, the coroner's report reveals she was strangled.
Annie assists the local sheriff, Jake Proudy, with the investigation, using her wilderness training and intuition. Despite the town's suspicions and Daniel's reclusiveness, Annie forms an instant bond with him and starts to believe he is not the murderer.
A second woman is found murdered, and the evidence points toward Daniel, increasing the town's suspicion and testing Annie's trust in him.
The novel builds tension as Annie must rely on her instincts to find the real murderer, who is hiding in plain sight. The story culminates in a dramatic ending with a jaw-dropping twist that reveals the true killer's identity.
The central characters include a trio of individuals whose lives intersect during a murder investigation in the fictional town of Lake Lumin.
Main Characters
~Annie Heston:
A former Oregon game warden who relocates to Lake Lumin, Washington, to escape a failed marriage. She is portrayed as smart, outdoorsy, and resilient, though emotionally wounded by her past. In her new role, she uses her wilderness training to help investigate the town's murders while tracking a local cougar.
~Daniel Barela (Nico):
A reclusive, young carpenter and artist living on the edge of town. He becomes a prime suspect when a body is found near his property. He eventually reveals to Annie that his real name is Nico and that he faked his death as a teenager to escape an abusive stepfather.)
~Jake Proudy:
The friendly local sheriff who shares an office with Annie. He is known for his quick speech and ready laughter, though many townspeople struggle to respect his authority because they have known him since he was an infant.
Minor Characters
~The First Victim:
A young woman is discovered strangled in the briars near Daniel’s property, whose death is initially mistaken for a cougar attack.
~The Second Victim:
Another woman whose murder further implicates Daniel before the true killer is revealed.
My thoughts...
In her latest enthralling novel, THE BRIARS, Crouch weaves a mesmerizing tapestry of atmospheric suspense and profound emotional resonance, much like her acclaimed work, Middletide. The narrative follows Annie, a resilient protagonist who expertly navigates the wilderness, employing her unique skills to peel back the layers of secrecy shrouding her close-knit community. Here, in this seemingly idyllic setting, the true menace may lurk amidst familiar faces, hiding in plain sight.
The title, THE BRIARS, serves not only as a vivid landscape but also as a rich metaphor, encapsulating the intricate themes woven throughout the story. It evokes a sense of entanglement and complexity, mirroring the challenges Annie faces as she seeks to illuminate the darkness that envelops her world.
~Literal Crime Scene: Entangled in briars
~A "Thorny and Twisted" Plot: Red herrings, hidden pasts, and the intricate, non-linear way the mystery unfolds.
~Symbolism of Life’s Hardships: The briars. Annie moves to a remote area to heal & finds herself involved in a dangerous investigation.
~The Nature of Human Nature: Treacherous landscape found both in the wild Pacific Northwest and within the human heart.
The novel masterfully employs vivid imagery to delve into the complexities of secrets and suspicions, portraying them as sharp and treacherous as a dense thicket that one must cautiously navigate.
Themes of trust and betrayal weave through the narrative, accompanied by an unsettling obsession and a web of small-town secrets. The author skillfully harnesses misdirection, leading readers on a thrilling journey toward a twisty ending that promises to leave them utterly shocked.
The setting is its own character, using the "lush and majestic" wilderness of the Washington mountains—complete with misty forests and damp evergreen scents—to mirror the story's emotional weight and rising tension.
The narrative skillfully explores interconnected themes:
~Isolation and "Small-Town" Insularity
~Healing and Second Chances
~Trust and Self-Reliance
~The Beauty and Danger of the Natural World
~Confronting the Past
The takeaway is a meditation on survival, trust, and the elusive nature of peace. Annie must trust her own instincts and intuition. The story explores that even the most picturesque and isolated locations, like Lake Lumin, cannot fully shield an individual from human darkness, exploring the lengths a small-town community will go to protect its own.
The usage of beautiful motifs and symbols draws parallels between the untamed Pacific Northwest wilderness and the "treacherous landscape" of human nature.
~The Briars
~The Cougar
~Mount St. Helens
~The "Pilot Light" of Hope
~Daniel's Carpentry and Art
~The Pacific Northwest Wilderness
Recs...
