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Crimson Falls #1
The Stranger in the Woods: A Crimson Falls Novella
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.
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.
Audible Audio
First published April 11, 2019
About the author
Kiersten Modglin
58 books16.1k followersABOUT KIERSTEN MODGLIN®:
Welcome to the KMod Squad—
The rooms change here.
The house stays the same.
KIERSTEN MODGLIN is a #1 bestselling author known for unique and unforgettable stories that explore the cobweb-filled corners of human nature. Her stories cross genre lines, inviting readers to follow her into psychological thrillers, domestic suspense, romantic thrillers, mysteries, and emotionally driven fiction. Each novel opens another doorway into the KMod Universe, where ordinary people and seemingly harmless decisions unleash blindsiding consequences.
A fiercely independent author, Kiersten has built her career around creative freedom, fearless storytelling, and a direct connection with the readers who have come along for the ride. Her books have sold over three million copies worldwide, been translated into multiple languages, and earned recognition including KDP Select All-Star, ThrillerFix’s Best Psychological Thriller Award, Suspense Magazine’s Best Book of 2021 Award, and multiple Silver Falchions.
From the darkest parts of the human mind to stories of resilience, love, and survival, Kiersten’s novels invite readers to explore an ever-expanding world where each story promises to be everything they hope for and nothing they expect. Her readers lovingly coined the name “KMod” early in her career, and it has grown into more than a nickname. It represents a storyteller whose curiosity leads her—and the readers who have joined her—through doors they never expected to open.
Make yourself at home here. Look around. Step into the next room. You never know what’s waiting for you.
Welcome to the KMod Squad—
The rooms change here.
The house stays the same.
KIERSTEN MODGLIN is a #1 bestselling author known for unique and unforgettable stories that explore the cobweb-filled corners of human nature. Her stories cross genre lines, inviting readers to follow her into psychological thrillers, domestic suspense, romantic thrillers, mysteries, and emotionally driven fiction. Each novel opens another doorway into the KMod Universe, where ordinary people and seemingly harmless decisions unleash blindsiding consequences.
A fiercely independent author, Kiersten has built her career around creative freedom, fearless storytelling, and a direct connection with the readers who have come along for the ride. Her books have sold over three million copies worldwide, been translated into multiple languages, and earned recognition including KDP Select All-Star, ThrillerFix’s Best Psychological Thriller Award, Suspense Magazine’s Best Book of 2021 Award, and multiple Silver Falchions.
From the darkest parts of the human mind to stories of resilience, love, and survival, Kiersten’s novels invite readers to explore an ever-expanding world where each story promises to be everything they hope for and nothing they expect. Her readers lovingly coined the name “KMod” early in her career, and it has grown into more than a nickname. It represents a storyteller whose curiosity leads her—and the readers who have joined her—through doors they never expected to open.
Make yourself at home here. Look around. Step into the next room. You never know what’s waiting for you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 325 reviews
May 21, 2025
Do you honestly want me to believe that the man without memory falls head over heels in love after just some days ? And that the author was the first to find him when so many others could have ?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2026
3.5 stars. This was very ok. You really need to suspend disbelief here to stay with the plot. And I’ll wholeheartedly agree with another reviewer that said this went from silly to full on ridiculous by the end. My biggest criticism was really on the information dumping that happened towards the later portion of the book. We got the full background on Mason, Meaghan, Brett, and Arlie all in rapid succession. Like a ton all at once, which came across as a quick way to link it all together to give the story a sense of continuity. It may just be my preference, but especially with thrillers, I like to have the big reveals teased out gradually, and not like this. It’s also a very short book, which may have also caused some of these issues. Perhaps allowing the story to flow a little bit longer would have resolved the overly quick areas. And that also took away from the ending, which I didn’t love, but it was fine. Not my favorite Kiersten Modglin book, but still a decent thriller overall.
October 3, 2023
This was such a fun little popcorn thriller novella. Everything happens super fast between the characters. I wasn't sure of it at first but then when it all started unraveling, I was hooked.
