The Stranger in the Woods: A Crimson Falls Novella

by Kiersten Modglin, Samara Naeymi (Narrator)

Arlie Montgomery is no stranger to tragedy. In fact, tragedy brought Arlie everything she'd ever dreamed of in one fell swoop. As a thriller author, Arlie should've had it easy. Growing up in the town of Crimson Falls, there was no shortage of inspiration, after all.

When her husband's tragic death becomes national news, Arlie's failing career skyrockets overnight. Suddenly she has everything she ever wanted, except the man she'd hoped to share her dream with.

As she approaches the anniversary of her husband's death, Arlie finds a stranger in the woods outside of her town. A man with no memory of who he is or why he came to Crimson Falls. Desperate and lonely, Arlie takes him into her home.

With the town's own anniversary—the cursed Founders Day—drawing near, crime levels rise and the annual murders begin. This year, the deaths take on a new the killer is copying the murders from Arlie's books.

As suspicions surrounding the stranger grow, Arlie must solve the mysteries she's spent years writing. In a race against time, Arlie must stop the killer she may have created before he takes out the last victim from her books—her.

Genres: Audiobook

Audible Audio

Published July 31, 2025

About the author

KIERSTEN MODGLIN is a #1 bestselling author of psychological thrillers. Her books have sold over two million copies and been translated into multiple languages. Kiersten is a member of International Thriller Writers, Novelists, Inc., and the Alliance of Independent Authors. She is a KDP Select All-Star and a recipient of ThrillerFix's Best Psychological Thriller Award, Suspense Magazine's Best Book of 2021 Award, a 2022 Silver Falchion for Best Suspense, and a 2022 Silver Falchion for Best Overall Book of 2021. Kiersten grew up in rural western Kentucky and later relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, where she now lives with her family. Kiersten's readers across the world lovingly refer to her as "KMod." A binge-watching expert, psychology fanatic, and indoor enthusiast, Kiersten enjoys rainy days spent with her favorite people and evenings with her nose in a book.

CONNECT WITH KIERSTEN:

➜ WEBSITE: kierstenmodglinauthor.com
➜ NEWSLETTER: kierstenmodglinauthor.com/nlsignup
➜ FACEBOOK: facebook.com/kierstenmodglinauthor
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➜ INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/kierstenmodglinauthor
➜ THREADS: threads.net/@kierstenmodglinauthor
➜ TIKTOK: tiktok.com/@kierstenmodglinauthor
➜ TEXT ALERTS: kierstenmodglinauthor.com/textalerts


Kiersten Modglin may be coming to a city near you! Check out her “events” tab to see all the signings she’s attending in the near future:

➜ kierstenmodglinauthor.com/events

Reviews

[Ashleey Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The i NEVER could've imagined that ending!

[Jessica James · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice, short story! I figured out pretty early on the twist, but I still wasn’t fully convinced until closer to the end! This is a perfect October read if you want a short and sweet mystery thriller.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 STARS

This was my first audio book... ever... Maybe that ruined it a little bit for me. I've read a few others by Modgln & I intend to read more. I definitely enjoyed the story but I'm not sure why I wasn't totally wowed like in the past. Still a good twisty little read! Can't take anything away from the author on that front...

[Stacy Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect first read for the month of October! Super fast paced, with short chapters as usual for Kiersten Modglin.
The story takes place in Crimson Falls during the month of October. Arlie is dealing with the coming anniversary of her husband’s death when she stumbles upon a mystery man… The Stranger in the Woods.

[Brittany Rotonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5- short and fast paced.

[Danielle Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy cow this book!!! The quick story was so great and such a fun story with a lovely ending full of twists!!

[Andrea A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review for audio:

At only a little over 3 hours to listen, this was a delightful twisted mess to engage in. Summary accurately describes the plot, but did not expect that twist at the end!

[Jennifer Ridder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good, short story.
Five stars******

[Alexia · Rating 4 out of 5]

did not expect the twist lol I thought i figured it out

[Samantha Y. · Rating 4 out of 5]

*audiobook*