I highly recommend the author's work, and if you enjoy atmospheric tension, small-town secrets, and a strong female protagonist like that of Sarah Crouch's The Briars, check out the following:
~Middletide by Sarah Crouch
~Wildwood by Amy Pease
~Descent by Tim Johnston
~The Nature of Disappearing by Kimi Cunningham Grant
~Where He Left Me by Nicole Baart
~The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
~Heartwood by Amity Gaige
~The Overnight Guest by Heather Gudenkauf:
Special thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for sharing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Jan 13, 2026
Jan Newsletter
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
RTC
*many thanks to Atria Books and S&S audio and librofm for the gifted copy for review
*many thanks to Atria Books and S&S audio and librofm for the gifted copy for review
January 20, 2026
Annie is starting a new life as a game warden in Lake Lumin in the Pacific Northwest. She is staying above the garage of Jake’s parents. Jake is her “partner” and the only cop in town. A young woman was found murdered. A wild cougar is settling around the lake. And Annie is tracking it through the home of Daniel, a 23 year old recluse that Jake fishes with on weekends. Soon Annie and Daniel are romantically involved but she knows that Daniel has a secret past that no one knows about, not even Jake.
I adored tearing through this book, I loved the structure and the way there were interlocking mysteries. This is incredibly well
Paced because the small secrets and things to learn came perfectly and kept my interest and was quite intriguing. I also adored the setting- it’s a very vibey setting with hunting and forest and wild animals and small town. The descriptions were really vivid, I loved it. The only thing I didn’t love was the ending/big reveal - to me a letdown and I don’t want to spoil to say WHY I didn’t like the end. Other than that I thought it was going to be a top 10 suspense novel of 2026. (Maybe it still will be!?)
Three adjectives to describe the main character (Annie)- determined. Clever. Truthful.
Favorite character- Jake.
Hollywood cast
Annie- Jenna Ortega
Daniel- Dave Franco
Jamie- McKenna Grace
Jake- Joe Keery
I adored tearing through this book, I loved the structure and the way there were interlocking mysteries. This is incredibly well
Paced because the small secrets and things to learn came perfectly and kept my interest and was quite intriguing. I also adored the setting- it’s a very vibey setting with hunting and forest and wild animals and small town. The descriptions were really vivid, I loved it. The only thing I didn’t love was the ending/big reveal - to me a letdown and I don’t want to spoil to say WHY I didn’t like the end. Other than that I thought it was going to be a top 10 suspense novel of 2026. (Maybe it still will be!?)
Three adjectives to describe the main character (Annie)- determined. Clever. Truthful.
Favorite character- Jake.
Hollywood cast
Annie- Jenna Ortega
Daniel- Dave Franco
Jamie- McKenna Grace
Jake- Joe Keery
January 14, 2026
Atmospheric, thrilling, and engaging. Is “The Briars” the first must read thriller of 2026?
Set in the damp, wooded edges of Lake Lumin beneath Mount St. Helens, this novel follows Annie, a newly hired game warden trying to settle into a tight-knit mountain town already on edge. Cougar sightings have everyone nervous, but when a young woman is found dead near a local loner’s property, it quickly becomes clear that the threat in the forest isn’t just wildlife. What begins as an investigation rooted in nature and land management slides into something far darker.
The setting is one of the book’s greatest strengths. The Pacific Northwest feels ever-present—fog, trees, and isolation shaping both the mood and the people who live there. Annie is a strong, grounded lead: observant, capable, and believable in her role, without feeling overpolished. The story moves comfortably between small-town suspicion and procedural work, and the mystery unfolds in a way that kept me guessing. When the truth finally came out, it surprised me without feeling cheap or random…even if it wrapped up pretty quickly thereafter.
There is a romantic subplot woven in, though it felt more optional than essential. The story wouldn’t have lost anything if it had been removed, but it also doesn’t derail the larger narrative. Overall, this is a sharp, well-written suspense novel with a strong sense of place and a lead character who can easily carry more stories.
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for the ARC.
Set in the damp, wooded edges of Lake Lumin beneath Mount St. Helens, this novel follows Annie, a newly hired game warden trying to settle into a tight-knit mountain town already on edge. Cougar sightings have everyone nervous, but when a young woman is found dead near a local loner’s property, it quickly becomes clear that the threat in the forest isn’t just wildlife. What begins as an investigation rooted in nature and land management slides into something far darker.
The setting is one of the book’s greatest strengths. The Pacific Northwest feels ever-present—fog, trees, and isolation shaping both the mood and the people who live there. Annie is a strong, grounded lead: observant, capable, and believable in her role, without feeling overpolished. The story moves comfortably between small-town suspicion and procedural work, and the mystery unfolds in a way that kept me guessing. When the truth finally came out, it surprised me without feeling cheap or random…even if it wrapped up pretty quickly thereafter.