I loved the city of Crimson Falls, it just has a creepy feel to it. From the halfway mark of this one I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out how everything would click into place.
I was a bit right about my suspicion, but the other twists I had no idea. It truly didn't take away anything from the book. It was super quick, fast paced and highly entertaining.
If you're looking for a quick fast paced popcorn thriller novella, try out this series!
I loved the city of Crimson Falls, it just has a creepy feel to it. From the halfway mark of this one I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out how everything would click into place.
I was a bit right about my suspicion, but the other twists I had no idea. It truly didn't take away anything from the book. It was super quick, fast paced and highly entertaining.
If you're looking for a quick fast paced popcorn thriller novella, try out this series!
March 14, 2023
I’ve read many of KMod’s books, and most of them are really good. This one, although a short story, was a very interesting read! I enjoyed it very much! It’s about a woman who sees a stranger in a field and decides to help him. He doesn’t remember who he is, but, of course, that doesn’t stop the sparks from flying. And then come the twists. And, boy, they are gooooood!
August 31, 2022
It's good that this book was short because it went from crazy to ridiculous in 5 seconds flat!
February 15, 2026
Spoiler alert
We all love those huge twists and sometimes it feels like a psychological writer's main goal is to pull off the big twist. This one wasn't a huge twist so much as just an unreliable narrator. It left me feeling kinda jilted.
We all love those huge twists and sometimes it feels like a psychological writer's main goal is to pull off the big twist. This one wasn't a huge twist so much as just an unreliable narrator. It left me feeling kinda jilted.
April 11, 2019
Wow!! Talk about jaw dropping!! I was hooked immediately and couldn't put it down. It was full of suspense and the unknown. And that ending was fantastic!! I didn't see it coming.
April 27, 2019
Well Done!! This book is Amazing! I was totally blown away at the end! Talk about the unexpected twist! Kiersten Modglin delivers a fantastic tale involving love and murder all wrapped into a delicious little package!!
You will not put this down!! If you want a thriller that will keep you guessing from the very first page to the last, this is the book for you.
Arlie and Brett Montgomery are living in Crimson Falls, until tragedy strikes, and he is killed at his job. After his death Arlie’s life will never be the same. Will she ever recover? If she does, how will she?
She meets Mason.
I must leave it at that. Otherwise, I am giving away the story.
I have to say I am so excited about this author; she is extremely talented at surprising the reader. I was absolutely “Wow’d’! After I finished the book I had to sit back and let it the story sink in. I cannot wait to read her other books!
Read this if you like psychological thrillers!
You will not put this down!! If you want a thriller that will keep you guessing from the very first page to the last, this is the book for you.
Arlie and Brett Montgomery are living in Crimson Falls, until tragedy strikes, and he is killed at his job. After his death Arlie’s life will never be the same. Will she ever recover? If she does, how will she?
She meets Mason.
I must leave it at that. Otherwise, I am giving away the story.
I have to say I am so excited about this author; she is extremely talented at surprising the reader. I was absolutely “Wow’d’! After I finished the book I had to sit back and let it the story sink in. I cannot wait to read her other books!
Read this if you like psychological thrillers!
April 11, 2021
How? How does this woman knock it out of the park EVERY SINGLE TIME?
In just 122 pages, this story had so many twists and turns, but I smugly thought I had everything figured out. I didn't know sh**
Arlie Montgomery is a floundering thriller author who rocketed to fame after her husband's untimely death. As the anniversary of the shooting that took her husband's life looms near, she finds a stranger in the woods outside of Crimson Falls. He is dazed, injured, and has no idea who he is. Arlie takes him to the hospital and quickly forms a bond with the stranger that is strong, she invites him into her home...and soon, into her bed. But then a string of murders begin, and they are taken right from the pages of Arlie's books. Who exactly is this stranger, and what sinister connection does he have to Arlie?
There are eight total installments in this series, all from different authors. I'm definitely going to be reading them all to see how everything comes together.
In just 122 pages, this story had so many twists and turns, but I smugly thought I had everything figured out. I didn't know sh**
Arlie Montgomery is a floundering thriller author who rocketed to fame after her husband's untimely death. As the anniversary of the shooting that took her husband's life looms near, she finds a stranger in the woods outside of Crimson Falls. He is dazed, injured, and has no idea who he is. Arlie takes him to the hospital and quickly forms a bond with the stranger that is strong, she invites him into her home...and soon, into her bed. But then a string of murders begin, and they are taken right from the pages of Arlie's books. Who exactly is this stranger, and what sinister connection does he have to Arlie?
There are eight total installments in this series, all from different authors. I'm definitely going to be reading them all to see how everything comes together.
February 28, 2019
Wow Kiersten delivered a fantastic thriller this book had me on the edge of my seat. I devoured this suspenseful treat in an hour. This is a psychological thriller you don't want to miss.
Arlie is an author who is married to Brett. He gets murdered so that leaves Arlie all alone in her creepy town in Crimson falls. On her way home see sees a man in trouble and is badly injured and he has no clue who he is. She comes up with a name for him and She calls him Mason.
This book is twisty and full of surprises. It's a must read.
I was lucky to receive this arc for an honest review.
Arlie is an author who is married to Brett. He gets murdered so that leaves Arlie all alone in her creepy town in Crimson falls. On her way home see sees a man in trouble and is badly injured and he has no clue who he is. She comes up with a name for him and She calls him Mason.
This book is twisty and full of surprises. It's a must read.
I was lucky to receive this arc for an honest review.
April 22, 2019
Stranger in the Woods was the first book from this author I have read. Wow, it hooked me from the first page and was a excellent read. I certainly didnt see the twists and turns ahead of time in this storyline. I would definitely recommend this book to others.
March 3, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have never read anything by this author, but I enjoyed this book. Just enough suspense, character building with a little romance. Arlie Montgomery’s way of thinking is a full blown roller coaster ride and I am here for it. I definitely could relate to her small town life in Crimson Falls……. But whew….. the stuff that happens……..
I was pleasantly surprised overall with this book . I will definitely be checking out her entire catalog.
Add this quick read to your TBR….. you won’t regret it.
I have never read anything by this author, but I enjoyed this book. Just enough suspense, character building with a little romance. Arlie Montgomery’s way of thinking is a full blown roller coaster ride and I am here for it. I definitely could relate to her small town life in Crimson Falls……. But whew….. the stuff that happens……..
I was pleasantly surprised overall with this book . I will definitely be checking out her entire catalog.
Add this quick read to your TBR….. you won’t regret it.
March 16, 2019
OMG! What an amazing book! It had everything I like in a book; thrills, suspense, and one whopper of a twist at the end! This is the second of the Crimson Falls books that I have read and I am LOVING them!
March 24, 2019
5 page turning stars!! I love a good thriller and this is exactly that!!
This is a novella but definitely does not feel like a short story. I love this book!!
So this book caught my attention from page one! I thought I knew what was happening but like 4 times I changed my mind and then in the end it was far from what I thought!! This author did a killer job with this book!!
Crimson Falls is a scary little town. I am curious about this town. Knowing this is one of several novellas regarding this town has me super excited. I will be checking them all out!!
This is a must read!!!
**I received this book as an ARC and in return gave my honest review**
This is a novella but definitely does not feel like a short story. I love this book!!
So this book caught my attention from page one! I thought I knew what was happening but like 4 times I changed my mind and then in the end it was far from what I thought!! This author did a killer job with this book!!
Crimson Falls is a scary little town. I am curious about this town. Knowing this is one of several novellas regarding this town has me super excited. I will be checking them all out!!
This is a must read!!!