There is a romantic subplot woven in, though it felt more optional than essential. The story wouldn’t have lost anything if it had been removed, but it also doesn’t derail the larger narrative. Overall, this is a sharp, well-written suspense novel with a strong sense of place and a lead character who can easily carry more stories.
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for the ARC.
November 17, 2025
⛰️ ARC BOOK REVIEW ⛰️
PUB DATE: Jan 13th 2026
My Rating : ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ 3 Wooded Stars
If you’re looking for a book set in the Pacific Northwest, with atmospheric vibes and a woman trying to start a new life for herself but caught in the cross fires of murder and cougar sightings..then this is a book for you 👀
Annie is a smart young woman who is running from her past and is taking on a position as game warden in Lake Lumin.
When a body is found In the Forest Annie finds herself assisting the local sheriff in the investigation and she must rely on her wilderness skills to stay alive and ahead of murderer …who could be hiding in plain sight 😳
This one I really wanted to love but sadly for me this one did not butter my biscuit. I found it very slow 🐌 and repetitive and I figured out who the killer was way too early so when everything came to ahead , there was no element of surprise or leaving me breathless.
I do think others will really enjoy this one , but I just wasn’t blown away .
Thank you NetGalley , Atria Books and Sarah Crouch for this enchanting ARC !
PUB DATE: Jan 13th 2026
My Rating : ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ 3 Wooded Stars
If you’re looking for a book set in the Pacific Northwest, with atmospheric vibes and a woman trying to start a new life for herself but caught in the cross fires of murder and cougar sightings..then this is a book for you 👀
Annie is a smart young woman who is running from her past and is taking on a position as game warden in Lake Lumin.
When a body is found In the Forest Annie finds herself assisting the local sheriff in the investigation and she must rely on her wilderness skills to stay alive and ahead of murderer …who could be hiding in plain sight 😳
This one I really wanted to love but sadly for me this one did not butter my biscuit. I found it very slow 🐌 and repetitive and I figured out who the killer was way too early so when everything came to ahead , there was no element of surprise or leaving me breathless.
I do think others will really enjoy this one , but I just wasn’t blown away .
Thank you NetGalley , Atria Books and Sarah Crouch for this enchanting ARC !
December 17, 2025
Thank you Atria Books & NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Oh my gosh, Sarah Crouch you are inching your way up to become one of my favorite authors. I was only able to read the first 50% over a few days, but I could not put the last half down this evening. I was on the edge of my seat and did not expect that twist at all!
Daniel’s story was heartbreakingly beautiful and I am so glad he got his happy ending. Set in the mountains of the PNW, this book was full of love, thrills, well-written characters and beautiful scenery. I highly recommend picking this up when it publishes on January 13th!
Oh my gosh, Sarah Crouch you are inching your way up to become one of my favorite authors. I was only able to read the first 50% over a few days, but I could not put the last half down this evening. I was on the edge of my seat and did not expect that twist at all!
Daniel’s story was heartbreakingly beautiful and I am so glad he got his happy ending. Set in the mountains of the PNW, this book was full of love, thrills, well-written characters and beautiful scenery. I highly recommend picking this up when it publishes on January 13th!
September 6, 2025
This sophomore novel delivered just what I needed going into the fall season. Fans of Middletide will love Sarah Crouch’s latest that takes place in a small picturesque Washington town off the Pacific Northwest coast, Lake Lumin. The story follows Annie, the new game warden in town who is searching for a new start after things fall apart in her marriage. She partners up with the town sheriff, Jake, and what starts out as one suspected murder turns into two. Crouch’s character development and the scenic imagery she paints across each page draws the reader in from page one. This beautifully written book brought mystery, suspense, and a story of redemption. I truly enjoyed it and have added Sarah Crouch to my must read author list!
Thank you Atria Books, NetGalley, and Sarah Crouch for this advanced copy of The Briars!
Thank you Atria Books, NetGalley, and Sarah Crouch for this advanced copy of The Briars!
October 17, 2025
I’ve come to expect nothing less than fully immersive; atmospheric and intriguing novels from Sarah Crouch.
If you enjoyed middletide then it’s practically a given you will enjoy this book. I actually found I liked this book even more than the previous one!
If you enjoy tense, small town scenarios with a side of murder and slow burn then settle in for a moody and evocative read.
Disclaimer: This book was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
If you enjoyed middletide then it’s practically a given you will enjoy this book. I actually found I liked this book even more than the previous one!
If you enjoy tense, small town scenarios with a side of murder and slow burn then settle in for a moody and evocative read.
Disclaimer: This book was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
January 21, 2026
3.5 stars
I’m of two minds about this book. I enjoyed the mystery elements, but the story is mostly focused on our two main characters working through past trauma as they come together and develop a romance. Unfortunately, that romance didn’t really work for me. It felt very much like insta-love, with not enough development to make it convincing. Even though their relationship is crucial to how the second murder unfolds, I never fully bought into it.
The story also felt somewhat disjointed. The first murder is resolved pretty quickly and then we’re suddenly dealing with a second, seemingly unrelated one. At least the murderer wasn’t predictable, though the reveal came out of left field. That said, I do think the book is well-written and I liked the introspective moments with the characters. Still, since so much of the story hinges on the central relationship, it ultimately fell flat for me. Overall, I was entertained, but the romance was a miss.
I’m of two minds about this book. I enjoyed the mystery elements, but the story is mostly focused on our two main characters working through past trauma as they come together and develop a romance. Unfortunately, that romance didn’t really work for me. It felt very much like insta-love, with not enough development to make it convincing. Even though their relationship is crucial to how the second murder unfolds, I never fully bought into it.
The story also felt somewhat disjointed. The first murder is resolved pretty quickly and then we’re suddenly dealing with a second, seemingly unrelated one. At least the murderer wasn’t predictable, though the reveal came out of left field. That said, I do think the book is well-written and I liked the introspective moments with the characters. Still, since so much of the story hinges on the central relationship, it ultimately fell flat for me. Overall, I was entertained, but the romance was a miss.
September 7, 2025
The Briars was atmospheric and tense, but not a psychological thriller which is a nice change of pace. The setting really made it special for me- Pacific Northwest at its best. The main character, Annie, was a badass women with a gun which I enjoyed. I did not guess the ending at all- definitely a lot of false leads so I wasn't sure until the reveal. Thoroughly enjoyed this one!
Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC!
Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC!
September 18, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this novel! Wow, this read had me hooked. It was tense, fast paced, and it felt like you got to know the characters well. I did not see the twist coming and was so happy with the way the ending turned out.
One of my favorite books I've read thus far & I wish I could reread it again for the first time. Looking forward to many more reads by this author.
One of my favorite books I've read thus far & I wish I could reread it again for the first time. Looking forward to many more reads by this author.
July 30, 2025
The Briars is exactly the type of mystery I enjoy. Lots of twists and turns along the way and a classic mystery plot rather than a psychological thriller. This will be an easy book to recommend, just like Sarah’s debut, Middletide.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the advanced reader copy!
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the advanced reader copy!
July 29, 2025
Imagine a lone canoe gliding along a moonlit mountain lake leaving bioluminescent blue streaks in its wake. The occupants are newly-met strangers, yet uncomfortably attracted to each other in a way neither understands, and they are trying to find the source of scream that sounds like a woman screaming bloody murder.
After her spectacular debut “Middletide,” Sarah Crouch again brings us back to a memorable isolated patch of woods filled with dead bodies and unusual characters and it’s as mysterious and satisfying as her first novel.
Game warden Annie Weston, escaping a toxic relationship back in Bend, Oregon, has resettled in tiny Lake Lumin on the untouched side of Mount St. Helens in the Pacific Northwest. The briars surrounding the town are filled with territorial cougars, surprisingly young loners, and the discovery of a body that might have fallen, been attacked by the elusive large cat, or strangled. Annie has the help of Jake Proudy, her jack-of-all-trades law enforcement local guy to investigate, but she’s intrigued by Daniel, the twenty-something survivalist who surrounds himself with a small fortune in “No Trespassing” signs and an unknown past. In return, Daniel finds himself intrigued by Annie.
“The Briars” bears a lot of similarities to “Middletide”: small town, a mysterious death, the loner in the woods, investigators with heavy hearts seeking justice, a tentative love story. And it works again. I had an unsettling appreciation of “Middletide’s” main characters, but I was truly invested in Annie, Daniel and Jake in this novel. The author’s character development has blossomed and we get another great book from Sarah Crouch. If you liked “Middletide,” you’ll love “The Briars”; if you were hesitant about the first book, be swept away by a grander atmospheric tale. 5 stars!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Daniel has apple green eyes with warm brown around the pupils, Annie has hazel eyes, and Walt has green eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO Crouch’s descriptions of the lush beauty of the wooded areas of the Pacific Northwest are unparalleled.