**I received this book as an ARC and in return gave my honest review**
March 4, 2019
I received an ARC of this book. Oh wow!!!!! A page turner definitely. It peaked my interest from the very beginning. I totally loved this book. Definite 5 star plus!!!!!!!!!!! The twists and turns in the book. It kept you wondering who the killer was and the ending was phenomenal. No way did I think it was going to end the way it did. Thank you Kiersten, for another awesome read.
April 12, 2019
This is a must read!
For real, just read it.
I had such a hard time putting it down to do the mom thing. I devoured it in one day.
For real, just read it.
I had such a hard time putting it down to do the mom thing. I devoured it in one day.
May 29, 2025
Book 42 of 50 from the KM catalog—done!
This short story (just 129 pages) had a few solid twists that kept me engaged, but the ending felt a bit far-fetched—even for a psychological thriller. I get that these stories aren’t meant to be totally realistic, but this one pushed it a little too much for me. Still, an interesting ride overall.
This short story (just 129 pages) had a few solid twists that kept me engaged, but the ending felt a bit far-fetched—even for a psychological thriller. I get that these stories aren’t meant to be totally realistic, but this one pushed it a little too much for me. Still, an interesting ride overall.
July 7, 2023
This was a really good novella - part of the Crimson Falls series (they each stand alone). Just when I thought I had this story figured out, it took a sharp turn!
August 17, 2025
Nice. Good twists.
August 31, 2025
This was a great little
Novella with an awesome twist. Very clever.
Novella with an awesome twist. Very clever.
March 3, 2019
What a intensely thrilling and jaw-dropping must read! Arlie's story grabbed my attention and completely blew my mind. I'm looking forward to reading more of the Crimson Falls novellas.
April 17, 2019
This book! So many scenarios ran through my head as I read The Stranger in the Woods, but my imagination wasn’t quite on the level with Kiersten Modglin and her twists and turns that I didn’t see coming! The last couple of chapters had my heart beating so fast...so many different emotions about the characters and the storyline. Whoa!
October 19, 2021
This was a short novella that belongs to a series written by 8 different authors. This novella was great. Even though it was short, it was still well developed and SUPER twisty. I was a little cranky at the start of the book and the sappy start of a quick relationship but you just HOLD ON, things in Kiersten Modglin's books are NEVER what they seem. Enjoy!
October 29, 2021
Loved this novella. Twists and turns and red herrings all around. My initial suspect turned out to be the one, but I questioned it several times throughout the story. I loved the small town setting and the mystery the residents hold. Great read!
March 3, 2019
Woah. I really felt like I knew where this book was going. It really threw me through a loop and thoroughly enjoyed the ride. Can't wait to read some of the other stories about crimson falls.
March 8, 2019
Clear your schedule for Modglin's Stranger in the Woods. If you start at night, prepare to stay up until the end. This is a fast ride of a sneaky plot that you won't want to delay.
September 27, 2023
The Stranger in the woods by Kirsten Modglin was a 5 ⭐ review up to chapter 17! I felt that I could go in this way and secretly begged, please, don't make the classic mistake that will kill the book... and she did! And my heart was broken! It was so good up to the "twist". I don't want to express anything else as I don't want to spoil it for readers who don't have this one specific issue with thrillers and they will be all over the top with oh and ah, but I can't... just one tiny thing the author will do and it will kill all book for me!
I am so sad it happened here because I loved it so much
I am so sad it happened here because I loved it so much
March 6, 2019
This is a slow burn that simmers with foreboding, heats up with lust, and hits a boiling point of no return! Known for her page-turning, romantic suspense, Modglin delivers an intricate mystery that keeps you turning the pages to find out whodunit and remains with you long after turning the final page.
April 20, 2026
Arlie Montgomery is a thriller writer whose life changes after her husband’s death brings her unexpected fame. When a mysterious stranger appears in her town and a killer begins copying the murders from her books, she must figure out who is responsible before she becomes the next victim.
August 8, 2025
The i NEVER could've imagined that ending!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 325 reviews