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
After her spectacular debut “Middletide,” Sarah Crouch again brings us back to a memorable isolated patch of woods filled with dead bodies and unusual characters and it’s as mysterious and satisfying as her first novel.
Game warden Annie Weston, escaping a toxic relationship back in Bend, Oregon, has resettled in tiny Lake Lumin on the untouched side of Mount St. Helens in the Pacific Northwest. The briars surrounding the town are filled with territorial cougars, surprisingly young loners, and the discovery of a body that might have fallen, been attacked by the elusive large cat, or strangled. Annie has the help of Jake Proudy, her jack-of-all-trades law enforcement local guy to investigate, but she’s intrigued by Daniel, the twenty-something survivalist who surrounds himself with a small fortune in “No Trespassing” signs and an unknown past. In return, Daniel finds himself intrigued by Annie.
“The Briars” bears a lot of similarities to “Middletide”: small town, a mysterious death, the loner in the woods, investigators with heavy hearts seeking justice, a tentative love story. And it works again. I had an unsettling appreciation of “Middletide’s” main characters, but I was truly invested in Annie, Daniel and Jake in this novel. The author’s character development has blossomed and we get another great book from Sarah Crouch. If you liked “Middletide,” you’ll love “The Briars”; if you were hesitant about the first book, be swept away by a grander atmospheric tale. 5 stars!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Daniel has apple green eyes with warm brown around the pupils, Annie has hazel eyes, and Walt has green eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO Crouch’s descriptions of the lush beauty of the wooded areas of the Pacific Northwest are unparalleled.
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
January 6, 2026
The Briars by Sarah Crouch
Narrators: Shaun Taylor-Corbett, Helen Laser, Jonathan Todd Ross
Rating: 4.5 stars
Pub date: 1/13
Thank you so much to Atria for my free book and to Simon Audio for my complimentary audiobook.
After a bad breakup, Annie Heston heads to the Pacific Northwest for a fresh start, taking a job as a game warden in the small mountain town of Lake Lumin. It’s quiet and beautiful, but not nearly as peaceful as it looks. When a cougar is spotted in the area, and a young woman’s body is later found tangled in the briars near a local property, Annie’s new beginning takes a dark turn fast.
As Annie gets pulled into the investigation, she teams up with Jake Proudy, a friendly and dependable local law enforcement officer, while also growing closer to Daniel Barela, a mysterious carpenter whose land sits close to where the body was found. With a town that’s wary of outsiders and secrets hiding just beneath the surface, Annie has to trust her instincts and her wilderness training to figure out who she can really trust.
This book had me hooked from the start! I love the tone, the setting, and the tension right away. The wilderness feels incredibly alive here, from the terrifying cougar calls at night to the peaceful sounds of the lake and forest. The writing is vivid without being overdone, and it really makes you feel like you’re right there with the characters.
Intriguing, tense, and beautifully written, The Briars was perfect on audio. I loved the full-cast narration and the way the narrators brought all the characters to life.
If you love moody settings, strong characters, and a mystery that keeps you guessing, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Narrators: Shaun Taylor-Corbett, Helen Laser, Jonathan Todd Ross
Rating: 4.5 stars
Pub date: 1/13
Thank you so much to Atria for my free book and to Simon Audio for my complimentary audiobook.
After a bad breakup, Annie Heston heads to the Pacific Northwest for a fresh start, taking a job as a game warden in the small mountain town of Lake Lumin. It’s quiet and beautiful, but not nearly as peaceful as it looks. When a cougar is spotted in the area, and a young woman’s body is later found tangled in the briars near a local property, Annie’s new beginning takes a dark turn fast.
As Annie gets pulled into the investigation, she teams up with Jake Proudy, a friendly and dependable local law enforcement officer, while also growing closer to Daniel Barela, a mysterious carpenter whose land sits close to where the body was found. With a town that’s wary of outsiders and secrets hiding just beneath the surface, Annie has to trust her instincts and her wilderness training to figure out who she can really trust.
This book had me hooked from the start! I love the tone, the setting, and the tension right away. The wilderness feels incredibly alive here, from the terrifying cougar calls at night to the peaceful sounds of the lake and forest. The writing is vivid without being overdone, and it really makes you feel like you’re right there with the characters.
Intriguing, tense, and beautifully written, The Briars was perfect on audio. I loved the full-cast narration and the way the narrators brought all the characters to life.
If you love moody settings, strong characters, and a mystery that keeps you guessing, this one is definitely worth picking up.
September 16, 2025
First, I think I must say it upfront: this book is a literary suspense/mistery, not a thriller! Do not go into this book expecting an action-packed thriller.
THE BRIARS is a slowburn character-driven literary suspense novel with a beautiful, immersive, and very atmospheric writing. The way Crouch describes the people in this small community, the nature of that space, the interactions and the dynamics the characters have among them is stunning. Sure, the reader will be caught in the mystery of who the killer is and why they did what they've done. But I'd say this story is not simply about finding out the identity of the murderer, and their motivations, but mostly to be part of that small community. To be a witness in their daily lives.
Last year I read this author's previous and debut novel, Middletide, and I loved it so much that it became my top favourite mystery book of 2024. So, I was naturally very eager and excited to read Crouch's second novel and, for me, she did not disappoint. Personally, I still prefer Middletide, but The Briars is an exceptionally atmospheric novel with both likable and unlikable characters, easy to relate to and root for, and a mystery that will grasp your attention very easily.
There are some tropes here that the author used in Middletide, so I'd say that if you have read that book and enjoyed it, you might enjoy this new one, too. In case you haven't read that one, but you are into literary suspense or mystery novels set in small towns in the middle of the woods, please consider picking this book up. And Middletide, obviously.
Thank you, NetGalley and Atria Books, for providing me with a free eARC of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.
THE BRIARS is a slowburn character-driven literary suspense novel with a beautiful, immersive, and very atmospheric writing. The way Crouch describes the people in this small community, the nature of that space, the interactions and the dynamics the characters have among them is stunning. Sure, the reader will be caught in the mystery of who the killer is and why they did what they've done. But I'd say this story is not simply about finding out the identity of the murderer, and their motivations, but mostly to be part of that small community. To be a witness in their daily lives.
Last year I read this author's previous and debut novel, Middletide, and I loved it so much that it became my top favourite mystery book of 2024. So, I was naturally very eager and excited to read Crouch's second novel and, for me, she did not disappoint. Personally, I still prefer Middletide, but The Briars is an exceptionally atmospheric novel with both likable and unlikable characters, easy to relate to and root for, and a mystery that will grasp your attention very easily.
There are some tropes here that the author used in Middletide, so I'd say that if you have read that book and enjoyed it, you might enjoy this new one, too. In case you haven't read that one, but you are into literary suspense or mystery novels set in small towns in the middle of the woods, please consider picking this book up. And Middletide, obviously.
Thank you, NetGalley and Atria Books, for providing me with a free eARC of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 15, 2026
3/75/4 stars
Annie Heston is a game warden who has transferred to the small town of Lake Lumin, Washington for a fresh start after a heartbreaking divorce. Her first case is looking for a potentially aggressive cougar, but she gets pulled into the search for a killer. She makes a new friend in officer Jake Proudy, but has an immediate connection to Daniel Barela, a loner who is new to the area.
This is a story that unfolds slowly. It's part mystery, part romance, and has some elements of a thriller. I find the details of Annie on the job to be very interesting and love the beautiful descriptions of the Washington setting. However, I was disappointed that there was more of an emphasis on the romantic aspect of the story instead of the mystery. I was invested in who the killer was and how things would work out for Annie. I was shocked when everything was revealed and even though it seemed a bit rushed after the long build-up in the beginning of the book, I liked the way the story ended.
I received an advance copy of this ebook from Atria Books and NetGalley for review consideration. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
Annie Heston is a game warden who has transferred to the small town of Lake Lumin, Washington for a fresh start after a heartbreaking divorce. Her first case is looking for a potentially aggressive cougar, but she gets pulled into the search for a killer. She makes a new friend in officer Jake Proudy, but has an immediate connection to Daniel Barela, a loner who is new to the area.
This is a story that unfolds slowly. It's part mystery, part romance, and has some elements of a thriller. I find the details of Annie on the job to be very interesting and love the beautiful descriptions of the Washington setting. However, I was disappointed that there was more of an emphasis on the romantic aspect of the story instead of the mystery. I was invested in who the killer was and how things would work out for Annie. I was shocked when everything was revealed and even though it seemed a bit rushed after the long build-up in the beginning of the book, I liked the way the story ended.
I received an advance copy of this ebook from Atria Books and NetGalley for review consideration. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
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